JAK's BAAACK!

To our loyal followers, we know you've missed us.  We missed ourselves more, believe me!  "J" and "A" went on a well-deserved vacation, and I myself was busy with work event(s).  All three of us were stoked for this past Monday.  Not only because of the food, but because we had truly missed each other and needed our weekly "fix". 

These next few blogs are going to not only be about the wonderful Not So Mundane Monday meal we enjoy, but how you can turn a Not So Mundane meal into fabulous left-overs.  So.....you will be getting two for one these next few weeks!

While "J" and "A" were on their (much deserved) vacation, I was tasked with watering their yard (including the all so important JAK's garden!).  The pressure was on!  I'd go over in the morning, before work, and soak everything.  Things were looking good, but on the third day I noticed the potatoes weren't looking so "hot".  Keep in mind, the Oklahoma weather these past few weeks has been H-O-T!  I was beside myself!  How could everything BUT the potatoes be doing well?  I had to let "J" and "A" know, so I texted them as a warning.  Well, to my surprise, when they returned home, I received the below picture (via text) with the following statement:

"The potatoes were ready!".  Apparently potato plants "die" when they are ready to be picked!  Can you believe it?!?!  Look at all of those potatoes!  So beautiful, and SUCH a relief!

This Monday night meal star were the potatoes, but the other offerings certainly didn't take a back-seat.

For our appetizer, colorful bell peppers (which we wish we could say were from our garden).

For the bell peppers, "J" made the most fabulous homemade blue cheese dip.  Friends, I'm telling you, this dip should be bottled up!  I ate and ate and ate!

The potatoes chopped and ready.  Notice the endive salted and peppered.  This was another treat "J" supplied as an appetizer.  He grilled them, of course (remember, the grilled salad blog.  said I would never have it any other way). 

The main dish, that certainly could have stole the stage from the potatoes, were swordfish filet's.

"J" getting the grill ready for the endive and swordfish!

Here is the grilled endive.  We, of course, drizzled each one with the homemade blue cheese dip.  Perfection.

Swordfish filet's getting a turn on the grill.

"J" giving the filet's one last drizzle of the marinade (which included fresh ginger, soy, garlic).

The potatoes!  These were absolutely amazing.  "A" sliced them, and then they enjoyed a boil in water.  They were removed halfway through cooking though.  A very important step to note.

Because.....to finish the cooking process they were fried in the skillet with rosemary (fresh from the garden)!  Listen folks, I grew up on fried potatoes.  But, my mom always did them this way: Sliced them, then (putting them in raw) placed them in an inch of oil and turned and cooked and turned and cooked until they were saturated with the oil and almost at a mashed consistency (from the turning).  Don't get me wrong (mom, if you are reading), the fried potatoes I grew up on were great.  But, this is truly the way to do fried potatoes!  Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside.  And, they retain their shape.  Yummo!

Swordfish ready!  Aren't the new plates awesome?  Nice touch "A" added this meal. 

The star, ready!

My plate, ready.

My plate, done.

All three of us devoured the potatoes; however, we each left plenty of swordfish (the filet's were huge, but we wanted to utilize the left-overs for a special treat).

Again, these next few weeks will not only be about the Not So Mundane Monday meal, but how to turn that meal into fabulous left-overs.  This includes a follow-up visit (for lunch) on Tuesday where "A" will create a new fabulous meal with an item left-over from the night before.  If you've been afraid of left-overs before, this will change your mind!

So, we were out of potatoes but "A" picked up a hearty eggplant.  So, we had eggplant chips that joined........

A swordfish salad!  "A" diced the left-over swordfish into cubes, and gave it a flash fry on the stove.  She added it to sliced tomatoes, roasted garlic, onions, a great quality feta cheese and a light dressing (made up of olive oil, honey and red wine vinegar).  We enjoyed the salad with the crunchy eggplant for lunch on Tuesday!  Who said Tuesday's are toxic?!?!  Ha!

Until next time.....A la cuisine!

Jamma!

So, this past Monday wrapped up the end of our Surprise Outings.  It was "A's" turn, and we had a treat for her!  The place we chose was a place I grew up (okay, just through college....but, that's been 15 years going strong now) on!  

Aww....Jana's!  It's a fabulous restaurant in Norman, that serves both Thai and Italian.  Odd combination, yes.  But Jana hits a home run in both!

"A" getting out of the car and "seeing" for the first time.  This was really a fun 3 weeks (except for when I had to be blind-folded.  Remember, I hate not having control.  ha!).

The simple menu.  One side Italian the other side Thai!

Nothing classier than a Bud Light out of the bottle.  :)

"A" tried one of their specialty iced coffee's.  It was great.

For appetizer we got the fried dumplings.  The best any of us had ever had!  Even "J" said it first!

You can't go to Jana's, whether opting for the Italian or Thai, without getting their garlic rolls.  These are a piece a heaven! 

"J" went for the Italian...getting Parmesan Chicken.  It was very good, not a disappointment!

Both myself and "A" got the Beef Pad Thai.  We hated to get the same dish, but I couldn't get anything else and she was so interested in trying the Pad Thai.  It was so delicious.  Tons of fresh veggies and the beef was cooked perfectly.  I also love the tofu they include.  It's fried, crunchy, and adds such a great texture.

Plate, finished!  And, another amazing Not So Mundane Monday under our belt.  Stay tuned.....who know what's in store next!

Until next time....A la cuisine!

PS-Jamma is the appropriate title, because that's what "A" kept calling it.  We are at Jamma's? 



Crap or get off the lake........

.........They don't call it Dirty Bird for nothing.  Okay, okay.  That was crude.  But, there is a funny story behind it.  To be continued.........

So, this past Monday was our 2nd installment of "Surprise" outings.  It was my turn to be surprised, and boy was I.  The car-ride was 45 minutes.  Being blind-folded for 45 minutes was exhausting.  Let alone, me not having control of the situation.  I love surprises, but when it's truly a surprise.  You know: You're sitting at home watching Oprah (Dang, no longer.  I miss her already, by the way.) and there is a knock at your door.  You open the door and to your surprise there is a bouquet of flowers!  Now that is truly a surprise.  Although I was surprised with the restaurant choice, knowing I was going somewhere made it torturous.  I got over it though.  Just took a pit-stop at Stellas.  Ha (inside joke, sorry)!  :)

"J" and "A" selected Clear Bay Cafe, which sits on the shores of Lake Thunderbird.  If you grew up around here, you'll know that the locals refer to it as Dirty Bird.  Although the restaurant might be known for it's clarity, the lake certainly isn't known for it's "clear" water. 

This was the view I saw upon exiting the car.  So excited!

Isn't it precious?  Great deck, overlooking the lake.

Hello Pina Coloda!  Perfect drink for this picturesque scene.  The weather was just wonderful as well.  No wind, but nice and cool.  Very enjoyable.

The view from our seats.  Like I said, it isn't known for it's clear water.  But, it was very relaxing and enjoyable.  There is just something about sitting outside on the water. 

What also made it relaxing was this band that played.  This group was amazing!  I wanted to get their card, for an upcoming wine tasting I'm planning, but couldn't figure out the approach to use.  This is where the "Crap or get off the lake" comment comes in.  "J" is absolutely hilarious.  "A" ended up doing my "dirty" work.  Hoping to get them booked for an October wine tasting!

I got the Cajun seasoned tilapia.  It came on a bed of rice and a side salad.  I had to get a side of okra as well.  So glad I did! 

"J" and "A" got the fried catfish platter.  I had a taste of "A's".  Best fried catfish I've ever had.  The fish was white and flaky (sometimes with catfish, you can get a dark piece of meat which I despise).  The crust was perfectly fried, but wasn't greasy.  It was awesome.

My meal, devoured.

For dessert, blackberry cobbler a la mode.  Yummo!  It was so good, I didn't have a chance to take a photo before we dived in. 

Thanks to Clear Bay Cafe for a great time. 

Until next time.....A la cuisine!

The Pelican "Brief"

Okay, I'm not talking about the movie.  But, I'm talking about a fabulous restaurant that is a local unknown gem!  Last week I accompanied "A" to an awards ceremony ("A" was up for a big award.....Best Featured Actress among others in her category from various plays held at the Jewel Box Theater).  The ceremony took place at Tinker Air Force Base.  We got there too early to enter (high security), so we drove around to waste some time.  On our drive, we passed a restaurant that I grew up on (and had forgotten about.  it's in Midwest City, which I don't frequent that often).  It brought back memories, and a great idea!  This past three weeks we took a walk down memory lane on our childhood favorites (meals cooked at home).  So, these next three weeks we are going to frequent establishments that either A. We grew up on or B. That remind us of those special occasion restaurants we grew up going to.  Pelican's was that for me.

To spin it even further, myself and "A" decided to make it a surprise for "J"!  He's worked so hard over these past 22 weeks (yes folks, 22 weeks going strong!).  We thought it would be fun for him to take a needed break and enjoy the "ride".  So, we strapped him in.  Blind-folded him.  And off we went!  Along the way "J" was getting every turn and exit we were making.  So, "A" directed me (with motions only, so he wouldn't know...ha) to take an earlier exit, and drive around the long-way.  That definitely got him turned around!  When we arrived, and the blind-fold was removed, he had NO clue where we were.  Of course, no idea what restaurant we were at....but also, no clue where we were directionally speaking.

This is "J" getting out of the car and removing his blind-fold for the first time.  Although the storms were heavy, the sun was really bright for being blind-folded in a 30-minute car ride!  It took him almost 10 minutes to get acclimated and comfortable with where he was.  So funny.

This is Pelican's!  Isn't it so quaint?

The cute, and extensive (lots of great offerings), menu!

The best part of Pelican's is their salad bar.  It is amazing, and all the items are the freshest.  I mean, look at this salad!  The salad bar comes with each entree, plus one side.  Great deal!

What I remember most of Pelican's is their French Onion Soup.  It was on the salad bar that night, but the waiter hooked me up, with putting croutons and cheese on top and heating it up.  Great waiter!  And, great memory came true again.  It was fabulous, as I remembered it to be.

We just HAD to order the Fried Zucchini as an appetizer.  They could have been more thinly sliced, for me (I like them potato chip thin).  But, they were good.

I ordered the Petite Teriyaki Sirloin.  My side, a baked potato.  This potato was cooked perfectly!  Don't you just love when you get a huge potato, and it's cooked to perfection.  The butter and sour cream melt, and it becomes an ooey gooey dream!  My tab included this steak, which came with the baked potato, salad bar and soup, plus a beer and my total was only a little over $18.00.  Great deal!

Now I'm sorry, but I have no idea why the next two photos are flipped.  I saved them rotated, and the blog still uploads them upside down!  Nevertheless, this is "J's" meal.  Coconut Fried Shrimp.  It was yummo!

"A" enjoyed the special they offered that night, the Orange Roughy. 

It was a fun trip, and both "J" and "A" (so they say) really enjoyed it.  If you are local, I recommend a trip to Midwest City to enjoy this establishment.  It's located off of Air Depot, in the parking lot of the old Heritage Park Mall. 

I couldn't write this post, without posting the picture that started it all.  Congratulations to my beautiful friend, "A".  She didn't win the category of Best Featured Actress, but she won something BETTER!  "Best Newcomer"!  It was a total surprise (didn't even know the category was up), and priceless.  The presenter started talking about the character she played, and she looked at me and said "hey, they are talking about me!".  Her acceptance speech was perfect.  "A": I'm so proud of you, but even prouder to call you my friend.  Love all around (and on our side, as this dang picture is flipped again!).  ha! 

Until next time.....A la cuisine!

I'd also like to send thoughts, via this blog, to the Oklahoman's that faced the horrible storms last night.  Many lost their homes, and some lost loved one's.  We are praying for you.





JAK's Campground

This past Monday ended the 3 week journey we took on "Childhood Favorites", by celebrating "J's" favorite(s).  As a child, "J" remembered most BBQ Chicken, Hashbrown Casserole and Chocolate Pie.  Both "A" and myself were okay with this menu.  :)

What I loved about this meal: "J" used exactly what was used when he was a kid.  You got it, he didn't prepare a homemade BBQ sauce.  Why would he?  He had Head Country...which is the best!

The Chicken Legs seasoned up!  I love that "J" only used Chicken Legs (they are my personal favorite).

On the grill getting seared!

Head Country applied.  Beautiful sight!

The start to the Hashbrown Casserole.  Mixing all the yummy seasonings and wet ingredients.

Can't have a casserole without an onion!

The onion sauteing away!  Love the smell of an onion cooking on the stovetop in butter.

Cheese, of course!

The hashbrowns mixed together with all the yummy ingredients.

"J" made two, which between himself and me we could have finished them both off!

Casserole with one last round of cheese before getting a layer of corn flakes.

Chicken, done!  The carmelization of the BBQ sauce, and the crispiness of where the skin was burnt perfectly = perfection!

Potato Casserole, done!  I have to admit, all three of us ate a large corner out of this one before we even headed outside to have dinner.  It was so good!

Rolls ready for the oven.

"J" did something amazing with these.  After they cooked for 15 minutes, he pulled them out and drizzled honey over the tops.  Then placed them in the oven for a few more minutes.  Unbelievable.  I will never again have a hot roll without a drizzle of honey!

The beautiful set-up.  "A" placed us in their back yard, in a cove between several large trees.  It was like our own little campground!

Was so peaceful back here.  "J" even sprayed for bugs earlier in the day, so it was SO enjoyable!

Tablescape.  Very rustic, very pretty.

Hand-tied rope around the silverware/napkin

Rope tied around candles.  So clever.

Awww.....the meal together.  So good!

It wasn't over yet, though.  "J", as always, outdid himself.  Dessert was a homemade chocolate french silk pie. 

Of course, homemade crust.

A tip/trick: Place parchment paper over the crust, and black beans on top.  It helps even out the crust and get rid of any air pockets/bubbles.

Crust cooked to perfection.

Chocolate.....

and chocolate turned into chocolate silk!

Can't have chocolate (silk) pie without an amazing homemade whipped topping.

Finished product.  How beautiful are the chocolate shavings on top?!?!  This was a delicious pie.

I couldn't not post this photo.  This is of Maddy, on the house side of the fence, watching us devour dinner.  How cute is she?!?! 

The childhood favorites adventure we have shared these past three weeks has been so fun.  We've learned a lot about each other, and have been able to individually enjoy remembering our past.  Who knows what is next for JAK.  Tune in next week to find out!

Until next time....A la cuisine (and THUNDER UP!)