Pad Thai with Chicken Recipe

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Lexie Smith

Whenever I go out with my family for a special night out,

Pad thai (ผัดไทย), served in Bangkok. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I go to my favorite Thai restaurant Bangkok City in Dallas. They serve
the best Pad Thai, that I have ever tasted. Of course before my meal
I order a sweet Thai iced tea.On a hot day, it really hits the spot.

I don’t always get to go out. So I do make Pad Thai
at home. Here is how you can make it too!

Ingredients

8 Once Package Rice Noodles

3 Tablespoons of Oil

1 Clove of Garlic finely minced

1 Large Egg

1/4 Pound of Chicken Breast, cut into bit size pieces.

1/4 Cup of Water as you need it for the Rice noodles to soak in.

1/4 Cup of Fish Sauce

1/4 Cup of Sugar

1 Tablespoon of Paprika

1 Green onion cut into 1 inch lengths

1/4 Cup of Ground Roasted Peanuts

Garnish:

1/2 Cup of Bean Sprouts

1/2 Cup of Shredded Carrots

1/2 Cup of Shredded red or green Cabbage

2 Lemon Slices

Fresh Cilantro

Bowl of steamed rice or Steamed Jasmine Rice

Directions

1.The first thing you need to do is soak the rice noodles. They need to soak for about 2 hours, or until the noodles
are nice and soft. If they are really dry they can take up to 3 hours to soak.

2.Take a large frying pan or Iron Skillet and saute the chicken in oil until its brown drain and set aside.

3.Heat oil on medium high heat, and add garlic, and egg. Scramble the egg until done, You may need to turn your heat
down.

4.Drain the noodles and add to the egg and garlic mixture in the pan. Stir fry until its translucent. Keep a small amount of water nearby
if you need it.

5. When the noodles are soft, add 1/4 Cup of fish sauce, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 Tablespoon of paprika. Combine and reduce the sauce. Mix in the ground peanuts,bean sprouts, green onions, chicken and serve. You can add your garnish of red carrots, cabbage, lemon slices and even a pinch of fresh cilantro.

I have a bowl of steamed Jasmine rice, that I set in the center of the table, to go with this dish.

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Roasted Garlic and Balsamic Marinade for Steaks

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Lexie Smith

Easy marinade for steaks for summertime or
anytime. This is also good for chicken.

A photo of a marinated steak (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ingredients

1/2 Cup Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 Cup Sherry
2/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons of Strong Coffee
6 Roasted Garlic Cloves
2 Shallots Roasted
1/2 Teaspoon of Rosemary leaves
1 Tablespoon plus a Teaspoon of Thyme leaves
2 Bay Leaves Crushed
1 Tablespoon of Kosher Salt
1 Teaspoon of Fresh Cracked Pepper
1/4 Teaspoon of Smoked Paprika

Directions

Mix and combine all the ingredients in a glass mixing bowl. Place steaks in
Ziploc bag, and pour the marinade into the bag, and seal. Place marinade bag into a deep glass pan,
in case it leaks.

Marinade the steaks in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 hours. Remember to turn on each side. Then cook your steaks on the grill
or pan. Add some stuffed mushrooms, garlic bread, salad, and veggies. Your all set.

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Open your Taste Buds for Taste Addison 2013

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Lexie Smith

Taste Addison is a wonderful way to explore some of the finest
cuisine in the area. This year celebrity chefs Tre Wilcox and
Kent Rathbun will showcase some spectacular culinary demonstrations.

This event is family friendly. Children can enjoy a Carnival,
Bonkers the Clown, and some fun arts and crafts. So there is a little something
special for everyone to enjoy.

If your a Wine connoisseur, you can attend the Wine seminars. Sherlock’s
will showcase bartending exhibition. Wear comfortable shoes, and come hungry. This year
will also feature some cool bands like, Blue October, Turnpike Troubadours and Reckless Kelly just to name a few.

If your looking for a spring culinary delight, this is the place to go to. Bring your taste buds,
wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the tastes, and demonstrations of extraordinary cuisine. The event
starts Friday May 17th- Sunday May 19th. For More information visit

Taste Addison 2013

Location: Addison Circle Park

15650 Addison Rd.

Addison, TX 75001

List of Activities for Taste Addison
Get Directions

Times For Taste Addison 2013

Friday $15 From 6 pm to Midnight
Saturday Noon to 5 pm $5 After 5 pm the Price will be $15
Open from Noon to Midnight
Sunday noon-5 pm $5

If your on Facebook, join the Taste Addison Facebook Page, You can also join the conversation with Taste Addison On Twitter,

Video on Taste Addison

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Fun Things to do with Mom on Mother’s Day In Dallas Texas

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Lexie Smith

Mothers’ Day Cake crop (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate and honor all that mom does
for us. Mother’s wear so many hats in the family. Mom is a counselor, business partner
for her husband, chief cook, cleaner, and organizer. That says a mouthful doesn’t it?

So why not take mom out for some fun. Here are a few places you can take mom
this Mother’s Day in Dallas Texas.

1. Mother’s Day Dallas By Chocolate Tour: You can treat Mom
to a real Chocolate Delight and Treasure with some of the finest Chocolate by Dude Sweet Chocolate and
Sublime Chocolate, Mocha bakery and others
Party on the Plaza on Friday, May 10 from 5-7 a.m. with Channel 8 Daybreak.

2.Mother’s Day Brunch at Humperdinks Dallas Brew Pub Greenville:
Special starts from 10;00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday. Mom’s will receive a special
$10 Bonus card to use for a future visit

3. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Dallas
Surf and Turf Special,

4. Take Mom to a fun Movie at Movie Tavern In Dallas:
Find out what’s playing let Mom kick up her feet and enjoy some
popcorn and family fun movie.

5. Italian Club Addison:
If your mom loves Italian cuisine, this place is
a great place to go for Brunch

If your mom loves to go shopping check out some of the local shops, at Village on the Parkway For some fun downtown atomsphere you can do some shopping at WestEnd Dalllas its a great place to go shopping.

ArtsGoggle Fort Worth Texas May May 18, 2013

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Lexie Smith

Looking for something fun to take the family too?

ArtsGoggle Fort Worth Festival

ArtsGoggle in Fort Worth is
definitely something to check out. The event is free and so is the parking.The event is located in the Magnolia
strip in Fort Worth. Enjoy walking around to see glass blowers, handmade jewelry,
and live music.

I suggest wearing some comfortable shoes, because you will be doing a lot of walking. There will be plenty
of food trucks and beverages to choose from. If you need a ride back to your car, take a ride on Molly the Trolley.
Its also free.

There are plenty of sights, sounds and smells to take in. The festival starts at 4:00 pm and ends at 10:00 pm. If you liked to know
more visit, ArtsGoggle in Fort Worth

Video Thoughts On ArtsGoggle Fort Worth

Marinated London Broil

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Lexie Smith

English: A photo of London broil. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is an easy marinated steak recipe.
Its so delicious. It can be served with garlic
bread and some rice pilaf.

Ingredients
Makes 4 to 6 Servings

1 3/4 Lb Flank Steak
2/3 Cup of Red Wine
1/3 Cup of Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon of Soy Sauce
1/8 Teaspoon of crumbled Oregano
1/8 Teaspoon of crumbled Sweet Basil
1/8 Teaspoon of Chives
1/8 Teaspoon of Smoked Paprika
1/8 Teaspoon of Fresh Cracked Pepper

Directions

In a metal mixing bowl, combine, wine, oil,soy sauce and seasonings. Place the steaks into a gallon size
zip-lock bag, and pour the marinade over the steak. Seal the bag, and place it into a glass dish. Refrigerate
for 12 to 18 hours, and turn the meat over on each side.

The next day drain the meat, and broil 4 inches from the heat. Heat for about 5 minutes on each side. Make thin
slices across the grain of the meat, and diagonal to the top of the steak. Reserve the steak juices. Serve it with rice
and pour steak juice over the rice.

Chicken Teriyaki with Pineapple

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Lexie Smith

This recipe has a nice sweet flavor. It can
be served with rice, or veggies. You can also
serve it with Kings sweet rolls with some honey
butter.

English: Teriyaki-like marinade for chicken thighs עברית: פרגיות עוף במשרה טריאקי ושום (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ingredients

4 Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 9 oz can unsweetened Pineapple
1/4 Cup Teriyaki Sauce
2 Teaspoons Dark Brown Sugar
2 Teaspoons of Butter
1 Teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Teaspoon of Corn Starch
2 Teaspoons of Honey

Directions

Place chicken breasts in a baking dish. Drain the pineapple, save
the juice. Combine the teriyaki sauce with the honey and sugar. Pour
the sauce mixture over the chicken. Cover and marinate for 2 hours.

Preheat the Oven to 350 Degrees

Drain the chicken and pat dry. Reserve the marinade in the baking dish. Melt the butter with the oil,
in a large skillet. Brown the chicken in the skillet. Set the browned chicken breasts to the side.

Take the marinade, blend 1 teaspoon of butter, and cornstarch. Heat in a sauce pan over the stove,
and bring it to a boil. Once it boils pour it over the chicken. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for
15 minutes. Baste and cook at another five minutes, uncovered. Use an instant digital thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken breasts are cooked
at 165 degrees F.

Once the chicken is the right temperature, place the pineapple on top of the chicken. You can serve this with rice
pilaf, or steamed veggies.

Mocha Pie with Oreo Crust

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Lexie Smith

This makes a good desert. Of course it goes well with coffee.

Ingredients

Oreo Cookie Pie Crust

24 Oreo Cookies
1/4 Cup of Butter Melted

Filling

1/2 Cup Softened Butter
3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 Square Unsweetened chocolate
melted and cooled
1/8 Teaspoon of Vanilla
2 Teaspoons of Instant Coffee
2 Eggs

*Note you can substitute with Chocolate Mouse, just add the coffee and vanilla.
For the topping you can use, whipped topping with instant coffee

Topping

2 Cups of Heavy Cream
2 Tablespoons of Instant Coffee
2 Cups of Icing Sugar
Chocolate curls for decoration optional
or chocolate covered coffee beans

Directions for the pie crust

Heat the Oven to 350 Degrees. Place the oreo cookies
into a food processor and pulse until they are crumbly. Then
pour in the melted butter and pulse.

Using your hands pat the oreo cookie crumbs into a 9 inch pie
dish. Cover the surface evenly. Heat it in the oven for 8 minutes
until its firm. Let it cool.

For the Filling

In stand mixer, beat the butter at medium
speed, until its creamy. Gradually add the sugar.
Blend in the cooled melted chocolate, and the instant coffee.

Add in one egg and beat for about five minutes,and add the other
egg, beat for another five minutes.

Add the filling into the cooled baked pie shell. Cover the pie,
and let it chill overnight.

For Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine, cream, coffee, and icing sugar. Cover the topping
and refrigerate for an hour. Then bring it out, and beat the cream topping mixture
until its stiff. Place in the refrigerator until your ready to serve. Then add chocolate
curls or chocolate covered coffee beans for decoration.

Vermont Style Beef Brisket

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Lexie Smith

This can be served with some braised carrots,

Ingredients

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

1 (4 Lbs) Beef Brisket
1 Tablespoon Meat Tenderizer
1 1/2 Cups Water
1/2 Cup Dry Red Wine
2 Cups Coarsley Chopped Sweet Yellow or Vidalia Onions
1 chopped celery leaves
1 Bay leaf
1 Tablespoon of Kosher Salt
1 Teaspoon of Fresh cracked black pepper
2 cups plain soft bread crumbs
1/4 Cup of Prepared Mustard
1/4 Cup Maple Syrup
1/4 Cup Ground Cloves

Directions

With a damp paper towel, moisten both sides of the brisket. and rub both sides with meat tenderizer.
Pierce the brisket over all sides using a fork. Place in a slow cooker, add 1 1/2 cups of water and wine.
Then add the onions, celery leaves, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Set the crock pot to high, and bring to a boil.then reduce
heat, and cook on medium for 2 hours. until the meat is tender.

Once the meat is tender make the topping. Pull the meat out of the slow cooker and pat dry. Combine bread crumbs, mustard, syrup and ground cloves, and spread over the top, and place in the oven on broil. Place the meat six inches from the source of heat. Broil for 5 to 6 minutes. Then bring it out of the oven and let rest a few minutes. Slice and serve with your favorite veggies and some Parmesan cheese twists bread sticks.

Turtle Bars

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Lexie Smith

Cake mix in plastic packet photo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is a perfect treat
for sleep overs. Also good
for snacks when your camping.
I make these ahead, and put them
in a container for road trips.

Ingredients

1 Package of Betty Crocker
German Chocolate Cake with Pudding in the mix
1 (14 oz) Package of Caramels
1 Can of Eagle Brand Milk
1 Stick of Butter
1 Cup of chopped Pecans
1 (6 oz) Package of Dark Chocolate Chips

Directions

Mix the cake according to the instructions on the box. Grease or use non stick cooking spray on a 9×13 inch pan.

Pour 1/2 of the cake mixture into the pan, and bake at 350 Degrees for 15 minutes. In a medium sauce pan over medium heat,
melt the butter and caramels together. Once its melted remove from heat, and gradually stir in the canned milk.

Spread the caramel mixture evenly over the top of the cake. Then add the remaining cake mix and spread over the top. Add chopped pecans
to the top and sprinkle the dark chocolate chips. Put it back in the oven at 350 Degrees for another 25 to 35 minutes. Check it at 25 minutes,
and add more time if it needs it.

Cut into squares and serve.