Saturday, August 16, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
I cant believe I almost missed the plum week! As you can see tommorrow I am going to have to put up another fruit but for now baby is plum size. 
For dessert
Stracoto with Porcini Mushrooms
Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis
Show:
Everyday Italian
Episode:
Soups and Stews
1 (4-pound) boneless beef chuck roast
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, sliced
6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1 cup dry red wine
1 3/4 cups canned beef broth
1/2-ounce dried porcini mushrooms
1 large sprig fresh rosemary, plus extra for garnish
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the beef generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy 6-quart roasting pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until brown on all sides, about 15 minutes total cooking time. Transfer the beef to a bowl. Add remaining tablespoon oil to the pan, add the onions and saute until tender, scraping up the brown bits on the bottom of the pot, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute 1 minute. Add the wine and boil 1 minute. Stir in the broth and mushrooms. Return the beef to the pan. Bring the liquids to a boil. Cover and transfer to the oven. Braise until the beef is fork-tender, turning the beef over halfway through cooking, about 3 hours.
Transfer the beef to a cutting board. Tent the beef with foil and let stand 15 minutes. Meanwhile, spoon any excess fat off the top of the pan juices. Transfer the pan juices and vegetables to a blender and puree until smooth. Combine the sauce and rosemary sprig in heavy medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Season the sauce, to taste, with salt and pepper.
Cut the beef across the grain into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange the sliced beef on a platter and garnish with rosemary. Spoon the sauce over and serve, passing the remaining sauce in a sauceboat.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
My beautiful water dog
My specimen of a springer spaniel....champion.
He looks a little less put together here. They both LOVE the water and swimming. We had a good time and were able to do some baby shopping that we couldnt get to in rural NH.
Right after my high school reunion we found out we are expecting a baby! This was definately unexpected but we are thrilled none the less. Our due date , February 19th, was confirmed at our 8 week appointment when we had our first ultrasound. 
Thus far Andy has decided our ultrasound looks like the batman symbol so he has taken to calling the baby Bruce Wayne...not sure how I feel about the name. The heartrate was 158 beats per minute and the baby measured exactly 8 weeks.
Andy and I spent two days in Seward with my mom, Gordon and Debbie. We hiked exit glacier and resurection trail. The weather was so so but we had a blast.
No clue what we are doing
Hiking ressurection trail
I swear we have an identical picture from senior prom somewhere....will have to dig it up.
These are a few quick picks from my high school reunion. I unfortunately didnt bring my camera but I did manage to steal picks from other peoples sights. Thanks Monica and Courtney.
We had an absolute blast and got to spend some time with my very cool classmates and their significant others. The husbands got along well and it was very fun to see everyone "grown up". Cant wait until 20!
Courtney, Me, Shasta and Monica at Mirror Lake
The day after my high school reunion my parents took Andy, Monica and myself up to Eklutna to go biking. The day was beautiful.
Monica and myself riding our big tough mountain bikes.