How to Cut a Bell Pepper and Other Knife Skills

A couple of years ago H and I took a knife skills class at Cambridge Culinary Institute. It was a few hours long, on a Sunday afternoon, though they do have it on other days and evenings. We cut a lot of things during the class: oranges, lemons, onions, celery, potatoes, lettuce, herbs. We diced, sliced, julienned, and more. It was great and throughout the class, the Chef used the things we cut to make us a delicious meal. At the end of the night, we had pureed carrot and potato soup, french fries (omg so delicious), fresh tomato sauce with pasta, pineapple, and more that I can't recall right now.

The biggest thing I took away from that class was how to cut a red pepper. I can't believe I didn't know this trick. Basically, slice off the to and bottom, then cut a vertical slice on one side. Spread open the pepper s it's flat, get rid of the seeds and ribs, and there you have a flat rectangle to slice or dice. SO easy!

Here's a video I found on YouTube that shows this technique.

 

Getting the Best Bang for Your Buck

I was watching the Today Show this morning. They had a segment on about How to keep back-to-school shopping bills low. Since I don't have kids, those who know me probably think this is strange that I would care about this, but let me tell you it's got some great information about places to find money saving tips for everyone. If you didn't see the segment, check it out. After all, who doesn't want to get the best bang for your buck!

I'm sure LeAnn has some other tips to share since she just did back-to-school shopping and college shopping. :)

Article on Freezer Cooking

Ever had one of those nights when you don't want to cook, go out, or order take out? I know I have! I recently came across this article by the Pioneer Woman called Freezer Cooking. It gives some great tips on how to freeze food so you can just defrost it and cook it for dinner. I found it helpful. I hope you do too!

Now the trick is to make sure you have the freezer room. ;)

Deals at Target - Workout Pants and Sleep Shirts

I recently bought two pairs of great workout pants from Target. They're C9 capri cardio pants, and what I really like about them is they're just about to the knee and they're not tight at the knee. The waistband doesn't cut in, either, so I can wear them with a fitted top and not feel like there's a little extra showing! They're $24.99 full price, but I think they're worth it.

I also got some great neon v-neck sleep t-shirts on super clearance. They're on sale online for $8.48 each but in my local store they were less than six dollars. I bought three, of course!

Target is a a fun place to shop but I always find things I "desperately need". I never get out of there without paying at least the $100 cover charge. But their return policy is great and you don't even need a receipt if you paid with a credit card.

New Work Shoes

Last week I met my friend Melissa at the outlets for a little shopping and girl time. I was on the lookout for a new pair of work shoes to wear. We went to the Naturalizer store and I was expecting not to like a thing. I was pleasantly surprised that they carry some really nice shoes. Honestly, I wasn't expecting them to be very fashionable. When I hear comfort in shoes I don't always think fashion.

Not only was I surprised by the variety of shoes, but I scored a great deal. I got a $95 pair of black peep toe pumps for.... wait for it.... $23! I was thrilled to say the least. On top of the great price they fit well and are comfortable! :)

Great new work shoes

Yummy Grilled Pork Sandwiches

Rick and I have found a new favorite sandwich this summer. It's a grilled pork sandwich with white BBQ sauce. It's so delicious! And it doesn't hurt that Rick likes to do the grilling. ;)

I found the recipe on foodnetwork.com. Check it out: Pork Sandwiches with White Barbecue Sauce

Here's a little sample of what you're in for....

We used boneless pork chops. They are super quick to cook on the grill. We also grilled some wheat bread so it was nice and toasty.

Next step is to assemble the sandwich... some pork and a little more of the white BBQ sauce to start.

I like adding some lettuce, tomato, and pickles to my sandwich. Rick likes just pickles. You can really do whatever you want.

Getting closer to being ready to eat.... can you taste it yet?

Doesn't this sandwich look yummy!?! It makes a great dinner accompanied by some sweet potato hash on the side.

If you try this recipe be sure to come back and share how you liked it or any variations you made. Oh the joys of summer grilling!

DSW Score

Recently, I went to my favorite shoe store... DSW! The purpose of my trip was to return some shoes that I realized I was never going to wear no matter how good a deal they were. Just too high! While there I of course had to look around... how could I resist!?! I found these great wedge sandals. They are so comfortable! But the best part is that when I went to the check out they were on sale and I didn't know it. Then it got even better.... since I was returning a pair of shoes that I used my DSW Reward points on the sales clerk applied those to my new shoes. But wait it gets better... I actually walked out of there with a $10 credit to my credit card. So my shoes were free! I'd call that a shopping score!

Comfy wedges

Hello again!

It's been a few months since I tried to start this blog. I'm finally back ready to get to it! With a little help from my friend (thanks Melissa!) and a glass of wine (or two) I think we are finally up and running. I told you I didn't know what I was doing. :)

Stayed tuned for some fun posts! I promise it won't be months before the next one.