It’s been a while since I did one of these. I have been cooking, but I’ve been trying to figure out how to cook with a new tiny one at my feet.
Todays recipe is from….the mother in-law! Haha 😂 Our relationship was rocky at first but now we have found a common ground. Cooking. I share recipes and she does too. This recipe actually comes from one of my many cookbooks; she discovered it when she visited many years ago.
It’s called…Southwestern Rice Bake
This is the picture she sent me. I love getting recipes like this. Where you’ve changed things to be more delicious!! And I did make it the same as she wrote.
The ingredients. I was also making pickles at the same time. I’ll write about the pickles on a different post.
Cheese, rice, beef, garlic, cilantro, etc. What could go wrong.
First comes the tomatoes.
This lone tomato came from our garden. 😎
Chopping tomatoes, chopping tomatoes, chopping, chopping, chopping. I’m making the salsa for the top first. She wrote that you should let it sit and stew I. The fridge while you make the other part. (My new spiffy knife!! That thing awesome.)
Super easy to make. Just Tomatoes, onion, green chilies, cilantro, salt, pepper, garlic, and fat. I didn’t know about the fat, but she insisted it would taste good. I might just use oil next time. I don’t need to eat extra fat.
The meat! Definitely going to drain off the fat. I’m always looking for ways to be healthier. I’m not too old; my body shouldn’t be hurting.
The gathering…
Mixing!! Mix, mix, mix the stuff up. (I don’t know why I’ve got the shake my wiggles out song stuck in my head… but I do.
Well I did it again. I forgot to take a before picture. I was doing the pickles, the casserole, and the dishes all at once. Ignore the ugliness of my oven. Ewww….I’m going to need a day of scrubbing.
The smaller casserole dish was just left half plain. But look at that delicious salsa. 🤤
Finished! And I must say that mother in law recipe looks amazing. Let’s taste it…!
Taste: 10/10!! I’m happy I did one extra tomato. The salsa makes this dish!!
Easiness: 10! It’s actually not too hard. I just started making dinner a little too late. Took me about 2hrs total. But I also had a baby on my ankles for maybe 30min.
Overall: 10! I will be definitely making this again. So all you daughter-in-laws out there. This is mother-in-law approved. If you want to try it out. My daughter loved it without the salsa. And my son ate maybe a 1/8 cup. He is a hungry thing.
Hope this recipe works for you. Have a good Wednesday.
These are some great questions. Not too hard, and easy enough to answer in the morning.
They won’t be in order of favorite. That’s way too hard. But only picking 10…
#1 How to Train Your Dragon 1-3
I know they are kid movies, but I love them. I actually asked my husband to buy them for me on my 26th birthday. 😎
#2 Star Wars 4-6
It’s not that I’m against 1-3 or 7-9; I just love the original ones. Definitely going to have my kiddos watch the original ones first. That is the way it must be done.
#3 Prince of Persia
I can’t really tell you why I like this movie. It’s funny to me, but also I like the storyline. Also probably because when I watched this movie for the first time with my older brother, he called it the ‘baby face’ movie. Mr. Jake has a baby face in this film. Haha
#4 Avatar: The Last Airbender
I love this tv show. But not only me; it has become a tradition with my husband and daughter. We sadly watch this show about two times a year. Haha My daughter loves it. Definitely recommend this show if you want to laugh and smile the 99% of the time. That 1% is the deep stuff.
#5 Calamity Jane
I wouldn’t say this was a favorite movie when I was younger; but I’ve grown to love it. It is more enjoyable for an older crowd. I didn’t get a lot of the jokes or lines when I was younger.
#6 A Walk to Remember
This was one of the first movies I watched with my sisters and mom. We had a girls day one afternoon, and we all sat together and watched this movie. They all had their boxes of tissues from the get go, and gave me one too. I had no idea what I was getting into. But boy, did I need them. Definitely a cry your eyes out movie. Crying of sadness, crying of happiness, crying just because. If you need to cry, perfect movie.
#7 Pride & Prejudice!!!
The original BBC one! I think this actually would be in the top 3. I love this movie! (Technically a show) I remember a Saturday that I sat down to watch the movie; then my mom came home and asked to watch it again with me. So of course I did. Then my younger brother showed up, so we three watched it again. So about 16hrs later I had, had my fill of pride & prejudice. But I still continue to watch it!
#8 2014 Godzilla 1 & 2019 Godzilla 2
I don’t know why I like these movies. But when I want to watch this kind of movie I watch these ones. They are great. And it’s a movie that my husband will watch with me.
#9 Harry Potter 1-7
I know many people will say these movies but I really do like them. My older sister was a huge and still is a huge Harry Potter fan. It was a fun thing to have in common with her. I also own all the books. I think the 7th book and 7th movie is my favorite. Maybe 3….No maybe 1…. Let’s just stick to all. I like all of them. Even though the 4th one was a bit scary.
#10 Any Disaster movie. San Andreas, Day After Tomorrow, Geostrom, Deep Impact, Armageddon, Independence Day, Twister, Greenland, etc.
I again don’t know why I like to watch these types of movies, but I do. My mom does too! They keep me on the edge of my seat! Greenland was maybe on the edge of a little too intense… Original Independence Day, epic!! Twister, frightening. I’ve probably watched Day After Tomorrow 30-40 times. At least once a year.
#11 Sports Movies: 42, Remember the Titian, Greatest Game Ever Played, Facing the Giants, Blind Side, Forever Strong, Ford vs Ferrari, Miracle, Glory Road, Mighty Ducks, etc.
I know it’s supposed to be 10, but I can’t believe I forgot one of my most watched categories. The ones I listed are just a few. I’ve watched so many more. All the ones I listed are great! I recommend all of them. I know why I love sport movies. I’m was an athlete. I love watching movies where they complete their goals and beat their endeavors. They are inspiring. The husband is not a big fan so I tend to watch them by myself. Which is all good; means I get to watch them over and over again.
.-.-.-.-.
I’m sure there are movies I forgot. I love dance movies. I love foreign movies. I love action movies. Right!! Probably #12 would be Die Hard. But that’s a Christmas movie. So I feel like there should be second list: Top Ten Christmas Movies. That list would be easier I think.
But I love…no wait! Shooter. I can’t believe I forgot about that movie. I love that movie. Maybe I would replace Shooter with Calamity Jane. If you like Action/ Thriller movies I definitely recommend this one.
Also Hot Fuzz. Man! I’m now remembering all the movies. This one is a movie my husband and I quote all the time. “Narp.” But it is a bit gory. Not for little eyes. I still close my eyes at some scenes.
Okay I’ve got to stop. I could probably continue to list movies. Let’s just say I like various types of movies. Just No horror or harming little kids.
Life is too short, just watch what you like. There is only so much time in a day. And let’s be honest, you maybe only have 2-3hrs at night to watch something. And you will watch something you like.
Excited to read other peoples answers. Also to see if I’m the only one who couldn’t stay within 10 movies.
If you were going to open up a shop, what would you sell?
Everything!! But seriously, I have so many ideas and why not put them all in one shop.
I want to sell artwork. Paintings, drawings, photos, etc. I would also like to have some sort of art classes in my shop.
I would like to have a cooking section. Where I have a cookbook of my tweaked recipes. Also maybe a small cooking corner; where I could teach an easy recipe. Plus a baking area.
I’d like to have an area for other crafters to maybe teach their craft. Maybe not sell items, but sell their time.
My husband wants to make and sell tables. So I’ll have an area for him. And I might steal some of his wood and paint different things. Or insist he makes different small furniture that I can help with.
Then maybe to finish off the space I would have a kid Art corner. Somewhere little kids could just go crazy and paint.
So…I would have a collection in my store.
I’m an everything type of a person. Not a one hit wonder.
So when I was younger. I went over to a friends house, and I was so troubled by the option for lunch… “Sandwich of Matoes and Leaves!!” (Tomatoes and lettuce) haha
Remember I was young. But now throughout my life this quote as continued. My siblings, my mom, close friends will also use it.
Now the present:
I was telling my daughter, that her brother loves cucumbers. That he likes to munch and suck the juices out.
So… now when I order salads from restaurants, my daughter takes the croutons. And now my son will take the cucumbers….so I will once again be left with matoes and leaves. Haha 😂
If you won two free plane tickets, where would you go?
Word Of The Day: Dauntless 7-19-23
Synonyms: fearless
…
They are free?
They are free!
What a wonderful day to be me!
Just paying for two more,
Is less of a chore.
We will pack up our bags;
Start off to the the flag,
Of Hawaii.
.
It’s so beautiful there.
I’ve never a care.
The amazing jungles,
The different sands,
Oh what a wonderful day to be grand.
Will I do it this time?
Will dauntless be me?
Can I swim in the ocean?
Can I be openly free?
Fearless that’s me!
.
Nope…
Never mind.
Sharks and me not a pretty dime.
I’ll stay on the beach,
That’s fine.
If only this was true,
To be seeing the wonders of blue.
The island of Hawaii,
With me!
…
We went to Hawaii for our honeymoon. It was forever ago. It would be fun to go again. We will go again! I just don’t know when. But it is indeed magical there. The blues, the greens, the reds, pinks, and different hues. I would love to see it all again.
“Island Charm” Digital Art By: emily2jane 07-29-23
It’s a real thing. Other husbands out there, don’t worry it is a temporary thing….through pregnancy and maybe the next 2 years. Haha 😆 Pregnant women get forgetful, slower, and zone out. Some might not, (some women might be lucky.)
But I definitely experience the baby brain.
It makes doing anything twice as hard. Also the hubby has days where he can’t talk to me. Haha 😂
But I’ve gotten better. I now can tell him when I’m having a bad baby brain day. He usually knows before I say anything and responds with, “Oh, I know.”
My mom throughout my growing up told me that with each child we stole some of her smartness. My mom is super smart!!! I’m not saying otherwise, but now I understand what she means. I’m on baby number 2, and I’m wondering how much my new baby will take. My daughter is scary smart. (I know that’s what most parents say) but to me for a three year old she is too smart. Haha 😂
So if she is so smart she probably took a 1/4 of my smartness; meaning I’ll probably be giving away another 1/4. Because he is similar to how she was during my pregnancy.
We shall have to wait and see.
But that’s why I haven’t been posting. Because these last months have been major baby brain months. Only one more to go!!
I hope you have a wonderful day, today!
The cover photo: a snap shot I took out our dining room window. To me it looks like the typical screen saver screen. The lushest green, with the blue sky. This was the first day of actually warm weather. “Spring” but it’s been raining for almost three days. Over 500 gallons of water later, it’s sunny. (We captured all the rain we could to use it for watering the garden. We ran out of ways to capture water, all that free water gone. 😞)
Synonyms: huge, enormous, massive, immense, colossal, prodigious, etc.
…
First thing that came to mind… sharks.
Which I know is not the best association with tremendous. But I have an irrational fear of sharks. Not that a fear of sharks is not normal, but I fear sharks in places that sharks cannot actually be.
The swimming pool. Early or late practices, where you would see shadows. I would panic sometimes, irrationally, that a shark was stalking me.
In lakes. I once swam a 5K in a fresh water lake (dam) and I was panicking that a shark would appear.
When I was younger. This is more my siblings fault… but I would always have dreams of sharks attacking me, chasing me, or attacking my siblings and I always would save them and die.
My siblings found it hilarious to prank me. Humming the Jaws sound. Setting the family computer screen saver as sharks. Showing me videos of surprise shark attacks. Lovely things like that.
So much so that I cannot watch shark scenes in movies. That if the characters at all end up in a boat or in the ocean I begin to panic that a shark is going to appear. Which I was watching a movie yesterday, Unbroken, intense movie! But there are scenes of the characters surviving on a life boat in the middle of the ocean. I had to skip many parts of the movie… thankfully the music was great at foreshadowing. (I am not spoiling anything. It is in the description of the film.)
I will never watch Jaws! My brothers have tried to convince me for years. “That I’m missing out on a right of passage”, but nope. Not going to happen.
Tremendous….sharks…literally no, but in my brain yes.
Synonyms: analytical, intelligent, brainy, deep, scholarly, etc.
…
It’s a brain with feet;
Confident on the street.
People will stop and awe,
At the amazement of their jaw.
Intelligence is at its feet;
Challenging someone to beat,
But they will stay in their seat.
Thriving through life;
Taking it all in stride.
Who is this,
You may ask?
Not a chicken.
…
We have chickens this year. They are the dumbest animal I’ve ever raised. They just don’t understand the efforts the husband has made, to make their coop awesome. Instead of venturing outside; to discover the wonders of their space… they prefer to cower inside.
Eventually they will learn that when we open their door; they need to go out. Or they will learn that when we pick up the pool sifter pole…it means they have two options. Go outside willingly, or forcefully. Haha 😂
I don’t know what I was describing when I wrote the poem, because I only had chickens on my mind. I knew I wanted to throw everyone for a loop when I ended it the way I did.
I have been craving corn dogs. Must be a pregnancy thing. Because it’s usually my husband who is. But I decided to try making them myself.
I am now someone who will attempt to make it myself first. It’s cheaper!
A recipe from Pinterest.
Watching food videos with my daughter before bedtime has some perks. Even though it is evil to have to see delicious food before sleeping.
But first I had to gather all the ingredients…
Also the hubby wanted fries to go along with the dinner. Since I was already going to fry the corn dogs it wasn’t too much extra work.
I boil the fries 7min before starting the frying process. It gives them that soft inside and crunchy shell. 😍The normal pot was for boiling. Big Red is my new best frying friend!! 😎
Pat the hotdogs dry and skewer them! Death to the hotdogs!! Mwahahahahahaha!!
I just noticed my socks…they match….! The weather is going to change. 😳
I double fry the fries. First round is for 6min. I did all the groups of fries. Since I use the bare minimum oil I have to do several rounds.
Let’s start the corn dogs!!
Dip dip dip. Oh so cute and chubby!!! Hopefully they taste good. The baking powder is what makes them fluff up.
I had to add about 1 cup of oil…it seemed so wasteful…I think the most I used nowadays is 1/3 of a cup.
The recipe said I could do up to 3 at a time, but since it’s my first time; I decided to do 1.
Yummy! The husband did the taste test… he said it was miserable as he gobbled it down. 😏
Even I got input from the opinionated daughter…
She approved!!
Next was another round of fries. Then my own opinion…
I like the mixture of ketchup and mustard…I’m all alone in my small family…
Looks like Photo: maybe 8. The pictures make theirs look picture perfect. Mine were imperfect, but the taste was…
Taste: 10! At first… Then after one corn dog, my husband and I discovered they are extremely greasy. We don’t really eat super greasy foods anymore. They are too heavy. My fries are probably our limit. I’ll be trying an air frying recipe next time.
Easiness: 10! It was a super easy recipe. I’m bummed that I won’t be making it again, but if your stomach is not as sensitive; this is a perfect recipe. Hopefully the air fryer recipe is just as easy.
I’m currently munching on carrots to help settle my stomach. 😞
Overall: It was delicious as we ate it! Just the aftermath is hitting us. Elizabeth liked it though. Even though she probably would have filled herself up on carrots and ranch if we let her. Haha 😂
emily2jane 