Mix the curry with the lemon juice to dissolve. Mix in the mayonnaise. Fold in with the turkey, pears, and scallions. Season. Serve on bed of romaine leaves

STUFFED MUSHROOMS

1 lb medium mushrooms
1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
½ small green pepper, chopped (1/4 cup)
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 ½ cups soft bread crumbs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon butter or margarine

Cut stems from mushrooms; finely chop enough stems to measure 1/3 cup.  Cook and stir chopped mushrooms stems, onion, and green pepper in 3 tablespoons butter until tender, about 5 minutes; remove from heat.  Stir in bread crumbs, salt thyme, turmeric and pepper.

Heat 1 tablespoon butter in shallow baking dish until melted (or spray with Pam).  Fill mushroom caps with stuffing mixture; place mushrooms, filled sides up in baking dish.  Bake uncovered in 350° oven 15 minutes.

Set oven control to broil and or 550°. Broil mushrooms with tops 3 to 4 inches from heat 2 minutes.  Serve hot. 

About 3 dozen appetizers

This is the basic recipe from Betty Crocker.  I use really good bread and add things to make them different every time.  Last time I served these, I added Parmeson cheese and chopped, blanched asparagus.  I've also made them with garlic Cheddar.  They always disappear -- I've yet to have any left after a party, even those with only a few people.

Also, don't wash your mushrooms in water.  They get waterlogged and the end result is icky.  Wipe them off with a kitchen towel or paper towel.  Choose largish, very fresh ones -- buy them on the day you're going to make them.

BABY TWICE BAKED POTATOES

2 lbs baby red or white new potatoes
½ cup + sour cream
1 cup shredded cheese (jack, cheddar, both, or whatever)
½ cup chopped onion or ¼ cup chopped fresh chives (or some of both if you like)
2 tablespoons butter, softened
6 slices bacon, chopped, crisped, and drained
1 cup cooked, chopped broccoli (optional)
salt and pepper

Par-boil the potatoes for 10-15 minutes (depending on size).  Drain and store in fridge until cold. 

Slice potatoes in half and scoop out the insides with a melon baller, leaving about ¼ inch of flesh next to skin.   (Be careful because the new potato skin is pretty tender and tears.) 

Put the scooped out potato in a food processor with the sour cream and process until smooth (potato will be too hard to mash with a fork).  Mix in the remaining ingredients. 

Spoon mixture back into the skins and arrange in a shallow casserole, baking pan, or roaster.  Sprinkle with more cheese.  Bake 375° until hot and slightly browned on top.

I never have any of these leftover unless I hide them!  Super yummy!

I passed exam 70-214, Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network.  Passing score is 700, my score 895.  That makes 6 exams out of 7 for the MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer).

Next up is Exam 70-220, Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network!  I'm not going to make my original goal of end of June but I'm hoping for mid-july.

Exam History:

• Exam 70-215, Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, Score 880
• Exam 70-216, Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure, Score 909
• Exam 70-217, Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure, Score 920
• Exam 70-218, Managing a Windows 2000 Network Environment, Score 930
• Exam 70-270, Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Score 984
• Exam 70-214, Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network, Score 895

Hmmm . . . That's a tough one.  How about Stone Temple Pilots, "Purple" or "No4"?  AC/DC, "Highway to Hell" is also good.  I have a number of soundtrack favorites like "Mona Lisa's Smile", "What Women Want", "Hi Fidelity", "Grosse Point Blank", "Dazed and Confused", and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Radio Sunnydale".  Have to agree with Neil about Peter Gabriel, "So" as well.  And Fleetwood Mac, "Rumours" (and if you don't know all the words, shame on you!).  Steve Miller Band, "Greatest Hits 1974-78" (and don't tell me there's rules against Greatest Hits albums, 'cause some are just classic).

Of course, the best ones are the ones I've created myself. 

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One of those questions

Ok, Harry a guy from work asked me recently "what's the perfect album? You know the one that you love every song one it." None of the songs suck and you wouldn't be able to tell the B side without a label. He was quick to point out that, for him anyway, it's "Who's next?" by the Who. I must admit that it's a pretty good choice and it got me to thinking about it. I came up with a few that really show my age though. "Abbey Road" by the Beatles, "the Stranger" by Billy Joel, Supertramps "Crime of the Century" (Though Jon chose "Breakfast in America"), Peter Gabriel's "So"...on and on I could go. Ellen took Queen's "Night at the opera", and I'm sure Ashley would be taking Linkin Park's "Hybrid Theory". I also have liked the new Black Eyed Peas CD and the new Outkast CD.

So what about you? What's your perfect album?

“We become authorities and experts in the practical and scientific spheres by so many separate acts and hours of work.  If a person keeps faithfully busy each hour of the working day, he can count on waking up some morning to find himself one of the competent ones of his generation.”  William James

One of my favorite quotes.  I find it's really true too.

 I passed exam 70-270, Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional.  Passing score is 700, my score 984.  That makes 5 exams out of 7 for the MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) and now I am an MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator.  Yeah for me again!!!!! 

Think good thoughts for me as I tackle the Security exams, Exam 70-214, Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network and Exam 70-220, Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network!  My plan is to complete these by the end of June.  

Exam History:

• Exam 70-215, Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, Score 880
• Exam 70-216, Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure, Score 909
• Exam 70-217, Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure, Score 920
• Exam 70-218, Managing a Windows 2000 Network Environment, Score 930
• Exam 70-270, Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Score 984

24 small mushrooms

1 oz butter, softened

4 green onions, chopped

6.5 oz can crab meat, drained (or better yet, fresh dungeness, yum!)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

½ teaspoon chili powder

1 cup sour cream

¾ oz Parmesan, grated

4 oz cheddar, grated

Pinch of paprika

Preheat the oven to 350°.  Remove the mushrooms stalks and chop finely; set aside.  Place the mushroom caps on a baking tray.

Combine the butter, green onion, crab, lemon juice, chili powder, and freshly ground pepper, to taste, in a bowl.

Mix in the mushroom stalks, sour cream, and Parmesan.  Spoon even amounts into the mushroom caps and sprinkle with the combined Cheddar and paprika.

Bake for 5-6 minutes, or until the Cheddar has melted and the mushrooms are heated through.  Serve warm.

Best to get out of the way when you serve or you'll get trampled! 

Hurray!  Way to go Misty!

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SQL 70-229 Passed

Finally. After 3 longdays of studying for the SQL exam, and working the English course that I enrolled in 7 months ago but haven't started (the fact that the final exam is next week put a fire under me- did half the course in 4 days), I have finished this exam. 1 more test, and I'm an MCDBA!

 I passed exam 70-217, Implementing  and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure.  Passing score is 700, my score 920.  That makes 4 exams out of 7 for the MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer).  I'm more than half-way there!!!  Yeah for me!

Next is 70-270, Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional.  I'll probably take it at the end of March, giving me a month to prepare.  When I pass that exam I will have an MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator).

Exam History

OK, everyone!  Start the bidding war!   This is a one of a kind opportunity that no one should miss!

Quote

Ad Space For Sale- On ME!

In an effort to deflect costs on my trip to Europe, I've decided to sell space on my body- or jacket, rather. If you're itnerested, check out the auction

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=317&item=5959397111&rd=1&ssPageName=WD2V

If all goes well, I may post another to sell space on a hat, or a pacth on my backpack.

I'm also considering a website, to take donations- If you want to contribute, I can send you an address. Checks and money orders preferred

 

Macaroni & Cheese

12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

8 oz Velveeta, cubed

6-8 oz Cheddar, Smoked Cheddar, or your favorite cheese, shredded

½ Sweet onion, chopped and sautéed in butter

Fresh ground pepper and nutmeg to taste

Optional:  2 tablespoons fresh herbs (mmm Basil), snipped

1 pint heavy whipping cream

Layer the macaroni, cheese, onion, spices, and herbs in a casserole dish (3-4 Quart), starting with the macaroni.  Pour cream over casserole evenly.  Bake, 350°, 30 minutes – should be brown and bubbly.  Let stand 10 minutes before dishing up.  Top with slivered almonds, bacon bits, or dried bread crumbs for a little crunch.

Way to go Neil!!

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I'm a STAR!

The Region does a pretty good job recognizing employees. Recently they started something a little different though. They came up with the idea of employees recognizing employees. The "Traveling Star" is something that is given out to people that you think desrve a pat on the back. You keep the Star for 10 days and pass it on to someone you think deserves it. This week I got passed the Star by Tom in Public works. WOOO-HOOO! It's nice to have someone say "good job". I'm going to pass it off to Verna next week.

Hola, Kat!  Yo hablo Espanol un poquito.  Deseo dos enchiladas con queso y sabolla blanca!  Andole!  Yo tengo mucho hambre!

Quote

Hablo Espanol, Mi Amigo's!

Gracias- thanks for reading

Spanish class was interesting last night. Spent 2 hours conjugating verbs. Can anyone say SHOOT ME? All for a good cause.

Planning the Europe itinerary already- March 20th 2006, approximately. This gives me the pre-requisite year in the apartment I haven't yet bought (still looking, a whole other story) as well as time to save and plan for everything. Tyler, the cutie in the pics, will be coming for the first month. I'll have to wing the rest of the time on my own!

 

I'll keep you updated!

JICAMA TEX-MEX SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup pecan halves

1 lb jicama

1 large bunch watercress

1 red bell pepper

DRESSING:

¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

3 tablespoons French virgin pecan oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil (if you find pecan oil, let me know where to get it)

3 tablespoons honey (use Splenda to lower carbs)

½ teaspoon Asian chile sauce

½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon salt

1 small clove garlic, finely minced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

ADVANCED PREPARATION:

Preheat the oven to 325°, then roast the pecans for 5-15 minutes.  Using a knife, trim off the jicama skin; cut the jicama into ¼ inch wide slices.  Stack the slices and cut them into matchstick-shaped pieces.  You will need a total of 4 cups.  Place the pieces in a plastic bag and refrigerate.  Wash the watercress, discard any tough ends, and refrigerate.  Char the red bell pepper over a gas flame or under an electric broiler coil.  When the bell pepper is lightly charred on all sides, transfer it to a paper or plastic bag and close the bag.  After 10 minutes, rub away any blackened skin, then stem, seed, and cut the pepper into matchstick pieces; refrigerate.  In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients.  Refrigerate.  All advance preparation steps may be completed up to 8 hours before you begin the final steps.

FINAL STEPS:

Ina large bowl, combine the salad ingredients.  Stir the dressing and pour over the salad. Toss until evenly coated.  Serve.

To chop herbs, stuff them in a coffee mug and snip them with kitchen shears until they are as small as you need them.

Cream Cheese Scrambled Eggs With Spring Herbs

Serves 2 generously

6 large eggs
2 tablespoons heavy cream
3 ounces cream cheese, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 large whole scallion, thinly sliced
1/2 tightly packed tablespoon curly parsley leaves, chopped
1/2 tightly packed tablespoon fresh basil or tarragon leaves, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper as needed
2 tablespoons butter

In a medium bowl, use a fork to loosely combine the eggs and cream. Stir in cream cheese, the herbs and a little salt and pepper. Eggs do not have to be completely blended.

In a 10-inch, heavy, nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the eggs and stir with a spatula for a few seconds.

Lower heat to medium-low and keep stirring slowly, scraping up any egg sticking to the pan, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until large curds form. This slow scrambling keeps eggs tender and lush. Cook them to almost wet, or moist, yet approaching firm,  or quite firm.