Sunday, May 30, 2010

Crispy Chicken Tenders

I made chicken tenders in our deep fryer for the first time two weeks ago.  They turned out very well!  If you don't have a deep fryer, you can easily use a skillet with oil.

I bought chicken breast tenders all ready trimmed and good to go from the meat section. In a bowl, soak them in buttermilk (I only had half & half in the frig.) for 15-20 minutes or more, whatever you feel like. A bowl full of flour (about a cup or so) and Lawry's seasoning salt (use whatever seasonings you'd like, I added red pepper flakes as well), add a little bit of buttermilk to the flour mixture and stir it so it looks clumpy.  Dip the chicken tenders, using a fork, in the flour mixture to coat well and place them on a clean plate so that you can transfer them to the deep fryer or skillet.  The clumpy flour mixture makes for a crispy crust :) I used tongs to place the tenders in the fryer.  It only takes about 1 1/2 minutes to cook in the deep fryer (375*). About 2 minutes on each side in the skillet should work.




Added some crinkle cut fries to complete the meal!

Monday, May 24, 2010

New Restaurant Review

Saturday night after going to the San Tan Mall to watch Shining Star, we tried out a new restaurant!  For a month and half the San Tan Mall has a live band on Saturday nights for 2 hours.  Since I love live music and local bands, this gives us something to do on Saturday nights.  The nights are perfect to sit outside and listen to music, people watch and reminisce.  The Shining Star band was really good.  The woman lead singer isn't afraid to do any song.  She sang, Black Eyed Peas, Taylor Swift, Earth Wind and Fire, Journey, Miley Cyrus all kinds of songs/artists!  It was great!

Back to my restaurant review... Every time we drive by it J makes a comment, "We need to eat there."  Finally we did!  It's called Blue 32 Sports Bar and Grill.  I decided to try something I've never had before and it was their specialty-the Monte Crisco with homemade coleslaw that had bacon and blue cheese crumbles.  J opted for a burger (the Smokehouse) with the homemade blue baked beans.  Everything was delicious!  Next time I'm going to try out The Grinder!   


Todays Temperature: 78* (windy)              

Friday, May 21, 2010

My New Bike

J and I bought bicyles a couple weeks ago!  It makes me feel like a kid again! My favorite past time is riding my bike all over town for hours and hours.  I just had to be home by dark :)

We basically ride around our neighborhood.  It's nice that we have a bike lane so we can use that in addition to the sidewalks or walking trails.

  

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

The Boycott is Over

I recently made a few trips to Wal-Mart.  I haven't been to Wal-Mart since December when I made several trips there for our Christmas party.  J and I were in the mood to buy bikes so we had to compare prices and review choices between Sports Chalet, Target and Wal-Mart.  Wal-Mart had the most choices and the best price for bikes.  A few days beforehand I had ordered some photo books that were rolled back.  I like to use them for all photo related projects and do the site to store option.  These last few days I've come to enjoy our Wal-Mart.  I've always had friendly service in the photo department, but have had several experiences over the past week with the 4 times we've been that have changed my mind a bit.  The cashiers, the guy who worked in the gun department who helped me take my two bikes to my car, the dude in the toy/bike department who assisted and chatted with us all about bikes were all very friendly- helpful people!  I wonder if this particular store is just cool with great employees or if there has been some changes made over all of the stores.  I'd like to think our store just has cool employees. 

Anyway, I recently found some new shorts and t-shirts I am real excited about!  Shorts these days are either way too short or you buy bermudas.  I have several bermudas and am in need of some regular shorts.  I found some at Wal-Mart!  For only $10, Faded Glory brand, they are perfect length, soft and comfy (a tiny bit of stretch), I bought one pair and went back for two more different colors.  Many colors to choose from including denim.  I also bought a $4 Faded Glory t-shirt which is tag less, long in length including the sleeves, soft and comfy, also came in a ton of colors including solids or stripes. 

Back in the day I was sorta about name brands, but I wasn't raised that way and am not that way these days.  That was mostly a high school phase.  So if my $10 Wally World shorts fit my body and the wallet then it's good enough for me! 

Today's Temperature:  80*

Monday, May 10, 2010

Countdown to Honeymoon!

Friday couldn't come fast enough!  Four days of work will feel like an eternity.  Friday at 9:00 a.m. I'll be leaving on a jet plane...well, not a jet, but it's a good song.  On our way to Mexico to a resort just outside of Cancun.  The Secrets Silversands awaits us!  Where we won't do anything but sleep, eat, drink, lay on the beach and bask in the sun.  This resort is a small, all inclusive, adults only resort.  We haven't had a beach vacation for over 2 years!!  The last vacation was our engagement in San Diego, but that was a short weekend versus a week in Mexico.  I think I'm going to bust out the suitcase early and start packing.  Something I never do until the night before.  This way I can enjoy my "night before flight" (or try to, maybe easier said then done).  Tory will be heading to Uncle B's for her week vacation.       



Today's Temperature: 84*      

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Scent Recipe- Romantic Garden Bouquet

Scent Blending Recipes are carefully selected recipes of individual candles that when burning together, create their own unique, blended scent experience.

To maximize your fragrant experience, use the exact sizes and quantities noted in each recipe – a slight alteration can be like adding salt when you needed sugar.

FIRST: Arrange the candles on a heat-safe surface with the largest in the middle and smaller candles interspersed throughout. For votive and Tealight candles, use a holder to protect the surface.

SECOND: Place each candle approximately two inches apart in your arrangement.

THIRD: Light each candle and let the aromas mingle for at least 30 minutes to create your new fragrance experience.

Featured Blend:
Romantic Garden Bouquet

A wonderful way to welcome summer! This sweet, romantic garden blend combines soft florals, hints of musk and the calming harmony of lavender vanilla to start the perfect relaxing summer.
  • 8 oz. Sweet Amour
  • 10 oz. Harmony
  • Love StruckTM votives (3)

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Oriental Ramen Noodle Salad

Ingredients:
1 pkg. coleslaw mix
1 pkg. Ramen noodles (beef flavor), crumbled
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup almonds slivers (optional)


Dressing:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
beef flavor packet

Directions:
Mix slaw, noodles, sunflower seeds, and almonds. Mix sugar, oil, and vinegar; pour over slaw mixture.

*Make it about an hour before serving. The noodles soften in the dressing mixture.
*Add in green onions and/or raw broccoli.