I love to cook, and I love to try new recipes. It's not often that I make the same recipe repeatedly. I don't work to perfect recipes, I just try something new. But there is one recipe that Matt and I have been attempting to perfect since 2005 to master, and in the last year we have finally mastered it, and that is pizza on the grill. We have had soggy pizza, we have had burnt pizza, we have had pizza that took hours to cook.... but we finally figured it out, and it is something that we are proud of, and happy to serve company. If you come to visit us and we want to make something good for you, we probably will make pizza on the grill, because we have it figured out, and it is always good.
So I thought I would share our perfected recipe and technique. (The recipe came from Martha Stewart Everyday Food).
1 teaspoon sugar
1 packet active dry yeast
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil (plus a little more to grease the bowl)
course salt and pepper
2 1/4 cups bread flour (all purpose flour also works)
Pour 1 cup warm water in to a bowl, add sugar and yeast. Let stand 5 min (it will get foamy and smell yeasty)
Whisk oil and 1 teaspoon salt into yeast mixture. Add flour and stir with wooden spoon until liquid is incorporated. Turn onto a floured work surface. Knead until dough comes together (2 min or so). I sometimes just do all of this in the Kitchenaid mixture.
Transfer dough to oiled bowl, brush lightly with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and place in warm draft free place and let rise 45 min (or until double is bulk).
Punch down, and cover. Let rise another 30 min (Start charcoal during this time). Charcoal should be on 1 side of the grill.
Turn out dough onto lightly floured work surface. Divide into 4 pieces. Roll dough out. It should be about 10 inches oval. Brush one side with olive oil and sprinkle with pizza seasoning, salt and pepper.
PLace the dough on the grill over the coals (I wrap the doll around a rolling pin to carry it to the grill). Grill on each side 1-2 minutes. Slide dough to cooler side of the grill, and top with your desired toppings. Cook 2-5 minutes, until cheese is melted.
This is how we perfected our pizza making.
I am really proud of it.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy Fourth of July!
Happy fourth of July everyone! I am a bit of a traditionalist and I love the tradition of fourth of july. Outdoors, being with your community, eating good food, listening to good music, watching things explode. It's a great holiday really. So many holidays celebrate family.... christmas, thanksgiving, etc... for me the fourth of July celebrates community.
I love community celebrations it brings people together, and I think we lack that as a society sometimes. Today Matt, Josie and I went to a community fourth of July parade. We laid our blanket down in some strangers yard under their tree. A family we had never met sat down next to us, and their kids came over to pet Josie. I had a good time talking to their kids. It was your traditional parade; fire engines, bands, queens, politicians, boy scouts, shriners. Just what you would expect from a small town community parade. The people behind us (who weren't from the United States) were learning about an American tradition. Pretty classical 4th of July. Made me smile.
As I said earlier, I am a bit of a traditionalist. So I love having traditional food on a occasion like this. So tonight we are having coleslaw, corn, watermelon, and hot dogs. Just what I picture for this day. Can't wait til this evening when we can do some cooking/eating.
I have great fourth of July memories. When I was younger, my grandpa had an army jeep. So on the fourth of July (I don't remember when..... I was younger than 10) we piled into the jeep with super soakers, and we went to Milo, IA, and we were in the fourth of july parade. Much like the parade I went to today. Great memory.
One of my other great fourth of July memories is with my grandma Jeanne. After my grandfather died she moved to Table Rock lake missouri. We would take our boat down for the fourth of july and we would spend the weekend on the water water skiing, and being on the water as a family. This in itself is a great memory. But on the night of the fourth of july we would go on uncle ralph's boat, and the town would like off fireworks over the lake. What an awesome sight. The fireworks reflect on the lake, and all the boat lights bob on the water. It is incredible, and something every year this time of the year I crave. One of the greatest experiences.
This year is the first year, that I have lived in a state where fireworks are legal (and it is the first time in decades that they have been legal in this state). Last night I went out on our deck, and there were huge fireworks in every direction. It was a pretty incredible site. I look forward to it again, this evening.... I even bought snacks to sit outside and munch on tonight while I watch fireworks.
So happy birthday america.... thanks for the traditions, and the community that you provide.
I love community celebrations it brings people together, and I think we lack that as a society sometimes. Today Matt, Josie and I went to a community fourth of July parade. We laid our blanket down in some strangers yard under their tree. A family we had never met sat down next to us, and their kids came over to pet Josie. I had a good time talking to their kids. It was your traditional parade; fire engines, bands, queens, politicians, boy scouts, shriners. Just what you would expect from a small town community parade. The people behind us (who weren't from the United States) were learning about an American tradition. Pretty classical 4th of July. Made me smile.
As I said earlier, I am a bit of a traditionalist. So I love having traditional food on a occasion like this. So tonight we are having coleslaw, corn, watermelon, and hot dogs. Just what I picture for this day. Can't wait til this evening when we can do some cooking/eating.
I have great fourth of July memories. When I was younger, my grandpa had an army jeep. So on the fourth of July (I don't remember when..... I was younger than 10) we piled into the jeep with super soakers, and we went to Milo, IA, and we were in the fourth of july parade. Much like the parade I went to today. Great memory.
One of my other great fourth of July memories is with my grandma Jeanne. After my grandfather died she moved to Table Rock lake missouri. We would take our boat down for the fourth of july and we would spend the weekend on the water water skiing, and being on the water as a family. This in itself is a great memory. But on the night of the fourth of july we would go on uncle ralph's boat, and the town would like off fireworks over the lake. What an awesome sight. The fireworks reflect on the lake, and all the boat lights bob on the water. It is incredible, and something every year this time of the year I crave. One of the greatest experiences.
This year is the first year, that I have lived in a state where fireworks are legal (and it is the first time in decades that they have been legal in this state). Last night I went out on our deck, and there were huge fireworks in every direction. It was a pretty incredible site. I look forward to it again, this evening.... I even bought snacks to sit outside and munch on tonight while I watch fireworks.
So happy birthday america.... thanks for the traditions, and the community that you provide.
Friday, July 1, 2011
My cup of Tea
This morning I woke up and knew that I had already scheduled a date with myself. I had seen a couple of jobs yesterday afternoon that I wanted to apply for, but by the time I saw them I was to stretched for time to apply for them yesterday. So I made a commitment to myself that this morning, I would get up, get out of the house, and apply for those two jobs. So I got up, and was headed to Caribou Coffee (I decided upon Caribou because they carry my favorite Chai Tea) to work on my applications (because well, I needed to get out of the house, I was feeling I was in a rut).
So I headed to 156th and Maple because that is where Caribou said there was a location in Omaha (their only location in Omaha). Got there..... NO CARIBOU! Sadness... because Caribou Chai Tea is my tea of choice. You may think that I am pretty focused on this cup of tea.... well, that is because I don't drink coffee, and at a coffee house my choices are them limited to chai tea, or hot chocolate. So chai tea is my choice.
I am trying to be frugal in my living in Omaha (at least until I get a job, and feel a little more financially secure), so going to get tea/coffee is a luxury, and an "outing" in my mind. I would make chai tea at my house, but for some reason it never tastes the same. I would love to learn how to make a good cup of chai tea at home. Though I should maybe I shouldn't indulge so much, as it is loaded with sugar, and not real diet friendly.
My first tea experience that was not chai related happened at Wartburg College. Anna D. served me some Tea Republic Christmas Tea (with lots of sugar), and I liked it well enough to consider drinking more tea. Another great tea experience I had was at an Amish vegetable auction where I had some excellent mint tea. I know have a collection of tea (mostly mint, chai, and christmas varieties) that I try to drink every now and again.
I did get one of the jobs applied for while drinking chai at one of Caribou's competitors store fronts. It took me almost 2 hours to apply for that 1 job. So I came home, and will apply for the other job in a little while drinking a coke zero.
You should have some tea, and drink it too.
So I headed to 156th and Maple because that is where Caribou said there was a location in Omaha (their only location in Omaha). Got there..... NO CARIBOU! Sadness... because Caribou Chai Tea is my tea of choice. You may think that I am pretty focused on this cup of tea.... well, that is because I don't drink coffee, and at a coffee house my choices are them limited to chai tea, or hot chocolate. So chai tea is my choice.
I am trying to be frugal in my living in Omaha (at least until I get a job, and feel a little more financially secure), so going to get tea/coffee is a luxury, and an "outing" in my mind. I would make chai tea at my house, but for some reason it never tastes the same. I would love to learn how to make a good cup of chai tea at home. Though I should maybe I shouldn't indulge so much, as it is loaded with sugar, and not real diet friendly.
My first tea experience that was not chai related happened at Wartburg College. Anna D. served me some Tea Republic Christmas Tea (with lots of sugar), and I liked it well enough to consider drinking more tea. Another great tea experience I had was at an Amish vegetable auction where I had some excellent mint tea. I know have a collection of tea (mostly mint, chai, and christmas varieties) that I try to drink every now and again.
I did get one of the jobs applied for while drinking chai at one of Caribou's competitors store fronts. It took me almost 2 hours to apply for that 1 job. So I came home, and will apply for the other job in a little while drinking a coke zero.
You should have some tea, and drink it too.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
100.....WHOA!
Today it's supposed to reach 100 degrees here. It's on days like this that I know I will miss Minnesota. I HATE hot weather. I don't like being hot, and I don't like sweating..... it very rarely got this hot in Minnesota. This is the second time in a month that is has been over 100 here.... the other time was in early June, the precise day that my mom and I moved ALL of our heavy furniture into our new house.... it was a hot day.
This morning I got up and took Josie to the dog park already, because it's supposed to be so hot this afternoon, that I don't want to take her later today.
In honor of it being 100 today.... I bring you another 100 kind of update... 100 things about me. I've seen this on several peoples blogs, so I bring you my edition.
1. When I was little I wanted to be Amish.
2. I still have a fascination with the Amish.
3. When I was younger I wanted a horse.... then I went to horse camp and didn't want a horse anymore.
4. When I was younger I had 2 best friends, they both moved away, a year apart from one another.
5. I played trombone.
6. My senior year I was a drum major.
7. I was on a swim team from the age of 5 until I was 18. Toward the end of my swimming career, I wondered why I was on a swim team, because you just swim in circles, and I really felt like I was in a fishbowl with people just watching me.
8. I took dance lessons from the age of 5 until I was 18. I loved dance.
9. My first dance was the smurf hoe down.
10. My first kiss was in kindergarten... I kissed Jared Sour's hightop haircut. If that doesn't count, my first kiss was in third grade on a field trip to Pella, IA.
11. I got a rose from a boy in 5th grade on Valentines day.
12. I went to prom my freshman year.
13. In high school I dated a guy I met on the internet (it was a big deal at the time).
14. I was a lifeguard from age 14-18. It was some of the greatest times of my life.
15. I went to Luther College.
16. I did an internship at LIving History Farms. I love living history farms.
17. I got married at Living History Farms.
18. We went on our honeymoon in Galena, Illinois.
19. Matt bought our first house without me seeing it in person.
20. I rented our current house before either of us had seen it in person (p.s. we love it).
21. I love chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.
22. My favorite meal is Chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes.
23. Matt and I have mastered making pizza on the grill.
24. I make very good cinnamon rolls.
25. My first dog's names were Tippy and Toby.
26. My current dogs name is Josie.
27. I love christmas
28. I have 3 HUGE rubbermaids filled with christmas stuff, and 2 small rubbermaids.
29. I own 10 American girl dolls.
30. I worked for American Girl for 2.5 years, and was very happy in that job.
31. I was a hall director for 5 years.
32. I have my masters degree in education.
33. I don't like beer.
34. I do like martinis.
35. When I was younger we used to get Texas donuts on our birthday, they don't make texas donuts anymore.
36. I can drive manual transmission.
37. I can drywall.
38. I can lay tile.
39. I like to mow the lawn when I have a riding lawn mower.
40. When I ran away as a child - I really just went and hid in the wheeping willow tree.
41. I have 1 younger brother.
42. When we were younger sometimes I made my brother play dress up with me, and make up dances on the trampoline.
43. My grandfather built me a doll house when I was younger, it now lives in my parents basement.
44. I had compartment syndrome in high school - I still have big scars from that.
45. I had my appendix out the week of high school graduation.
46. When I was in high school I would get so tan, my friends would call me Molly-hontas.
47. I have a collection of cookbooks.... it's the area I always explore at the book store.
48. My favorite book when I was little was "There was an old lady who swallowed a fly".....
49. I now have a collection of "There was an old lady" books.
50. My collection of CDs includes a lot of soundtracks
51. I like the sound of windchimes
52. I hate the sound of a dog licking themselves
53. I love the smell of fresh baked bread
54. I love the smell of lavender/vanilla
55. I love the smell of puppy paws (they smell like corn chips).
56. I like the smell of campfires
57. I did weight watchers once and lost over 50 pounds.
58. One of my favorite movies is Little Women... others include The Patriot, Life as A House, Mr. Magoriums wonder emporium.
59. My favorite books include The Plain Truth, The Secret Garden, Water for Elephants
60. I've been told that I look like Natalie Portman
61. At one point I was tall for my age... now I am only average 5'4"
62. My favorite color is red
63. I've only owned 2 cars in my life... I love/d both of them
64. I have traveled to Europe twice
65. My favorite place that I've traveled in Prague.
66. I would love to go to Greece, Seattle, and Washington D.C.
67. I consider myself an introvert (this is hard for some people to believe).
68. My favorite store is probably Target
69. I love to use my steam cleaner
70. My favorite board game is The Game of Things
71. I love chunky jewlrey
72. I was raised methodist, I attended a Lutheran school, I married a greek orthodox, and I have no idea what I would consider my religion to be.
73. My earliest childhood memory was the day my brother was born.
74. My favorite cereal is cinnamon toast crunch.
75. My family owns a boat, and I know how to water ski.
76. Growing up I had 5 foreign exchange students live with my family.
77. My first time snow skiing was at Afton Alps when I was in 6th grade.
78. Matt and I dated for 5 years, were engaged for 2, and have been married for 3. We have known each other for a decade.
79. I love hooded sweatshirts.
80. I don't really like the taste of fish.... but I love sushi.
81. If I could have a shopping spree, I think I would want it at Barnes and Nobles.
82. My favorite gaming system is WII (yes, I play to much)
83. My favorite animal is a Polar bear
84. The first major news story I remember being interested in was Wacco Texas.
85. I support gay marriage
86. I am pro-choice
87. I believe strongly in animal rescue, and get mad when people buy dogs/cats at a pet store.
88. I love to jump off cliffs into the water (haven't done that in a long time though).
89. I know how to cross stitch.
90. I have lived in 4 states.
91. I have 5 grandparents that are still alive (that's a lot when you are 30 years old).
92. I won't buy cheap toilet paper - I think that is something worth spending money on.
93. I don't know what I want to be when I grow up
94. If I had a super power it would be the ability to heal broken hearts.... think of the good I could do.
95. I can't sleep unless I have something covering me up.
96. I love snow
97. I have lots of pairs of birkenstock shoes (this is because my feet hurt).
98. I don't think I am tickelish, but I can be tickeled.
99. I belong to P.E.O..... I am a fourth generation
100. My favorite song right now is Dynamite
That was harder than I thought it would be..... but maybe you learned something.
This morning I got up and took Josie to the dog park already, because it's supposed to be so hot this afternoon, that I don't want to take her later today.
In honor of it being 100 today.... I bring you another 100 kind of update... 100 things about me. I've seen this on several peoples blogs, so I bring you my edition.
1. When I was little I wanted to be Amish.
2. I still have a fascination with the Amish.
3. When I was younger I wanted a horse.... then I went to horse camp and didn't want a horse anymore.
4. When I was younger I had 2 best friends, they both moved away, a year apart from one another.
5. I played trombone.
6. My senior year I was a drum major.
7. I was on a swim team from the age of 5 until I was 18. Toward the end of my swimming career, I wondered why I was on a swim team, because you just swim in circles, and I really felt like I was in a fishbowl with people just watching me.
8. I took dance lessons from the age of 5 until I was 18. I loved dance.
9. My first dance was the smurf hoe down.
10. My first kiss was in kindergarten... I kissed Jared Sour's hightop haircut. If that doesn't count, my first kiss was in third grade on a field trip to Pella, IA.
11. I got a rose from a boy in 5th grade on Valentines day.
12. I went to prom my freshman year.
13. In high school I dated a guy I met on the internet (it was a big deal at the time).
14. I was a lifeguard from age 14-18. It was some of the greatest times of my life.
15. I went to Luther College.
16. I did an internship at LIving History Farms. I love living history farms.
17. I got married at Living History Farms.
18. We went on our honeymoon in Galena, Illinois.
19. Matt bought our first house without me seeing it in person.
20. I rented our current house before either of us had seen it in person (p.s. we love it).
21. I love chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.
22. My favorite meal is Chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes.
23. Matt and I have mastered making pizza on the grill.
24. I make very good cinnamon rolls.
25. My first dog's names were Tippy and Toby.
26. My current dogs name is Josie.
27. I love christmas
28. I have 3 HUGE rubbermaids filled with christmas stuff, and 2 small rubbermaids.
29. I own 10 American girl dolls.
30. I worked for American Girl for 2.5 years, and was very happy in that job.
31. I was a hall director for 5 years.
32. I have my masters degree in education.
33. I don't like beer.
34. I do like martinis.
35. When I was younger we used to get Texas donuts on our birthday, they don't make texas donuts anymore.
36. I can drive manual transmission.
37. I can drywall.
38. I can lay tile.
39. I like to mow the lawn when I have a riding lawn mower.
40. When I ran away as a child - I really just went and hid in the wheeping willow tree.
41. I have 1 younger brother.
42. When we were younger sometimes I made my brother play dress up with me, and make up dances on the trampoline.
43. My grandfather built me a doll house when I was younger, it now lives in my parents basement.
44. I had compartment syndrome in high school - I still have big scars from that.
45. I had my appendix out the week of high school graduation.
46. When I was in high school I would get so tan, my friends would call me Molly-hontas.
47. I have a collection of cookbooks.... it's the area I always explore at the book store.
48. My favorite book when I was little was "There was an old lady who swallowed a fly".....
49. I now have a collection of "There was an old lady" books.
50. My collection of CDs includes a lot of soundtracks
51. I like the sound of windchimes
52. I hate the sound of a dog licking themselves
53. I love the smell of fresh baked bread
54. I love the smell of lavender/vanilla
55. I love the smell of puppy paws (they smell like corn chips).
56. I like the smell of campfires
57. I did weight watchers once and lost over 50 pounds.
58. One of my favorite movies is Little Women... others include The Patriot, Life as A House, Mr. Magoriums wonder emporium.
59. My favorite books include The Plain Truth, The Secret Garden, Water for Elephants
60. I've been told that I look like Natalie Portman
61. At one point I was tall for my age... now I am only average 5'4"
62. My favorite color is red
63. I've only owned 2 cars in my life... I love/d both of them
64. I have traveled to Europe twice
65. My favorite place that I've traveled in Prague.
66. I would love to go to Greece, Seattle, and Washington D.C.
67. I consider myself an introvert (this is hard for some people to believe).
68. My favorite store is probably Target
69. I love to use my steam cleaner
70. My favorite board game is The Game of Things
71. I love chunky jewlrey
72. I was raised methodist, I attended a Lutheran school, I married a greek orthodox, and I have no idea what I would consider my religion to be.
73. My earliest childhood memory was the day my brother was born.
74. My favorite cereal is cinnamon toast crunch.
75. My family owns a boat, and I know how to water ski.
76. Growing up I had 5 foreign exchange students live with my family.
77. My first time snow skiing was at Afton Alps when I was in 6th grade.
78. Matt and I dated for 5 years, were engaged for 2, and have been married for 3. We have known each other for a decade.
79. I love hooded sweatshirts.
80. I don't really like the taste of fish.... but I love sushi.
81. If I could have a shopping spree, I think I would want it at Barnes and Nobles.
82. My favorite gaming system is WII (yes, I play to much)
83. My favorite animal is a Polar bear
84. The first major news story I remember being interested in was Wacco Texas.
85. I support gay marriage
86. I am pro-choice
87. I believe strongly in animal rescue, and get mad when people buy dogs/cats at a pet store.
88. I love to jump off cliffs into the water (haven't done that in a long time though).
89. I know how to cross stitch.
90. I have lived in 4 states.
91. I have 5 grandparents that are still alive (that's a lot when you are 30 years old).
92. I won't buy cheap toilet paper - I think that is something worth spending money on.
93. I don't know what I want to be when I grow up
94. If I had a super power it would be the ability to heal broken hearts.... think of the good I could do.
95. I can't sleep unless I have something covering me up.
96. I love snow
97. I have lots of pairs of birkenstock shoes (this is because my feet hurt).
98. I don't think I am tickelish, but I can be tickeled.
99. I belong to P.E.O..... I am a fourth generation
100. My favorite song right now is Dynamite
That was harder than I thought it would be..... but maybe you learned something.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Diet Coke Cupcakes
If you know me, you know my favorite food is chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.
But what you might not know is I am trying to lose a little chub. My rule to myself is that when I am on the west side of the Missouri river I have to eat healthy, when I cross the river I can eat whatever I want. So, I am trying to eat healthy, and chocolate cake and chocolate frosting isn't on my OKed list.
But today I compromised. DIET COKE CAKE!
Take a cake mix, and mix in 1 can of diet cola (I used coke zero vanilla). Scoop into cupcake cups, and bake for 18-23 min at 350. Then frost... I am using sugar free frosting (It has splenda in it). If you have ever done weight watchers, you can have a cupcake for 3 points. Pretty darn good.
I like diet coke cake, even if it crumbles a little easier than regular cake. Try it if you want.
But what you might not know is I am trying to lose a little chub. My rule to myself is that when I am on the west side of the Missouri river I have to eat healthy, when I cross the river I can eat whatever I want. So, I am trying to eat healthy, and chocolate cake and chocolate frosting isn't on my OKed list.
But today I compromised. DIET COKE CAKE!
Take a cake mix, and mix in 1 can of diet cola (I used coke zero vanilla). Scoop into cupcake cups, and bake for 18-23 min at 350. Then frost... I am using sugar free frosting (It has splenda in it). If you have ever done weight watchers, you can have a cupcake for 3 points. Pretty darn good.
I like diet coke cake, even if it crumbles a little easier than regular cake. Try it if you want.
First recipe I want to share
Some of you may or may not know.... I don't love tomatoes, but will eat them on occasion, so I was surprised to like them in this recipe (that I first had at my in-laws house). I share this recipe with you, because welllll...... it tastes good, and I like it.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tomatoes and garlic; cook 5 minutes. Stir in vinegar; cook 3 minutes. Stir in salt. Arrange asparagus on a platter; top with tomato mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and pepper.
(I was going to upload a picture.... but couldn't get it to work.)
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups halved grape tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tomatoes and garlic; cook 5 minutes. Stir in vinegar; cook 3 minutes. Stir in salt. Arrange asparagus on a platter; top with tomato mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and pepper.
(I was going to upload a picture.... but couldn't get it to work.)
So I'm thinking about starting a blog
So, it's been a big year for me. I turned 30 this year, and I moved to Omaha to follow my husband's career. I got here, I set up our house, and I continue to look for employment (which is proving hard). I don't know a lot of people here, and I have a lot of free time on my hands. I find myself updating facebook with un-essential updates, so I felt like maybe if I had a blog, I could share a little more, without driving my facebook friends crazy. So this is my attempt at a blog.
I think I will probably be sharing Josie stories, new recipes, crafts, and maybe some adventures we go on. Who knows what this will be, but we will see.
I think I will probably be sharing Josie stories, new recipes, crafts, and maybe some adventures we go on. Who knows what this will be, but we will see.
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