10.31.2008
10.29.2008
A super cool invention...
10.27.2008
10.24.2008
10.23.2008
Recipe of the Week: Turkey & Artichoke Stuffed Shells
1 (12-ounce) box jumbo pasta shells
1 T extra-virgin olive oil + 1 T unsalted butter
1/2 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (15 oz) can artichokes, quartered and chopped
1 (15 oz) container part-skim ricotta cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1 jar of your favorite tomato sauce
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and partially cook until tender but still very firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain pasta.
Meanwhile, in a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and the garlic and cook until the onions are soft and starting to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the ground turkey, salt, black pepper and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is slightly golden and cooked through. Add the artichoke hearts and stir to combine. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a large bowl combine the cooled turkey mixture with the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Stir to combine.
To stuff the shells, cover the bottom of a 9 by 13 baking dish with 1 cup of tomato sauce (I made my own). Take a shell in the palm of your hand and stuff it with a large spoonful of turkey mixture, about 2 tablespoons. Place the stuffed shell in the baking dish. Continue filling the shells until the baking dish is full, about 20-24 shells. Drizzle the remaining tomato sauce over the shells, top with the grated mozzarella. If freezing, cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 1 day and up to 1 month.
To bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bake until the shells are warmed through and the cheese is beginning to brown, about 60 minutes (20 minutes if shells are unfrozen.)
Delish!!
10.22.2008
Quote of the day...
Jerry to George
Seinfeld
10.21.2008
Gus & Libby
10.20.2008
This post has no title.
That's all I'm going to say on this Monday morning.
Later,
10.15.2008
This man is making my life miserable...
10.14.2008
10.13.2008
Fascinating, nerdy stuff...
HUGE NEW PRIME NUMBER DISCOVERED
Mathematicians in California could be in line for a $100,000 prize for finding a new prime number which has nearly 13 million digits.Prime numbers can be divided only by themselves and one.
The prize was set up by the Electronic Frontier Foundation to promote co-operative computing on the Internet. The team from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) found the new number by linking 75 computers and harnessing their unused power. This enabled them to perform the enormous number of calculations needed to find and verify a new prime.
Thousands of people around the world linked the powers of their personal computers in the search for a higher "Mersenne" prime number - named after 17th Century French mathematician Marin Mersenne. Mersenne primes are expressed as two to the power of P, minus one - with P being itself a prime number.
Edson Smith, the leader of the winning UCLA team, told the Associated Press news agency: "We're delighted. Now we're looking for the next one, despite the odds."
10.10.2008
Red River Rivalry 2008
There is a buzz in the air and it can only mean one thing: the Sooners are going to head-to-head with Texas. Oh, yes, it's that time again...the battle of OU/Texas in the Cotton Bowl. As Big Tex overlooks the fairgrounds, our Sooners will be fighting for bragging rights this season. This game encompasses much tradition for both Okies and Texans. The series began in 1900 but has been played in Dallas since 1912. I attended this matchup a few times in my youth, though I was more concerned with the fair and cotton candy back then.
This is an important game and a turning point in the season. Both teams are in the top 5 (OU #1 of course) and both have been playing very well. I am nervous but excited. Unfortunately I have an exam first thing Saturday morning (yes, a Saturday exam on campus) so I will be preoccupied tonight with studying. But I will be poised in front of Dad's flat screen TV and ready by game time. College Gameday will set the stage in Dallas so tune in!!
Come on Sooners...beat those Horns!!
Born & Bred,
10.09.2008
When I Grow Up...
10.06.2008
Today's Deep Thought...
One thing kids like is to be tricked. For instance, I was going to take my nephew to Disneyland, but instead I drove him to an old burned-out warehouse. "Oh no," I said, "Disneyland burned down." He cried and cried, but I think that deep down he thought it was a pretty good joke. I started to drive over to the real Disneyland, but it was getting pretty late.
10.03.2008
Another Vincent post...
The screenplay was adapted from Novalyne Price's novel penned One Who Walked Alone. The movie is beautifully written...the story is sweet, simple and sad. Vincent's portrayal of Howard is brilliant. His character acting is so incredibly believable, and his depiction of Howard's emotional struggle is truly captivating. And the score is so poignant...very subtle yet powerful. I was impressed to say the least...and I cried for about 10 minutes. I practically watched the movie 1.5 times because I went back to pivotal scenes and turned on the commentary. I believe it's Vincent with the director and screenplay writer. They explain each scene, describing that day on the set as well how they chose to film it. Vincent was of course embarrassed by the big kiss scene, but it's simply breathtaking.
My obsession has turned into pure ache, awe and admiration. This guy has really got me good.
*sigh*
Today's Deep Thought...
To me, it's a good idea to always carry two sacks of something when you walk around. That way, if anybody says, "Hey, can you give me a hand?" You can say, "Sorry, got these sacks."
10.02.2008
"Meet me in St. Louis, Louis, meet me at the fair..."
I really don't know what to say or even think about tonight's debacle, I mean debate. All I keep hearing and reading about is how Sarah Palin will have to prove herself. Why????? Not every candidate running for office has known all there is to know up front…nor have they all had the experience. For instance, here are some interesting facts about a former Vice President (and later President) of the United States who turned out to be a strong, energetic leader:
I am under 45 years old,It’s Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th President. Ironically, here is a real picture of him toting a rifle.
I love the outdoors,
I hunt,
I am a Republican reformer,
I have taken on the Republican Party establishment,
I have many children,
I have a spot on the national ticket as vice president with less than two years in the governor's office.
"Speak softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far."
Whew, I feel better now. And my last words come from one of my favorite t-shirts:
“I’d rather be a conservative nut job than a Liberal with no nuts and no job.”
Peace out,
10.01.2008
I'm a little bit obsessed...
He is a brilliant actor and I adore watching him on TV and in films. I am currently in a phase of watching everything he has ever been in (can you say fanatic?). He is apparently known in the acting community as being "the actor's actor" because of his wide range of work and versatility. He gained a record 70 pounds for his role as Private Pyle in one of my all-time fav movies Full Metal Jacket. For cryin’ out loud even Renee Zellweger thanked him in her 2003 Oscar speech! This guy is the shizzle.
Ok, so not only is he a great actor, but he is a bona fide stud in my book. Physically, he is everything I could ever want in a man. He's so damn sexy.
Go watch Vincent. Must watch Vincent. I love you Vincent.