Wednesday, September 19, 2012

slow cookin'

I've never owned a slow cooker aka crockpot. I've always thought they were for chili or soups and seeing as how Im not a real fan of either, I didn't bother with pursuing after one. That all changed after we added our newest edition to the family. Cooking for a family of five, plus my mother who is in town  temporarily, can become quite tiring and more often than not is simply forgotten until about 4:30pm. That's when I find myself scrambling to throw something together that is quick and healthy.

I finally decided to look more into this giant pot that works miracles. How can I throw an entire chicken in along with veggies and half the day later produce a delectable dinner? I dont know, but I needed to find out and quick.

After some research and some online stalking, I finally decided a crockpot was in my very near future. There are tons of websites of very easy recipes and countless blogs all dedicated to the POWER OF THE CROCKPOT. I imagine those with a crockpot are equivalent to magicians in Harry Potter; living in a secret magic world of easy cooking and cleanup while mere mortals slave over stoves and hand wash dishes.

I've had my "wand" for a few weeks now and I will admit that I didnt use it right away. It seemed daunting. What was I going to make in this thing? And after hours of slow cooking, what if it turned out disgusting? Then I'm stuck with wasted time and a wasted dish. I pushed my fears aside and started casting my cookbook spells.

I've only made four dishes, but they've all turned out quite delicious to me. I found them all on one awesome blog titled, A Year of Slow Cooking. I highly recommend you check out that page if you're thinking of purchasing a slow cooker. I've created shredded BBQ chicken for sandwiches, Orange Honey Tilapia, Caribbean Jerk Chicken, and even Apple Coffee Cake!

The cake was our favorite :) It tasted like an apple pie turned cake. Im so in love with this machine. Up next: buffalo chicken lasagna!

Here are a few pics of the fish and the cake- please tell me about your crockpots and recipes. I've got a trip planned soon to another country so I should have some great pics and stories.








CIAO!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

a bitter sweet visit

Growing up, my mother was not the typical doting figure I saw on Leave it to Beaver. Okay, okay... whose was? While I cant recall going on camping trips, her cheering me on from the sidelines of any sport or driving me around town to different kid's events/friends' houses, I do remember being loved. With all of that said, who is this woman that has come to visit and help me with the twins and our new edition?

This grandmother slides down the slide in the playground, turns flips on her head in the living room, goes to the zoo and pool parties all in the name of grandparent-hood. The girls cant get enough of her. Even baby David watches her every move and adores their one-on-one time. I know that staying with me isnt the easiest thing to do at times (hell ask my husband), but she is amazing.

As her 60th birthday nears at the end of September, we have decided to send her on several trips. She will be touring Switzerland this weekend and Paris next month. At the end of this month we are planning a trip to London. This is her first time overseas and probably will be her only trip. I say let's send her packing to Arizona with special memories and pictures to last a lifetime.

My life will SUCK when she leaves. How will I ever cope with three children... or should I say three babies? I really do believe having them all the same age (triplets) would've been easier. Now, I have to try to incorporate the baby in our daily routines, while still giving him the time and love he needs. The girls are potty training right now and that in itself is a job. My mom has taken over that task while she is here. My youngest twin is a rockstar! She wears undies at home and a pull-up out and about. She tells me when she has to use the restroom and has very few accidents. Few meaning 1 accident every other day if that. The other twin? She hides in a corner and pees on everything! She has only actually gone in the potty chair a handful of times and shows no sign of conforming! Oh well... at least when mine go to school they will ALL go to school :) And I will be dancing and celebrating... laughing hysterically. Until then...

CIAO!