Downhill health

It seems as though I've been sick for a week now and have finally made it to the final stages of recovery. When you're sick the lack of energy is incredibly sad. I have had no desire to much in the last few days but it has given me time to finish the wedding thank you cards (yes they're finally in the mail) and set some post wedding goals for myself. The first is to begin a new, slightly less than before rigorous gym routine and renew my healthy eating efforts. Of all things I heard a quote in Glee that really hit me. Quinn talks about how she has changed her eating habits for her unborn baby and it made her think of why she wouldn't do it for herself. I figures it's time to get back on the healthy bandwagon. My brother inspired me too recently informing me he is interested in possibly becoming a vegan. Next goal is to give back more. Since the wedding I have started tutoring, become a USC student mentor and begun pro bono projects for friends/family with businesses. It's been rejuvenating. Finally, reinstate my interest in hobbies and extra-curricular activities like golf, scrapbooking, snowboarding and searching for a church choir to sing in. All in all not having had energy made me miss my everyday little routines and fun extras. Amazing the amount of time that was spent planning one day, now I get to think about the rest of my life.

Oh and by the way, today was the final step in changing my name... DMV. It went surprisingly smooth and quickly. Now I'm officially and completely a Daraban!

A Quickie

I have been feeling under the weather lately, and so has Cristian, so last week I made Cornish hens in the crock  pot. It was so easy. Take out the hens, add carrots, garlic, onions and chicken stock, simmer for hours. The meat literally fell off the bone and was so flavorful from soaking in the stock. To pair with it I made Cristian's favorite mac n cheese (see ingredients below) and some cranberry sauce. Dessert was a berry martini with a bit of orange curacao. Some pics:

His and Hers

This week I made my ultimate burger, a turkey burger patty, whole wheat bun, 2% cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickles (lots), onion and avocado. I even made my own sauce, yes it's becoming a theme these days. To the food processor,Cuisinart DLC-2009CHB Prep 9 9-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless, I added my fake mayo, ketchup, onion, garlic, cilantro and a number of seasonings. To top it off I made a cocktail from a new found enjoyment, Hypnotic. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it. This recipe is called rock candy and includes Hypnotic, vodka and pineapple juice. To make it fun I even blended real pineapple into it. Quite summery and refreshing.

Funnily enough Cristian decided to make burgers a few days later. His were simpler, bun, patty, onion and sauce. His sauce of course was his famous chipotle aoli. I have to say in this case his and hers were both perfect and scrumptious.

The Missing Ingredient

On Sunday Cristian and I decided to take out some lamb chops that we hadn't made due to recurring invitations to the in-laws. Last night, yet again, our plan was derailed but in this case to my benefit. I had marinated the lamb chops in Syrah, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, crushed red pepper and parsley. After sitting in the bath a few days the flavor was highly intensified. I took out my cast iron grill pan and heated it up with a light layer of olive oil. In the meantime I looked up sauces to go with this delectable protein. I found Giada's very plain, very easy recipe and was very excited to use my new food processor for only the second time.

Measuring out the ingredients I pour them into the bowl - balsamic vinegar, garlic clove, salt and pepper...honey. Oh no. I completely forgot we had run out of honey. What to do? Searching the fridge I decide to be bold and try a substitute, raspberry jam. It's sweet, somewhat tart and should go well with balsamic, but garlic??? I measure it out and decide to go for it. Once the food processor is engaged I slowly and carefully pour in the vegetable oil until the mixture thickens. After only 2.5 minutes the chops have been flipped and the second batch is on the heat.

For a side dish I decide to go with spring mix, diced heirloom tomatoes and mozzarella pearls. Clean and simple. Delish. On my new everyday china I arrange my dinner for one and pour myself a glass of a red Rhone wine. I pause to take a picture of the meal I made for me then sit down. The rain is coming down lightly and the house is quiet. I may have been missing honey but I'm also missing my Honey.

lamb chops cooking in the grill pan

raspberry balsamic sauce

finished chops

finished fall feast

my humble plate

mmmmm

 

Eternal Errands

Isn't it sad when the weekend goes by and all you accomplished was errands? We were so tired Friday night we picked up Daphne's for dinner and watched a movie at home, which I of course fell asleep watching. Saturday we had to get up early to get my car smog checked before I hit the deadline, update our bank accounts with my new name (the saga continues), get Cristian a haircut, pick up his brother from water polo, go grocery shopping, get Cristian's wedding band inspected and cleaned, run to the mall for some returns, made a late lunch and after all that I had to put on a happy face for dinner with the in-laws and their guests. That's just Saturday! Marathon cleaning Sunday, laundry, two trips to Home Depot (once for ant killer the next for a new smoke detector), made cookies, gardened, organized, put away the last of the wedding gifts, and again, dinner at the in-laws. Alas, by this point the weekend was done. I feel exhausted now and not refreshed at all but am really looking forward to this weekend, when all of the cleaning has already been done. Tonight we have lamb chops that I marinated yesterday (thinking we were eating at our own house) in red wine, olive oil, a million herbs and spices. Looking forward to the yummy smell on the grill. Sigh