Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Taco Salad, Panini, and Birthday Parties

Last week on Carrie's blog, she posted about a taco salad she made. It looked so good. It was also super-easy to make. I made it Friday night since I was tired from making cakes and cupcakes for Annelies's birthday party. It was really easy to put together, and so tasty. I hadn't had a taco salad since I gave up meat over three years ago. I saw Carrie's, and immediately began craving it. I made it exactly the same way she did, except I added a dollop of sour cream and used blue corn chips. They're the only corn chips I've ever been able to eat right out of the bag. (Well, except Doritos.) Garden of Eatin' brand is my favorite.

I didn't do any cooking at all over the weekend because we were so busy. The birthday party took up much of Saturday, and honestly in just wore me out. We had it at Valley World's of Fun, which is a really great place for kids. It's the type of place that gives adults a headache almost instantly, though. All the kids had a great time, but Annelies started getting overwhelmed toward the end, as you can see in the picture below.



Last night I was still feeling a bit lazy, so I just made some paninis. I got some good Italian bread, and made them with spinach, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts and fresh mozzerella. They were really tasty.



I've still been hooked on the Avett Brothers Emotionalism album. It's crazy good. Also, Sleek saw Jessica on Saturday night, and she had burned us some CDs of music she played during our weekend at Canaan. So, I've been listening to lots of BR549. It's really great stuff too. It seems that I'm on a bit of a country/bluegrass kick recently. (With the exception of The Water, of course. It's still seeing a good bit of play too.)

6 comments:

HopSkipJump said...

I was lazy so I just whipped up some roasted red pepper and artichoke paninis? Good lord, woman. Lazy means opening 4 cans of cold beans in front of Sleek and your kids and if you're feeling up to it, handing each of them a spoon. You are one amazing (dalai)mama!

Charleston Catholic / Clay Center Project said...

I'm assuming you have a panini press, from the picture. I have been thinking of getting one but have so many kitchen gadgets that I am running out of room! Do you use yours a lot?

Susan Chipley said...

IF: The paninis were almost that easy.  Really they were.

 

Becky:  I have this with this.  I takes up less space than your typical panini press electric machine-thing.  However, I can't get the press hot enough to not have to flip the sandwich.  I still love it though, and the pan can be used for lots of other cooking.

carrie said...

OOOHHH, I remember those panini's from last time you made them. I said I was going to make 'em too, and I never did. They are going on my menu for next week!!

By the way, the birthday cake looks awesome.

Susan Chipley said...

Carrie:  Thanks!  I just used a boxed cake mix, but I refuse to use frosting from a can!  I use this recipe for buttercream frosting.  I know it wouldn't work for you, but damn, it's good.  I only make it twice a year for the kids b-day cakes.  It definitely ain't healthy!

SleekPelt said...

I just think three hours is too long for a 6-year-old's birthday party. The first two hours were good, though.

IF, don't give the DM any ideas, okay pal?