Author: Ang Anderson

Honky Tonk

Posted on by Ang Anderson

I’ve discovered a book that magically bestows an accent to my tongue when I read it.

An accent I don’t normally possess since I’m from Minna-SOH-dah.

A sweet, southern, honky tonk accent.  I’m not kiddin’ y’all.

I sound like I’m from Georgia or Alabama or maybe even Louisiana.

It is called Holler Loudly by Cynthia Leitich Smith.

I love reading it to my kids for the sheer verbal enjoyment.  I cannot help but talk like Paula Deen when I read this book y’all.  It is a great story about a boy who discovers there are right times to be loud and right times to be quiet.  Something we could all be reminded of now and again.

I reckon if y’all get a chance to read this here book, y’all are gonna love it.

Here’s to a little honky tonk at bedtime!

Leftover Inspiration

Posted on by Ang Anderson

We had a bunch of peppers and onions left over from our fajita feast.  I believe this is because my husband ate five fajitas to my one and because his meat to veggie ratio was ten to one.  Thus, loads of veggies were left all alone with nowhere to go.  Rather than let them sit in the fridge for a week and then toss them in the garbage like I normally would, I decided to look for inspiration…

First, I checked the Pioneer Woman site because I love Ree and her recipes.  I found a wonderful link for Cajun Chicken Pasta to use as a guide.  I decided to bake some frozen chicken breasts I had on hand (you could also use a rotisserie chicken from the store), whip up a Besciamella sauce, cook some pasta, and make my own version. 

With nothing labeled ‘Cajun’ in my cupboard, I did some research and found this Cajun seasoning recipe to use.  I got a bowl out and started sprinkling whatever I had on hand without measuring to get about 2 Tbsp to use for the sauce.  (I realize at this point that I sound exactly like my mother.  She makes great chili and when you ask her for the recipe, she doesn’t have one!)  You can adjust to your own heat preference.  Tabasco anyone?  And Voila!  Cajun sauce for your pasta. 

Right before the pasta was done, I warmed the chicken and veggies in a skillet.  I reserved a cup of the pasta water, drained the pasta and threw it all back in the big ol’ pot, mixing the chicken, veggies, Besciamella (now Cajun) sauce, and pasta all together.  I added some pasta water to thin out the sauce a bit and the final result was this:

My version was a success and saving veggies from the trash receptacle gave me a clear conscience.

Special thanks to my dear friend Amy who also ordered a version of this dish at our dinner out last week.

Inspiration is everywhere!

Seven Daughters

Posted on by Ang Anderson

 

Last Friday I had the pleasure of meeting a dear friend for dinner in St Cloud.  We enjoyed delicious food at Ciatti’s Ristorante and shared a bottle of wine.  The wine was new to both of us but it came highly recommended by our server so we decided to give it a go.  When I find something new that I like, I like to share the news!

I am a big fan of wine blends.  Ménage à Trois California Red is one of my faves.  It is just a great go-to wine and good all around choice.  Ménage, for those of you not familiar, is a blend of three grapes.  Delicious.

The wine I enjoyed last Friday was a blend of SEVEN.  Yes, seven glorious grapes combined into one bottle.  For those of us who are indecisive, Seven Daughters certainly makes it easy.  An excerpt from their site:

Seven Daughters Red Winemaker’s Blend tempts the taste buds with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Carignane and Sangiovese.

Be prepared to be seduced by the dark red fruit on the palate, complemented by alluring aromas of vanilla and lavender and a provocative peppery finish.

According to their site, the Seven Daughters Red Winemaker’s Blend retails for $14.99 and would pair well with risotto, Thai or other spicy dishes, grilled chicken or salmon, pasta with red meat sauce.

It also goes well in a glass.  With no food.  Maybe it could accompany you for a hot soak in the tub while your husband takes your children out for ice cream?  Hostess gift, birthday gift, mothers day gift, bad day at the office gift, you see where I’m going here gift.

I suggest you pick up a bottle for the weekend.  Here’s to three hour dinners with friends and to wine blends!

Cheers!