Speaking
For the past few months, we have been living in a world of screaming JT. But within the past 24 - 48 hours, we have noticed that he is starting to string syllables and sounds together to make what could be words. It has been a little weird listening to these baby conversations. I am pretty sure I captured "dada" in this first video along with some other gibberish. The second video has what I think is "mmmaa, mmmaa".
Kibbeh
Now that we have this fantastic new grill it is time to have some fun with recipes. So yesterday evening, we tried a middle eastern recipe - Kibbeh. I had never heard of it before. Andy had had it during his deployments so I thought what the heck. Let's give it a try. The recipe reminds me of meatballs on a stick but they aren't Italian meatballs.
The Final Product:
We did have a little issue while they were on the grill. When it says turn and baste frequently, it means frequently. Don't put the cover down. Every minute or so, turn those skewers because it will get stuck. It tasted really great. The couscous gave it an interesting texture. We are really enjoying the new grill. Lots of possibilities!
Kibbeh
Cookshelf Barbecue
Ingredients:½ cup couscousSteps:
1 onion, small
12 oz. ground lamb
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. cayenne
4 tsp. ground allspice
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. ketchup
1. Let wooden skewers soak in water for at least 20 minutes.
2. Place couscous in a bowl, cover with cold water and let stand for 30 minutes, or until the couscous has swelled and softened.
3. Drain the couscous through a strainer and squeeze out as much moisture as you can.
4. Put the onion in a food processor and chop finely. Add the lamb and process briefly to chop the ground meat further.
5. Combine the couscous, lamb, and spices. Mix well. Divide mixture into 8 equal portions. Press and shape the mixture around 8 skewers, pressing the mixture together firmly so that it holds its shape.
Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
6. To make the baste mix, the oil and ketchup together until well combined.
7. Broil the kibbeh over hot coals for 10 - 15 minutes, turning and basting frequently.
Serve immediately.
The Final Product:
Confidence returning...
Lately, I have felt a little bit on the sad side concerning my running. Maybe I just shouldn't be running this crazy 10k in eight weeks. During all of my workouts, I have felt like, well, for lack of a better term poop.
The stroller is not comfortable to run with. I am out of breath in a matter of seconds. My knee that stopped my running in college feels like it is on fire and does not seem to want to work properly. Add to that my pathetic times - yes, I am tracking the amount of time I spend on my runs - and I am just depressed about the whole idea of getting back into running.
But today, something clicked and it wasn't my knee. The run felt smooth. I didn't feel like I had massive stores of tense energy in my shoulders. I completed the 2.2 mile run without stopping to walk - that means I actually ran both of the huge hills (82 ft in elevation, i really like the mapmyrun app).
Using the app, I was able to log my mile splits as well. My first mile run about 3 weeks ago with the stroller - I did in about 13 minutes. Today, my mile splits were 11:24. I am so happy with my consistency and that I am getting closer to one of my goals - mile splits at about 10 minutes. Now I just need to keep at it and start adding mileage. I definitely feel that I can manage a 10k in under hour and half with the stroller.
I miss running. I am glad that I am getting back into it.
The stroller is not comfortable to run with. I am out of breath in a matter of seconds. My knee that stopped my running in college feels like it is on fire and does not seem to want to work properly. Add to that my pathetic times - yes, I am tracking the amount of time I spend on my runs - and I am just depressed about the whole idea of getting back into running.
But today, something clicked and it wasn't my knee. The run felt smooth. I didn't feel like I had massive stores of tense energy in my shoulders. I completed the 2.2 mile run without stopping to walk - that means I actually ran both of the huge hills (82 ft in elevation, i really like the mapmyrun app).
Using the app, I was able to log my mile splits as well. My first mile run about 3 weeks ago with the stroller - I did in about 13 minutes. Today, my mile splits were 11:24. I am so happy with my consistency and that I am getting closer to one of my goals - mile splits at about 10 minutes. Now I just need to keep at it and start adding mileage. I definitely feel that I can manage a 10k in under hour and half with the stroller.
I miss running. I am glad that I am getting back into it.
Battle of the Dog Toy
Given that JT is now so quick and mobile, nothing is safe. Nothing is sacred - not even the pug dogs' toys. There is one toy in particular that is beloved by all three of them - JT, Silvio, and Walter. Who do you think will reign supreme in this three-man (or dog?), three-round all out battle? Check out the video below!
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Anniversary Gift
Our anniversary came and past on May 24th. We decided not to go all out purchasing gifts - instead, we settled on obtaining a new fancy grill. After a bit of researching on my part, we decided on the Weber Genesis E-310. So far we are really enjoying it, well as much as one can enjoy a grill after only using it one time. Our inaugural grilled meal is below.
Ingredients:
Steps:
The Finished Product:
Super yummy. The chicken was still juicy on the inside but the bacon was nice and crunchy. The oozy cheese was a lot of fun. Word to the wise - don't forget to pull out those toothpicks! Chomping down on charred wood is not so much fun.
Charboiled Turkey with Cheesy Pockets
from Bookshelf Barbecue
Ingredients:
4 turkey breast pieces (I used chicken breasts)
4 portions of full-fat cheese, 1/2 oz each (I used Allouette's Spreadable Creme di Brie)
dried sage
10 - 15 bacon strips
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
1. Cut a pocket into the side of each turkey breast. Open out each breast a little and season inside with salt and pepper.
2. Place a portion of cheese into each pocket, spreading it a little with a knife. Sprinkle a little sage in the pocket.
3. Stretch the bacon out with the back of a knife. Wrap the bacon around each turkey breast so that the pocket opening is completely covered. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place.
4. Mix together the oil and lemon juice in a small bowl until well combined.
5. Broil the turkey over medium heat for about 10 minutes on each side (since the breasts were on the smaller side, we left them on for about 5 - 6 minutes a side), basting with the oil and lemon mixture frequently.
6. Transfer the turkey to warm serving plates. Serve with toasted garlic bread and salad.
The Finished Product:
Super yummy. The chicken was still juicy on the inside but the bacon was nice and crunchy. The oozy cheese was a lot of fun. Word to the wise - don't forget to pull out those toothpicks! Chomping down on charred wood is not so much fun.
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