Week 8 Thursday (2/27/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Chipotle Steak Salad

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From my Frontier

                           Page 48 - 49      Copyright:  2012  Harper Collins

I figured out that there are 741 calories per serving, if 8 servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

         OMG was this fabulous!  I absolutely loved the dressing.  I love the spiciness and made extra so I could enjoy it on other salads. The steak was wonderful!  I nixed the strips, which do make it look beautiful, but more difficult to eat.  I just did the old fashion way of chopping the steak into bite size pieces for ease. I strongly recommend this salad as the perfect lunch.

         I think I need to plan a sister’s luncheon at my house.  Unfortunately, the last time I tried to have my sisters and Mom for lunch, I decided to grill on the deck.  Now I was never meant to grill and it took the coals over an hour to heat up.  The lunch was great but over an hour late.  I never tried to again – but with my new cooking self-confidence, maybe I could brave having them for attempt #2.  Hopefully, they will give me a second chance.

Today’s critics:

         Brandy:  Um, wow, hot hot hot, after initially trying it I should have mixed mine with Ranch like Nicole. I was sweating, and it was even hotter the next day :)

         Nicole:  Too spicy for us. We used ranch dressing instead of the chipotle.

Random Reflections

         A few weeks ago, when I was at the Batavia Curves, I noticed that they were cleaning up the area in the rear of the building. In the middle of the lot was a stripped down, old railroad car. It interested me because I thought it would be a fun project to rehab the old train car and turn it into something useful. I love the shape and the big openings for windows.  I have no idea what it could be but the possibilities are endless.

Irksome Ideas and Images

         For someone who likes order, my basement is a disaster! How did I let it become such a mess?  It was actually very easy – if I didn’t know where to put it – the basement was the decision.  I just have too much stuff!  The basement is divided into junk sections. In the far back left are the Christmas supplies. Being a teacher has contributed to this problem. Over the years I have been given so many items that the sheer amount is ridiculous.  Going through the rubbermaid tubs will be a monumental task.

         The back right section is school related items. This is a personal problem. What other teacher stores school supplies at home?  Of course, they are not the “normal” school supplies. I have saddles on stands, a swimming pool beach supplies, and a large supply of hats. This is just the tip of the iceberg. When I retire, I will actually have my basement back.  Wow!

         Then there is the alcove that is my pantry.  That is the most organized section of the basement. This is my salvation area because it is organized and when I am preparing to cook – I walk this area to see what supplies I already have before I go to the store. I think every home should have a pantry to save trips to the grocery!

         The basement is all about decisions, decisions, and decisions.  This is definitely a summer task so that when I retire my home is on the road to perfect organization and free of junk and unnecessary clutter.  Another goal to accomplish!