Snow in the South

Well I was talking about snow the last post so I thought I'd put some pictures up. Now I know you all up north think we have not seen Snow like you all have up there and yes it is nice to have this much and it virtually be gone the next day. But that's why we get so excited down here. In fact my wife was up (keeping me awake) every 2 hours to look outside as most of the snow came in the night and next morning she was up and out taking pictures and calling her mom. I finally had to get up as she was not letting me sleep as she was in the bed room every 30 minutes telling me how pretty it was. And they just said we might have another dusting this week.

About 4 inches Feb 13 2010

African Bean and Sweet Potato Soup

Well its back to soup again as it has been cold and we put some of this up in the freezer. I forgot to write it up so here it is now. This was tasty and made a good bit as we are enjoying it now as it is a cloudy and ucky day....Again. I don't know when we have had so many chances of snow. When we moved here as we are a little more south than Jackson we didn't think we would see snow but on very rare occasions. Especially after all the people calling the end is near with global warming. Tell that to the 4 inches we got. And its in the forecast again of course its most likely not here again but you never know.

1 tablespoon olive or peanut oil

1 1/2 teaspoons curry or cumin (we used cumin as we like it)

pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice

1 medium red onion diced

4 cloves garlic minced

1 med sweet potato pealed and diced

1 yellow bell pepper diced (we used a green that's what we had on hand)

1 jalapeno or other chillies pepper seeded and diced (be careful with peppers use gloves if you can and do not rub you eyes till after washing hands real well)

1 14 oz can black eyed peas rinsed and drained

1 14 oz can white beans rinsed and drained

1 14 oz can black beans rinsed and drained

1 quart broth we used chicken

1/2 cup natural peanut butter melted in a half cup of boiling water or broth.(we just threw in pot and we used crunchy Jiff and it worked just fine.)

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (we added more because we like it hot)

juice of 1 lime

1 tablespoon brown sugar

salt and pepper to taste

chopped fresh cilantro

can add 2 cups chicken
Heat oil and cook onions,potatoes,garlic,bell pepper,jalapeno, for about 5-6 minutes

add chicken broth, beans, chicken,cumin and simmer for about 30 minutes
add in peanut butter pinch of cinnamon,lime,crushed red pepper

salt and pepper to taste.
garnish with chopped cilantro. we also used sour cream

Steak with Cherry-Balsamic Reduction

This was so good. We do not get a chance to have a steak very often as we are no longer a two income household. But we got the steak on sale and thought what the heck we even splurged for a bottle of wine. Sure do miss the wine tastings we used to go to but alas the times are changing.

For two

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 shallot chopped(we used a little red onion)

1/2 large clove garlic minced

8 teaspoons dry red wine (shiraz or zinfandel)

8 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoons cherry preserves

1/cup frozen dark cherries thawed

2 fillet Mignon we used rib eyes

salt and pepper to taste

Heat olive oil and cook onions until soft and wilted not browned. about 3 minutes. Add garlic and stir for 30 sec. Add wine, preserves,vinegar and cherries. Increase the heat to bring to a light boil, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce reduce to half the original amount. About 10 to 12 minutes It should get thick and syrupy.

Sprinkle steaks with salt and pepper and cook steaks until your taste.

Serve sauce on side or over steak.

Goat Cheese Craisin and Pecan Pinweels

I know the big V day is coming up and these make a tasty and attractive treat. Yes I know every one wants chocolate but these are also good. We first had these at Christmas.

2 8oz pkg of cream cheese very well softened

1- 5 1/2 oz chevre goat cheese.

1/2 cup finely chopped green onion(we added just a little bit more)

6 oz craisins

2/4 cup chopped pecans

4 large flour tortillas

In a bowl combine cream cheese chevre cheese green onions crasins and pecans.

evenly spread 1/4 of mixture on each tortilla and roll up tightly and wrap each in plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for several hours or overnight

Slice and serve makes about 32.