party animal

A couple of weeks ago we got to celebrate Erica’s birthday and part of her family was even in town.  It was so fun seeing the Peacocks and having them over for dinner with us.  Hallie loved every bit of their visit.  She LOVES attention and knows how to work a crowd.  I put up some pics of Erica and that made Hallie really excited to see her.  She even tried to say Erica when I showed her the pics on the wall “er er er er,” she kind of sounded like a seal though.  Then when Erica got here she kept wanting to be held by her which isn’t typical of Hallie so it just shows how much Hallie loves Erica.  “oh no I need a new song!  hurry please.” “that’s more like it.” “um, it happened again.” patiently waiting for another song “ROCK ON!”

dance party from tanyamg on Vimeo.

Peanut butter brownies were Erica’s request.

Happy Birthday Erica!

For dinner Berret grilled salmon with jerk seasoning from Penzey’s and skewered onions and peppers.  I made sweet rice, guacamole, and fresh salsa.  After dinner all the dishes were done in no time.  Amy does not mess around, I am still amazed when I think about how fast she did all of those dishes.

Sweet Rice

• 1/2-1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 of a white onion, chopped (add more or less to your taste)
• 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
• 1 1/3 cups white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/4-1/2 cup white sugar (I do 1/4 cup)
• Put a little oil in bottom of pan (maybe about 1/2-1 tablespoon).
• Saute chopped onion until translucent. Add the chopped cilantro (no big stems) and saute a minute more.
• Add the rice, cooking until it is light brown (being careful not to burn).
• Combine the chicken broth and sugar, letting sugar dissolve. Then stir into rice until combined. Bring to a boil.
• Cover and let cook on low, med-low until rice is done, about 25-30 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Guacamole

• 3 avocadoes
• teaspoon salt
• half  bunch fresh cilantro
• juice of 1 lime
• 2 roma tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper

Salsa

• 4 tomatoes
• 4 green onions
• 1-2 jalapeno slices
• juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• cilantro
• let stand at least an hour before serving

Peanut butter Brownies

• 4 eggs
• 10 tablespoon butter
• 1 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• mix together and put in 2 (9x13) pans-greased
• bake at 325 for 20 mins
• cool and frost with chocolate peanut butter frosting

Chocolate peanut butter frosting

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup water