I never used to cook

I hate cooking for myself, so when Ryan came along, it was easy for me to start learning how to cook. Now I absolutely love putting a delicious and healthy meal together for my husband! Here are a couple of my favorite recipes:

Black Bean Burgers

Ingredients:
16 0z can of black beans, well-drained
1/2 green pepper
1/2 onion (more or less depending on your taste)
3 cloves of garlic, peeled
1 egg
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 cup bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Lightly oil a baking sheet.
In a bowl, mash beans with a fork until thick and pasty.
In a food processor, finely chop pepper, onion, and garlic. Stir into beans
In another bowl, stir together egg and chili powder. Stir this mixture into beans, as well.
Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Add more bread crumbs if neccessary.
Divide mixture into 4 patties.
Bake 10 minutes on each side.
Serve on whole wheat buns with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and munster cheese (Ryan likes hot sauce on his).

Stuffed Green Peppers

Ingredients:
2 or 3 green peppers
1/2 lb ground turkey
1 small chopped onion (or lots of onion powder)
1 can organic tomatoes, drained
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
a couple pinches salt & pepper
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 cup shredded mozarella cheese

Cut off tops of green peppers & remove seeds.
Parboil green peppers in salted, boiling water for 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Brown meat in skillet with onion. Add tomatoes, sauce, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 15 minutes. *
Add rice. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Remove from heat. Add almost all of cheese. Stir until well-blended.
Stuff mixture into peppers & top with rest of cheese.
Bake for 20 mintues.

Somebody bring me the sunscreen!

Today, on my way out of the neighborhood, I noticed there were people at the pool. THE POOL! Don't know if I'm ready to put on that swimsuit just yet; I've been eating crap the past couple of weeks. Crap, I tell ya! I couldn't help but reminisce back to the days of my honeymoon. Oh, the good ol' days! That Bahamian resort was FABULOUS! Take me back! Please!

Yes, world, I'm still here

Sometimes, do you just get annoyed with writing about yourself? I do, so you can understand the lack of posting lately. However, I'm back and better than ever! Ryan and I have been trying to plan our future lately, so any thoughts I had were devoted to that, and frankly, I just didn't want to talk about it. Who knew I would become a private person?

Anways, on Sunday Ryan and I were unfortunately released as Primary Teachers for the 5 yr olds. Then, in a surprising twist, I was called to be first counselor in the Primary Presidency. Ahhh!!! I can't imagine possibly doing it without Ryan, but I'm going to give it my best shot! In honor of this, I would like to tell you all about our favorite classroom activity. Since we have 10 very active wiggle worms, we have what we call "Shake It Out Time." Ryan or I will say, "Shake It Out Time" and then "Ready, Set . . ." and when we say, "Go" all the kiddies have until we count to 10 to shake all their wiggles out. Everyone always makes noises and laughs, but when we say "TEN!" everyone sit quiet and still in their seat. I love it!

Also, I have a new car! I bought a brand new 2009 Midnight Blue Mazda 3. I've never had a brand new car before, but Ryan and I have been extra watchful over our finances, and it paid off! We love it! I've always loved little cars, and this one gets 30 miles per gallon!

New Me

Let me preface this by saying, there are 3 major football games left this season. I'm beyond excited to have my husband back!!!

Ok, now onto other things that have nothing to do with play-offs, fantasy leagues, ESPN stats, or draft picks . . .

This year, for the first year ever, I've decided to lose weight and get healthier. Now that my asthma is under control, Ryan and I have been hitting the gym almost every night! In fact, last Monday, I came home from work to find brand new hot pink running shoes (right size, too!), a new hot pink ipod nano, and an ipod armband!

Needless to say, I was ecstatic that my wonderful husband had been so thoughtful, and I was more geared up than ever to get to work! So far, I have lost 3 pounds! I must say, Ryan is joining in and has lost weight, as well! Watch out swimsuit season!!

P.S. "The Hills" spin-off "The City" is my current guilty pleasure. Check it out if you enjoy super-edited reality shows about spoiled twenty year olds!!

Camera snaps

Some of my lastest creations: Veggie Lasagna
Adam's birthday cake! Strawberry jell-o cake (thanks for the recipe, Megan!)

Our Christmas-themed dining room. I'm trying to be a good decorator!

Our Christmas tree and my new hair color. I love it! I believe every girl should have the right to be blonde once in her lifetime. I lived it, loved it, and have now moved on. Rock on sista friend :)

Just Because

Friday night Ryan and I headed up to Atlanta to attend a Christmas party hosted by our friends Charity and Derek Carter. We had so much fun! There is nothing like the company of good friends, especially during the holiday season. A couple of days before, Ryan decided to book us a night at the Westin downtown just because we had the opportunity. If you haven't been there, I highly recommend checking out the Sundial restaurant. The restaurant slowing turns, giving you a complete 360 degree view of Atlanta. The restaurant is on the 73rd floor of the hotel, and the only way to get there is to ride a glass elevator to the top. Unfortunately, the elevator's windows were blacked out because a tornado took out a lot of the windows, windows that are still been repaired. All in all, it was great! So romantic! I'm so grateful for my marriage and all the things I've learned and have yet to learn about loving someone to the fullest. I love you, honey!

Best Mashed Potato Recipe

I tried this recipe for Thanksgiving, and it was such a hit! Thank you Paula Dean and Liz!

Ingredients:
5 cups water
4 cups frozen hashbrown potatoes (shredded)
7.6 oz pkg butter & herb instant mashed potato mix
1/2 c butter
4 oz cream cheese
1 c monterey jack cheese
1/2 c sour cream
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 c canned french fried onion rings

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Boil the water and add hashbrowns. Cook for 5-10 minutes. Drain.
Prepare mashed potatoes according to the package directions. Mix in the hashbrowns in a large bowl.
Soften the butter and cream cheese in the microwave. Add to the potato mixture in bowl.
Mix in jack cheese, sour cream, and seasonings.
Place in a greased 3 quart casserole dish.
bake 25-35 mins, or until golden on top.
Sprinkle the onion rings on top and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes.

Makes 8-10 servings