A Jeanne in the Kitchen

At long last, we finally arrived safe and sound in Madrid.  We made it into our hotel, the nh Barajas, which is not far from the airport.  We will not be picking up our rental car until Saturday morning, so we needed something we could take a shuttle to.  Our hotel is nice.  It is very modern, which is not my style, but it is vey ice all the same.   The staff is very nice too, which is always a plus.  One of the front desk guys, Alesandro (not pictured here) was teaching me the directions right and left in Spanish.  He taught me in a fun way, and we made a dance out of it.  I will forever know derrecha y isguerra or right and left now, thanks to Alesandro’a fun little dance.

Once we got settled, we had to find a place to eat that was close by.  Because our hotel is in the middle of a residential area, there is not much within a quick walking distance, and the restaurants that are here, do not open until much, much later.  We ventured out and about though, and came across a small family owned and operated tapas bar, El Capricho.

The place was packed with locals when we arrived.  Almost instantly, we provided the comedy relief.  Between my very limited Spanish and the owner’s total lack of English, it was a wonder we got to eat at all.  It literally took the whole village, with many laughs along the way, until one brave lady, my new friend Marta, stepped in to help out.  She did not know much English either, but between she and I, we were able to figure out the menu, and Larry and I ended up with a delicious tapas meal.

The deal of the night was a combination of 4 tapas, a bottle of wine, a bottle of mineral water, and either a café or a postre, or dessert.  We feasted on paella, Spain’s most popular dish, guisante y jamon or peas and ham, roasted pork asado, pollo al ajoito or garlic chicken, bread, wine and mineral water for dinner.

But of course, the fun and the comedy still continued as we eat.  I decided to wear some of my chicken all down the front of my top, and when “Papa'” or Jose the owner, came out, he just started laughing and frowning at me, like a father would do to a child.  Then he ran out with some kind of spray that looked like shoe polish and a scrub brush.  He sprayed the stuff all over me, and then I had to wait and finish the meal before I could scrub it off.   That stuff stunk so bad too.  Once again, everyone in the place had a very good laugh.  I am so happy I was able to provide the entertainment for the evening for everyone.

Because I had so much oil on my top, I ended up having to spray again, and wearing even more “shoe shine” throughout the rest of the meal.  All throughout dinner, people kept looking over at me and couldn’t help but to chuckle.  Oh well, you got to have fun, right?!

In between sprayings, dessert and café came.  I opted for the café, which was like a very tiny, very strong espresso.  Larry being the ice cream man, chose to have an ice cream instead.

After finishing off our caffe y postre, we had to call it a day.  Even though in Spain, the evening does not even come to life until around 10:00 PM or so, we had had a long enough day, with way to many adventures, and we had to call it a day.  We will be exploring Madrid in detail more tomorrow.  But for now, buenos noches, or as they say in Spain, Buena noche.

We are still traveling.  We had a long, 9 hour flight from Houston to Heathrow, in London, with no sleep.  We have been at Heathrow Airport since 7:00 AM (London time).  Our flight to Madrid leaves in about 1  1/2 hours.  So far, it has already been one very, very long  “travel day”.  We left our house yesterday morning at 7:30 AM, Denver time, for a 10:50 flight.  It was about a 2 hour flight to Houston, with a 2-3 hour layover, then a 9 hour flight to Heathrow, and a 5 hour layover here, with a 2 hour flight into Madrid.

On the plane, excited and refreshed.  This is as we were just leaving Houston.

At least we got a meal.  It was some kind of an Indian chicken dish.

And ice cream too.

London from the air as we are coming in.

London is one massive city.

All I have to say is we ARE NOT fans of Heathrow Airport either.  We were told by someone in Houston how Heathrow was a nightmare to fly in and out of.  We definitely believe him now.  It has been one confusion after another, after another.   We had to take the train from one terminal to the next terminal, and it was a massive pain in the neck to get to and to maneuver all around.  When we finally got to the terminal we wanted to be at, we realized we could not use our United Club pass like we were planning on using, because that was over at the original terminal where we landed.  We did not fee like going through all that mess again.  Then we had to change locations yet again, and we did not know where we were leaving from until about 20 minutes before we were supposed to board the plane since it was not posted until then.  I will be glad to see the backside of Heathrow, that’s for sure.  I am so ready for Spain.

And we’re off.  We are just now starting the first leg of our journey to Spain.  We are waiting at DIA for our flight to Houston.  From Houston, we head to London for about 5 hours, then Madrid. We will be staying over night in Madrid, and all day tomorrow, then we are headed south from there. I have a new laptop, so I should be able to keep you all posted on a daily basis, unlike our other trips where I was unable to do anything on my kindle.  We are VERY excited about Spain.  I hope you are too.

We are definitely steak eaters, and filet mignon has always been my absolute favorite cut of steak.  Filet mignon is cut from the very small end of the tenderloin, which is non-weight bearing and is never toughened through exercise.  This is what makes it so tender.  It is also the most expensive cut, because there is only about 1 pound or about 500 grams per tenderloin.  That just may have something to do with why it is my favorite.  I love good food, and I seem to always gravitate to the most expensive food item on the menu, or at least so I’ve been told.  🙂   If cooked right, filet mignon seems to just melt in your mouth, like butter, which may also be one of the reasons why I love it so much, because you all know how much I love my butter.  The name filet mignon, as you have probably already guessed is French.  It is translated to mean a cute and dainty thick and boneless cut of the tenderloin that is usually cut into medallions or rounds.

We don’t eat filet mignon to often, but when we do, we savor every bit of it.  We had company for dinner the other day, and I made a surf and turf dinner with bacon wrapped filet mignon and shrimp, served with my leftover cilantro-pistachio pesto sauce Southwestern Pesto Chicken and spicy sweet potato-latkes.  I also served it with corn on the cob, which most definitely would not have been my first choice with such a meal ordinarily, but we are using up as many vegetables as we can before leaving on our trip to Spain.  Normally I probably would have have served it with asparagus.

I marinated the steaks in just a simple marinade for about 3-4 hours, more for flavor than anything, since the meat is already super tender.  Then I seared in a hot skillet with olive oil, browning all sides.  It only takes a couple of minutes per side.

I par-cooked some bacon and after the bacon was ready, I wrapped it around the steaks and held it in place with a toothpick.   I finished cooking the filets on the grill.  In my opinion, the absolute best way to eat a filet mignon is medium rare.

Meanwhile, I prepared some spicy sweet potato latkes.  I had a HUGE sweet potato that made nine latkes.

1 sweet potato, peeled and shredded

1/3-1/2 bell pepper – your choice of color or colors, diced small

1/3 cup sweet red peppers, chopped fine – optional

1 jalapeno, seeded and diced fine

salt & pepper to taste

1 1/2  tsp cinnamon

1 tsp allspice

1-2 TBSP hot sauce

1 egg

1/4 cup green onions, chopped fine

3/4-1 cup flour

2 TBSP cilantro, chopped

 

Shred the sweet potato then mix in all the other ingredients and incorporate well.  I find mixing it all together by hand works best.  Once everything is mixed together, scoop a bunch and form into a patty.  Continue until the mixture is gone, and place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Flatten them out with your hand or a spatula.  Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 1/2 hour to set.  When you are ready to cook them, place them in a skillet with about 1″ of hot oil and pan fry until they are crispy and golden.  You can also bake them, but I prefer them pan-fried.

I used our Caribbean hot sauce that is made with ghost peppers that we got on one of our many Caribbean trips.  Believe me, a little goes a long, long way.  We have had this bottle for a long time, and I am only about 1/2 way through with the bottle.  And we love spicy foods too.  So this is an indicator of how far just a little bit will go.

I pan fried some shrimp and then started plating everything up.  I like to layer my foods, so I started with the sweet potato latke, then added a dab of my cilantro- pistachio pesto.  The filet mignon was next, with a dab more cilantro-pistachio pesto on top.  Then I but a few more dabs around the plate and topped each one with a shrimp.

As you can see, I was using up what I had, but I was still having fun with everything too.  🙂  the cilantro-pistachio pesto was a good choice for this meal.  All the flavors just came together and popped.  Our friend Jim was a very a happy camper indeed.

 

 

I don’t know what’s going on here lately, but there are an awful lot of awards coming my way from all of you.  I don’t think I am worthy of all this praise and attention, but many, many thanks all the same.  This latest award mention is the Mystery Blogger Award.  I was nominated for this not just once, but twice within a few days of each other.  Once by by sunipukadiyil at https://fragrantflowersandrecipes.blog and the second time by Ink ’em Down

It is a big, huge honor to be recognized by all of you.  All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you.  I am glad you enjoy my blog “A Jeanne in the Kitchen”.  It is possible because of all of you.  Thank you for your support, your kind words, and your attention.

WHAT IS MYSTERY BLOGGER AWARD?
“Mystery Blogger Award” is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging; and they do it with so much love and passion.
– Okoto Enigma

 

RULES

1. Put the award logo/image on your blog
2. List the rules.
3. Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
4. Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well
5. Tell your readers 3 things about yourself
6. You have to nominate 10 – 20 people
7. Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog
8. Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; with one weird or funny question (specify)
9. Share a link to your best post(s)

 

3 Things About Me:

I don’t know if there are 3 things still left about me that you don’t already know.  HMMMMM …….

1.  I love guitar.  I am not very good at it, but I enjoy playing it.  I am much better at appreciating good guitar music and good guitar players than I am at playing it though.  I love all kinds of guitar music, but I especially love Spanish classical guitar and flamenco.
2.  I am an only child, but I have many, many fabulous friends who have become my “family” over the years.
3.  I absolutely hate to fail at anything, so I will always give it my best, even if it kills me in the process.

 

My 5 Questions to You:

1.  What is your favorite style of music?
2. Do you have any hobbies?
3. What is your favorite thing about yourself?
4. What is your least favorite thing about yourself?
5. Who would you like to most spend an evening with?  It could be anyone, dead or alive and why?

 

I am now adopting Goldie’s philosophy of only nominating a few people at a time.  Otherwise I get overwhelmed at the responses.  I want to get to know you all, and at some point, I believe we will all get to know each other, but all in due time. So, this round of nominees include:

1. Cyranny
   @cyranny
2. Nilzeitung
   @nilzeitung
3. ourlittleredhouseblog
   @ourlittlevalleyhouse

 

 

 

 

Well this is a new challenge.  It is called the Vogue Parody 73 question challenge.  I’ve never heard of it before now.  Thank  you Mya Taylor, from The Gathering Place, for introducing me to this and for nominating me for this unique challenge.  I gladly accept.  This challenge is a “take” on the Vogue Magazine Series which interviews celebrities and other public figures. The questions give readers an interesting peek at some of your quirks, likes, dislikes, and loves.

1. What’s your usual Starbucks order?

I don’t usually go to Starbucks to often, but when I do, I usually order a grande chai tea.

2.   What does your workstation look like?

I like controlled chaos.  To others it may look like a mess, but I actually know exactly where everything is and it is all within arm’s reach.

3.  Favourite food?

Food in general.  I love to eat and I love to try new things.  Popcorn is always a priority though.

4.  Favourite author?

Hmmmmm.  That depends on my mood.  I love Anne Rice and Dan Brown.  I love murder mysteries and spy novels, as well as true and historical books about spies and espionage.

5.  What do you think of open relationships?

Nope.  Not my thing at all.

6.  What is your favourite video game?

I don’t play video games.

7. Guilty pleasure treat?

Something decadent and chocolate.

8.  Favourite movie?

Again, it depends on my mood.  There are so many great movies out there.  I think I would have to say “The Great Escape” though.  My dad and I used to watch that together all the time.

9.  Favourite book?

I read everything.  I don’t really have a favorite book because I read everything that comes my way.

10. Twitter or Instagram?

I don’t do either.

11.  Desktop or laptop?

Both.  I can take a laptop with me anywhere I go.

12.  Best advice you’ve ever received?

Be true to yourself, no matter what.

13.  What project are you working on right now?

We just finished re-painting the inside of our house.  That was a pretty big ordeal.  We are slowly but surely getting our house back to normal.

14.  Favorite color?

I actually have 3 favorite colors – blue, green and purple – the colors of the ocean.

15.  Did you get good grades in school?

Always.  School was very easy for me.  I love to learn and always have.

16.  Dream job?

A dive master.

17.  Play any sports?

I have always been into sports.  My favorites are tennis, swimming and scuba diving, but growing up I also played a lot of soccer too.  I was and still am very active in all sports.

18.  Do you have a degree?

I have a few.  I have my Associates of Arts degree, a BA in English Literature, a culinary arts degree and a paralegal degree.

19.  Nationality?

Heinz 57 American mutt.  My dad was originally from Melbourne, Australia.

20.  What is your favourite kind of blog post?

Since I have many interests, I am interested in many different kinds of blogs.

21.  What do you like to collect?

Cookbooks.  I have well over 600 and counting.  I was told once you never have your last cookbook.  These words have helped shaped who I am today.

22.  Describe yourself in three words?

Complex, honest, wet

23.  If you were a rapper what would your stage name be?

Rap is not my thing.

24.  Who was the last person you DM?

I don’t understand the question.

25.  What’s on top of your wish list right now?

Well, I am off to Spain in just a couple of days, so I would say going to Spain.

26.   Sorting house?

?????? I like to shake things up a bit, so the one that has the most mischief.

27.  How many tattoos do you have?

ZERO!

28.  What are you most grateful for this year?

Good health and my loving husband and all our four-legged fur babies.

29.  What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this month?

Our trip to Spain.

30.  What’s the best thing that’s happened to you today?

Today is only just starting.  Who knows what’s going to happen.

31.  What’s the best thing ever?

True friends.

32.  Favourite season?

Fall.  I love the changing of the colors and the cool crisp air.

33.  Favourite holiday?

Thanksgiving.  It’s all about getting together with family and friends and being thankful for what you have.

34.  What fictional character do you relate to most?

I am a chameleon, so that would change as I change.

35.  Do you like surprises?

Sort of.  I like the idea of surprises, but I like to be prepared for them.

36.  What’s the biggest surprise you’ve ever had?

After my husband proposed to me, he had my ring hidden in the Christmas tree.

37.  Which surprise made you cry?

I am not a crier.  I can’t think of anything.

38.  What’s the best surprise you’ve given somebody else?

I get to anxious and can’t really surprise anyone.  I want to share things right away.

39.  Do you like muffins?

Yes, but I don’t eat them to often.

40.  Do you cook often?

All the time.  I love to cook and to entertain.  In fact, just recently, by Mya Taylor in fact, I was lovingly called “a beast in the kitchen”.  I like it.

41.  What’s your favourite dessert?

Cookies, of any kind.  I like them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert … there are the perfect snack for anytime of the day.

42.  Is there a dessert you don’t like?

Cheesecake.  I am not a big cheese person at all.

43.  Cake or pie?

Cookies

44.  What’s your least favourite food?

Liver and cottage cheese are the ONLY 2 things I will NEVER eat under any circumstances, no matter how hungry I am.

45.  What’s your favourite condiment?

Mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.

46.   It’s 4 am on a random Saturday. What are you eating?

Nothing really.   I am probably in the kitchen cooking what I’ll be eating later.

47.  If you could teach a college class what would it be called?

Common sense for dummies.

48.  Best animated film?

Finding Nemo or Shrek.

49.  What has a guy done or said to impress you?

When my husband proposed to me, he took me up in a hot air balloon and proposed in the balloon.

50.  Best thing to do on a first date?

I love Mya’s answer – Be yourself!  Period!

51.  Worst thing to do on a first date?

Loose your cool.

52. Best comic book character?

Batman and Robin

53.  Name three things which can always be found in your purse.

my wallet, my keys, my sunnies (sunglasses)

54.  Favourite drink?

Wine.

55.   If you could play a historical character in a movie who would it be?

WOW!!!!  Tough question.  I love history, and there are so many great people in history.  I can’t decide.

56.   Kittens or puppies?

Both.  I have 2 cats and 2 Saint Bernards.

57.  Favourite sushi roll?

Something with ahi tuna.

58.  What lipstick do you use?

I rarely wear makeup anymore, since I am always in the pool.

59.  What foundation do you use?

Same answer as #58.

60.  Blow dry or air dry?

Air dry.

61.  Who is your fashion icon?

Audrey Hepburn

62.  Favourite Disney Character?

Spirit

63.  What are you doing tomorrow?

Teaching my classes, teaching some private swim lessons and packing for Spain.

64.  Movie you laughed the hardest through?

Shrek

65.  Movie that made you cry?

Any movie where the dog dies will make me cry.

66.   If you could sing a duet with anybody, who would you choose?

Jon Bon Jovi

67.  If your life was a song what would the title be?

“I Did It My Way”

68.  What’s your favourite animal?

Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, dolphins, sharks, whales, turtles, jaguars, tigers, etc.

69.  Favourite illustrator?

There are so many it’s hard to choose just one.

70.  The person you want to have coffee with?

Gosh.  That would be a very long list of people.

71.  What country would you like to visit?

I have a very long bucket list of places I want to go.  I love, love, love to travel.

72.  Best way to decompress?

A glass or two of some good wine with some great music in the background.  To decompress, I would go with smooth jazz.

73.  What gets you pumped up?

Any fun adventure or fun activity.

 

 

I liked Goldie’s answer to one her recent blogging awards, and instead of nominating a whole bunch of people, I am only going to nominate a couple.  This is always the hardest part for me, because there are so many great blogs and bloggers out there. So, by now, you all know me fairly well.  Now it is your turn to tell me more about you.  I really would like to get to know each and every one of you better, but for now, these are my nominees.

1. Laura Venturini

   @lauravent69
2. WendyMegget
   @wendymwriter
3. blackwings666
   @blackwings666

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The word biscuit has a completely different meaning her in the United States than it does in many other parts of the world.  In England, and all her “progeny”, Italy, Argentina, and many other places, biscuits is the term used for what we Americans call cookies.  Biscuits in these parts of the world, refer to cookies in general, not really any specific kind of cookie.  The word biscuit or biscotti derives from the medieval Latin term biscoctus, which is a term that was used to indicate something was twice baked.  Back in the days of the Roman legions, baked goods were often twice baked and dried to preserve them, and were a staple that was used to take on long journeys or wars.  Biscotti, which is the plural of biscotto, are twice baked Italian “cookies” that originated in the Italian region of Prato.   Cantucci is another name used for biscotti, but it is most often used in Tuscany or other specific regions of Italy and Argentina.  Cantucci today usually refers to variations or limitations of the original recipe.  Today, there are many, many different variations of the these deliciously dry oblong biscuits, known as biscotti, that have become a worldwide favorite.

The other day when I made my chocolate hazelnut semifreddo Rich and Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Semifreddo we all decided it needed something else to help balance out all the richness from the semifreddo.  So I thought and Italian semifreddo needed an Italian cookie or biscotii to go along with as the perfect choice.  Believe me, it definitely was too.  These two Italian desserts are perfect partners for each other.  Whenever I make biscotti, I almost always dip them in chocolate too.  This is optional of course, but I love chocolate, and I think more is often better.

Caramelized Pecan and Orange Biscotti

Pecan Praline

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

1 cup pecan halves

 

Add the sugar to the water and boil until it becomes a golden caramel color.  You have to really watch this because once it starts to turn color, it can burn very quickly and easily.

Add the pecans to the caramel immediately after it starts to turn color and caramelize and thoroughly mix together.  Then pour the pecans and caramel mixture onto a cookie sheet that has been coated with olive oil.  Let the pecans dry and crisp up before chopping and using.

While the pecans are cooling, make your cookie dough.

The Biscotti

3 cups flour, sifted

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp cinnamon

1 cup sugar

6 TBSP olive oil

4 large eggs

1 large egg yolk

2 TBSP orange essence or finely grated orange peel.

chocolate ganache – optional

 

I have been having a real hard time finding grated orange peel lately, but I find orange essence works just as well.  You can also make your own orange zest by shaving off the rinds to about 4 oranges and then chopping very, very finely.  I find I can never get my zest fine enough though, so I usually buy it.

Mix the flour, baking powder and spices together and set aside.  Then mix the sugar, eggs, egg yolk, olive oil and orange essence together.

Chop the pecans into small pieces.  Save the broken pieces of the caramel for later.

Preheat oven to 350* F or 180 * C

Mix the eggs together in the mixer with the paddle attachment until they are thoroughly blended together.  Add half the flour and mix in, then add the other half of the flour and mix.  Do not over mix.  Once everything is well blended, add the chopped pecans and fold into the dough.

On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 3 equal parts, and roll and shape into a long tubes, about 12 inches long and slightly flatten.  Place the tubes about 2″ apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 25 minutes or until the dough is set.

Once the dough is set, remove the biscotti from the oven and reduce the heat to 325* F and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.  Once they have cooled, slice them at a diagonal into slices about 1/2 thick, with a serrated bread knife.

Return the biscotti back to the oven to continue baking for another 20-25 minutes or until they are dry and crisp.  Once the biscotti has cooled completely, after the second bake, you can dip them in chocolate if you desire.

Now as you all know, I love any kind of cookies, and I could easily have eaten these all on their own and been perfectly content.  But I really wanted to serve them with the rest of my semifreddo.  I layered the dessert with the semifreddo first, then a dab of whipped cream, followed by a slice of biscotti and topped with the caramel pieces from the caramelized pecans.  The result …. decadently delicious!

 

My friend Goldie over at @floatinggold and https://dailyflabbergast.wordpress.com/ has awarded me this beautiful and very special award for my blog “A Jeanne in the Kitchen”.  Goldie has always been very supportive of my blog, right from the very beginning.  She is my editor and proofreader, she is provocative and always gets me to think about things in a new way, she always tells it like it is, but mostly, I am honored to call her my friend.  Thank you Goldie.  You’re the best.

 

 

These are Goldie’s words about my blog, Ajeanneinthekitchen, who runs a successful (mainly) culinary blog. Recipes include ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and helpful pictures so that you know if something is not going as planned. She is so much more than a cook, though.   The world would be a much better place if we all had more Goldies in our lives.

When I started “A Jeanne in the Kitchen”  I had no idea how it would be accepted, or even if it would be accepted.  I had no idea what the future would hold for it.  But, it has been growing stronger and stronger every day, and the future is still very full of many wonderful and interesting things ahead.  I am still learning new things everyday on this fun, fantastic journey through the bloggospehre.  Thank you all for riding along.  This award is because of all of you.

I love pesto of all kinds.  It may just be one of my favorite types of sauce.  It originated in Genoa, Italy, and is traditionally made with basil, garlic, Parmigiano cheese, salt, pepper, pine nuts and olive oil.  Today, pesto can be made with just about anything.  The only requirements are some kind of nuts, some kind of a hard cheese, salt, pepper and olive oil.  The rest is up to you and your imagination.  I was feeling creatively lazy and had to come up with something quick and easy for dinner, because once again, I was pressed for time.  It seems I have been pressed for time all summer, but I digress.  Pesto!  That’s what the sauce will be for dinner.  Pesto is super easy to make, does not take long, and I think almost everything tastes better with pesto.  I decided to try something a little different with my pesto this time too.  I made a delicious Southwestern pesto that I used as both a marinade and a topping for my chicken.  I call it pesto with a punch.

I like open fire-roasted peppers and chilies.  I use them quite a bit.  They are super easy to  make.  Place your peppers directly onto the open flame if you have a gas stove or on the grill and cook until the peppers are completely black on the outside.  Then remove the pepper from the flame and place it in a plastic bag to sweat for at least 1/2 hour.  The blackened skin will just peel right off by rubbing it with your fingers.  Rinse off all the residue skin and use how you like it.  The blackened, charbroiled process really enhances the flavors and gives them a nice smoky taste.  Roasting Peppers

Southwestern Pesto Chicken

1 bunch cilantro, stems removed

1/2 pistachios

1 roasted poblano, seeds removed

1 TBSP garlic

1 tsp cumin

1-2 TBSP Romano cheese

salt & pepper to taste

2 TBSP lime juice

1/3-1/2 cup olive oil

2 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste

1 tsp oregano

 

Put everything into the food processor and blend until everything has made a thick sauce or paste.  Use it as a sauce or a marinade to add to or with your favorite foods.

I rubbed some all over my chicken breasts and let them marinade for about 2-3 hours before grilling them up.  Then I use some of the leftover sauce (not used for the chicken at all) as a topping on my chicken.  I served it over red beans and rice with some grilled corn on the cob.  Vegan Dirty Rice and Andouille Sausage

A simple, quick and easy dinner is served.  Delicioso!

 

 

The Sunshine Blogger Award is given by fellow bloggers to people who are positive and creative and inspire others in the interweb.  It is a great award.  It is a sign of recognition given to bloggers by other bloggers.  It says that what you do matters to others and helps spread a little much needed positivity.  In essence, being nominated for this award says you are helping spread a little sunshine into an often dark world.   “A Jeanne in the Kitchen” was nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award by Suze, from suziland too or obsolete childhood.  Thank you so much.  WOW!!!!  I am honored, yet again.

 

The Rules Are:

1. Use the sunshine blogger award logo

      2.  Give thanks to the blogger that nominated you

      3.  Answer the 11 questions given to you

       4.  Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 questions  (this is the hard part, there are so many great and inspiring bloggers)

 

My Questions from Suze are:

1.  How did you pick your blog’s name?

Well …. My name is Jeanne and I have been cooking all my life.  My mother had a picture of me helping her cook when I was about 3 years old, and I have been cooking ever since.  I became a professional chef in my late 20’s and worked in restaurants for many, many years.  “A Jeanne in the Kitchen” just made sense to me.

2.  Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your 13-year-old self?

HMMMMMM …… Always be true to yourself, no matter what everyone else says or does around you, you have to be true to who you are.

3.  What’s your favorite TV/Radio show?

Well, I don’t really watch to a lot of TV.  I’ve never really liked TV much, and it has only gotten worse over the years.  I don’t really listen to Radio shows, but I love music of all kinds.

4.  What are three things you cannot live without?

Family and friends; my four-legged, furry children; and being in and around water.

5.  Who is your favorite fictional character?

James Bond 007, Sherlock Holmes, The Bionic Woman (with Lindsay Wagner, back in the 1970’s).

6.  What is your most prized possession?

I don’t really have any “prized possessions”.  Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of things I love, but they are just that, things.  If I didn’t have them around me, I would still be just fine.

7.  Describe yourself in three words.

Wet, complex, honest

8.  What is your favorite place where you have traveled and why is it your favorite?

Tough question.  We travel all over the place.  I love, love, love to travel.  I enjoy most places I go, for different reasons.  But if I have to choose just one, I would have to say Cozumel, Mexico, for the best scuba diving in the world.

9.  What single quality do you most appreciate in people?

Honesty.  I would much prefer someone be honest with me, and tell me something I don’t like or don’t want to hear than have them lie to me by telling me things I like and do want to hear.  The worst thing someone can do to me is to lie to me.  At least, if they are honest with me, I know where I stand with them.

10.  What’s your favorite post that you’ve written? (Link, please!)

They are all my favorite posts at the time I write them, and then another one comes along, and changes everything.  I will leave you my link, and let everyone choose their own favorite post(s) of mine.  You can check out my posts at ajeanneinthekitchen.com  I would love your feedback for what YOUR favorite posts are and why you think so.

11.  Does your blog have a focus, and if so, what is it?

🙂 🙂 🙂   For my blog to have a focus, that would mean I would have to have a focus.  I just kind of go where the wind blows.  Although, my blog is all about food and enjoying life, both in and out of the kitchen.

 

My Questions to you:

1. Who is your hero/ role model? Why?
2. What is one random thing about you not many people know?
3. What makes you laugh?
4.  What makes you cry?
5. What is better, taking a risk or going for a sure thing? Why?
6. What is more important to you, money or happiness?
7. Can you have both?
8. What is your favorite food?
9. Are you a morning person or an evening person?
10. How did you start your blog?  Why?
11. If you could start all over again, and start from scratch, would you change anything?

My Nominees are:

1. sports, food,actives,life
   @sasegirls
2. thegotogirlsblog
   @thegotogirlsblog
3. indianeskitchen
   @indianeskitchen
4. Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café
   @jonettaallen
5. lillyevechristie
   @lillyevechristie
6. koolkosherkitchen
   @koolkosherkitchen
7. dreamgoexplore
   @dreamgoexplore
8. Laleh Chini
   @avoicefromiran
9. David A Fischer
   @damarministries1991
10. My Life As A Mom
    @mylifehobbiesasamom
11. Marc-André
    @medran001

Good luck to you all, and thanks for always making the day just a little brighter.  Keep on doing what you do.  Once again, many, many thanks to Suze from suziland too or obsolete childhood for my nomination.