I love veggies!

The dish I'm going to introduce to you today is one that I probably would have never tried had it not been for Disney movies. I'm sure you're scratching your head wondering what kind of crazy I am. I assure you, I'm not.

I'm a product of a Disney childhood. Belle is my Disney Princess. My family took vacations nearly every year through my childhood to Disney World for at the minimum a week. When I was married to my husband in April 2010, we had my dream wedding which was a Disney Wedding. We were married out off the coast of Malta on our Disney Mediterranean cruise where Snow White came and attended our wedding. Fun Fact: I am the only Disney Wedding who has ever, and who will ever, have a Disney Princess in attendance. How cool is that? Belle was supposed to attend, but was ill. That's OK, I love Snow White, too!

Back to how Disney introduced me to food. Have you ever seen the movie Ratatouille? It's a cute and funny movie that shows that even the most unconventional of characters can become what they want to become and do the things they want to do. As the movie states over and over, "Anyone can cook."

 

Well, through various trials and exciting movie points I am not going to write about, Remy (the Rat) creates the dish, Ratatouille. At the time I knew, but didn't know what the dish was. It wasn't until last year, when I moved here to Arizona that I decided to try and make it. Mostly because it is cost effective and my husband and I had very little money to spend on groceries. The other plus was the recipe made enough servings to feed a small family, or my husband, and a little for me (I don't really eat that much - I know I joke that I eat like a pig, but in all honesty it's impossible).

 

So, here is the recipe that I sought out to make thanks in part to Disney! I enjoyed it, my husband loved it. I hope that if you decide to try it, you enjoy it as well.

 

Ratatouille

 

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 eggplant (prepped *please make sure you prep. your eggplant before you add to dish, or you're going to have bitter tasting Ratatouille* and cut into 1/2in. cubes)
• salt
• grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 zucchini sliced (circular) evenly
• 1 lg. onion sliced
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 lg. tomatoes, sliced (I prefer Roma - so I used more than 2)

1. Preheat oven to 350º. Coat bottom and sides of a casserole dish (at least 2 quart size) with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir in garlic until lightly browned. Mix in parsley and your prepped eggplant. Cook and stir until eggplant is soft. Approximately 10 minutes. You can season with salt to taste.
3. Spread eggplant mixture evenly in casserole dish. Sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese. Evenly layer with zucchini. Lightly salt (if desired), and then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Repeat this process with each vegetable, salt, and cheese.
4. Bake for 45 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

 

Honestly, I prefer to season my dishes with pepper over salt. So, my Ratatouille was more on the spicy side of life than salty. I used very little salt in this dish.

Give this dish a try. You might find you enjoy it. I know I do.

The travesty that has become Amy's Baking Company

It is humiliating when a business outright embarrasses themselves. When owners treat customers like trash, can't cook above a basic level, or make correct change.

Unfortunately, I don't think this is what has happened with Amy's Baking Company in Scottsdale, Arizona. Yes, I think there were things that weren't right (like the tips being taken from the waitstaff, and the one young woman being fired for a ridiculous reason), but without going there and seeing them for myself, I can't say the cooking was off, or food tasted like trash and so on. I think what happened to them was a complete and utter travesty.

People hopped on the bandwagon of ridiculousness and attacked a business that more than likely none of them visited because of a show they saw on TV. Let's face it, how do we feel we would act under the same pressure with cameras in our faces? Did they act proper? No, they didn't. I'm sure they are as embarrassed of their own actions as I would be had I acted the same way. Regardless, it doesn't excuse the wave after wave of extreme ignorance that was slung at their business from people all over the Internet (especially from those who have never been to the establishment). In the end, what did these people gain from harassing Amy's Baking Company? Nothing. A high five and a pat on the back? Was it all worth it?

I'm not trying to defend Amy or her husband and their actions. I wasn't impressed by how the acted. I looked at the situation and rationalized how often are cameras in their faces, documenting everything they do. Never. It's stressful. I'd probably be an irritable bitch. Nervous as hell, unable to relax, and totally incapable of being relaxed. It's like people can't rationalize that these are regular people shoved into an irregular situation and it changes people. It would change anyone.

The sick thing about all this is the amount of people attacking them on their Facebook page and on Yelp. It's hard to weed out the facts from the fakes anymore. It's become a real shit storm of mass destruction. It's a shame.

All I know is before this shit slinging festival started, I wanted to find them and try them out. I like cute little boutique places that remind me of Italy or France, and when I found this place, that's what struck me about them. It was unique looking. It offered unique eats, treats, and sweets.

I have friends trying to "poke the bear", so to speak, to get me to go there and find out if the stories are true or not. Not going to lie, my interests are piqued. I am not going to go there looking for things wrong or to fight. I like going to Scottsdale for shopping and enjoying the dining in the area. I've never gone (or not gone) to a place based on reviews by Yelp or other online resources. I prefer to make my own opinions, not follow the herd.

Now, I'm not going to pretend that if I was attacked by my boss that I would not stand up to them. Or, if I was a patron at a restaurant and was mistreated that I would not stand up for myself. Those that know me are fully aware of what a crude, blunt, and honest person I am and know that I will not stand for being mistreated. I've done it before as a worker when customers treated myself and my coworkers like dirt. I've done it when management rudely mistreated me, and I would do it again if the situation presented itself. I do not, however, go into any situation expecting a fight or a confrontation. I may joke about it with friends, but in no way ever expect the sort of circus that people have spewed (falsely or otherwise) about ABC.

I completely respect if you don't agree with my opinions, but be forewarned that I honestly do not care if you do not agree. Your opinion is yours and mine is my own. C'est la vie.

If you don't know what is going on with this whole hot mess, then I have one thing to say to you. It's called Google. Learn to use it.

Good day.

I'm not annoying. I'm a Princess.

I'm a bad person. I broke down and drank about a third of a can of Coke last night. Not because I was thirsty (even though I was, somewhat), but because I was having some soup for my dinner, and Cherry Gatorade really doesn't go well with chicken noodle. Trust me on this, I've made the mistake of combining the two and the end result was my head in a toilet bowl, vomiting profusely.

Well, I have mentioned before that I belong to a board that caters to some of my illnesses. To be quite honest I go there and read, but don't quite feel comfortable there yet. I think part of it stems from the irrational assumptions some of the members make just because we all share the same problems. Personally, I think some are self-diagnosed, which is scary in the first place. And then there is the gang mentality on some issues. Really, to be honest, it's a huge pity party and everyone is invited. I guess I expected more help, but instead I see more pitiful attempts for attention.

I get it. We all hurt. We all have problems. Yes, I enjoy someone who will dote on me from time to time. I don't, however, go seeking out a crowd of people to tell my sob story and hope I get a bunch of hugs and attention thrown my way. I prefer to be left alone. When it comes to my pain and health problems, I want help in solving them. What has helped others in their situations, what hasn't worked, and how I can use that information to try and help me. I just don't get the perpetuation of making the pain and suffering last longer just to maintain a flow of affection.

I have family members and know people like that. It's enough to drive a person insane. They live their lives convincing people they don't know, or anyone who will listen, that they have something wrong with them (for example, cancer or tourettes) but really are fine and have just made up an excuse for why they had to take an exam from a doctor or xanax for helping their panic attacks. Why do they do this? How the hell do I know. They're crazy as fuck!

Maybe they feel better when people fawn over them and their faux illnesses and diseases. Who knows. I don't get it. I never will. I choose to do my best to ignore, even when it is blatantly being waved in my face and I want to call bullshit out on the faker. But, I don't. As much as it would make me feel good, it does nothing in the long run to cripple the already dry husk of a shell that remains of a human being.

Oh well. There are more important things to worry about in life. Like cake. Cookies. And who is going to bring me some?!?

I'm craving something sweet, but I honestly don't know what I want. Maybe I should just make sugar cookies? Or just ignore the cravings and watch some TV. I'm so confused! I want and then I don't want. Stupid brain and stomach. Work together, damn it.

Preferably, I would hope they decide against the sweets and junk food. But, I never get what I want.

I can't get this out of my head...

"Majestic" - Wax Fang

A sight for sore eyes to the blind would be awful majestic
It would be the most beautiful thing that they ever had seen
It would cause such surprise, it would make all of their minds electric
How could anyone tell them that some things are not what they seem
In such disbelief, I thought I was asleep when I met you
My heart liquefied and I sighed, oh this must be a dream”
If I forget to set the alarm and sleep on through the dawn, don't remind me
I'd rather be dreaming of someone than living alone
If you're searching the lines for a point, well you've probably missed it
There was never anything there in the first place

Presents for your puppies.

It's always important to remember your furry friends in your life. I do apologize that I don't cater to those who may have pets other than dogs, horses, hedgehogs, or sugar gliders. Those are what I have. They are what make up my life.

So, today I am offering you a very basic, very simple, dog cookie recipe. These are fun to make and use cookie cutters in different shapes and sizes. Like any other fresh baked product, remember to keep them in a sealed container (you can freeze them), to prevent them from spoiling.

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Dog Cookies

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup peanut butter (chunky or creamy)
• 1 1/4 cups hot water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the flour and oats well. Blend in the peanut butter and hot water. Mix well. If dough appears to be too sticky, adjust by adding small amounts of flour.

Knead dough on a floured surface. Roll dough out and cut with cookie cutters. Place cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake for 40 minutes. If desired, you can egg wash cookies before baking. Gives a nice sheen / glaze.

It always makes me feel good when I can make things like this for my two dogs. Especially when they seem in a funk or Clara is in heat and is majorly in bitch mode. Come on ladies, you know that feeling. You want to eat everything in sight, cry for no reason, and tear the face off the first person you see for no reason what-so-ever. And then she farts and it makes me gag, and she looks at me with these big, sad brown eyes that say, "My cramps are killing me, so get off your fat ass and get me a cookie before I tear your face off..... Please."

And a little piece of me dies inside. I obey, and the cycle of life continues for a little while longer.

What's "taters", precious?

Tonight, for dinner, my husband is making steak, lobster, and crab legs. He has requested that I make him his favorite side dish: Creamy Horseradish Mashed Potatoes. I'm making a little twist on this one, though. I'm going to make them into fried cakes. I've not had them fried since I was little. My bitch-balls crazy Grandmother used to fry them up for me (before she went bitch-balls crazy), and I would enjoy them for brunch with my Gramps, who was the coolest WWII Navy Veteran a granddaughter could ask for.

Horseradish Potato Pancakes

• 1 cup milk
• 1 oz. cream cheese
• 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh horseradish
• mashed potatoes (from scratch or boxed) - about 4 to 6 servings
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• Olive oil or your preference of oil or shortening to fry your pancakes in

So, to start, I made mashed potatoes like anyone else does; like the back of the box of Hungry Jack tells me to. Just Kidding! Because it's just my husband and I, there isn't always a big call for potatoes here in the house, so sometimes I do use boxed. Sometimes, I do have fresh on hand. In this case, I had a few nice sized Golden's (6 medium-ish) on hand. Washed, peeled (you don't necessarily have to peel them - I did just because I could), and cubed. Boiled a pot of water (with some salt added) and allowed to cook for about 13 minutes. Poured out into a colander, rinsed off, and placed into a mixing bowl. To the potatoes I added some milk (I like using whole milk), 1 oz. of cream cheese, 3 tablespoons butter, and 2 1/2 (heaping) tablespoons fresh horseradish (the kind you get from the jar). Mixed well with a hand mixer and allowed to cool for a while. 

While the potatoes are still a little warm, add in your flour and egg, mix well. If the potatoes seem too moist, add more flour till they appear more cake-like. Heat up a skillet to a medium heat and add in your frying oil or shortening. Please be careful, as oil splatter is painful.

You can from here if you like, form patties by hand (lightly flour your hands prior to handling the potatoes) or you can just drop dollops of potatoes by the spoonful into the skillet. Allow to crisp up to your liking, flip and cook the other side. Remove and allow to sit on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. You can, if you choose, to lightly salt and pepper (or other seasonings you prefer) before serving.

Growing up, my Grandmother would add in bits of bacon, onion, carrots, or whatever she had in the kitchen when she made these. It was a delicious treat to have. One that I craved when I would stay over. She cooked hers in lard, and let's face it, that made everything taste better.

And like I always say, be creative! Maybe try putting in chopped carrot pieces, peas, and some ground hamburger, making it into fried mini Shepherd's Pies! Lord, I'm drooling just thinking about it. Enjoy, and share what you think!

I love you, too, but I'm going to Mace you in the face!

Amongst the many illnesses I have, I have what is called Fibromyalgia. I need a cure. Today is not only Mother's Day, but also Fibro Awareness Day. I don't want to take away from what a special day this is to all the wonderful, dedicated mom's out there, but this is my blog and I want to plunge into part of what consumes my life.

 

I was diagnosed with Fibro several years ago. I was finding myself coming home from work in intense pain, unable to handle water pressure from the shower head hitting my skin. The feeling of pressure on my body when I laid in bed. Being unable to move in the morning after sleepless nights. My muscles would spasm and contract, pulling inward, till I was in a tight fetal position. It would take me hours (yes, I do mean hours) for me to get out of bed. Tears rolling down my cheeks. I thought I was just getting old. Though, at 24, I couldn't grasp how I could feel so worn down.

 

Through miracles of doctors, and science, I was tested and treated. Quite successfully, actually. No, my pain never went away, but it was tolerable. I was able to function just a little better and get help for my other health issues.

 

Sadly now, I can not receive the help I need to function properly. I'm back to square one with being in pain and waking up in the fetal position, and taking a couple hours to just get out of bed. It's a nightmare. It wouldn't be so bad if it were just the Fibro I was just dealing with. In fact, I wish it was only the Fibro. Alas, it is not. I have random instances where I will black-out and faint. This has to do with my bone marrow and blood. Marrow doesn't reproduce blood. Like every body, you shed and lose blood (a cut, bloody nose, etc.). A normal body replaces lost blood. My body does not. My body also does not produce and process iron. I also can not take iron or iron supplements. My white blood cells are unnaturally abundant and go on an attack and destroy mission. The only way I can combat this problem is to have blood transfusions with iron infusions directly into my blood (in an over abundance). Thanks to the UFCW, I can't have these necessary treatments, and just have to deal with the constant and random fainting this past year. I so enjoy the bumps, bruises, and embarrassment I face when it happens in public places, like when I'm grocery shopping. Thanks, assholes!

 

And if that's not the icing on the cake, I suffer from migraines. No, not the ones you get once or twice a month. I have one every day, every hour, every minute, from the time I wake up till I go to bed. I've had migraines since I was about 16. They got worse when I was 18. In October 2011, they started to go every day. No one has been able to help me or explain why. Not that it matters now. No insurance!

 

And then there is the issue of my back. I don't want to bore you, as there is a lot involved. Let's just say I'm a walking fucking medical phenomenon. I have more fractured bones, slipped discs, pinched nerves, and problems wrong in one body than someone who is 32 should have. It makes no fucking sense.

 

There are days I am better than others, even though I have none of my medications. Hell, I've made it a year. Yes, it has been VERY hard. I'm in no way looking for sympathy. Just trying to explain why I am the way I am. If I seem a little odd, maybe this will explain it. I don't function like others do. No one holds my hand. No one helps me. I fight for me.

 

Don't take it that I don't have family, my husband, or friends behind me. I do. They are always there for me. I don't go sobbing "Why me?" to them. I don't hand them my problems and expect them to fix everything. I do it myself. So, when things do not work out, I have myself to blame.