epporsimuove | (no subject)

Not much to report. I have been working (both paying jobs and at schoolwork) and trying to figure out the next few steps in my life. So far, I have gotten to the driving out of Orlando step. Pretty excited about that.

What I don't have figured out is the cats. I would kind of like to keep O'Malley, but I probably should not be responsible for a cat with the amount I will be traveling (hopefully). Anyone want a really sweet cat? Or two?

In order to make this post not just about my indecisions, two recipes especially for Amanda, since she wants my cookies. Sorry I can't oblige right now, but I will make you cookies the next time I see you. Promise.

Everything But the Kitchen Sink Cookies

1 cup butter, room temp or melted
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups raw sugar (or turbinado)
2 eggs
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup coconut

And any combination of the following:
dark chocolate chips
dried cranberries
walnut pieces
raisins
butterscotch chips
white chocolate chips
whatever else is hiding away in your pantry!

1) Combine butter, sugar, vanilla, and eggs
2) Add flour, cinnamon, salt, and soda.
3) Mix in coconut, oatmeal, and any thing else you are adding.
4) Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

These cookies are amazing. The raw sugar melts down and caramelizes, adding great flavor. The cinnamon is also very tasty. Some of my favorite combinations for these cookies are:
craisins and white chocolate chips
dark chocolate chips and walnuts
peanut butter chips and dark chocolate chips.

Red Rice Bowl with Vegtables and Mustard Vinaigrette

2 cups red rice, you can also use brown rice if it is more easily available
1 package baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh or frozen peas, thawed
1 cup fresh asparagus, cut into one inch pieces
Goat cheese (optional)
1 poached egg

Vinaigrette:
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp spicy mustard
1 tsp stone ground mustard

1) Cook rice according to directions
2) Saute mushrooms and onions until onions are caramelized and mushrooms are cooked. I suggest using a large wok or electric skillet.
3) Add peas and asparagus to mushrooms and onions. Saute until crisp, but cooked through.
4) Add rice to vegetables
5) Mix vinaigrette ingredients together. Pour over rice mixture and combine
6) Serve topped with a little goat cheese or a poached egg (or both!) if desired

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Are you taking the Women in Lit class? I am, but since we're split up into groups I couldn't tell if you were taking it or not also.

Also, those cookies look fantastic. Am I crazy for thinking about putting yogurt-covered raisins in them?

I am taking it. Its not bad, not the most exciting breadth of lit I've ever read in a class, but not bad. What are you writing your paper on? I'm thinking of doing something with oral tradition versus written tradition. But of course that may change.

I'm thinking of doing something with Woolf's conception of art in A Room of One's Own vs. her conception of art in To the Lighthouse, but I'm not sure. It's not the most exciting, yeah, but I'm glad that it's not taking a whole lot of my time.

Also, I have a friend who really loves cats but is also planning on moving sometime within the next year... he said he would take them if you really can't find anyone so that you don't have to put them in a shelter, but he's probably not the best option.

Would he still be willing to take one or both of them? Particularly O'Malley; if he is leaving next year I could possibly take O'Malley back when I move out of Dad's house, unless he wanted to keep him. I am really worried that I will have to take O'Malley to a shelter.

I'll ask him when I see him tonight and let you know.

He said that he would take them in if the alternative is a shelter; he is

nleseul on LJ if you want to talk to him there, or I can give you his other contact info in a private message if you'd prefer.