New Tries

I would defiantly say Chris is a better cook between the 2 of us. We usually cook together but since he hasn't been home much in the evenings the nights he has been home I decided I would try a few new recipes. Both I got from Every Day with Rachel Ray. Well one I actually got from Aunt Debbie but she got it from Rachel. Yes we are on a first name basis in our house.

Friday night I decided to attempt at making Eggplant Roll-Ups, the recipe I got from Aunt Debbie. Much to my surprise, Chris LOVED them. He isn't much of a "red sauce" person so he didn't add red sauce to his but we both agreed it was something we will be trying again very soon.

Another recipe which I got from the March issue of Every Day with Rachel Ray from her 30 minute meals was Spinach-Artichoke French Bread Pizza. Instead of making an entire meal out of it I made it as an appetizer. I just cut them up so everyone could have a slice of pizza. :-) I decided next time I am going to add mushrooms to the recipe.

We loved both of the recipes and I plan on making both of them again in the near future. Thanks Rachel. :)

Soup of the Day

Trianon used to be located on the the corner of Allen Rd. and 92nd Ave. If you have ever been you probably tried their Dill Pickle soup. Since the resturant closed almost 5 years ago or so I have not had the soup since. In October when I went to Lewiston we were looking up soup recipies and I thought I would try searching for the Dill Pickle Soup Recipe.

I found it!

The chef has opened his own resturant, Otto and Anita's Bavarian Restaurant located in Multnomah Village.

Last night I decided to take a shot at making the soup. If it didn't turn out well at least I tried.

It was amazing. If you like pickles and you like soup you will love it. It sounds crazy but trust me it is one of the best soups ever.

Here is the recipe and a link.

Dill Pickle Soup
6-8 Servings

3 Tbls. Butter
3 oz. Onion (cut julienne)

1/2 c. Flour
4 Lg. Dill Pickles (cut julienne)

1 1/2 c. pickle marinade
4 c. Water

2 Tbls. Dill Weed (fresh or dried)
1/2 c. Whipping Cream

Salt, White Pepper & Good Quality Chicken Base to taste

Melt Butter in a large pot over medium heat, add onion & saute until soft. Reduce heat, stir in flour DO NOT BROWN. In a separate pot combine water and pickle marinade, bring to a boil, whisk into the first pot at once. Increase heat and bring to a boil stirring constantly, until soup thickens. Season with chicken base, salt and pepper. Add pickles and dill, stir in cream for desired texture.

Enjoy!!!!

On Being Happy....

I get emails each morning and this one hit me today....

Do you desire to be happy? (Remember this!) The proof of desire is pursuit.... You must go to happy places. Pursue happy people. Create happy days. If you reeeally desire happiness in your life, you must be willing to reach for it! Never blame anyone or anything for your unhappiness. Life rewards reachers.... Happiness is NEVER placed in your life, happiness is simply placed within your reach! Now go out there and have a happy day.... :-) :-)

Instead of complaining about how much I dislike my job, I need to be happy I have one. :-)