Kitchen Spruce Up

Now that I'm actually spending time in my kitchen, I thought it was time to make it an enjoyable space.  What would REALLY make it enjoyable is a new range, oven, and ventilation system, but I suppose this things will have to do for now.

The Recipe Book

Since I bought my first house in Norman in 2005, I've been collecting recipes from magazines and family members.  I didn't have any kind of organization system, so I decided it was time to get things in order.  What a mess!

First, I separated the recipes into appetizers, salads, main dishes, side dishes, desserts, snacks, and cocktails.

Then, I found some cutie dividers and a paint pen for labeling.

Then, I typed and printed EVERY RECIPE!

Finally, I decided on a suitable cover for the recipe binder.  I can't wait to add to it!

There's no real explanation for the next "spruce up"... other than I went to Anthropology one day.

Cutie Kitchen Pulls

 I think this one is my favorite... and Nick's least favorite.

So about those new appliances...

Thanksgiving Cooking

Typically, I spend Thanksgiving running from family to family trying to squeeze everything in.  First, it was always Dad's family, then Mom's, then Aunt Mary's, and then Nick's.  This year, everyone decided to eat on the same day at the same time.  While I was bummed I didn't get to see everyone, I was happy to just relax!  And I was also glad to have time to make my contribution to dinner this year!

Easiest and Yummiest Cranberry Sauce Ever!

(From Pioneer Woman... my hero!)

It only has 3 ingredients!  Cranberries, Pomegranate juice, and sugar.

12-16 oz fresh cranberries, 16 oz pomegranate juice, 3/4 cup sugar.

Cook it on low-med heat for 20 minutes.  SO easy and yum yum!

Another Thanksgiving staple...  the beeeeeeeeans!  (I doubled the recipe, FYI.)

Green Bean Casserole

(Thanks, Pioneer Woman, for the recipe and some of these pics!)

Some ingredients

End of step 1

 What makes it good... bacon.

Onion and garlic

Saute bacon, onion, and garlic.

Cheeses, flour, half and half, and whole milk.  YUM.

 ... and throw in a stick of butter.  Why not?

 A lil nutmeg

Cheese cheese cheese!

Pimentos

Cover the green beans in the bacon, milk, cheese combo and get ready to bake.

Breadcrumbs on top...

Bake and ENJOY!

I was slightly more adventurous with this next dish.  It comes HIGHLY recommended, but with a few additions to the original recipe.  Nick and I enjoyed this on the night before we separated to conquer Thanksgivings solo.

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

 (From Martha)

Ingredients

First into the pan...

Next, add the cheeeeeeeeeeese!

 

Nutmeg

Then comes the pumpkin!

Stir in the pasta.

More cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake!

I sauteed up  a little spinach with butter, balsamic, and garlic... you know, for antioxidants.

All done and ready to enjoy!

We cracked open a special bottle of wine!  I got this when I was in California for Ashley and Michael's wedding in late October.  It is made at the winery located on the horse whisper's ranch.

 

Pretty dang good!

 

If you aren't careful, the mac and cheese can come out a little bland.  Be very generous with the salt and pepper, make sure to use sharp cheddar, and you might add a touch of cinnamon.  (I also thought about garlic, but I like garlic with everything.  :)

I hope everyone enjoys!  Can't wait for more cooking adventures next year.

Home Improvements

A few weeks ago, the paint in our shower started to crack.  Right before it drove me completely insane, Nick spent his ONLY day off making the repairs.  WHEW!

It was about this time that we realized the idiots had painted over wallpaper.

And then I found more spots that I wanted repaired.  :)

And more...

 

Finally time to paint!  This was after only 3 trips to WALMART looking for the correct color of this crappy paint.

Messy!

When Walmart mixes your colors, they don't exactly match... so Nick pretty much repainted the entire bathroom.

Whew!  Good as new (in 1950).

We now have a new and improved bathroom!  Are you digging our pink tile??  Don't be jealous.