I actually wrote this blog, the day after New Moon opened, but got so busy with life!
Saw New Moon yesterday, for the 1:30 pm matinee. Don't waste any time, go see it, it's worth it!
I've read the whole series a few times. I don't agree with Stephen King, this story is well written. When Stephen King made his comments about Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight series, he compared her to JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, stating that the former can't write 'worth a darn'. I think now, that he was taken a little out of context. He was discussing other authors as well, including Richard Matheson (who he considered a big influence in his writing career), HP Lovecraft (King said he was mediocre), Erle Stanley Gardner (stated he was a terrible but successful writer), Jodi Picoult (King said she was a terrific writer), Dean Koontz, also terrific & I agree.
The whole Twilight series is geared for a teen audience, but I still love it. I always love the various vampire rules that different authors adopt, as well as Ms Meyer's werewolf existence law, due to vampires being around.
I don't agree with Mr King. She does write well, especially since the whole story was derived from a dream she had. Her dream started with Bella and Edward (nameless in the dream)in the forest scene, one being a vampire & the 2 of them in love. I think Chapter 13 of Twilight is Ms Meyer's dream, in essence.
The latest in the series is 'Midnight Sun', which has been in the works for awhile. Ms Meyer was upset because someone had posted an excerpt on the internet, without her authorization. Only a handful of people had a copy, so I'm guessing it was an employee of the publishing company? But that's neither here nor there. She had put the story to a halt, and currently is on indefinite hold. Or is it? Could she be working on it in secret? The version on the net was an incomplete version and 'messy and flawed', according to Stephanie Meyer. She has posted a more complete version that she would prefer her fans to read. It's in a pdf file, most people have Adobe Reader, but if not, download it here.
Read Edward's version of the Twilight Saga, just chapter 1, on Bella's first day at school at Fork's High School - Midnight Sun!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Rachael vs Martha
Just weighing in with my comments about Martha Stewart's opinions on Rachael Ray. To recap, Martha said Rachael does not hold a candle to her, and that she's more of an entertainer than a teacher, like herself. All Martha did was remind the world how snobby she can be, and made herself look like an ass. But it is true, that Martha is more well rounded than Rachael but to make a public comment like that seems petty, and rings of jealousy. Don't get me wrong, Martha is a goddess of domesticity, for sure, and I know my niece, adult age loves her and calls her amazing.
But I love down to earth Rachael Ray, I use her recipes 9 out of 10 times between the 2 of them. Rachael uses every day ingredients and Martha tends to run on the gourmet side, with ingredients sometimes to break the bank. Rachael Ray is no different than me or others like me who enjoy cooking. She just got lucky and got a cooking spot on a news show, and went on from there.
In any case, Rachael Ray was very gracious and agreed with Martha.
I wonder if the shoe was on the other foot, would Martha be as equally gracious?
With that, I am adding a recipe I use often from Rachael Ray. with the holidays, this is a great one for recycling mashed potatoes, if you like potato soup, you'll love it!
MASHED POTATO SOUP
* Drizzle of EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
* 6 slices bacon, chopped
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 4 tablespoons flour
* 1 quart chicken stock
* 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
* 8 ounces shredded yellow cheddar cheese
* Chopped chives, for garnish
Don't use a skillet, use the pot you will make the soup in. Heat a drizzle of EVOO over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve.
Drain off excess bacon fat from the pot and add butter. When it is melted, add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour into the pot and cook with a wooden spoon for 1 minute. Whisk in the chicken stock and bring to a bubble. Cook until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Whisk in mashed potatoes, then stir in the cheddar cheese with a wooden spoon and cook until the potatoes are hot and the cheese is melted.
Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the reserved bacon and chopped chives.
And while you're using thanksgiving leftovers, try Rachael's suggestion for recycling leftover turkey.
TURKEY CROQUETTES
* 2 T vegetable or any light colored oil, plus some for frying
* 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
* 1/4 cup chopped parsley
* 1 pound leftover sliced turkey
* 1 1/2 cup leftover mashed potatoes
* 1 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs, divided
* 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
* A few pinches whole nutmeg
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1 egg, beaten
* Cranberry sauce
* Gravy
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the celery, onion, carrot and parsley, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Heat a 1/4 of an inch of oil in a large skillet with high sides over medium-high heat.
In a mixing bowl, shred the leftover turkey using two forks. Add the mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup of the breadcrumbs, poultry seasoning, nutmeg, salt, pepper, egg and cooled veggies. Mix to combine and form 10 patties about an inch thick.
Dredge the patties in the remaining breadcrumbs and brown in two batches in a single layer in the hot oil for 2 minutes on each side or until deep golden brown. Drain on paper towels and transfer to a serving plate. Serve with cranberry sauce and gravy alongside.
Both are yummilicious, I skip the cranberry sauce, since I don't like it, but usually pour gravy over the croquettes. Hope you enjoy!
To be fair, below is a recipe from Martha Stewart...you can use it for the soup!
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
* 8 medium russet potatoes (about 4 pounds)
* 1 head peeled garlic cloves (about 15)
* Coarse salt
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), cut into small pieces
Peel potatoes and quarter lengthwise; cut crosswise 1/2 inch thick. In a 5-quart saucepan, combine potatoes and garlic cloves; cover with water (about 8 cups) by 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon salt.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife, 25 to 30 minutes.
Drain; return garlic and potatoes to pan. Stir over medium-high heat until dry, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a small saucepan, bring milk to a boil; pour over potatoes. Add butter and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mash until smooth and creamy.
I hope you enjoy this blend of Martha and Rachael! I usually add celery to the onion for the mashed potato soup.
But I love down to earth Rachael Ray, I use her recipes 9 out of 10 times between the 2 of them. Rachael uses every day ingredients and Martha tends to run on the gourmet side, with ingredients sometimes to break the bank. Rachael Ray is no different than me or others like me who enjoy cooking. She just got lucky and got a cooking spot on a news show, and went on from there.
In any case, Rachael Ray was very gracious and agreed with Martha.
I wonder if the shoe was on the other foot, would Martha be as equally gracious?
With that, I am adding a recipe I use often from Rachael Ray. with the holidays, this is a great one for recycling mashed potatoes, if you like potato soup, you'll love it!
MASHED POTATO SOUP
* Drizzle of EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
* 6 slices bacon, chopped
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 4 tablespoons flour
* 1 quart chicken stock
* 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
* 8 ounces shredded yellow cheddar cheese
* Chopped chives, for garnish
Don't use a skillet, use the pot you will make the soup in. Heat a drizzle of EVOO over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve.
Drain off excess bacon fat from the pot and add butter. When it is melted, add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour into the pot and cook with a wooden spoon for 1 minute. Whisk in the chicken stock and bring to a bubble. Cook until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Whisk in mashed potatoes, then stir in the cheddar cheese with a wooden spoon and cook until the potatoes are hot and the cheese is melted.
Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the reserved bacon and chopped chives.
And while you're using thanksgiving leftovers, try Rachael's suggestion for recycling leftover turkey.
TURKEY CROQUETTES
* 2 T vegetable or any light colored oil, plus some for frying
* 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
* 1/4 cup chopped parsley
* 1 pound leftover sliced turkey
* 1 1/2 cup leftover mashed potatoes
* 1 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs, divided
* 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
* A few pinches whole nutmeg
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1 egg, beaten
* Cranberry sauce
* Gravy
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the celery, onion, carrot and parsley, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Heat a 1/4 of an inch of oil in a large skillet with high sides over medium-high heat.
In a mixing bowl, shred the leftover turkey using two forks. Add the mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup of the breadcrumbs, poultry seasoning, nutmeg, salt, pepper, egg and cooled veggies. Mix to combine and form 10 patties about an inch thick.
Dredge the patties in the remaining breadcrumbs and brown in two batches in a single layer in the hot oil for 2 minutes on each side or until deep golden brown. Drain on paper towels and transfer to a serving plate. Serve with cranberry sauce and gravy alongside.
Both are yummilicious, I skip the cranberry sauce, since I don't like it, but usually pour gravy over the croquettes. Hope you enjoy!
To be fair, below is a recipe from Martha Stewart...you can use it for the soup!
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
* 8 medium russet potatoes (about 4 pounds)
* 1 head peeled garlic cloves (about 15)
* Coarse salt
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), cut into small pieces
Peel potatoes and quarter lengthwise; cut crosswise 1/2 inch thick. In a 5-quart saucepan, combine potatoes and garlic cloves; cover with water (about 8 cups) by 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon salt.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife, 25 to 30 minutes.
Drain; return garlic and potatoes to pan. Stir over medium-high heat until dry, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a small saucepan, bring milk to a boil; pour over potatoes. Add butter and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mash until smooth and creamy.
I hope you enjoy this blend of Martha and Rachael! I usually add celery to the onion for the mashed potato soup.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
I do wonder
I wonder ....... You fill in the blanks, chances are I've wondered about it.
Anyway, this is a new blog post. I deleted the previous stupid ones, it sounded like the ranting and raving of some stupid high school girl over some stupid guy.
I'll be 51 on 12/19. I have 4 sisters and had 3 children, my eldest died June 19th, 2005 !
Thanksgiving approaches. It gets easier every year, but it's still tough for me, I last saw Ricky the Thanksgiving before he died. It was a great day, but if I had only known.
I'll put my wondering, wondrous thoughts here, along with recipes and such!
I am excited though, I'm going to see New Moon tomorrow, yes, I am on the Twilight craze. Read all the books a few times, I can't wait for Breaking Dawn!
Also, I just got hired as a customer service agent for a work at home job, for a major company. Finished all the set ups and pre-training, sent my paperwork off and will begin training on Monday the 23rd. Got all my equipment, headsets and phone.
Anyway, this is a new blog post. I deleted the previous stupid ones, it sounded like the ranting and raving of some stupid high school girl over some stupid guy.
I'll be 51 on 12/19. I have 4 sisters and had 3 children, my eldest died June 19th, 2005 !
Thanksgiving approaches. It gets easier every year, but it's still tough for me, I last saw Ricky the Thanksgiving before he died. It was a great day, but if I had only known.
I'll put my wondering, wondrous thoughts here, along with recipes and such!
I am excited though, I'm going to see New Moon tomorrow, yes, I am on the Twilight craze. Read all the books a few times, I can't wait for Breaking Dawn!
Also, I just got hired as a customer service agent for a work at home job, for a major company. Finished all the set ups and pre-training, sent my paperwork off and will begin training on Monday the 23rd. Got all my equipment, headsets and phone.
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