Instant Pot Monday; chicken & potatoes

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What to make for dinner?

Always a challenge, but more so when I didn’t get off work till late. So after I did a search in the depth of my freezer to see what I had to work with.

Enter the Instant Pot.

With some frozen chicken, red potatoes, assorted herbs, broccoli and some jarred black bean and corn salsa. My dinner was set. After I added veggies to steam in the residual heat for a final few minutes. Dinner was ready in 30 minutes.

The recipe is super simple

In the Instant Pot; add 5-10 red potatoes, rinsed and halved. Add 4-6 frozen chicken breasts, pour 1 cup of water and one 24 ounce jar of the corn and bean salsa, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste. Add a few stems of rosemary, (or any other herbs). Got some dried fruit? Sun-dried tomatoes? Toss them in too. Save Cilantro for topping at the end.

Turn the IP on pressure cook for 20 minutes, use then use the quick release, toss in the broccoli and cover again for 5 minutes to “steam”. Add chopped Cilantro, a few squeezes of lime  and serve

 

Thats it!

Some ways I’m spending my off hours #shelteringinplace

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From creative cooking challenges

While not everything I want is available at the stores- I am finding some fun in coming up with ideas using what I have. Vanilla Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip “Pop Tart” wedges, was one that rose to the top. Then just because Paul is lamenting the Walking Dead “COVID-interuptus” episode last week, his got topped with ice cream and a dollop of whip cream.

And a rainy Sunday seemed like a good day for banana choc chop & peanut butter bread

Shelter games

While we settled in after already being on lockdown for several weeks. The May 1 extension for #ShelterInPlace got my crazies in play too.

I adjusted the “kitchen” with labels and containers as the new “employee lounge”. With three adults all teleworking from home, often from 7am -7pm, this is where we meet during office hours‬. The boys appreciated my humor…

Order up!

I even joined in the scavenger hunt and put one of the only bears I have in the window. With a little light swing to brighten him up at night.

Of course Paul managed to make Dino part of the madness. Poor Dino but he is taking it in stride and loves us home so much.

Then I discovered Tiktok!

As a fun distraction, way to connect and meet new people and mostly for general silly fun.

@frank_mentorsf

♬ original sound – Jana Detrick

 

@frank_mentorsf

#duet with @jamusic4 Taking a #StellaDora break from #Covid19 today.

♬ original sound – jamusic4 (Jeff)

@frank_mentorsf

♬ original sound – Hunter Harden

Food Lover’s Guide to Eating in Manhattan

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Any true foodie will rejoice on a trip to Manhattan. This melting pot of cultures features the country’s most diverse dining landscape, making it easy to find something to satisfy any craving. Here are four types of cuisine to indulge in while in the Big Apple.

Asian Food

A rich history of immigration to the US by people from Asia has resulted in a significant Asian population in New York City. With this large population of Asian immigrants comes a host of opportunities to indulge in authentic cuisine over a wide range of cultural subsets. The best place to start your Asian cuisine exploration in New York City is in Chinatown. Simply take a stroll along Canal Street and you will be met with a host of restaurants to welcome you in for a fabulous meal. If you’re looking for a finer meal, Shanghai 21 is highly rated by customers as a quality restaurant with vegan options. If you’re looking for some cheaper Asian fare, Xi’an Famous Foods and Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles can both get you some quick yummy dumplings or soup for under $5.

Classic Steakhouses

There is no more quintessential New York City dining experience than enjoying a steak dinner in one of the area’s many classic steakhouses. These traditional steakhouses harken back to the old days with their leather furnishings, wood trim, and soft lighting. Popular places to consider for your meal include Gallagher’s Steakhouse, Delmonico’s, Peter Luger’s, and Smith & Wollensky. Any of these upscale joints will provide the best cuts of meat paired with all of the traditional steakhouse sides.

Bar Food

New York’s lively nightlife and bar scene translate to a cornucopia of bar food goodness. With so many options, you are never more than a short distance away from an amazing gastropub. Some of the best choices to consider include The Spotted Pig in the West Village, Ousia in trendy Hell’s Kitchen, Pier A Harbor House in Battery Park City, and Bolton & Watt in the East Village. If taking an Uber home, be advised that ride-share fare may increase during inclement weather, so plan your transportation carefully.

Italian Cuisine

For the most amazing Italian food in the states, be sure to head to New York City’s Little Italy neighborhood. Savvy travelers will check out the welcoming atmosphere and fabulous food at places such as Da Nico, Angelo’s of Mulberry Street, and Il Cortile. After you have noshed on fresh pasta and pizza, you are going to want to leave time to explore this lovely district with a cone of genuine gelato. If you’re looking for some good, cheap pizza on the go, however, you might want to stop by Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village or one of the surrounding locations.

Manhattan is not just a place to sightsee. You should prepare your taste buds to be met with an explosion of flavors with a trip to Manhattan. This bustling city will leave your stomach full and your heart happy.

How to Find Healthy Eating Options in Texas

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Finding healthy food can be a challenge when in Texas. A fondness for deep-fried dishes with lots of butter means you have to know where to look for healthy food when visiting the Lone Star State. Luckily, there are options.

Avoid Southern Fried Foods

Fried food is a staple in the South, and it’s easy to see this when you look at a menu. Fried chicken, chicken fried steak, and even fried vegetables are the norm. Consuming too much-fried food is not good for your body. High in calories and fat and loaded with salt, fried food can contribute to high cholesterol and health problems. You are also more likely to gain weight on a diet full of fried food, and that leaves you open to a variety of other health issues. If possible, avoid any food that says it has been fried. Opt for options that have been prepared in a different way.

Look for Local

Not every local restaurant will offer healthy food, but local places usually know more about what is in the food they serve. They may also be willing to work with you to create a meal that fulfills your hopes since they have more freedom than a chain. Search for local restaurants that focus on healthy eating. Even in the South, places like this exist. The food will also likely taste better due to the freshness of the ingredients.

Restaurant Research

Doing your homework beforehand can help you locate healthy eating options. You can use the internet to research local restaurants near the airport in your destination city. This will keep you from choosing a restaurant without any healthy options on the menu. Online reviews are a great way to find out what a restaurant has to offer. Customers often mention diets that restaurants cater to, whether you are looking for Paleo, gluten-free, or vegan options. You can also check a restaurant’s website and peruse the menu. Call before you arrive if you still have questions.

Stick to What You Know

Retailers like Whole Foods offer healthy food that is already prepared. You can enjoy choices from the salad area or purchase an already cooked chicken to consume. The ingredients are listed, and healthy grocers are known for having options that other stores or restaurants may not. If you want to put together a delicious meal on your own, simply head to a healthy grocer and buy what fits in with your diet.

When traveling, it may seem like an impossible task to eat healthy, but there are options out there that can help you to stick to your diet. Eating healthy doesn’t have to take a vacation just because you are visiting another state. Even a place like Texas has eating choices for anyone concerned about wellness.

If you’re traveling to Texas, check out these destinations!

December 2019 recap

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Well its that time of January, when I am finally back on track and catching up on all the delays, vacation emails from folks. The majority of the holiday decor is down and we are settling into more rain here in the Bay Area. Below is a visual recap of some of the highlights.

Homemade gifts

This year I went back into my craft pile and decided I was going to use more of the surplus old jewelry pieces I use of when I made the Planner Keepers and Book Jewels in 2018. While I had initially thought I would do ornaments, I somehow got my vision shifted and ended up making decorative pinecones “globes”. While a bitch to ship, I am happy to say all but two arrive in tack and I even have a few extra still around to give as gifts or sell. The only “new” as in pre-owned that I needed to purchase to make these were the vases that got used as the globe parts. With each one taking about 2 days plus dry time. Needless to say, a few folks got them late. A couple of folks were all “you should sell them”. And I’m like and what, call them “Gaudy Baubles”? Hey.. that could work too.

While a lot of work – it was pretty cool to see the progress. Even if the house was covered in glitter snow.

The rest of December was pretty casual. No big party this year did a super casual last-minute potluck with a few pals. I managed to back a few treats while Paul recovered from some dental work. Scored a great find at Salvation Army with a 5 foot “Santa” which didn’t get added into the decorations but it was a pretty damp holiday.  Did try out two new cake recipes which were hits as well as some fun vintage ornaments I scored.  then a great dinner at our favorite steakhouse for New Year’s Eve. So overall a good way to wrap up 2020

 

Can I Drive a Car After Nibbling on CBD Edibles?

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CBD oil has become wildly popular of late, with nearly 1 in 7 Americans trying the compound. However, since it is so new, there is a wide degree of misinformation about its impacts. For example, many are confused about if CBD has any intoxicating effects, and whether or not you can even drive while using CBD oil, a question which could have a major impact on your travel plans.

Nature of CBD

As long as it is made legally, CBD will contain, at the most, .3 percent THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the chemical in marijuana responsible for intoxication). As such, it is impossible to get high while using CBD, and you should not feel anything close to intoxication. Indeed, CBD is not a drug like marijuana. Instead, it alters the functioning of your body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoid system. This can have an impact on a variety of bodily functions, including pain, appetite, fatigue, and more.

Sensitivity of Drug Testing

If you are pulled over and suspected of being under the influence of marijuana, you’ll be given a drug test. It is extremely unlike that CBD will result in you testing positive, but it is possible. This depends on a variety of factors, including how recently you consumed the CBD, your previous history with cannabis, your metabolism, height, weight and the sensitivity of the drug test.

Local Laws

Keep in mind that some states have specific laws regarding CBD and whether or not it is legal to consume or possess. While it is legal in most states in America, and at the federal level, you should always check local laws before consuming or purchasing CBD. Just imagine during your commute getting arrested for DUI, it is something you don’t want on your record—getting a DUI ruins lives. This is very important and particularly if you travel abroad, as many countries have not yet legalized CBD.

Other Medications

One of the key aspects about CBD to keep in mind is that it can cause your liver to absorb more of a medication that may be designed by the medication’s creators, or even than is healthy for your body. This tends to cause the effects of medication on your body to be exaggerated. As such, if you take medications that have sedative effects, taking CBD may enhance those effects and make you an unsafe driver.

You should always use caution when consuming any new substance, including CBD. Check with your doctor or other medical professionals to make sure that your CBD consumption is safe while you travel on the road.

Planning a road trip soon? Check out these tips for eating healthily while you travel.

3 Southern Cities That Are Making It Big on the Craft Beer Scene

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Move over, San Francisco, Fort Worth and Boston. There are some new craft brewery cities on the block, and they’re making a huge difference in how and what you drink.

Asheville, NC

Asheville is relatively new to the craft beer scene, but it has quickly become a mecca for beer lovers. According to SMBYO, the craft beer industry in Asheville is booming and has more craft beer breweries than any other city in the country with some serving almost every style of beer. Many consider Asheville’s Wicked Weed Brewing Company to be the best of the best. They opened their doors in 2012 with 25 unique beers and have expanded to four brewing locations and three taprooms. In 2014, the company opened the Funkatorium, which is a taproom dedicated to serving their infamous sour beers. Some of the top-rated beers in the state include Wicked Weed’s Golden Angel, Red Angel and Angel of Darkness American ales. Other popular breweries in Asheville include Burial Beer Company, Pisgah Brewing Company, and Highland Brewery.

Louisville, KY

Louisville is not just known for its whiskeys. It features a growing craft beer industry that offers consistently great tasting brews. The area boasts an impressive 21 breweries. Many of the beers have flavors crafted from local ingredients, giving them a uniqueness that can only be found in Louisville. The oldest and largest brewery is the Bluegrass Brewing Company. Their main location is in a historic downtown building that offers tours and tastings. Their most popular beers include an American Pale Ale, Dark Star Porter and German Altbier. They also pour bourbon barrel-aged brews. Falls City Beer is the official beer of the Kentucky Derby and serves its Extra Special English Pale Ale, Hipster Repellent and Wheat Ale in a newly opened location. Apocalypse Brewery brews its beers in a facility with solar-powered water and recycled equipment. Its 10 beers include the popular Irish Red Rapture, R.I.P. Rye and Dystopian Dunkle.

Nashville, TN

According to Maple Ridge Events, craft breweries are popping up all over the Music City and provide unique options to locals and tourists alike. Bearded Iris Brewing serves some of the best beers in the state. Its variety and use of hops and other ingredients are evident in its Attention Please, Homestyle and Double Scatterbrain IPAs. Wiseacre Brewing has the top-rated Astronaut Status Imperial Stout. Yazoo Brewing Company’s Hefeweizen won a gold medal at the 2003 Great American Beer Festival.

Next time you’re in the southern part of the U.S., make an effort to stop in one of these cities to enjoy a beer. You’ll be glad you did.

Here’s another article you might like: The Best Cities in Colorado for Food Lovers

When the night calls for heat

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Some days a picture is worth a thousand words…

From my recent visit to IL Casaro Pizzeria & Mozzarella Bar.

A good solid addition to the Castro, from the great food to the friendly staff. Well worth a visit.

Eating single? Skip the table and eat at the bar. When North Beach hits the Castro;

 

Now 2 Locations to serve you
Castro
235 Church Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
TEL|415.875.9421
North Beach 
348 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA
94133

TEL|415.677-9455

Big food “doings” last week

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Its that time of the year…

But I opted to keep this year low key for TDay. No travel, no company or open house. Just Paul, the pup and me. Have to be honest, it was pretty nice.

– Got some walks in

– Rearranged living room

– Tree up

– Saw two movies including Knives Out,

– Made one chocolate pecan pie,

– Played around with a sweet potato and pecan  cake,

– Cooked an easy turkey dinner for two (on Friday) and leftovers for sandwiches and sweet potato Shepard’s pie.

– Had time with the boys

– Got some crafting organized for this years holiday gifts

 

– Read a bunch of books, watched some Hallmark and Scifi to keep them balanced.

– Got my vintage, homemade diorama up in one piece

– Now Monday,  I starting thinking about cookies. From last years group 2018 or do I redo ones from some of my previous favorites... so many options.

 

 

 

Pauls Birthday Week…

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And it continues…

Dinner in tonight for Paul’s bday week recognition. He had a choice of nice dinner out or in. He opted for in.  Of course that also meant “hmm lets refresh the living room and rearrange it, because shopping and dinner prep wasn’t enough already. But the new layout looks great

And For Dinner

So I went with a new recipe I came across  for slow braised short ribs over polenta and vegetables since its not something Ive cooked before and the recipe looked good.

A simple salad and oven roasted brussel sprouts and broccoli with balsamic vinegar  rounded out the meal.

Along with his requested fav cake from Noe Valley Bakery.