Dinner is on

I have a drink in hand and the oven is roaring.  I have vegetables roasting, mushrooms cooking and potatoes baking. Steaks are about to hit the pan and finish in the oven. It’s a good night.

I like steak

My promise to cook steaks last weekend came and went. Meaning, I didn’t feel like cooking. It’s strange to me that there are times when I have no desire to do something that I love. I had every intention of cooking on Saturday, but didn’t. Even more strange is that the very next day I whipped up several (five) dishes for Sunday dinner.

This weekend, I plan to redeem myself. I am going to cook steaks. The big question is in regards to the side dishes. I’ve already got a sweet potato for myself and a regular potato for M. Now what? Any suggestions? What are your favorites sides to go with hearty beef?

A little celebration

Last night M and I celebrated our wedding anniversary. The original plan was to cook steaks this weekend to celebrate. That’s still on the schedule. We took the opportunity to toast the occasion at Houston’s. Man, I love that place. We started off with the spinach dip which was great. M had the ribs with a Caesar salad, fries and cole slaw. I went with the cheeseburger,  house salad and fries. It was all really tasty. On the way home, we stopped off at Braum’s for a little ice cream fix. It was a fabulous night.

I have a question. Do you remember when Houston’s was on Walnut Hill Lane? Yep, me too. I loved that location. I also loved the barbecue chicken on the menu. Where did it go? Same with the Ahi tuna. It’s prepared completely different now. Is there anything that you miss on the menu at Houston’s?

Satisfied

There was a slight rain delay for yesterday’s game, but all went as planned. I got my bobble head and some good ballpark grub. What is it with ballpark nachos? I love them! I like them loaded up with extra cheese and jalapenos. Several beers and a hot dog later I was living the life.

I woke up close to noon today. Rats. I hate it when I miss a good portion of the day. The weather is gorgeous! My Mom and I went for a nice long walk and then it was a trip to the grocery store for ingredients for tonight’s dinner; fish tacos. Personally, I was craving a big old bowl of spaghetti with ricotta, cream and roasted tomatoes. Not so for M. He always gives me that funny look when I ask, “how does spagetti sound for dinner tonight?” I thought everyone loved spaghetti. What’s up with that?

Off to read the paper and make my way through a massive stack of magazines. Last thought before I sign off. I used to dread Mondays because it seemed like the next weekend was always so far away. Not so anymore. I feel like I blink my eyes and it’s already Friday again. When did time start moving so fast? Is it just me or do you feel the same way?

The Texas Rangers

Well, the weather isn’t ideal for a Ranger game, but I’m excited regardless of the drizzle and dreariness. We’re heading out early to beat the sold out crowd. You know what is so special about today’s game? It’s Josh Hamilton Bobble Head Day. I am so pumped. I already have Ian Kinsler and Michael Young bobble heads so any addition is seriously welcomed. Oh, did I mention that Robert Earl King is playing after the game? Yep, he sure is. Talk about an awesome game. I’m so stoked! See ya later.

Stuck in website

I’m stuck on the Pioneer Woman’s website. I can’t seem to get enough of her stories. I’m waiting for that last bit, part 4 of 4. Be back in a few…

Wow!

The vanilla ice cream is out of this world. I had a bowl last night topped with cinnamon and it was amazing.

Vanilla ice cream adapted from Cuisinart

1 3/4 cups half and half

1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream

5 large egg yolks

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2  TBS vanilla extract

Combine the half and half and whipping cream and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Turn heat to low and simmer for a few minutes.

Combine egg yolks and sugar in a bowl and mix with a hand mixer until well combined.

Add 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture to the egg/sugar mix with the mixer running. Add an additional 1/2 cup of cream to the egg mixture and mix.

Pour egg mixture into the cream and stir. Cook over low/medium heat until the mixture is thick enough to cover the back of a spoon. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Be sure to place the plastic wrap directly on top of the mix. Chill for several hours or overnight. Add the mixture to ice cream maker and let the machine to the magic. Store in a plastic bowl in the freezer.

Guess who bought an ice cream maker?

Me!!! I picked it up on my way home from work. About a week ago I got a $10 off coupon in the mail from Sur la Table. I’m so pumped about my purchase. This morning, I got up early and made the base for vanilla ice cream. I’m waiting for it to chill in the fridge. I should be able to pour it into the machine by the time I get home from my walk. I’ll let you guys know how it turns out.

Not that I should be making ice cream because I just had Zuni’s Fried Eggs for breakfast along with two pieces of buttered toast. Get a hold of yourself, child!!! I love how I eat on the weekends. I have absolutely NO reservations.