Austin?

We haven’t determined whether or not we’re going to travel to Austin for my husband’s birthday. On the one hand, it would be so refreshing to lounge around Austin and feel all natural and holistic. I meant that in a food coma sort of way. The thought of going straight to Guerro’s for their margaritas and enchiladas is absolutely mind blowing. I know it’s only a few hours away, but I feel like I’m in another state entirely. That disconnect is quite tempting. Then again, a thrifty staycation has it’s temptations as well. I’m thinking that the birthday boy will have the final vote. After all, it is his birthday.

Lazy Sundays

Don’t you just love being lazy for an entire day? That’s what I’ve been doing and it feels great. Often times, I run around like a crazy person trying to get everything in order for the upcoming week. Not so today. I am  rewarding  my generous behavior with a vodka and soda. My day just got even better.

Ranch Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise ( I prefer Hellman’s)
1/3 cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp minced garlic
2 TBS fresh chopped parsley
2 scallions, chopped
2 TBS fresh chopped Oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion flakes
1 tsp Cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
pepper
Combine all and mix well. Refrigerate overnight before serving. When I want spicy Ranch dressing, I add Tabasco and extra Cayenne Pepper. A little Chipotle in Adobo sauce will do wonders in the heat department.

Sides and Such

I took Mike’s suggestion on the side dish which was Ranch Potato Salad. What can I say? He’s the best!  It’s new potatoes, homemade Ranch dressing, green onions, hard boiled eggs, bacon, a hint of red wine vinegar, Cayenne pepper, salt, pepper and a few other odds and ends. It was a hit. I also made a baked corn dish with corn, lots of fresh jalapenos, roasted red peppers, garlic, cilantro, cream cheese, smoked white cheddar, heavy cream, cumin and a little heat. Um, hello….freakin’ good! Next, the  appetizer; bruschetta topped with a mix of Mascarpone, goat cheese and roasted tomatoes. “Hi Heaven, that recipe was great. Thanks again for such a divine delight.”

Sunday dinner

I’m already anticipating tomorrow’s dinner.  There’s just one problem. I haven’t made up my mind on what to bring. We’re grilling Hebrew National beef franks. My Mom is making Old Settler Beans, Green Bean Salad and Lemon Pound Cake. I’ve been assigned an appetizer and a side dish. I have a log of goat cheese as well as a container of Mascarpone cheese in the fridge. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Pea Pasta Salad

Salad
2 to 3 cucumbers, peeled, seeded and diced
1 bunch of chopped green onions
1 small red bell pepper, diced
12 oz. frozen baby sweet peas, thawed
2 cups shredded cheese (I use a cheddar and mozzarella blend)
1 12 oz. pkg. small elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
6 to 8 pieces of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 head of iceberg lettuce, chopped

Dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Dash of Cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup olive oil
2 TBS red wine vinegar (whatever vinegar you have on hand is fine)

Simple Instructions

I make everything a day in advance allowing the flavors to combine. Combine everything except for the bacon and lettuce. Right before serving, add the bacon and lettuce