Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Good Days in Northern Michigan

So now that I have started this journey in the blogger world, I have found a new want/need....NEW CAMERA! Obviously you will see from the below photos, this need has not yet been met. Please bare with the sub par pictures taken from my phone.

*Fingers crossed by August (cough August 10th to be exact by birthday cough.. hint... cough) I will be able to grace you with some lovely pictures and the food and adventures will look much more exciting!

On to the adventures in Katie Land....

Northern Michigan is known to have some great morel mushrooms. Since I was little I would go out with my Dad to look for these camouflage fungi that were only visible in a small time frame. I remember the lesson of looking by the base of trees. We would take an onion bag so when we found some we would spread their spores as we looked for more. Dad and I never seemed to find a lot, but when we found one (usually two) it was always exciting for the two of us.

I hadn't been out morel hunting in a long time prior to this year but it is one of Ryan's favorite things to do. I find myself tagging along as much as possible now. Just having the time out in the woods is great. It is so beautiful where he lives. Ryan also seems to know exactly where to look so we always find at least a few.

Here is a picture from our first time out:
Cut those bad boys in half and saute in some butter..mmm baby those are good! We actually had these with my parents that night with meatloaf. I don't think any combo that includes morals is a bad one!


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Now, I am on a mission to make it seem like summer no matter what the outdoor thermometer says! So, here we are again with an easy summer-like meal!

Menu: Grilled Stuffed Cheese Burgers with Spicy Cottage Fries and Purple Asparagus.
(Remember...please bare with the lack of photography skills...this will get better)

Stuffed Burger:

You can really stuff with whatever you please, we kept it simple last night.

I first mixed a tbls or two of Worcestershire sauce with the ground beef (which comes from Ryan's family's farm...yum!)

Flatten out a small portion of burger and make an indent into most of the burger leaving enough to seal up the edges with the second portion of burger.

I then added some sliced cheddar (Ryan was really hoping for some pepper jack) and then a little dried onion.

Top it off with more burger and set in fridge..you can wait to do this until the fries and asparagus are almost finished as well. Whatever you prefer.





For Fries and Asparagus:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees with one rack on the lowest setting.

side note: Ryan helped with this meal by throwing together some Bloody Mary's and having us watch Blazing saddles while we prepared the potatoes.  You may Laugh of Loud at this and picture this ridiculous scene. I literally had the cutting board on the coffee table which was filled will spices. You will notice in the pictures the blanket we had covering us. Everyday we create a memory, this one was fun and made me realize the kitchen isn't always the only place amazing meals are created living rooms work too.

Back to the fries,

Slice some potatoes to make wedges: I usually cut them in half then make three wedges from each side.

When they are all cut place them in a large zip lock bag. I unfortunately only had small so we had to do a couple different batches.




Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil. (careful not to get on your blanket ;-) ) It is OK to go a little heavier on the olive oil it will help to keep the potatoes from sticking in the oven.




Now add your spices:  This can be as simple as salt and pepper. Depending on your taste and what you are feeling for that meal.

We were feeling Spicy so we went a little spice crazy:

We threw in:
Salt and Pepper
Dried Onion
Garlic salt
Cayenne
and pepper flakes.

Shake Away!


Place them on a baking sheet you will cook them on one side for 20-25 min then flip them and cook another 20-25 min.


Asparagus :

Place in a glass baking dish - drizzle with olive oil, add salt and pepper place these in the oven when you flip the potatoes they take about 20-25 min.

Grill the burgers to your liking....Remember to put some garlic salt on each side of the burger. Try to also just flip them once. It will help keep the burgers nice and juicy!


*I bought the buns from the bakery in our local grocery store. I find they are usually less expensive and taste much better and are fresh! I like to butter the buns then place them in a pan on the stove top to give them a nice gold brown layer. Makes the burger that much better.


Another easy summer-like meal, Enjoy!







1 Peter 5:7

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Michigan weather is... well...Michigan weather. We literally a month ago went from one week a blizzard, no power, 2+ feet of snow to record highs in the 80's a week later. When we get the "nice" days we definitely take advantage of it as much as possible. Grilling out is a MUST! Now, I love to cook...but I have never been able to master the grill. I don't say this often but, it is one place I think a man conquers. It makes cooking a lot more enjoyable as well when you can share the time with someone else. I would recommend being along side someone you actually like. So I chose my boyfriend he fit the description of someone I liked and who could man the grill.

Below you will find a few suggestions and a very tastey simple dinner.

One of my favorite cooking tools/ingredients is OLIVE OIL!
My thoughts: buy the GOOD STUFF...No matter what kind of budget you are on spend the extra on a good bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It will be worth it, I promise. It adds so much depth and flavor and really takes food to the next level.


This is the last bottle we purchased. An organic Greek olive oil by Cat Cora. It has great color and the flavor is awesome. A mild peppery flavor with subtle hintsof fresh herbs, almonds, and fruit. Delish!

MENU:
Grilled Steak
Grilled Sweet Potato Slices

*Start your grill, always want it nice and HOT!

To Make Sweet Potato Slices:

1. I first peel and slice the sweet potatoes on an angle.

2. Parboil the potatoes so they are still a bit firm. You don't want them too soggy because they will continue to cook on the grill.

3. Shock the parboiled potatoes in ice water.

4. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and cracked pepper.


Steak Rub:
We are always throwing spices together to make some genius...Last night was nothing short of that!

1 1/2 tbls  brown sugar
1tsp garlic powder ( I also mince fresh garlic and throw that in)
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp cayenne
1tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Get your hands dirty and rub it all over the steak and let it set while you are preparing the potatoes before grilling begins.


I would put the sweet potatoes on first depending on how you like your steak. I like mine nice and red...so I can still hear the faint sound of the cows moo.
The sweet potatoes are much better crispy as well and for that you have to be a bit patient.

Super simple, healthy, yum yum yummy meal! Enjoy!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Today is my first post...I am excited and a little nervous about where these little fingers could take me. I figured I should just start with some introductions!
First things first...Here I am! 23 year old auburn headed foodie, lover of good wine, a great pair of shoes, and this beautiful life.
My partner in crime (who I am praying will do a little blogging himself on here) and very attractive/talented/smart Boyfriend Ryan who loves me more than I ever thought it was possible to love anyone. Ryan is a snowboard instructor and when I say snowboard instructor I mean...Best Snowboard Instructor in the North. :-) Yes I am biased, but it is true and many will agree. When the snow is not flying he is either farming or baking pies at The Cherry Hut. It is a great love story but for another day. You will see much more of this man.

MY WONDERFUL BEAUTIFUL LOVING FAMILY! The best support system in the world and three of my very Best Friends. My father, Chuck, is a pastor at an amazing church where I am blessed to be one of the worship leaders. Fresh Wind Christian Community is the most loving and giving church and I am so blessed to be apart of it. My Dad has been the best father and role model a girl could ask for! My mother, Susan, works as the lunch lady at a local elementary school. She has taught me so much. She is full of grace and love and is the most beautiful woman I know. If I can be half of what she is I would be honored! Last but not least...My younger brother Collin. If I have ever looked up to someone it has been him. He is studying pastoral ministry at Spring Arbor University. He has a loving soul and has never left my side as a brother or a friend. Whatever girl snags this one someday will be the most lucky girl in the world!



The animals! I am beyond an animal lover and pray one day I have a farm with many many animals :-)
On top we have Asti...I snatched her up from Walmart on New Years Eve from a girl giving away free kittens(celebrating the New Year her name just kind of hit us)
Lady - She came with Ryan...I like to claim her a bit though. Lady is a Weimaraner. She is beautiful and knows some pretty good tricks.
Tucker- Tucker is my buddy, he is a little bigger now. He is a beagle, who acts like a beagle. Quite the trouble maker but that face gets him out of a lot of trouble. <3

So, there is a bit about my favorite people. I look forward to letting you have a glimpse of my life, my favorite places, activities, and share some tasty recipes with you.

Jeremiah 29:11