Soup for the soul... and your tastebuds

Tonight I made beef and barley soup (see recipe below). A friend of mine (who is an exceptional cook) made it for me in October and I've been dying to make it. I'm so happy that I finally got around to cooking it myself!

I adjusted the recipe because the grocery store didn't have any barley.
Ingredients: 3 lbs. Chuck Roast, trimmed of fat and cut into small cubes
- 1 bag of frozen pearl onions
- 1 container of peeled and sliced cremini mushrooms (baby bellas)
- 1/2 to 1 cup barley
- 4 cups red wine
- Dried thyme
- Bay leaves

Instructions: Using a pot like a large dutch oven, brown the cubed meat, in batches, and remove to a plate to drain
- Add in the pearl onions and cook, stirring, until they thaw and are fragrant
- Add in the mushrooms and cook, stirring for a few minutes
- Add back in the beef
- Add the wine to cover the ingredients. (Can also use less wine and add in water or beef broth instead)
- Add in some thyme, a bay leaf or two, salt and pepper to taste
- Bring to a quick boil and turn down the heat to simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, to reduce the wine
- Add in the barley and cook, covered, an additional 45-60 minutes on low until the alcohol is cooked off and the meat is very tender

 

(Almost a) new year, new race

I was unable to run a half marathon in October that I was scheduled to run, so I'm really chomping at the bit to train for a half marathon. The last one I ran was in May!

The 3rd Annual Nikia's Nippy Nor'easter Half-Marathon and Relay is at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 31 at the NCR Trail at Monkton Station, which means the course is flat (!!) and it's a Back On My Feet race. I can't think of any reasons not to do it.

I need to develop a training schedule, lace up my shoes and hit the pavement for some cold morning runs this winter!

What are you running goals for 2012?

Hot apple pie

I made Smitten Kitchen's apple pie for my family's Thanksgiving dinner in November and it was a huge success. My uncle loves homemade apple pie and said he enjoyed it so I decided to make him and my aunt one as a Christmas gift. (And it was a good excuse for me to try baking again!)
I feel far more confident in my pie making (and baking!) abilities and have decided that I really enjoy baking.

Before the pie goes into the oven

Viola!

Ice cream anyone?

Christmas Eve Eve Eve dinner

Last night James and I used a Groupon to BlueGrass Tavern in Federal Hill - two glasses of wine, an appetizer, and two entrees (not a bad deal!). 

For our appetizer we selected three meats and two cheeses, which were a nice start to the meal. For our entrees we both ordered the bulgogi marinated flat iron steak - 10 oz. of dry aged roseda farms steak as served with brooks' kimchee, korean potato salad, and a black vinegar sauce.
The steak was juicy, cooked to perfection, and one of the best steaks that I've ever had. As soon as we finished our last bites we wanted more.
For dessert we split the cheesecake, which was made with goat cheese from a local Maryland farm, and chocolate pudding with cayenne pepper. Both were smooth, creamy, and rounded out the meal. Needless to say we walked out of the restaurant very satisfied - and wanting more!

Sugar and spice

'Twas the week before Christmas...

I am on a mission to become more domestic as the months tick down before James and I get married. I'm on a mission to cook dinner for us more often. So tonight I made my version of curry chicken, which is stir fry-esque. It's not quite the same as the curry chicken at Mekong Delta, but it'll do. I use Trader Joe's curry sause, which has quite a kick!

As an after dinner treat and to cleanse my palate, I indulged in a couple of the cookies that a friend brought to our Christmas party last night. Her cookies are quite possibly the most delicious cookies that I've ever eaten. They reminded me of a woopie pie. Simply scrumptious!

Cool and crisp

I had lunch at Atwater's at The Shops at Kennilworth today and enjoyed Atwater's Chicken Salad sandwich on sunflower flax bread.
The bread was soft, moist, and nutty and the chicken salad may have been the best that I have ever had (and chicken salad sandwiches are my favorite).
The white meat chicken cubes were in a light - and even refreshing, just like the cool December day - basil mayonnaise, words that I don't often use to describe mayonnaise!
The sandwich was filling and very satisfying.

Now I have to run - literally! My fiance and I are off to Iggies (818 North Calvert Street) for running club (6:30 p.m. on Thursday's). We typically run 3 to 5 miles and all are welcome!

Pounding the pavement

After a hiatus, Iggies Running Club is hitting the pavement tomorrow night. Same time, new day - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday's. All are welcome and please spread the word!
I've been under the weather for the past week and not running - I can't wait to go for a run, then eat pizza!