Oregon Coast Slideshow

Hawaii Slideshow

We are alive!!!

Well, we survived a move to Denver, followed by a 2 week vacation litterally 2 days after moving in (including 4 airports) and Nate has officially started his job. YAY!!! We spent one week in Hawaii with my family and another week on the Oregon Coast with Nate's family. Both trips were fantastic, but we were ready to go home (to a home that didn't feel like home yet...go figure) by the time it all was over. We have LOTS of pictures and I plav on adding a slideshow or 2 once I figure out how to do that. For now, you can all enjoy this picture of Nate on the first day of his first "real" job. I also plan on adding some pictures of our cute new apartment once I get around to taking some.

Cream Cheese and Chicken Yumminess

This one was a hint from a friend of ours and quickly became a favorite at our house. Super easy and super yummy! Enjoy!

I don't really know the name, but we call them "Chicken Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls"

1 can of chicken (regular chicken grilled and shredded works, but then you don't have the juices for the sauce)
1 block of cream cheese
1 can of refrigerated crescent rolls
small frozen vegetables -optional
chicken broth
corn starch
rice

1. Preheat the oven according to the crescent rolls directions
2. Drain the can of chicken but reserve the juice
3. Mix together the chicken, cream cheese, veggies, and salt & pepper to taste
4. Unroll the crescent rolls and generously spread the cream cheese mixture on each one
5. Roll them up just as you would crescent rolls except they willl be much fatter now
6. Bake according to the directions on the crescent rolls
7. While they are baking use the chicken juice, chicken broth, and some cornstarch dissolved in water to make a gravy
8. Serve over rice with gravy on top...yummy!

Hint: If you have extra filling, save it and put it in a grilled cheese sandwich another day with some cheddar cheese.

Happy Mother's Day!

I have the best mom and the best mother-in-law ever! I feel so blessed. I just wanted to wish them a Happy Mother's Day. I also wanted to thank them for being so loving and patient towards me. Mom, you're the greatest. I can always count on you for a listening ear, a great recipe, and a helpful word of advice. You are truly my almost best friend (after Nate of course). Nancy, thanks for raising such a great man who treats me so well and for making me feel like part of the family. I love you both! Happy Mother's Day!

Carbonara

So it has been awhile, but due to popular demand, I have decided to post another recipe. This is a family favorite. I have never met anyone who did not like this dish. This is one my dad picked up on his mission in Rome, Italy. It is easy and delicious. The timing is important, so I've included some helpful hints. It's not so good on the arteries, but serve it with a nice salad and you'll forget all about the grease. Enjoy!

Carbonara or bacon pasta

1/2 to 1 lb. bacon (I've been told that turkey bacon does not work as well)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (fresh grated is always best, but the other stuff works as well)
1 egg
freshly ground pepper
Enough of your favorite long, skinny, pasta (nothing fatter than spaghetti) to serve 4 people

-Put a big pot of water onto boil. Once it is boiling add pasta and cook uncovered to al dente.
-While water is boiling, chop the bacon into small pieces and fry. When it is crispy drain off most of the grease. Reserve about 1 Tablespoon.
-Once pasta is cooked, drain and return to pot immediately.
-Whisk the egg in a small bowl and add to the hot pasta. Stir until the egg is cooked. It will make the pasta sticky, but it should not be too shiny.
-Then add the cheese and stir until melted.
-Next add the bacon and reserved grease.
-Finally, top with lots of freshly ground pepper.
-Serve immediately. Enjoy!

The Best Year Ever!

So, today is our one year anniversary. It has literally been the best 366 days of my life waking up every morning next to the one that I love. Happy anniversary, Nate!

To celebrate we decided trips and memories were way better than gifts, so we took a little trip. We took the day off Friday and went up to Salt Lake and ate at the Mayan. We also stopped by temple square for the temple and the church history museum. Then we headed up to Midway to a cute little inn. The next morning we got up and hiked around Wasatch state park. It was a great weekend!

The Mayan! (sadly it was too dark for the camera to pick up the divers)

The gorgeous flowers at temple square

The exterior of Inn on the Creek

The interior (yes, that's a jetted bath tub)

the view

Spring hadn't yet blossomed in Midway, but it was still a pretty hike.