Banana Pudding

For Christmas this past year I cooked for my co-workers for our holiday party. It was Italian themed except for the desert. The first desert I made was Triple Chocolate Truffle. Try saying that 3 times fast! And the second desert was banana pudding. Everyone loved it so I thought I'd share. The ingredients are..bananas (3 or 4) condensed milk, vanilla instant pudding, milk, vanilla wafers, whipped cream (not in the picture because I was trying to keep it cold or I just forgot, whoops!) and a container to put it in. I used an aluminum one because I didn't want to wash anything a week later.

 First, you need to make the pudding according to the package directions. Milk, vanilla mixture and just beat with  a mixer or whisk for 2 minutes.

After you see that the pudding is thickened a little you can pour in the condensed milk and combine.

 Stir in whole container of whipped cream and fold. This might take a while so you might want to pull out your patience cap and wear it.

 After you can layer the container as such...wafers, bananas (sliced) and pudding mixture.

After you are finished you can not decorate it or put whatever crumbs are left in the bag on top. Looks pretty huh?!

Buca...San Diego

This past January I went to visit my sister in San Diego, Ca. She is in the navy if some of you don't know. Both of us like to take turns traveling so it won't be so expensive yearly. My Aunt Linda lives a couple hours away and we all decided to meet up and have dinner. Rachel suggested this placed called Buca. It was Italian and boy was I the first to say YES! I love Italian. I could eat it for every meal.  

 The restaurant was filled with all kinds of things on the walls. If you were to go on a first date, I bet there would not be one awkward moment. There is just too many things to talk about. (I know Aunt Linda its AMAZINGGGG!)

 I think this table would be most appreciated by my late grandmother and mother. They love Pope John Paul II. ( Just encase you didn't know who that was, it's the white guy in the middle of the table.) This room was filled with holy replicas of Jesus, Mary, and I am guessing Popes from the past. It was big room and fit so many people.

Well hello there my lovely little niece. What did you say? You love me too? And you want to share that graham cracker in your hand? Well thank you!

The menu was extensive and and expensive. (Hey, did I just rhyme? LOL) It had everything in there from salad to pasta. In the beginning we decided to take our time and just chat a little bit. We were so happy to get out of the house and get out with the real people. (Who I might add are crazy)

My sissy and her husband. Ohhh feel the love!

Aunt Linda and me

So after the much needed chatter and drinks, we all decided to order. 

Chicken Carbonara

 Shrimp Alfredo

Cheese Ravioli

Cheese and Artichoke Bread

And the little one had Mac and Cheese

Oh baby did you like your mac and cheese? Oh I miss you too!

Jacey's Wedding

 This weekend I went to my cousin's wedding. She was getting married to the love of her life and it was just perfect. The place was small an intimate with just enough family and friends to feel the love radiating off of everyone.

The place that was selected I had been before. It is called Treebeards and it has a Cajun flare to it. The place fit about 100 people, give or take, and plenty of room for everyone to mingle, sit down, do a little jig or whatever makes them happy. 

The table setting was simple and sweet. Rose petals and candles were the theme along with a place setting of flowers for the bridal party table.

On each table there were, what I would call post cards for the bride and groom. Each guest could write a little note of advise, appreciation for the invite, or words of love. I wrote a little silly note for each of them. Nothing like a good ol' laugh to start of a good marriage.

The event had an open bar so I had to take a snap shot of that.

The food was excellent. I have to make a small confession, I hate going to weddings with terrible food. I guess that is because I am a big foodie and that would be one of my top items on my list. The menu consisted of shrimp etouffee, chicken pesto, roasted potatoes ( these were great! Most of the time the roasted part is a little too roasted and they wind up being burnt), asparagus, corn bread or french bread, and salad. Here are some pictures.

At the end of the meal you are stuffed to the brim but still wanting a little sweetness to end the meal. Instead of a displayed cake there were cupcakes. This has become very popular and they were delicious. It consisted of three flavors: strawberry cheesecake, lemon, and chocolate swirl. If you were not in the mood for cupcakes then you can get a plate of bread pudding. I tried a little from my uncle's plate and it was good, hot, and sweet. Loved it!

The party favors were something I loved also. Jacey made place napkins and a recipe for pizza dough to go along with her little spice mix. Very thoughtful and personal.

It was a good day for the both of us. There was even enough time to go home and take a 3 hour nap...Oh whoops I wasn't supposed to tell you that..Oh well:)

 P.S. One thing is for sure, I hope Antonio and I are as happy as they looked on their special day.

Enchilada Pie

Enchilada Pie! Oh how I love thee!! This is the first time I am making this dish. For reasons unknown I can't find a reason why I didn't make this simple but delicious dish sooner. This literally took only 15 minutes to make and 15 minutes to bake. You know living in Texas is a lot different than living in New Orleans, which is where I grew up. In New Orleans you are either eating seafood with rice or beans with rice. And I love it!! But in Texas it is all about the Mexican food. And man do they know how to make it. So being here for quite a bit of time now, I have grown to love my Mexican food and I just decided to share a little recipe with you. Here it goes.

Ingredients:

Corn Tortillas

Refried Beans

Enchilada Sauce ( you choice of mild, medium, or hot)

Mexican Rice ( you also can choose the minute rice or the old fashion 30 minute rice)

Ground Beef ( I like 93%, its a little more healthy, or you can substitute for chicken)

Mixed Mexican Cheese

First step is to cook your ground beef until it is all browned.

Drain the grease from the pan before adding the enchilada sauce. Let simmer for 10 minutes while you start your pie assembly.

Before you start you need to cook your rice. Just pop it in the microwave or cook on stove top. The assembly goes like this:

Corn Tortillas

Refried Beans

Mexican Rice

Beef Mixture

Cheese

You layer this all the way to the top and put a good heaping of cheese to finish the dish off.

You can put this in the oven for 15 minutes @ 350. This will get everything nice and warm and melt the cheese on top. You can also make this ahead of time and put it in the refrigerator for the next day. I guarantee you hubby and kids will love it! Enjoy!!

P.S. CLOSE UP!