Today was very much different.

First – I didn’t realize they made shopping bags this big.

Second – I never thought having 1everything I love on clearance in my size would be such a problem.

Careful what you wish for. Kinda feel guilty. But… Nah.

• After deciding it’s time to move back to KY, I job search (I wish this on no one)
• Job offer just before Thanksgiving – for the first time in my life I can say w/confidence I’m doing exactly what I want to do.  Feels GOOD.
• Next Tuesday…Get Married announces their closing doors – last day is Friday.
• 1 month no job – packing & being Mark’s personal assistant (hey – who would blame him?) FYI daytime TV sucks AND you who’d known how much you can fit into 700 sq feet?!
• Saying goodbye to Atlanta & close friends. Spending as much time as possible with my best friend. Finally sinks in.
• Moved into my in-laws basement (hey, if you have to live with your in-laws, pray they’re as nice as mine!)
• Holidays.  ’nuff said.
• Day 1 at the new job. LOVE it. In a hurry to get caught up and get rolling!
• House searching.  Made an offer. (Is this seriously happening?)

Source: www.break.om

Source: www.MotivationalBucket.com

Some days I wish nothing more than to be normal.  To spend a weekend doing nothing – no expectations, no to-do’s weighing me down, ah…just to be normal again.  Last night I wanted that so bad.

Mark has been travelling constantly.  Flying out of Cincinnati in the morning, we decide to drive to N. KY to visit good friends.  Running late & rushed – it’s snowing – then after 30 minutes of driving I forget my drivers license & have to go back.  Pity party of one.  Throwing a total b*tch fit. I’ve had enough & wanted to be normal for once.

Then I realized, I’ve had that before.  There was a time when we had nothing to do on the weekends.  No friends to see.  Our jobs weren’t exciting. Saturdays spent at the Home Depot. And I remembered how BORING that was. Forget normal – normal is BORING.

I guess I realized as much as I complain about how crazy our lives have been these past 4 months, I wouldn’t have it any other way and if I’m being honest with myself, I LOVE my life better when it’s crazy, spontaneous, surprising, always changing, challenging, and new.

A month of no job was AWFUL.  I wasn’t motivated. I wasn’t inspired. I got things done – but also spend 2 hours in Target one day for no reason at all.  Who does that? 

Yes, I’m busy at work but that was my choice – I want to be the BEST.  And as fast as possible.

Yes, our calendars are packed.  We’re busy.  But I’m spending time with people I LOVE.   Much of our reasons to move back is because of these very people.  Being closer to our family & friends.  We made that choice.

So I’m grateful for:

• friends & family who want to spend time with me
• a job at a company that is challenging & inspiring – and people I enjoy working with
• a roof over my head and a car to drive
• a husband who understands my crazy

It’s funny how you wish for something & whine about it, forgetting the very reasons you wanted it so bad.  Reality check for me.

Next week I’m thrilled to find out if it’s a “niece” or “nephew”! Gabe & Carla’s gender party is going to be so much fun.  Best of all?  If I lived in Atlanta, no way we could be there. This is EXACTLY what we wanted

I’ve done P90X and Insanity both and everyone always asks: What’s the difference?  Which do you like better?

So below I’ve summarized my thoughts on both programs.  They’re both great for different reasons.  It’s what you’re looking for that will determine what is best for you!

P90X Summary:

• Cost: $139.80
• Length: 90 days
• # of workouts: 12
• Customized program options: yes! 3: Classic, Lean or Doubles
• Nutrition book: yes!
• Equipment needed: pull up bar, free weights (I can get away with max 15lbs., Mark likes to go up to 40lbs.)
• Basic theory: simple with variety.  ”Muscle Confusion” is the term Tony Horton uses to explain why this program works so well.  Since your body doesn’t respond to repetition (eventually is adapts) they claim that by always mixing it up, adding variety, it keeps your body “on its toes” so to speak.

Insanity Summary:

• Cost: $144.80
• Length: 60 days
• # of workouts: 10
• Customized program options: no
• Nutrition book: yes!
• Equipment needed: none!  Just you.
• Basic theory: maximum intensity exercises with minimum rest that keeps you constantly challenged.  Claims that you can burn up to 1,000 calories per workout (I believe it!)

1. Easiest? NEITHER.

P90X isn’t easier than Insanity.  Insanity isn’t easier than P90X.  They’re different.  Honestly? If you think either is easier, you’re body is probably stronger and you’re not pushing yourself very hard.  If you think BOTH of them are easy, you’re INSANE (and you’re lying).

2. Leaders – Shaun T vs. Tony Horton? SHAUN T.  Easy.

• P90X: Tony talks a lot and after 90 days, you might go a little crazy.  He has an odd sense of humor, but again, after a couple of weeks……it gets old. Tony can get you excited, don’t get me wrong.  But he’s a little pompous at times.  If he didn’t talk as much, the videos would be shorter, which I think would be a plus since most of the videos are about 58 minutes.
• Insanity: Shaun T does a better job of giving you a heads up for what is coming next.  All of his workouts seem to run flawlessly.   He works really hard during his workouts and I like that. I also like that he keeps count and tells you every move so you don’t have to look at the TV to see what is going on.  Most importantly, he keeps you motivated by focusing on you, how you can do it better and reminds you why you’re doing this to keep you going.

3. Background Cast Members? Insanity.

• P90X: They show variations, which I like.  But they seem pretty quiet and not much personality (except for, of course “Drea.”)  I like that they’re fit, but they kinda remind me of gym rats and I can’t really “relate” to that mentality.
• Insanity: These people get into it!  They’re working hard and pushing themselves and that makes me want to push myself, too.  This might be a little vain, but the women are really fit, but not overly muscular.  When I did Insanity, they motivated me because I wanted to look like them.  C’mon!  Have you seen Ariel’s abs? Geez.

4. Workout Lengths? Insanity.

• P90X: If Tony talked less, it would definitely shorten the videos.  But with most of them around 58 minutes, it’s a looong workout and a big commitment.
• Insanity: Some of the Max workouts are long but most of the other ones are around 35-40 minutes so before you know it, you’re covered in sweat and done.  I think it’s because Insanity warmups are harder and more of a workout themselves.  Insanity gets right to business though, which I like.  First time you do it, you’re lucky to just keep up.

5. Muscle Strength? P90X

• P90X: They use weights, so if you’re looking to build muscles, it’s the better program because you have flexibility and can increase/decrease your weights.  Mark loves it for this reason.  He can decide how much or how little to push himself.
• Insanity:  It’s cardio packed and definitely builds muscle, but you’re limited because you’re only using your body weight.  Once you get comfortable, there is little you can do to take it to the next level.  Don’t get me wrong – it will take you a LONG time to get “comfortable” with these workouts.  It’s also important to note that most Insanity programs also come with a “Upper Body” workout that does involved weights.  The guys love this one, and honestly I do too!

6. Cardio? Insanity

• P90X: There are some workouts that are cardio intense (like Cardio and Plyometrics) but otherwise it’s lots of strength training.  I like to really work up a sweat and if that’s what you’re looking for, P90X is so-so
• Insanity: Cardio at it’s finest.  You’re constantly moving, breathing heavy, sweating and trying to keep up.  Because of this, it burns a ton of calories.  I love that about Insanity.

7. Nutrition Guide?  It’s a tie!

• P90X: I read the entire book and loved it!  It helped me transform my lifestyle and make big changes that led to big results.  In regards to recipes, P90X definitely takes the cake! (or takes it away, I guess).  We still use the recipe book because they are soo yummy!
• Insanity: I love their nutrition guide because it is easy to read and simple to understand.  However, I think it does fall short on recipes.  Most of them were so simple that they were bland.

Summary: Either way, you’re going to see results with both programs – the important thing is to commit.  Personally, if you’re not in tip top shape, I would start with P90X because it can give you a good foundation to build off and you can increase intensity as you go.  If you start right into Insanity, you might get frustrated quickly and give up.

Disclaimer: I am NOT a Beachbody coach and I do NOT work for or get compensated by Beachbody.  In fact, the wouldn’t even agree to send me a program for free in exchange for my testimony and before/after pics. BOO!

For the hosts it’s a culinary festival and there’s a lot of love put into each dish. Less disappoint the cook I eat…and eat….and eat. Then everyone falls into a food-induced coma.

No one wants to end up like this….

Or this….

This year, I’m taking a non nonsense approach to my turkey time. I’ll tell you WHY and HOW below.

WHY I’m Taking Back Control of Turkey Time:

I subscribe to Women’s Health magazine (I highly recommend it for any woman) and their November issue has a fascinating article about how your body responds to Thanksgiving feasts.

In the first minute…

• Your taste buds are atwitter and send pleasure signals to the brain. The message? “More please!”
• As you chew, enzymes in your saliva break down the sugars and starches in the stuffing you’ve gobbled.

Within five minutes…

• Your stomach is frantically working to dissolve food and shuttle it to the small intestine, which will ferry nutrients like fat and protein into your bloodstream.

Within 15 minutes…

• Both your stomach and small intestine alert your brain – via hormones such as peptide YY – that they are beyond capacity. But if you hoovered your meal, your brain won’t get the memo until after you’ve helped yourself to seconds.

Within the first hour…

• Post-apple pie, your insulin levels have spiked in am attempt to control the sugar that’s coursing through your bloodstream.
• Within 30 minutes of eating a salty meal, your blood vessels may become slightly less supple. If your diet is always packed with salty foods, you may develop stiff blood vessels, a heart-disease risk factor.

After one hours…

• Feeling drowsy? Don’t blame the bird. Yes, turkey contains tryptophan – an amino acid the body converts into sleep-promoting serotonin – but your fatigue is really the result of your stuffed stomach. It sent a “rest and digest” signal to your brain, which, in turn, directed all available energy toward digestation.
• Your stomach is stretched like a ballon and is pushing against surrounding organs, possibly leaving you achy and nauseated.

After one to two hours…

• Your liver has converted the food into nutrients that your organs can absorb. If you’re lucky – and your carb reserves aren’t already full – most of the fat and calories you ingested have been converted into short term energy. (Had you worked out before bingeing, you’d have more room in that storehouse.)
• Chances are, though, you’ve shoveled in twice as much as your body needs, which meant the excess is converted into layaway triglycerides and may be packed into fat cells around your thighs, but and belly.

After two hours…

• Whew – your stomach has emptied and your blood vessels are back to normal.

HOW I’m Taking Back Control of Turkey Time:

1. Break a sweat. Working out early in the day will deplete my reserves so the food I eat goes to replenish my body, not line it with an extra layer of booty stuffing (if you know what I mean!) It also keeps me from feeling exhausted afterwards. Besides, what better way to manage holiday anxiety and stress than a good run?
2. Just say no. I look forward all year to sweet potato casserole and my special sandwich concoction of turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and gravy on a homemade roll. YUM! But there are some dishes that I don’t care for. So this year, I’m eating what I really want and passing on what I don’t and I’m not going to let myself feel guilty about it.
3. Portions please. There is a reason why they call Thanksgiving the Superbowl of all meals. Start adding up all the varieties of dishes and you’ve got enough players for an offense, defense and special teams! To keep from looking like a linebacker, I’m starting with just small scoops of my favorites. If I want more, trust and believe – there is more waiting. This way I won’t load down on too much and feel bad for not cleaning my plate.
4. Hold the dessert. I’m a salty/savory kinda girl so desserts never really appeal to me. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings – it’s just not my thing.
5. Water me down. With all this food comes lots of sodium, so to keep from feeling puffy and groggy, I’m chugging water ALL DAY LONG. I do the “ring rule.” I can tell by my wedding band if my fingers are swollen or not. Once they get a little swollen, it’s time to down some more water.

In all seriousness, the reason Thanksgiving can be a problem is because it isn’t the way we all usually consume food and it can get us off balance. A couple of days of “no big deal – eat what I what b/c it’s thanksgiving!” turns into a habit that’s even more difficult to tame when holiday parties roll around. Plus, it gets bitter cold and who wants to work out in that weather? Decrease your activity, increase your food intake and you’ve found those 10 lbs. you lost this summer. So much hard work to waste it all away!

To me, the holiday is all about time with family and friends – not food.  I’m sure that is really what the pilgrims had in mind after all.

Either way, I was sold on the idea.

One stipulation: I would only buy something I really liked (or that I could gift). I’m a picky shopper anyway, but I didn’t want to get caught up in the hoopla and buy an ugly cheetah/palm tree hot mess (sorry, Versace, those prints are too much for me).

Woke up at 6:15 and with 4 hours of sleep: coffee on, quick breakfast and out the door.

In line before 7 and it was crowded. Chatted with a guy in line who was saving a spot for a friend. He didn’t even want to buy anything, was there just to help out a friend. Heck of a friend!

So here’s how it worked: color-coded wristbands were given to every 20 people. Each group had 15 minutes exactly to shop. Store opened at 8 and my wristband got me in at 10:05. I was confident nothing would be left when it was my turn (it only took 30 minutes to sell out completely in London), but the crowd was so entertaining I decided to stick it out.

To set the scene, there were 20+ cops/security guards in the store and at the doors. You couldn’t leave without a guard examining your bag contents and receipt. A DJ was blasting music. ALL the Versace inventory was out – only 8, maybe 10 of each piece (which likely meant there was only 1 piece per size).

Some of the people in the first group had been at H&M since 6pm the day before. Check out this video I shot of the first group in:

While burning time shopping in the “non-Versace” part of H&M, I saw a manager call a security guard and lay into the crowd that if anyone else was caught trying to sell merchandise before it had been purchased they would be kicked out. I’m serious. People were bartering and selling merchandise they hadn’t bought yet!

I kept to myself and patiently waited my turn.

It’s 9:30 and despite my gut feeling that I was going to walk away empty handed, I saw 1-2 popular items added back to the shrinking space allocated to Versace, left by customers in the dressing rooms. Hope after all!

I was in the next group to go and watched as a cat fight broke out right in front of me. A dress was added last minute, 20 people ran for it and 2 girls had a hold and wouldn’t let go. The manager mediated. One yelled, “I have the dress!” the other yelled, “I have the hanger!” It was comical. Like kids fighting over a toy, these ladies women were fighting over a size 2 dress (it wouldn’t have fit either lady woman anyhow – H&M runs European sizes and their size 2 is comparable to a US size double zero). Wonder how many people didn’t know that, snagged clothes, brought them home & couldn’t fit in them?

So, back to it: who got the dress? These ladies women were getting more relentless by the second. After 10 minutes of pleading their case, H&M decided neither lady woman would take it home. For a moment, I thought I might have a shot at it (being that I was in the next group) but that dissipated fast as it was whisked away. Tempers were flaring.

I was in it for the experience and wouldn’t be disappointed if I left with nothing but let me tell you…nearly everyone else was battling for every piece.

Their eyes were frantic.

Their filters, broken.

I heard a girl pleading to a manager: her wallet were stolen – could she please give back the pieces she had given up so she could get cash? FAIL.

One girl begged to get the size 2 dress because she had bought a size 8 and it was too big. FAIL.

While all this was going on, a girl next to me asked me if I wanted her dress. I said, “sure!” but didn’t want to get too excited and make a scene because you’re not allowed to pass along items. I tucked it under my arm and decided to try it on after my 15 minutes of shopping, though I hesitate to call it “shopping” since I was essentially granted access with 19 others into a 10′x10′ space where the only things left were shoes and coffee table books. I didn’t even look at the dress.

My prize! Only $149

I waited for a prize piece to appear from the dressing room – no such luck. While “shopping” (or waiting), a few people asked me how I got the dress (and not in a friendly way) and I quickly told them I was holding it for my friend who went to the restroom. I was getting nervous. After all, these people were crazy! But after all the wait, I wasn’t about to lose a chance to at least try on this dress and see if I liked it. Finally, I was upstairs and in the dressing room and my first chance to check out the goods.

It was my lucky day. Not only was the dress my size (fits perfectly) but I really love it! It was 100% worth it, even with my picky taste. Mark loves it, too!

How crazy was “Project Occupy H&M for Versace?” Someone who saw me
checking out suggested I get an escort to my car – he was serious.

But I have to admit…even if I walked away empty handed, it would have been worth it. It was a heck of an experience!

Create your ultimate fantasy to-do list. Things you never thought you would do – but always wanted to. Things you want to do NOW. In my case, things I want to do before I turn 30.

The Rules

1. The wishes have to be possible. Can’t be dinner with Jane Austen.
2. No breaking the law. Sure, climbing the Hollywood sign would be fun. But felonies… not my thing.
3. The list has to be exclusive – full of things you likely won’t want to do after 30. Could they happen after 30? Sure. Likely to happen? Probably not.

The Results

You could fill a library of books written about the practice. It’s simple, really: writing down your goals & revisiting them often helps you achieve your dreams. A little self-fulfilling prophecy, a little law of attraction, a little power of choice, the “secret”… whatever you want to call it. I think it’s the list. Spending time defining your dreams, what you want, enables you to A) jump on opportunity or B) seek it out.

Mark and I reviewed them recently, pushed some wishes to our non-existent (yet) “before 40″ list and made room for things we want to do now. So with 2 years and about 8 months to go….I think I can do it!

Here’s my list. Accomplished wishes are at the top, the rest below.

Wish#1: SEC Basketball Tournament

Date: March 10-13, 2011

Highlights: Nothing beats Kentucky basketball. Especially when it’s in your backyard. It was our first SEC tournament and since it was in our backyard, we couldn’t resist. Last 2 days were really exciting – especially after Kentucky won!

Wish #2: Visit Sweetwater Brewery

Date: Multiple times in 2011!

Highlights: If you like beer and a good patio, you have to visit Sweetwater Brewery on a visit to Atlanta. They are only open a couple of days a week and for 4 hours at a time, but it’s worth re-arranging your schedule for it. It’s a fun, hippie style micro brewery and, in my opinion, their Sweetwater Blue is the best beer ever made.

Wish #3: Go to a crazy fun, multi day music festival (Bonnaroo)

Date: June 9-12, 2011

Highlights: It was hot. We camped (in a tent!). My shower was an economy size package of baby wipes. But Eminem, Lil Wayne, Mumford & Sons, Florence & the Machine, Neon Trees, Amos Lee, The Black Keys and a best friend to share it all with… 100% worth it. You can’t put a price on that. Now Mark wants to go in 2012. Imagine that!

Wish #4: Run Peachtree Road Race 10K in less than an hour

Date: July 4, 2011

Highlights: I’m all about some goals. It was my 3rd time running a 10K and I was so determined to run it under an hour. I think it was spending time training with Mark that made it so special to me. Finished in 51:51. Success!

Wish #5: See Big Ben & London Bridge

Date: August 27, 2011

Highlights: With only a day in London, everyone knows the best way to do it is on a double-decker bus! We saw as much of London as we wanted to and thanks to that big bus, all in one day. Also saw Buckingham Palace and walked all over London, too.

Wish #6: Visit a Munich Beerhall, specifically Hofbrahaus

Highlights: Munich started with a bike tour…then off to Hofbrahaus! It was amazing. Women carrying 10 liters of beer, crazy German music, signing German drinking songs….such a fun night! Topped off with a night on the town with our new Contiki friends. Germany definitely knows how to do beer.

Date: August 30, 2011

Wish #7: Visit Italy

Date: August 31 – September 1st, 2011

Outcome: How can such a small city that floods 200 times a year squeeze in so much charm? Amazing city and we happened to be there during the Venice Film Festival! We got lost (multiple times), visit St. Mark’s Basilica & Square, watched a real Murano glass blowing demonstration, ate more gelato, pasta & pizza than I thought was possible and even saw an Italian brawl! And I can’t forget the gondola ride, but more on that later…

Wish #8: Gondola Ride in Venice

Date: September 1, 2011

Highlights: People might say that Gondola rides are hoaky, touristy, overrated. I’m here to tell you: don’t buy it. It was just at sunset, we shared a bottle of prosecco and were ushered through the nooks and crannies of Venice with the occasional serenade of an accordion. I can still hear the music!

Wish #9: Hike the Swiss Alps

Date: September 2, 2011

Highlights: I had no expectations for the Swiss Alps. But once we trekked up a mountain in Austria to go bobsledding, everything changed. Every moment we spent in Switzerland (even in the bus driving around) was picturesque. The top of Mt. Stanserhorn was life altering. That’s the only way I can describe it.

Wish#10: Meet me at the top of the Eiffel Tower

Date: September 4-5, 2011

Highlights: I confess: I cried the first time I saw the Eiffel Tower! If you think the Eiffel Tower (or Paris) is overrated, you’re crazy. See it on the hour at night when it shimmers. It takes your breath away. The view from above was amazing. It was packed, I definitely preferred admiring the tower from the lawn. I can’t wait to go back to Paris.

Wish #11: See the Mona Lisa

Date: September 5, 2011

Highlights: The Louvre is a highlight in itself. But seeing the Mona is huge. The Louvre is huge. Thankfully we had a turn-by-turn guide. After seeing the Venus de Milo, the Victory of Samothace (aka Nike) and Cupid’s Kiss, we were excited to get our first glimpse of the Mona Lisa. The Louvre had free entry the day before but we knew it would be packed so we waited – and I’m glad we did. We shimmied right up to the front & center. It’s not that she’s so impressive but there is a certain magical energy that comes from seeing such an icon in person.

Wish #12: Attend an Epic Concert

Date: September 24, 2011

Highlights: Piedmont park is legendary in Atlanta and one of my favorite places to visit. I’ve seen events held there, but nothing like this. #1 – it’s COLDPLAY. #2 – it was a perfect September evening. #3 – my mom was with me I really think you need to see a video to get the gist. Check it out.

What’s Left?

Here’s a rough list…some are already planned, others are being planned! I’m curious. What’s on YOUR list?

Sky dive in a beautiful city
New York City at Christmastime (the metropolitan museum, SNL, Statue of Liberty & The Today Show)
Watch Kentucky in the Final Four (2012? Maybe! TBD!)
Rio de Janeiro (Christ the Redeemer)
Visit Ireland
Take a formal cooking classes
Visit Vancouver & Seattle
College World Series (Mark/man trip)
Rent a ski cabin with friends
Chicago…but not during winter
Go to Atlanta Falcons game (11/2011)
Mardi Gras
South Beach
Hike Machu Picchu
Run a marathon
Take a professional photography class
Ski at Innsbruck, Austria
Take a tour of all the major distilleries in Kentucky

Paris French Onion Soup....yummy!

When we were in Paris, Mark was all over the nutella crepes.  For me, it’s the salty and savory that makes my mouth water and I couldn’t leave Paris without trying french onion soup.  The Paris version was pretty pricey, if I recall $7 euro…a bit pricey for me.  But it was so amazing.

I sought out my inner Julia Child, bought a couple of individual serving soup crocks and went to work on my first try at French Onion Soup.  It was a huge success.  Savory, warming and oh-so-fall.  It wasn’t 2 days after our first batch that we both had a hankering for it again.  Best part it: it’s really affordable to make!  Most of the ingredients I had handy, I just needed a french baguette.  And who doesn’t feel like a savvy cook when you walk out of the grocery with a loft of french baguette?

Try it.  It won’t disappoint.  Bon Appetit!

French Onion Soup, recipe courtesy of Gourmet magazine

Ingredients:

• 2 lb medium onions, halved lengthwise, then thinly sliced lengthwise
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 Turkish bay leaves or 1 California
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth (32 fl oz)
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 (1/2-inch-thick) diagonal slices of baguette (the 2nd time I cut them into cubes & they fit better in the bowl)
• 1 (1/2-lb) piece Gruyère, Comte, or Emmental (the 2nd time I used swiss…just as good)
• 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (the 2nd time I used asiago…just as good)

Cook onions, thyme, bay leaves, and salt in butter in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, uncovered, stirring frequently, until onions are very soft and deep golden brown, about 45 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in wine and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Stir in broth, water, and pepper and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes.

While soup simmers, put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.

Arrange bread in 1 layer on a large baking sheet and toast, turning over once, until completely dry, about 15 minutes.

Remove croûtes from oven and preheat broiler. Put crocks in a shallow baking pan.

Discard bay leaves and thyme from soup and divide soup among crocks, then float a croûte in each. Slice enough Gruyère (about 6 ounces total) with cheese plane to cover tops of crocks, allowing ends of cheese to hang over rims of crocks, then sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat until cheese is melted and bubbly, 2-3 minutes.

My version! JUST as awesome.

• 2 1/2-pounds of squash (butternut, buttercup,  or other dense winter squash)
• 3 pears quartered, seeds and stems removed
• 2 inches chunk of fresh ginger, thinly sliced (don’t forget to take the outside skin off)
• Olive oil 
• Sea salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tb. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. allspice
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/4-1/2 tsp. chipotle pepper spice
• pepper, to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Peel squash, cut in half, scrape out the seeds, then cut each half into large chunks. Put the squash, pears and ginger on a baking sheet. Brush with oil, season with salt, and bake about 1 hour. Take out and rotate every 20 minutes or so.  I added 1 cup water to the pan to covered with foil 20 minutes in to keep it from getting dry.

2. When squash, pears and ginger is almost finished, melt butter in a large dutch over (or similar pot) and add sliced onion. Cook until caramelized.

3. Transfer cooked squash, pears and ginger to cutting board. While the baking sheet is still hot, add 1 cup water and scrape to dissolve the juices and any leftover bits of goodness.

2. Chop squash, pears and ginger into chunks and add (with juices from sheet) to onion after it has caramelized.  Add spices and pepper, to taste.  Add 4 cups of chicken stock.

3. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes.  Stir occasionally. Transfer to food processor to puree.

Giada De Laurentiis 

I love recipes.  But I never recommend any I’ve never tried myself.  This one?  I’ve made it twice & it’s a new staple in my recipe book.

This chili is amazing.  How good? Slap ‘yo momma, eat in silence and moan chili.  Ask your husband/boyfriend/anyone for something you want immediately after consumption for instant proof.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds meaty short ribs with bone (EDIT: I used flank steak the 2nd time, just as good)
• 1 teaspoon (or more) kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon (or more) freshly ground black pepper
• 1 2-ounce package dried New Mexico chilies (about 8), stemmed, seeded, cut or torn into pieces
• 2 large dried ancho chilies, stemmed, seeded, cut or torn into pieces
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large red onion, chopped (EDIT: I used yellow)
• 6 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried Mexican oregano (EDIT: I didn’t have this, used regular oregano)
• 1 cup beef broth (preferably organic)
• 2 tablespoons dark agave
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso coffee (EDIT: I used regular ground coffee)
• 1 15- to 16-ounce can black beans, rinsed, drained (EDIT: I once used black, once used chili beans in mild sauce, both were excellent)
• Adobo sauce from can of chipotle chilies (optional)
• Chopped green onions
• Coarsely grated bittersweet chocolate (like Lindt) (EDIT: I didn’t use this)
• Garnishes (such as lime wedges, sour cream, chopped cooked bacon, chopped red and/or green jalapenos)
• Creamy corn polenta (see recipe below) (EDIT: I used grits cooked in beef broth)
• Addition: I also added 2-3 tablespoons of chili powder with other spices.  Also threw in a can of green chilies and 6 oz. tomato sauce)

Preparation

Serving Size

Each time I watch it I get the urge to book a one way ticket back to Paris.  You’ll see why…