Friday Things
1. Happy first day of summer! I’ve been loving the pretty sunsets recently, plus I saw my first lightning bugs of the season this week!
2. Speaking of the first day of summer, we recently bought a new grill and can’t wait to fire it up! What are some of your favorite things to make on the grill?
3. The number of unread magazines that made the journey to the new house is downright embarrassing (three entire reusable shopping bags full). I’m slowly going through the stacks, but yikes. I really need to get into the habit of reading them as soon as they arrive!
4. I’ve been going through bags of Sun Chips (Harvest Cheddar, to be exact) at a ridiculous rate. Is anyone else completely addicted to them?
5. Can I get an “Amen”?!
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6. Speaking of cornbread, does anyone have a great corn spoon bread or corn pudding recipe? I had some at a picnic years ago and never got the recipe. I’ve been regretting it ever since!
7. I still haven’t mastered photographing fireworks, but I’m hoping I can improve this year. I’m going to study these 15 Tips for Successful Fireworks Photography before I head out to watch any displays this year!
8. Yesterday, I met my friend for lunch at her office and she gave me a tour of the place. They have tons of kitchen areas throughout the office that are stocked with free food and snacks, but here’s what I found kind of neat – they place healthier snacks (dried fruit, nuts, pretzels, fresh fruit, etc.) in clear glass jars, while they store the unhealthy snacks (chocolate, junk food) in solid white canisters or in drawers. Sort of “out of sight, out of mind” so you’re drawn to the healthier snacks since they’re the first thing that catches your eye. I might need to try that in my own kitchen!
9. Official sign that I’m old – when I have on satellite radio in the car I see the artist “Robin Thicke” pop up… I immediately think, “Whoa, the dad from Growing Pains sings now?!” Yeah, totally not ALAN Thicke (although after a quick Google search, found out it’s his son). Still couldn’t tell you what Robin Thicke sings. Pass me an afghan and an after dinner mint, please.
10. TGIF! I hope you get to enjoy some time outside!
I forgot all about Sunchips!
I make one of the infamous loads of cans and boxed corn muffin mix corn pudding. I make my corn bread myself, but cannot bring myself to try it in the corn pudding because it’s so darn good as is!
It’s essentially this recipe:
http://www.justapinch.com/recipe/bettyboop42413/aunt-lindas-corn-pudding/vegetable
Except, I melt the butter in the pyrex while the oven is preheating and then just mix everything right in the pan.
If you like Justin Timberlake…then listen to Robin Thicke! Very similar voice style. Love them BOTH! Evolution of Robin Thick is awesome.
I’m in love with that cornbread sign! If I had my choice I’d have things like that hanging all over my kitchen. And that sunset is absolutely stunning. I’ve tried over and over to capture one as pretty as that but………just beautiful. Great pictures as usual.
Such a pretty sunset! My dad said he saw the first lightning bugs last night. Just another great thing about summer. Magazines are a serious problem for me too. There’s just not enough time to read them but I refuse to part with them because I know I’ll get to them one day
Laughing over the cornbread sign :)
You are Hi-larious! Love Sun Chips – I wish they would stop creating new flavors so I could stop feeling the need to “try them out” repeatedly! The new garden veggie ones are surprisingly delicous!
Cornbread is one of my passions…no seriously. I have tried more than I would care to admit at this point but this one is my favorite. It is buttery, perfectly sweet, and just the right amount of sinful. http://americanheritagecooking.com/2013/02/sweet-southern-cornbread/
Please ignore my photos – they do not do it justice. It’s on my list of “re-dos” with my new camera!
We should all take example from Einstein…savor the sunshine and beautiful weather :) He is adorable!
Sun Chips are evil. Pure, crunchy, evil.
I love Marion Cunningham’s cornbread custard..OMG good!
It looks like the new house has an awesome backyard for Einstein to enjoy. Any thoughts of doing a tour of the new house for the blog ?
Hi Brandi, Yes! I’ll be giving a little photo tour; keep an eye out!
Ina Garten’s Sagaponack Corn Pudding is the best, and it is especially good when you are entertaining a large group. The recipe is available at http://www.foodnetwork.com. Enoy!
One of my FAVORITE Pposts from you….so many goodies all in one. First of all, Robin Thicke is definitely NOT his father…Alan was never such a HOTTIE! (And I’m 42…so I remember the old man ‘back in the day’). Invest in “The Evolution of Robin Thicke” if you’re thinking iTunes. As for the grill, kebabs…chicken, beef, shrimp, onions, peppers, tomatoes, basmati rice…summer’s bomb-digitty! And, since I’m from Maryland (go RAVENS~had to say it), we put Old Bay on JUST about everything…so I marinate chicken breasts in Old Bay and a little oil…grill…melt a slice of cheddar on top…mayo, lettuce, tomato on crisp Kaiser roll….a Summer MUST for my boys and I! Lastly, love the canister ideas…but even more, love the idea of the office providing FREE healthy snack choices! Have a beautiful weekend!
I believe she said Alan Thicke is Robin Thicke’s father and that is absolutely true. Unless you were suggesting something else in your post, it wasn’t very clear.
I love to grill sweet potatoes with a little olive oil and some Italian seasoning salt/pepper. It is so yummy! I also am addicted to cinnamon-sugar popcorn. (although I’ve indulged in many a Sun Chip) Love Einstein’s pic in the sun! Have a great weekend!
I’ve been making this cornbread for years and swear it is the BEST. So moist!
3 large eggs
1/2 cup canola oil, vegetable oil or butter
1 teaspoon salt
8 ounces creamed corn
1 cup sour cream (I use reduced fat)
1 1/2 boxes Jiffy corn muffin mix
Directions:
Lightly grease a 13″X9″ pan.
Preheat your oven to 375 F degrees.
Beat eggs until light, then add the oil and the salt.
Continue to mix this together and add the creamed corn, the sour cream and finally, the muffin mix.
Pour mixture into the prepared pan and place in the oven.
Bake for 35 minutes.
Add extra taste to the recipe using some of the following if you wish: 1 small can diced (and drained) geen chilies, 1/2-3/4 cup grated cheese (Monterey Jack or medium cheddar work well)
I usually add a TBS of honey as well
Enjoy!