Monday, September 24, 2007

A New Lease on the Living Room

We recently ordered some new furniture, which arrived on Friday. We spent Saturday looking for stuff to go with our new couch and love seat. Our living room looks and feels very different. Feel free to stop by and check it out if you want.

Lions and Meerkats and Hyenas...Oh My!

Daniel and I went to see The Lion King this past Thursday night at the Music Hall at Fair Park. I had always heard rave reviews of this show and it definitely fulfilled my expectations. The costumes were phenomenal, the puppetry amazing, and the cast was extremely talented. I think the only thing that could have made it better was if we were in New York seeing it on Broadway.

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Let's Go Swimming!

Saturday, Christi came to visit with her precious kiddos. I just love this family. I have known Christi and Ben and their children for 6 years. It is hard to believe how quickly time has gone by.

We spent Saturday afternoon hanging out by the pool chatting while the kids enjoyed the water. It was great getting to spend time with them. I took over 50 pictures of the kids swimming and playing in the pool. Here are just a few from our time together.

Just chillin'
Geronimo!
Look out below!
Silly guy!
What a handsome little guy!
Swimming, swimming and more swimming

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil

If you read my previous post you know I tried out a new recipe over the weekend. It was delicious! Here it is for those of you who enjoy a new recipe every now and then.

Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil

4 1/2 C fat-free, less sodium chicken broth
1 T extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 C chopped leek (can substitute green onions)
1 1/2 C Arborio rice (risotto)
1/3 C dry white wine
1/4 C half and half
1 t salt
1/4 t freshly ground black pepper
1 C halved grape tomatoes
1/4 C chopped fresh basil
5 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, finely diced

Bring chicken broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan (do not boil)

Heat 1 T EVOO in large saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add leek to pan; saute' three minutes or until tender. Add rice; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in wine, cook 1 minute or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Stir in 1C broth; cook 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth is absorbed before adding next portion (about 25 minutes total). Stir in half and half, salt and pepper; cook two minutes. Remove from heat; stir in tomatoes, basil and cheese.

The recipe in the magazine also calls for a balsamic vinegar sauce, but I omitted this from our recipe the other night. If you choose to use it you will need 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Before preparing the chicken broth place the vinegar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until slightly syrupy and reduced to 1 tablespoon. Set aside.

Once you have stirred in the tomatoes, basil and cheese and put each portion into a bowl or plate, drizzle each serving with 1/2 teaspoon balsamic syrup and 1/2 teaspoon EVOO.

Bon Apetit!

China, Candelight and Crystal

Like most young married couples, Daniel and I had never used our china or crystal, until last night.

Yesterday after talking with my sweet friend Meredith and discussing the issue of wedding china never being used, I decided that we really did not have to have a holiday or special occasion in order to use our beautiful china and crystal. So, last night I prepared a new recipe from my Cooking Light magazine and Daniel and I had a quiet candlelit dinner using our china. It was a lot of fun and we hope to do it again soon!
Candlelit dinner for two

Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil