Talking Points

There are certain talking points that I gravitate toward when in social situations, and I do my best to insert them into the conversation whenever possible. They are:

1. "Vernon had to give a pelvic exam when he was in chiropractic college. Isn't that weird?"

2. "I met Michael Moore at a church in New York City once. He's Catholic, you know."

3. "My wrist bones are so big." (Show person my wrist.) "See... look."

4. "I got these jeans for only $1 at the thrift store."

I guess they really aren't talking points though, because the conversation tends to end after I say them.

Hot Drinks

I don't understand how people can order a hot drink at a coffee shop and NOT drink it within the first five minutes. Don't they realize that it's getting cold?

Potato Leek Soup

I've been posting a lot of recipes lately because I've been making a lot of new things that are super-delicious. Here's another one that my family LOVED!

1 lb leeks (4-5 medium), dark green sections removed
3 Yukon gold potatoes
1 qt chicken broth
1 cup cream
1 cup milk (or buttermilk)
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Cook leeks (in some butter or coconut oil) for 25 minutes. Add the potatoes and the broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes. Puree. Add everything else and heat through.

(I apologize for the picture. It's more appetizing and delectable than this boring picture shows.)

Couscous Spinach Casserole

Another great recipe that I got from a friend. This time it was from Laura. I altered it a little bit, so she might not want her name associated with the changes. She's picky like that. (No offense, Laura.)

1 cup couscous
1-1/2 cup boiling water (or chicken stock)
1 tsp salt
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large onion, diced
3 tomatoes, diced
1 tsp basil
1/3 cup pine nuts (or leave them out)
5 cups loosely packed spinach, torn into small pieces
1 cup grated cheese, your choice (Laura says Muenster, I say whatever, or leave it out. I've made it both with and without the cheese and it is good either way.)

Combine couscous, boiling water and salt. Cover for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, saute garlic and onion for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, and cook for 10 minutes more.

Add tomato mixture to couscous. Mix in the rest of the ingredients.

Put in a 2-1/2 quart baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

Note: I think I should probably double this recipe next time. Or at least the couscous.

Pasta with Broccoli and Potatoes

I got this recipe from my friend Kristine, and it is so yummy! The whole family LOVED it. Here is how I made it, but you can click on the link to see the original.

2 medium potatoes, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large bunch of broccoli
16 oz. of some type of pasta (I used fuscilli)
2 leeks (don't use the dark green parts), sliced
1-1/2 tsp salt
Pepper, to taste
1 head of lettuce
4 oz Fontina cheese
16 oz turkey bacon

Bring large pot of water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook for 10 minutes, then add the broccoli and pasta and cook for 8-10 more minutes.

Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook the leeks in some butter. Add salt and pepper. Cook about 7 minutes.

Another meanwhile, fry the bacon, and chop it up.

Put the lettuce in a colander. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta/broccoli/potatoes over the lettuce to wilt it. Return to the pot.

Add the leeks and stir in the reserved water. Stir in the cheese and bacon and season with salt and pepper.

Vernon made this meal, and he said: "The key is to salt and pepper it to taste." (In other words, don't skimp on the seasonings. It's good with a lot of pepper.)