Recipe: Roasted Banana Squash

One of my favorite side dishes for Meatloaf is Roasted Banana Squash, especially in the winter time. This recipe is pretty healthy depending on how much butter you use which you can substitute extra virgin olive oil.
This recipe is super easy. The hardest part is cutting the squash.
Course: Side Dish          Level: Easy
INGREDIENTS:

• banana squash
• 1/4 - 1/2 stick of butter (or couple swirls of EVOO)
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 1/8 tsp. salt

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. If you are lazy like me, you can buy your banana squash cut into halves with the seeds already removed. Cut the outside layer of skin off of your squash. I find the best way is to cut your squash horizontally in half. Stand the squash on the side you just cut and slowly use a sharp knife to slice the skin off the back of the squash. Repeat until all skin is removed. Another trick is to pop your squash in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften the skin and you can cut the skin off with a knife or a peeler.
3. Cut banana squash into one inch chunks.
4. Place your squash into a glass pan.
5. Cut your butter into small chunks and place on top of squash. If you are using EVOO, drizzle a couple of swirls of EVOO over the banana squash.
6. Season your squash with your spices.
7. Place in oven and cook for 45 minutes to an hour. Squash will be slightly browned and fork tender.

 

Using the pre-cut banana squash

Note: I was too excited to eat, that I forgot to take a finished photo, but I know I will be making this again very soon, so I will upload one at that time.

Recipe: Meatloaf

Growing up my mom made the best meatloaf. Now I know what you are thinking...meatloaf can be so blah. I rarely eat meatloaf other than this recipe because it usually disappoints. But I promise, this is the best meatloaf.
Course: Entree          Level: Easy
INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 lbs. ground chuck (15 - 20% fat content) 
• 1/4 cup cornflake crumbs
• 1/4 yellow onion, diced
• 1 egg
• 2 8 oz. cans of tomato sauce
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 1/8 tsp. garlic salt
• 1/8 tsp. onion salt 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Line 9 x 13 inch pan with aluminum foil for easy clean-up.
3. In a separate bowl, combine ground chuck, egg, diced onion, cornflake crumbs, 3/4 of one can tomato sauce and half of each spice: pepper, garlic salt and onion salt. 
4. Do not over mix as the meatloaf can get tough.
5. Shape mixture into a ball and place in the 9 x 13 inch pan. Push the center of the ball down and pat sides to make a uniform shape. 
6. Pour remaining 1 1/4 cans of tomato sauce on top of meatloaf.
7. Sprinkle remaining spices on the tomato sauce.
8. Cook for 1 hour. 

Ingredients

 

Mix ground chuck, egg, cornflake crumbs, onion, 3/4 can tomato sauce, half spices

Form into a ball, place in pan and push center down while patting edges of meatloaf.

Pour remaining tomato sauce and spices on top, bake, serve and enjoy!

Note: I used a smaller pan as I had other side dishes using the 9 x 13 inch pan. It is better to cook in a larger pan, so the juices don't build up around the meatloaf.

Down For The Count

So I have been wanting to write a post for a few days now, but alas I have been sick. Like really sick. I never get sick and this one actually took me down for the count. I was going to make these delicious golden graham s'mores bars for you guys, but being sick, no one will want to eat them. I wanted to try out some new recipes I have found and altered more to my liking, but I have been sick.

This is basically how I spent the last two days...with this little guy, Walter.

Walter, is my chiweenie puppy (Chihuahua and Dachshund mix). He just turned a year in December and we got him from the Truckee Humane Society when he was 6 months old. He is the best thing to come from 2012. Even when he is naughty and chews on his mommy's couch. 

I did get to celebrate my amazing friend Nathalie's birthday on Sunday before getting sick. We went to Charlie Palmer Steakhouse for a free dinner. Yes, you heard that right, it was free. See she works at the Grand Sierra Resort at this bar club, and as a birthday gift they comped our meal. It was soooo good. I didn't even take any pictures. Must have been the sickness sinking in or the large amounts of wine we all drank that night.

Anyways, I hope to actually cook something, take pictures of it and post it here when I won't get my boyfriend sick from making dinner.

The Awkward First Post

So I decided to start a blog after a year of contemplation.  I read blogs daily for recipes, DIY ideas, fashion, the personal stories, travels and places to see.  I love to cook.  I am constantly traveling for work and pleasure.  I have a bit of a shopping problem especially online shopping.  I love to talk about myself.  I want to get my voice out there, so I finally gave in and decided to start a blog.

I love sparkles.  Everything with sparkles from sequins to diamonds.  I became a little obsessed with Spike The Punch jewelry.  Before she had her store up, you had to follow her on twitter and etsy to score one of her amazing Rainey Necklaces.  Every time she posted her necklaces, which were about five of them, they would be gone in seconds.  It always seemed they became available when I was in an elevator with barely any service or early in the morning.  After months and months of trying, I finally scored one.  Then she started her store and I instantly bought two more.  I know online shopping problems.  But the point of this rambling was, I love sparkles, whether it is a sequin piece of clothing or the diamond engagement ring I not so secretly beg for, every girl needs a little sparkle in her life.

I drink a latte every day.  More specifically a Skinny Vanilla Latte.  Since I am hypoglycemic (basically can't have too much sugar otherwise my sugar levels rise and crash and I get dizzy and sick) I drink sugar free lattes as much as possible.

I have some idea where I want this to go and how far I want this to go, but as for now, bare with me, as I learn to blog.