This has to be simplist dinner I have ever made last night-it literally took zero effort and tasted fantastic. So fantastic I was a piggy and ate it before I could take a picture of how good it looked.
Go forth and enjoy!
Lemon Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
Any amount of chicken you want-I used 3 thin, small, breasts for 2 people
2 lemons, juiced and zested
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball it
(I used a dash of lemon juice from the bottle too-added some nice flavor)
Coarse black pepper
Coarse salt
Directions
Heat the grill over medium high heat. In a shallow dish, combine lemon zest and juice with extra-virgin olive oil. [Optional: reserve 1/4 of the marinade for coating after. I didn't read that part and did not do it, they still tasted fabulous.]
Allow chicken to marinate in juice/zest mix and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper, for 15 minutes. Cook chicken on a very hot grill, approximately 3-8 minutes depending on thickness. Transfer to a serving platter and brush with the reserved marinade, if you wish.
I served with baked potatoes and it was a great Sunday meal. Bonus-do it on the grill and you won't break a sweat in your hot kitchen! Thank you Rachael Ray for the simple supper.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Kerri's Shower Part Deux: A Tea Party
My fellow MOH, Erin K, did the most amazing family shower for Kerri yesterday, a tea party! I totally lapsed and didn't get pictures of the various pitchers of the iced variety (its 100+ degrees here!) but take a look at this chic affair she put together for her sister. This fancy fete was straight out of a Martha Stewart magazine. Nay, I redact that. BETTER than an MS shower and totally Weddingbee worthy!!
A lady and her loot
Sisters
The 'Party
Second Bow-quet, and my first attempt, not too shabby!
Since '90
A lady and her loot
Sisters
The 'Party
Second Bow-quet, and my first attempt, not too shabby!
Since '90Sunday Confessions
At 25 years old, I have finally seen Ghostbusters. The movie was made the year I was born. Why on earth did it take me so long to see such an awesomely silly movie?!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Saturdays with Scott
In continuing to feature the original Haselton in this family, I bring you Saturdays with Scott. Not original, akin to Tuesdays with Morrie, and I'm addicted to alliteration. What can you do.
Like many couples, Scott and I have things in common that tie us together, yet also varied strengths that really set us apart. For one, Scott is a fiercely talented musician and I have yet to even attempt an instrument.
As a child, Scott played the piano. I think it was more of a non-sport extracurricular activity asked of him by his parents, and like any good/quasi-mischievous child, he obliged. Like many of us, we learn to appreciate things in life a little later, and realized what he missed in college, taking a class for several semesters, and even participated in performances. Additionally, he played at his cousin Audra's wedding, and is always up for a duet with Abbie, or an impromptu routine from me to Elton John's classic, "Tiny Dancer." Recently, as a belated birthday present, we purchased a digital keyboard for our third floor apartment (no baby grands coming up here!) and I can see how much of a stress reliever it is for him to play. I love hearing his melodies drifting through the house.
In junior high, he was part of the drumline with Rob, and Kerri and I were the loyalist of groupies (though this was all pre-dating, just fyi.) He played like the master I know he is, just a natural born mucisian, talented with a variety of instruments.
In high school, he would not continue with band, but would pick up the guitar as a hobby. After getting married, we now have a collection of three guitars, one being an acoustic that I gave him most recently for Christmas. Next to the piano, this is one of my favorite hear him play. What can I say-a guy, with a guitar, playing Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Bob Marley, and even the one original I "composed" one wine-induced night? I'm a sucker for that.
These talents, in terms of playing as well as reading music, floor me. Perhaps it is because I haven't put much time into trying, but his effortless success is truly inspiring. Coming from a non-musical family, this has been a lovely, unexpected surprise with marriage.
Like many couples, Scott and I have things in common that tie us together, yet also varied strengths that really set us apart. For one, Scott is a fiercely talented musician and I have yet to even attempt an instrument.
As a child, Scott played the piano. I think it was more of a non-sport extracurricular activity asked of him by his parents, and like any good/quasi-mischievous child, he obliged. Like many of us, we learn to appreciate things in life a little later, and realized what he missed in college, taking a class for several semesters, and even participated in performances. Additionally, he played at his cousin Audra's wedding, and is always up for a duet with Abbie, or an impromptu routine from me to Elton John's classic, "Tiny Dancer." Recently, as a belated birthday present, we purchased a digital keyboard for our third floor apartment (no baby grands coming up here!) and I can see how much of a stress reliever it is for him to play. I love hearing his melodies drifting through the house.
In junior high, he was part of the drumline with Rob, and Kerri and I were the loyalist of groupies (though this was all pre-dating, just fyi.) He played like the master I know he is, just a natural born mucisian, talented with a variety of instruments.
In high school, he would not continue with band, but would pick up the guitar as a hobby. After getting married, we now have a collection of three guitars, one being an acoustic that I gave him most recently for Christmas. Next to the piano, this is one of my favorite hear him play. What can I say-a guy, with a guitar, playing Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Bob Marley, and even the one original I "composed" one wine-induced night? I'm a sucker for that.
These talents, in terms of playing as well as reading music, floor me. Perhaps it is because I haven't put much time into trying, but his effortless success is truly inspiring. Coming from a non-musical family, this has been a lovely, unexpected surprise with marriage.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Oh, Nutella
Nutella has to be one of life's most delicious pleasures. Hands down, it would be one of the three items, along with Chapstick and probably Purell, that I would take with me on a desert island. (Let's face it-moisture on the lips would be essential, I could clean myself and possibly disinfect bites, and finally, who wouldn't be game for Nutella on palm leaves-genius!)
I have made several desserts with this tasty spread, and for the foodies out there, you may know that Giada DeLaurentiis is the primary writer of most recipes that include Nutella.
So for your Friday night reading pleasure, I give you HazelNutella Kisses (well, that is what I cleverly dubbed them at our wedding. If you search the FoodNetwork website, type in Chocolate Hazelnut Smooches.)
I have made several desserts with this tasty spread, and for the foodies out there, you may know that Giada DeLaurentiis is the primary writer of most recipes that include Nutella.
So for your Friday night reading pleasure, I give you HazelNutella Kisses (well, that is what I cleverly dubbed them at our wedding. If you search the FoodNetwork website, type in Chocolate Hazelnut Smooches.)
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Nutella, [or a lot more if you are like me]
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup orange sprinkles, or orange sugar [I have yet to do this, it's always the fancy crystal sugar for me]
- 1 (9-ounce) package of Hershey's Kisses
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In another medium bowl, place the chocolate hazelnut spread, butter, and both sugars. Using a hand mixer, cream the ingredients together, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and blend until incorporated. Stir in the dry ingredients, just until incorporated.
Shape the cookie dough into walnut-sized balls. Rolls the balls in the sugar, pressing to adhere. Place the cookies on a heavy cookie sheet about 4 inches apart.
Bake for 8 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven. Quickly place a chocolate kiss in the middle of each cookie. Return the cookies to the oven and bake for another three minutes. Cool the cookies on a wire rack.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Concerning Laundry
Do most people use fabric softener? I suppose I never have just due to the fact that my mom didn't and it seems like just another step/Target item that would require replacing/thing I would need to lug up 3 flights of stairs. Perhaps I am being a terrible wife and laundering rough, starchy clothing.
Generally I do 3-4 loads each weekend: lights, darks, towels/sheets, and my delicates-pretty much everything of mine that is not workout clothing. I am a simplify, simplify, simplify, kind of gal, so this seems like the most basic that I can break it down. I use Cheer or whatever is on sale to wash everything but my delicates, in which Woolite comes into play.
I'd be interested to know if there is an overall opinion on fabric softener, specifically after seeing ads for Snuggle Creme-what is that about? The commercial illustrates a woman taking a bath and somehow we should equate wearing clothing to a luxurious bubble bath? No thanks, someday I hope to have a lovely cashmere sweater but that will likely be the closest I come to wearing a "creamy" fabric. I'll stick to my natural cotton in its soft state thankyouverymuch, Snuggle.
Generally I do 3-4 loads each weekend: lights, darks, towels/sheets, and my delicates-pretty much everything of mine that is not workout clothing. I am a simplify, simplify, simplify, kind of gal, so this seems like the most basic that I can break it down. I use Cheer or whatever is on sale to wash everything but my delicates, in which Woolite comes into play.
I'd be interested to know if there is an overall opinion on fabric softener, specifically after seeing ads for Snuggle Creme-what is that about? The commercial illustrates a woman taking a bath and somehow we should equate wearing clothing to a luxurious bubble bath? No thanks, someday I hope to have a lovely cashmere sweater but that will likely be the closest I come to wearing a "creamy" fabric. I'll stick to my natural cotton in its soft state thankyouverymuch, Snuggle.
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