Online Radio Addictions

What would I do with out Pandora and LastFM? Both of these online "radio stations" make sitting at the computer for hours on end a joy. No commercials!? The music I love!? FREE!? Yes, please. Both sites have a variety of similarities and differences and I've found that it really depends on my music mood as to where I go for tunes. The best part about both is that I've discovered so many great musicians that I doubt I would have heard of other wise. Next time you're stuck at the office and need some background noise, skip the Top 40 station and check out either of these great sites. To get started try the Sufjan Stevens station on LastFM or Laura's The Submarines station on Pandora.

The cold finally caught me

My apologies for the lack of posts this week. I've been sidelined the past few days with an annoying head/sinus cold that just won't leave me alone! While I was on the couch watching an HGTV marathon and popping Zicam I came up with this quick Chicken Noodle Soup recipe that I'm sure has fast tracked my road to recovery. Whip up a big batch this weekend and pack it for lunch next week. The leftovers are better than the first time around!

Quick Chicken Noodle Soup

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in your favorite italian seasoned marinade
4 cups chicken broth (I really cheated and used bullion)
2 medium carrots diced
3/4 cup frozen peas
3/4 cup frozen green beans
1/2 cup large sized egg noodles
1t fresh ground black pepper
1/2t garlic powder

1. Grill the chicken until thoroughly cooked. (I let my husband do this step!)
2. While chicken is grilling, add chicken broth, carrots, black pepper and garlic powder to a large stock pot. Bring to a low boil and simmer for 7 minutes.
3. Add peas and green beans and continue simmering for 3 minutes.
4. Add egg noodles and cook to directions on package.
5. Shred cooked chicken breast and add to the pot.

Give everything a good stir and serve with warm crusty bread!

I admit I already had the chicken marinating, which is what made this recipe so quick and easy. You could probably substitute a roasted chicken that you can pick up from your local grocery store for added convenience.

Super Bowl Salsa - GO CARDS!

I'm a native Arizonan. A claim few can make. The Arizona Cardinals football organization moved to my native land when I was in kindergarten and I remember everyone being excited about the new team in town. Until two weeks ago when they clinched a spot in the Super Bowl (THE SUPER BOWL!?), that was the last time I (or anyone else) was even remotely excited about the Cardinals. So, in light of my fair-weather-fan feelings I'm revisiting my favorite salsa recipe for all of the parties that will be kicking off this Sunday. Make a bunch up and enjoy watching sports history in the making!

Mango Salsa
2 large or 3 small mangoes chopped (for directions on how to peel a mango go here. I prefer mine "cubed".)
2 medium tomatoes seeded and chopped
1 jalapeno seeded and finely chopped
2 Tablespoons red onion finely chopped
3 Tablespoons cilantro chopped
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar
salt to taste

Put all ingredients into your favorite bowl and mix! Salsa is best if allowed to sit and chill for 24 hours, though I can never hold out that long. Serve with tortilla chips or chicken quesodillas and enjoy! (TIP: Mangoes aren't currently in season in the Northern Hemisphere and it maybe be hard to find ones that are ripe/affordable. Try using frozen mango chunks from your local grocery store. Set them out to thaw a few hours before salsa prep or defrost them on a low setting in your microwave.)

Tasty Treats - Whipped Pumpkin Dip

While I'm faced with the sad reality that this year's mango season is waning, I'm comforted by the start of my second favorite produce season. Pumpkin season! I love anything pumpkin and have already made my first pumpkin roll of the year. Last year I discovered this recipe for Whipped Pumpkin Dip and fell immediately in love. It's super fast and easy, perfect to take to parties or family dinners and is SO addicting. Here's to pumpkin season! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping {thawed}
  
• 1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

In a large bowl, mix together the pudding mix, pumpkin, and pie spice. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. Chill in refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve with ginger snaps or vanilla wafers.

Tasty Treats - Mango Salsa

Not only do I love expressing my creativity through my Paper Mango designs but I LOVE getting creative in the kitchen. And it's probably no secret that one of my favorite ingredients is the delicious mango. While this sweet fruit is probably most well know for it's roll in smoothies and gelato, one of my favorite uses is in Mango Salsa. The sweet, salty and spicy flavors mix perfectly together to create a big burst of flavor. Since fresh mangoes are still readily available I thought I'd share my recipe so we can all enjoy this great summer treat!


2 large or 3 small mangoes chopped (for directions on how to peel a mango go here. I prefer mine "cubed".)
2 medium tomatoes seeded and chopped
1 jalapeno seeded and finely chopped
2 Tablespoons red onion finely chopped
3 Tablespoons cilantro chopped
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar
salt to taste

Put all ingredients into your favorite bowl and mix! Salsa is best if allowed to sit and chill for 24 hours, though I can never hold out that long. Serve with tortilla chips or chicken quesodillas and enjoy!