sam says

Bathroom talk ahead.

Consider yourself warned.

Let me set the scene for you a bit...

The other morning Sam was in the bathroom doing his "business."

I was about ten feet away (outside the bathroom)

and the not-so-pleasant aroma was wafting my way.

All of the sudden he says,

"What's that SMELL?!?"

"Um, your poop?!"

"No Mom, I think it's your breath."

Thanks Sam.

I mean, really.

I'm not known for my sweet morning breath, but C'MON!

raw(e) 2(6)

No, this is not some strange new blogger code,

it's the theme for this week's RAW(e) photo challenge. 

Here's the skinny - go to your 2nd folder and post the 6th photo.

No matter how wacky or horrible the picture.

No editing.

Just raw.

So, here's my photo.

 It's a cast-off from a photo session I did with Ava. 

I really would've loved it if the picture was something crazy like Sam picking his nose

(yes, I take those pictures!).

 But alas, this is what we've got.

So trot on over to Sailor & Company and see if anyone else has a crazy, hilarious photo...I'm headed that way now!

listening

I've been listening to Tenth Avenue North  Over and Underneath recently.

WOW.

Every single song convicts and comforts at the same time.

My kitchen has become a sanctuary.

My living room has become a confessional.

Here are a few lines that have really impacted me in a deep way...

"Why are you looking for love?

Why are you still searching?

As if I'm not enough?

To where will you go child

Tell me where will you run?

To where will you run?"

and

 "Could the maker of the stars

Hear the sound of my breaking heart

One life, that's all I am

Right now I can barely stand

If You're everything You say You are

Would You come close and hold my heart?"

Man.

Good stuff.

Take a listen for yourself.

peanut butter pie

This has been one of my favorite desserts for as long as I can remember. It's also a classic Amish/Mennonite specialty (for those of you Man vs. Food watchers, this is the pie that Adam had at Yoder's Restaurant on the Sarasota episode). Here is the not-quite-from-scratch-but-just-as-yummy version.

Peanut Butter Pie Ingredients:

1 deep dish pie shell- I just use the ones from the freezer section

2 boxes of vanilla pudding mix (about 1.5 oz. each) 

3 c. cold milk

1 heaping tablespoon of peanut butter (I use creamy)
1 8oz container of Cool-Whip

Peanut Butter Crumbs:

3 tbsp. peanut butter

1 c. powdered sugar

Bake pie shell as directed on the box, set aside.

Mix vanilla pudding and milk until thickened, add 1tbsp. peanut butter.
Mix thoroughly and place in fridge to set.

In the meantime, combine 3 tbsp. peanut butter and powdered sugar in a bowl. Use a fork to mix and continue until crumbs form.

Take pie shell and pour 1/3 of the crumbs in the bottom of the shell. Add pie filling and pour 1/3 of the crumbs on top of the filling. Spread about 1/2 a container (or more) of Cool-Whip on top of the that and add remaining crumbs on top of the Cool-Whip.

a slight detour

...now back to our regularly scheduled programming.

asparagus with lemon butter sauce

As promised, here is a recipe for one of Marko's favorite dishes.

The sauce is really the thing that makes it so yummy.

You can use it on just about anything...fish, chicken, and vegetables. The sky's the limit!

Here are the ingredients:

1 lb. asparagus

2 tbsp. butter (salted or unsalted)

1 tsp. flour

1/4 c. white wine

1/3 c. lemon juice or juice from 1/2 of a lemon 

Break off tough ends of the asparagus where they snap easily. Cut spears into 1 inch pieces, separating the stems from the tips.

Heat one inch of water (salted if preferred) to boiling in a deep skillet or dutch oven. Add lower stalk pieces and return to a boil.

Reduce heat. Boil uncovered for 6 mins. Add tips, cover and boil 5 mins longer, or until crisp-tender.

Drain asparagus and transfer to warmed serving dish.

Return pan to stove on medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter; swirl to coat. Add wine, remaining tablesppon of butter, 1 teaspoon of flour and lemon juice. Heat 1-2 mins, stirring occasionally, or until thickened. Toss butter sauce over asparagus and serve. 

  

Up next, Peanut Butter Pie....

the food of love

Well, it's week 6 of the "Completing Him" Marriage Challenge over at Women Living Well.

 And this week's challenge is:

Make your husband a priority by asking him what his favorite dinner, dessert and drink are.

Then head to the kitchen and start cooking!

 Now, I realize that some of you may never even set foot in your kitchen to make a meal...much less know how to make Chicken Cordon Bleu, or his mom's famous lasagna! 

But here's the thing, he will be really touched that you tried. 

Because the heart of this challenge is giving him preference and doing something nice for him "just because." 

So, if the chicken burns and the carrots are soggy, high-tail it to his favorite restaurant. He'll give you an "A" for effort.

For the rest of you, dust off those recipes and let your man know that you haven't forgotten that the way to his heart is through his stomach!

Here is some of what I'll be making this week (recipes to follow):

A big juicy Steak (thank you Pioneer Woman for the handy tutorial)

Asparagus tips and Sweet and Savory Potatoes

Peanut Butter Pie for dessert

and

Peanut Chicken Satay

Coconut Rice

Asian Green Beans

and still eating peanut butter pie...Ha!

Who am I kidding?

That thing will be gone in 4.2 seconds flat!

So are you in?

I'd love to hear what some of your husband's favorite meals are.

I'm ALWAYS looking for new things to make for dinner!