Gardner Grub

I finally got some pictures downloaded to the computer so I'll share a few food pics with you from the past month.

I was all about artichokes for about a week. I trim and boil the artichoke with a generous amount of salt for about 30 minutes and serve it with Alfredo sauce for dipping. Very filling and delicious.

I was feeling like sea food a couple of weeks ago and threw this shrimp scampi pasta together. I wish I would have written the recipe down because it was by far the best I've ever made. Next time I make it I'll be sure to make notes and share it with you. Basically olive oil, lemon juice, butter, shrimp, garlic, mushrooms, parsley, Roma tomatoes. I'm sure there is something missing - I was going to add capers but at the time they didn't sound appetizing.

"Flying Saucers" are a family favorite. I fry a flour tortilla in veggie oil and then top it with the usual suspects - beans, sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, salsa, olives & cheese.
Mr. G has been a life saver lately. Single ladies...find a man who can cook! I requested Chicken & Waffles yesterday and boy did he deliver. Paula Dean's Southern Fried Chicken recipe and my walnut waffles with organic maple syrup poured all over. It was incredibly mouthwatering. If you've never had chicken and waffles - try it. You will not be disappointed.
Tonight Mr. G made this scrumptious salad. We had a leftover Ribeye which he grilled and chopped and added spring lettuce, sliced avocado, diced green pepper, walnuts, feta cheese, diced apple, and a mix of raspberry vinaigrette and olive oil for the dressing. I had seconds! He served it with another favorite of ours - fresh warm bread dipped in Balsamic and Olive Oil (both of which *must* be good quality or it isn't good).
I'm starting to get a little appetite back. It's just not easy coming up with a meal plan for the week when one day I want something and the next I can't even think about it without gagging. Luckily Mr. G has really picked up the slack and has made sure I'm eating more than cereal. Although I'll admit I am afraid to find out how much he has spent on groceries. Why do men spend so much when shopping for food?

What a summer. It has been a consistent 105 degrees here lately so there is really nothing much to do outside other than jump in the pool and stay cool. Which is exactly what we've been doing.

I did take an hour to myself while Little G was napping and turned on my pottery wheel - a recent gift from Mr. G. Pottery was my favorite class in high school but I haven't had a chance to work on a wheel since I graduated. So this is my first piece in 10 years. It was challenging and fun and I can't wait for the weather to cool off so I can spend more time practicing. I think I'll try a vase next. My old teacher, Mr. Gonzalez, offered to fire any of my pieces in his kiln. I think I'll glaze this one in white and use it as a cereal bowl.

Once again I apologize for not posting my meal plans & grocery shopping. I'm still on a cereal and toast diet. Pray that this morning sickness doesn't last much longer.

Coupon Craze

It's no secret that I've become coupon crazy. I hunt for coupons online and stalk up on Sunday paper coupons (luckily I have a friend who works at the local paper and hooks me up). In the past few months of coupon clipping I have learned that there are several items you should NEVER pay full price for simply because there are always coupons out there for them. Here's a quick list.

Shampoo & Conditioner

Deodorant

Body Wash

Razors - I have a pile of good razors I got for free

Toilet Paper

Dish Soup

Paper Towels

Yogurt