I hope you all are doing well. I have to admit that I have not done much this weekend. I have a lot to do (don't I always?) and none has gotten done. It's the end of the month meaning that rent is due soon and money is short. My bosses are out of town and I have no idea if i will have a job when they get back. Thats the trouble with working with people in the movie entertainment industry. Thankfully I have an amazing man in my life so it's not a huge worry. Also finals are coming and I have a huge paper due.
One thing I have done so far this weekend is realize that i can not for the life of me make a drinkable mojito. not at all. trying 3 times with all fresh ingredients and all failed. This is extremely sad since I have been craving one since we got back from palm desert. One of Jono's brother's in law made them there and it was amazing. We have also been doing a little look into moving again. Our lease is up in November and we would both really like to move from this place.
Hopefully I will get more done tomorrow and at least not waste the entire weekend. Hopefully.
hugs+kisses
mce
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
easter
hello!
So it's been a few days since I last posted. In that time we had Easter!
If you notice the wings of the angels are rainbow! that's right. our pastor is gay! So we show our pride!
Easter was a ton of fun. I got to see my brother.
But now on to food. I've had a lot of time to myself as of late. Something growing up in a big family did not prepare me for. I've been making due with homework and reading. Also a lot of cooking. We are trying to eat out less. Which means that I can't get lazy if I still want to eat. And living with a health nut means skipping meals is not ok. So I have started cooking. My main problem is that I love to bake. This is not a good love in a house where bread is bad. Now there are wheat substitutes. Problem with these are some of them are still on the bad list. Potato flour or rice flour are still no-no's. which are the two most used. Another problem is that baking without wheat requires like 10 extra ingredients! there are gums and other things you need to try to make it taste as good. Needless to say baking is at an all time low. It's just not easy. Now some may ask about those lava cakes. well they only have 2 tablespoons of flour. And I use a flour sup mix I found at the market. I've always liked baking more then cooking any meat or vegetable. I have very little faith in my abilities to cook them properly. With baking as long as everything is in there it will at least kinda taste good. Add enough sugar and your fine. But with meat if you don't do it right you can get really sick. So I'm never too sure about it all. Of course I have tons of recipes i have cut out of magazines and food blogs ( my new obsession) that I want to try but fear of doing it wrong is hard to over come. I'm trying dear friends I'm trying.
xoxo
Mce
So it's been a few days since I last posted. In that time we had Easter!
But now on to food. I've had a lot of time to myself as of late. Something growing up in a big family did not prepare me for. I've been making due with homework and reading. Also a lot of cooking. We are trying to eat out less. Which means that I can't get lazy if I still want to eat. And living with a health nut means skipping meals is not ok. So I have started cooking. My main problem is that I love to bake. This is not a good love in a house where bread is bad. Now there are wheat substitutes. Problem with these are some of them are still on the bad list. Potato flour or rice flour are still no-no's. which are the two most used. Another problem is that baking without wheat requires like 10 extra ingredients! there are gums and other things you need to try to make it taste as good. Needless to say baking is at an all time low. It's just not easy. Now some may ask about those lava cakes. well they only have 2 tablespoons of flour. And I use a flour sup mix I found at the market. I've always liked baking more then cooking any meat or vegetable. I have very little faith in my abilities to cook them properly. With baking as long as everything is in there it will at least kinda taste good. Add enough sugar and your fine. But with meat if you don't do it right you can get really sick. So I'm never too sure about it all. Of course I have tons of recipes i have cut out of magazines and food blogs ( my new obsession) that I want to try but fear of doing it wrong is hard to over come. I'm trying dear friends I'm trying.
xoxo
Mce
Saturday, April 23, 2011
dinner and dessert
So I am trying to cook for myself more. I've gotten very lazy about this due to the fact that Jono is a great cook. I have let him do the cooking for over 2 years now and now he is working at dinner time. So if i want dinner I need to cook it myself. I'm trying to be more aware of what I eat. As some of you may know Jono has a very distict diet plan. It's called a Primal diet. This makes it so the types of food we can have or do have in the house is not what I'm used to. Bread? not a lot. Maybe one small loaf. Baked goods? to a minimum. Vegetables? as much I can stand. So I've been finding recipes for vegetables. So here is last night's results!
Vibrant Tasty Green Bean Recipe
The following recipe is best made just before serving time. You can make/prep this ahead of time by cooking the leeks and dill first and setting them aside. Instead of cooking the green beans in the skillet, blanch them in a pot of boiling, well-salted water for about a minute. Drain the beans and dunk them in a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and place the beans in a bag or bowl in the refrigerator until ready to use. When ready, combine the components - you can do it at room temperature, or heated quickly in a skillet or pan. When cutting the leeks cut off most of the dark green at the top. I used about 2 rather then 4 but if you like leek I'm sure you can use all 4.
4 leeks, well washed, root end and tops trimmed, sliced lengthwise into quarters and then chopped into 1/2-inch segments
1/3 cup fresh dill, well chopped
3/4 pound green beans, tops and tails trimmed and cut into 1-inch segments
extra-virgin olive oil
fine-grain sea salt
In a large thick-bottomed skillet of medium-high heat add a generous splash of olive oil, a generous pinch of salt and the leeks. Stir until the leeks are coated and glossy. Cook, stirring regularly until a lot of the leeks are golden and crispy. I stir every minute or two in the beginning, and more often as they brown using a metal spatula. All in all it takes me roughly 7 - 10 minutes to brown the leeks. At this point stir in the dill, and then stir in the green beans. Cook for a couple more minutes - just until the the beans brighten up and lose that raw bite. Turn out into a bowl or onto a platter and serve immediately. If you want to prepare these green beans ahead of time - read the head notes.
Serves about 6.
For dessert I made these.
Molten Chocolate Cake
adapted from cook this not that
5 oz bittersweet chocolate (at least 60%) plus 4 chunks for the cake centers
2 Tbsp Butter
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar
pinch of salt
2 Tbsp Flour ( I used guten-free flour)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 Tbsp instant coffee or espresso
preheat the oven to 425. Lightly butter four 6 ounce ramekins or custard cups.
Bring a few cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over low heat. Place a glass mixing bowl over the pan (put not touching the water) and add the chocolate and butter. Cook, Stirring occasionally, until both the chocolate and butter have fully melted. keep warm.
Use an electric mixer to beat the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt until pale yellow and thick, about 5 minutes. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture, the flour, vanilla, and instant coffee.
Pour the mixture into the prepared ramekins. Stick one good chunk of chocolate into the center of each ramekin. Bake the cakes on the center rack for 8 to 10 minutes, until the exterior is just set ( the center will still be mostly liquid). The cakes can be eaten straight from the ramekins, but it's funner to slide them out onto a plate. If Saving them just cover and put into the fridge. to reheat zap them for about 20-30 seconds in the microwave. They take a little work to get them out of the ramekins.
It was very good.
xoxo
mce
Vibrant Tasty Green Bean Recipe
The following recipe is best made just before serving time. You can make/prep this ahead of time by cooking the leeks and dill first and setting them aside. Instead of cooking the green beans in the skillet, blanch them in a pot of boiling, well-salted water for about a minute. Drain the beans and dunk them in a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and place the beans in a bag or bowl in the refrigerator until ready to use. When ready, combine the components - you can do it at room temperature, or heated quickly in a skillet or pan. When cutting the leeks cut off most of the dark green at the top. I used about 2 rather then 4 but if you like leek I'm sure you can use all 4.
4 leeks, well washed, root end and tops trimmed, sliced lengthwise into quarters and then chopped into 1/2-inch segments
1/3 cup fresh dill, well chopped
3/4 pound green beans, tops and tails trimmed and cut into 1-inch segments
extra-virgin olive oil
fine-grain sea salt
In a large thick-bottomed skillet of medium-high heat add a generous splash of olive oil, a generous pinch of salt and the leeks. Stir until the leeks are coated and glossy. Cook, stirring regularly until a lot of the leeks are golden and crispy. I stir every minute or two in the beginning, and more often as they brown using a metal spatula. All in all it takes me roughly 7 - 10 minutes to brown the leeks. At this point stir in the dill, and then stir in the green beans. Cook for a couple more minutes - just until the the beans brighten up and lose that raw bite. Turn out into a bowl or onto a platter and serve immediately. If you want to prepare these green beans ahead of time - read the head notes.
Serves about 6.
For dessert I made these.
Molten Chocolate Cake
adapted from cook this not that
5 oz bittersweet chocolate (at least 60%) plus 4 chunks for the cake centers
2 Tbsp Butter
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar
pinch of salt
2 Tbsp Flour ( I used guten-free flour)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 Tbsp instant coffee or espresso
preheat the oven to 425. Lightly butter four 6 ounce ramekins or custard cups.
Bring a few cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over low heat. Place a glass mixing bowl over the pan (put not touching the water) and add the chocolate and butter. Cook, Stirring occasionally, until both the chocolate and butter have fully melted. keep warm.
Use an electric mixer to beat the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt until pale yellow and thick, about 5 minutes. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture, the flour, vanilla, and instant coffee.
Pour the mixture into the prepared ramekins. Stick one good chunk of chocolate into the center of each ramekin. Bake the cakes on the center rack for 8 to 10 minutes, until the exterior is just set ( the center will still be mostly liquid). The cakes can be eaten straight from the ramekins, but it's funner to slide them out onto a plate. If Saving them just cover and put into the fridge. to reheat zap them for about 20-30 seconds in the microwave. They take a little work to get them out of the ramekins.
It was very good.
xoxo
mce
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Home Again
So I'm home again. Driving back into LA was so hard. We could see the smog cloud was we came over the hill. It's back to the real world. I just need to make sure I don't get as bad as I was before we left. Balance. That's what it's all about. Having 4 days of being able to spend all the time I want with Jonathan was amazing. The fact that we can be so close and still have so much fun together really amazes me sometimes. I've never found anyone who I love so much. We were fighting not a week ago over anything because we were both so stressed and as soon as we get to palm desert it's all gone. No matter what happens we are still in love and as close as ever. It was really great to relax with family. Well family of a sort. It was like being in a dream. One I can take with me and sleep next to every night. Amazing.
xoxo
mce
xoxo
mce
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Paradise
So I'm in heaven. I am blissfully happy here. I never liked the desert before but now it's like a little haven for me. My days are full of sun bathing and swimming and drinks and laughter. Last night we had more sushi then I have ever seen before. The days have been so beautiful. I don't think I've stopped smiling since we got here. I've been sick of course but it doesn't really matter. My voice has been as raspy as a old time smoker. But it hasn't stopped me at all. To be able to be in such an amazing place really is nice. I will post pictures soon.
love to all
mce
love to all
mce
Friday, April 15, 2011
Friday!
It's here at last! Tomorrow we drive to Palm desert. Gotta say I'm super excited. Not to sad about not going to cochella. Relaxing by the pool and a nice spa day sounds much nicer right now. Today is movie day with the kids. A little later we will head to a library and pick up some movies. We've gone through a lot of movies but I hope we can find something new.
I am really looking forward to some relaxing time. I am planing on reading a ton. Drinks by the pool. Be ready for a ton of pictures! Maybe even a few recipes.
xoxo
mce
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Let's see now!
Hello all!
I thought I should have a place to write down my thoughts and ideas. So here we are!
I'm hoping this will help me stay in the present. I've always had trouble with that aspect in life and spend a lot of time and energy worrying. This needs to stop. Here and now.
So here is the present!
Last night I did yoga with my darling Jane. We try to meet up for a yoga class about once a week. We take classes at YAS in Santa Monica. It's Yoga for athletes, so it's at faster pace. It's was completely needed last night. After yoga I picked my my dear brother and went to the Nook. For anyone who hasn't been there you need to go. It's amazing comfort food in a great relaxed atmosphere. It's one of Jono and mine favorite restaurants. It was really nice to have some time with Lars. I don't get to see him as much as I would like but that's all part of growing up I guess.
So the present excitement is my impending trip to Palm Desert. Jono and I leave Saturday evening and come back Wednesday morning. We already have spa reservations for Monday afternoon and I have to tell you I can hardly wait! We are going with Jono's mom who has a timeshare in Palm Desert. It's a family affair. I never really like the desert before. I always found it too hot and not enough water for my liking. But these past few years have really shown me how amazing it can be. The timeshare as a few pools and it's so relaxing. There is nothing to worry about. I plan on bring a lot of books and getting some reading done next to the pool. It's all so soon!
xoxo hope sunshine comes your way!
MCE
I thought I should have a place to write down my thoughts and ideas. So here we are!
I'm hoping this will help me stay in the present. I've always had trouble with that aspect in life and spend a lot of time and energy worrying. This needs to stop. Here and now.
So here is the present!
Last night I did yoga with my darling Jane. We try to meet up for a yoga class about once a week. We take classes at YAS in Santa Monica. It's Yoga for athletes, so it's at faster pace. It's was completely needed last night. After yoga I picked my my dear brother and went to the Nook. For anyone who hasn't been there you need to go. It's amazing comfort food in a great relaxed atmosphere. It's one of Jono and mine favorite restaurants. It was really nice to have some time with Lars. I don't get to see him as much as I would like but that's all part of growing up I guess.
So the present excitement is my impending trip to Palm Desert. Jono and I leave Saturday evening and come back Wednesday morning. We already have spa reservations for Monday afternoon and I have to tell you I can hardly wait! We are going with Jono's mom who has a timeshare in Palm Desert. It's a family affair. I never really like the desert before. I always found it too hot and not enough water for my liking. But these past few years have really shown me how amazing it can be. The timeshare as a few pools and it's so relaxing. There is nothing to worry about. I plan on bring a lot of books and getting some reading done next to the pool. It's all so soon!
xoxo hope sunshine comes your way!
MCE
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