Another food post...

I'm a salsa freak. I could probably eat it everyday. One thing I don't like in my salsa is...big, nasty chunks. I like a somewhat smooth salsa like you get at Chili's. Once I figured out how to make salsa at home similar to Chili's...well, I went crazy with it.

Here's what you need to make it:

I don't measure, so...

Dump the tomatoes into your food processor.

Add a squirt of lime juice

Add 5-7 jalapeno slices

10+ shakes of the Cumin

Onion Powder (a little more than Cumin)

Process until as smooth as you want it.

Start low with the jalapeno slices--the heat sneaks up on you. Add more onion powder and Cumin to taste. This is something that I made 2 or 3 times before I had it like I like it. If you don't have a food processor, well, then I don't know what to tell you. Sorry. You could also use fresh onion if you want some chunk. I've never tried it because I don't buy onions. (Hubby won't eat them.) The tomatoes are the biggest part of this salsa. The only generic can tomato I will buy is Market Pantry from Target. Otherwise, I buy Hunt's brand.

I hope I've inspired you to make some salsa at home. Tomorrow is hubby's birthday dinner. I'm making fresh pasta. I haven't made it in forever, so wish me luck!

I couldn't make a card right now to save my life...

Well, actually I could make a card to save my life--it would just be ugly! I have zero card making mojo right now. Until I get a little inspiration, I have been working on bread. I love to bake. Love it. I've made 3 loaves of bread this week trying to perfect a standard white loaf. I think I got it right with this one! It's not the ingredients that are the problem, it's the baking. I've had to fiddle around with the baking time and temperature. I asked my hubby if it was good and he said, "Mmm Hmm" with big eyes so that's good enough for me. My 7yo asked for another piece and that's definitely a good sign! My other child looked at it and pronounced she wasn't hungry--that's normal for her so I won't take it personally.

I used to bake sourdough bread and lovingly fed my starter every day so it wouldn't starve. I eventually put it to sleep because it's hard enough feeding my kids regularly. Biscuits are next on my list. I'm convinced my husband decided to marry me for sure after he had my mother's buttermilk biscuits. When I was younger I could make excellent biscuits and won at least 1 biscuit baking contest, maybe two--I have ribbons somewhere... Oh well, biscuit practice will have to wait as I have to make hubby his favorite chocolate cake for his birthday on Friday.

Have a great day!

Bragging time!

Yesterday was the last day of school and I was surprised to find some awards in my daughter's folder. Apparently she received 3 awards a couple of days ago and didn't think it was important enough to tell me about! She received an Art award and Excellence in Creative Writing! She also received a silver star award for jump roping.

She wrote a cute story that her teacher was crazy about and it came home with her stuff. It's called Flamingo and Giraffe run a race! Here's the cover shot.

Here's the story-- how she wrote it (I fixed the spelling though). It was spread out over 4 pages with illustrations:

Once upon a time. There was a giraffe and a flamingo. They were not friends but one day they were in a race. Flamingo said, "I will win!" Then giraffe said, "No, I will win!"

"Ready, set, go!"

They ran and ran. Until they both won! They gave giraffe the trophy. Flamingo cried. Giraffe gave him the trophy. "You deserve it" He said. You are my best friend forever. And they lived happily ever after. The End.

I'm taking a forced break...

I hurt my right hand last night and while I can still type a little (go figure), there are many actions that hurt when I try to do them. Hopefully the pain and swelling will go down sooner than later. Oh well, at least I got to do the Featured Stamper on splitcoast--it's my favorite challenge. Have a great day!

I got an award!!

Wow! I can't believe it. Beth at Stamp me a Rainbow gave me an award. Thanks so much Beth! I appreciate it even though your stuff puts mine to shame. Don't forget to check out Beth's blog, Stamp me a Rainbow, here.

Here are the details: The award was originally designed by Eseya at arte y pico . You pick five blogs that you think earned this award based on their creativity, design, interesting material, and contribution to the blogging community. List the names on your blog and link to their blogs. Leave a comment on one of their posts to let them know of the award! Each winner has to show the award and put the name of the person who gave them the award with a link to their blog. Also show the link to arte y pico.

This is tough, as I look at many, many blogs, but here are my 5:

Heather at Stamp with Heather

Carrie at Carrie Stamps

Donna at Butternut Sage Designs

Becky at The Lakeshore Stamper

Dawn at These are a few of My Favorite Things

Not stamping, but this is so me...

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Red

Your color is red, the color of racy sportscars, blushing cheeks, and luscious roses. Red symbolizes passion, romance, and love. So, since you're ruled by red, you probably trust your feelings more than your brain and tend to act spontaneously. If you see something you want, you go for it without thinking twice — impulsive is your middle name. You don't wait around for people to make decisions, either; you dive right in. Quite the romantic, you pay close attention to your emotions. In fact, if your heart isn't in what you're doing, you won't be satisfied. Of course, even when you do pour all your energy into the projects you tackle, your impetuous nature means your passions can shift as frequently as the wind. That's why some reds have trouble with commitment. Our advice? Next time you're feeling fickle, think before you act, if possible. You might be surprised at the results. Overall, though, it's great to be red. No one lives life more completely than you do.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=colorogt&c=50652

right down to the commitment issues.