Quick and easy meals

We were out for most of the day but I managed a great meal.

I defrosted the shrimp overnight. Stopped at the market and bought local fresh broccoli so I quick steamed it and we had jasmine rice.  Lots of olive oil and butter in this quick meal.

A few things among others when cooking I have learned. Think ahead, keep olive oil butter, garlic, parsley, paprika and rice handy and you will be able to make a quick chicken ,shrimp or fish meal in an hour.  I did it today!

Simple seasoned chicken breasts

Simply made boneless chicken breasts. Sautéed in olive oil and butter. Seasoned with salt, onion and garlic powder and paprika. I squeezed  a lemon after the chicken had browned . Man did it make the best drippings!  

Drizzle the juicy drippings over the chicken. Moist and tender. Trick is don’t overcook chicken until dry. After you brown and simmer cover and allow it to cook in its juices.  Perfect!  I did tenderize the chicken with a mallet.

Taco salad my way!

I lb.ground beef

Taco seasoning

Lettuce 

Tomato

Shredded cheddar cheese

Taco scoops 

Taco sauce or hot sauce to garnish.

Fry hamburger in a little oil.  Add onion powder, garlic powder, paprika , salt and pepper.  Don’t skimp on seasonings. ****  If in doubt buy a taco seasoning packet and follow directions.

Rinse lettuce well.  I do it several times in cold water. Add chopped tomato .

 I chopped my lettuce the way I like it.  ( chopped salad version ).  Drain well.  Use salad spinner or as I do most times after I drain the salad well I use  a few paper towels to remove moisture.

I layer taco scoops first, cheddar cheese, hot hamburger mixture and my salad on top. I season the lettuce with a ratio of 1/3 olive oil and 1/4 red wine vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder dried parsley salt and pepper.  .  Note:  remember to add more olive oil than vinegar so it won’t be overpowered by vinegar. Add a Pinch of sugar if you’re not sure . The sugar will balance the mix.

 

Some Family time 2026

Here are  a few pictures from our visit and a few of our tour of Pittsburgh.

There are times that I like to share some happy times that my husband and I really enjoy. Most of those times are  spent with our family.

Last weekend, we had a great opportunity for our grandson, our oldest grandson to come to Pittsburgh from Texas with his girlfriend.

He wanted to show her the sites of this beautiful city and of course introduce her to my husband and I.

They got to see a Steeler game(which we won) although that day there was quite a bit of rain.  Fortunately it wasn’t a wash out . The sun  peaked  through in the middle of the game.

 He took her to dinner Up in LaMont in Mt.  Washington. A perfect way to see the city from high above. They did visit some of his high school friends so that was awesome.

Al and I were able to show her that I can cook lol.

I made a simple dinner which included homemade sauce, pasta, salad, Italian bread meatballs and braciole. 

The salad was served in Daniel’s great great grandmother’s salad bowl. 

For dessert, I made homemade tiramisu and we had some fresh brewed coffee. 

It was a very simple dinner made from the heart with all homemade ingredients.

There was great conversation and I was able to learn a little bit about this lovely lady who seemed to have stolen my grandson’s heart. What more can I ask for?

 Al and I feel very blessed.

I forgot to mention that the next day we took a tour of the city, which, even though Al and I have lived in the Pittsburgh area for 20 years this was a first  !

Wow what a way to spend a Saturday! Two for two great days!

Did I mention dessert ?  On Saturday, cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory!!! Lemon meringue cheesecake!!! Yummy!

Easy salsa appetizer

Simple and delicious appetizer

I block cream cheese

1 jar favorite salsa

Pretzel thins or chunky pretzel pieces