Scrumptious Sundays

*{Side Dish of the Month}*

featured in the April Cooking Light magazine.

Asparagus with Balsamic Tomatoes

This recipe was so good, we could eat it every day. Asparagus is in season right now, inexpensive and so good when you start experimenting just a little. This will be a favorite on our dinner table for years to come!! If you click on the link there are several variations listed as well, we have yet to try these but we're guessing they are just as delicious. (Raisin & Pine Nut, Sesame-Ginger Glazed, and Lemon-Tarragon).

Ingredients

1. 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
2. 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
3. 1 1/2 cups halved grape tomatoes
4. 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
5. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
6. 1/4 teaspoon salt
7. 3 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
8. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

1. 1. Cook asparagus in boiling water 2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain.
2. 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tomatoes and garlic; cook 5 minutes. Stir in vinegar; cook 3 minutes. Stir in salt. Arrange asparagus on a platter; top with tomato mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and pepper.
3. Raisin and Pine Nut variation: Omit tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, and goat cheese. Cook 1/3 cup sliced red onion and 2 tablespoons pine nuts in oil for 4 minutes. Add 2 1/2 tablespoons orange juice, 3 tablespoons raisins, and 2 teaspoons honey; cook 2 minutes. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon orange rind. Spoon over asparagus; sprinkle with pepper. Yield: 4 servings.
4. Calories 111; Fat 5.3g (sat 0.6g); Sodium 151mg

Phoenix Golf Tournament

This was the 10th Annual Golf Tournament for the Phoenix branches at PCI/Masthead. Barb happened to be in town this year and was able to volunteer. The pictures are courtesy of Samara Link. Barb volunteered as the greeter (bossing people to the registration table and breakfast burritos), cigar lady, putting contest, and helped with raffle prizes. It was a fun event and a great group of ladies to work with! They put in a lot of hard work to make this happen and it is always a success. The weather was not typical Phoenix sunny, warm conditions - but we survived.

Fit Tip Thursday's

OK so I'm [Barb] in this Biggest Loser Contest with some old friends from Spokane. Congrats to me I lost 2 lbs the first week!! I decided to think of one small change each week to help with my weight loss. If you do too much at once it can often be discouraging and not enjoyable. I think the contest is for 10 weeks. So that's 10 tips/changes I need to make. I decided I would blog about them just in case you get inspired to make some healthy changes in your life.

Week #1 Tip - Drink More Water

ICK!! How many times have you heard that? I hate drinking water!! I would much rather drink...well anything besides water. This week I found a way that keeps me guzzling 72+ ounces a day. MINT. That's right, I add a sprig of mint to my water and it is so cool and refreshing it keeps me wanting more, more, more. Herb at the grocery store can be expensive and Spring has sprung almost all around the country, so...go to your local nursery and buy yourself a mint plant. **tip** you should plant it in it's own pot/barrel. Mint will take over your flower bed, garden, and yard if you don't keep it contained. Trim a piece off each day & add your your water, the mint flavor will last all day long, I even used the same piece 2 days in a row. For a twist on this yummy hint of flavor try adding cucumber, strawberry, or citrus to your water - or any combination of them all. Delicious! Your body will thank you.

Swimming Season Has Begun

Taking pictures with a toddler who is crazy for the pool isn't easy. Jason was able to snap a few on the cell phone before Gavin went plunging into the pool. We did get some video too that we'll try to post soon. Gavin loves, loves, loves the pool. He has absolutely no fear - which is why he has a life jacket on. He would jump in without anyone around if we weren't watching. Should be a fun & very busy summer at the pool.

Growing

What a difference a year makes. The little butter ball baby on the left has turned into quite the handsome little toddler on the right. He is mommy's favorite shopping partner!!

Medela Breast Pump Power Cord Recall

Recently I was notified regarding a recall on the "Pump In Style" breast pump power cord. I know several of my friends recommended this pump to me so I wanted to make sure and share the information regarding the recall. Not all power adaptors are effected so please read the notification on the link from Medela:

Pump In Style Advance Power Cord Notification [Recall]

Scrumptious Sundays

Barb's first attempt at salmon. She called her brother Russell (the chef) to get some tips on preparing the fish and got a lot more information about fish. How to buy it, when to buy it, skin on vs. skin off, etc. Who knew fish could be so complicated. Luckily cooking it is about the easiest thing to cook.

BBQ roasted zucchini and squash with Potlatch seasoning, so simple & so delicious

Raw fish is not a pretty thing. Sprinkled with a little salt, pepper, and fresh squeezed lemon juice - that simple.

Roasted some baby red potatoes with olive oil & fresh rosemary and served a meal worthy of a restaurant. We ate dinner outside that day, it was lovely.

De Vitis - Sullivan Engagement

Jason's cousin Cole moved to Chicago, but that didn't stop his CA family from throwing a surprise engagement party. We were so lucky we happened to be in Orange County for the weekend. It was great to be able to share the special day with family!

Cole & Lauren are to be married on Sept. 24th

Cole

Lauren

Ryan & Mandi (getting married in July in Paris)

Cole & Auntie Susie

Uncle Flo

Auntie Susie & Lauren

Cousin Ella

Cousin Jonny

2011 Resolution Update

1st Quarter of 2011 came and went like a flash. As you can see Gavin is clearly ahead when it comes to resolutions - he took this serious!

Gavin 2011 Resolutions

1. Potty trained before Santa visits on 12/25/11. not interested...yet
✔ Say the alphabet to our surprise this is complete
3. Throw & catch a baseball throwing is good, catching needs some work
✔ Hit a ball off of a tee loves it and giggles every time he does it
5. Write my name if only mom & dad would give me writing utensils
✔ Continue to try new foods and eat fruits & vegetables ate pancakes for the first time
7. Learn to ride a tricycle rumor has it he might be getting one for 2nd birthday
✔ Count to 20 to our surprise this is complete
9. Participate in 3 races with mom and/or dad have my 1st in one week
10. Learn at least 10 more sign language words oops, forgot about this one
11. Move to a big boy bed (& stay there all night) mom is working on colors and theme

Barb 2011 Resolutions

✔ Attend a computer class at least once a month
2. Blog at least once a week fell short in Feb/Mar - hope to make it up
✔ Send mail or call more (not e-mail or text)
4. No more "F" word was doing well, fell off the wagon - back on again
5. Publish Cute As A Button website
6. Start a blog for Cute As A Button in progress
7. Attend sewing classes
✔ Get new participants in the running club
9. Find a way to volunteer my time in my community
10. Lose 10 pounds Starting Biggest Loser Contest tomorrow 4/7/11
11. More time at the gym took a few classes, need to take more

Jason 2011 Resolutions

1. Help with the monthly banking reconciliation Never enough time, maybe in April
✔ Setup and manage family investment accounts
3. Focus on one-on-one time with Gavin outside of the house 1st MLB game this month
4. Train and compete in the Seville Triathlon coming up in May
5. Utilize the gym more; at least twice a week
6. Help Gavin achieve his resolutions in progress
7. Setup date night once per month; 12 new restaurants missed March, but will catch up
8. Plan & take my sabbatical what's that??
✔ Help more with Gavin, taking some pressure off of Barb
10. Break 1:45 at the Seattle 1/2 Marathon and 50 minutes at Bloomsday
11. No more "F" word oops

Scrumptious Sundays

Barb's Birthday Dinner: GROWN-UP Mac N Cheese

Bacon, Ranch, and Chicken Mac and Cheese

We're always trying to find ways to make recipes just a little bit healthier. Here are a few ways we modified this one: 1) whole wheat macaroni noodles 2) turkey bacon 3) olive oil.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 slice applewood-smoked bacon
• 8 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups fat-free milk
• 1/3 cup condensed 45% reduced-sodium 98% fat-free cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded six-cheese Italian blend (such as Sargento)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded colby-Jack cheese

Preparation

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain.

2. Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving drippings in pan. Finely chop bacon; set aside. Increase heat to medium-high. Add chicken to drippings in pan; sauté 6 minutes or until done.

3. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat; sprinkle flour evenly into pan. Cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk. Combine milk and soup, stirring with a whisk; gradually add milk mixture to saucepan, stirring with a whisk. Bring to a boil; cook 2 minutes or until thick. Remove from heat; let stand 4 minutes or until sauce cools to 155°. Add Italian cheese blend, onion powder, garlic powder, dill, and salt, stirring until cheese melts. Stir in pasta and chicken.

4. Preheat broiler.

5. Spoon mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle evenly with reserved bacon and colby-Jack cheese. Broil 3 minutes or until cheese melts.