When people I meet ask me where I'm from, they usually get an answer something like this:
"ummmmmmmmmmmm?"
Its a long story. There are a lot of ways it could go. Do I tell them about being born in New England? Because thats where I'm technically 'from' - Danbury, CT. Do I tell them about Arizona, my Dad's house, growing up there? Do I tell them about the 4 moves across the country in the last 18 months? What about all the little places I've lived in between? Boston, North Carolina, Boston again? And do they even care?
With all of those questions floating around, I do know one thing now. I drove back to my little beach town today from AZ and when I turned off that highway into the wetlands, when I saw the ocean and the little tiny houses near the beach and the gigantic houses up on the hill, when that salt air hit my face and I felt like I could breathe better in Los Angeles than anywhere else I've lived, when I turned up my road between all the cute mid century houses-turned-apartments on the left and the beautiful assortment of homes perched on a hill on the right I felt like I was from here. I haven't been here long - just since March - and I'm leaving soon - but I sure do love this place.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
I have been SO BAD
2009 is almost over. December is almost over. I haven't posted since 11.30.09 - and I haven't run much since then either :)
I'll update on the whole last month later. For now, I'm looking forward to the next year and the next decade. So for the next few days I'll be discussing the things I want to accomplish in 2010 - goals, hopes, dreams, etc.
FIRST - The important stuff
More than anything else I want to get into grad school. I want want want want want want want to get into grad school sooooooooooo very much. I've worked so hard and I've done pretty much everything I can - now its just up to those admissions departments. I have an interview in a few weeks - PLEASE let it go well! I don't need to get in everywhere I applied, I just need to get into one. I've thrown so much of myself and my time (not to mention my MONEY!) into this process and damn it, I deserve this :)
Right up there with grad school is getting one of these:
Those are the two biggest things I want to happen this next year. I have a lot of smaller things to accomplish, too - lots of stuff to work on, you know, lose ten pounds blah blah blah - but those two are the most important to me. Bring it on, 2010!!
I'll update on the whole last month later. For now, I'm looking forward to the next year and the next decade. So for the next few days I'll be discussing the things I want to accomplish in 2010 - goals, hopes, dreams, etc.
FIRST - The important stuff
More than anything else I want to get into grad school. I want want want want want want want to get into grad school sooooooooooo very much. I've worked so hard and I've done pretty much everything I can - now its just up to those admissions departments. I have an interview in a few weeks - PLEASE let it go well! I don't need to get in everywhere I applied, I just need to get into one. I've thrown so much of myself and my time (not to mention my MONEY!) into this process and damn it, I deserve this :)
Right up there with grad school is getting one of these:
I'm ready. I'm just waiting...
Monday, November 30, 2009
Day THIRTY
YAYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
Thirty days. I ran all but four. Well... ran or played soccer or one night rode the bike :) Point is, I rocked it. I'm totally excited and much more fit than the beginning of the month. I haven't weighed, and with Thanksgiving last week I'm sure the scale hasn't moved that much, but otherwise I bet I would have dropped a couple of pounds. But Thanksgiving was verrrrrrrrrrrrry good to me this year :) And I pretty much did it.
Monday is soccer night. I was hoping to get picked up for a second game but I didn't, so just one game = 2 miles. Of course, I needed 2.25 miles to break 100 miles so when I got home I took a nice short jog up and down the road. A quarter of a mile later... success!
Today: Soccer + .25 mile run = 2.25 miles
Total: 100 MILES!!!!!
Thirty days. I ran all but four. Well... ran or played soccer or one night rode the bike :) Point is, I rocked it. I'm totally excited and much more fit than the beginning of the month. I haven't weighed, and with Thanksgiving last week I'm sure the scale hasn't moved that much, but otherwise I bet I would have dropped a couple of pounds. But Thanksgiving was verrrrrrrrrrrrry good to me this year :) And I pretty much did it.
Monday is soccer night. I was hoping to get picked up for a second game but I didn't, so just one game = 2 miles. Of course, I needed 2.25 miles to break 100 miles so when I got home I took a nice short jog up and down the road. A quarter of a mile later... success!
Today: Soccer + .25 mile run = 2.25 miles
Total: 100 MILES!!!!!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Day Twenty Nine
Almost done! Woo!
Meant to go for a long run today but got caught up with grad school apps, etc. "Etc" being watching football and being a lazy bum. Finally heaved myself out the door with only enough time for a few miles before sunset, but then it felt so good I ran in the dark. And tripped on the sidewalk, spraining my ankle. I'm a klutz. This is why I don't run after dark.
Today: 6 miles
Total: 97.75 miles!
Meant to go for a long run today but got caught up with grad school apps, etc. "Etc" being watching football and being a lazy bum. Finally heaved myself out the door with only enough time for a few miles before sunset, but then it felt so good I ran in the dark. And tripped on the sidewalk, spraining my ankle. I'm a klutz. This is why I don't run after dark.
Today: 6 miles
Total: 97.75 miles!
Donate!
In two weeks I'm running another 10k. It is an annual Christmastime fundraiser for the Harvest Home, a homeless shelter that takes in pregnant women and their small children.
Website: http://www.theharvesthome.org/
If anyone is interested in donating, go to the website and click "Donate" Its a 501(c)3 org, so all donations are tax-deductible.
(And if you do donate, make sure to fill out the part that says "Sponsor a Runner" with my name)
Website: http://www.theharvesthome.org/
If anyone is interested in donating, go to the website and click "Donate" Its a 501(c)3 org, so all donations are tax-deductible.
(And if you do donate, make sure to fill out the part that says "Sponsor a Runner" with my name)
Catch Up
Whew.
Whirlwind trip to AZ meant I really fell off the horse. Whoops :)
Wednesday I worked all day, jumped in the car with Boyf and seester, and sat in traffic. Gah. Didn't get into AZ til past midnight. No run. Oh well.
Thanksgiving was full of cooking and eating and spending time with friends and fam. No run. Again, oh well :)
Friday we went on a nice long hike, about 5 miles. I'll count it.
Saturday spent some time at the airport with my grams and drove back to CA. No run again! Oh well.
Today is Sunday and I will be running. I promise.
Last few days: 5 miles
Total: 91.75 miles
Whirlwind trip to AZ meant I really fell off the horse. Whoops :)
Wednesday I worked all day, jumped in the car with Boyf and seester, and sat in traffic. Gah. Didn't get into AZ til past midnight. No run. Oh well.
Thanksgiving was full of cooking and eating and spending time with friends and fam. No run. Again, oh well :)
Friday we went on a nice long hike, about 5 miles. I'll count it.
Saturday spent some time at the airport with my grams and drove back to CA. No run again! Oh well.
Today is Sunday and I will be running. I promise.
Last few days: 5 miles
Total: 91.75 miles
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Day Twenty Five
Another Ugh day. I had a terrible day at work, got off late, sat in traffic for an hour. By the time I got home my brain felt fried but after a little time to recharge I picked myself up and headed to the gym. The complex's gym has 3 treadmills, which is usually more than enough for the number of people who want to run. But tonight TWO OF THEM WERE BROKEN. Gah. And I got there 5 minutes after another girl, who claimed the one working machine. It was too late and too cold to run outside so I jumped on the stationary bike... ew... and did enough for 200 calories. I'm undecided as to how to count that - its the same number of calories as running 2 miles but I didn't actually run it. But either way day 25 was somewhat successful and now its overrrrrrrr and I only have ONE MORE work-run day. Thank god for this long weekend.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Day Twenty Two
Today was my worst run so far. Ugh, I swear it was unbearable. I felt so heavy the first three miles, felt good for like a mile and a half, and was so so tired for the last couple. Ugh. I was counting down the entire time... "ok, only like 3 and a half miles to go now!" But I got through it and I'm glad I did. It was a nice long run and now I don't have to go on another long one for a week! Yay!
Today: 11 miles
Total: 80.75 miles
Today: 11 miles
Total: 80.75 miles
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Day Twenty One
So it hit me today that we are almost to December... which means I'm ALMOST DONE! So far I have only missed two days of running this month and I am so so excited about that. I've run a LOT and I have really enjoyed it - for the most part - and can certainly see myself continuting to run a lot (though not quite this much... I think that 4-5 days a week is a good middle ground here.)
Today I almost didn't run again. We had some errands to run, some shopping to do, etc in preparation for a fancy-pants wedding we have coming up in two weeks. I had to get my thrift store dress dry cleaned, D needs a bow tie (!) and we also won't be in town for the next two weekends so today was just a super busy day. We got home and I passed out on the couch - I love weekend afternoons - and woke up at 4:30. The sun goes down at 5. So I jetted out the door, still half asleep, for a quick run. I didn't get in nearly as much as I would have liked but I got my 3 miles and then some so I'm happy. Hopefully I'll get a long long run in tomorrow - maybe even double digets - but we'll see.
Today: 3.25 miles
Total: 69.75 miles
Today I almost didn't run again. We had some errands to run, some shopping to do, etc in preparation for a fancy-pants wedding we have coming up in two weeks. I had to get my thrift store dress dry cleaned, D needs a bow tie (!) and we also won't be in town for the next two weekends so today was just a super busy day. We got home and I passed out on the couch - I love weekend afternoons - and woke up at 4:30. The sun goes down at 5. So I jetted out the door, still half asleep, for a quick run. I didn't get in nearly as much as I would have liked but I got my 3 miles and then some so I'm happy. Hopefully I'll get a long long run in tomorrow - maybe even double digets - but we'll see.
Today: 3.25 miles
Total: 69.75 miles
Day Twenty
Another no-run day. I worked late, sat in traffic, got home late and then was faced with the decision to run or go out for dinner. I like running, but we all know I like food way more :) Plus I got to spend lots of quality time with the Boyf, who I swear I feel like I never see anymore. Damn you, football season! When we got home we sat on the couch, ate ice cream, and watched several episodes of The Office/30 Rock/Parks and Rec/Community. It was beautiful.
Today: 0 miles
Total: 66.5 miles
Today: 0 miles
Total: 66.5 miles
Friday, November 20, 2009
Day Nineteen
Soccer Thursday! I'm giving myself three miles since we played OT/PK's, and also because we went out to the bar afterwards and I ate a second dinner. I need that mile.
Today: 3 miles
Total: 66.5 miles
Today: 3 miles
Total: 66.5 miles
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Day Eighteen
Today was the first day I felt like "GAHHHHHHHH when will this month be over?!?" But then I started my run and then I felt like "ahhhhhhhh this feels nice." My runs feel so good.
Today: 3 miles
Total 63.5 miles
Today: 3 miles
Total 63.5 miles
Day Seventeen
The nice thing about the "run every day thing" is that its a challenge, and I take it personally. So when things don't go right - for example, when I went to the gym tonight and it was closed (!) to be repainted - the way I reacted this month is not how I would react on any other given month. Usually I would say, "oh, too bad... well I guess its almost time for The Biggest Loser!" This month was, "oh crap! What can I do what can I do what can I do? Well, I guess I'm running outside tonight." And that's exactly what I did.
Today: 3 miles (and one less day on the treadmill, yay!)
Total: 60.5 miles
Today: 3 miles (and one less day on the treadmill, yay!)
Total: 60.5 miles
Monday, November 16, 2009
Day Sixteen
Officially OVER half way there :)
Played soccer today - love the "cross train" days, aka the days I don't have to die on a treadmill.
Today: 2 miles
Total: 57.5 miles
Played soccer today - love the "cross train" days, aka the days I don't have to die on a treadmill.
Today: 2 miles
Total: 57.5 miles
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Day Fifteen
I've hit the halfway mark! I'm really satisfied so far with what I've done - in over 2 weeks I've only missed one day. Plus my mileage is above and beyond what I had been hoping. I've run my first race and I've made some good progress on half marathon training so all is well.
The reason I wanted to do this was because of something I learned in school a few years ago - the psychology of acts becoming habits. The brain loves to categorize, and the theory is that if you do something for about 21 days it becomes categorized as a habit rather than as a repeated single act. The number of days varies person to person and how extreme of an act; for example, (to generalize) it takes someone who is moderately active much less time to make exercise a habit than someone who has never been active. I was in a good routine of running a few days every week but I wanted to achieve two things: 1) run more often, and 2) make it less of an internal shoulder angel vs shoulder devil struggle to get my butt out the door. 21 days was kind of a random number, so I decided to go ahead and make it an honest month.
So, here's to another 15 days! It will get tricky around Thanksgiving - I'll have 2 travel days, ugh - but if I can go 14/15 I'll be more than satisfied. And here's to good habits!
Today I had a great day and a great run. My longest in a while and it felt sooooooooo good. My body feels good after this one, and after the first two weeks in general, so that's another big positive. I've certainly gotten a LOT stronger this month with so much less rest. My legs are getting closer and closer to soccer legs again! Which is both a blessing and a curse... I don't want to get to the point where I have to go up a jeans size because my quads get too big! And I'm starting to have the ever-so-slightest bit of definition in my abs. Six pack by this summer? Hope so!!!
So, today...
Today: 9 miles
Total: 55.5 miles
The reason I wanted to do this was because of something I learned in school a few years ago - the psychology of acts becoming habits. The brain loves to categorize, and the theory is that if you do something for about 21 days it becomes categorized as a habit rather than as a repeated single act. The number of days varies person to person and how extreme of an act; for example, (to generalize) it takes someone who is moderately active much less time to make exercise a habit than someone who has never been active. I was in a good routine of running a few days every week but I wanted to achieve two things: 1) run more often, and 2) make it less of an internal shoulder angel vs shoulder devil struggle to get my butt out the door. 21 days was kind of a random number, so I decided to go ahead and make it an honest month.
So, here's to another 15 days! It will get tricky around Thanksgiving - I'll have 2 travel days, ugh - but if I can go 14/15 I'll be more than satisfied. And here's to good habits!
Today I had a great day and a great run. My longest in a while and it felt sooooooooo good. My body feels good after this one, and after the first two weeks in general, so that's another big positive. I've certainly gotten a LOT stronger this month with so much less rest. My legs are getting closer and closer to soccer legs again! Which is both a blessing and a curse... I don't want to get to the point where I have to go up a jeans size because my quads get too big! And I'm starting to have the ever-so-slightest bit of definition in my abs. Six pack by this summer? Hope so!!!
So, today...
Today: 9 miles
Total: 55.5 miles
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Day Fourteen
I love weekends. Not going to work is certainly nice, but I really really really love running outside. And I really really loathe the treadmill. I'm dreading Monday - not for a frantic 9 hour day at the office but for 30 minutes on that god-forsaken piece of gym equipment. Gahhhhhhh.
My run today was glorious. Late afternoon, sun going down. There's one part of my route that brings me up along a high cliff and on clear days like today I could see everything - the Pacific, the coastline alllllllllllll the way up to Malibu, the Santa Monica Mountains, the entire marina, LMU, downtown LA, Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood sign - pretty much the entire north part of the city. I don't usually stop here, but today the view was just so picture perfect that I took five minutes to stretch and take it all in. By the way, I LOVE this place. I never want to leave. I would live in this tiny little crappy apartment (which I very much dislike) for the rest of my life if it meant I could stay in Playa.
Now, getting to the good stuff
Today: 4.75 miles
Total: 46.5 miles
Tomorrow: the 50 mile mark!
My run today was glorious. Late afternoon, sun going down. There's one part of my route that brings me up along a high cliff and on clear days like today I could see everything - the Pacific, the coastline alllllllllllll the way up to Malibu, the Santa Monica Mountains, the entire marina, LMU, downtown LA, Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood sign - pretty much the entire north part of the city. I don't usually stop here, but today the view was just so picture perfect that I took five minutes to stretch and take it all in. By the way, I LOVE this place. I never want to leave. I would live in this tiny little crappy apartment (which I very much dislike) for the rest of my life if it meant I could stay in Playa.
Now, getting to the good stuff
Today: 4.75 miles
Total: 46.5 miles
Tomorrow: the 50 mile mark!
Day Thirteen
Fail. I threw up a big fat 0 today, but for a night out with Boyfriend it was totally worth it.
Back on track tomorrow :)
Back on track tomorrow :)
Friday, November 13, 2009
Day Twelve
Just a soccer game today. My team got into a fight. It was absurd.
Today: 2 miles
Total: 41.75 miles
Today: 2 miles
Total: 41.75 miles
Thursday, November 12, 2009
GASP
Hello readers. All two of you :)
I don't know where you guys stand politically, which issues push your buttons. But since this is my blog, and you're reading it, I'm sure you know mine. I'm a big proponent of marriage equality, and as someone employed in health care I am certainly, definitely, 100% behind the idea of health care reform.
I don't know how I feel about Obama's plan. I don't know what the answers are, but I do know that SOMETHING needs to change.
Like this:
2008 Salary of CEO of United Health Group: $124.8 million
2008 Salary of CEO of Aetna: $57 million
2008 Salary of CEO of Cigna: $42 million
--------------------------------------------
Number of Americans without health insurance in 2008: 47 million
Number of Americans who died because they were refused medical service due to a lack of health insurance: 22,000
I think we can all agree - democrat and republican, liberal and conservative, old and young, rich and poor, etc etc etc - that these numbers are staggering. And wrong. And that something needs to change.
I don't know where you guys stand politically, which issues push your buttons. But since this is my blog, and you're reading it, I'm sure you know mine. I'm a big proponent of marriage equality, and as someone employed in health care I am certainly, definitely, 100% behind the idea of health care reform.
I don't know how I feel about Obama's plan. I don't know what the answers are, but I do know that SOMETHING needs to change.
Like this:
2008 Salary of CEO of United Health Group: $124.8 million
2008 Salary of CEO of Aetna: $57 million
2008 Salary of CEO of Cigna: $42 million
--------------------------------------------
Number of Americans without health insurance in 2008: 47 million
Number of Americans who died because they were refused medical service due to a lack of health insurance: 22,000
I think we can all agree - democrat and republican, liberal and conservative, old and young, rich and poor, etc etc etc - that these numbers are staggering. And wrong. And that something needs to change.
Day Eleven
Busy day today! Only had time for the quickest run between walking in from work and walking out to a movie. We had the chance to see a special screening of The Blind Side, a movie about an NFL player who used to be homeless. Good movie - GREAT story.
Today: 1 mile
Total: 39.75 miles
Today: 1 mile
Total: 39.75 miles
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Day Ten
One third of the way there! And on pace for over 116 miles. I know I'll slow down here as the month goes on, but so far I am verrrrrrrry pleased.
Today: 3.25 miles
Total: 38.75 miles
Today: 3.25 miles
Total: 38.75 miles
Monday, November 9, 2009
Updated Race Results
The official results were released today. I'd mentioned that I wouldn't make the official list because of my late registration and some other issues, but I was wrong! My name is not there - I'm "A Bandit" - but its me crossing the finish line!
I finished a little worse than originally thought - 74th place in a time of 54:20. The cool thing? I finished in 3rd place for my age group! The other cool thing? My pace was 8:45. Aweeeeeeeeesome.
Results here
I finished a little worse than originally thought - 74th place in a time of 54:20. The cool thing? I finished in 3rd place for my age group! The other cool thing? My pace was 8:45. Aweeeeeeeeesome.
Results here
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Day Eight and an Awesome Weekend
Today was the race! It was my first race ever, and though I was a little bummed D couldn't be here (we had originally planned to do the 5k together) I had a GREAT experience. There were a ton of people all out there for a great cause and it was really neat to play a small part in the whole thing.
I finished my 6.2 miles in 54:14, which was good enough for 72nd place overall (men and women). Unfortunately because of the circumstances (last second registration, etc) I don't show up on the official finisher's list. Boo! But either way I was really really happy with my time - since it was my first race I was looking first to just finish, and second to do it in under an hour. Done and done! I have another 10k coming up in about a month and I'm looking forward to training for it and hopefully improving on my time!
As far as the rest of the weekend went, it was incredible. D was out of town, which was a bummer, but I kept myself occupied :) It was so fantastic you are going to get the play-by-play.
Saturday
Sleep in until 9! Was not woken up by neighbor's yippy little dog.
Santa Monica Farmer's Market. Pick up some yummies, do a little shopping, generally enjoy the beautiful day.
Happen into Express. Realize the dress I've been lusting after for MONTHS is finally on sale.
Go to TJ Maxx. Make a return. Do not buy anything. Impressive self control.
Home. Relax. Make cookie dough and get seester's care package together.
Decide to go on a short run. Head out, but quickly abandon in favor of a walk on the beach. Watch the sun set. Take the long way home and stroll through the adorable neighborhoods.
Whip up delicious dinner. Do a little shopping. Buy multiple of aforementioned Express dress.
Bed nice and early.
Sunday
Up! Early!
Race!
Home. Feel very satisfied. Cards and Pats games are both on TV. It's officially a good day.
Lunch. Sunday nap.
MLS playoffs on TV too!
Take a bike ride through Westchester. Wish I could afford any of the cute little houses. Imagine future life. Little Shawna, big dreams.
Dinner. Bake cookies for seester. Wind down. Laundry. Etc etc etc.
I wish every weekend could be this good.
And now, the talley.
Today: 6.2 miles
Total: 33.2 miles
I finished my 6.2 miles in 54:14, which was good enough for 72nd place overall (men and women). Unfortunately because of the circumstances (last second registration, etc) I don't show up on the official finisher's list. Boo! But either way I was really really happy with my time - since it was my first race I was looking first to just finish, and second to do it in under an hour. Done and done! I have another 10k coming up in about a month and I'm looking forward to training for it and hopefully improving on my time!
As far as the rest of the weekend went, it was incredible. D was out of town, which was a bummer, but I kept myself occupied :) It was so fantastic you are going to get the play-by-play.
Saturday
Sleep in until 9! Was not woken up by neighbor's yippy little dog.
Santa Monica Farmer's Market. Pick up some yummies, do a little shopping, generally enjoy the beautiful day.
Happen into Express. Realize the dress I've been lusting after for MONTHS is finally on sale.
Go to TJ Maxx. Make a return. Do not buy anything. Impressive self control.
Home. Relax. Make cookie dough and get seester's care package together.
Decide to go on a short run. Head out, but quickly abandon in favor of a walk on the beach. Watch the sun set. Take the long way home and stroll through the adorable neighborhoods.
Whip up delicious dinner. Do a little shopping. Buy multiple of aforementioned Express dress.
Bed nice and early.
Sunday
Up! Early!
Race!
Home. Feel very satisfied. Cards and Pats games are both on TV. It's officially a good day.
Lunch. Sunday nap.
MLS playoffs on TV too!
Take a bike ride through Westchester. Wish I could afford any of the cute little houses. Imagine future life. Little Shawna, big dreams.
Dinner. Bake cookies for seester. Wind down. Laundry. Etc etc etc.
I wish every weekend could be this good.
And now, the talley.
Today: 6.2 miles
Total: 33.2 miles
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Day Seven
Today: 1.5 miles, ish
Total: 27.0 miles.
Rockin'. More later on why this was my favorite day EVER.
Total: 27.0 miles.
Rockin'. More later on why this was my favorite day EVER.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
As the weather has been cooling down here in Southern California... wait... no, that can't be right. It was 70 here today. I love where I live :)
Despite the temperate climate, there's no doubt in my mind that its officially fall. Thanksgiving is coming, then Christmas - I LOVE Christmas - and this really is the most wonderful time of the year. Its also the time of year for soup! Yum.
On one of our Friday night dates, D and I ventured to this little hispanic place. It was an interesting combo of Mexican classics - tacos and such - and El Salvadorian meals. We had an order of arepas, which were quite delicious, and shared a big bowl of chicken tortilla soup. Since that night I'd wanted to recreate the fresh simple flavors of that soup at home, and here it is.
This is, as usual, a mish mash of a few recipies tweaked to suit my tastes. I like soups with a lot of stuff in them - this soup is a meal in and of itself. Each time I make it I play around with the ingredients based on the season and what I have in my crisper - I'll add potatoes in the winter, tomatoes in the summer, etc. Its never quite the same but always delicious.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Olive Oil
1 lb chicken breast
2 onions
Minced garlic
2 peppers of any color
3 carrots
2 zucchini
16 oz chicken stock
16 oz peeled crushed tomatoes
2 limes
1 bunch cilantro
salt and pepper
dash cumin
red pepper, to taste
spicy peppers, to taste (I use a big can of green chiles)
Monterey Jack Cheese
Avocado
Tortilla Chips
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a stockpot. Brown chicken breasts - I usually cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to ensure nice even cooking. Don't worry about cooking the chicken all the way through, it will simmer later. Remove from pan.
In the same pan, saute chopped onions and minced garlic until onions are soft. Add peppers, carrots and saute until soft. Add chicken stock and crushed tomatoes. Add remaining veggies; season to taste.
Shred chicken into bite sized bits and return to soup. Add juice of 2 lemons and lots of chopped cilantro. Let simmer until flavors blend and chicken is cooked through.
Serve topped with cheese, avocado, and crushed tortilla chips.
Despite the temperate climate, there's no doubt in my mind that its officially fall. Thanksgiving is coming, then Christmas - I LOVE Christmas - and this really is the most wonderful time of the year. Its also the time of year for soup! Yum.
On one of our Friday night dates, D and I ventured to this little hispanic place. It was an interesting combo of Mexican classics - tacos and such - and El Salvadorian meals. We had an order of arepas, which were quite delicious, and shared a big bowl of chicken tortilla soup. Since that night I'd wanted to recreate the fresh simple flavors of that soup at home, and here it is.
This is, as usual, a mish mash of a few recipies tweaked to suit my tastes. I like soups with a lot of stuff in them - this soup is a meal in and of itself. Each time I make it I play around with the ingredients based on the season and what I have in my crisper - I'll add potatoes in the winter, tomatoes in the summer, etc. Its never quite the same but always delicious.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Olive Oil
1 lb chicken breast
2 onions
Minced garlic
2 peppers of any color
3 carrots
2 zucchini
16 oz chicken stock
16 oz peeled crushed tomatoes
2 limes
1 bunch cilantro
salt and pepper
dash cumin
red pepper, to taste
spicy peppers, to taste (I use a big can of green chiles)
Monterey Jack Cheese
Avocado
Tortilla Chips
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a stockpot. Brown chicken breasts - I usually cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to ensure nice even cooking. Don't worry about cooking the chicken all the way through, it will simmer later. Remove from pan.
In the same pan, saute chopped onions and minced garlic until onions are soft. Add peppers, carrots and saute until soft. Add chicken stock and crushed tomatoes. Add remaining veggies; season to taste.
Shred chicken into bite sized bits and return to soup. Add juice of 2 lemons and lots of chopped cilantro. Let simmer until flavors blend and chicken is cooked through.
Serve topped with cheese, avocado, and crushed tortilla chips.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Day Five
Today I was bad. The thing with this running business is that its just as bad to do too much as it is to not do enough. And today I did too much. I had a nice relaxing run early this afternoon and had a 7v7 game at 8, which would have been more than plenty. After the game I'm taking off my cleats and cooling down when the team getting ready for the next game asked if any girls wanted to play with them. I can't say no to more soccer! So I played a second game. Now my muscles are achey and I honestly do not want to get up tomorrow morning... and I haven't even gone to bed yet :) Whoops.
I'll be taking it nice and easy on Friday and Saturday in preparation for Sunday's 10k. Woooooo!
The Tally
Today: 5.5 run + 2 small-sided soccer games: about 9.5 miles
Total: 23.5 miles
I'll be taking it nice and easy on Friday and Saturday in preparation for Sunday's 10k. Woooooo!
The Tally
Today: 5.5 run + 2 small-sided soccer games: about 9.5 miles
Total: 23.5 miles
Days Off are Bad News
Seriously.
Let's look at the things I do on days off:
Last year - registered for GRE with less than 6 weeks to go. Thank goodness that turned out ok.
Last month - got a haircut. Regretted it as soon as I walked out of the place.
Today - signed up for not 1, not 2, but 3 races in the next 2 months.
That's right. 3 races.
This weekend is the 2nd Annual Race for Research, a 10k raising money for brain tumor research and awareness.
December 12th is the 32nd Annual Santa Monica Christmas Run, another 10k benefitting a shelter for homeless pregnant women and children.
Then, January 17th is the big one... the PF Chang's Rock n' Roll Marathon, of which I will be doing half.
Wish me luck!!!!!
PS - both of the 10k races have lots of info about volunteering and donating. I'll post info soon for those of you who are interested.
Let's look at the things I do on days off:
Last year - registered for GRE with less than 6 weeks to go. Thank goodness that turned out ok.
Last month - got a haircut. Regretted it as soon as I walked out of the place.
Today - signed up for not 1, not 2, but 3 races in the next 2 months.
That's right. 3 races.
This weekend is the 2nd Annual Race for Research, a 10k raising money for brain tumor research and awareness.
December 12th is the 32nd Annual Santa Monica Christmas Run, another 10k benefitting a shelter for homeless pregnant women and children.
Then, January 17th is the big one... the PF Chang's Rock n' Roll Marathon, of which I will be doing half.
Wish me luck!!!!!
PS - both of the 10k races have lots of info about volunteering and donating. I'll post info soon for those of you who are interested.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
RULES
I realized, I need rules. Structure. For this month - o - fun.
So here it goes. Editing will follow.
Thursdays (and some Saturdays) I play soccer. There's NO FREAKIN WAY I'm running and playing soccer after a day of work... hello, I'm not THAT crazy... so I decided for 45 minutes of play (1 full Thursday game, half a Saturday game) I get 2 miles. Except for this Thursday, which I have off work, and on which I get to run on the beeeeeeeeach during the day. Then play soccer at night! So it's going to be a good day for the ole mileage factor.
Ummmmmmm I can't think of anything else right now. But I will.
Also, I feel compelled... Kids. Don't try this at home. Unless you can. Then do it.
So here it goes. Editing will follow.
Thursdays (and some Saturdays) I play soccer. There's NO FREAKIN WAY I'm running and playing soccer after a day of work... hello, I'm not THAT crazy... so I decided for 45 minutes of play (1 full Thursday game, half a Saturday game) I get 2 miles. Except for this Thursday, which I have off work, and on which I get to run on the beeeeeeeeach during the day. Then play soccer at night! So it's going to be a good day for the ole mileage factor.
Ummmmmmm I can't think of anything else right now. But I will.
Also, I feel compelled... Kids. Don't try this at home. Unless you can. Then do it.
Monday, November 2, 2009
NaRuALoMo
Natural Ruins Are Lovely Messes.
No, that's not it.
Name Rural A Lotta Money
What?
National Run A Lot Month. Aha!
In honor of NaBl/Wr/Si/Ae/wahtever month, I'm doing something too.
Running. A Lot.
2 days in I've logged 2 runs for 6.5 miles. I'd like to run 30/30 days, and at 3 miles a day (at least) that means 90 miles. At least.
HOLY CRAP DID I DO THAT MATH RIGHT???
Wish me luck!
No, that's not it.
Name Rural A Lotta Money
What?
National Run A Lot Month. Aha!
In honor of NaBl/Wr/Si/Ae/wahtever month, I'm doing something too.
Running. A Lot.
2 days in I've logged 2 runs for 6.5 miles. I'd like to run 30/30 days, and at 3 miles a day (at least) that means 90 miles. At least.
HOLY CRAP DID I DO THAT MATH RIGHT???
Wish me luck!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
The Long-Awaited Chocolate Yogurt Cake with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache
The Cake.
The Death-by-Chocolate-and-Peanut-Butter Cake.
The Gain-Five-Pounds-by-Reading-the-Recipe Cake.
Yum.
I've become the office baker. Birthdays are my domain. In September a girl I am close with celebrated her birthday, and requested a cake with chocolate and peanut butter... a girl after my own heart. I had bookmarked this recipe so so long ago, and was just itching for an excuse to make it. It was so so good, sinful and rich and moist and delicious. I've made it twice since then, once for another birthday and once because, well, why the hell not? (Reason why not: unhealthy BMI!) Enjoy.
Chocolate Yogurt Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache
Adapted from Smitten Kitchen, adapted from Irresistable Triple Layer Cakes
Chocolate Yogurt Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch process
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup neutral vegetable oil, such as canola, soybean or vegetable blend
1 cup plain yogurt
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter the bottoms and sides of three 8-inch cakepans.
Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl; combine them well. Add the oil and yogurt and blend. Slowly beat in the water, then the vinegar and vanilla. Whisk in eggs and beat until well incorporated.
Bake 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean. Let cool completely in fridge.
Frost and top with ganache. Refrigerate to allow cake to set. Remove 1 hour before serving.
Peanut Butter Frosting
(I usually double this)
10 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
5 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
2/3 cup smooth peanut butter, preferably a commercial brand (because oil doesn’t separate out)
Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add the confectioners’ sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly. After all sugar is incorporated, beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add peanut butter and mix until blended.
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Glaze
8 ounces seimsweet chocolate, chopped
4 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup half-and-half
Melt the chocolate and peanut butter over a double boiler, stirring often. Remove from heat, whisk in half-and-half, and beat until smooth.
The Death-by-Chocolate-and-Peanut-Butter Cake.
The Gain-Five-Pounds-by-Reading-the-Recipe Cake.
Yum.
I've become the office baker. Birthdays are my domain. In September a girl I am close with celebrated her birthday, and requested a cake with chocolate and peanut butter... a girl after my own heart. I had bookmarked this recipe so so long ago, and was just itching for an excuse to make it. It was so so good, sinful and rich and moist and delicious. I've made it twice since then, once for another birthday and once because, well, why the hell not? (Reason why not: unhealthy BMI!) Enjoy.
Chocolate Yogurt Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache
Adapted from Smitten Kitchen, adapted from Irresistable Triple Layer Cakes
Chocolate Yogurt Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch process
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup neutral vegetable oil, such as canola, soybean or vegetable blend
1 cup plain yogurt
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter the bottoms and sides of three 8-inch cakepans.
Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl; combine them well. Add the oil and yogurt and blend. Slowly beat in the water, then the vinegar and vanilla. Whisk in eggs and beat until well incorporated.
Bake 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean. Let cool completely in fridge.
Frost and top with ganache. Refrigerate to allow cake to set. Remove 1 hour before serving.
Peanut Butter Frosting
(I usually double this)
10 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
5 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
2/3 cup smooth peanut butter, preferably a commercial brand (because oil doesn’t separate out)
Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add the confectioners’ sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly. After all sugar is incorporated, beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add peanut butter and mix until blended.
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Glaze
8 ounces seimsweet chocolate, chopped
4 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup half-and-half
Melt the chocolate and peanut butter over a double boiler, stirring often. Remove from heat, whisk in half-and-half, and beat until smooth.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
YAY!
I ran today!
Let me back up.
I've been running for a year. Over a year! Quite religiously. Multiple times a week. I have lost weight and I have rediscovered muscles and I love it.
About a month ago I started having mystery pains in my left knee. For someone who made it through years of competative soccer with little more than a broken arm, this was frustrating.
I rested for a few days. Tried again. Pain. Rest for a few days. Try again. Pain.
So I decided to do the unthinkable: Take. Time. Off.
And I did. For 2 painful weeks. I did not run or play soccer or do anything more exciting than walk. I looked on wistfully when I drove past runners and I may or may not have slept with my (brand new, expensive) fancy running shoes. I pined. But I did it.
Today I started running again, nice and easy. I ran two miles. I huffed and puffed. Two weeks off takes a lot out of your lung capacity. But I was gentle and I made sure my muscles were properly belimbered (word?).
IT FELT SO GOOD.
I want to run like 2983 miles tomorrow because it felt so good. Or 5. Or 9. Or more than 2. Gahhhhhhhhhh I missed running. Its an addiction, really. But I'm glad to be back :)
Let me back up.
I've been running for a year. Over a year! Quite religiously. Multiple times a week. I have lost weight and I have rediscovered muscles and I love it.
About a month ago I started having mystery pains in my left knee. For someone who made it through years of competative soccer with little more than a broken arm, this was frustrating.
I rested for a few days. Tried again. Pain. Rest for a few days. Try again. Pain.
So I decided to do the unthinkable: Take. Time. Off.
And I did. For 2 painful weeks. I did not run or play soccer or do anything more exciting than walk. I looked on wistfully when I drove past runners and I may or may not have slept with my (brand new, expensive) fancy running shoes. I pined. But I did it.
Today I started running again, nice and easy. I ran two miles. I huffed and puffed. Two weeks off takes a lot out of your lung capacity. But I was gentle and I made sure my muscles were properly belimbered (word?).
IT FELT SO GOOD.
I want to run like 2983 miles tomorrow because it felt so good. Or 5. Or 9. Or more than 2. Gahhhhhhhhhh I missed running. Its an addiction, really. But I'm glad to be back :)
Monday, October 19, 2009
On a Lighter Note
Things that make me happy today.
Boyfriend
Kiddie Porn
Obviously
Love
Boston
Funny Faces
Soccer
New York City
Happiness
Playa del Rey
Babies
Madaket
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sad Face
Today, another person lost his life to cancer.
A healthy 50 year old father of two. A husband. A friend. A coach.
I happen to be close to this man's older child. Needless to say, my friend is crushed. This is not something people our age should have to go through, a parent's death. But my friend is. And its heart breaking.
I knew Kevin well, too. He was the first coach to cut me from a soccer team. I never let him forget it :) In high school he came to my games as well as his son's and he would give me pointers and his thoughts. He was like that. He was always getting involved. He coached soccer long after his kids were grown and off at college, he just loved being a part of that community. He touched the lives of hundreds and hundreds of soccer players, and he will be very much missed.
We lost Kevin to cancer. Cancer. We don't need to lose anyone from cancer. We can beat cancer. We can find a cure.
Give.
Run.
Learn.
Advocate.
Walk.
Register to Donate.
A healthy 50 year old father of two. A husband. A friend. A coach.
I happen to be close to this man's older child. Needless to say, my friend is crushed. This is not something people our age should have to go through, a parent's death. But my friend is. And its heart breaking.
I knew Kevin well, too. He was the first coach to cut me from a soccer team. I never let him forget it :) In high school he came to my games as well as his son's and he would give me pointers and his thoughts. He was like that. He was always getting involved. He coached soccer long after his kids were grown and off at college, he just loved being a part of that community. He touched the lives of hundreds and hundreds of soccer players, and he will be very much missed.
We lost Kevin to cancer. Cancer. We don't need to lose anyone from cancer. We can beat cancer. We can find a cure.
Give.
Run.
Learn.
Advocate.
Walk.
Register to Donate.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Um.
Oh. My. God.
If the argument against allowing gay marriage is that it could be the downfall of the so-called sanctity of marriage... what the hell would this be all about? Here are two people. In love. Committing to each other. And heterosexual. And completely within their rights as citizens and human beings. AND THE FRIGGIN JUDGE WON'T LET THEM GET MARRIED BECAUSE ONE IS BLACK AND ONE IS WHITE.
Um.
Did segregation come back? Did we regress back into "seperate - but - equal"?
Did we know that THOUSANDS of couples have babies that are not fit to raise them? Do we know about poverty and crack and youth and drunkness and stupidity? Do we know that EVERY SINGLE CHILD that is born faces hardship, isolation, and hardship at some point in their lives... its a part of growing up. GAHHHHHH.
We are all the same. Old and young. Black and white and brown. Rich and poor. Middle class. Smart and dumb. Gay and straight. And everything in between. We all want to love and be loved, we all want to take care of our loved ones. We all want the chance to influence a life in a positive way. We all want the chance to pursue the things that make us happy. Like love. Like marriage. Like procreation. And the chance to screw up our kids in our own special way. And no judge, no lawmaker, no court, no people or group of people should be able to take that away from anyone. Anyone.
If the argument against allowing gay marriage is that it could be the downfall of the so-called sanctity of marriage... what the hell would this be all about? Here are two people. In love. Committing to each other. And heterosexual. And completely within their rights as citizens and human beings. AND THE FRIGGIN JUDGE WON'T LET THEM GET MARRIED BECAUSE ONE IS BLACK AND ONE IS WHITE.
Um.
Did segregation come back? Did we regress back into "seperate - but - equal"?
Did we know that THOUSANDS of couples have babies that are not fit to raise them? Do we know about poverty and crack and youth and drunkness and stupidity? Do we know that EVERY SINGLE CHILD that is born faces hardship, isolation, and hardship at some point in their lives... its a part of growing up. GAHHHHHH.
We are all the same. Old and young. Black and white and brown. Rich and poor. Middle class. Smart and dumb. Gay and straight. And everything in between. We all want to love and be loved, we all want to take care of our loved ones. We all want the chance to influence a life in a positive way. We all want the chance to pursue the things that make us happy. Like love. Like marriage. Like procreation. And the chance to screw up our kids in our own special way. And no judge, no lawmaker, no court, no people or group of people should be able to take that away from anyone. Anyone.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Poetry, Part II
Maybe nothingness is to be without your presence,
without you moving, slicing the noon
like a blue flower, without you walking
later through the fog and the cobbles,
without the light you carry in your hand,
golden, which maybe others will not see,
which maybe no one knew was growing
like the red beginnings of a rose.
In short, without your presence: without your coming
suddenly, incitingly, to know my life,
gust of a rosebush, wheat of wind:
since then I am because you are,
since then you are, I am, we are,
and through love I will be, you will be, we'll be
Pablo Neruda
without you moving, slicing the noon
like a blue flower, without you walking
later through the fog and the cobbles,
without the light you carry in your hand,
golden, which maybe others will not see,
which maybe no one knew was growing
like the red beginnings of a rose.
In short, without your presence: without your coming
suddenly, incitingly, to know my life,
gust of a rosebush, wheat of wind:
since then I am because you are,
since then you are, I am, we are,
and through love I will be, you will be, we'll be
Pablo Neruda
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Zucchini Basil Soup
The Boyfriend was out of town last week. This means a few things around here: 1) The apartment was a mess. I didn't do dishes or laundry or wipe off the counters. It was pretty gross. 2) I got to eat whatever I wanted. I didn't have to fight for veggies and I didn't have to have meat at every. single. meal. It was glorious.
I went to the farmer's market in Santa Monica on Saturday morning - another novelty - most of the time I can't drag Boyfriend out of the apartment on days that football is on TV. There was so much pretty, fresh produce and I couldn't help but buy close to 3 pounds of zucchini. And a pound of pluots. And the biggest freakin' sweet potato I have EVER seen. And a pomegranate. Mmmmmmmm fresh produce.
When I got home and assesed my spoils there was no way around it - I needed to do something with all the dang zucchini. When this recipe popped up on my google reader I knew it was the one - besides the abundence of summer squash, I also have a basil plant in my little garden that is just overflowing. And so it was
Zucchini Basil Soup
adapted from caviarandcodfish.com
1 lb zucchini, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cups chicken stock
1/3 cup packed basil leaves
salt to taste
Saute onion and garlic in oil in a large saucepan until the onion is clear and soft. Add zucchini, salt, and chicken stock and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer soup to a blender along with the basil and blend until it reaches the desired consistency.
Yum.
I went to the farmer's market in Santa Monica on Saturday morning - another novelty - most of the time I can't drag Boyfriend out of the apartment on days that football is on TV. There was so much pretty, fresh produce and I couldn't help but buy close to 3 pounds of zucchini. And a pound of pluots. And the biggest freakin' sweet potato I have EVER seen. And a pomegranate. Mmmmmmmm fresh produce.
When I got home and assesed my spoils there was no way around it - I needed to do something with all the dang zucchini. When this recipe popped up on my google reader I knew it was the one - besides the abundence of summer squash, I also have a basil plant in my little garden that is just overflowing. And so it was
Zucchini Basil Soup
adapted from caviarandcodfish.com
1 lb zucchini, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cups chicken stock
1/3 cup packed basil leaves
salt to taste
Saute onion and garlic in oil in a large saucepan until the onion is clear and soft. Add zucchini, salt, and chicken stock and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer soup to a blender along with the basil and blend until it reaches the desired consistency.
Yum.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Giggle
I know the, what, two of you who read this have probably never done this before...
But go look at nfl.com. Right now. I'll wait.
Yes. You saw that right. Its pink. For the next two weeks. 2 weeks! Apparantly the Commisioner has some ties to breast cancer so the league is doing a big breast cancer awareness/fundraiser. So everyone is going to be wearing pink. Pink on the referee uniforms, pink suits on the sidelines, pink pink pink! Weeeeeeeeeeee!
I can't think of any other organization - especially one that is SO male-dominated - that would be secure enough to pull this off. But kudos to the NFL on this one. Go boobies!
But go look at nfl.com. Right now. I'll wait.
Yes. You saw that right. Its pink. For the next two weeks. 2 weeks! Apparantly the Commisioner has some ties to breast cancer so the league is doing a big breast cancer awareness/fundraiser. So everyone is going to be wearing pink. Pink on the referee uniforms, pink suits on the sidelines, pink pink pink! Weeeeeeeeeeee!
I can't think of any other organization - especially one that is SO male-dominated - that would be secure enough to pull this off. But kudos to the NFL on this one. Go boobies!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Jambalaya
Ok, no cake this time. Because this cake deserves documentation, and my camera is not being friends with my computer right now. So we'll come back to the cake later, maybe after I work off the 5lbs I gained eating it!
I've mentioned before that I like to cook on Sunday afternoons. D and I like to try new things on those days too - we've made dumplings, gnocchi, all sorts of goodness for the first time on Sundays. A few weeks ago I asked D what he wanted to make and he had one word for me: jambalaya.
Side note: This is why I love this man.
Anyway, neither of us have very much experience with jambalaya, and our version is less-than-authentic. He doesn't eat pork and I don't eat seafood so our meats were chicken and turkey sausage. Louisiana, I apologize. However inauthentic, it was still quite tasty!
Jambalaya
2 chicken breasts (1lb)
3 sausages (1lb)
extra virgin olive oil
1 can whole peeled tomatoes
2 onions
2 green peppers
6 celery stalks
Garlic
1/2 can tomato paste
6 green onion
chicken stock
salt and pepper
paprika
italian seasoning
cajun seasoning
4 bay leaves
1 can kidney beans
1 can black eyed peas
tabasco
3c rice
Saute chicken and turkey sausage with olive oil in a large pot until cooked through. Remove and drain meat. Saute chopped onion, pepper, and celery with garlic until onion is translucent.
Add tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, chicken broth and seasoning to pot. Season to taste.
Add rice. Cover and cook on medium heat until rice is done.
Return meat to pot. Serve warm.
I've mentioned before that I like to cook on Sunday afternoons. D and I like to try new things on those days too - we've made dumplings, gnocchi, all sorts of goodness for the first time on Sundays. A few weeks ago I asked D what he wanted to make and he had one word for me: jambalaya.
Side note: This is why I love this man.
Anyway, neither of us have very much experience with jambalaya, and our version is less-than-authentic. He doesn't eat pork and I don't eat seafood so our meats were chicken and turkey sausage. Louisiana, I apologize. However inauthentic, it was still quite tasty!
Jambalaya
2 chicken breasts (1lb)
3 sausages (1lb)
extra virgin olive oil
1 can whole peeled tomatoes
2 onions
2 green peppers
6 celery stalks
Garlic
1/2 can tomato paste
6 green onion
chicken stock
salt and pepper
paprika
italian seasoning
cajun seasoning
4 bay leaves
1 can kidney beans
1 can black eyed peas
tabasco
3c rice
Saute chicken and turkey sausage with olive oil in a large pot until cooked through. Remove and drain meat. Saute chopped onion, pepper, and celery with garlic until onion is translucent.
Add tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, chicken broth and seasoning to pot. Season to taste.
Add rice. Cover and cook on medium heat until rice is done.
Return meat to pot. Serve warm.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Pretending to be Jewish
I mentioned last week was Rosh Hashanah, but I wasn't done telling stories about it.
One New Year tradition is one of eating apples and honey. Together, they signify a blessing for a sweet new year. It is also traditional to eat challah, a Jewish egg bread, made in a special circular loaf (instead of its more familiar braid).
The area I work in is fairly Jewish. And by that I mean it has a Jewish population that is significant in LA, which is to say its pretty damn Jewish. There are a number of Jewish bakeries around my work, so I figured there would be no problem picking up a fresh loaf of challah on my lunch hour last Friday. I mapquested the closest one, only about a mile away from work, and was all set to make the quick trip over for my bread.
I was wrong.
As I was getting ready to head over to the bakery, a patient informed me she had just been there - and said it had taken her almost 2 hours to get her challah and her babka. Cue oh shit moment. I drove over and sure enough, the place was packed. I took my number - I was 96 and they were only helping number 32. But I was already there, so I waited. And waited. And waited.
There was no way they were getting to 96 before 12:30. I had almost given up hope when a nice lady tapped me on the shoulder and said "Don't you work for Doctor *@#&?" We wear pretty distinctive uniforms so I guess I was an easy spot. We started talking and when her number, 68, came up at 12:15 she offered to let me order with her. I ordered two loaves - plain and raisin - pulled out my money and told her I would like to please pay for her challah. She practically laughed at me and shooed me out the door and back to work.
This was awesome. And it would have been more awesome if I knew who the hell my challah fairy was. She had these big sunglasses on the whole time so I didn't recognize her... all I knew was that she was short, middle aged, Jewish, and the wife of a physician. Um... shit?
Back at work I was asking everyone who she could be - the doctor, the office manager, everyone. I left work Friday not being any closer to knowing who she was, but went home and blessed that challah and broke bread and ate it and said a little thank you for her generosity. Then promptly forgot about it.
Until she walked into our office on Tuesday afternoon to see the nutritionist. She walked by, I smiled like a dork not having a clue who she was until she asked me how the challah was. I jumped up and hugged her and did a little dance as she walked away. I think it was god's way of saying thank you for sitting through services by myself on Saturday :)
One New Year tradition is one of eating apples and honey. Together, they signify a blessing for a sweet new year. It is also traditional to eat challah, a Jewish egg bread, made in a special circular loaf (instead of its more familiar braid).
The area I work in is fairly Jewish. And by that I mean it has a Jewish population that is significant in LA, which is to say its pretty damn Jewish. There are a number of Jewish bakeries around my work, so I figured there would be no problem picking up a fresh loaf of challah on my lunch hour last Friday. I mapquested the closest one, only about a mile away from work, and was all set to make the quick trip over for my bread.
I was wrong.
As I was getting ready to head over to the bakery, a patient informed me she had just been there - and said it had taken her almost 2 hours to get her challah and her babka. Cue oh shit moment. I drove over and sure enough, the place was packed. I took my number - I was 96 and they were only helping number 32. But I was already there, so I waited. And waited. And waited.
There was no way they were getting to 96 before 12:30. I had almost given up hope when a nice lady tapped me on the shoulder and said "Don't you work for Doctor *@#&?" We wear pretty distinctive uniforms so I guess I was an easy spot. We started talking and when her number, 68, came up at 12:15 she offered to let me order with her. I ordered two loaves - plain and raisin - pulled out my money and told her I would like to please pay for her challah. She practically laughed at me and shooed me out the door and back to work.
This was awesome. And it would have been more awesome if I knew who the hell my challah fairy was. She had these big sunglasses on the whole time so I didn't recognize her... all I knew was that she was short, middle aged, Jewish, and the wife of a physician. Um... shit?
Back at work I was asking everyone who she could be - the doctor, the office manager, everyone. I left work Friday not being any closer to knowing who she was, but went home and blessed that challah and broke bread and ate it and said a little thank you for her generosity. Then promptly forgot about it.
Until she walked into our office on Tuesday afternoon to see the nutritionist. She walked by, I smiled like a dork not having a clue who she was until she asked me how the challah was. I jumped up and hugged her and did a little dance as she walked away. I think it was god's way of saying thank you for sitting through services by myself on Saturday :)
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Boom, Baby!
Hellooooooo there.
I've been inside all day. We only left the apartment to go to Fresh n Easy. I really love the beginning of football season. By the middle, though, yuk. And then the playoffs come around and I'm excited again. But right now I'm really enjoying holing up on the couch for a solid 3 games.
Especially when its been such a busy few weeks!
Luckily my job hasn't been keeping me late... actually, my boss is kicking me out right on time. He doesn't want to pay me overtime. But I LIKE overtime... but getting home at a good time is nice too :)
This Saturday was Rosh Hashanah, which is the Jewish New Year. We celebrated by going to services at the local Chabad (Jewish Community Center) and coming home for a nice meal. Services, though... they were interesting!
I've only gone to services with D a few times, including last Rosh Hashanah. Last year we went with his cousins to their synagogue, and it was a pretty laid back time. This year was, umm, a little more serious. We walked in to the hotel that was hosting and struck up a convo with the Rabbi who told us a little more about his way of doing things. He told us it was a nice mix of old and new traditions - a shorter service, in Hebrew, with a traditional seating arrangement.
Which means on opposite sides of the room.
.......AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..........
So to summarize what was to be going on: Non Jew in Rosh Hashanah services. Non Hebrew speaking person in a 90% Hebrew situation. No idea whats going on, what to do, or when to turn the page. And on the opposite side of the room from the only person she knows.
At that point in time I started having a mini breakdown. What was I going to do? But we picked up our prayer books, walked in, sat down and when the service began it wasn't so bad. We were quite close to each other and I'm pretty sure there was no pointing and laughing at me, so I must not have stood out too much. Whew.
The service was actually really cool. All of the Hebrew was more sung than spoken, and for such a punctuated language it was beautiful. It was really neat to sit in that room and think that this was the same way Jews have been celebrating this holiday for thousands of years - the same words, the same prayers, the same songs. I love learning about D's culture and religion, its so different than what I grew up on and such an important part of who he is. Its a neat experience for me to get to tag along and experience that too :)
Here's to another week - make it a good one!
I've been inside all day. We only left the apartment to go to Fresh n Easy. I really love the beginning of football season. By the middle, though, yuk. And then the playoffs come around and I'm excited again. But right now I'm really enjoying holing up on the couch for a solid 3 games.
Especially when its been such a busy few weeks!
Luckily my job hasn't been keeping me late... actually, my boss is kicking me out right on time. He doesn't want to pay me overtime. But I LIKE overtime... but getting home at a good time is nice too :)
This Saturday was Rosh Hashanah, which is the Jewish New Year. We celebrated by going to services at the local Chabad (Jewish Community Center) and coming home for a nice meal. Services, though... they were interesting!
I've only gone to services with D a few times, including last Rosh Hashanah. Last year we went with his cousins to their synagogue, and it was a pretty laid back time. This year was, umm, a little more serious. We walked in to the hotel that was hosting and struck up a convo with the Rabbi who told us a little more about his way of doing things. He told us it was a nice mix of old and new traditions - a shorter service, in Hebrew, with a traditional seating arrangement.
Which means on opposite sides of the room.
.......AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..........
So to summarize what was to be going on: Non Jew in Rosh Hashanah services. Non Hebrew speaking person in a 90% Hebrew situation. No idea whats going on, what to do, or when to turn the page. And on the opposite side of the room from the only person she knows.
At that point in time I started having a mini breakdown. What was I going to do? But we picked up our prayer books, walked in, sat down and when the service began it wasn't so bad. We were quite close to each other and I'm pretty sure there was no pointing and laughing at me, so I must not have stood out too much. Whew.
The service was actually really cool. All of the Hebrew was more sung than spoken, and for such a punctuated language it was beautiful. It was really neat to sit in that room and think that this was the same way Jews have been celebrating this holiday for thousands of years - the same words, the same prayers, the same songs. I love learning about D's culture and religion, its so different than what I grew up on and such an important part of who he is. Its a neat experience for me to get to tag along and experience that too :)
Here's to another week - make it a good one!
Cuban Dinner
The actual Cuban name for this is Picadillo, but in my family it is simply known as Cuban Dinner. My whole extended family goes on vacation together quite a bit, and every time we are all together we convince my grandmother to make this. Though, I won't lie, its not much work to convince her :) My grandmother grew up in Cuba - my great grandfather was in the CIA and was based at Guantanamo. This is her recipe, based on what she ate in her childhood. Nowadays picadillo can be quite fancy, with potatoes or olives or capers or all sorts of yummy things mixed in, but this recipe is nice and simple. Just like Cuba, in the 30's.
Gran's Picadillo
1 lb ground beef
2 peppers
2 onions
Garlic
1 small can tomato paste
Red Wine
Cumin
Oregano
Black Beans
Rice
Brown beef in a large pan - it does not need to be done all the way, you'll be cooking it again. Remove beef from pan and saute chopped onions, peppers, and garlic. When the onions are done, remove 1/3 of the veggies and mix into the black beans. Return the beef to the pan with the remaining veggies. Add tomato paste plus 1 can-full each of water and red wine. Season to taste with cumin and oregano.
Serve with rice and black beans. My gran also serves with crusty bread or crackers.
Gran's Picadillo
1 lb ground beef
2 peppers
2 onions
Garlic
1 small can tomato paste
Red Wine
Cumin
Oregano
Black Beans
Rice
Brown beef in a large pan - it does not need to be done all the way, you'll be cooking it again. Remove beef from pan and saute chopped onions, peppers, and garlic. When the onions are done, remove 1/3 of the veggies and mix into the black beans. Return the beef to the pan with the remaining veggies. Add tomato paste plus 1 can-full each of water and red wine. Season to taste with cumin and oregano.
Serve with rice and black beans. My gran also serves with crusty bread or crackers.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Haircut.
Its time. I'm sad, but its time.
I'm thinking short. And more blonde. Like Reese Witherspoon:
I'm thinking short. And more blonde. Like Reese Witherspoon:
What do we think?
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Adventures in Grilling
You may think that its all fun and games being with someone who works for the The League. You may think its all meeting players, going to League functions, and getting free stuff. You may think that free rent is actually free, and free cars come without strings attached.
Most of the time, you would be right. But this week, ohhhhhh, this week. You are wrong.
This is a big big week for The League. This is a very important night, too. So this week poor D has worked his little butt off. He has spent multiple 12 hour days at the office. On his lunch hour he has been leaving his department to go help another. He has only eaten dinner before 9 when The League has brought it in for him and his fellow laborers. I have seen the boy for a grand total of 4 hours since Monday. I feel bad for him. And for me.
Take tonight for example. For dinner I decided to make myself some chicken kabobs with an orzo salad. Sounds delicious, right? The only problem in my way was the grill. D is our resident grill master - I grew up on charcol and I just don't know how to work these fancy gas contraptions. But the kabobs, they called to me. Besides, how hard could it be? Fire + food = cooked food. Its an equation our monkey ancestors could solve; why couldn't I?
The cooking part went well. So did the eating.
The part that didn't go well was not burning my arm on the 350 degree grill. And then again on the kabob skewer.
From now on I'm going to leave the grilling to the grill master.
PS, Dear boyfriend... come home soon.
Most of the time, you would be right. But this week, ohhhhhh, this week. You are wrong.
This is a big big week for The League. This is a very important night, too. So this week poor D has worked his little butt off. He has spent multiple 12 hour days at the office. On his lunch hour he has been leaving his department to go help another. He has only eaten dinner before 9 when The League has brought it in for him and his fellow laborers. I have seen the boy for a grand total of 4 hours since Monday. I feel bad for him. And for me.
Take tonight for example. For dinner I decided to make myself some chicken kabobs with an orzo salad. Sounds delicious, right? The only problem in my way was the grill. D is our resident grill master - I grew up on charcol and I just don't know how to work these fancy gas contraptions. But the kabobs, they called to me. Besides, how hard could it be? Fire + food = cooked food. Its an equation our monkey ancestors could solve; why couldn't I?
The cooking part went well. So did the eating.
The part that didn't go well was not burning my arm on the 350 degree grill. And then again on the kabob skewer.
From now on I'm going to leave the grilling to the grill master.
PS, Dear boyfriend... come home soon.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
I've Done It
I've disgusted myself. With chocolate. And peanut butter. In cake form.
Its no surprise, I guess. There are 8 cups of sugar in this cake.
8. Freakin. Cups.
More tomorrow. Or whenever I wake up from the food coma.
Its no surprise, I guess. There are 8 cups of sugar in this cake.
8. Freakin. Cups.
More tomorrow. Or whenever I wake up from the food coma.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Whew
That was a pretty intense post there. I get that way sometimes.
You know what was not intense? My weekend.
I went to the beach. Both days. I'm happy to report I did NOT get sun burnt.
And I went on a relaxing 9 mile run. I love my runs.
I have a new exercise website obsession; runthere.com. It keeps a fitness log for you. I ran almost 50 miles in August. Plus played soccer twice a week.
And this week I have a short (4.5 day) week. Yes that is a GOOD half day. At noon on Friday I will be on my way home for the long weekend.
Not gonna lie, I'm going to despise being in 100+ degree heat. 'Cause here its, oh, perfect degrees.
I might get to see MEGS this weekend. So excited. So proud. So nervous! So ridiculous.
Do we know its almost football season? I mean I know. Obviously. My life kind of revolves around football season, and not in that obsessed-fan kind of way. More in a how-much-the-significant-other-is-at-work sort of way. I'm excited.
That sounded mean. I didn't mean it like that. You share a 450 square foot apartment with another human being and tell me how much you appreciate your alone time :)
Congrats to Scott and Lonica. She is beautiful.
Happy September!
You know what was not intense? My weekend.
I went to the beach. Both days. I'm happy to report I did NOT get sun burnt.
And I went on a relaxing 9 mile run. I love my runs.
I have a new exercise website obsession; runthere.com. It keeps a fitness log for you. I ran almost 50 miles in August. Plus played soccer twice a week.
And this week I have a short (4.5 day) week. Yes that is a GOOD half day. At noon on Friday I will be on my way home for the long weekend.
Not gonna lie, I'm going to despise being in 100+ degree heat. 'Cause here its, oh, perfect degrees.
I might get to see MEGS this weekend. So excited. So proud. So nervous! So ridiculous.
Do we know its almost football season? I mean I know. Obviously. My life kind of revolves around football season, and not in that obsessed-fan kind of way. More in a how-much-the-significant-other-is-at-work sort of way. I'm excited.
That sounded mean. I didn't mean it like that. You share a 450 square foot apartment with another human being and tell me how much you appreciate your alone time :)
Congrats to Scott and Lonica. She is beautiful.
Happy September!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
BY THE WAY
Attention: Soapbox
You may not have liked Edward Kennedy. You may not have agreed with his policy, you may not have liked his family, you might have held him responsible for some awful things.
But you must let him die in peace.
I was reading an article earlier this week about the life and service of Senator Kennedy and in the comments section there were some pretty awful things said. Lots of comments about the death of the girl on Martha's Vineyard, lots of comments about what a good riddance it was, and one poor jerk went so far as to speculate how much money his family has made off the Special Olympics.
Um, I'm pretty sure the Kennedy family was wealthy LONG before the Special Olympics. Have you ever heard of Hyannis Port?
My point is this: until your family has served this country the way the Kennedy family has, until you've lived your entire life in the eye of America, until everyone has judged your character flaws and mistakes, until you understand what its like to have lived that life - shut the hell up. We have no right to judge other human beings, especially when we haven't the slightest idea what its like to be in their shoes. If you are a good god-fearing christian, you can rest assured Ed Kennedy has now been judged by the appropriate authority, and keep your opinions as to where his immortal soul is to yourself. Or at least off the comments section on CNN.
Kennedy Accomplishments
1962
Edward M. Kennedy is elected to the United States Senate.
1963
Senator Kennedy becomes a member of the Health Committee and Judiciary Committee in the Senate, and works on fishery research and development, the NASA Electronics Research Center, and the Northeast Airlines Boston-Miami route.
1964
Senator Kennedy makes his maiden speech to the Senate on the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was signed on July 2, 1964, and outlawed segregation in public accommodations. He also strongly supported the Economic Opportunity Act, a key bill in President Johnson's war on poverty, which was signed on August 20, 1964. The Act stated that programs would be "developed, conducted and administered with the maximum feasible participation and the residents of the areas and members of the groups served." It also established community action programs to deal directly with the roots of poverty. In the fall election, Robert Kennedy was elected to the Senate by New York.
1965
The first major bill that Senator Kennedy managed on the Senate floor was the Immigration Act of 1965. It was enacted and stood as a major turning point in immigration and civil rights policy because it eliminated discriminatory immigration quotas which favored European immigration, but restricted immigration from other parts of the world. The 1965 Act gave priority to immigrants based on their skills and family relationships. Senator Kennedy also won passage of a bill establishing The National Teacher Corps, which awarded scholarships to college students who agreed to teach for at least two years in economically-distressed rural and urban areas after graduation, a program which continues today. He was also a strong and vocal supporter of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, to end discrimination against minorities in voting.
1966
Senator Kennedy passed legislation creating the national community health center program. He joined a health center in Columbia Point in Dorchester, Massachusetts, with a center in Mound Bayou, Mississippi as the start of a national program that now includes more that 1200 health centers nationally serving more than 20 million low income patients.
1967
Senator Kennedy was a strong supporter of the school reforms in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the first comprehensive federal aid for public schools. He also made his first speech that openly questioned the Vietnam War.
1968
Senator Kennedy was a strong supporter of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, the third major civil rights legislation of the decade after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. As a result of Senator Kennedy's championing of bilingual education, the Bilingual Education Act of 1968 was passed by Congress. The Act required schools to offer bilingual education programs, the first time Congress had endorsed funding for bilingual education. Senator Kennedy was also a leading supporter of President Johnson's Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act.
1969
Senator Kennedy gives his first speech calling for national health insurance for all Americans. His amendment creating a minimum tax -- the so-called "Alternative Minimum Tax" -- becomes law, setting a limit on the amount of taxation for middle-income Americans.
1970
Senator Kennedy amended the Voting Rights Act to lower the voting age to 18, laying the basis for a constitutional amendment moving the voting age from 21 to age 18. He was also a leader in enacting the Occupational Health and Safety Act to protect workers on jobs and the Older American Community Service Employment Act. To ease the high cost of home heating, Senator Kennedy actively worked to create a fuel assistance program for low-income persons now known as the Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program or "LIHEAP". He was also responsible for legislation laying the basis for the "War on Cancer" by quadrupling funds for cancer research and prevention. When President Nixon attempted to pocket veto Senator Kennedy's Family Protection of Medicine Act, the Senate won a court decision invalidating the pocket veto and enacting the law.
1971
Senator Kennedy becomes Chairman of the Senate Health Subcommittee. He held a series of field hearings around the country on national health insurance, and is a leader in passing the National Cancer Act to expand research on all aspects of cancer. Inspired by the civil rights movement in the United States and because of his growing concern over British policy in Northern Ireland, Senator Kennedy joins Senator Ribicoff in introducing a Senate Resolution calling for immediate withdrawal of British troops from Northern Ireland and the unification of Ireland, beginning his long involvement with Northern Ireland.
1972
Senator Kennedy champions the Meals on Wheels Act, which offers nutritional meals to homebound senior citizens and the Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program, known as WIC, which offers food, nutrition counseling, and health services to low-income women, infants, and children. Kennedy was also a key supporter of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which protects women from discrimination in educational institutions and increases opportunities for women to participate in college sports.
1973
Senator Kennedy continues to improve legal services and emergency health services for the poor, and improve educational opportunities for persons with disabilities. After the revelation of several life-threatening research projects with human subjects, many of whom were Americans who were minorities, institutionalized or incarcerated, Senator Kennedy's Health Subcommittee held 11 days of hearings into the ethical implications of human experimentation. These hearings resulted in strengthened regulation of human experimentation and the establishment of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects in Biomedical and Behavioral Research. In addition, Senator Kennedy and Senator Hugh Scott sponsor legislation for public financing of Senate and House elections. The bill is approved by the Senate but not the House.
1974
After the CIA-backed military coup that toppled democratic government in Chile and brought General Pinochet to power, Senator Kennedy leads the fight to cut off U.S. military aid to Chile. His amendment to the foreign aid bill marked the first time that Congress had ended military aid to another nation. Kennedy and Wilbur Mills, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, introduced comprehensive legislation providing national health insurance.
1975
Senator Kennedy was an original cosponsor of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, which later became the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and requires a free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities in every state.
1976
Senator Kennedy offers numerous amendments to the Tax Reform Act to increase fairness in the tax laws.
1977
Senator Kennedy, Senator Moynihan, House Speaker O'Neill, and NY Governor Carey (the "Four Horsemen") issue a statement on St. Patrick's Day condemning IRA violence in Northern Ireland.
1978
Senator Kennedy led the successful effort to deregulate the airline industry, enabling airlines to set competitive rates and reduce costs for consumers. His constitutional amendment to grant full voting rights to citizens of the District of Columbia was approved by Congress, but was not ratified by the states. He was also a principal sponsor of the Civil Rights Commission Act Amendments, which expanded the jurisdiction of the Commission to protect persons with disabilities from discrimination.
1979
Senator Kennedy becomes Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and was influential in encouraging the selection of women and minorities in judicial nominations.
1980
Senator Kennedy campaigns for the Democratic nomination for President. In that same year, Senator Kennedy introduced the Civil Rights for Institutionalized Persons Act, which enforced the constitutional rights of persons in government institutions such as the elderly, the disabled, the mentally ill, and the incarcerated. The Act ensures humane living conditions and also protected the religious practices of the institutionalized. Senator Kennedy also authored the Refugee Act of 1980, setting a standard for who gets political asylum in the United States and which refugees are rescued from persecution.
1981
Senator Kennedy relinquished his chairmanship of the Senate Judiciary Committee to become Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources, in order to focus on the issues relating to jobs, education, and health care. He obtained greater Congressional support for low-income energy assistance programs, opposed the Reagan tax cuts, and created the "Friends of Ireland" organization in Congress for members of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
1982
Senator Kennedy is the chief sponsor of the Voting Rights Act Amendments, which led to increased minority representation in Congress and state legislatures nationwide. He also sponsors the Job Training Partnership Act to educate and train the nation's front-line workforce and reinstates the Summer Job Program. With Senator Mark Hatfield, he proposed a Nuclear Freeze Resolution to halt the nuclear arms race.
1983
Senator Kennedy becomes a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He strongly supports nuclear arms control and opposes the Star Wars Program to expand the nuclear arms race into space.
1984
Senator Kennedy sponsors legislation requiring polling stations to provide accessibility for physically disabled and elderly people to vote in federal elections. He is also a strong supporter of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act and its major reform of federal sentencing standards to end widespread disparities in the sentences of similar offenders.
1985
Senator Kennedy introduces the Anti-Apartheid Act to impose economic sanctions against South Africa in response to pressure that government to end legalized racial discrimination in that country. The Act ultimately won broad bipartisan support in Congress and was enacted into law when Congress overrode President Reagan's veto.
1986
Senator Kennedy sponsors several bills to assist persons with disabilities, including the Employment Opportunities for Disabled Americans Act, which made work incentives for disabled individuals part of the Social Security Act; the Handicapped Children's Protection Act, overturning a Supreme Court decision and enabling courts to award attorneys fees to parents of children with disabilities in litigation under the Education Act; and the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments, authorizing grants for early learning for infants and toddlers with disabilities. In foreign policy, during a visit by Senator Kennedy to the Soviet Union, Soviet leader Gorbachev informed him that he would sign a treaty to prevent the basing of nuclear missiles in Europe, and the treaty was signed the next year.
1987
Senator Kennedy supports a minimum wage increase and also the Welfare-to-Jobs Incentives, which improves the job skills and incomes of low-income persons. In addition, he led the opposition to the nomination of Robert Bork to the Supreme Court.
1988
Senator Kennedy introduced the Fair Housing Act Amendments to extend the law to prohibit discrimination towards people with disabilities in the sale or rental of housing. Kennedy was also a sponsor of legislation that provided funds to all 50 states to raise awareness about the uses of assistive technology to significantly improves the lives of people with disabilities. Kennedy also introduced legislation to require companies to give sixty-days' notice to employees before closing a plant that would cost fifty or more workers their jobs -- the so-called "WARN Act" whose provisions are in effect today.
1989
Senator Kennedy won passage of the National Military Child Care Act, which established the Defense Department's child care system that is still viewed as one of the best in the country today.
1990
On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted into law. Introduced by Senator Kennedy, the Act prohibits discrimination against any qualified individual with a disability in job application procedures, hiring or discharge, compensation, advancement or training. Senator Kennedy was also sponsor of the Immigration Act of 1990 to expand immigration quotas to reunite families in the U.S. and to meet economic needs, which was signed into law. Senator Kennedy also introduced, with Senator Hatch, the Ryan White CARE Act, which provides emergency relief to the thirteen cities most affected by the AIDS epidemic, and substantial assistance to all states to develop effective and cost-efficient AIDS care programs, particularly for early diagnosis and home care. Kennedy was also the lead sponsor of the immigration reforms, which increased quotas for family immigration, established a diversity visa program and a temporary safe haven for persons fleeing oppressive governments.
1991
Senator Kennedy was the chief sponsor of the Civil Rights Act of 1991, which strengthened existing protections and remedies available under federal civil rights laws, including the provision of remedies for intentional discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Senator Kennedy also supported a bill to repeal the ban on women serving as combat aviators, making it possible for women to have a full and complete role in our national defense.
1992
As a strong proponent of early childhood education, Senator Kennedy worked to expand Head Start by increasing the number of low-income children served by 25%. His action on the Summer Jobs for Youth Program resulted in a $500 million supplemental appropriation for summer jobs for 300,000 additional youths. Amid serious concerns over the quality of mammography, Kennedy helped pass the Mammography Quality Standards Act to guarantee the safety and accuracy of mammograms and to encourage their use.
1993
As Chairman of the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee, Senator Kennedy worked closely with President Clinton to expand opportunity for working families. He helped establish the Direct Lending program which allowed the U.S. Department of Education to provide low-cost loans to college students to cover education expenses.. In addition, the Senator sponsored the National and Community Service Trust Act, which created AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service to expand opportunities for Americans to serve their communities, including education grants for students who agree to volunteer for service after college.
1994
Senator Kennedy's leadership brought about the passage of the landmark Family and Medical Leave Act and the School-to-Work Opportunities Act, which provided seed money for local school-to-work programs designed and operated by local business, education, community and labor leaders. He also sponsored the Human Services Reauthorization Act, which expanded funding to communities, put Head Start on a path to reach all eligible children and expanded it to cover pregnant women and young children in the 0-3 age group, and reauthorized the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help families pay their heating bills. Kennedy was also a leader in the passage of the Crime Act, which funded 100,000 new police officers, imposed new penalties for crimes involving gangs or firearms, and created the Police Corps, a program that provides college scholarships for talented young persons in return for their commitment to serve as police officers in their communities. In Northern Ireland, Senator Kennedy strongly supported the issuance of a visa for Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams to visit the United States, calling it a "rare opportunity for our country to contribute to peace in Northern Ireland." Over the opposition of the State Department, President Clinton granted the visa, and a few months later the IRA called a historic cease-fire, which Mr. Adams says would not have happened if his visa not been issued. Six weeks later, Protestant paramilitaries announced their own cease-fire. The Senator's biggest disappointment of his years in the Senate was the adjournment of Congress this year without passing President Clinton's call health reform legislation.
1996
Senator Kennedy and Senator Nancy Kassebaum sponsored the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which guarantees the continuation of health insurance coverage for the millions of Americans who change jobs or lose their jobs. Also, Kennedy joined a bipartisan group of Senators to enact the Mental Health Parity bill to eliminate unjust annual and lifetime limits on mental health coverage that differ from the limits for other physical illnesses. Under Senator Kennedy's leadership, Congress raised the minimum wage from $4.25 to $5.15 per hour.
1997
With Senator Hatch, Senator Kennedy led the successful effort to enact the major Children's Health Insurance Program, which has brought quality health care to millions of children in low and moderate income families. It is the most significant health care legislation in many years.
1999
Senator Kennedy leads a number of initiatives to assist the hardest to employ. These initiatives provide individuals with adult education, job training, adult education, job placement, child care, transportation assistance and case management, thereby giving many more families the opportunity to leave welfare and start life anew. Senator Kennedy and Senator Jeffords also increased job training opportunities for unemployed and at risk by passing the "Work Incentives Improvement Act."
2000
Senator Kennedy is the lead sponsor of the Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education Act, which addresses the lead to pervasive health disparities between minorities and other Americans, and also included an authorization for significant resources to improve the delivery of health care to minorities. Senator Kennedy and Senator Frist sponsored legislation to improve the nation's ability to respond to outbreaks of infectious disease, reduce the spread of germs resistant to antibiotics, and protect the country against bioterrorism. Kennedy also sponsored the Pediatric Graduate Medical Education Act, which provides essential support for training programs at children's hospitals across the country. Senator Kennedy also led the successful effort to provide federal compensation and medical benefits to Department of Energy employees who become ill because of their dangerous conditions at work.
2001
Senator Kennedy works with President Bush to pass the landmark No Child Left Behind Act, which contains substantial reforms to help close the achievement gaps among students in public schools and improve the quality of education for all students. Following the attacks of September 11th, 2001, Senator Kennedy called together disaster relief and mental health organizations to plan a coordinated response to meet the mental health needs of families of victims of the tragedy.
2002
Senator Kennedy was one of the first in Congress to speak out against going to war with Iraq. He was one of 23 Senators who voted against the war and continued to be one of its leading critics. He delivered major speeches over the next few years making the case for ending the war and laying out plans for American withdrawal. Senator Kennedy introduced the bipartisan Bioterrorism Preparedness Act to help the country prevent, prepare for, and respond to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. Senator Kennedy was the lead Democratic sponsor of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act to strengthen the security of our borders and improve our ability to screen foreign nationals and deter potential terrorists. To establish positive ties with the people of the Muslim world, Senator Kennedy and Senator Richard Lugar established a program to provide scholarships for secondary school students from countries with significant Muslim populations and enabling the students spend up to one year living in the United States with American host families. Since the program began, 2,700 students from more than 30 Muslim countries have participated in it.
2003
Senator Kennedy led an effort to provide funds for additional armored Humvees for our forces in Iraq in response to reports that a quarter of American deaths occurred in unarmored Humvees and that many more soldiers had been injured or disabled for life. Senator Kennedy also led the effort to strengthen law enforcement in case of exploitation or abduction of children. His legislation provided funds for AMBER Alert notification systems along U.S. highways, and grants to states to improve communication.
2004
Senator Kennedy was a lead sponsor of bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The legislation included bipartisan improvements in special education services for six and a half million students in the nation, including 30,000 additional special education teachers, better education training, and expanded technologies for disabled children. Senator Kennedy also sponsored the Project Bioshield Act, to enable medical and biotechnology researchers to create more effective defenses to biological threats.
2005
Senator Kennedy again sponsors legislation to increase armored Humvee production to protect our forces in Iraq and outlines a timetable urging a drawdown of our forces to encourage Iraqis to take responsibility for their future. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Senator Kennedy joins in passing emergency funding to assist in the recovery, meets with relief organizations to learn the best ways to implement relief and support services, and sponsors emergency education affected by the hurricane. Senator Kennedy also begins a four-year effort to achieve comprehensive immigration reform, including a legalization program for immigrants who have been working in the United States, a reduction of the backlog of petitions to unify immigrant families, a temporary worker program, and strict security to protect the nation's borders.
2006
Senator Kennedy sponsors the Family Opportunity Act, which enables states to expand Medicaid coverage for children with special needs and enables low- and middle-income families with disabled children to purchase coverage under Medicaid. For many disabled children, Medicaid is the only health insurance program offering sufficient benefits to cover the required care, such as physical therapy and medical equipment. After the disasters at the Sago and Alma Mines, Senator Kennedy successfully championed major reforms of the nation's mine safety laws including updated technology for mines, stricter safety standards, and stricter enforcement. Senator Kennedy was also was a lead sponsor of the Pension Protection Act, the largest reform of the pension system in three decades, which strengthened the financial condition of pension plans, improved their transparency, and added new worker and taxpayer protections.
2007
Senator Kennedy led the successful effort to pass the first increase in the federal minimum wage in more than 10 years. His bill raised the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour and helped more than 13 million Americans, including the parents of more than 6 million children. Senator Kennedy renewed the Ryan White Care Act with greater focus on prevention, chronic care, quality of life, and new and emerging therapies. Congress also passed legislation proposed by Senator Kennedy to strengthen FDA's regulatory authority over drugs after they are approved. The bill was termed by experts to be the most significant strengthening of drug safety in a century. Senator Kennedy's College Cost Reduction and Access Act authorized the largest increase in student aid since the GI bill in 1944 and established a loan forgiveness program to allow more college graduates to go into public service. The Senator held the first Congressional hearing on Iraqi refugees, and was the lead sponsor on legislation granting special immigrant visas to Iraqis who worked with U.S. forces. Following an immigration raid on a factory in Massachusetts, Senator Kennedy worked with the Department of Homeland Security to develop guidelines on humanitarian screening for workers arrested in such raids.
2008
Senator Kennedy worked with Senator Enzi, with the help of Senator Mikulski, to pass the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which reauthorized the Higher Education Act for the first time in a decade. This legislation focused on four major areas: expanding grant aid for the neediest students; addressing the ethical scandals in the student loan marketplace; simplifying the application process for Federal financial aid; and holding colleges more accountable for their costs. After more than 10 years of effort, Senator Kennedy and Senator Domenici worked together to enact the Mental Health Parity Act, requiring insurance companies to provide benefits for mental illnesses equal to the benefits for physical illnesses and assuring equity for 113 million Americans. Senator Kennedy also led the enactment of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, prohibiting insurers and employers from discriminating against people due to their genes.
2009
Senator Kennedy championed the health and employment provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which included incentives for the adoption of health information technology, provisions to expand access to unemployment insurance and to help those who lose their jobs to keep their health insurance, and investments to improve the quality of health. Senator Kennedy was also a leader in passing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to restore workers' ability to fight pay discrimination, the first major legislation signed by President Obama. In addition, Senator Kennedy and Senator Hatch, led the enactment of the Serve America Act, which expands service opportunities for Americans of every age. Senator Kennedy has long been a leader in seeking to strengthen federal hate crime law. In 2009, the Senate passed the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, and is working to see that this long-overdue legislation is finally enacted into law. Senator Kennedy's Health Committee was also the first committee in Congress to pass comprehensive health reform legislation called for by President Obama -- the Affordable Health Choices Act that will reduce health costs, protect individuals' choice in doctors and plans, and assure quality and affordable health care for all Americans.
You may not have liked Edward Kennedy. You may not have agreed with his policy, you may not have liked his family, you might have held him responsible for some awful things.
But you must let him die in peace.
I was reading an article earlier this week about the life and service of Senator Kennedy and in the comments section there were some pretty awful things said. Lots of comments about the death of the girl on Martha's Vineyard, lots of comments about what a good riddance it was, and one poor jerk went so far as to speculate how much money his family has made off the Special Olympics.
Um, I'm pretty sure the Kennedy family was wealthy LONG before the Special Olympics. Have you ever heard of Hyannis Port?
My point is this: until your family has served this country the way the Kennedy family has, until you've lived your entire life in the eye of America, until everyone has judged your character flaws and mistakes, until you understand what its like to have lived that life - shut the hell up. We have no right to judge other human beings, especially when we haven't the slightest idea what its like to be in their shoes. If you are a good god-fearing christian, you can rest assured Ed Kennedy has now been judged by the appropriate authority, and keep your opinions as to where his immortal soul is to yourself. Or at least off the comments section on CNN.
Kennedy Accomplishments
1962
Edward M. Kennedy is elected to the United States Senate.
1963
Senator Kennedy becomes a member of the Health Committee and Judiciary Committee in the Senate, and works on fishery research and development, the NASA Electronics Research Center, and the Northeast Airlines Boston-Miami route.
1964
Senator Kennedy makes his maiden speech to the Senate on the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was signed on July 2, 1964, and outlawed segregation in public accommodations. He also strongly supported the Economic Opportunity Act, a key bill in President Johnson's war on poverty, which was signed on August 20, 1964. The Act stated that programs would be "developed, conducted and administered with the maximum feasible participation and the residents of the areas and members of the groups served." It also established community action programs to deal directly with the roots of poverty. In the fall election, Robert Kennedy was elected to the Senate by New York.
1965
The first major bill that Senator Kennedy managed on the Senate floor was the Immigration Act of 1965. It was enacted and stood as a major turning point in immigration and civil rights policy because it eliminated discriminatory immigration quotas which favored European immigration, but restricted immigration from other parts of the world. The 1965 Act gave priority to immigrants based on their skills and family relationships. Senator Kennedy also won passage of a bill establishing The National Teacher Corps, which awarded scholarships to college students who agreed to teach for at least two years in economically-distressed rural and urban areas after graduation, a program which continues today. He was also a strong and vocal supporter of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, to end discrimination against minorities in voting.
1966
Senator Kennedy passed legislation creating the national community health center program. He joined a health center in Columbia Point in Dorchester, Massachusetts, with a center in Mound Bayou, Mississippi as the start of a national program that now includes more that 1200 health centers nationally serving more than 20 million low income patients.
1967
Senator Kennedy was a strong supporter of the school reforms in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the first comprehensive federal aid for public schools. He also made his first speech that openly questioned the Vietnam War.
1968
Senator Kennedy was a strong supporter of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, the third major civil rights legislation of the decade after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. As a result of Senator Kennedy's championing of bilingual education, the Bilingual Education Act of 1968 was passed by Congress. The Act required schools to offer bilingual education programs, the first time Congress had endorsed funding for bilingual education. Senator Kennedy was also a leading supporter of President Johnson's Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act.
1969
Senator Kennedy gives his first speech calling for national health insurance for all Americans. His amendment creating a minimum tax -- the so-called "Alternative Minimum Tax" -- becomes law, setting a limit on the amount of taxation for middle-income Americans.
1970
Senator Kennedy amended the Voting Rights Act to lower the voting age to 18, laying the basis for a constitutional amendment moving the voting age from 21 to age 18. He was also a leader in enacting the Occupational Health and Safety Act to protect workers on jobs and the Older American Community Service Employment Act. To ease the high cost of home heating, Senator Kennedy actively worked to create a fuel assistance program for low-income persons now known as the Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program or "LIHEAP". He was also responsible for legislation laying the basis for the "War on Cancer" by quadrupling funds for cancer research and prevention. When President Nixon attempted to pocket veto Senator Kennedy's Family Protection of Medicine Act, the Senate won a court decision invalidating the pocket veto and enacting the law.
1971
Senator Kennedy becomes Chairman of the Senate Health Subcommittee. He held a series of field hearings around the country on national health insurance, and is a leader in passing the National Cancer Act to expand research on all aspects of cancer. Inspired by the civil rights movement in the United States and because of his growing concern over British policy in Northern Ireland, Senator Kennedy joins Senator Ribicoff in introducing a Senate Resolution calling for immediate withdrawal of British troops from Northern Ireland and the unification of Ireland, beginning his long involvement with Northern Ireland.
1972
Senator Kennedy champions the Meals on Wheels Act, which offers nutritional meals to homebound senior citizens and the Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program, known as WIC, which offers food, nutrition counseling, and health services to low-income women, infants, and children. Kennedy was also a key supporter of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which protects women from discrimination in educational institutions and increases opportunities for women to participate in college sports.
1973
Senator Kennedy continues to improve legal services and emergency health services for the poor, and improve educational opportunities for persons with disabilities. After the revelation of several life-threatening research projects with human subjects, many of whom were Americans who were minorities, institutionalized or incarcerated, Senator Kennedy's Health Subcommittee held 11 days of hearings into the ethical implications of human experimentation. These hearings resulted in strengthened regulation of human experimentation and the establishment of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects in Biomedical and Behavioral Research. In addition, Senator Kennedy and Senator Hugh Scott sponsor legislation for public financing of Senate and House elections. The bill is approved by the Senate but not the House.
1974
After the CIA-backed military coup that toppled democratic government in Chile and brought General Pinochet to power, Senator Kennedy leads the fight to cut off U.S. military aid to Chile. His amendment to the foreign aid bill marked the first time that Congress had ended military aid to another nation. Kennedy and Wilbur Mills, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, introduced comprehensive legislation providing national health insurance.
1975
Senator Kennedy was an original cosponsor of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, which later became the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and requires a free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities in every state.
1976
Senator Kennedy offers numerous amendments to the Tax Reform Act to increase fairness in the tax laws.
1977
Senator Kennedy, Senator Moynihan, House Speaker O'Neill, and NY Governor Carey (the "Four Horsemen") issue a statement on St. Patrick's Day condemning IRA violence in Northern Ireland.
1978
Senator Kennedy led the successful effort to deregulate the airline industry, enabling airlines to set competitive rates and reduce costs for consumers. His constitutional amendment to grant full voting rights to citizens of the District of Columbia was approved by Congress, but was not ratified by the states. He was also a principal sponsor of the Civil Rights Commission Act Amendments, which expanded the jurisdiction of the Commission to protect persons with disabilities from discrimination.
1979
Senator Kennedy becomes Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and was influential in encouraging the selection of women and minorities in judicial nominations.
1980
Senator Kennedy campaigns for the Democratic nomination for President. In that same year, Senator Kennedy introduced the Civil Rights for Institutionalized Persons Act, which enforced the constitutional rights of persons in government institutions such as the elderly, the disabled, the mentally ill, and the incarcerated. The Act ensures humane living conditions and also protected the religious practices of the institutionalized. Senator Kennedy also authored the Refugee Act of 1980, setting a standard for who gets political asylum in the United States and which refugees are rescued from persecution.
1981
Senator Kennedy relinquished his chairmanship of the Senate Judiciary Committee to become Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources, in order to focus on the issues relating to jobs, education, and health care. He obtained greater Congressional support for low-income energy assistance programs, opposed the Reagan tax cuts, and created the "Friends of Ireland" organization in Congress for members of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
1982
Senator Kennedy is the chief sponsor of the Voting Rights Act Amendments, which led to increased minority representation in Congress and state legislatures nationwide. He also sponsors the Job Training Partnership Act to educate and train the nation's front-line workforce and reinstates the Summer Job Program. With Senator Mark Hatfield, he proposed a Nuclear Freeze Resolution to halt the nuclear arms race.
1983
Senator Kennedy becomes a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He strongly supports nuclear arms control and opposes the Star Wars Program to expand the nuclear arms race into space.
1984
Senator Kennedy sponsors legislation requiring polling stations to provide accessibility for physically disabled and elderly people to vote in federal elections. He is also a strong supporter of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act and its major reform of federal sentencing standards to end widespread disparities in the sentences of similar offenders.
1985
Senator Kennedy introduces the Anti-Apartheid Act to impose economic sanctions against South Africa in response to pressure that government to end legalized racial discrimination in that country. The Act ultimately won broad bipartisan support in Congress and was enacted into law when Congress overrode President Reagan's veto.
1986
Senator Kennedy sponsors several bills to assist persons with disabilities, including the Employment Opportunities for Disabled Americans Act, which made work incentives for disabled individuals part of the Social Security Act; the Handicapped Children's Protection Act, overturning a Supreme Court decision and enabling courts to award attorneys fees to parents of children with disabilities in litigation under the Education Act; and the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments, authorizing grants for early learning for infants and toddlers with disabilities. In foreign policy, during a visit by Senator Kennedy to the Soviet Union, Soviet leader Gorbachev informed him that he would sign a treaty to prevent the basing of nuclear missiles in Europe, and the treaty was signed the next year.
1987
Senator Kennedy supports a minimum wage increase and also the Welfare-to-Jobs Incentives, which improves the job skills and incomes of low-income persons. In addition, he led the opposition to the nomination of Robert Bork to the Supreme Court.
1988
Senator Kennedy introduced the Fair Housing Act Amendments to extend the law to prohibit discrimination towards people with disabilities in the sale or rental of housing. Kennedy was also a sponsor of legislation that provided funds to all 50 states to raise awareness about the uses of assistive technology to significantly improves the lives of people with disabilities. Kennedy also introduced legislation to require companies to give sixty-days' notice to employees before closing a plant that would cost fifty or more workers their jobs -- the so-called "WARN Act" whose provisions are in effect today.
1989
Senator Kennedy won passage of the National Military Child Care Act, which established the Defense Department's child care system that is still viewed as one of the best in the country today.
1990
On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted into law. Introduced by Senator Kennedy, the Act prohibits discrimination against any qualified individual with a disability in job application procedures, hiring or discharge, compensation, advancement or training. Senator Kennedy was also sponsor of the Immigration Act of 1990 to expand immigration quotas to reunite families in the U.S. and to meet economic needs, which was signed into law. Senator Kennedy also introduced, with Senator Hatch, the Ryan White CARE Act, which provides emergency relief to the thirteen cities most affected by the AIDS epidemic, and substantial assistance to all states to develop effective and cost-efficient AIDS care programs, particularly for early diagnosis and home care. Kennedy was also the lead sponsor of the immigration reforms, which increased quotas for family immigration, established a diversity visa program and a temporary safe haven for persons fleeing oppressive governments.
1991
Senator Kennedy was the chief sponsor of the Civil Rights Act of 1991, which strengthened existing protections and remedies available under federal civil rights laws, including the provision of remedies for intentional discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Senator Kennedy also supported a bill to repeal the ban on women serving as combat aviators, making it possible for women to have a full and complete role in our national defense.
1992
As a strong proponent of early childhood education, Senator Kennedy worked to expand Head Start by increasing the number of low-income children served by 25%. His action on the Summer Jobs for Youth Program resulted in a $500 million supplemental appropriation for summer jobs for 300,000 additional youths. Amid serious concerns over the quality of mammography, Kennedy helped pass the Mammography Quality Standards Act to guarantee the safety and accuracy of mammograms and to encourage their use.
1993
As Chairman of the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee, Senator Kennedy worked closely with President Clinton to expand opportunity for working families. He helped establish the Direct Lending program which allowed the U.S. Department of Education to provide low-cost loans to college students to cover education expenses.. In addition, the Senator sponsored the National and Community Service Trust Act, which created AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service to expand opportunities for Americans to serve their communities, including education grants for students who agree to volunteer for service after college.
1994
Senator Kennedy's leadership brought about the passage of the landmark Family and Medical Leave Act and the School-to-Work Opportunities Act, which provided seed money for local school-to-work programs designed and operated by local business, education, community and labor leaders. He also sponsored the Human Services Reauthorization Act, which expanded funding to communities, put Head Start on a path to reach all eligible children and expanded it to cover pregnant women and young children in the 0-3 age group, and reauthorized the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help families pay their heating bills. Kennedy was also a leader in the passage of the Crime Act, which funded 100,000 new police officers, imposed new penalties for crimes involving gangs or firearms, and created the Police Corps, a program that provides college scholarships for talented young persons in return for their commitment to serve as police officers in their communities. In Northern Ireland, Senator Kennedy strongly supported the issuance of a visa for Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams to visit the United States, calling it a "rare opportunity for our country to contribute to peace in Northern Ireland." Over the opposition of the State Department, President Clinton granted the visa, and a few months later the IRA called a historic cease-fire, which Mr. Adams says would not have happened if his visa not been issued. Six weeks later, Protestant paramilitaries announced their own cease-fire. The Senator's biggest disappointment of his years in the Senate was the adjournment of Congress this year without passing President Clinton's call health reform legislation.
1996
Senator Kennedy and Senator Nancy Kassebaum sponsored the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which guarantees the continuation of health insurance coverage for the millions of Americans who change jobs or lose their jobs. Also, Kennedy joined a bipartisan group of Senators to enact the Mental Health Parity bill to eliminate unjust annual and lifetime limits on mental health coverage that differ from the limits for other physical illnesses. Under Senator Kennedy's leadership, Congress raised the minimum wage from $4.25 to $5.15 per hour.
1997
With Senator Hatch, Senator Kennedy led the successful effort to enact the major Children's Health Insurance Program, which has brought quality health care to millions of children in low and moderate income families. It is the most significant health care legislation in many years.
1999
Senator Kennedy leads a number of initiatives to assist the hardest to employ. These initiatives provide individuals with adult education, job training, adult education, job placement, child care, transportation assistance and case management, thereby giving many more families the opportunity to leave welfare and start life anew. Senator Kennedy and Senator Jeffords also increased job training opportunities for unemployed and at risk by passing the "Work Incentives Improvement Act."
2000
Senator Kennedy is the lead sponsor of the Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education Act, which addresses the lead to pervasive health disparities between minorities and other Americans, and also included an authorization for significant resources to improve the delivery of health care to minorities. Senator Kennedy and Senator Frist sponsored legislation to improve the nation's ability to respond to outbreaks of infectious disease, reduce the spread of germs resistant to antibiotics, and protect the country against bioterrorism. Kennedy also sponsored the Pediatric Graduate Medical Education Act, which provides essential support for training programs at children's hospitals across the country. Senator Kennedy also led the successful effort to provide federal compensation and medical benefits to Department of Energy employees who become ill because of their dangerous conditions at work.
2001
Senator Kennedy works with President Bush to pass the landmark No Child Left Behind Act, which contains substantial reforms to help close the achievement gaps among students in public schools and improve the quality of education for all students. Following the attacks of September 11th, 2001, Senator Kennedy called together disaster relief and mental health organizations to plan a coordinated response to meet the mental health needs of families of victims of the tragedy.
2002
Senator Kennedy was one of the first in Congress to speak out against going to war with Iraq. He was one of 23 Senators who voted against the war and continued to be one of its leading critics. He delivered major speeches over the next few years making the case for ending the war and laying out plans for American withdrawal. Senator Kennedy introduced the bipartisan Bioterrorism Preparedness Act to help the country prevent, prepare for, and respond to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. Senator Kennedy was the lead Democratic sponsor of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act to strengthen the security of our borders and improve our ability to screen foreign nationals and deter potential terrorists. To establish positive ties with the people of the Muslim world, Senator Kennedy and Senator Richard Lugar established a program to provide scholarships for secondary school students from countries with significant Muslim populations and enabling the students spend up to one year living in the United States with American host families. Since the program began, 2,700 students from more than 30 Muslim countries have participated in it.
2003
Senator Kennedy led an effort to provide funds for additional armored Humvees for our forces in Iraq in response to reports that a quarter of American deaths occurred in unarmored Humvees and that many more soldiers had been injured or disabled for life. Senator Kennedy also led the effort to strengthen law enforcement in case of exploitation or abduction of children. His legislation provided funds for AMBER Alert notification systems along U.S. highways, and grants to states to improve communication.
2004
Senator Kennedy was a lead sponsor of bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The legislation included bipartisan improvements in special education services for six and a half million students in the nation, including 30,000 additional special education teachers, better education training, and expanded technologies for disabled children. Senator Kennedy also sponsored the Project Bioshield Act, to enable medical and biotechnology researchers to create more effective defenses to biological threats.
2005
Senator Kennedy again sponsors legislation to increase armored Humvee production to protect our forces in Iraq and outlines a timetable urging a drawdown of our forces to encourage Iraqis to take responsibility for their future. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Senator Kennedy joins in passing emergency funding to assist in the recovery, meets with relief organizations to learn the best ways to implement relief and support services, and sponsors emergency education affected by the hurricane. Senator Kennedy also begins a four-year effort to achieve comprehensive immigration reform, including a legalization program for immigrants who have been working in the United States, a reduction of the backlog of petitions to unify immigrant families, a temporary worker program, and strict security to protect the nation's borders.
2006
Senator Kennedy sponsors the Family Opportunity Act, which enables states to expand Medicaid coverage for children with special needs and enables low- and middle-income families with disabled children to purchase coverage under Medicaid. For many disabled children, Medicaid is the only health insurance program offering sufficient benefits to cover the required care, such as physical therapy and medical equipment. After the disasters at the Sago and Alma Mines, Senator Kennedy successfully championed major reforms of the nation's mine safety laws including updated technology for mines, stricter safety standards, and stricter enforcement. Senator Kennedy was also was a lead sponsor of the Pension Protection Act, the largest reform of the pension system in three decades, which strengthened the financial condition of pension plans, improved their transparency, and added new worker and taxpayer protections.
2007
Senator Kennedy led the successful effort to pass the first increase in the federal minimum wage in more than 10 years. His bill raised the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour and helped more than 13 million Americans, including the parents of more than 6 million children. Senator Kennedy renewed the Ryan White Care Act with greater focus on prevention, chronic care, quality of life, and new and emerging therapies. Congress also passed legislation proposed by Senator Kennedy to strengthen FDA's regulatory authority over drugs after they are approved. The bill was termed by experts to be the most significant strengthening of drug safety in a century. Senator Kennedy's College Cost Reduction and Access Act authorized the largest increase in student aid since the GI bill in 1944 and established a loan forgiveness program to allow more college graduates to go into public service. The Senator held the first Congressional hearing on Iraqi refugees, and was the lead sponsor on legislation granting special immigrant visas to Iraqis who worked with U.S. forces. Following an immigration raid on a factory in Massachusetts, Senator Kennedy worked with the Department of Homeland Security to develop guidelines on humanitarian screening for workers arrested in such raids.
2008
Senator Kennedy worked with Senator Enzi, with the help of Senator Mikulski, to pass the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which reauthorized the Higher Education Act for the first time in a decade. This legislation focused on four major areas: expanding grant aid for the neediest students; addressing the ethical scandals in the student loan marketplace; simplifying the application process for Federal financial aid; and holding colleges more accountable for their costs. After more than 10 years of effort, Senator Kennedy and Senator Domenici worked together to enact the Mental Health Parity Act, requiring insurance companies to provide benefits for mental illnesses equal to the benefits for physical illnesses and assuring equity for 113 million Americans. Senator Kennedy also led the enactment of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, prohibiting insurers and employers from discriminating against people due to their genes.
2009
Senator Kennedy championed the health and employment provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which included incentives for the adoption of health information technology, provisions to expand access to unemployment insurance and to help those who lose their jobs to keep their health insurance, and investments to improve the quality of health. Senator Kennedy was also a leader in passing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to restore workers' ability to fight pay discrimination, the first major legislation signed by President Obama. In addition, Senator Kennedy and Senator Hatch, led the enactment of the Serve America Act, which expands service opportunities for Americans of every age. Senator Kennedy has long been a leader in seeking to strengthen federal hate crime law. In 2009, the Senate passed the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, and is working to see that this long-overdue legislation is finally enacted into law. Senator Kennedy's Health Committee was also the first committee in Congress to pass comprehensive health reform legislation called for by President Obama -- the Affordable Health Choices Act that will reduce health costs, protect individuals' choice in doctors and plans, and assure quality and affordable health care for all Americans.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Thai part 2 - Spicy Peanut Noodles
These were SO good. I mean it. Craving good. I don't have to develop a Thai takeout addiction because I can whip up a batch of this for next-to-nothing good. The recipe I found came from allrecipies, but I played with it a bit to suite my tastes... meaning, I added more peanut butter and made it much spicier... can't go wrong there!
Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles
1/2 c chicken broth
1/2 c creamy peanut butter
3 tbsp Sriracha
1 tbsp honey
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp fresh minced ginger
1 tbsp fresh minced garlic
8 oz udon noodles
chopped green onions
chopped cilantro
2 limes
2 cups random veggies
Cook noodles as directed. Boil or steam veggies.
While the noodles are cooking, combine the chicken broth, peanut butter, chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, ginger, juice of 1 lime and garlic in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until smooth and uniform.
Toss the noodles and veggies with warm sauce. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and lime.
Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles
1/2 c chicken broth
1/2 c creamy peanut butter
3 tbsp Sriracha
1 tbsp honey
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp fresh minced ginger
1 tbsp fresh minced garlic
8 oz udon noodles
chopped green onions
chopped cilantro
2 limes
2 cups random veggies
Cook noodles as directed. Boil or steam veggies.
While the noodles are cooking, combine the chicken broth, peanut butter, chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, ginger, juice of 1 lime and garlic in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until smooth and uniform.
Toss the noodles and veggies with warm sauce. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and lime.
Tap Tap Tap
...echo?
Its been a few days. Weeks. Whichever.
Its been a fun few weeks. What I've done:
Worked a lot. No surprise there.
Saw Funny People. Hilarious, want to see it again.
Soccer soccer soccer.
Went to a surfing event at Huntington Beach. Watched a 60 year old porn director surf. Met Antonio Gates. He is big. And a future Hall of Fame-r.
Hollywood and all that jazz.
Went sailing. Got really, really, really sunburnt.
Celebrated D's birthday. We are like 12.
Lusted after buying a house.
Went on a real-life manhunt at work.
Ran a lot. Need to run more.
Took a family vacation with a family that is not mine. Or D's. But Kayla's. And had a fabulous time. You know you have a true friend when you can go on their family vacation :)
Made a cake. Next, was nominated unofficial office baker. I now make all birthday cakes. Good but bad.
Rooted on my seeeester from afar.
Zoo. Seaworld. Madame Toussades.
Decided I never want to leave Playa del Rey. Ever.
Its been a few days. Weeks. Whichever.
Its been a fun few weeks. What I've done:
Worked a lot. No surprise there.
Saw Funny People. Hilarious, want to see it again.
Soccer soccer soccer.
Went to a surfing event at Huntington Beach. Watched a 60 year old porn director surf. Met Antonio Gates. He is big. And a future Hall of Fame-r.
Hollywood and all that jazz.
Went sailing. Got really, really, really sunburnt.
Celebrated D's birthday. We are like 12.
Lusted after buying a house.
Went on a real-life manhunt at work.
Ran a lot. Need to run more.
Took a family vacation with a family that is not mine. Or D's. But Kayla's. And had a fabulous time. You know you have a true friend when you can go on their family vacation :)
Made a cake. Next, was nominated unofficial office baker. I now make all birthday cakes. Good but bad.
Rooted on my seeeester from afar.
Zoo. Seaworld. Madame Toussades.
Decided I never want to leave Playa del Rey. Ever.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Pretty
As I walk, As I walk
The universe is walking with me
In beauty it walks before me
In beauty it walks behind me
In beauty it walks below me
In beauty it walks above me
Beauty is on every side
As I walk, I walk in Beauty
Navajo Prayer
The universe is walking with me
In beauty it walks before me
In beauty it walks behind me
In beauty it walks below me
In beauty it walks above me
Beauty is on every side
As I walk, I walk in Beauty
Navajo Prayer
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Bargain!
I love a good bargain. Who doesn't?! I'm usually a pretty thrifty shopper - like, I only buy things on sale. (Except for my sneakers. I wear those things 6/7 days a week; they're worth every penny I spend!) I like discount shops and Bookman's and yard sales and outlets. And thrift stores, I love thrift stores.
There is a thrift store chain in LA called Out of the Closet; its a non profit whose proceeds go toward HIV/AIDS research, education, and treatment. There is a location right behind my work building and I usually make a point to stop by once a week or so to check things out. I usually go for records, decor, and books but last week I scored the clothing find of the century: a little black dress.
Dillards sells this for almost $180. I got it for $30. It fits like a glove and its practically brand new. And it is so so so sexy in that classic beautiful kind of way. D and I have a wedding to go to in December - a million dollar affair at Long Island's swankiest reception hall. And I'll be wearing a dress I bought in a thrift store :)
There is a thrift store chain in LA called Out of the Closet; its a non profit whose proceeds go toward HIV/AIDS research, education, and treatment. There is a location right behind my work building and I usually make a point to stop by once a week or so to check things out. I usually go for records, decor, and books but last week I scored the clothing find of the century: a little black dress.
Dillards sells this for almost $180. I got it for $30. It fits like a glove and its practically brand new. And it is so so so sexy in that classic beautiful kind of way. D and I have a wedding to go to in December - a million dollar affair at Long Island's swankiest reception hall. And I'll be wearing a dress I bought in a thrift store :)
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Tom Kha Gai
One of our favorite restaurants in LA is a little hole in the wall Thai place near Hollywood. Its quite a drive from our little beach town so we don't go very often - usually only when we have guests in town - but it is deeeeeeeelicious. Last time we went was with D's parents (in town for the Greatful Dead concert!) and they introduced us to a few new dishes, including this one. Its a coconut and chicken soup flavored with lemongrass and hot peppers - so yummy!
Tom Kha Gai
1 can coconut milk
2 cups water
1 lb chicken breast, cut into thin strips
2 inch piece of ginger, peeled and diced
2 stems lemongrass, sliced lengthwise
1 tbsp fish sauce
2 limes
1 jalepeno (not what you're supposed to use, but its available in LA)
small bunch chopped cilantro
Pour coconut milk, water, lemongrass, ginger, cilantro, and peel of 1/2 lime into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower heat.
Add fish sauce and juice of 2 limes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the chicken and cook until chicken is done; about 10 minutes.
Add chile. Serve warm.
Tom Kha Gai
1 can coconut milk
2 cups water
1 lb chicken breast, cut into thin strips
2 inch piece of ginger, peeled and diced
2 stems lemongrass, sliced lengthwise
1 tbsp fish sauce
2 limes
1 jalepeno (not what you're supposed to use, but its available in LA)
small bunch chopped cilantro
Pour coconut milk, water, lemongrass, ginger, cilantro, and peel of 1/2 lime into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower heat.
Add fish sauce and juice of 2 limes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the chicken and cook until chicken is done; about 10 minutes.
Add chile. Serve warm.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Pollo con Espinaca
I like to cook on Sundays. Its relaxing, to be able to plan a meal, grocery shop, prep, cook, and of course eat everything. Its one of my favorite ways to end a nice weekend, and great to begin the week with because we always have leftovers!
One night a few weeks ago we were in the mood for something spicy. We also had a big bag of spinach that needed to be used up, so we decided on pollo con espinaca. Sounds easy enough, right?
This is D's favorite dish of maybe all time. Whenever we go out for Mexican this is certainly in consideration. To make things a little more interesting, I have never had pollo con espinaca before, so I had absolutely no idea what I was in for!
We followed a mish mash of recipes from one of my cookbooks and from various sources online. This is what we came up with!
Pollo Espinaca
4 Chicken Breasts
Fresh spinach, washed and stems removed
1 jalepeno, diced
1 package cream cheese
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (I wanted to use crema mexicana or oaxaca, but its $$$)
salt and pepper
Olive Oil
We chose to grill our chicken, so we gave it a little olive oil rub and seasoned with salt and pepper before cooking.
Heat 1tbsp olive oil in a large pan. Saute spinach until wilted.
Stir in softened cream cheese and plain yogurt. Allow to melt, stirring constantly to break up the spinach.
Add cheese and allow to melt. Continue stirring. Add jalepeno, salt and pepper to taste.
We served the grilled chicken and the sauce with rice and beans. Quite delicious, and healthy too! This will definitely be an addition to our regular dinner rotation.
One night a few weeks ago we were in the mood for something spicy. We also had a big bag of spinach that needed to be used up, so we decided on pollo con espinaca. Sounds easy enough, right?
This is D's favorite dish of maybe all time. Whenever we go out for Mexican this is certainly in consideration. To make things a little more interesting, I have never had pollo con espinaca before, so I had absolutely no idea what I was in for!
We followed a mish mash of recipes from one of my cookbooks and from various sources online. This is what we came up with!
Pollo Espinaca
4 Chicken Breasts
Fresh spinach, washed and stems removed
1 jalepeno, diced
1 package cream cheese
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (I wanted to use crema mexicana or oaxaca, but its $$$)
salt and pepper
Olive Oil
We chose to grill our chicken, so we gave it a little olive oil rub and seasoned with salt and pepper before cooking.
Heat 1tbsp olive oil in a large pan. Saute spinach until wilted.
Stir in softened cream cheese and plain yogurt. Allow to melt, stirring constantly to break up the spinach.
Add cheese and allow to melt. Continue stirring. Add jalepeno, salt and pepper to taste.
We served the grilled chicken and the sauce with rice and beans. Quite delicious, and healthy too! This will definitely be an addition to our regular dinner rotation.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Recipe: Brioche Plum Tart
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/3 cup whole milk, just warm to the touch
2 cups all purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
pinch of salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
about 14 ripe plums, preferably italian prune plums
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts, almonds (I used pecans)
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup plum jam (I used sour cherry with rhubarb)
To make brioche: Put the yeast and warm milk in the bowl of a stand mixer and stir until the yeast is dissolved. Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl, and fit the mixer with the dough hook, if you have one. Working on low speed, mix for a minute or two, just to get the ingredients together. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 7 - 10 minutes, stopping a few times to scrape down the bowl and the hook, until the dough is stretchy and fairly smooth. The dough will seem fairly thin, more like a batter than a dough, and it may not be perfectly smooth - that is fine.
Transfer the dough to a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap and leave it in a warm place until nearly doubled in size, 30 - 40 minutes.
Deflate the dough by lifting it up around the edges and letting it fall with a slap into the bowl. Cover the bowl again with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator. Slap the dough down in the bowl every 30 minutes until it stops rising, about 2 hours. Then if you’ve got the time, leave the dough in the refrigerator overnight - it will be tastier for the wait.
To Make The Tart: This tart looks prettiest when it’s made in a fluted pan. You can use either a 9-inch metal tart pan with a removable base or a porcelain baking dish, the kind sometimes called a quiche pan. Generously butter the pan.
Press the chilled dough into the bottom of the pan and up the sides - don’t worry if it’s not even. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
While the dough is in the refrigerator, prepare the filling. Halve and pit the plums. If you are using large plums, cut each half into 2 or 3 slices. Set aside. Toss the chopped nuts with the sugar and set aside.
Remove the tart pan from the fridge and push and press the dough up the sides of the pan. Spoon the jam onto the dough and spread it over the bottom. Arrange the plums cut side down in a concentric circles covering the jam. Scatter over the nut mixture, and cover the tart lightly with a piece of plastic wrap. Place the tart on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat and let it rest in a warm place for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Uncover the tart and bake for 20 minutes. Cover it loosely with a foil tent to prevent the crust from getting too dark, and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the fruit juices are bubbling and the crust is firm and beautifully browned - it will sound hollow when tapped. Transfer the tart to a rack to cool for at least 45 minutes before serving.
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/3 cup whole milk, just warm to the touch
2 cups all purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
pinch of salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
about 14 ripe plums, preferably italian prune plums
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts, almonds (I used pecans)
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup plum jam (I used sour cherry with rhubarb)
To make brioche: Put the yeast and warm milk in the bowl of a stand mixer and stir until the yeast is dissolved. Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl, and fit the mixer with the dough hook, if you have one. Working on low speed, mix for a minute or two, just to get the ingredients together. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 7 - 10 minutes, stopping a few times to scrape down the bowl and the hook, until the dough is stretchy and fairly smooth. The dough will seem fairly thin, more like a batter than a dough, and it may not be perfectly smooth - that is fine.
Transfer the dough to a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap and leave it in a warm place until nearly doubled in size, 30 - 40 minutes.
Deflate the dough by lifting it up around the edges and letting it fall with a slap into the bowl. Cover the bowl again with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator. Slap the dough down in the bowl every 30 minutes until it stops rising, about 2 hours. Then if you’ve got the time, leave the dough in the refrigerator overnight - it will be tastier for the wait.
To Make The Tart: This tart looks prettiest when it’s made in a fluted pan. You can use either a 9-inch metal tart pan with a removable base or a porcelain baking dish, the kind sometimes called a quiche pan. Generously butter the pan.
Press the chilled dough into the bottom of the pan and up the sides - don’t worry if it’s not even. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
While the dough is in the refrigerator, prepare the filling. Halve and pit the plums. If you are using large plums, cut each half into 2 or 3 slices. Set aside. Toss the chopped nuts with the sugar and set aside.
Remove the tart pan from the fridge and push and press the dough up the sides of the pan. Spoon the jam onto the dough and spread it over the bottom. Arrange the plums cut side down in a concentric circles covering the jam. Scatter over the nut mixture, and cover the tart lightly with a piece of plastic wrap. Place the tart on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat and let it rest in a warm place for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Uncover the tart and bake for 20 minutes. Cover it loosely with a foil tent to prevent the crust from getting too dark, and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the fruit juices are bubbling and the crust is firm and beautifully browned - it will sound hollow when tapped. Transfer the tart to a rack to cool for at least 45 minutes before serving.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Boston Cream Pie
Man, I am a little slow here... this was the pie I made for Pi Day back in March!
5 large eggs
3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (60 grams) plain cake flour (not self-rising)
1/4 cup (35 grams) all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 cups whole, 2 percent fat, or 1 percent fat milk
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped out
6 egg yolks
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Every year near March 14th, some of my friends and I get together to have a little party - like I need a convenient excuse to make and eat pie. I was trying to decide what kind of pie to make and I found my friends planning to cover the basics - Apple, Pumpkin, and Cherry - so I tried to think a little bit out of the box. Voila, Boston Cream Pie.
This was my first time making a custard, and I have to say I didn't do a very good job. I didn't have enough time to let it (or the ganache...sigh) set properly so the whole thing was just a little runny. That didn't make it not delicious though!
Boston Cream Pie
(Cake from Joy of Baking, Custard from anon. old fashioned baking website, Ganache is ganache)
Sponge Cake
5 large eggs
3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (60 grams) plain cake flour (not self-rising)
1/4 cup (35 grams) all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter and line the bottoms of two - 8 inch (23 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
While the eggs are still cold separate three of the eggs, placing the yolks in one large mixing bowl and the whites in another bowl. To the yolks, add the two remaining eggs. Cover the two bowls with plastic wrap and allow the eggs to come to room temperature before using (about 30 minutes).
Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together the flours, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Place the milk and butter in a small saucepan, over low heat, and warm until the butter melts. Remove from heat, cover, and keep warm.
Place the milk and butter in a small saucepan, over low heat, and warm until the butter melts. Remove from heat, cover, and keep warm.
In your electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, (or with a hand mixer) beat the whole eggs and yolks and 6 tablespoons (75 grams) of the sugar on high speed for about five minutes, or until they are thick, fluffy and light colored (when you slowly raise the beaters the batter will fall back into the bowl in a slow ribbon). Beat in the vanilla extract.
In another clean mixing bowl, with the whisk attachment, (or with a hand mixer) beat the egg whites and cream of tartar, at low speed, until foamy. Increase the speed to medium-high and gradually add the remaining sugar, beating until soft, moist peaks form. Gently fold a little of the whites into the batter to lighten it, and then add the rest of the whites folding just until incorporated. Sift half of the flour mixture over the top of the batter and gently fold through with a rubber spatula or whisk. Sift the remaining flour over the batter and fold in. Do not over mix.
Make a well on one side of the batter and pour the melted butter/milk mixture into the bowl. Gently but thoroughly fold the butter mixture into the batter. Do not over mix.
Divide the batter between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops, and bake for about 18-20 minutes or until light brown and springy to the touch. (A toothpick inserted in the middle will come out clean.) Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Immediately run a spatula or sharp knife around the inside of the pans and then invert the cakes onto a wire rack. Remove parchment paper and re-invert. Cool completely.
Pastry Cream
2 cups whole, 2 percent fat, or 1 percent fat milk
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped out
6 egg yolks
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla bean to a boil over medium heat. Immediately turn off the heat and set aside to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the cornstarch and whisk vigorously until no lumps remain. Whisk in 1/4 cup of the hot milk mixture until incorporated. Whisk in the remaining hot milk mixture, reserving the empty saucepan.
Pour the mixture through a strainer back into the saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and slowly boiling. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter. Let cool slightly. Cover with plastic wrap, lightly pressing the plastic against the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill at least 2 hours or until ready to serve. (The custard can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Refrigerate until 1 hour before using.)
Ganache
4 ounces (120 grams) semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
Place the chopped chocolate in a small heatproof bowl. Bring the cream and butter just to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Immediately pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for a 3-5 minutes. Gently stir until smooth. Set aside for a few minutes until it has thickened to pouring consistency.
Assembly
Place one cake layer on your serving plate, bottom side facing up. Spoon the pastry cream onto the cake, spreading to make an even layer. Place the second cake layer (bottom side up) onto the filling. Pour the glaze onto the center of the cake and carefully spread the glaze, with an offset spatula, to the edges of the cake, allowing the glaze to drip down the sides. Let the cake sit until the glaze sets, about one hour. Serve. This cake is best eaten the same day it is made. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.
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