Almost as good...

They were called shrimp kisses....the best little fried balls of goodness you could imagine.

We ate them at a little hole in the wall on the west end of Galveston.  It's called Nate's.  You know...one of those restaurants that is kinda questionable on the cleanliness level...but, you don't care because the food is THAT good.   The patrons were good entertainment too....

As we ate the kisses...I was imagining if I could make them at home.....I gave it my best shot last night...and they were ALMOST as good.  I think the "someone else made it" factor made them taste better in the restaurant.

Here is how I did it.

8 small to medium shrimp *fresh, with shell on, and wild..I won't buy farm raised shrimp.  yuck

1 jalapeno

4 swiss cheese slices

4 slices of bacon

milk

egg

flour

veg oil

salt & pepper to taste

Clean and de vein the shrimp...leave the tail on the shrimp.  Slice almost like you are butterflying the shrimp down its back.  This is where the jalapeno goes.

Slice THIN strips of jalapeno and put it in the back of the shrimp.  

Wrap swiss cheese around the shrimp...just enough to cover it.  It will be all messy looking....

Then slice all the bacon strips in half...making 8 strips.

Wrap the shrimp with bacon.  Stretch the bacon out so it gets longer and thinner

Make an egg wash...a little milk with 1 egg beaten in it.

Wet the assembled shrimp in the milk then gently put in the flour  mixture.

Make sure your oil is hot enough and that there is enough in the heavy pot to cover the shrimp.

To test the oil, simply drop a tiny amount of flour in the oil...if it is hot enough...it will sizzle

Gently drop each shrimp into the oil and watch them turn golden brown.  They will cook QUICK!  

Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel.  A dash of salt when they are hot.

Serve with ranch dipping sauce or something else yum.

If you make them...let me know if you like them.

SO heart healthy.  Defiantly something I won't make often.  

This is just an appetizer portion.  Might be a little rich for dinner.

Enjoy! :)

I just can't even imagine....

Imagine this....you are standing on the beach looking at the ocean.  The mud like sand is caked all over your body, the smell of dead shrimp is in the air, the ocean breeze feels like you have your hairdryer pointed right into your face, and you are experiencing all this delight under a black blanket covering you from head to toe.  

On our weekend trip to paradise, I noticed 4 Muslim women standing in the surf in full on Burqas.  They were about 100 yards down the beach from us...so, I could stare all I wanted without being noticed.  They were there with their husbands and children.  The children were playing in the ocean and the shirtless men were surf fishing.  I got irritated just watching them.  The women were 100% responsible for the wet and gritty kids while the men caught 1/2 pound catfish.  I just can't even imagine what they must have felt like.  And top it off...one of them was about 9 months pregnant.  

I know..."that is all they know, it is how they grew up."  Well, I am going to have to call a "BS" on that one.  How could any human being accept those circumstances?  Really?  Especially being here in this country.   As far as I am concerned, it is torture.  Mental and physical torture.  

We all know I wouldn't have made it very far as a Muslim woman.  I am sure my father or husband would have traded me in or gotten "rid" of me.  I would have been too much of a hassle.  So thankful I was born in this country.  Another thing we forget to be thankful of everyday.     

Bait...

It's hard to see what my precious little sweet girly girl is toting around with her.  If you look real close...you can see that it is a live shrimp.  Whatever happened to "Sugar and spice and everything nice?"  

We were at the beach and Shorty was getting ready to do some surf fishing.  I had finally relaxed about having my baby girl at the beach...she wasn't going to get some strange funk from the Galveston water in that bug bite on her leg...I had to tell myself that 100 times.  I'm weird like that....

Our kid was a thousand times more interested in playing with the shrimp than finding shells...she made them talk and tried to set them free in the water.  Uh oh, hope I don't have a future PETA member on my hands...

Shorty caught 2 fish....little Miss learned to love the sand....and I finally relaxed...mission accomplished....

Paradise...

Galveston Island vs. Paradise......

This is my favorite spot ever.  Well, at least a spot that I have been to.  It is in Playa del Carmen.  The bluest water you could imagine...sand as white as the clouds, and to top it off....it has some of the best people watching...even better than the airport!  

We spent our vacation in Mexico last year...lived it up.  Best trip ever.  This year, seems as if we will be skipping a lavish trip....much to my dismay.  But, isn't that what everyone is doing?  Skipping out on stuff?  Don't get me wrong, we would love to hop on a plane and go stay at a 5 star hotel for 99 bucks a night...but, I'm just not all that comfy with all the ruckus going on down there.

So, needless to say,  I'm disappointed....really disappointed.  I guess our trip to the exotic Galveston Island will have to do this year.  They need the money down there anyway....

Lets just hope for the best next year.  A recovering economy, no cap and trade, no nationalized health care, a rebounding housing market, and a trip to Playa del Carmen.   

This little light of mine....

No pictures, recipes, ideas, or funny stories to share today.   

Finished Vacation Bible School today...brought back tons of memories about VBS when I was a kid.  I have "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine...." stuck in my head....such cute kids.  

Don't think there is anything sweeter than little ones talking about Jesus.  

Need to remind ourselves to be thankful for every blessing in our lives.  Especially our health. When you don't have that...its hard to do anything else.    Take the time to take care of yourself...I need to be reminded of that too.  

IT'S A CURSE!

This picture makes it pretty clear I have NO IDEA what I am doing with my camera...or with photoshop for that matter....

The subject is cute as could be but the photo itself is one that should be shoved into a back drawer. ;)

I was taking a picture of the little one in her favorite spot in her new shoes.  My intention was to make the picture have that 70's look...it's what all the cool kids are doing these days...and it didn't come out.  Oh well...I will figure it out in a few years.

I wanted to take a picture of my kid wearing her new shoes...when I put them on her today...it gave me flashbacks.   And the some of the flashbacks weren't so happy!  My child has my feet.  And, it is a curse.  She has no heel and they are narrow as toothpicks.   Or "picknicks" as she calls them.

Go look in most of my friend's closets and you will be amazed with their shoe collections...come look in my closet and you will find 4 pairs of shoes.  I'm not Carrie Bradshaw...I would never go into debt for a pair of Jimmy Choos.   I stick to simple, black, plain, boring, get the job done footwear.  Don't get me wrong, I have some HIGH black stilettos, but, they are black.  They go with everything.  Think I never developed that love of shoes because they never fit me.  NEVER.   

All throughout school...I had Keds....and whatever other shoe came in a "AAAA"  Never got to wear jellies in 1st grade,  Kappa's in the 4th grade,  and my memory can't recall any of the other life or death fashion musts I missed out on.  Clearly shows how important all of that is.....

My baby girl only has 3 pairs of shoes.  2 are exactly the same...different color and the other pair are her pool shoes.  Simply because nothing fits....I was hoping she would inherit my thick beautiful hair...not my feet.  Joking...again.  

I can just imagine the shoe shopping trips with my baby girl.  If they are anything like the ones I had with my Mom...she will remember them for the rest of her life....the good and the bad.

Praying for a foot widening growth spurt.  

Cookie Monster!!!! MMMMM!

Since I shared a dinner recipe with you yesterday...thought I would share a healthy, low fat,  low calorie dessert with you.    RIGHT!  There is NOTHING low or free about this one...but is sure is YUM!!!

Not much better than an ice cream sandwich on a hot summer day...and if you live Texas...its HOT!

This is basically a dressed up ice cream sandwich.  My kid LOVED them.  

Here is the deal...

Ice Cream Sandwiches

1 package slice and bake cookie dough (yep, I'm a slacker)

6 oz semi sweet chocolate chips

1/2 tbs  shorting

Vanilla ice cream

Crushed toffee bar or substitute any other crushed candy or sprinkles.

Bake the cookies as instructed on the package, let them cool.  

In the mean time, melt 6 or so ounces of chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a sauce pan on low.  Stir constantly so the chocolate does not scald.  Then add the shortening.  Stir well.

This gives the chocolate a shine.  Take the cooled cookies and dip the tops in the chocolate mixture.  Place the dipped cookies on a cookie sheet.  Sprinkle with candy of choice and put them in freezer for 30 minutes or so to set.  Once they have set,  scoop vanilla ice cream onto one cookie and take another cookie and press it on top to make a sandwich.  

Put back in the freezer to set for 15 or so.  They can be stored in the freezer for a day or two.  Let them stand on the counter for about 5 minutes or so before serving.  So they soften a bit...just enough to bite into one.

They are delectable!  

*note - these recipes are true variations from things I have read.  This is all from memory.  Things I have made before in the past....so, Im not a copy cat. ;)

STAY COOL!

What's for Dinner?

Don't know about you...but, I am not so fond of cooking when it is really hot outside.  I can't stand cooking over a hot stove.  So, I have 3 choices.  Convince Shorty to make his delightful BBQ, go out to eat, or cook in the oven!  Shorty's BBQ is to die for...but, sometimes a girl can't wait! 

I LOVE to make meals in the oven...skip the cook top.  So much less mess.  Easy clean up and not much fuss!   I also love things that can be made ahead...this can be made that morning, or even the night before.  Easy prep work!  

I made this the other night...was great.  Thought I would share it with you.  Don't have an exact recipe...so it is just estimates really.    

This recipe calls for butcher string...here is a funny story about how I got it.

I went to the store Father's Day morning to get the string...just ask the butcher...they can help you.   I happened to get an odd butcher that morning.  When I asked him for the string,  he wanted to know if I was going to tie up my husband.  I just looked at him funny...what a strange thing to ask someone on a Sunday morning.  I mean, another day it would have been ok....  Just kidding.... 

Shorty loves this recipie and it is easy.  That makes it good for me!  

Here we go...

Steak Roll Ups

1 1/2 lb flank steak

1/3 cup olive oil

2 TBS balsamic vinegar

2 garlic cloves minced

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 red bell pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

Butcher String

Remove the flank steak from package, wrap it in cling wrap or put it in a large zip lock.  BEAT it with a rolling pin.  Hit it HARD!  Take out your frustrations!   Beat it until it has flattened a bit and seems a little more tender.  

Mix the olive oil, vinegar, and garlic in a bowl.  Whisk them all together.  Place the meat in a dish, pour the marinade over the meat and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes or so.

In the mean time, slice the bell pepper into thin strips and saute them in a medium pan with a little olive oil.  Until they have softened and have browned a little.  Set aside

Remove the meat from the fridge and the dish.  Place on a working surface...time to stuff the meat.

Spread the cheese on the surface of the meat.  Concentrate it towards the center keeping the cheese away from the edges.  Spread the cooked bell peppers over the cheese.  Then, a little salt and pepper.  

Take both hands and roll the meat up.  Make sure the grain of the meat is facing you long ways (hope that makes sense!) Use your fingers to make sure the cheese pepper mixture stays inside the meat.  Once you have it rolled as tight as you can, tie butcher string in the middle.  Secure the other parts of the meat with butcher string as well.  I usually end up with 5 ties.  

Place the meat on a roasting rack.  Put in a 400 degree oven for about 35 - 40 minutes.  It will still be a little pink.  Leave it in longer if you prefer well done.  Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before you slice it.  

When you slice it, you should have a pretty pinwheel!  It is so good.  I served mine with spinach and potatoes.  

Note, this is for 1 steak roll up.  I make one for 2 people.  I would suggest 2 for 4 or more people.  

 

Hope you try it!

Dad's Day

Happy Father's Day!  

We all have them...and we should all appreciate them, love them, remember them, and just say "thank you" to them.

This is one of my favorite pictures of our baby girl and her Dad.  She thinks it is the coolest thing ever to go play golf.  He loves it and so does she...which makes it just perfect!

Reminds me of playing golf with my Dad when I was little.  Such great memories...driving the cart, doing cartwheels in the fairway between shots, and drawing on the scorecard with that dinky pencil.  

Golf is all about Dads.  Shorty is playing with his Dad as I type, my Dad is taking the game up again, and we will spend most of the afternoon watching the US Open together.  

Take time on Dad's Day to remember your Dad....and don't forget to say "I love you!" 

You better watch it lady!

When you are being seated in a restaurant, I am sure you request to sit next to a table with children, right?  I mean who doesn't love to hear children chattering during dinner?  And, we all know how awesome it is when they slip from their seat and wander around just a bit.  Fun - right?

It is just a fact of life....and most of us know it.  We have to tolerate our fellow rug rats.  I mean, they are the ones who will be working till they are 90 to pay for our government care!  SO, we should show them some respect!

Look at this picture of my rug rat...could you SLAP this sweet face?  

Well, a lady said she would the other night.  You got it...an old, grumpy, mean, "lady" told me she wanted to slap my kid...

We were enjoying dinner with some friends of ours and their kids...our little girls were innocently standing next to our table causing no harm.  We were at the loudest place in town at 6 pm on a Thursday.  90% of the tables had children in the party.   Apparently we were bothering the table next to us.  The evil one at the head of the table looked at our little ones and said "SHHHH, I could just slap them!"  

I grabbed my irritating child and rushed outside.  I could feel the country girl anger raging inside my veins.  I had to hurry and exit before I reached out and showed this woman what a Mom from the suburbs was capable of.  

The table of 8 grumpy old women left soon after.  I peered at each one as they exited.  I am sure they had to rush home to greet their grandchildren who couldn't wait to come stay with the "World's Meanest Grandparents!"

Hope this ruffled your feathers as much as it did mine.  I am all about keeping kids under control...we were abiding by the rules....someone just had to be incredibly mean.

Reminds me.  I need to call Kirby's Steakhouse for reservations tonight.  8 pm.  2 and a high chair...see you there!  

Now wait just one second....

WAIT!  I thought this subscription was supposed to be a magazine about FOOTBALL...not a magazine about "America's Sweethearts!!"

My husband (aka - Shorty) is the biggest Cowboys fan there is.

If the Cowboys are playing...life comes to a halt...and if they don't win, you can forget it for the rest of the day.   

This magazine cover got my attention.  Wonder why?  

You would think a combination of this bikini clad chick, my shorts that are a little tight, and the Mom I saw at the pool yesterday would motivate me to open my 30 Day Shred DVD.  You know...that one that promises you will loose 20 pounds in 30 days!  Not that I want to loose 20 pounds...but several would be nice!

And about that Mom I saw at the pool.  She was tan, toned, tall, and tight.   The Mom that we all stare at when we are at the pool with our kids.  Thinking to ourselves.... "That is SO not fair!"  I mean, I doubt she works out and eats right or anything.   Please, who wants to do that?

I guess I should just suck it up, strap on my IPod and go for a jog.  Right?   Wonder if my kid would notice if I ate a few of her Cheetos...

Seriously?

Ok...so a bunch of us girls from good ole' Corn Row* (Conroe) High School got together for some traditional Tex Mex at Chuys!  Our friend Lindsey was in town from Tennessee and we all know how Mexican food tastes outside of the great state of Texas!  

Such an easy group of girls...just sat on the patio...had a cold beer and scarfed down tacos and creamy jalapeno dip!  MMMMMM!

Of course...what does a group of women love to talk about?  No......not the Lifetime for Women movie of the week.... nope....not the latest fad diet......and for sure not men.  CHILDREN!  We talked about kids 99% of the time!  I think there was one conversation in there about cameras......but, we only talked about the cameras and how to take pictures of our children!  What a group of awesome friends and most important...MOMS!

On a more serious note....I did injure myself  last night.  A high heel sandal injury.    We all know a dinner without kids calls for a little fancier shoe choice.  It is pretty apparent I don't wear them much anymore....my foot is throbbing today from standing for a few moments....NICE!  How on earth did I wear 3 inch heels for 9 + hours a day?  Oh that's right, my feet were NUMB!  My Mom was right...."Those things will ruin your feet!"

*side note*  I am allowed to poke fun at Corn Row.....I am from there...country at heart and proud of it!  ;)  

The mall...before and after

Long gone are the days of casual shopping.  Strolling in and out of stores looking for a new suit for work, the newest pair of Calvin Klein shoes, or that new lip gloss....  

The mall has now morphed into a different kind of entertainment for me....one that entertains Little Miss!   

What kind of Mom would I be if I didn't give in?  

Here we are....running through the mall yelling for cookies, Chick-fil-a, and rides on the carousel.  Yes, I am that Mom.  Bribing my child with each bite..."One more bite, and you can ride the horsey!" 

So, my rare trips to Banana Republic and  the cosmetics counter must be paired with candy, treats, and more candy.   Believe me, I was on line the night before with the idea of exactly what I needed...in and out in a hurry....that's the secret to shopping with a little one in tow!   

Texas Summer is almost here!  Don't forget your sunscreen!  

I gave in!

So, here it is!  I just can't be a "good Mom" and not have a blog!  I'm going to be a typical crowd follower and give into the peer pressure.   My hope is that you will find this blog funny, inspirational, and just give you something to do when you are wasting time on line.  Isn't that what blogs are for?   My intent is to post something almost daily.  Hopefully it will make you laugh, give you a new idea, or just make you want to close your browser and get back to work....whatever that may be!