AmeriCorps Conference ’11 February 21, 2011
Posted by cirellih in Breakfast, Dinner, Food, Lunch, Weight Watchers.Tags: AmeriCorps, Breakfast, conference, Dinner, Lunch
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Over the last few days, I’ve been partaking in a giant conference for the Notre Dame Mission Volunteers AmeriCorps, of which I am a member. Decidedly good fun, 300+ volunteers from across the United States get together in the middle of their service year to hear about what is happening at different sites.
Of course, Boulder is the best, but other sites that are well represented are Apopka, FL, New Orleans, San Francisco, Chicago, Baltimore, Washington DC, Seattle, Phoenix, Wilmington, DE and a bunch of others. It is great to hear about the different people we serve, the stories people have to share and the workshops that help with training for our sites. It is definitely a great experience, and makes for a nice break in the middle of the year.
This year, I’ve found that the key-note speakers are interesting. They have an overarching theme to their speeches and have engaging topics. Meeting people from a variety of sites has led to several though provoking conversations. We are a group of passionate, involved and engaged people with incredible talents and so much to offer.
My favorite part has definitely been the story telling sessions from each site. For our group, we Boulderites did a telenovella/glee style skit full of tacky accents, overacting and rocking dance routine. Not to toot our group’s horn, but we did get a standing ovation. So well worth all the practice!
Since this is a food blog, I suppose I should try to comment on… the food. Sadly, there is not much to report. The hotel is very nice, and everything is much nicer than last year, but when it comes to the food there is always a little something that’s lacking. For breakfast the offer a buffet. We have had egg and cheese on croissant/biscuit, but I am here to tell you that three containers with the same food does not a buffet make. For lunch we had a salad, but it wasn’t quite big enough and didn’t have enough variety to be satisfying. The dinner was lasagna, but it needed a little something more to make it a good meal. Perhaps a few more veggies, a little bread, and something a little chocolatey for dessert. I appreciate that they cook vegetables properly, but I am constantly unsatisfied with the food throughout the day. Weight Watchers would disapprove! Really, it just means that I am all the more excited to have good, home cooked meals from my mom on Wednesday!
Happy Belated Valentine’s Day! February 16, 2011
Posted by cirellih in Appetizer, Dinner, Food.Tags: Basmati Rice, Dinner, Naan, Poppadoms, Valentine's Day, Vegetable Korma
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Last night, the hubby and I made a reservation at the Taj Restaurant for Valentine’s Day.
It. Was. Perfect.
The staff are all incredibly nice. We were greeted enthusiastically upon arrival. Had the choice of several tables that were reserved… I chose one in a corner surrounded by plants and a beautiful screen. The waitress was sweet and attentive, but was not popping up at the table all the time.
As soon as we sat down, an appetizer was brought to our table. Four delicious sauces to compliment spicy poppadoms.
The selection of foods was expansive, but not overwhelming. A buffet that looked comprehensive was offered, but Chris and I both decided to order off the menu. Chris chose a Chicken Curry, and I had Vegetable Korma.
Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms and peas, oh my goodness. Just to add to the wonderful meal, we also had naan and basmati rice that were both to die for.
It might not seem like everyone’s go to romantic meal, but it made for a classy and delightful evening for us!
Also, just a bit of career advice for those of you who might be thinking about working with kiddos… definitely go do it! I’m not a Valentine’s Day hater by any means, but I cannot explain how loved I felt yesterday when several of my third graders came up and gave me valentines. They were so excited to bring something to me, and even if only one out of the 15 spelled my name right (I got lots of hether, and one hedder) it just made my day… probably my month. So, if you need a job that uplifts you almost every day, go work with elementary school children. Tons of fun and lots of hugs!
Creature Comforts February 15, 2011
Posted by cirellih in Food.Tags: Dinner, Italian, Sauce, Sausage
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Coming from Upstate New York, I feel as though my idea of comfort foods is different from most people’s.
Chicken Riggies, lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, baked ziti… all are firmly on my list of foods that are cozy and necessary on a cold winter’s day.
No, I’m not Italian. I did, however, marry into an Italian family.
Nevertheless, last week it was cold. The kind of cold that chills to the bone. The kind that makes you want to stay indoors safely in the confines of your bed with a tureen of tea and a glorious book. Sadly, it was also the kind of cold that due to work, you have to abandon the tea, cast the book aside and brave the elements.
When I got back from work, baked penne was a must.
I fried up a few Italian sausages from the Boulder Sausage Company. Boiled up some penne. Added in some mushroom and olive tomato sauce. Covered it in mozzarella cheese. Baked it at 400* until the cheese was melted. Mmmm, just what I wanted. It really hit the spot!
South of the Boarder Pasta February 9, 2011
Posted by cirellih in Food, Health, Weight Watchers.Tags: Cilantro, Dinner, Lime, Pasta, Peppers
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Today was certainly a busy day. Meetings with teachers to learn about lesson planning techniques. Working with my class on math and CSAP preparations. Taking kids home in nasty snowy conditions. Definitely cause for a relaxing evening with a quick dinner and a few episodes of ‘North and South’. Perfect way to unwind after a long day.
South of the Boarder Pasta:
- Left over broiled chicken
- 1 yellow pepper
- 1 green pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 3 tbsp. cilantro
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/3 cups of uncooked penne
- Cook the penne according to the box instructions.
- Meanwhile, sautee the peppers and chicken in the olive oil.
- Combine the lime juice, cilantro, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
- When the pasta is finished, drain and toss with the cilantro-lime mixture and the peppers and chicken.
- Serve while still warm.
The combination of the sweet and sour is delicious. The original recipe from Weight Watchers called to make this a cold pasta salad, but on a cold winter night like this one a warm dish was a must.
Fiesta Fever! February 5, 2011
Posted by cirellih in Food, Weight Watchers.Tags: Dinner, Flour Tortillas, Jalapenos, Olives, Red Lettuce, Salsa, Tacos
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Tonight was Fiesta Night, and believe me, I really know how to have a fiesta in my mouth! I used the Weight Watchers recipe for Spicy Beef Tacos. After a few minor changes, I think that we have a winner.
A few spritzes of cooking oil in a frying pan. Two minced garlic cloves and a jalapeno into the pan. Sautee until tender ~1 minute. Add in 3/4 pound ground beef. I used grass-fed beef for this. Cook until the beef is browned. Add in one can of diced tomatoes, 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp coriander, and 3/4 tsp salt. Cook this until most of the liquid has been evaporated/absorbed. [WW’s suggests that you use corn tortillas that you bake until almost crisp, but not so crisp that you can’t fold them.] Warm two small whole wheat flour tortillas. Top with your choice of veggies, cheese and salsa. Enjoy!
That green monster in the back ground is what both of my tacos looked like eventually. I would definitely make these again. So savory, so spicy, so satisfying!
Healthy Heath 