Week 9 Sunday (3/9/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Mexican Rice

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

                           Page 173      Copyright:  2012  Harper Collins

I figured out that there are 144 calories per serving, if 6 servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

         This is an amazing side dish.  It was wonderfully spicy and gave the tummy a warm feeling.  It was quite filling as are most rice dishes.  I know that those little kernels puff up in the belly after they sit inside for awhile. My tongue still remembers the spiciness long after it is gone. In fact I actually crave another spoonful.  This would be a great side to enchiladas and tacos, or if you are just in the mood for a Mexican Food Fest.  Invite me – I shouldn’t have it because of the tomatoes, but I picked out the big ones and took the itchy consequences just to enjoy this dish. Yum! Yum!

Today’s critics: 

         Brandy:   - Loved it! Great flavor... was that taco seasoning?? Great flavor and really good, will be making this one again :)

Trivial Triffles

         I have always wondered what the difference was between hay and straw.  I have just used the words interchangeably, but I think I was wrong. 

         Boy howdy was I off base! Hay is animal food in a nutshell.  It is just a mix of different types of grasses and it is good and nutritious for the animals. The ranchers just get it ready so the animals have fresh feed for the winter.  I saw somewhere that they even give it to rabbits – who knew?

         Straw is actually grown intentionally for bedding for the animals. Farmers and ranchers can use the stalks from plants like wheat. It has to be cut and then prepared for the winter.  Both of these are baled so they can be stored out of the elements for the winter.

         I feel remarkably smarter now that I know the difference.  I love to learn at least one new thing every day.

Memory Musings

         One of my favorite memories of my sister, Susan, is regarding one of her "temporary" pets. Susan is the most caring person I know when it comes to animals. She always took in every stray or injured bird or small animal, and my Dad frequently opened the garage door to a runaway stray dog. 

         One night when Dad, Kim, Susan, and I were watching T.V., I noticed something strange about Susan. Her hair kept moving as if it were alive. I continued to stare at it and suddenly saw a little snout poke out from beneath her long blonde tresses. I got Kim’s attention and the two of us enjoyed watching her. Dad had already told Susan that her critters were to remain outside or in the garage.

         Eventually, Dad realized what was amusing us and made Susan take her baby raccoon out of the house. It was just another escapade in the lives of my family.