Freaky Friday

Happy Friday folks!  I hope everyone's holiday was splendid.  Mine sure was.  Although, I did not take many pictures of the day and Little S did not want to open presents at all.  Next year I decided I am not wrapping any presents for her, which will save both time and money! 

I'm working on my resolutions for 2014 and will share with all of you soon.  Feel free to share what you plan to work on this coming year.  Is it yourself, finding a job that makes you happy, getting on the healthy bandwagon?  I'd love to hear from you.  I have a long list for sure.  I have a feeling 2014 is going to be a great year!

I recently saw Fitz and the Tantrums at The Moody Theater.  It was a really fun show.  Instead of my usual weird and mellow music, I have been in a more upbeat mood.  Fitz is definitely upbeat, threw a great party and had everyone moving and grooving.  It was the first time I had been to Moody and I loved it.  I tend to like smaller spaces to see a show.  The music is louder and there is not a bad seat in the house.  I have a few shows coming up over the next few months including Dr. Dog, Ellie Goulding, Local Natives, and Arcade Fire.  Quite a mix huh? 

I'm going to leave you with a song that I just can't quit.  The band Reptar was featured on Rombello 2, but I first heard their song Rainbounce on the Rombello 2 recap video.  I'm sharing both the official Rainbounce video as well as the link to the recap video.  Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Rombello 2 Recap video-Check it out!

Rombello 2013

Hi folks!  I wanted to write a quick post about my recent adventures on the high seas aboard the Norwegian Pearl.  Mr. G is almost finished with his recent tour with Michael Franti & Spearhead, but last week we got to go on Rombello 2, a 4 day musical festival at sea.  It was a BLAST!  There were tons of amazing bands playing throughout the trip and I am so glad I was able to discover some new music.  Here is a snapshot of the trip and I hope to join all of the amazing people on Rombello 3!

For a complete list of the lineup click here.

Some of my favorite bands were Ozomatli, Tribal Seeds, Space Capone, Full Service, Greenhouse Lounge,  Brother Joscephus and the Love Revolution, Bumpin Uglies and Naia Kete.



We have arrived!



On board the Norwegian Pearl-Port of Miami

Sailing away to Michael Franti & Spearhead 

Michael Franti & Spearhead

Beautiful, calm sea

View from the balcony in our room

Brother Joscephus and the Love Revolution

Ozomatli with Naia Kete

Mr. and Mrs. G Money

Space Capone 

It's Been A Few

I've been in the mood to write more lately, so get ready for some more blog posts!  I've been really trying to get healthy and be consistent with my healthy eating and getting some exercise in.  I can't wait to share some simple, but good recipes with you.  

Thanks to Spotify, I've also been listening to a lot more music lately.  I go through phases where I am either out of the loop or can't stop listening to anything and everything.  Living in Austin has its perks as well, and there are concerts a plenty coming up.  So many concerts, so little time, right?  

Later, I will share my trip to Port Aransas.  This is the second summer Little S has been to the coast and she had the best time.  She is such an easy going kid.  Always happy and loves doing just about anything.  Mr. G and I have a cruise coming up as well.  Anyone else going to Rombello on the Norwegian Pearl?  Mr. G was going on the cruise for work so he invited me along.  Since our 5 year anniversary is in December, I figured we could use that as our anniversary trip.  

I'll leave you with a song that has been in my head for the last 2 weeks or so.  Enjoy.

Grizzly Bear-Two Weeks

Some Like It Hot

It's chile season...again!  Truer words have never been spoken.  I wish I could say I grew some Hatch chiles in my garden, but I did not.  I purchased some at the local grocery store, where the chiles are overflowing in the produce department. 

Mr. G is home this week so I usually ask him what he wants to eat while he is home.  He convinced me to buy
a pork tenderloin and the chiles.  I was going to roast the pork and make some sort of Hatch chile stuffing, but we must have been on the same wavelength, and figured a green chile pork stew would be better.  My taste buds died and went to heaven last night. 

I will give Mr. G the credit for this one since he did most of the work.  The recipe used is here.  However, there were a few modifications.  We used a pork tenderloin cut into chunks which I think cooked perfectly in the stew.  We used one can of diced tomatoes, liquid drained, in place of the fresh tomatoes.  I only bought 4 Hatch chiles, instead of the 8 in the recipe, so we added 1 roasted red pepper.  We did not add the jalapeno only because we didn't have any.  Vegetable broth was used in the Gagnon version, intead of the chicken or beef.  We had a small can of green enchilada sauce that was thrown in as well, but does not need to be added.  Mr. G and I like to add everything but the kitchen sink into our recipes.  Additional seasoning was added-about 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1 tablespoon of garlic power, and I sliced about 8 garlic cloves instead of only 1.  Seriously, I can never have too much garlic.  All of this cooked in ONE pot (hooray for easy cleanup), for about 2 hours.  It was served with rice, diced avacado, sour cream and fresh cilantro.  Try this recipe and you can thank me later!

California, Rest In Peace

So I took my FIRST trip to Los Angeles last month.  I emphasize the word FIRST, because I will be going back again soon.  I loved, loved, loved it.  I kind of hate myself for loving it so much because I just think money, celebrity, plastic surgery, and mansions.  What it ended up being like for me was the perfect weather, pretty beaches, gorgeous views, and incredible food.

Having a husband that works in the entertainment industry certainly has its perks.  Such as taking an impromtu trip to Los Angeles for a few days with hotel paid for with said husband and his brother, my partner in crime during the trip.  Mr. G unfortunately had to work most of the time we were there.  I had four whole days to take everything in and wanted to make sure I used my time wisely.  Luckily, there are direct flights from Austin to LA, so we made it in to LAX bright and early.

Here is a little rundown of my adventure...........

Coffee Co. Restaurant
Santa Monica/Venice Beach
Katsu-Ya Studio City
Blu Jam Cafe-Melrose
Kogi BBQ truck-Beverly Hills
Mulholland Overlook
Laurel Canyon
Greek Theater
Griffith Observatory
Mel's Drive-In
Watts Towers
In N Out Burger
Pinkberry
Los Angeles Farmers Market
Koreatown
Forest Lawn Cemetery-Hollywood Hills
Myung In Dumplings
Hollywood Farmers Market
Coldwater Canyon Park
Point Dume State Beach-Malibu
Pizzeria Mozza

View from Griffith Observatory

Hollywood Farmers Market picnic

Driving through Laurel Canyon

Mmmm dinner

Santa Monica

Forest Lawn Cemetery-Hollywood Hills

Santa Monica Pier

Photos courtesy of Mr. G

Have You Ever Seen The Rain?

It's that time of year in Texas.  It's raining.  April showers really do bring May flowers.  The blue bonnetts are out and my roses have popped.  Mr. G has planted a ton in the garden and we will soon have onions, peppers, tomatoes, artichokes, cucumbers, and plenty of herbs. 

It is dark and raining out this morning and it would be the perfect day to bake.  I have a zuchinni bread and beet cake lined up for later this week/weekend.  The beets came from my mother in law's garden and the zuchinni I have had on hand and they need to be used. 

I recently made a coconut cream pie and I wanted to share the recipe.  I've made banana cream and chocolate cream pies in the past and making homemade pudding is one of my favorite things to do now.  The recipe I used for the coconut cream was really easy and very tasty. 

 

Coconut Cream Pie-Recipe courtesy of Epicurious

 

Crust

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 3 tablespoons chilled solid vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces
• 4 tablespoons (or more) ice water

Filling

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon coconut extract

Topping

• 2/3 cup sweetened flaked coconut
• 1 1/4 cups chilled whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon coconut extract

What is your favorite thing to do on rainy days?  Favorite dessert?  Feel free to leave me some love!

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

I should have dated this Saturday March 30, 2013 because that is when I actually wrote it :)


So, tomorrow is Easter and I am over my head with all that I have to prepare for brunch with the family. Next year, I am going out. I don't care how much it costs. I don't even celebrate Easter. But regardless, it should be a good spread and I'll share more tomorrow. Any holiday is a good excuse for family to get together and eat.

My partner and crime, Little S, is as tired as I am writing this post and I'm ready to pass out but there is still more to do.

I did want to share a quick recipe with you before I say goodnight. It was so quick and easy and something my brother in law made that I have since replicated twice this past month. I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter and enjoys their time with family tomorrow.

Sweet Potatoes with Swiss Chard

1 sweet potato, cut into small dice
1 bunch of Swiss or Rainbow Chard (about 6-8 stalks) stems cut into small dice and leaves roughly chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne
Salt to taste

Heat the oil on medium high heat and add the sweet potato. Cook until brown then lower the heat to low and allow the sweet potatoes to cook through, about 15 min. Add the stalks and cook 5 more min. Add the leaves. Season with salt and cayenne. Voila! Goes great with fish or just by itself.

Take Me To The Mediterranean

I have been obsessed with chickpeas lately.  Which is weird, because I generally don't like them, especially in salads.  But I have been using them a lot more in dishes lately.  Anything from Indian dishes like Chana Masala to Mediterranean salads.  Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are nutty and more firm than other beans which adds a nice texture to a chopped salad.  If eating them whole isn't your thing, throw them in a food processor with some lemon and tahini and you're in hummus making business. 

Mediterranean Salad

1 cucumber, seeded and diced
1 handful of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 whole roasted red pepper, chopped
1 can or jar of marinated artichokes, chopped
1/2 cup of feta cheese
1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped fine
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
4 TBS olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all of the ingredients together and serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour or two first to let the flavors combine.  You can also serve on top of some field greens. 

What is your favorite way to use chickpeas?

Top Ten

I am obviously in a blogging rut.  I'm not sure where this blog should go and keeping up is a job in itself.  However, I am finding myself bored tonight and listening to music which I rarely do anymore.  And I miss it.  I missing staying up late at night listening to old favorites and exploring new stuff.  I am always open for new suggestions to music so feel free to comment on this post.

Maybe this list will give you a better idea of what I like to listen to.  I listen to all sorts of things, but I tend to stay weird, dark and dreamy with the occasional up beat fun stuff.

1.  Radiohead-Paranoid Android.  I love anything Radiohead and I find it quite fitting that I put this first.  I could also list several other songs in this number one spot including The National Anthem, You and Whose Army, Talk Show Host, etc.  But I will stick with Paranoid Android as it is probably one of my all time favorite songs.

2.  The Cars-Just What I Needed.  The music in this song gives me chills.  The lead singer also reminds me of a total creeper and I kinda like it.

3.  Pink Floyd-Goodbye Blue Sky and the rest of The Wall Album-I get so emotionally vested in this album.  Pink Floyd is another favorite of mine and I just get completely sucked in.  This song in particular is so haunting to me and I can listen over and over.

4. Midlake-We Gathered in Spring and Van Occupanther-This is a beautiful band.  These two songs in particular are my favorites on their The Trials of Van Occupanther album.  They really got me out of a deep funk I was in a while back.  Sad but true.

5.  Arcade Fire-Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)-This is such a powerful song as are many of their other songs.  I can't get enough of this band and I can't wait until I see them live.

6. Kavinsky-Nightcall.  Dark, creepy, and makes you want to do bad things.

7.  Black Sabbath-Hand of Doom.  This is just a bad ass song.  Plain and simple.

8.  The Doors-The Soft Parade.  This is like 3 songs in one.  And the lyrics are fantastic.

9.  Death Cab For Cutie-I could sing this one for days.  The album We Have The Facts and We're Voting Yes is raw and emotional.  I always find so much truth in their lyrics.

10.  Modest Mouse-Bury Me With It.  Some of the best lyrics I've ever heard.

What are some of your favorites?

The Postal Service Live-June 2!

I'll be the grapes fermented,
Bottled and served with the table set in my finest suit
Like a perfect gentlemen
I'll be the fire escape that's bolted to the ancient brick
Where you will sit and contemplate your day

I'll be the waterwings that save you if you start drowning
In an open tab when your judgment's on the brink
I'll be the phonograph that plays your favorite
Albums back as you're lying there drifting off to sleep...
I'll be the platform shoes and undo what heredity's done to you...
You won't have to strain to look into my eyes
I'll be your winter coat buttoned and zipped straight to the throat
With the collar up so you won't catch a cold

I want to take you far from the cynics in this town
And kiss you on the mouth
We'll cut our bodies free from the tethers of this scene,
Start a brand new colony
Where everything will change,
We'll give ourselves new names (identities erased)
The sun will heat the grounds
Under our bare feet in this brand new colony
Everything will change, oOo oOo...

The Postal Service-Brand New Colony

Forty Licks

I know.  You don't have to say it.  This picture does not look at all appealing, does it?  I posted this picture on my Facebook page to see how many people actually knew what it was and I got several comical answers.  For example:  marinated cooked chicken, beef brains for tacos, ground turkey, peanut butter fudge, and cookie dough.  If I didn't know what it was I would have went with cat food.  But no my wonderful friends.  This lovely product is called seitan (say-tan).  

What is seitan?  It is the protein portion of wheat and it is used as a meat substitute.  It is virtually fat free, low in sodium, and a good source of protein.  Check out this site for more information and recipes.    Like tofu, seitan absorbs the flavor of whatever you cook it with, but seitan has more protein and is lower in fat than tofu.  Personally, I do not like the texture of tofu so even though I was hesitant to try seitan, I was pleasantly surprised.  It really does taste like "meat" and I usually add it to a stir fry.  Here is another good site to check out that compares tofu to seitan.  Seitan is a good meat substitute for both vegetarians and vegans.  If it was used in a dish and I wasn't told, I probably wouldn't even realize it wasn't meat.  It is that deceiving.  

I buy seitan at my local natural foods store, Natural Grocers.  It is not carried in my every day grocery store, which may be considered a negative.  The first link above includes a recipe if you wanted to make seitan yourself.  

Is anyone else out there experimenting with seitan?  What are your thoughts?  Have any recipes to share?  

I love comments!!

One Is The Loneliest Number

Little Miss is just about seventeen months old.  For months now, people have asked me if I am ready for another.  The simple answer is no.  I am not ready for another.  I love my sweet girl, but would I really be able to handle a second child?  I am surprised at how much patience I have developed since becoming a mother, but I am not sure I would be able to stay sane.  I'm just being honest.  But let's be real, having another is ALWAYS a possibility but not something I am actively pursuing. 

This brings me to question why it's often viewed as a negative to have an only child.  I was an only child until I was about 6 and I thought I had it pretty good.  I had plenty of cousins my age to play with and was with them frequently.  I had one on one attention from both of my parents, I did well in school and I was read to.  I had undivided attention, and isn't that important when it comes to raising children?  Whenever I am asked if I am going to have another and I say I'm not sure, possibly just the one, I get weird looks like I have ten heads.  Why is it always expected that there will be more than one child? 

Now I am by no means coming down on people who have more than one child.  I think children are wonderful.  I enjoyed my pregnancy and the whole act of labor and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.  I still can't help but think about all of the things I will be able to provide to one child rather than two, or even three. 

I think about future endeavors.  What if my kids go to college?  One child is doable, but two?  What if they can't get financial aid?  How will I pay for all of this? 

I think about my current situation with my husband travelling for work.  Would I be able to handle two children without his help and support?  How will our relationship be affected if we have more than one child? 

I don't think about having another child as providing a playmate to my daughter.  I think about creating a life, a being, who needs love and attention and to be taken care of.  As a parent, I want to give my child everything possible and I truly mean that.  If I do have another, then it is meant to be.  Until then, I'll focus on what I can do for my one child and do the best I can. 

Any thoughts on this?  Anyone out there an only child that would like to add insight?  I welcome all thoughts and comments!

I Scream. You Scream. We All Scream For Ice Cream

For my birthday this year, my dad gave me the ice cream attachment for my Kitchen Aid.  Thanks dad!  That was in October, and I just got to using it for the first time.  I knew the bowl needed some good freezing time so I stuck it in the freezer three days ago.  Plus, it took three whole days to get my butt to the store to get all of my ingredients.  I'm not sure if I have mentioned this before but I. Hate. Grocery. Shopping.

Mr. G picked out the first recipe:  Pumpkin Chocolate Chip.

I used the pumpkin ice cream recipe from the Kitchen Aid book and included the chocolate chips per Mr. G's suggestion.  I didn't argue here because pumpkin and chocolate are one of my favorite combinations.  I have to admit that the whole process of making ice cream was a bit daunting, but now that I was somewhat successful, the fear is gone.  I highly recommend the Kitchen Aid attachment.  It was easy to assemble and easy to use.  The recipe is easy to follow as well.  The ice cream base tasted so good that it almost didn't make it to the bowl to churn, I could have eaten it just like that.

Here is the recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Ice Cream courtesy of Kitchen Aid

1.5 cups of half and half
1.5 cups of heavy cream
6 egg yolks
3/4 cup of sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1.5 cups pumpkin puree (half a can)
1/2 cup of chocolate chips

Scald the half and half and heavy cream in a saucepan.  In the meantime, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla in a medium sized bowl.  Once the cream is hot, ladle 1 scoop of the hot cream into the egg mixture and whisk.  Add another scoop of cream to the egg mixture and whisk.  Add the bowl of egg into the remaining cream in the pot and whisk constantly until nice and thick, about ten minutes.  Do not bring liquid to a boil.  Remove from heat and add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.  Whisk together until smooth and refrigerate until well chilled, about 1 hour.

Once the ice cream base is well chilled, assemble the Kitchen Aid attachment and immediately add base.  Churn until thick, about 20 minutes, on Speed 1.  Add the chocolate chips to the last 2 minutes of churning.  Transfer to serving dishes and eat immediately or transfer to an airtight container and freeze.  The picture above is right from the mixer into an airtight dish, about to be frozen.

Little miss and I got so excited when it started to churn, I can't wait to teach her how to make it.  I know I'm not the only one making homemade ice cream so feel free to share recipes and stories!

Start Me Up!

Happy Near Year everyone!  I know I'm a little late, but I had fallen off the bandwagon for a bit there and took a much needed rest from the internet.  Between the holidays and taking a quick but eventful trip to New York, I am ready to start blogging again.

I have been thinking a lot lately about what I want to do with this blog and where I'd like it to go.  It is more writing for pleasure than really expecting this blog to go anywhere.  I don't intend on posting ads to make money, nor do I intend for it to go mainstream.  I know this is a tiny blog in a sea of much larger, better blogs.  What I do hope is that I can share things that I know: parenting, cooking, baking, Austin, nutrition, etc.  And sure, I realize there are many other blogs out there that talk about the same thing, but hopefully I can find someone to relate.  To all that follow me, thank you.  It means a lot. 

Of course I wanted to talk about RESOLUTIONS.  After much thought, I decided that I'd like to stick with monthly goals instead of year long resolutions.  Shorter goals are more attainable and I am much more likely to complete my list instead of forgetting about them.  Here it goes!

January Goals:
1.  Eat vegetarian as much as possible.  I have not eaten meat in over a week now and I have to admit, I'm feeling great.  I've been watching a lot of documentaries and reading A LOT on what a healthy diet should look like.  I always get the same answer:  Less processed foods and meat, more fruits, vegetables and grains.  I have not cut out dairy, but I am trying to make healthier choices overall. 

2.  Find a writing class.  If I were to have a yearly goal, it would be to find what I'm truly passionate about and make a living out of it.  Mr. G and I were talking yesterday and he suggested writing.  I do love to write, not sure I am any good at it, but I would love to see if it is worth pursuing.  Now I am hunting for a writing class.  I am not sure where to really begin so this goal may extend into February.  If you have any tips or suggestions, please let me know.

This month is shaping up to be pretty busy so I will leave my goals short and sweet.  My goal is to start posting more about local eateries, recipes, things to do in and around Austin, and how this working/rockin mom manages it all.  You can all follow me on Twitter(link on page), Instagram(AmandaLGagnon) , and Pinterest(link on page). 

I'll leave you with a recipe for my new favorite smoothie.  I named it the Green Protein Smoothie.

I used:  2 bananas, a heaping tablespoon of peanut butter, a handful of ice, 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds, 1 scoop of vegetable protein powder, 1scoop of Green Vibrance (or any green powder), 1 handful of sliced/blanched almonds, and about 1/2 cup of almond milk.  This is perfect for post workout, breakfast or even a snack.  Got any good smoothie recipes? I'd love to hear from you!