Football feast- hearty and healthy

Not all football feasts have to be dripping in cheese and filled with calories, and this black bean chili with winter squash is proof postive of that. A vegetarian recipe from Health magazine, this chili is low in fat and calories, but still full of fiber and great taste. We are using acorn squash in ours, but pick your fav from this years bountiful harvest. Quick, easy and budget friendly, this fall supper will hit the spot as the Ravens take on the Steelers tonight.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large chopped onion (1 1/2 cups)
1 medium diced yellow bell pepper (1 cup)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups fat-free, less-sodium vegetable broth
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (4.5-ounce) can chopped mild green chiles
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 medium winter squash (about 2 pounds)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in beans, broth, tomatoes, green chiles, chili powder, chipotle chile powder, and oregano. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Uncover and cook 10 more minutes.

2. Cut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out and discard seeds, pierce with a fork a few times, and put in a microwave-safe dish with 1/4 inch water. Cover with plastic wrap; microwave on HIGH 8 minutes or until tender. Let cool; peel with a small sharp knife, and cut into 1/2-inch chunks. Stir squash into bean mixture; cook 5 minutes. Stir in salt. Serve warm.

james

Thursday after my 6am to 1pm shift at the coffee shop, I stopped home for a quick wardrobe change, took Abby for a walk, then headed down to Chicago to see the band James play at my old neighborhood venue the Vic aka the Brew and View. Last week, my boss informed me that this band ,that I thought had broken up, had a new album out and were touring the Midwest this fall. WHAT! How did I not hear this? When I got home, I downloaded the new album "Hey Ma" and found out they were coming to Chicago in a week. Instant spontaneous reaction. BUY A TICKET.

So, I am not one of those people who travel all over to see live music, but for many, there are certain bands that you just connect with. Whether they remind you of a great time in your life, a certain city, or they just are really entertaining, some bands just have that effect on you. When ever you hear their songs, it brings you back to a certain space and time and hopefully fond memories, and for me, this band was a 'soundtrack of sorts' to a big growth period in my life.

After college, I moved to Iowa to work as a buyer for a department store. It was my first apartment, first real job, and the first of many new experiences just being on my own. Although, the location wasn't perfect, I loved the freedom and anonymity living in another place gave me. So it was there that I picked the album Laid (after seeing a video on MTV) and instantly became a fan. That album is still on my top 5 of all time too. I vividly remembering listening to that CD over and over again in that little apartment and soon after bought about 4 of their others.

When I moved to Chicago a few years later, I heard they were coming to town and bought a ticket for just me and was thrilled I was finally going to get to see them live. Sadly, the show got cancelled a week before, and (as I mentioned earlier) they stopped touring. As bummed as I was, I guess it just wasn't meant to be. Ironically, that cancelled show was at the very same venue I saw them at last night, so it seems to have come full circle I guess.

The concert was awesome ! If you have never been to a concert solo, you should, it is very liberating. Especially if you are the one that really appreciates the music...you can stand as close as you want, scream as loud as you want, and leave when you want. I did not take the photo above, but picked it off the fan site from a previous show because that was about my vantage point last night. I am such a visual person. When I see a band live, it just adds to the way I hear their music, and these guys are quite the showmen. Besides all their classic hits, they played many of the tracks from their fabulous new album, which you can hear samples of on their site, to the sold out crowd. I love when a band connects with their fans too. Several times throughout the 1 hour and 30 min show, they turned the lights on the crowd and I watched as the band members scanned the faces in the room and were genuinely appreciative of the hundreds of excited fans that came out that night to see them play. You could see it in their eyes. It was a cool exchange of musical energy. They sell out stadiums across the pond, but here was a little more intimate, which I actually like much more. Now the 2 hr 35 min drive home was not as thrilling, but all part of living a 'rock and roll' lifestyle I guess. After crawling into bed and kissing my sweetie at almost 2 AM, I realized I had been up since 4:30 that day. Whew. I really was channeling my mid 20's self. As I fell asleep with my ears still ringing a bit, I thought of how grateful I was that I have the freedom to do something like this on a moments notice, but more than that, I was grateful that I took advantage of a random opportunity to do something I really really wanted to do...even if it was 12 years later.

field trip

Yesterday, I had the day off so I took a little field trip to an area of Wisconsin I had not yet explored and to visit a truly unique store.

Through the mysterious connections of Etsy, I found Miss Kim... aka Persimmons Gal. Artist, shop owner, blogger and overall very cool chick. I have been checking out her shop and her blog for the last few months and knew that I needed to make the 2 1/2 hr drive from Madison to Manitowoc to see her goods live....I was not disappointed.

Besides her stunning aqua storefront, Persimmons is cleverly filled with everything from soldered jewelry hanging from crochet needles to vintage board game pieces pouring out of apothecary drawers. I felt like Charlie in the factory for sure.

After several hours of chatting and exploringing her treasures, I left with a bagful of wonderful ones for myself - 2 pendants, some circus game cards, a pair of Halloween cupcake picks, a couple sheets of Shrinky Dink paper, but my favorite is from the artist herself. I spotted this poppy canvas seconds after I walked into her shop, and when I got home, found the perfect spot. The green is almost identical to what we painted our hallway walls, and the message...a wonderful thing to see each day !
I love it when my expectations are exceeded. Love it -love it. So, thank you Persimmons gal for your wonderful hospitality and wildly inspiring art. Well ,well worth the drive.

Autumn

Today is the first full day of fall and time to change my artwork.

Growing up, my grandparents had these 4 prints, by artist Charles Wysocki, hanging on their family room wall. They were arranged in a large square, and each one represented a different season.... something that is very defined in the Midwest. As a child I loved admiring all the details and how the vibrant colors captured the corresponding season so very well. I can remember wondering what it would be like to live in these little art worlds. Hiding in the big barn, playing with the little black cat, picking the perfect pumpkin. Matted in heavy tan burlap, these prints were the first thing you would see when you entered the room.

When my grandfather passed several years ago, my Dad gave me those four pictures so I could continue my appreciation. They are no longer grouped all together, instead, I display only the season we are in. Besides the smile it brings me each time I make the switch, the act of placing it in such a prominent place in my house is a ritual that makes me not only appreciate the changes of the seasons, but brings back fond memories of my dear Grandpa and all the beauty he brought to this world.

Happy Fall !

Football feast- Stuffed "Jet- green" pepper soup

Jets vs. Chargers.....

Oh the local Wisconsin sportscasters will be buzzing tomorrow morning as former Packer Brett Farve makes his Monday Night Football debut in a different green uniform tonight. In staying true to the green theme, tonights recipe is Stuffed Green Pepper Soup.

This one is so easy, you can whip it up for a crowd on a moments notice, or make a big batch and freeze in portions for a later use. Just add fresh rice. Discovered from a Cooking Light reader several years back. I turned many of my friends and family on to this hearty, healthy and easy meal to make. Serve as is or with a loaf of crusty warm bread and salty butter. Mmmm.

Ingredients
1/2 pound ground round
2 cups chopped green bell pepper
1 cup chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14-ounce) can less-sodium beef broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can tomato soup, undiluted (try to find a natural one..the others have lots of preservatives)
1 1/2 cups hot cooked white rice
Preparation
Heat a small Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef; cook 3 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble. Add chopped green bell pepper and onion; cook 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in black pepper, less-sodium beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato soup; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes.
Spoon 1/4 cup hot cooked white rice into each of 6 bowls; top with 1 cup soup.

the art of Phil Porter

I can't quite remember when I first saw one of Phil Porters works of art, but I do remember it stopped me dead in my tracks. So vibrant and abstract yet still very recognizable. His subjects tend to be Madison based and you can find his logo-esque figures on everything from note cards to magnets to coffee cups all through out town.

At a recent stop at a coffee shop, I noticed they were having an exhibition of his work. I had never really seen his large art pieces before, so was thrilled to be able to peruse them all in one place. Beautiful landscapes and cityscapes filling the huge canvases in the most unique color combinations. I loved one better than the next. I knew very little about the artist, so while waiting for my latte, I read his bio.

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Phil is the great-grandson of Lew Porter, the architect who designed the State Capital and the famous Red Gym among others, which is why, he says, buildings are such a focal point of his art. He works on 13 paintings at once (his lucky number) and uses one color at a time, jumping back and forth from each painting to find the perfect spot for that hue. He also was born mildly retarded and spent many years in an institution where he found art as a way of coping. I have to say I was surprised when I read that statement and I couldn't help but wonder if I would I have looked as his art thru different eyes if I knew that before ? It was a refreshing an inspiring thought. If you do what you love, beautiful things will come out of it. Phil sums it up best in his artists statement "I think I am art, not the artist" .."its important to paint what you understand and what makes you happy". What a pure statement for everyone searching to find their creative path.

I plan to own one of Phil's stunning canvases someday, but for now, I will have to appreciate them for the comfort of my local cafe.

Live Happy !

Football feast - as big as Texas

In keeping with my Monday night football menu post, this week I am featuring a Texas casserole that might be considered royalty, at least in our house. The King Ranch casserole compliments of America's Test Kitchen host, Chris Kimball. Dating back to the 50's, this updated favorite of Texas housewives is a bit like a big creamy enchilada , but with a crispy comfort food kick. This cheesy, spicy and crunchy meal is the perfect dish to serve tonight as the Cowboys take on the Eagles.

This meal is truly as big as Texas too, so if you are not making for a crowd, you can always split it up into two dishes, (leaving the topping off one), and freeze it. The leftovers are so yummy though, we always make the whole pan and nosh on it over the next few days. I have even been know to have it for breakfast. Who doesn't like Fritos for breakfast? You will be licking your plate clean and most likely getting seconds at halftime with this one. Enjoy.

INGREDIENTS
• 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 onions, chopped fine
• 2 jalapeño chiles, seeds and ribs removed, then minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 (10-ounce) cans Ro-Tel tomatoes
• 5 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 11/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
• 1 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 4 cups)
• Salt and pepper
• 2 1/4 cups Fritos corn chips, crushed

DIRECTIONS

1. Adjust the oven racks to the upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat the oven to 450 degrees. Lay the tortillas on two baking sheets, lightly coat both sides with cooking spray, and bake until slightly crisp and browned, about 12 minutes. Cool slightly, then break into bite-sized pieces. Using potholders, adjust the top oven rack to the middle position.

2. Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook the onions, chiles, and cumin until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their juice and cook until most of liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook 1 minute. Add the cream and broth, bring to a simmer, and cook until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Off the heat, add the cilantro and cheese and stir until the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Scatter half of the tortilla pieces in a 13 by 9-inch baking dish set over a rimmed baking sheet. Spoon half of the filling evenly over the tortillas. Scatter the remaining tortilla pieces over the filling, then top with the remaining filling.

4. Bake until the filling is bubbling, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle the Fritos evenly over the top and bake until the Fritos are lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Cool the casserole 10 minutes. Serve.

Things you can do ahead of time: The casserole can be assembled through step 3 and refrigerated, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 1 day. When ready to bake, remove the plastic, cover the casserole with foil, and bake until the filling is bubbling, about 30 minutes. Remove the foil, top with the crushed Fritos, and proceed as directed with the rest of step 4.

Ironman 2008

Sunday was the Wisconsin Ford Ironman competition.
For those of you not familiar, it is the king of all triathlons. A 2.4 mile lake swim, a 112 road bike ride finished up with a 26.2 mile marathon run. 2200 competitors competed this year and the conditions were perfect. Sunny, crisp and cool. I volunteered as a pointer for both the bike and the run and it was truly one of the coolest experiences. Seeing all those heads bobbing in the lake while the sun came up over Lake Monona was breathtaking and hearing that cannon fire as all those athletes starting the race (that they have trained all year for) was unbelievably inspiring.

The winner finished in 8 hours 43 min and 29 sec and the last Ironman to cross the line when they closed the course at midnight came in 16 hours 59 min and 56 sec. Whew !!! Sadly 124 did not finish, but as trite as it might sound, at this level, just attempting an event like this deserves a ton of respect.

I did a sprint tri 2 yrs back, and after seeing that start, I decided I am going to do an Olympic distance next year. Now that is a 1/4 of the distances these folks do, but it is really all about pushing yourself to that next level.... what ever that may be. So if that means signing up for a 10K if you have only done 5's or doing something as huge as this, 'tri' it. You just might surprise yourself.

Football feast- Wisconsin style

Well guys, that time of year again... Monday night football.

Although Nate is usually glued to the TV on Sundays this time of year, Mondays are the time we both crash on the couch with a tasty meal and a cold drink to watch the game. We saw every Monday night game that way last year and we are hoping to make it a repeat. In honor of that, I thought it would be fun do a weekly Monday post of tried and true football recipes for your Monday night feast.

This week, I had to start with the mother of all dinners...Mac & cheese. Not only because it is Nathan's fav, but because the Packers of cheeseland are playing the Vikings of Minnesota AND the Denver Broncos are playing their rivals the Oakland Raiders...so I thought I should pull out all the culinary stops.

Now, I am a Bears fan, that lives in Packerland, who is married to a Broncos fan, with in laws who are Viking fans...it gets a little complicated. But, regardless of your loyalties...this recipe is a winner. Compliments of Martha Stewart, it might seem a little labor intensive at first, but well worth it. My only suggestion is to go easy on the cayenne if you have little ones.

ENJOY!!!!!!

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for dish
6 good white bread, crusts removed, torn into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces
5 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
4 1/2 cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese, (about 18 ounces)
2 cups grated Gruyere cheese, (about 8 ounces) or 1 1/4 cups grated Pecorino Romano cheese (about 5 ounces).....I use gruyere.
1 pound elbow macaroni

1) Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 3-quart casserole dish; set aside.

2) Place bread in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Pour butter into bowl with bread, and toss. Set breadcrumbs aside.

3) In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, heat milk. Melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter in a high-sided skillet over medium heat. When butter bubbles, add flour. Cook, whisking, 1 minute.

4) While whisking, slowly pour in hot milk. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes thick.

5) Remove pan from heat. Stir in salt, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper, 3 cups cheddar cheese, and 1 1/2 cups Gruyere or 1 cup Pecorino Romano; set cheese sauce aside.
Fill a large saucepan with water; bring to a boil.

6) Add macaroni; cook 2 to 3 minutes less than manufacturer's directions, until the outside of pasta is cooked and the inside is underdone. (Different brands of macaroni cook at different rates; be sure to read the instructions.)

7) Transfer macaroni to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well. Stir macaroni into the reserved cheese sauce

8) Pour mixture into prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Gruyere or 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano, and breadcrumbs over top. Bake until browned on top, about 30 minutes.

9) Transfer dish to a wire rack to cool 5 minutes; serve hot.

windows of opportunity

After months of collecting dust in our garage, I finally found a solution as to what to do with all my found window panes.

I am always drawn to art containing glass. The light refraction , the colors, it is such an organic medium. This winter I took a stained glass class with hopes to discover my calling, but...it is a little too precise for my 3rd grade attention span. Although the sun catcher I made still hangs from our back window, I think stained glass might be an art form I leave to the experts.

Ironically, Nate recently helped my mom re-do all the window in her 100 year old house. He scraped off all the cracked and peeled caulk-like material and re-applied new glazing compound. (Kind of like a real squishy clay). One afternoon while perusing the craft store I found this gorgeous piece of turquoise glass. I brought it home as inspiration and as Nate saw me struggling with how to attach it to the old panes...he came to the rescue and schooled me in the art of glazing. Much less complicated than foiling, but still an art.

So- this week I finished 2 of my cast aways and I couldn't be more pleased. The inspiration part of a project is really never a challenge for me. I could see the finished project in my head as soon as I picked up that turquoise glass. It is the execution that often frustrates or hinders me, but that, I guess, is my lesson to learn in following this creative path that I have set out on. Enjoying the entire process.

Anniversary

Today is Nathan and I"s three year anniversary. It is crazy to think that three years have flown by that fast.

It was a truly perfect day. All our close friends and family with us, a gorgeous 82 degree cloudless day and the most handsome groom on the planet. I bought a very special Petit Syrah that we plan on toasting with post work tonight and then a romantic dinner for two.

Below is one of the readings from our ceremony. These words have served us both quite well over the last 3 years and we look forward to many, many more celebrations to come.

-a translation from the

Tao Te Ching

It is good to know your strength
but always return to your flexibility.
If you can cradle your beloved in your arms
in nurturing gentleness,
Love will flow thru you.

It is good to achieve things
but always return to anonymity.
Your beloved does not need your achievements
but needs your uncomplicated soul.

It is good to work for change,
but always return to what is.
If you accept all things whether painful or joyful,
you will always know
that you belong to each other.

Cheers to a greener weekend

Paper plates, plastic bags, empty bottles. A long holiday weekend can leave your recycling cart and garbage overflowing.

Paying attention to how much we consume and how the products we purchase are packaged, is a growing trend in the US and in our household for sure. Although we recycle everything we can, including the caps, we will often pass by products that create unnecessary waste. Bag- inside box- inside bag...you've seen the culprits. Bringing a canvas bag on your errands is a HUGE first step, but look a little deeper next time you are at the store and see where else you can cut. There are many top notch alternatives to your usual items that are much softer on the planet.

We are blessed here in Wisconsin to have many delicious micro brews. From Capital Brewery to New Glarus, Lake Louie to Furthermore, our choices for a good quality brew are numerous. We recently took advantage of one of our favorite brewer Ale Asylum's way of creating less waste. Growlers. A re-useable 1/2 gallon jug that you buy for $3.00, and when ever you like, they fill it full of tasty fresh tap beer (ave price for refills $10). We get about 6 beers out of it.

Pasteurization is used in the bottling process and although that kills bacteria, it changes the taste. Think of the way a pint tastes at your local pub versus from the bottle...there is no comparison in our eyes. Our latest addiction is Hopalicious. A bright hop filled libation that is a real mouthwaterer. Most micro brews have this option, so check it out. It is really the best of three worlds. Less things to recycle, better taste than the six pack, and we are supporting a local business. Also, if we ever get tired of fresh beer (bite your tongue) the growler would make a lovely penny jar. Sante !