Reader input

Because I'm always on the look-out for a new good read, I'd love to know your favorite book of 2010. I'm reading Anne Bronte's The Tenant of Wildfell Hall right now, with a couple more classics waiting in the wings. The new books I'm anticipating aren't released until October and November (The Great House by Nicole Krauss, Distant Hours by Kate Morton, At Home by Bill Bryson).

So, to help me span the gap between decades old books and those fresh from the publisher, tell me...

What's the best book you've read so far this year?

Foodie Friday

Today I am participating in Foodie Friday over at The Cook's Next Door.
Go over and check out their inspirational cooking blog, along with other reader food/cooking entries.

Earlier in the week I decided to surprise Jeremy with an Asian meal. When it comes to food, he's a huge fan of Asian food, but as he has Celiac disease, we cannot eat at most Asian restaurants. And, of course, homemade Asian food just isn't quite the same. However, I still make an effort to periodically try my hand at different recipes. This week: P.F. Chang's-style Lettuce Wraps and Thai Vegetable Soup.

I found the Lettuce Wraps recipe here, but had to make several modifications because I didn't have all the ingredients. Therefore, they weren't true P.F. Chang's-style. I used diced cauliflower in place of the water chestnuts and in place of the rice wine vinegar (which I really need to buy!) I used a combo of balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar, sesame oil, and some spices. The verdict, pretty good, but still needs tweaking! Maybe part of that was because I didn't make any of the special sauce to go on top. I'd definitely make them again.

The Thai Vegetable Soup came from Elana's Pantry. I followed the recipe, with the exception of substituting chicken broth for the vegetable broth, baby bella mushrooms for the shitake, and adding dried cilantro, because I didn't have any fresh. I took a sip and tasted a heavy lime juice flavor. Jeremy said, "Interesting," (which isn't good coming from him) "it tastes kind of like soap." Well, I didn't think it tasted quite like that, but I felt the flavors didn't meld like they needed to. However, I did eat leftovers for lunch the next day and found it tastier.

Unfortunately Jeremy finished up this intended special meal with a plate of Fritos. :( He was still hungry after the lettuce wraps and the soup just wouldn't cut it.

But, I won't count this a failure, just another experiment in the kitchen that still needs a little work!

Do you have any spectacular Asian recipes? Because I'm always looking for new ones.

September 13

Monday marked our 2-year anniversary! I intended to schedule a post to go up, but that just didn't happen.

We had some time off, so headed down to visit family for a couple days. Then on Monday, Jeremy surprised me with a night stay at a hotel, as well as an amazing dinner at The Melting Pot (see photo).

It was wonderful to get away for a few days and relax together. I find it pleasant to pass the time with my life companion.

I'm so thankful for this man that God put into my life. And I continue to pray He will draw us closer together and to Him as we walk this journey of life side-by-side. I love you, Jeremy!

Here's to many more years!

Being Reminded to be Thankful

Yesterday Jeremy was tossing a football with a little cousin and he tripped on a brick fire ring that he didn't know was behind him, fell backwards and cracked the back of his head (no blood though!). He told me when it happened he thought he might die. I didn't actually witness the accident, but it sounded awful. Thankfully he's got one tough head and everything seems fine.

But the scare gave me pause:

Today I'm very thankful for a pancake and eggs breakfast with my husband. And I'm thankful for the time we spent doing dishes and listening to NPR together.