Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Yay for swimsuits!

My friend told me about a brand of modest swimming suits that she sells called Modbe. They have a website where you can check them out. http://www.modbeclothing.com/
I guess if anyone is interested you can order them online, or she does parties where you can actually try them on first to make sure they fit just perfect! Just let me know!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Salmon

We were so excited to go to the grocery store (Smith's) and discover a sale on fresh salmon filets. Salmon is one of our family's favorite meals--even my picky 6 year old loves it.

Here is our favorite recipe for salmon. We discovered it in a BHG grilling cook book but we usually end up broiling it.

Caramelized Salmon with Citrus Salsa

Rub:
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons finely shredded orange peel
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Mix ingredients together

1. Rinse fish and pat dry with paper towels. Place fish, skin side down, in a baking dish (I line it with tin foil and poke a few holes for the juices to run out).
2. Sprinkle rub evenly over the fish and rub in with your fingers. Cover and marinate for 8 to 12 hours. (We never leave it to marinate.)
3. Broil on high for 12-15 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
4. To serve, cut fish into serving-size peices, cutting to but not through the skin. Carefully separate the fish from the skin. Serve with salsa.

The salsa is good, but we don't make it every time.

Salsa:
1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
2 oranges, peeled, sectioned, and coarsely chopped
1 cup chopped pineapple, drained
2 tablespoons cilantro
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped.

We love this meal with rice and vegetables. It's yummy and disappears quickly.

Friday, February 8, 2008

Politics

We talk politics a lot at our house. Anyone who knows my husband can testify that this is true. We loved living in New Hampshire and participating in the 2000 Primary. But this year, Mitt Romney's campaign for the Republican nomination has really intensified the political conversation in our home.

My six year old son has been listening to the almost constant commentary and over the past few months he has asked several questions about the process and Mitt Romney. I took him with me to vote last Tuesday in the Utah Primary. He was bored standing in a really long line but I wanted him to see the real process and not just the parties and conventions that he has been seeing in the news.

Yesterday, we heard the news that Mitt Romney (our favorite candidate) had suspended his campaign. When I told my six year old, he got a sad look on his face and asked, "Why did he give up?" I'm sure there are dozens of reasons-- some of which will make sense to the grown-ups--but how do you answer that question for a kid?

So, a few questions for discussion: Assuming that you were as excited as we were, were we excited about Romney because his political views most closely aligned with our own, or because of our shared religion? In your opinion, what are the main reasons that Romney did not do as well as hoped in the primaries? Is there another candidate that you can get excited about or at least be willing to vote for? Should Romney consider running again in four years?

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Quick Quiche

We love breakfast for dinner. It's one of the only meals that everyone in the house enjoys. I'm always looking for new ways to serve eggs and bacon. We found a recipe for a crustless quiche and we've adapted it to make it our own. It's quick, easy and yummy! Enjoy.

Quick Quiche

8 slices of bacon
4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter, melted
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk

1. Cook, drain and crumle bacon. Set aside
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 inch pie pan.
3. Line bottom of pie plate with cheese and crumbled bacon. Combine eggs, better, onion, salt, flour and milk; whisk together until smooth; pour into pie pan.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, until set. Serve hot or cold.