Anchovy Nirvana
Originally uploaded by talekinker

Today's Joy: Home-cooking. If you were to pop over and peek in our fridge right now, you'd find the most delicious array of leftovers ever to grace a Frigidaire.
Himself has been cooking every meal for days. Which explains my lack of post-holiday weight loss. Alas.

Just inside the door are several pieces of tender, cilantro lime chicken; along with the accompanying rice of the same flavor. Next to that are 2 large containers of Friday's mouth-watering sausage, chicken & shrimp gumbo--made with an unexpectedly cheap (and tasty!) frozen gumbo mix. God Bless Kroger!
Tucked in the bottom is a pot full of delicious re-fried beans, waiting for tacos later in the week.
Meanwhile, the top shelf is groaning under the weight of yesterday's insanely good chili. Cumin and peppers and tomatoes, oh my!
There's even a glass measuring cup with the somehow over-looked remains of Saturday's Banya Calda (pictured)--an incredibly fattening dip made with garlic and anchovies and lots & lots of butter! The recipe is here on my blog...

Yup, there has been a parade of fabulous food through our house this week. God has blessed that man with talent in the kitchen! Good thing he also decided to bless me by bringing him into my life! On behalf of all the well-fed mates out there, Thank You, God, for fabulous cooks!

Brandy Slushes

It occurs to me, dear Reader, I have not posted any beverage recipes to date. Let's fix that right now. This easy recipe comes courtesy of Norma Maxstadt, a dear family friend. Norma has been tweaking her Brandy Slushes for years and has come up with a party drink to please everybody from the lush to the timidly tipsy.

Brandy Slushes

8 cups water

1 cup sugar

2 cans frozen limeade concentrate

2 cans frozen lemonade concentrate

2 cans frozen orange juice concentrate

Approx. 2 cups brandy

In large pan, combine water & sugar and heat just until sugar is dissolved (simple syrup).

Allow syrup to cool.

Add frozen juices to syrup, then add brandy. Stir thoroughly.

Divide mixture into several Tupperware containers and freeze for 24 hours or until solid.

To serve:

Using an ice cream scoop, scoop slush into glasses. For a more alcoholic drink, add more slush.

Fill remainder of glass with your favorite non-cola soft drink: 7-up; Sprite; Squirt or Ginger Ale until drink reaches desired consistency.

Stir & serve.

1 batch of frozen slush concentrate will serve up to 20 people or keep on-hand in the freezer for smaller gatherings.

Makes an ideal summer party drink but delicious year-round.

Banya Calda

Anchovy lovers, rejoice!

Himself just turned me on to this out-of-control heart stopper. It's the darling recipe of one of his oldest friends--perfected over many years of traditional Italian family gatherings.

While beyond delicious, it should come with the following disclaimer:

Eat at your own risk!

Fat, fat & more fat!

Will add an extra hour to your work-out!

Face-stuffing will likely ensue!

Serious probability of burning your tongue (and totally worth it)!

Banya Calda

2 sticks butter

7 oz. chopped garlic

4 oz. flat anchovy fillets

In skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add garlic and anchovies.

Saute, stirring often, until anchovies are dissolved.

Serve as warm dip with french bread, green cabbage, celery, or other vegetables.

Serves 6.

Similar recipes also incorporate cream or half & half to thicken mixture. But I'm thinking that kind of artery-clogging might be overkill...

Today's Joy: putting things in order. Himself & I are spending the day getting ready for our upcoming move. Feels great to get organized.

Today's Joy: a job well done. A crazy busy day at my day job--helping dozens of shoppers find great bargains & decorate their homes with fabulous finds. Love to make a difference!

Back Yard, Feb 2008
Originally uploaded by talekinker

Today's Joy: Warmth!!
All right, Reader. I know cold. I'm from Chicago. I've even spent a handful of winters up in New England. I know the joy of a good Nor'easter and relish the occasional white-out (when equipped with the appropriate chains and snow tires). I've been known to do donuts in an unplowed parking lot. Whilst living in the northern climes, I rarely complained about below-zero cold; didn't grumble too much about vehicles getting stuck or ice on the roads. 'If you can't take the weather, move south!', I'd say. I didn't mind shoveling boat-loads of snow, as pictured here at our IL home in 2008. And I always considered myself a hearty, northern girl.

But I have moved on from that phase in my life. Himself & I have braved our first sweltering summer in Texas, and through all the heat and perspiration, I held on, complained minimally--thinking of how lovely the winter would be. What a treat to have 50's & 60's in December. Maybe the occasional 70 degree day. Shoot, even if the temp hung around freezing all of January and February, wouldn't that be a delightful step up from the 30-below wind chills of Chicago?

Yep, I was all ready to become a thin-skinned, hot-house flower. Trouble is, here we are--all thin-skinned--and the temps have plummeted to single digits! We had snow before Chicago did this year! Granted, nowhere near the volume, but still! Everybody is saying this is practically the worst winter in Texas history! I am freezing my unmentionables off in a drafty apartment, ill-equipped for this kind of cold, and driving around on roads where they follow the wing-n-a-prayer philosophy of snow removal.

So....my (hoped-for) joy today is warmth. And hopefully, when I go home, turn the heat up and grab a steaming cup of cappuccino, I will actually find some. Under a blanket. Wearing fuzzy socks. Where are my dad gum mittens?!

Maxwell Street Polish
Originally uploaded by talekinker

Today's Joy: Unexpected Opportunities. Took this shot of a Maxwell Street Polish at the fabulous Weinberger's Deli in downtown Grapevine, TX in early December. While having lunch there again recently, Himself and I had the opportunity to meet the owner, Dan Weinberger--a kind & delightful man. Was very pleased to share with him some of the shots I've taken of his magnificent sandwiches. I do love supporting a great, local business!