Week 58 Saturday (2/20/15)

Recipe Review         

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Chimichurri Shrimp        

Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays

                  Pages: 146 - 147      Copyright:  2013  Harper Collins

I figured out that there are 397 calories per serving, if 7 servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

         This shrimp has a tremendous amount of flavor. I was a little worried at first because the herbs make the sauce very green which is not good for my Coumadin levels, but this is so tasty that I will space out the time that I eat it. I made seven servings, and froze them so I can enjoy one every three or four days. I would love this over rice or even just on its own.

         Ree serves this dish during Cinco de Mayo. She said the sauce comes from Argentina. I read up on it, and it is a type of pesto that is usually served on meat in that country. I just love the flavors.

         If you haven’t purchased Ree’s Holiday Book you really need to do so. This book is filled with wonderful recipes for every holiday that are just great.

I started out by putting the cilantro and
parsley in the blender with the spices

I made such a pretty pesto

The shrimp went in a large dish next

Adding the pesto 

Everything is coated with green yumminess

Lastly, I scooped it into individual dishes
and into the freezer it went.
Ree is so amazing and so is this recipe!

        

Random Reflections

         I have been really bothered by the Little League World Series scandal in Chicago. Like many people from the area, I was so happy for these children. They had worked hard and had won the World Series Title, and then the truth came out in the news. The team was stripped of their title for cheating by playing children outside the allowed boundaries.

         The frustration for me was directed to the people who caused this problem. Who do we blame?  I blame everyone who knew about the problem and didn’t stop it before the game was played. I have so many questions. Did all of the coaches know? Whose job was it to check the childrens’ addresses and birth certificates?  It is hard to believe that the involved parents and children didn’t know. Kids hear almost everything said in their homes, and if this is true then those children witnessed and were taught that it was okay to lie and cheat. Great job parents! 

         I am so sick of hearing people say that, “It’s happening everywhere,” as if that makes it okay. I believe it shouldn’t happen anywhere, and that we need to raise the consequences for these infractions. Maybe if the consequence were serious enough, then it may not be worth it for the parents, coaches, and leagues to take the risk.

         I do feel heartsick for these inner-city families from low- income neighborhoods who saw a chance for their children to rise above their roots. These kids need the opportunity without breaking the rules.

         Great harm has been done. Now, the city is brushing it under the carpet, and saying they still want the kids to celebrate their accomplishments. The kids didn’t win, because the adults cheated. Explain it gently to them, but don’t tell them it is really okay. I was appalled that the kids were not immediately notified at home where the problem could be discussed in the private.

         Once again, Illinois looks so bad in the media across the nation. I am so tired of crooked politicians, and now it has spread to the world of Little League. Is there ever an end to this in the state of Illinois???

Helpful Home Hints

         I made a really dumb mistake with my snow blower.  I have a wonderfully powerful Craftsman Snow Blower that was given to me by my students about 16 years ago. I should have had in serviced in October when Sears runs a sale on maintenance, but I didn’t. Now I am thankful that I didn’t spend the money, because I literally bent the bar that changes the direction the snow flies. My car was over too far and the bar was snagged by the car and dragged. The bar was bent when it hit the side of the garage. Great job, Beck!  It still works, but every time I need to change the direction, I have to put the power in a low gear – what a pain!

         Well, here is another task that needs to be accomplished over spring break. I thought that will be the best time to get a tune up, new bar, and anything else that prepares the machine for next winter.  I guess I always have to learn the hard way. When was the last time you tuned up your snow blower?