We made wings!

Like most Sunday mornings, I hung out watching The Food Channel . . . specifically Sunny Anderson's show Cooking for Real. It was titled Wings Three Ways . . . and decided I HAD to make wings today.

So I loosely followed her recipes for the wings and the Honey Bbq Sauce. I made rustic, red potato mashed potatos and loaded them with crumbled bacon, sauteed onions and garlic, light cream, butter and bleu cheese (smile). Yeah, this isn't the low cal version . . .

Anyway, this is the first time either of us has made wings deep fried like this on the stovetop. It really isn't hard, but is a bit messy. The results are sooooooo worth it!! While I'm not much of a wing connoisseur, Jeremy is AND . . . he claims these to be the best wings he's ever had. Even I found it hard to stop eating them!!

The Chocolate Avenue Grill

So last night, we had dinner at The Chocolate Avenue Grill in Hershey. We took advantage of a generous gift certificate from Denita and Jon - THANKS!

Oh my goodness . . . if you are local, you've got to try this place! The setting is casual dining, but the food is very upscale . . . as is the service!

We started our meal with the Duck Tenders. They are deep fried, almond breaded, duck tenderloins served with a hickory-smoked bbq sauce. Devine!

We chose to add salads to our meal . . . I had the Strawberry Salad featuring ripe, sweet strawberries and toasted almonds on a bed of mixed greens with a lovely honey poppyseed dressing. Jeremy opted for the Classic Ceasar Salad. Gotta tell ya, that's never been my favorite . . . but I'm sooooo getting that next time! It was so fresh, I question if it was prepared when ordered!

He got one of the specials for the day - Roast Bison Osso Bucco with a cheesy, mushroom risotto and glazed baby carrots. I had to try the Roast Duck over asain noodles with julienned vegetables in a sweet sesame sauce. This was heavenly.

Try it - you'll love it! The menu is diverse, the wait was short at a peak time on a Saturday evening (they don't take reservations for parties of under five), again . . . service was fantastic, prices are reasonable and portions are large! They are open for lunch and dinner.

I'm looking forward to trying their Bistro Burger next time!

Gran Torino

Last weekend, we ventured out into the cold to watch this movie Gran Torino . . . I won't lie - I heard Clint Eastwood and assumed this was a guy's action flick . . . I dutifully went along determined to enjoy it.

I should have had a clue when I mentioned to Sabrina that we were going to see it and she squealed, I LOVED this movie. You'll like it. Uh . . . ok.

Oh my goodness, it is not a typical Clint Eastwood film. This was a fantastic movie. I'm really digging these plots that intertwine our culture with others - that demonstrate the obvious differences and then, in unpredictable ways prove we are all truly the same inside . . . trying to love our families, live peacefully, love our God, reach our goals and can help one another along the way.

I don't really follow the awards scene, but I cannot imagine that Clint Eastwood wouldn't be receiving recognition for this one!

Hint . . . I bawled in the theatre at the end of this one! Never saw it coming.

THE Book Review

Ok, so after reading The Kite Runner and posting my raving review . . . I ordered A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

I finished the last two-thirds of this book in one sitting last night. I couldn't tell you the last time a book has gripped me like these two have! Yes, this was just as powerful as the first book. This time focusing on two girls/women, instead of two boys/men.

These books focus on the power of spirit in spite of unimaginable life circumstance. It gives us a glimpse into the Afghanistan culture and struggles. It humbled me and makes me thank God that I was born into the wonderful country that most of us take for granted. It speaks to the power of friendship and devotion.

Seriously friends - READ THESE BOOKS!!

Our Visit to the 2009 Pennsylvania Farm Show . . .

Yesterday, we went to the Farm Show . . . I was excited to try and capture some of the "goings on" at the show.Of course, there are cows, chickens, sheep, goats . . .but there are also peacocks, deer and even a bison!

I want to enter something in the 2010 Farm Show! Maybe produce? Maybe a pie? Maybe a floral arrangement? They even have a photography competition! I'm having no luck finding the entry rules though . . .

The horse pulling competition was exciting to watch. These animals are phenomenal . . .

And of course . . . you cannot visit without sampling the food! There is definitely something for everyone - healthy and uh hum . . . NOT! The boys enjoyed milkshakes and fried cheese squares. I had smoked trout soup and deep fried veggies.

It's going on through next weekend - if you haven't visited - you should!! Admission is free, parking is $8.00, so take some friends.

If you haven't read this book . . . YOU MUST!!!

This is definitely in the top five of my "Best Books Ever Read" list . . . that exists soley in my head of course.

Fabulous, better than expected, why did I wait so long to read it would be my quotes! Run out and buy it today - SERIOUSLY!

I've already ordered his second book titled A Thousand Splendid Suns - I'll let you know . . .

OMG . . . it was a GREAT eBay night!

Only one item (of three listed) sold . . . but that is just fine!

I bought a six piece, vintage/antique, Royal China International set a couple weeks ago at an auction. I broke the set up into two auctions . . . an oversized pitcher and bowl (like used for bathing in the old days) and then the second auction of a small teapot, creamer, sugar and vase set.

<GULP> I paid $2.00 for all six pieces . . . and tonight . . . the first two pieces sold for $212.49!!

It is VERY pretty . . .

Woohoo . . . A contest!

No, not here . . . but over at Happy Daisy's blog! She is GIVING AWAY a free 365 Project Kit from Creating Keepsakes. So don't wait . . . bounce on over and enter this super cool giveaway!

THE Gingerbread House . . .

Last night while we were out stocking up on (hint, hint) BAKERY SCENTED CANDLES at AC Moore (where they are on sale for - gulp - $2.00 each) . . . we picked up a Wilton Gingerbread House Kit. Around 11:00 p.m. we started . . . and finished around 1:00 a.m.

Jeremy is credited with the bulk of the creative foresight and application . . . this man is a master at piping royal icing!

I'm soooooo ready to start baking cookies, fudge and chocolate covered pretzels for holiday gifts.

A Puppy Photo Shoot . . .

Today I was supposed to be shooting an engagement session for Jeremy's sister and brother-in-law . . . Julie and Mike . . . those photos didn't turn out as planned so a reshoot is scheduled for next weekend . . .

BUT . . . I did get some adorable images of their Golden Retriever puppy - Riley. Is she not the CUTEST little bundle of fluff?!!!