The Weekend In Photos (and Also, Words).

I realize that this blog should probably be called White Hot Weekend, because it seems like that's the only reason I come around anymore: to tell you about how excited I am for the weekend or to gloat about how great the weekend was.

Yeah, I'm working on that. Anyway, in this case it's the latter. Our weekend was another really lovely one, cloaked in a post-test glow. Oh, med school, how I do love your Friday tests.

This is what it looked like...

Your weekend can't go wrong when your favorite husband comes home with an armful of your favorite flowers on Friday afternoon:

Or when you're looking at this at five o'clock:

A happy Friday margarita toast. Cheers to that, man.

Delicious dinner. Oh, grilling season, how I love thee:

Panzanella

Grilled Whole Chicken with Cilantro Jalapeno Vinaigrette and Avocado

Saturday morning was sleeping in and bagels for breakfast. Followed by pie prep:

Which resulted in a delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Pie:

I may or may not have already eaten half of this pie.

Then there was a lot of planting and tilling and weeding (and weeding and weeding...) and mowing. There is no question that this is my very favorite time of year. Or that Hugh is my very favorite person. When I mentioned that I would rather spend sixty dollars on plants than renting a tiller for a couple of hours, he decided he'd just till the beds himself. By hand. With a shovel and a pitchfork. That guy...

In the meantime, Henry Parker lounged around doing what he does best - looking beautiful:

I mean, are you kidding me with that cuteness?

And, not to be outdone, Fletcher's pretty cute too:

Please ignore the height of our grass/weeds. My yard boy has been busy being a med student these days. And, he mowed on Saturday afternoon.

More grilling out on Saturday night. And more margaritas. Which resulted in the need for this deliciousness on Sunday morning:

We spent Sunday playing outside until it started raining. At this point, my day really took a turn for the worst. Here's the thing, I don't do scary movies. The last scary movie I watched was Saw. The first one. In 2004. I really don't like to be scared. And I tend to be of the over-active imagination type, so it's just best for everyone if I avoid planting anymore scary ideas in my mind for ways I will be killed when Hugh is not here.

You can imagine why I thought it was weird when I opened our two new Netflix on Friday and saw discs one and two of The Walking Dead. In case you are not familiar, this is an AMC show about zombies. Zombies and the people who are still alive and trying to avoid being eaten by the zombies. I'm sure you are thinking this show sounds very stupid. My thoughts exactly.

So on Sunday afternoon, as it was raining away, I was sitting on the couch reading about container gardening when Hugh mentioned he was going to watch a couple of episodes of this new show. I demanded the ipod so I could tune the show out. Loaded up with some podcasts, my book, and a stack of new magazines, I was ready to ignore what was happening on the tv (which was, by the way, a lot of zombies trying to eat the remaining survivors).

But, here's the thing, I kept glancing up to see what was going on. And then I started turning the ipod down so I could hear. And then approximately nine minutes in, I was hooked. Hooked on a tv show about zombies. Hugh and I watched six episodes in a row, shocking both of us.

What was not shocking was the fact that I couldn't fall asleep last night. Or that when I took Fletcher out this morning, every noise in the backyard had me jumping two feet in the air and frantically checking over my shoulder for a walking dead person. Lovely. No more zombie tv for me. Even if it is really good. But don't tell anyone I said so...

How was your weekend, friends? Did you cook anything delicious? Play outside? Almost get converted into a zombie?


Post Script: Oh, and I forgot to mention, our resident brainiac aced his test. Like ten points over the class average aced. If you need Hugh, he'll just be busy being awesome.

The Weekend In Photos (and Also, Words).

This is what my White Hot weekend looked like:

Friday evening started off like all good Friday evenings should, with happy hour.

Manhattan-making for my favorite husband.

I have been thinking about mussels lately, and how I have never cooked them before. And how I really love them, so I should probably make some in my own kitchen. So, on Friday afternoon, I decided we were having mussels for dinner, or, more specifically, Moules a la Mariniere. Served with the recommended Baked Pommes Frites (plus a baguette and homemade aioli). I felt fairly confident before I even started cooking, because Smitten Kitchen has never let me down before. And then we sat down to eat.

Oh. My. Goodness. Sakes. Alive.

Please, just make this right away. And, if you have the sad misfortune of not being a seafood eater, at least make the fries (included in mussels recipe link). They were a revelation. And I've made a lot of fries.

The carnage.

Saturday morning was spent admiring my beauties:

And making Breakfast Buttercups. This was a delicious and easy breakfast recipe. And, so cute (in both name and appearance), too. We decided they'd be great for weekend visitors. So, future weekend visitors, get excited.

After breakfast, Fletcher and I went on a dog walk date with our favorite walking buddies. At one point on the path, there was a clearing with access to the river and lots of dogs running around off-leash. Being the incredibly over-protective and paranoid dog momma I am, I never let Fletcher off-leash anywhere but in the yard. Like, I have only done it twice, never.

But for some reason I was feeling brave on Saturday. After making my friend promise she would scour the woods until we found him if he did run away, I unhooked his leash. Fletcher took off like a shot after his dog friend, Charlie, who was splashing away in the water.

Our sweet Boxer boy is not known for his swimming prowess and has never gotten in the water on his own freewill. So, imagine my surprise when, instead of screeching to a stop at the bank, Fletcher leapt and belly-flopped right into the river and started swimming around. I was completely shocked. And proud. And sad that Hugh missed it. I didn't even care that I had to ride home with a dirty river dog.

If only I had had my camera. I know, right? All that talking and not even one photo of the super-swimmer. I'm still sad about it.

Anyway, the rest of Saturday was much less eventful, but equally lovely.

Garden-prepping.

Pizza-eating.

Sunday was more gardening and yard-work and, mainly, cooking and eating. It's a miracle we both don't weigh three hundred pounds. A miracle of genetics. And shame from the gym.

Carrot Cake Muffin-making.

You could call this photo: Hugh Finally Finishes Studying for the Weekend at 6pm on Sunday Night and All Rejoice. Also, so good at sharing. Also, this is probably why Fletcher only has three canines. Also, Hugh had to shave his beard off for a respirator-fitting. We are all sad about it. Grow, Hugh's facial hair, grow!

Celebrating DST with grilled burgers. And more of the delicious aforementioned fries.

And then, in a blink (or in what may seem like one million hours if you actually read this whole post), it was Monday.

How was your weekend, friends? Did your dog do something that made you smile all day long?

What We're Doing. And Eating.

Hi! I'm back again, for the fourth time this week. I know, I can't believe it either. Are you so excited it's almost the weekend?!

I am. I bet you are predicting that I'm about to tell you about the weather forecast. I just can't help it. Weather.com has a hold on me. Also, 70 degrees and sunny? Well, okay!

Hugh is studying all weekend, but don't feel sad for me. Because...it's time to start this year's garden! This is my second year growing things on my patio, and I have some big plans. The real fun starts when my Mom gets here in April, but I'm doing some prep work this weekend like starting my seeds and organizing my one million pots. So I'll be spending the daylight hours at Home Depot or working in the yard. And, woo hoo daylight savings time.

Also, I hope to be cooking some delicious food. Right now I'm thinking more homemade bread, pizza, mussels and frites, carrot cake muffins, and pork meatball bahn mi. The sky is always the limit on Friday morning.

This is what the White Hot household has been eating lately:

Slow-Cooker White Bean Soup with Andouille and Collards - A new one for us and I have to say, we loved it. My crockpot wasn't big enough to hold the collards (I think mine is smaller than the typical crockpot), so when it came time to add the collards I just dumped everything in a Dutch oven. This was really easy and really good. Real simple, if you will. Ha ha ha.

Vegetarian Moussaka - This was good. But I don't think it was good enough to justify all the prep time. Also, apparently eggplant country experienced a freeze recently, so I spent $14 on eggplant. Definitely not $14 worth of eggplant good. Although, I'm not sure what is.

Barbecue Chicken Sliders - Loved that these were easy. And tasty. And healthy. This was a great make-at-home bbq sauce. We served these with coleslaw and roasted sweet potato fries.

Bagel Melts - Always a crowd-pleaser. My parents approved.

Chicken Tamale Casserole - Another new recipe for the White Hot family. This one is a keeper. To up the nutritional value I added a can of black beans, along with a chopped and sauteed green bell pepper and yellow onion, plus three cloves of minced garlic. Also, I think you could add two cans of beans and leave the chicken out all together for a veg version.

Greek Nachos - I've already told you how delicious these are. If you aren't already making them, I am seriously questioning your judgment. Heed my advice: Make them now.

Feta Sauce - I'm not going to lie, last night Hugh had a dinner meeting and, despite my plans to cook dinner anyway, 6pm found me standing in the kitchen dipping toasted pita into the leftover Greek Nacho sauce. I may or may not have eaten three pitas. Woopsie.

Now I'm off to the gym again. For the second time in the last forty-eight hours. Clearly their guilt trip is working.

Cheers to happy eating and lots of Spring-time weather. See you Monday, friends.


Post script: I don't want to leave you without a photo, because that would be the third time in a row. I bet you are probably getting sad you haven't seen my dog child lately. Well, twist my arm why don't you? It's hard being the world's most spoiled canine, Exhibit A:

And, just to brag a little bit, our big fat Fletcher weight 50.3lbs as of yesterday afternoon! Which means he has gained back more than ten of the seventeen pounds he lost. Grow Fletcher, grow!

Things I Love Thursday

It's my favorite day of the week, internet friends! I love Friday and Saturday as much as the next girl, but I really love Thursday because I'm home from Savannah. I get to wake up in my own bed by my husband (or, even better, my husband, Fletcher, and Henry Parker all piling in the bed at my requested wake-up time!), drink my Hugh-brewed coffee, and be back to my happy home-life routine.

Seriously, as much as I pout about being out of town every week, the reunion part sure is lovely. It never gets old pulling in the driveway on Wednesday night and seeing Fletcher sitting at the door. As soon as he sees my headlights, he jumps up and starts leaping in circles and wagging his whole body.

And now, let's talk about what I love this Thursday (and every day, really) - magazines!

I do not think there is anything better than a stack of new, unread magazines just waiting to be cracked open. I currently subscribe to ten magazines. Hugh loves magazines too, with five current subscriptions. Anyway, these are my favorites:

Bon Appetit - I love this one. The recipes, the columns, the must-have tools, the restaurant recommendations, the food photos - it's just a treat. I love the Fast, Easy, Fresh section and Molly Wizenburg's column especially.

House Beautiful - When this one comes in the mail, you can find me in a bubble bath with a glass of wine savoring every gorgeous page.

Real Simple - I have been subscribing to this magazine since I was in college. It has a little bit of everything: recipes, decorating, health, organizing, beauty. I love the tagline, "Life made easier, every day." Yes, please.

Cooking Light - I have been reading Cooking Light since I was in high school. Come for the healthy, stay for the delicious.

With many of everyone's printed favorites going under in the last three years (A big fat tear for Domino. And Gourmet. And Cottage Living. Stupid recession.), I think it's so important to buy the ones that are still around. Whenever a new magazine debuts, I subscribe if it seems even remotely like something I'll enjoy. You know, support the arts and all*.

So, that's what I love today. What about you? Any glossy reads you can't live without? Did I miss any good ones?


* I kid, I kid. Hugh wanted me to add this disclaimer, lest you all think I'm kind of an idiot. I told him no one would think that. Yet, here I am, disclaiming...

Because, Apparently My Inner-Guilt Isn't Enough?

An email I received from the gym this morning, after a one two three week little break:

Catherine, Leading a healthy lifestyle and reaping the countless benefits is not a short-term project, but rather a way of life. We look forward to being part of your routine. Thought for the Day "One man had enthusiasm for 30 minutes, another for 30 days, but it is the man who has it for 30 years who makes a success of his life." – Edward B. Butler

Seriously?! I want to email back that I broke my leg or something. You know, to make them feel bad for making me feel bad.

But really, I'm just mad because they're right. Shoot.

I guess I know where I'll be at 7:30am tomorrow...

TGI Oh No, Wait. It's Monday.

Oh, friends. What did you do this weekend?

Despite the fact that it was raining and cloudy all weekend in GA, the White Hot family had a great two days off. Because my favorite parents came to see us. What is it about seeing your parents that just makes everything right with the world?

We were spoiled. Grandpets were very spoiled. Hugh and James went on a little adventure on Saturday, which involved a livestock auction and a gypsy community. Meanwhile, Mom and I went on an extended lunchdate, which involved a lot of chatting and telling the waitress we needed just a few more minutes before we ordered. For two hours. James and Hugh also did some around-the-house projects, like pulling up stumps in the yard using a chain and our Jeep*.

And, even though I love to spoil our guests with delicious food, the only thing I have cooked since Thursday night is bagels. They insisted that we go out for our meals (um, okay!) and you know what? It was really, really nice to have a little break from planning and cooking.

So, I guess that's what makes everything right: the perfect forty-eight hours of relaxing and talking and Hugh and James doing projects. I just love my family.

Also, my Mom brought Fletcher a stack of new bandannas. And then we thought it would be funny to put one on Henry and see how long he would wear it. Um, we finally took it off before bed last night. So, at least twelve hours. Is there anything cuter than a cat in a bandanna? You tell me:

Thanks for the lovely visit, parents. I pouted all day long after you left.

*Did I mention that Hugh loves it when James comes to town? He's now strategizing about what other trees he can remove from our yard. Oh, Hugh.

The Bagel Melt

Today's recipe is less of a recipe and more of a how-to. Remember in elementary school when you had to write out the instructions for how to make a sandwich? And you kept thinking, who doesn't know how to make a sandwich? This is like that. Just in case you don't know how to make this deliciousness.

I have been eating these since college. I introduced Hugh to them when we moved to Savannah to start living in sin. When Hugh was a bartender, we would each eat one (okay two) of these late at night when he got home, while I sat on the counter in the kitchen and he sat on our in-kitchen washing machine and we chatted about our evenings. I loved those days. I also loved those bagel melts. After Hugh stopped bartending and became a teacher, these became more of a breakfast staple. Mostly because we stopped staying up until 2am every night.

Before we left Savannah, we discovered a deli that made the best bagels in the city, taking this meal to a whole new level. Unfortunately, we no longer have access to that deli, so now Publix bakery bagels have to do. If you have access to really good deli bagels, lucky you. But if you don't, don't worry, these are still wonderful with a grocery store bakery bagel. Especially if you've had one too many of these the night before. I dare say the Bagel Melt could challenge the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich for its curative properties.



Bagel Melts
A White Hot Original
serves 2

2 bagels, halved and lightly toasted (The higher quality the bagel, the better this meal will taste. You can use any savory bagel that you like. The everything bagel is really good in this preparation.)
4 tablespoons cream cheese
1 large tomato, sliced (we go for the "Ugly Ripe" tomatoes when tomatoes are not in season)
Salt
Freshly-cracked pepper
4 slices sharp provolone
1 avocado, halved, pitted, sliced, and sprinkled with salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400.

Spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese on each bagel half. Top each bagel half equally with tomato slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top each bagel half with one slice of provolone.

Bake for 10 - 12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and just barely golden.

Let cool for 5 - 7 minutes (This is key, because those tomato slices will be like napalm when you take the bagels out of the oven; trust me, this is experience talking.).

Serve each bagel with one sliced avocado half.

Eat it up. Then be sad that you didn't buy two more bagels at the grocery so you could do it all over again.