KRISTEN IN THE RAW.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers

Last night was Tuesday Doomsday, my night to cook. I've made these several times, and I can't decscribe how yummy they are. Even a mega meat-eater friend who first turned his nose up at these, now begs me to make them. I'm sure you COULD add a meat of your choice, but they are delicious without it.

5-6 Bell peppers (any color)

6 cups of cooked rice

1/2 onion

about 5 large mushrooms

2 cups of milk

2 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup cheese (any cheese works, cheddar is delicious)

a couple handfuls of fresh spinach



First, cut the tops off the bell peppers and clean the seeds out from the inside.


Boil the peppers AND tops in water with a couple dashes of salt for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside in a baking dish.


Throw those couple handfuls of spinach into a tablespoon or so of butter and saute it for about 3 minutes.


It's amazing that a pan FULL of spinach comes out like this, isn't it? Chop it up.


Mix the rice, cheese, and spinach all together, set aside.


Chop up the onion...


And the mushrooms... I usually cut the stem off of mine because they are a little tough.


Saute the onion in 2 tablespoons of butter, then add the mushrooms.


Saute them all together for a few minutes, then add 2 tablespoons of flour and stir that for a few seconds, then add the milk. Looks appetizing, no? Ha, ha... Anyways, bring it to a boil and stir it until it thickens into a gravy consistency.


Add that mixture to the rice mixture. Trust me, this is going to be AMAZING.


Stuff the peppers FULL. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top for kicks, and put the tops back on. Add about 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of the pan and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Prepare to impress.


Oh, so delicious. I laugh in the face of the mega meat-eater friend.

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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Peacock Inspiration

Yes, I did. I cut up those peacock feathers, and they complete the canopy over my bed.


"It's just the sweet weather and the peacock feathers

In the morning it will all be better

It's not what it seems in the land of dreams

Don't worry your head, just go to sleep

When you wake up the world will come around"

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Thursday, September 22, 2011

September Seafood

About every month (with the exception of the last couple months), I have the privilege of going over to Johnn and Lois' for some amazing cooking. We have done Asian, Mexican, and Seafood was the theme this time. Menu -

Sushi

Crab Cakes

5 Cheese Mac-N-Cheese

Asparagus with Blue Cheese Butter

Mint Fruit Salad

Crusty Bread with Roasted Garlic

Cioppino - a tomato-based, spicy Italian fish soup with crab, lobster, shrimp, mussels, clams, and tilapia. DELICIOUS.

And last but not least - Frozen Mocha Torte

Let me just say that I almost rolled out the door by the end of the evening.









This kid likes his food. A lot.




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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

King Family

Impromptu family pictures with the King family... Anyone know how hard it is to get kids to look at the camera and get the adults to stop looking at THEM and telling them to look at the camera and just look at ME and smile? (Eric's a pro at that, by the way)

Despite the kids staring off into the distance... it was fun.



Nelson and Shirley


Eric, Joni, Carter, Harper and Leighton



Dustin, Alison, Kade and Ava



Landon and Mandy


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Monday, September 12, 2011

Beau's Birthday

I can't believe Beau is FIVEEEEE!


We had a fun birthday party at Derek and Jill's...



Yeah, that's antlers on the table. ANTLERS.


Otha Lee and Lee Monroe


Jack



Feliz Compleanos, Senor.

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Sunday, September 11, 2011

I'll Be Waiting For A Call From Better Homes & Gardens...

My Saturday took me from this...


... to this...


And a very cool thing about this wall is - every single thing has either been given to me or made for me by a friend. Don't mind the picture frames that I haven't put pictures in yet.


And from this...


... to this...


Yes, after 3 1/2 years of living here, I might be FINALLY giving my poor, bare, lonely walls some much needed attention. They were starving for love.

Now, if I could find some way to remedy THIS -


My poor schoolwork/junk/book reading/computer area with droopy peacock feathers begging to be incorporated somewhere. SIGHHHHH.

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