Thursday, August 23, 2007

My Mother's Garden

The flowers in my mom's garden are really pretty...but then again, what flowers aren't pretty? Even some weeds can be "pretty." Here are some up close shots:




See the butterfly?


Here's a closer shot:


I can't wait to have my own house and yard. I want to plant a cutting garden so I can have fresh flowers in the house all the time (without having to pay for expensive bouquets). Does anyone have a cutting garden and if so, what kinds of flowers do you have?

Nice/Mean Dog

Check out this "interesting" assortment of goods for sale at Wal-Mart:

How bizarre is that dog? It looks so nice and cute, but did you catch that sign? Granted, it flips and the other side says, "Welcome" but still...

I got a giggle out of seeing it, so I thought I'd share.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Mediterranean Cuisine: Fried Kibbeh

I love trying and eating exotic foods. You get to try some of the most amazing flavors and textures, that you may not have eaten growing up. There's a cute little Mediterranean restaurant near my home that serves some of the most amazing food AND they have baklava, which I have a weakness for (can't wait for the upcoming Greek Festival). I have a couple fave entrees at this restaurant, but last week, I tried something new:

Fried Kibbeh:


The shell of this dish is actually made with ground beef - I mean, it's filled with ground beef, but the shell has beef in it too. Apparently, it can take hours to make these little things, and looking at them, I totally believe that. The manager also mentioned that these are made when you visit someone's house - they're a treat. Well, I certainly enjoyed my treat!

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Summer Barbeque Stand

Nothing beats finding one of those "hole-in-the-wall" type places that is like a local secret and true gem of a find. There happens to be a barbeque stand that sets up near my office twice a week. Sure, it's a couple blocks of walking to get there, but the food is well worth it (not to mention, probably warrants it...haha). Here's the barbeque I've been enjoying a tad bit too much this summer:

Can you believe this is the "small" plate?

Giada's Scampi on Couscous

A couple weeks ago, we decided to try Giada DeLaurentis' Scampi on Couscous (click for recipe). It was pretty tasty, but not something to make on a night you want something quick. I mean, I actually think of couscous as being a quick and easy side item, but not this couscous. This couscous was more difficult b/c of the sauce you have to make, then puree, then cook the couscous with. Don't get me wrong, the sauce makes the dish, but I recommend this dinner for a night you want to take your time cooking.


I also didn't use all the clam sauce the recipe suggested, but maybe I should have tried? I dunno...maybe I'll try that next time?