5280 Denver Restaurant Week has begun - woohoo!!

For those of you that don't live in the Denver Metro area... sucks to be you!  Denver offers many lifestyle opportunities, has great weather (310 days of sunshine a year, bite me Honolulu, Miami and San Diego!), and tons of outdoor and indoor recreational options, you can choose from 6 different sports teams to cheer, we have 12 ski areas within 90 minutes and for all our beer-loving friends it is the brew-pub capitol of the world but most of all it offers Denver Restaurant Week (a misnomer because it is 2 weeks long).  This means that if you eat at one of the participants restaurants your meal for 2 people will cost $52.80 or for 1 person $26.40.  These meals normally include 3 courses (appetizer, entree and dessert), you get to sample all kinds of lovely dishes AND this is a great way to try new, fancy (read expensive) restaurants for a very reasonable price.  


This year my friend K and I are partaking of a few restaurants (mileage reimbursement put to good use), we have chosen ones that we have never been to before and one where I have been but she hasn't (and I don't mind going back to) - and a couple of times I am letting DH coming along as well.  The contenders are:
Restaurant Kevin Taylor, Elway's, Red Square Euro Bistro and The Melting Pot.


We went to Restaurant Kevin Taylor and were slightly disappointed.  The service was extremely attentive (although the waiter had a very thick accent and spoke in a whisper which made things a little difficult), the restaurant itself has a great ambiance and the menu had many options ~ we were good about not getting the same dishes so as to try more but none of the dishes left us wanting more or craving to come back.  I think I would much rather go to Racine's for their awesome Solitaire Salmon Salad than go back to Restaurant KT and pay a bunch of money for something that does little to nothing for me.  


If you are in Denver, drop me a line and let me know what restaurants you have chosen for DRW and if you liked them!

I can't help, falling in love with you...

From Elvis Presley's (or UB 40) lips, to mine.  This is our 'song', the one we first danced to back in 1996 but since we were cool we had UB 40 playing and not the king - ha!  Because of Valentine's Day having come and gone, I've been reflecting on our love and my love for DH.  We have had some great V-Days in the past including a trip to Paris and getting a new family member (Zoey) and some awful ones which shall remain unnamed but might include trying to give me a stupid teddy bear instead of the puppy I was asking for.  Let's be clear, I don't think V-Day should be the day you profess your undying love for others but it is one of the days where the world has to shut up and put up with it.  


This posting is not going to be sappy (maybe just a little) since I am known for saying things like "most of the time you annoy the crap out of me, but thanks for xyz", nor do I claim that we have a perfect relationship since we have had highs (that range from post-it notes and writing messages in the snow to great adventures) and lows (I'm pointing my finger at law school) and when people do claim to have one it makes me want to gag myself with a spoon mostly because I believe there is no such thing as "perfect" in life but also because it sets an unachievable and unrealistic standard.


I love the grand gestures I have received from DH in the past (and will love them in the future), many of them having to do with V-Day, but what I have learned to love most recently are the little/grand gestures.  This wasn't always the case.  I have had a really hard time at recognizing all the ways in which DH loves me.  Last year I told him that my "bank" felt depleted from all the withdrawals he made and very few deposits, he said he thought he made several deposits but that I didn't count them so we came up with a system.  I created paper deposits slips for my bank and every time he did something that made me feel loved I would fill one out and give it to him to show that it counted.  This system not only made me recognize all the deposits he made but it also showed him that I appreciated them.  We used the system for about 4 months and it really helped both of us realize that we show each other how much we love one another in daily gestures that can tend to go unnoticed but in our household no longer do.


Most recently this includes DH making me breakfast every morning - a soft boiled egg with toast (with tomato and avocado on some days) to be exact.  I am not a morning person so I don't get up early enough to make myself breakfast because every last second of sleep counts AND although I love to cook, the preciseness of a soft boiled egg has always been daunting to me and therefore not something I am willing to put myself through.  So DH started making these for me this week and they make a huge difference in my day.  I feel fuller the rest of the day, I eat less and I have more energy - plus the added bonus of feeling loved.  You may not think much of this gesture but this is coming from someone who won't take the time to warm up something in the microwave for himself because "that's too much work" and so instead will eat it cold (I know, right?!?!).  But there he is every morning making me breakfast and he puts SO much effort in to trying to make me the perfect egg.  And every morning I can't help falling in love with you.... 

I was extra lucky on this particular morning and got tomatoes and blueberries as a bonus.

Brownies I took in to work on V-Day - nothing says love like chocolate!

Memories, Food and Love

Sniff sniff, yes, I'm a sniffer.  I believe my super power to be my sense of smell, a cold for me is like death.  I tend to have many olfactory memories, some bad but most of them good and most of them are tied to food because if anything food is, well, smelly.  Or aromatic, depends on who is cooking and what is being cooked.  Most importantly, food is not something we need merely for bodily nourishment but something that we need for our souls.  


Think about it, no milestone, accomplishment, holiday, celebration or event happens without food.  Birthday parties, anniversaries, graduation, promotion, wedding, Christmas, 4th of July, Easter and many others wouldn't be the same if it weren't for food.  I mean, there is a holiday where you give thanks by making a bounty of food!  And that is just the joyous and fun occasions (I know you are wondering what's fun and joyous about the stress and dysfunction of family together at a holiday but you say po-tay-to, I say po-tah-to). And what happens when someone passes away?  We serve food after the service and we bring food to the most bereaved.  Someone lost their job?  Let me take you out to eat and get your mind off of it.  Dumped?  What flavor of ice cream is your favorite?


Food is also a way to show appreciation as DH and I recently did by giving our neighbors a pan of brownie/cookie bars (don't ask, DH made them) to the neighbors for shoveling our walk (which prompted them to do it again!), care by bringing chicken soup to a sick friend or nurture when our mom makes us our favorite meal or we cook for our loved ones.


If you stop to remember your favorite event or holiday (or any good time for that matter) or person, you will most likely remember the food involved.  For years I have remembered a dish made by the mother of a dear person and friend, Patrick Blessing.  Mary Catherine Blessing is famous in my mind for making BBQ meatballs.  Yes, you read correctly, BBQ meatballs.  The first Merriman formal I ever went to was the house formal in February 1997, when I was a freshman.  My friend Mel and I had been "dieting" all week by eating only cereal, Lucky Charms to be exact, cause we wanted to look extra cute in our formal dresses (and we did, I have the pics to prove it) so by the time we made it to the party I was starving.  


When I entered the house this wonderful aroma drifted towards me and led me to this crock pot filled to the brim with a wonderful concoction, the BBQ meatballs.  Mind you, I had only moved from Costa Rica two years prior and this dish was something that I had never encountered in my life.  After having a few (trying to restrain myself) and licking sauce off my lips, I asked how this group of guys was so lucky to have had someone make this and found out who was behind it.  I must confess that throughout the night I had my fair share and I believe I visibly pouted when I went back to the crock pot one final time to find that it was devoid of meatballs.  For years I wanted to ask Pat if he could get this recipe for me from his mom but was too shy (hold back your snorts) to do it.  DH will back up the fact that I have talked about these meatballs repeatedly throughout the years (as he agreeably nods his head and mutters "um-hmm, I remember" and probably thinks "when will she shut up about these meatballs?"), especially when we have come across similar concoctions that just don't measure up.


Now that we no longer have Pat with us the meatballs are so much more special to me than before.  When I think of the meatballs, they bring back memories of him and all the good times we had including a memorable moment when Mama and Papa Ruiz were having a cookout to celebrate Los' graduation (see??? food.) and while Mama Ruiz and I were going on about something or other Pat asks with a huge smile mixed with bewilderment: "Jen, you speak Puerto Rican?", my answer as I laughed: "Yes Pat, I speak Spanish".


So last night I decide, I'm making these meatballs.  No recipe, no nothing, just going for it.  Today, our crock pot is full of BBQ meatballs.  Are they as good as Mary Catherine's?  Not really, but all day long the smell and taste of them have brought me memories of a loved friend, made me smile and most importantly reminded me of what love means.  Back then it meant a mother nurturing her child, his brothers, friends and guests.  Today it means we miss you but you live on through our thoughts, memories, your wonderful wife and adorable baby girl and... through BBQ meatballs. 

Thank you for being a friend

Yes, you know I'm quoting the cheesy Andrew Gold song used for the show "The Golden Girls" but recently I've realized how in society we tend to say "thank you" to people for actions such as holding the door open for us as we walk into some place, watching the kids while we take care of something (in my case the pets), lending us some sugar, a couple of eggs or even a vacuum cleaner, or doing us a favor but how often do we say to someone: thank you for being you, for being there for me, for being a friend?  How often do we let people know just how much they mean to us?


Last week, my friend Chef moved back to Mexico to open his restaurant Xix-ím and two wonderful ladies had planned a surprise going-away get together before his departure.  I had a massive headache/migraine all day that day and DH wasn't feeling too hot either but (and this one of the reasons I love him so much) he still accompanied me and drove to Sullivan's so we could say "see you soon" and "good luck" to Chef.  We got there late because I had a late meeting so Chef was already there along with others.  When he saw us, his face lit up, he got up from his seat and gave me the biggest bear hug (Chef is a big guy and his hugs are pretty good) ever!  He kept saying "que bueno verte" and "no lo puedo creer" with me saying back "we wouldn't have missed this".  I think because we were late he thought we wouldn't be showing up.  


As we sat down, ordered and such Chef introduced me to the husband of one of the organizers (I know her but hadn't met him) and said: Jenny is one of my dearest friends, she is one of the first people I met when I moved to Denver and she just always made me feel so at home here.  My jaw nearly dropped.  I care a lot for Chef, he's a great guy with a caring spirit, loads of talent (and never lets his fame amongst Latinos go to his head as a local celebrity) and he is always happy to go along with my crazy ideas but I had no idea that this is what I meant to him, in 5 years he had never said a word.  We had a nice time that night regardless of our ailments and on our way home I kept thinking about what Chef had said and it made me think of my lovely friend Meche.


I met Meche 7 years ago when we both went through a leadership program together.  Recently she told me that our get-togethers were really important to her since I was part of her familia.  That group of people that first accepted and loved her for who she is right after moving to Denver.  I could have won an Oscar that night for not letting my jaw drop and all I kept thinking about was how I could have nearly not been a part of that and what a loss that would have been for me.  You see, my gay-dar is pretty sucky unless the person flaunts it, and by flaunting it I mean saying to my face: I'm gay/queer/transgender/etc.  We were in a leadership program with all women and didn't necessarily feel comfortable sharing everything about who we were and Meche wasn't going to tell everyone - hey, I'm a lesbian!  I remember always asking Meche if she had a love interest (never a boyfriend which is my normal M.O.) amongst other things (she was kinda shy) but I didn't know she wasn't straight and didn't find out until almost the end of the program.  She said she always felt safe and accepted by me and all I can think is "by the Grace of the Universe I never asked her if she had a boyfriend which might not have made her feel accepted" - can you imagine if I had? YAY Universe!!!


Common thread or point I'm trying to make you say?  I had no idea what I meant to Chef or Meche until they said something which takes me back to the original thought of this posting, how often do we let people know what they mean to us?  Not their actions mind you, but them, the person who can make a world of difference?  Rarely.   


Recently, I decided to tell my friend Patty what an important role she played in my life (and still does), I was nervous and feeling slightly uneasy (even though this is the friend I call to spill my guts to ALL the time) it took courage, although I'm not sure why but afterwards I felt so much better knowing that she now knew one more reason why she was/is so special to me.


My challenge to you: pick a couple of people in your life who mean a lot and then tell them.  It will make you feel closer to each other, because knowing how much you mean to someone makes you be a better friend to them and it's lovely to feel appreciated.

Oh the weather outside is frightful but inside it's delicious!

Along with the rest of the country, Colorado is having frigid temps and snow, however Coloradoans were the first ones to really be hit by this storm (although probably won't be hit hardest - no "thundersnow" here!) so we have been suffering through it a little longer than the rest which gives us a head start on... cooking!  


I've seen a lot of Facebook postings talking about stocking up on booze, snacks, pizza and other store bought crap but I happen to think this is perfect weather to try yummy new recipes that will keep you warm.  That is why I stopped by the store to buy a few additional ingredients on my way home yesterday knowing full well that my body would not be leaving the house for over 24 hours (if not more) and that if I was missing an ingredient: oh well! recipe would have to be modified cause my butt was not up to freezing.


First off is a recipe my friend Patty suggested the last time I posted some recent culinary accomplishments.  It is called Chicken in Garlic and Shallots and because I forgot a couple of things I made a couple of adjustments (just with the herbs) and in the future would probably add a lot more garlic cloves but it was if I do say so myself, awesome!! I really normally don't like chicken on the bone (I'm not sure why but hey, I live in the year 2011 and not back in 1901 so I can be that way) but this recipe made me not care about such a thing.  Plus, it was wwwaaaayyy cheaper than buying chicken breast.  The chicken was juicy, moist, tender and falling off the bone and the roasted garlic cloves were an explosion of flavor in my mouth.  This is definitely a repeat kind of recipe!! Friends don't let other friends not try this recipe (Patty, I can't believe you kept it from me for this long!!)!

Browned on the stove but pre-oven

Post-oven, doesn't it look wonderful?

I also made some Potato Bread, a really simple recipe (especially when it comes to bread) that is a real treat when you have it right out of the oven or later on after it has cooled or toasted with some butter or served along side some stew or any other way you may think of - just let me put it in my mouth already!  Many people seem to be unwilling to give bread baking a chance, especially if it doesn't involve a breadmaker but that is a huge mistake!  Making bread at home is an easy process and will give you olfactory memories you (and your family) will never forget.

This recipe makes 2 loaves or you can make them into rolls as well,
one is smaller cause I had already dug in when I took this picture!

And lastly a recipe that lives up to Neil Diamond's lyric of "crunchy granola's neat" because it was fun and easy to make, made the house smell fantastic and tasted better than any granola I've had recently (sorry Udi's Bakery but it's true).  I've been munching on it since which of course spoiled my appetite (you were right mom!) for dinner but who cares cause I don't have to set an example for anyone in my house!

Fresh out of the oven

Full of healthy goodness!

As always, happy to share any of these you might find appealing.  And if you live near me, are coming to visit soon or want to get together and have me prepare any of these I am happy to oblige! Stay warm!!

Culinary Accomplishments - Recent ones...

In recent years I've noticed that I like to eat and somewhat cook seasonally.  What does that mean for me?  It means salads during winter don't really sound appetizing (although this year I have found a way to still eat them during the winter) and even though I love soup and stew I neither want to cook it nor eat it when it is 80 degrees or more outside.  Therefore, I told myself that this year I would do my best to start making sure that I get lots and lots of "wintry" foods in before the season is over so that in the summer I can go bonkers making Caprese Salad and nothing else.  


As a part of this, I've been trying out new recipes lately, the first was Chicken Tortilla Soup.  Mind you this is not a soup I would ever order in a restaurant (not really sure why but you have read the name of my blog, right?) but for some reason it sounded good and I had some corn tortillas that were just unacceptable for the more traditional uses I like to give them so here are a few pics of the results:

The tortillas that needed to be used, these turned out delish!

The soup in the earlier stages

Final result - yummy!!

I recently checked out of the library the cookbook Jamie's Food Revolution which has really detailed, step-by-step recipes that involve all natural ingredients to make simple but good food.  I tried this recipe last night, it is called Meatballs and Pasta and I made a couple of tweaks like using bison meat instead of pork or beef (no specific reason for this change except that bison meat was in my freezer and not any other kind) and not adding basil to the sauce and I thought it was still pretty good.  Now, I realize this is probably not a "wintry" meal but nonetheless, some wonderful comfort food for a wintry night.

I doubled the recipe so instead of 24 meatballs I ended up with 48 (not all are pictured)

Slightly crunchy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside.

Ta-da! And then I added cheese!

I can't wait for tomorrow, planning on making Baked Oatmeal for breakfast, mmmm...  If you feel up to it, share what you like to make or eat during winter, I would love more ideas to add to my repertoire!

2011 - Transition

Life is a series of beginnings and endings.  Many of which occur without a hitch or we respond to them easily since we have become accustomed to them like the transitions in the seasons year round or a new year that comes around every 12 months.  Whether transitions are unexpected or planned (although we have somewhat deluded ourselves that they aren't right around the corner) they can become challenging, forcing us to let go of the familiar and face the future.  This can leave us feeling pretty vulnerable.  Transitions add to life some anxiety, fear, sadness, anger and in my case it has left me feeling unprepared.


So what's going on you may wonder?  The grant that I work for is ending.  It doesn't come as a shock.  I knew the moment I took the job that the grant would end in November 2011 but back in 2008 that seemed like a long time away.  It also seemed like a really good thing, I would take the job, stick with it until the end and then be free to pursue something new and exciting.  Ever hear of the adage: "A rolling stone gathers no moss"?  That has been my professional career.  I used to hop from one job to another every year or so, always learning a lot, never ever getting attached to anything or anyone.  Why?  Because I get bored easily with most jobs.  Most jobs require for you to go in day after day and do the same stuff and don't let you exercise your creativity much.  Most bosses (in my experience) don't appreciate it when you ask "how about we try this (referring to something new or doing something differently)".  Also, I've found several environments in the non-profit world to want and ask too much of you.  Since you are working for a non-profit the expectation is for you to devote your body and soul to the job, for little pay and forgoing your life outside of work.  I love working for a good cause but I'm not about to give up the privilege of having a life for it.


But I was completely unprepared for how this job, my employer, my coworkers and the community members I work with would change that for me.  I LOVE what I am doing now and the work that I get to do in the community!  I think I have a great boss, I really like most of my coworkers (hey, you can't have it all), and my employer by non-profit standards kicks-butt (not that I have any other standards to compare it to)!


The last couple of months of 2010 I felt numb.  The past couple of weeks I fluctuated between self-doubt, anxiety and misplaced anger.  On Thursday I spent some time with one of my board members who has also become a friend.  I told her how I was just feeling angry and annoyed in general and she was kind enough to turn the light bulb on by saying: you've grown attached.  And she is right, this stone has officially gathered some moss.  It may not seem like a huge realization to most people but for me it's enormous.  I think it  allows me to move on to the next steps of accepting and embracing this change as real and making the most of the time I have left under the grant.  It also allows me to prepare for the transition of what is next (fingers crossed and I may be staying with my current employer in a similar capacity).  And even though November seems like many months away, let's be honest - time flies when you are having fun!