Prime Rib (Smoked)

Doesn't that sound yummy? Today (on this very cold day) we are pretending it is summer and using the smoker for a prime rib. Here is our recipe:

6 pound standing rib roast
1/2 cup freshly ground pepper
2 Tbsp granulated garlic
Smokey Beef Rub
Sea Salt
1/4 cup olive oil

We let our roast sit out of the fridge about 3 hours. Rub with olive oil over the entire surface. Sprinkle with garlic, pepper, beef rub, and sea salt making a heavy and even coating over the meat. Place the roast in the smoker, fat side up and smoke until the thickest part reaches 125 degrees. It should take about 3 hours.

I'm serving it with creamy horseradish; salad and twice baked cauliflower. Who wants to come to dinner?

Oh, and the best part - leftovers for tostadas and burritos!

Dessert Anyone?

I love dessert and I love chocolate! But, when you are trying to be healthy (and not eat sugar) dessert can be difficult, right? Here is my favorite EASY dessert - south beach style! Who remembers eating frozen fudgsicles as a kid? I do - used to love them. Apparently, I still do!

Peanut Butter Cup (South Beach style)

1 sugar free fudgsicle
2 Tbsp organic peanut butter (no sugar added)
2 Tbsp fat free Cool Whip

Take your sugar free fudgsicle from the freezer, stick in a bowl and microwave for about 15 seconds. Scrape the fudgsicle from the stick. Mix in your peanut butter and cool whip. Stir, stir, stir. Eat & enjoy!!

Easy and yummy. ENJOY...

What a GORGEOUS morning!

It is almost 50 degrees (heat wave), and today is the most gorgeous morning. These shots were taken from our deck, however do not display how beautiful the skies were today. Have a terrific day everyone!

Dreaming about paradise!

Well, even though we are not freezing (at least for a few days), I'm still dreaming about being in a warm, tropical paradise! This is the pool of the Hawaii timeshare we stayed in. I'd love to be there right now...

Stand Up Paddle Surfing

Since it is winter, cold, icy and snowy here in Juneau, I thought I would blog about a warmer place (and a warm activity). I had never heard of Stand Up Paddle Surfing before our trip to Hawaii. If you are not familiar with the sport, it entails standing on a very long board and propelling yourself with a paddle. It is quite popular now, and a great way to work your CORE! I can see why...

I guess the learning curve is a steep one. I know it would be for me! While we were on the beach, we noticed two very pale paddle surfers and one very tan surfer on a paddle board. I imagine the two were taking lessons (from the tan one). They were definitely having difficulties! You can see them in the picture - one is standing, the other is kneeling and the instructor is shouting directions. Looked like a lot of work! (but fun...)

Check out the VIDEO as well - this person is not a beginner to be sure!

Snow Day Today!

Well, our first snow day of the year. LOTS of snow, with more expected. (possibly 30 inches total) We have a path wide enough for the car in our driveway. Our driveway needs some attention to be sure. I'll post a picture here soon.

Warm Chili to help keep you warm?

Here is a great chili recipe I found on my favorite website, Kalyn's Kitchen. Yum - delicious. Try it - you won't be sorry...

BLACK BEAN & BEEF CHILI WITH CILANTRO, LIME & AVOCADO SALSA
6 servings

3 cans black beans
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 diced Chipotle chili pepper (or like I did - substitute a square of Chipotle chili powder)
1-2 Tbsp olive oil
1 # very lean ground beef
1 large red onion, diced
1 Tbsp or more regular chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
2 cups homemade beef stock (or not homemade - like me; I used Wolfgang Puck)
1-2 Tbsp tomato paste
1/4 cup + 1/4 cup lime juice
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
2 avocados, finely diced
salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Drain 2 cans black beans into colander. Rinse well (till no more foam appears) Let beans drain while you use the blender or food processor to puree the third can of black beans (undrained), the diced tomatoes & liquid, and the diced Chipotle pepper. Blend about 2 minutes till fairly smooth.

In bottom of soup pot, brown beef. Break into small pieces as you cook. Remove been to bowl, add a bit of olive oil and half the onions (about 1 cup). Lower heat and cook onions till soft. Add all the chili powder and cumin and saute about 30 seconds.

Add beef stock, ground beef, pureed bean mixture, drained beans from colander & tomato paste. Simmer uncovered, 30 minutes or longer. Taste - you might add more chile powder.

While chili simmers, dice avocado and place in a plastic bowl with 1/4 cup lime juice. Rinse and finely chop cilantro. Mix the rest of the chopped onion and half of the cilantro into avocado-lime juice mixture. This can be kept in fridge while chili cooks. Be sure to mix the lime juice with the avocado as soon as you cut it to keep it from turning brown.

Just before serving, stir in the other 3/4 cup cilantro and 1/4 cup lime juice to the chili. Cook about 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt, pepper. Serve hot, with scoop of avocado salsa on top of each serving. Yummy!

Thanks Kalyn's Kitchen for another wonderful recipe. Easy, healthy and low calorie! Check out the website for a picture.
http://kalynskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/01/black-bean-and-beef-chili-recipe-with.html

Christmas Day... Golf Anyone?

Here is how we spent our Christmas Day... This seaside putting course at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in Hawaii was a blast! I was the "Loser"! Thats OK - it was a gorgeous day.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well, we are in 2009 now (hard to believe). We returned from our Hawaii trip Tuesday night. Going from sunshine and warmth to about eight degree weather - quite the transition!

I'm including two pictures today (well, trying to - they are not wanting to load) - one of the Seattle airport the morning after the "big snow". And, the other is of our favorite Hawaii activity - helicopter volcano viewing! Very cool... Next trip we all want to do the longer helicopter trip that takes you all over the island, into valleys with huge waterfalls and lush green jungles.



We loved Hawaii and can't wait to go back. However, the Caribbean is still our favorite (warmer water to play in), but Hawaii was easier to get to for us to be sure (well - should be easier without snowstorms to deal with). We actually want to try another Christmas trip next year (two islands hopefully).