Where the River Runs Dry

My way of venting out my exhaustions, confusions, excitements, and aggrevations in my world & those in and around it.

A Quiet Sunday Evening

Well today was a pretty good day. Nope I didn’t get any writing done today, but I did recieve two response to emails from interviewees. One was from Les Parrott, Ph.D – His newest book is out in your local book store or can be found online. Be sure to check it out. He so graciously answered a few questions I had for an article that I have been working on and sent out a few queries to potential markets in hopes (fingers crossed) that they will love my article idea and say “yes awesome, it’s all yours.” That is the email or phone call I’m waiting for.

I love how helpful everyone in the writing world as well as some of the experts in particular fields are. They are all willing to help out someone. It’s so great to see that.

My Diet

Well, so far so good. I still have kept the 2 pounds off, but I haven’t lost any more. It’s the weekend (I know I should really stick to my diet) but I have been eating a bit of junky type foods, but not in large amounts. Very small amounts – I don’t know, maybe that makes a difference. Tomorrow however, I’m back to rice, veggies, and fruits. I still tend to drink quite a bit of soda. I try not to, but sometimes that is all that really goes with certain foods.

Birds and Windows Do Not Mix

This little guy flew straight into our window this morning. He hit the ground and we thought he had a broken neck. He was twitching and on his back like he was about to die. I went out and cupped my hands around him and he jumped out of my hand. Then I picked him up again and he just sat there, stunned. We gave him some water and he just sat there drinking. Later on we put him on a low tree limb and he sat there. A few hours later he was gone. We’re not sure if he survived or not, but he was no where to be found. We have a lot of small birds fly into our windows and some don’t make it. We find their little bodies laying on the ground in front of the windows or on the sidewalk further away. I dont’ understand why they all keep flying into the window, but some say its because it shows the reflection of the sky and trees. I wish they wouldn’t fly into the windows though. I’m afraid that one day they’re going to break on of the windows. This doesn’t just happen in the summer time, but all year around. It’s kind of freaky when you think about it.

My day was pretty good over all. We went to my boyfriend’s Grandmothers 87th Birthday party, ate a great dinner, had some Yorkshire Puddings, cake, icecream, and played a game of Trivial Pursuit – I didn’t win. All around it was great. I had a lot of fun.

I didn’t get any writing done today, but at least I did get this blog entry completed so it counts as some writing along with posting on a few forums earlier this morning.

Yorkshire Pudding Recipe
with Eggs, Plain Flour, Milk, Cold Water & Lard

Ingredients
2 Eggs
4 oz (125g) Plain Flour
1/4 Pint (150ml) Milk
1/4 Pint (150ml) Cold Water
Salt & Pepper
2 tbsp Lard or Dripping or Cooking Oil*

Directions
Pre-Heat the Oven to 425F (220C, Mark 7). Crack open the Eggs into a cup and mix well. Add the Milk and Water together in a jug. Sieve the Flour into a large bowl and season with a sprinkling of Salt & Pepper. Pour the Eggs into this and stir together well with a fork. Gradually pour in the Milk and Water and stir until you have a stiff batter. Beat or whisk well until you have no lumps **. Allow to rest for half an hour.

Slip the Lard or Dripping into a deep sided baking tin and place just this in the oven. Allow to heat up until visible smoking. Quickly, but carefully, take out and rest on the top of the oven. Pour in the Batter mixture. Place back into the oven and bake for around half an hour until the batter is puffed up, golden brown and crispy.

Serve immediately

Serves 4 as a side dish to a main meal.

Yorkshire Pudding – Notes

* Not the healthiest of ingredients, but Lard does have a higher smoking point than Vegetable Oil. This is important if you want a successful puffed up crispy Yorkshire Pudding. The hotter the fat is when the batter first hits it the better the end result. Once in a while won’t hurt, but alternatively use Vegetable, Groundnut or Sunflower Oil, but not Olive.

** If you have a hand blender place all of these ingredients in a jug and just wiz until thoroughly mixed. If you don’t then these instructions should help avoid lumpiness.

(This recipe comes from TheBrittishShoppe.com.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

© 2008 UpSideDownGrl

August 25, 2008 Posted by | Birds, blogging, Books, Brittish Recipes, Divorce, Freelance Writing, Friends, Healthy Foods, magazine markets, Marriage, recipes, Relaxation, Uncategorized, writing, Yorkshire Pudding | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

15 Minute Tacos – Courtesy of Montel Williams

15-Minute Turkey Tacos

Everybody thinks it takes a long time to fix a healthy meal. Try doing it with your kids, and give them a job to do, like chopping up the lettuce and tomatoes. I have three words for you: basic, fast, and easy!

Ingredients

  • 1 pounds turkey, lean ground
  • 1 packet(s) taco seasoning mix
  • 2 cup(s) cheese, cheddar, low-fat, shredded
  • 3 cup(s) lettuce, shredded
  • 2 cup(s) tomato(es), chopped
  • 4 taco shells (corn)
  • 1 cup(s) salsa

Preparation

Brown the turkey in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoning according to the packet. Build your tacos—shell, turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sauce or salsa. Yum!

More Info:

Be sure to read package labels carefully! I buy only organic taco seasoning, so there aren’t any weird chemicals or extra sodium. And I look for taco brands without partially hydrogenated oils.
About This Recipe
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 15 mins

Contains Dairy  Contains Dairy

Nutrition Facts
Number of servings:4
Amount Per Serving
Calories:365
Total Fat:14 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Cholesterol:52 mg
Sodium:1388 mg
Carbohydrates:28 g
Fiber:3 g
Protein:31 g

Recipe From Living Well with Montel © 2008

August 22, 2008 Posted by | 15 minute meals, Healthy Foods, mexican food, recipes | , , , , , | 1 Comment