Baking Berry Strata

Have been catching up on TiVo'ed Everyday Italian episodes. This recipe for berry strata is from Giada's 'Kitchen Basics' episode, and uses ingredients that one most likely has on hand. I don't typically go for bread-pudding-like desserts such as this, but it looked easy and tasty. I was not disappointed; tastes really great, and not too sweet either. It can also double as a breakfast treat :)

She's Here!

After much anticipation, Lauren Mei arrived on Saturday May 19th! We simply cannot get enough of her. She certainly likes to sleep a lot, so it's a rare moment when we catch her with her eyes open.

She's not so keen on her sponge baths thus far, but she loves getting her hair (what hair?) washed. She also seemed to tolerate her first stroller ride around the neighborhood - just slept right on through the ride :)

Check Out My 'Crib'

Here is a picture of Lauren's room. Grandma Pennie made the crib bumper/skirt and window valence, using sheet sets I picked up at Bed, Bath, & Beyond and Ross'. The crib and glider are from Room and Board, and the dresser is from IKEA. The wall art over the crib is a custom creation - took several tries to get the colors just right.

Stylin' Socks

Aren't these the cutest socks? Received these mary jane baby socks - in a variety of pastels - as a gift from two friends. Can't wait to dress baby up; she'll be stylin'. We have received so many cute clothes to outfit her for quite a while!

Ready To Go

Stew snapped this shot of Riley, enjoying an empty mailing box from a baby gift we'd just received. It's amazing, a cat's fascination with boxes. No matter what size, condition, etc. they always want to jump inside.

Leapin' Lizards!

We have this rather large lizard living somewhere in our backyard - it's much larger that the typical gecko we see. He comes out every now and then to bask in the sun - on a rock, on the wall, .... Here he is lounging on the cool deck near the pool.

Cinco de Mayo Comes Early

Last week, we tried a few new recipes from this month's issue of Everyday Food. The Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Green Sauce (shown here) turned out really great. The recipe makes a large quantity - and in hind sight should've probably split into 2 batches, and frozen one. Served this with a side of Black Beans with Lime.

The Buttermilk Chicken Caesar Salad was another hit. Not too difficult to make (just need to pick up some lowfat buttermilk), and I used a bag of butter lettuce and radicchio to save some time. Unfortunately it doesn't look like the recipe is available online.

And finally (yum, yum!), tried the Cream-Cheese Brownies, featured on the magazine cover. Who could resist? The cream cheese mixture turned out a little soupy, so I ended up not using all of it - so to still get the marbled brownie effect. The tip to line part of the pan with parchment paper - to easily lift out the brownies - worked well too.

Bigfoot

We had an ultrasound done this week, and couldn't resist posting this photo :) The technician couldn't get any good face shots since she's all curled up and facing back, so figured this is the next best thing.

Sitting Duck

Leaving work the other day, I encountered this duck all comfy and cozy in the parking lot. He looked lost if you ask me, and I didn't see any other ducks nearby. However, he didn't seem to mind me taking his photo with my cell phone as I drove by.

Perfect Piccata

Was looking for a quick chicken recipe to try out with ingredients on hand. Found a Chicken Piccata recipe, from Sara Moulton, and it turned out very good. I've tried other piccata recipes before, and the sauce never turns out quite right - but this one was very flavorful. I'm not a huge fan of left-overs, but didn't mind having this a second night.