Poetic Thankful Thursday ANTS and Sedona Day 4

Today is Poetic Thursday hosted by our pals Teddy and Angel Sammy at Two Spoiled Cats

Today's letter is "A" and the suggested themes were  (1)  ants     (2)   anger   (3)   apples  (4)  ankles

We chose

 ANTS!!

Ants in your pants

or in the plants.

Ant's are annoying

and can be destroying.

Ants on the table?

We didn't enable!

He's actually cute

And quite a hoot!

This ant was one of the cute decorations on the table at the Cozy Cactus.  He was a good guy and never bothered anything.   (DISCLAIMER....this is NOT a REAL ANT)   Wonder why we needed that?   Last year there was a photo of flat Raz and a ducky on the table and somebody asked the Cozy Cactus if the cat is allowed on the table!!!  Um.....we're pretty sure it is obvious that FLAT Raz is not a real cat.....what do you think?

Today is also Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!

I am very THANKFUL that this bear at the Ranger's Station in Sedona didn't EAT me!

I think these guys were relatives of our pal BACON from Pig Love....

I'm also THANKFUL I didn't have to climb this rock....isn't it pretty?

Yep....another dessert.  Sorry the photo is dark....we were in a BAR! Can you see me in the photo?

Ut oh....

Shopping Around The World

Today is Shopping Around the world with our pal Bacon from PigLove

From Bacon:

Do a posting on your blog linking back to mine.  That way we can keep track of all of the different prices and recipes from all over the world.

This month we are highlighting items that you are known for.   Do you have that one dish that everyone asks for at a party, at dinner, at the church?  What kind of ingredients do you have in it and what does it look like? Don't forget to include prices and pictures if you can.

Mom makes these a lot...they are super easy peasy and they go like hotcakes.   She usually makes a double batch of them.  Two ingredients and delicious!  If you don't like hot, don't worry.  Slice the Jalapeno peppers super thin and make sure you remove the seeds and the white fiber inside and they will give you the flavor but not the super heat!

NGREDIENTS:

1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese

1 medium fresh jalapeno, sliced real thin

DIRECTIONS:  Preheat oven to 350º.  Place a sheet of parchment paper on a metal cookie sheet.  DO NOT use a silicone/silpat sheet, waxed paper or foil (unless it’s the special non-stick foil) to bake these or they will not cook properly.  Using a tablespoon, scoop up 1 T. of cheese and make a small pile on the parchment.  Press it slightly flat.  Repeat 15 more times. Place a slice of jalapeno on top of each pile.  Pop into 350º oven for about 10-12 minutes.    These are somewhat pliable if under browned. Allow them to completely cool and fully firm up before removing from the pan for best results.

Shredded Monterrey Jack cheese - $2.50/ 8 ounce package

Jalepeno Pepper $2.49/lb  

Shopping Around the World

Once again, it's time for our pal Bacon's Shopping Around the world!   From Bacon's blog Pig Love:

– My Apologies for the Late Notice My Friends – 

         

I’m so sorry my friends for the late notice.  I’ve been so busy trying to keep mom current on so many things that I almost forgot about my shopping post.  I do know that this is short notice so I’m going to make it really easy for you.  This month post anything that you want to share that you cook, prepare, fix or throw together at your crib.  It can beanything.  Just remember pictures and prices.  Again I’m so sorry for the late notice.

Come join the fun of Shopping Around the World – mark your calendars – Wednesday, June 29th, 2016.

Today we're sharing the nommy dinner we made for our Daddy for Father's Day.  The recipe is for : Tournedos Eva

* Exported from MasterCook *

         Tournedos Eva


Serving Size  : 6       : 

  2 -1/2     tablespoons  butter
  1   clove  garlic -- minced
  6    4 ounce  Filet Mignon
          1/4   pound  mushrooms -- sliced
              1/2   pound  Langostinos or shrimp
   2   Tablespoons  white wine

Bearnaise Sauce 
  1 1/4     Cups  Dry white wine
  2   tablespoons  Tarragon 
  1     Tablespoon  shallot
 3   egg yolks
  1    cup  butter

Melt butter in skillet.  Add garlic and filets.  Cook 2-3 minutes each side.  Transfer to heated plate.

Add mushrooms to skillet and cook till liquid evaporates (about 5 minutes)

Add langostinos and wine and stir fry until pink

Top Filets with mushroom mixture and Bearnaise sauce


BEARNAISE SAUCE

Reduce wine, tarragon and shallot mixture.  Remove from heat, Add yolks and whisk over simmering water.

Removed from heat, drizzle butter while whisking.  Can store in vacuum bottle several hours

                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 1173 Calories; 115g Fat (94.2% calories from fat); 8g Protein; 8g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 606mg Cholesterol; 1108mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 22 1/2 Fat.


Filet Mignon - $18.99/lb

Mushrooms - $1.79/8 ounce package

Langostinos -  $8.00/half pound

Butter - $3.50  

Eggs $1.59/ dozen

We didn't include the price of the garlic, tarragon and shallot since we had them on hand.  We also had PLENTY of white wine on hand (Flat Raz is in detox so we didn't have to worry about him)

Dad had his dinner with carby sides - a potato and corn.   Mom had sugar snap peas.

Mom's....

Mom seems to be following in Flat Raz's pawsteps.....she had wine!  

We hope you enjoyed our recipe....we can't wait to see everyone else posts!

Shopping Around the World!!

Yes, it's that time again....Shopping Around the world hosted by Bacon and Fozzie.

Posted by Bacon:

Me and my pal Fozzie will be holding another Shopping Around the World scheduled for  Wednesday, May 25, 2016.  Do a posting on your blog linked back to mine.  That way we can keep track of all of the different prices and recipes.

This month we are opening the floor for you.  You can post ANYTHING (desserts, appetizers, snacks, entrees) that you want to share.  Just remember pictures and prices.  So what will you post my friends?  We can’t wait to see..

We are sharing a new favorite - Taco Pie!  Mom made this for the first time for Cinco de Mayo and she and Dad loved it!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 tbsp taco seasoning (or one packet taco seasoning)
• 3/4 cup water
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease a glass or ceramic 9-inch pie pan.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, about 7 minutes, breaking up clumps with the back of a wooden spoon.
3. Add taco seasoning and stir until combined, then add water, reduce heat to medium low and cook a few minutes longer until sauce is thickened.
4. Spread beef in prepared pie pan.
5. In a large bowl, combine eggs, cream, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour over beef.
6. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and bake 30 minutes, or until centre is set and cheese is browned.
7. Remove and let sit 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
8. Top with sour cream, chopped tomatoes and chopped avocado, if desired.

Ground Beef - Sirloin $6.09/lb

Taco Seasoning - .99/package

Eggs - $1.75/dozen

Heavy Cream $3.55/pint

Shredded cheddar (Mom used Mexican)  $4.19/8 ounce package

We didn't include the garlic and salt and pepper since we always have them on hand. Mom serves this with salsa, avocado slices and sour cream - YUM!

Show and Tell

We're pawticipating in our pal Bacon's Show and Tell today....  From Bacon's blog...

For November – we want to see party pictures.  Since this is Thanksgiving, let’s focus on that.  What did you and your family do for Thanksgiving – or any other big holiday where you are.  Did your family get together?  Did you go out to eat?  Did you cook out?

Let’s share pictures and stories of what we did.

Mark your calendars for Monday, November 30th to join Bacon’s Show and Tell.  Remember to link back to my blog – See you here!

At Cat Scouts we had a Thanksgiving Eve celebration where everyone brought a dessert and shared stories of what they are thankful for.  Raz and Allie brought s'mores.

Our Thanksgiving was super.   Since we have major upset with our kitchen, Mom cooked the side dishes at home and took the turkey to a friend's house where she cooked the turkey.

Everyone enjoyed dinner.....even the Alien sitting next to Daddy.

biggify to see the Alien

What did you do for Thanksgiving?  We can't wait to see all the other posts.

Shopping Around the World

Today we're pawticipating in Shopping Around the World sponsored by Bacon from Pig Love.

Here are the details from Bacon's blog:

Me and my pal Fozzie started Shopping Around the World in April 2014.  This has become a huge hit and we all want to know if we are paying more or less than everyone else – snorts.  Our next scheduled Shopping Around the World will be – Wednesday, September 30th.

Do a posting on your blog linked back to mine.  That way we can keep track of all of the different prices.  It should be interesting to see the differences between.  Mark your calendar so you can do a posting with us.

Items to price this month:

FIVE items of your CHOICE – Something that you go to when making the family dinner.  Perhaps this is one of your family’s favorite?  A quick meal?  A snack?  List your FIVE items and discuss what the meal is.  Having pictures will also be fantastic to share.

Our recipe is easy peasy baked real live dead shrimp served over zucchini noodles (Zoodles)

1 stick of butter, melted
1 lemon, sliced
1 T Italian seasoning (I use Trader Joes 21 seasoning salute)
1 pound(real live dead) shrimp, peeled and deveined

 Line a cookie sheet with foil for easy cleanup.  Pour melted butter onto pan, place sliced lemons on the butter, and place shrimp on top of the lemon slices.  Sprinkle with seasoning and bake at 350° for 15 minutes. (I find it usually takes more like 20-25 minutes)

Zucchini Noodles

2 small to medium zucchini
spiral or julienne slicer

Cut noodles using your preferred tool.  I use this spiral slicer, but I've also used a Titan Peeler.  The spiral slicer is much easier!
After cutting, let noodles sit in colander for 30 minutes.  A bit of moisture will drain.  After 30 minutes, give them a squeeze with your hands to remove more water. place zoodles in a large pan. I use a deep skillet..  Toss with a bit of butter, a teaspoon or so will do.    Heat over medium, tossing often, just until the zoodles brown a bit.

Cost
Shrimp   $12.95 (large, peeled and deveined)
Lemon 3/$1.00
Butter $4.95/lb
Seasoning  $3.95 for a 2.2 ounce bottle....you use about 1 tablespoon
Zucchini   $1.69/lb

We can't wait to see everyone else's Shopping Around the World posts!

Please keep our Daddy in your purrs and prayers today as he starts week 1 of his 3rd round of Chemo.