Springtime Inspired

My beautiful manicure from Jen's new technique of using foils. 
English rose...

Phil's latest project

Phil has been quite busy and excited with this project lately. He has two 1962 Cub Cadet Lawn & Garden tractors that he's had lying around for years.  He's rebuilding one for his Dad, and the other for himself.  I think its pretty cute if I do say so myself. 

Before:  Rear end/axle

After:  The frame and rear-end/axle

This is a snapshot off the internet of what the end result will look like. 

Chicken with Lime Dressing

This recipe is from my South Beach Diet Cookbook.  I was a bit hesitant to try this one, but thought why not its something different.  So glad I did, Phil and I both loved the outcome.  And when I say loved it, I mean oohhhing and ahhiiing with each bite.  So yes, this is one to try if you like Chicken, Lime and Avocado.  Refreshing, light, and full of flavor!

Lime Dressing
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (I prefer parsley)
1 tbsp chopped onion
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp sugar substitute
1/2 tsp salt

Chicken
1 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pound out to 1/2 in. thickness
2 medium avocados, peeled and pitted
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp picante sauce
1 tsp + 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 red bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup sliced almonds ( I found a black pepper blend at Winco, delish!)
2 tbsp whole wheat flour

To make the dressing:
In a large bowl, combine lime juice, cilantro, scallions, oil, sugar substitute, and salt. 

To make the chicken:
In a large glass dish, combine the chicken with 3 tbsp of the lime dressing.  Cover/refrigerate for 10 minutes. 
In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with 2 tbsp of the lime dressing.  Stir in the lemon juice and picante sauce.  Reserve the remaining lime dressing.
Heat 1 tsp of the oil in a large nonstick skillet.  Add the pepper, and cook while stirring occasionally for 6 minutes or until peppers are tender and lightly browned.  Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.  Remove to a bowl and toss with the almonds.
Remove the chicken fro the dressing and pat dry with paper towels.  Sprinkle flour over both sides of the chicken. 
Heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add chicken and cook 6 minutes on each side until cooked.  Place chicken on serving dishes, top with the pepper mix, and drizzle the remaining dressing over that.  Serve the mashed avocado mix on the side.

2011 Garden

100% Phil's handy work, he's such a great gardener. This is the yield he pulled out tonight, I couldn't move the wheel barrel it was so heavy.  I've got some carrots prepped and ready for dinner in the the steamer, yummy!

It's like Christmas every Tuesday...

...Why may you ask?  Because I get THIS on my front stoop, delivered by the lovely and local Boise Milk Company.  The milk is so rich and creamy, definitely better than store bought.  And you can't beat the fact that you no longer have to lug milk through the store switching from one arm to another.  And the chocolate milk...its basically liquid crack, best cocoa concoction I've ever tasted!

Along with the milk is the fresh fruit pack they offer.  For $15 I have enough fruit to last me well over a week.  I'm talking peaches, nectarines, apples, oranges, key limes AND plums.

So yea, seriously - You must give this company a try! 

Love ~ Love ~ Love

The Wives Club +1

Laura & Mihai tied the knot on 9/10/11 @ 12:13 
It was a beautiful day at the Treccani ranch where the happy couple said their vows under the grape arbor.  A delicious and decadent luncheon followed, and a little later on we all turned out our beach gear and headed for the river.  Most relaxing wedding I've ever been to.  Congrats you two!!

Uncle Giuseppe's Italian & American Eatery

We are so lucky to have had this new deli move in down the street from our house.  Saturday we were having company over for dinner, and decided to stop in for our appetizer's for the evening, as well as a little variety for our lunch.  This picture does not do it justice.

 MmmmGood!!  http://unclegiuseppesdeli.com/

For lunch: Two "Naples" sandwiches, clam chowder, seafood salad, and a slice of cheesecake.

For that evening's appetizer's:  Hard Salami,  freshly made Mozzarella and Prosciutto bread.