Flavor Karate Chop to the Buds

...Taste Buds that is....

If you think I have forgotten about the Project Wifey Wife: Readers' Edition, you are wrong. I have sorted through them and have every intention to cook every single one of them. From Risotto to Cake pops, I WILL make it, bake it, own it, and eat it.

Here is one I tried last week and boy oh boy is it packed with flavah!

Project Wifey Wife: Week 13-The Savory
Marissa's Honey Soy Grilled Salmon with Edamame
adapted from the Food Network Kitchens

Marissa is Hubby's Cousin who just recently celebrated her 21st birthday!

Oh, to be young again. How I miss the days of partying until the wee hours of the morning, drinking, dancing, and being footloose and fancy free....::le sigh::

Anywho- enough of my late 20-something  mid life crisis.

Ingredients
1/4 cup packed cilantro leaves
2 scallions
**instead of 2 tsp vegetable oil**
1 tsp vegetable oil / 1 tsp of sesame oil ( I love the taste!)
salt and pepper to taste
4 center cut skin on wild salmon fillets
2 tsp fresh lime juice
2 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp honey
1/4 tsp black sesame seeds
1 1/3 cups cooked edamame

1. Pre-heat the Broiler. (I used the Broil Method, but you can also grill it. )

Hi Broiler! Nice to meet you!

2. Finely chop the cilantro and scallion and mix in the oils and ginger. Season with salt and pepper.

Look! I got to use my mini-whisk. Love this little guy!

3. Cut two 3-inch long slits through the skin lengthwise on the bottom of the salmon fillets, going about halfway into the salmon. Stuff 'em up!

4. Stir together the lime juice, soy, and honey until smoooooooth operator.

5. Place fillets on a greased pan and set it on fire put it under the broiler skin down, basting 3 or 4 times with sauce. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes.

Don't ask me why the pan is bending this way.... and Don't ask me if I almost burned dinner.

and please Don't ask Hubs how many times he had to calm the Fire Alarm down.


He's using my Jacket to fan the smoke

6. Finish with a sprinkling of the black sesame seeds, rice, and edamame.

Can't even tell that it almost went up in flames.

The flavor kick is Insane in the Membrane!

My First 5K and Recovery Muffins

I did it guys!!! I ran my very first 5K! ::happy dance::

The Race: Angels 5K Fun Run- Sunday March 27, 2010
I am not an Angels fan (I'm married to a Dodgers Fan, which makes me one by association) but I thought this one looked harmless and had fun written all over it...literally.

The Course:
It started outside of the Angels Stadium and you take a victory lap inside the stadium before hitting the finish line. Amazing!

The Preps:
The night before, my hubsters treated me to one of my favorite places to stuff my face with CARBS!
Old Spaghetti Factory....Hello Sourdough bread and half marinara, half Mizithra Spaghetti. I've missed you!

The night before, I also packed up my gear.
Running pants, CHECK! Shirt, CHECK! Sweater with Thumby holes, CHECK!

Running belt, Running watch iPod with Killer playlist, hair thingamahjigs, Sustenance, Directions...CHECK CHECK AND CHECK!

It's GO TIME:
I literally woke up at the butt-crack of dawn. 5:30 wasn't so killer when you have race fever!
I ate some breakfast and prayed that this would fuel me enough.

T picked me up at 6:00 and we headed out to Anaheim.


I was so sleepy, I couldn't even take a decent picture..yeah that's it.



We Almost didn't make it on time because we couldn't find the parking lot!! Luckily we got there safely and sprinted...no lie.... to get our race stuff!





Here's the cool Shoe Chip! It keeps track of your time. Amaze!






We ended up starting about 5 minutes later than the Official start time because we didn't want to battle the crowds...and because we were too busy getting freebies!

I was still battling my cold, but I pushed on through and ran more than EVER!

Check out those Flared Nostrils! That's determination baby!

And can I point out those people walking behind me....I'm just sayin'....

Seriously though, I ran a lot, walked a little, and did a whole bunch of zig zaggin' through the crowds.

In no time...we were reaching the light at the end of the tunnel...or the tunnel at the end of the race...whatever.

Inside this tunnel was VICTORY! It was AWESOME ending the race here!

Don't tell anyone, but I teared up a little running through....

We sacrificed running time for photo time! I had to do the "Asian pose."

And even WITH stopping for pictures, we finished at a cool 42.27 minutes.
That might not be much to some, but to me, that was my personal best.

I couldn't have done it without my running buddy! Love ya T!

This is the first of many to come. I had so much fun. I pushed myself harder than ever and I feel so incredibly proud of myself..**toot toot**

Do I need to remind you that I Run to Eat? I didn't have much energy after the race, but I had just enough to make these.

Banana Recovery Muffins

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter; softened
2 Large Eggs
3 ripe bananas; smashed
1/2 buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

** I didn't take pictures of the process...so sue me. Gimme a BREAK! I just ran my first race don't cha know! :p**

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and grease 18 muffin tins.
2. Mix sugar and butter in large bowl. Add eggs and blend. Add bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
3. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt just until moistened. (No need to mix in separate bowl...just pour on in!)
4. Bake in muffin tins for about 30-40 minutes.

Best Damn Muffins I've ever had. Don't excuse my language...it's appropriate for these!
















I'll be recovering all week with these puppies....

Cranky McCranky Pants and Thursday Favorites

Uggghhhh....I tried to stay healthy and "cold virus" free for several months now.
I've been lucky...until now.

It hit me like the plague....Gosh I hope it's not the plague.

I'm on DAY TWO of staying home sick from work. I feel kinda guilty, then I cough up a lung and feel better about the situation.

What people REALLY do when they are at home sick...
1. Whine like the biggest most annoying colicky baby that ever existed. I found myself moaning and groaning all day...even though Sonic was the only one home, I still felt the need.

2. Act like a baby and hope to God that your husband knows what to do with you. Imagine me, fetal positioned on the couch, with my hair lookin' like Toucan Sam made a nest on the top of my head, and dried up snot bubbles on my nose, crying while my husband rubs my back praying that I just get better so I can stop complaining.


I don't know what this baby is saying, but I hope it's funny.

Truth be told, I need my mommy. I need her to SHMEAR Vicks on my chest and back, check my temperature with the back of her hand to my forehead, make me her noodle soup, and whisper in my ear, "go back to sleep."

Favorite #1:  Vicks VapoRub-
Can't get enough of that cool menthol Eucalyptus smell...Feelin' all Koala Bear and stuff.

3. Roll your eyes when yet another person advises you to "Make sure you drink lots of liquids." Umm... I think that's like Cold Virus 101. I know you're right.... I will drink more water. But
Riddle me this: How am I supposed to rest if I have to get up every 15 seconds to pee?

Favorites #2- Triple Echniacea Green Tea
I usually drink this at the first signs of Virus monsters, but I ran out this time.

4. Imagine how NICE a shower would feel. That's pretty much the extent of that one. I didn't have enough energy to scrub my stinky self. Not even Sonic wanted to sit with me tonight. But thank goodness for lazy people products!

Favorite Number #3- Dry Shampoo
Spray it, Gzhhhugzhh it, and hope for the best before hubby gets home.

5. Netflix Documentaries, Lifetime movies, and Reality TV.
When you're sick you need to rest your brain. So, you might as well watch as much trash as you can right? It's not like you'll remember anything tomorrow, what with being DRUNK off of Nyquil and all.

I watched:
Solitary Confinement Don't ask me why. I just happen to like watching Prison stuff.
People are CRAY CRAY!

Babies  I kinda want a baby now....kinda not really.

Jersey Shore Again...people are CRAY CRAY!! Sammi and Roni need to BREAK UP already!!

Chopped All-Stars: I want to be a Chef that could make a gourmet dish out of Steak, fruit loops, and Capri-Suns as the Mystery Ingredients.

6. Naps. They're totally underrated and I vote for the USA to adopt Siestas!

Who's willing to sign my petition?

It's time for me to get into my Pajamas....oh wait, I never got out of them...SCORE... and take another shot of Nyquil.

We Gonn' party tonight Sandman!!

What is part of your Sick Time Routine?

Teacher Talk Tuesday

My family calls me Sunshine.

My friends call me Joanna or JoMo. 

My first graders called me Teacher or  Mom.
(No little one, I'm not your mommy.)

My High Schoolers call me....BORING.

Why did you become a teacher?
My reasons are the obvious ones: I like kids, I want to change the world for the better, I want to touch the lives of others...blah blah gushy gushy.
I also wanted a career where I can pour out my creativity into fun lessons. Sure, I love glitter and who the heck doesn't love making High Five Turkeys during Thanksgiving, but I really wanted to marry the two, Fun and Learning, to make the best darn classroom in the world.

Movies like Dangerous Minds and Freedom Writers tug at my heart strings.

And that Sylvan Learning commercial where the boy gives his mom a good report card for her birthday... ummm, pass the tissue box please! SOB FESTIVAL!

This profession also ran in my blood. My Grandmother was a teacher in the Philippines, my Mom was a preschool teacher, and my Aunt was a College Professor. Talk about FATE!

How long have you been a teacher?

I student taught for a year. I dabbled in 4th grade, 2nd grade, and 1st grade.

I fell in LOVE with 1st grade and taught it for 4 years.

Because of the budget cuts here in Good ol' California, you know, the state run by The Terminator (Gawd so embarrassing!), I was forced to teach a High School remedial reading class, where I've been teaching for 1 year.

What are the PROS and CONS of teaching?

 Pros: You get to be an influential force in a child's life. You can make such positive changes in the lives of students, parents, and fellow teachers. EVERYDAY is different. You get to be creative. The title of being a Teacher is an honor. You get to practice your math facts and relearn vocabulary that you totally forgot about.

Cons: Many people don't care about education, thus leaving the title as a teacher the lowest job known to man. Some parents are quick to point the finger and jump down your throat. You work long hours grading, planning, prepping, crying, stressing. You take the "sad stories" home with you making it impossible to live your own life at times. You are pressured by the Higher ups in so many ways. Boogers, Spit, Throw-up, Dirt, Tears, Sweat, and a carousel of germs...all...up...on you. And none of them your own. You only have a year to teach a student everything they need to know, including manners, personal hygiene, and how to be a good person.

How much does a teacher make?

Watch this...it's brilliant.

Do you have any advice for those looking to be a teacher?

Yes! Next question please.

Seriously, my advice to prospective teachers is to:

•  DO NOT THINK about your experience in school because your "student experience" is drastically HOLY COW, different from the "teacher's experience."
• Shadow a  couple of teachers for a month. I recommend not going to those that are new to the game, nor about ready to retire. See what a teacher does on a day to day basis and ask yourself "Can I handle this?"
• Don't, I repeat, Don't do it for the vacation time you're going to get. It might sound fun, but you pay for it TEN-FOLD during your work days!
• If you're in it because you think it's going to be easy....please take your butt elsewhere. Children's lives...their beautiful lives.... are at stake.

I miss First Grade!

Let's just ignore the fact that I just interviewed myself.

p.s- if you want to read more about me and my crazy-self, visit my new updated About Me Page!

If you have any questions about the profession, or comments about teachers....

Comment Below! I'd Love to know!

Just another Macaroni Monday! Wish it was Sunday!

My my my, how time flies!

Thursday: Parent Teacher Conferences..... about 4 hours...only 5 parents showed up. ::le sigh:: Sometimes I feel like I can't make a difference.

Friday: Rehearsal Dinner for my good friend's wedding.

Saturday: Karen and Bryan's Wedding. Just beautiful.

Funny story... Karen is the one who actually got me and Sergio together. She was the matchmaker and I really should thank her for helping me meet my love!

And now it's Monday...yes Manic Monday. Let's not pretend that I totally glazed over Sunday in my recap. Sunday was one of those days that I didn't get anything done and now I'm playing catch up! Oh, how I long for a break.

For now, I'm hanging on for dear life!

But, I did have time to make a nice little dinner. Don't ask me how... I just always make time for food. Nevermind the piles of laundry, dishes in the sink, and taxes that need to be filed. I need to EAT dammit!

Steph's Baked Macaroni and Cheese!

Ingredients:
6 slices of bread, torn to pieces, crusts off.
1 stick of butter (2 Tbs for bread, 6 for cheese sauce)
1/2 cup of flour
5 1/2 cups of milk
2 tsp of salt
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
4 1/2 cups of sharp yellow cheddar
2 cups of grated Swiss cheese
1 lb elbow macaroni

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 3 quart. casserole dish and set aside.

Do you like my birdie towel? So retro no?

2. Place bread pieces in a bowl and pour 2 Tbs. of melted butter over bread and toss.

3. In one saucepan, heat the milk. In another saucepan, melt 6Tbs. of butter.

Dear Butter,

You're so delicious. You kill me, literally. I don't care what anyone says, I love you.

Love, my clogged arteries

4. When butter bubbles, add flour. Cook and stir for ONE minute.

5. Slowly pour hot milk into flour-butter mixture while whisking. Whisk constantly until mixture bubbles and becomes thick.

6. Time to Grate like you've never Grated before.

Between Grating and Whisking, my Guns are surely getting a workout! Hello HULK arms!

On a serious note, I hate Grating Cheese. And I need to learn how to do real people push-ups.

7. Remove pan from heat. Stir in salt, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and cheeeeeeeese!

Is it just me or is Cheese freggin' Amazing!? The correct answer is IT IS!!

8. After cheese is melted, Stir partly cooked Elbow macaroni into the creamy yumminess.

9. Pour into casserole dish. Sprinkle a CRAP load of cheese and Scatter the breadcrumbs over the top. Bake for 30 minutes.
It's SHOWTIME baby!

This is my rainy day comfort food. It warms my heart and soul....actually, it just makes my tummy happy. Carbs are a girl's best friend. Period!

Or is it, carbs are a girl's best friend when she's on her period? Ok too much?

We ate on kid plates...because we are fun like that. And because it just seemed fitting. Don't be jealous? Buy yourself some too homie!

Oddly enough, I didn't eat Mac and Cheese as a child. Maybe it was because I grew up in a filipino household. Our simple staple meal was Spam and Rice.... Don't cringe, Spam is legit.

Tell Me:
What was your simple staple Childhood meal?
What is your rainy day comfort food?