Ode to Sliders

First is this



Then this


Finally- there is this



We don't have a White C*astle near where I live. The closest one is 90 minutes or so away. We went to a cousin's baby shower 2 hours away today. There was a White C*astle. The lovely Slider establishment. We saw. We ordered. We brought the goods home and were hailed as heros. Alas the feast ended.

Until next time my friend, until next time.

Now- if I can only find a Church*s Chicken less than 2 hours away......or a W*ing Stop.......

Hungry?

Another web site got me thinking of a family favorite, beef stroganoff. We usually had it at Christmas at my grandma's house. Brings back lots of memories. Think I may have to make it sometime soon.

We usually double this recipe and serve over white rice. It's an easy recipe to double or even triple.

Enjoy.

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless beef sirloin tip, cut into strips
stick of butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 sliced green onions (white part only)
5 TBS flour
1 can condensed beef broth
1 tsp Dijon mustard
6-8 oz of sliced mushrooms (canned is fine)
1/3 C sour cream
1/3 C red wine
salt/pepper/garlic to taste

What to do:

1. Remove fat and gristle from sirloin and sprinkle with the 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper.

2. Heat skillet and add the stick of butter. When butter is melted add the mean and saute quickly, browning the meat evenly.

3. Push meat to one side and add the green onions and cook slowly until transparent.

4. Push onions aside and stir flour into drippings.

5. Add the beef broth. Bring to boiling then turn heat down, stir in the mustard and cover pan. Simmer for about 1 hour or until meat is tender.

6. Five minutes before serving add the mushrooms, sour cream and red wine. Heat through and season to taste with salt/pepper/garlic.

7. Serve over steamed rice (or noodles)

Let's Pretend

Let's pretend shall we?

Let's pretend that there's a woman who has spent 8 years in a Midwestern senate. She's of mixed race. Seen as black by this country. She has two small children and seems to have a ton of charisma and personality. Would she be your pick for president? Would she have enough experience in your eyes to be able to hold the job?

What about a white man with the same qualifications. Eight years in the senate, seems to be able to hold a crowd. Can give a great speech. Would you want him- with that lack of experience in the white house?

If you answered no- you wouldn't be alone. So why is it that Barak Obama is now the Democratic nominee for president?

Is it because sexism is still more prevalent in this country than we like to believe? Is it because folks were afraid of being called racist if they pointed out Obama's shortfalls?

If a white man or a woman of any race had tried to run with the experience Obama brings, they would have been laughed out of the race before it even began. Why the difference for Obama?

Don't get me wrong- I would like to feel as if the Democrats can clean up the mess left in the white house under the Bush administration. I just don't think the presidential nominee has the experience to get the things done that he can so wonderfully speak of doing.

So, come election time, I'll be one of "those" people that chooses not to vote. I'll choose not to vote because I can not, in good conscious back either presidential candidate.

Why??

80 applications for four job openings. I guess this is why I don't yet have a teaching job in my home state.

I know it could be worse- but allow me a moment to pity myself as I know I'm a damned good teacher who can't even get an interview!

Yesterday was Zoo Day Field Trip

Mr. Peacock strutting his stuff for the local ladies.

Easiest White Chili Ever

Today is the first time I've tried to make or have eaten white chili. Typically made from chicken or turkey and white beans it never seemed all that appetizing to me.

Today has changed that. I made what had to be the easiest white chili and it was also very tasty. Let me know if anyone out there tries this and enjoys it.

1 lbs. cooked chicken shredded- I used a rotisserie chicken

48 oz of white beans. I used a combo of cannelloni and navy beans- but feel free to use northern beans, all cannelloni, all navy, etc... whatever you like best

1 jar of salsa mild - I used P*ace. Again use what you like

1 small can mild green chilies

80z Mexican blend shredded cheese- I used Sar*gento's. Feel free to use all Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack or whatever you like

1 TBS. cumin

6 small shakes Texas*Pete hot sauce

Put all ingredients in your pan. Heat through on the stove.

Everyone enjoyed this chili. I was amazed.

This is a very mild chili so if you want it with a bit more of a kick use medium or hot salsa &/or add hotter peppers.

Enjoy.

He Mei

It seems that Anna Mae He (Baker) is now being called He Mei in her school in China. I can't imagine having my name taken away after losing so much already. I suppose it may be easier for her to blend in this way. Or perhaps the Chinese teachers will only call her by her Chinese name. Still, it must be hard.

The article states that at home she is probably still being called Anna Mae and spoken to in English. However, I guess folks wouldn't know this for certain unless they were there.