Life Musings....

Four inch stilettos and Extra Dirrrrrty Ketel One Vodka Martini's is how I roll. My weekly knitting and yoga sessions help me to balance my fashionista alter ego- because let's face it...... being fabulous is hard ass work.....

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

fish. it's whats for dinner.

(stock photo from Serious Eats)


Last night I made the following recipe for dinner.

Overall I was really happy with how well the dish turned out- my suggestions/revisions are listed below.

I liked using the foil packet which made the cleanup super easy (I have also read that parchment paper could be used as well). I also liked how the house didn't smell "fishy" but instead the aroma of the shallots and thyme was prevelent but not overwhelming.

Revisions to Ingredient List:
- I basically doubled the recipe to account for 4+ servings (about a pound and a half of fish)
- 2 shallots
- 1 16oz can of diced tomotoes (basil seasoned)
- one jar of olives (halved and whole pieces)

Suggestions for Future preparation:
- I would saute the shallots, thyme and olives prior to putting on the fish to release some of the flavor (tomatoes could also be added to the saute though not necessary if using the canned variety)
- To add a little heat to the dish, I would heat some chili flakes in the olive oil prior to putting on the fish
- Definitly season the fish prior to baking (and putting the topping mixture on) with salt and pepper



Red Snapper with Tomatoes and Olives Baked in Foil- serves 2 -

Ingredients
3 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 shallot, diced
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 six-ounce red snapper fillets
10 Kalamata olives, pitted, havled

Procedure
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Take a sheet of aluminum foil that is at least 18 inches long. In the middle pour 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the red snapper fillets skin side down. Pile on the tomatoes, shallot, thyme, and olives over the fillets. Sprinkle with salt and drizzle with the other tablespoon of olive.

2. Fold the aluminum foil up around the around the fish, creating a tight pouch. Set on a baking sheet in the oven. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.

3. Carefully unfold the aluminum foil. Transfer fish and all the juices to a plate. Serve with white rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Monday, March 2, 2009

Live your life.


_MG_4586_
Originally uploaded by !borghetti
Always live your life like a rockstar - and believe that you are too cool to live it any other way.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

back to the future.


time spiral
Originally uploaded by strange_wax
I was watching tele the other day and a random quote got me thinking about things....

It was simply " I wish I could go back and change chunks of my life".

Would I be a better person had I done things differently during certain periods of my life? Sure I have regrets about the way somethings went down in the past but I suppose that learning from my mistakes has made me the person I am today....I can only hope to continue to grow and make the best of the times to come.

Monday, February 2, 2009

101 update.


Cross #97 off my list. Take a class in something I have never tried before (basically learn something new).

A few weeks ago I attended an open house at the DC Glassworks factory with my girls and learned the basic techniques involved in glasswork. Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present my very own paperweight.

I had a fun time at the seminar but I don't see an occupation in glassblowing in my future.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

The List...

alright folks...here it is.....

The List.


It took me seven days to come up with 101 things to complete in 1001 days. I'm really happy with the things I have chosen and look forward to embarking on the adventure of crossing them off one by one.

I just think it's funny that the 1001 day is Wonka's birthday (in 2011). Karma has a way of making me laugh sometimes.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Let's get started.....


bowl of nuts 2/365
Originally uploaded by sophistaknit
I'm hoping to post my 101 things to Do in 1001 days sometime today but in the meanwhile I thought I would just post some tidbits that were on the list.

First: I am definitley going to complete the Counch to 5K programme that I put on hold last year. Today I started Day 1 Week 1 and everything went off without a hitch, though i really didn't start feeling comfortable until about the fifth or six running interval. I have to look at my class schedule for this upcoming term but I'm thinking that my routine will fall on Wed, Fri and Sunday.

Second: I am participating in the Daily 365 Picture a day for 2009. Basically you just take a photo (everyday) of things around you. It's actually kinda fun carrying my little camera everywhere I go (eventhough I wish I was a better photographer). But anyhoo- this picture in my post is actually my first entry into the project (since technically I cheated and used a photo from 2008 as my 1/365). I'm really proud of it (I know it looks simple but it really was a labor of love since I took the same shot like 100 times to get it "just right"). I have a very basic photo editing program on my laptop but I am looking forward to trying my hand at some editing in the near future.

This year is already starting off at a good pace...hope I can stay this motivated all year....now back to my list.....

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Aftermath of Boxing Day

I was going through the pics on my camera this evening and came across this one from the Boxing Day festivities that William and I hosted at the house. Good times, Good Friends, Great Wine....What makes it funny is that this is only a small portion of the aftermath that was left behind. I was literally too embarassed to take photos of the kitchen and other common areas, and dont get me started on the recycle bin, but really with 30 people having holiday cheer what can you expect. I was over the moon that Will's parents and sister's family spent the holidays with us in the States and was too depressed to see them off to the airport (especially the nieces). Hopefully their visit has sparked William's interest in purchasing a flat in the UK (trust me my bags are always packed...)
I'm glad I was able to spend this holiday with my closest friends and family because it was quite an awesome way to finish out the year. Looking forward to all the blessings that 2009 has to offer....