Wednesday Dinner 12/29/10

Hola!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, well, WELL! This is my last blog for 2010 and this has been a wonderful year. Not everything has worked out the way I wanted it to however it worked out. Everything I prayed for I got and then some, I fell in love a few times (hahaha) got over it, gained some understanding, patched up some broken relationship and just LIVED my life! I don't really do resolutions, I do goals and so far my goals are to get closer to God, grow as a woman, get more money, secure my financial future, travel, spend more time with my family and friends, give back and just continue to live so with that being said I hope everyone has a SAFE, FUN & WONDERFUL New Years Eve!!!!! Now, let the "Wednesday Dinner" story begin, yesterday it was just me, myself & I again. I was just not in the mood to do anything other than go home yesterday, I thought I was going to be raining all day so I decided I would cook but this tricky California weather had me fooled! It stopped raining and the sun came out to play. So I decided I would try something I've been wanting to cook for a while. Years ago my Uncle Joey used to make fish and he would cook the fish with vinegar and onions (I know, sounds weird but its good). Then I got another idea to try and make succotash (minus the Lima Beans) for the first time, so the menu was Baked Red Snapper, Potatoes and Succotash and here is what I used to cook everything:

1 Red Snapper (Fillet)
2 Potatoes
2 Tablespoons of Vinegar
1/2 Stick of Butter
Seasoning Salt
Black Pepper
Rosemary
Mrs. Dash (Yellow)
1 Red Bell Pepper
2 Slices of Onion
1 1/2 Cups of Frozen Corn

First I had to peel the potatoes (so not fun) then cutting them up was a task. I steamed them with a pot steamer for about 20 minutes. Once the potatoes were done, I drained the water and put butter in the pot added the potatoes and mixed in the rosemary and Mr. Dash. I don't measure my seasoning I just have an eye for what looks and taste right (hahaha). Then it was time to try this succotash out, I love corn! It's one of my favorite veggies and red bell peppers are always yummy! I am just not a fan of lima beans, so in a small skillet I melted some butter and dropped in the bell peppers, covered it and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Then I added the frozen corn, covered it back up and let the simmer for about 15 minutes. I had to drained all the access butter and water from the frozen corn then I added a little more butter and seasoning salt to taste. Now it was time to bake the fish, I season the fish with black pepper and seasoning salt on both sides. I cut the fish in half and put 1 tablespoon of vinegar on each piece of fish, topped it off with some sliced onions and a slice of butter for each piece. Covered the fish with foil and let it bake for about 25 minutes. Now all the smells were coming together and it was time to plate my food! It looked and smelled so good; I didn't have a glass of wine with this meal. I kept it PG and had water. I must say so myself that was one of my best meals "Ash you did your thang on that there" hahaha! I enjoyed my meal and just took a moment to reflect on my 2010, it’s been a good ride. So if you would like to get on the "Wednesday Dinner" 2011 movement drop me a line wednesdaydinnerwithash@yahoo.com and follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/wednesdaydinner. In closing I would like to leave you with this "Look back and thank God. Look forward and trust God". Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love always, -Ashley

Wednesday Dinner 12/22/2010

Good morning my loves and whew what a week we've had in California with all this rain. I have enjoyed every minute of it; there is something about the rain that just makes me want to be quiet and still! And yesterday was no different, there was thunder, lightning, hail and then a rainbow and then more rain last night so I decided I was going straight home after work to make dinner and chill ALONE. This week I've been overly exhausted and haven't gotten much sleep, I knew that trying to have dinner out in this rain wasn't going to happen and I was totally fine with that. So let the "Wednesday Dinner" story begin. Years ago my Aunt made a dish and I fell in love with it, it’s called Chicken Parmesan. Yea I know every Italian restaurant serves it however I never knew before she made it how easy it was to make! I knew that the Chicken Parmesan would do the trick, it was raining out and I wanted something good to eat. I decided to pair the Chicken Parmesan up with a Caesar Salad and Garlic Toast. Here are the items I used:


Ragu Original Spaghetti Sauce
Spaghetti Noodles
2 Tyson Breaded Chicken Fillets
Mozzarella Cheese
Caesar Salad (In a Bag)

This dish is so easy a cave man can make it (HAHAHAHA), no but it’s really easy. First I warmed the spaghetti sauce in a sauce pan, I added a little garlic salt and sugar to taste. I let that simmer for about 20 minutes, and then I moved on to the chicken breast. The chicken breasts were frozen, so I put them in the microwave for about 2 1/2 minutes. I lightly fried the chicken breast because I knew once the spaghetti sauce got on them they would get soggy and I didn't want that. Then it was time to boil the noodles and I must say I am really no good at noodles and rice (sad face) but anyway the noodles boiled for about 10-15 minutes. Then it was time to put it all together, 1st I took the noodles and mixed them with the spaghetti sauce and placed them in my casserole dish. Then I topped the noodles off with some mozzarella cheese, and then I dipped the chicken breast in the spaghetti sauce and placed them over the noodles, poured the remaining sauce of over the chicken and noodles and then put some mozzarella cheese over the chicken breast. I threw that in the oven for about 25 minutes, and then the salad was easy I mean its salad in a bag sheesh! The garlic toast baked for about 10 minutes. Now it was time to plate my food and grub! I ate half of one full chicken breast along with the salad and garlic toast and a nice glass of Stella Rosa! At sat my butt right in front of the T.V and enjoyed my dinner; I was watching Top Chef while I was eating. After I ate I was full, I got back on the couch and took about a 2 hour nap! My dinner came out great and I enjoyed myself! If you like to join the "Wednesday Dinner" club drop me a line wednesdaydinnerwithash@yahoo.com and follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/wednesdaydinner. In closing I would like to leave you with this "Look back and thank God, look forward and trust God" until next week Merry Christmas- Ashley

Wednesday Dinner 12/15/10

GOOD MORNING! and first let me start by saying I am sooooooo sorry I didn't post anything last week, I did do "Wednesday Dinner" it was in honor of my dad, it was his birthday so I made dinner and had my family over. I love my Dad and he had a wonderful birthday last week. So last nights dinner was with my good friend Maurice. Maurice and I went to high school together and we weren't close in high school, we knew each other and spoke but we didn't really hang out. As of about a year ago our friendship has blossomed and I really appreciate him as a friend. Maurice and I had dinner earlier this year and I had a wonderful time, so I figured we needed to do it again before the year is over. So let the "Wednesday Dinner" story begin. Maurice and I met last night at Tinga (http://www.tingabuena.com/), Tinga is located on LaBrea right between 1st & 2nd street, and I believe they haven't been open long but by the look of the crowd you couldn't tell. When Maurice and I got there it wasn't too crowded but by the time we left it was packed. Tinga is a small little place that puts a huge twist on your classic Mexican food. Serving different types of Tacos on home made taco shells, tamales, rice, beans, corn, etc. Tinga is a really cute place its not to fancy but it’s also not dull at all. A cute modern long table in the middle of the restaurant, a bar and a few tables on the side. They don't serve alcohol however you can bring your own if you desire. There isn't a waiter that comes and takes your order and there are no menus to place on the table. The menu is written on a few chalkboards in cute little colors. You have to order and pay in full at the front and then take your seat. The staff there was super cool; they offered their own recommendations and were attentive and helpful. I felt so bad because this time I was late and I had Maurice waiting. But he got over it, so it was time to order and here is what we got:

Pechuga- 2 Short Rib Tacos, Salsa Verde, Potatoes, and Quesco Fresco
Flat Iron Steak Tacos- Chipotle Tortillas, Tomato Avocado Relish, Dog Snout Salsa, Pickled Red Onions, Queso Fresco, Lime Chipotle Escabeche
Elote Especial- Grilled Sweet Corn, Creamy Lime, Chilli, Poblano Puree
Black Beans- Soaked in Dos Equis with veggies
Chicken Nachos- Thick Tortilla Chips, Chicken Tinga, Creama and Guacamole
2 Watermelon Lemonades
Dolce something or another for dessert

All the food is served on what appears to be recyclable plates with utensils as well. I felt like we ordered so much food and boy was I right. So the food came out and it was time to grub, Maurice and I agreed that everything was on point and good. Maurice’s fav's which I picked up on where the black beans, and the tacos. My favs were the nachos, lemonade and the dessert. The food came out it was hot and fresh, and I knew that I was going to be so full once it was all said and done. Over dinner Maurice and I talked about everything! I had to share with him a recent message I received from someone we both know and it surprised me that Maurice knew exactly who I was talking about before I even said the persons name, crazy right? RIGHT! But nonetheless Maurice schooled me and told me how to handle the situation. Maurice also filled me in on his love life and he is hilarious! He has the funniest laugh and wonderful spirit! I am so glad that we are closer now! Dinner came up to about $50 which isn't bad because we had hella food. I enjoyed dinner and I look for to many more dinners and hangouts with Maurice! Thanks for dinner and coming out Mo! It was fun as usual! I highly recommend you get familiar with Tinga. If you would like to get on the "Wednesday Dinner" frontline drop me a line wednesdaydinnerwithash@yahoo.com also follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/wednesdaydinner. In closing I would like to leave you with this "Play your role as only you can" until next week MUAH!-Ashley

Wednesday Dinner 12/1/10

GOOD MORNING!!!!!!!!!!!! My bad for not blogging but I was on a 24 hour food fast do to Turkey day, however I am back, well rested and happy to report I did not gain and extra turkey day weight (hahaha). So let this weeks "Wednesday Dinner" story begin. As I mentioned previously I would be switching up by cooking and dinning out, so yesterday I was in the kitchen getting my cook on (HA). I had decided to make an agent Chinese dish that’s been around for centuries, the well known "Fried Rice" (hahaha) along with some chicken egg rolls. I had never made fried rice before but I figured this can go 1 of 2 ways, it can turn out good or it can turn out bad. So I thought what the hell, here goes nothing. I decided to use chicken and shrimp for the fried rice and the egg rolls were store bought so that wasn't going to take much time. Below are the ingredients that were needed for the fried rice:


2 Cups of cooked rice
2 Eggs
3 Green onions
1/2 Cup of shredded carrots
1 Cup of diced chicken
1 Cup of chopped shrimp
1/2 Teaspoon of soy sauce
1 Packet of Fried Rice Mix
2 Tablespoons of oil
1 Box of Market Fresh Mini Chicken Egg Rolls

The 1st thing I did was make my minute rice, and surprisingly it came out perfect. I am not the best rice cooker but can you really mess up minute rice? Once the rice was cooked it was time to do my chicken and carrots. In a skillet I used extra virgin olive oil and butter to sauté the chicken, I seasoned the chicken with seasoning salt, pepper and garlic salt. In a smaller skillet I sautéed the carrots with a little bit of butter. The carrots were fresh and needed to be cooked per the instructions on the rice packet. Next it was time to cook the shrimp; I seasoned the shrimp with the same salts as the chicken. After all that chopping and cooking I was getting a little tired but dinner had to get made, after all the meat and carrots were done it was time to put it all together. I had to put the oil in a skillet add the green onions and the rice, mix that and then it was time to add the rice mix and soy sauce. That’s when the rice started to look like what fried rice should, all the flavors were coming together and it smelled good. Next I added the chicken and shrimp, and then it got tricky......I had to push all that to the side and add the egg, so I did that. I put the top on the skillet and let the egg along with everything else cook for about 15 minutes. During the wait time I put the egg rolls in the oven for about 15 minutes, after the egg rolls were done everything was made and it was time to plate my food. Now it was time to see if it all came together as expected AND................ IT DID!!!! The rice was so YUMMY the only thing I could have done different was fried the egg rolls rather than bake them but now I know for next time. There was enough rice left over for me to have lunch today, which is always a plus. Over dinner I had a little time to think and I am starting to get that "I want a boyfriend" itch (yea I know, I'm sure it will pass). Am I ready to try love and a relationship all over again? Am I just feeling this way because it’s the Holiday season? Or do I really want a MAN? Who knows, I'll take it for what it is and see what happens. I suggest you log on and stay tuned (HA). If you would like to get in the "Wednesday Dinner" kitchen drop me a line wednesdaydinnerwithash@yahoo.com , follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/wednesdaydinner. In closing I would like to leave you with this "Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand. Until next week stay true to you- Ashley.

Wednesday Dinner 11/17/10

Buenos Dias my loves and welcome to "Wednesday Dinner" with Ash. I hope you all are doing well and are staying blessed and positive in this world we are living in. This weeks "Wednesday Dinner" was so much fun and I had a great time. So let the "Wednesday Dinner" story begin! This week Hello Kitty is celebrating her 50th Anniversary with what I would call and exhibit being held at the Santa Monica airport. This event is a mix of art, games, food trucks, shopping and arts & crafts. For anyone who loves Hello Kitty this is the perfect thing for you to check out! The event will be in Los Angeles until Sunday November 21st, for more details check out (http://www.sanrio.com/smallgift) parking is $10 and the event is free except for on Saturday and tickets are $15. I didn't go alone last night I went with Stephanie, Ari (Stephanie's daughter) and Keyonna (Stephanie's God daughter). We arrived around 6:30pm and the event closed at 9pm, I was all bundled up because I thought this event was held outside but I was wrong it was inside (YAY). Walking in I felt like a little kid it was so cute and just all things Hello Kitty. We started out at the art exhibit and some of the art being displayed was so DOPE and pricey! Ridiculously priced, then we worked our way to the gift store I didn't really see anything I was interested in buying but they did have a few specialty items, like Hello Kitty Monopoly. After the gift shop we made our way outside to where the food trucks were and sadly there were only 3 food trucks out there. Kabob N Roll (http://www.kabobnroll.com/), The Place (http://www.theplacela.com/?p=209) and The Knock Out Taco Truck (http://www.kotacotruck.com/KOTacos/home.html). I have to say we picked the wrong night to go for food because all these trucks were WACK!!!!!!!!!!!! Collectively we spent about $50 on food and it was clearly not worth it! Here is what we got:


The Knock Out Truck- Carne Asada Taco's & Bean & Cheese Taco


Kabob N Roll- Meat Pies, Cheese Rolls, Chicken Kabob & Beef Kabob


The Place- Burger, Place Burrito, Pastrami Cheese Fries, & Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog


Beard Papa's - Fondant Au Chocolate


I tasted just about everything listed and I was not impressed and my tummy started hurting once we left which was no bueno! The best thing was the Fondant Au Chocolate from Beard Papa's and basically what it was a chocolate molten cake it was pretty good. Everything else was all bad; The place messed up on Stephanie's burger about 2 times. I was highly disappointed because I was expecting more trucks to be at the event. After we ate we walked around and Keyonna and Ari played a few games. To play any of the games and do some of the activities you need tickets, tickets are priced at $2 per ticket. Keyonna and Ari did pretty good on the games and won a few prizes, next Ari went to play miniature golf and Keyonna went off to the arts & crafts table. There is also a Farice Wheel and a Yogurtland both at the event also. Ari did pretty on her golfing and then we went and met Keyonna at the arts & crafts table and that were I had the most fun. There are these pictures that you can decorate with colored sand, SO DOPE! I want to go back just to do another picture. Its very time consuming though but I had so much fun, it let all my creative juices flow. It was amazing to see how all the creativity from everyone who was at the table. There were a lot of grown women at the event who clearly love Hello Kitty! I didn't see that many kids? But hey I had a good time, I am going to try and go back before Sunday and I suggest if you have a daughter or a love for Hello Kitty you check this event out. If you would like to get on the "Wednesday Dinner" Soul Train drop me a line at wednesdaydinnerwithash@yahoo.com and follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/wednesdaydinner. In closing I would like to leave you with this "Do what you do and I'll do what I do" until next week, blessings. -Ash

Wednesday Dinner 11/10/10

Gooooood morning and happy Thursday? I am so thrown off by this daylight savings time its not even funny! I hope you are all doing well and I would like to thank you for reading another one of my fabulous blogs (hahaha). Anyway let the "Wednesday Dinner" story begin. This week was supposed to be about me trying to hook Stephanie up on a date (and I am not sure if I hooked her up or what). The plan was we would go on a double date with someone I used to date and one of his friends that has been interested in Stephanie for a while. We would all meet for dinner and see how it went but that wasn't the case! The guys were about 2 hours behind schedule and we made 3 different restaurant choices (sweet baby Jesus) and at that point I was reminded of why the guy I used to date I don't date anymore! Everyone knows I don't eat dinner late anymore but these guys didn't get the memo. Our original meeting time was 7pm then it got pushed back to 7:30pm, then to 8:45pm and by the time I looked at my phone it was 9:30pm and we were having dinner (SHAME). The original restaurant choice was Mac & Cheeza but Stephanie and her date weren't to thrilled so then I suggested Citizen Smith but when we all walked in we all walked right back out and went next door to Kitchen 24 (http://www.kitchen24.info/Home.html). Stephanie and I had both been to Kitchen 24 before, last year for her bday we went. I really couldn't tell if the food was good or not because I was so under the influence! However we when walked in we were immediately seated and it literally took about 15 minutes for our waitress to come and take our drink orders (now that’s just ridiculous). It seemed like we were waiting forever for her to come back and the crazy part was that they weren't even crowded! While waiting Stephanie’s date wasn't feeling to good so he took a little walk around the block and just left her at the table with my date and I not sure if she felt like the 3rd wheel (I need to ask her about that). By the time he came back we started ordering and we started with an appetizer:


Chilli Cheese Fries

The fries were ok in my opinion Stephanie really feel in love with these fries. They were fries with veggie chilli and cheese. The veggie chilli had black beans and corn in it and tofu I believe, they were ok but not something I would order again. Then it was time to order dinner and here is what we had:


Ashley- The Big Baller- Jumbo Meatballs cooked in Marinara, served open faced on Focaccia with Provolone


Ashley's Date- K24 Turkey Burger Served on a Toasted Brioche Bun w/ Onions, Sliced Tomatoes, Mayo, Lettuce and Sliced Pickles


Stephanie- Buttermilk Battered Fried Chicken Served with Seasonal Vegetables, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy.


Stephanie's Date- K24 Turkey Burger Served on a Toasted Brioche Bun w/ Onions, Sliced Tomatoes, Mayo, Lettuce and Sliced Pickles


My apologies to the guys because I totally left them out, I didn't take pictures of their food but they did say that their burgers were ok. My sandwich was alright the meatballs could have been seasoned a little better. Stephanie liked her meal as well but she did mention that the chicken could have been seasoned better as well. Over dinner we talked as a group and then there we a few side conversations between the two groups. I could tell Stephanie was having a good time because she kept smiling, which is great! Her and her date seemed to hit it off. I am trying to help her get over her break up and try something different which is "being single and dating". Not sure if I will dub myself a "Match Maker" just yet but hopefully this was the first of many more dates! Our service at Kitchen 24 was horrible I mean just WACK! I am not sure if the guys left a tip, I didn't ask but if I were paying I wouldn't have left SHIT! (excuse my french). The atmosphere in Kitchen 24 is cool they play a mix of top 40 jams and have a bar with Happy Hour until 11pm Monday-Thursday, they also have a cute candy station at the front counter however if you take all of that away they pretty much suck! All in all the double date was cool however I am going to opt out of doubling dating again! Even though we all know each other it’s still a little awkward. After dinner it was time to say our goodbyes since it was a week night there was really no time for anything extra since we all have to be at work before the crack of dawn. I did get a chance to look at the bill and it was about $72.00 and some change which makes it about $18 per person oh Kitchen 24 ya'll wrong for that! If you would like to be hooked up with "Wednesday Dinner" or a date holler at me wednesdaydinnerwithash@yahoo.com and follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/wednesdaydinner. In closing I would like to leave you with this "It gets greater later" until next week DUECES- Ashley

Wednesday Dinner 11/3/10

I'm baaaaaaaaaaack!!!!!!! I had to take a much needed break from blogging because my life has gone in a whole nother direction from the last time I blogged. Let me start with saying "Hello, Good Morning"! I hope you are all well and life is treating you good. I took a break from "Wednesday Dinner" because I moved. YES Jody finally left the nest (Hahaha). This has been a life changing no scratch that a life style change for me and I am sooooooo HAPPY!!!! So due to moving and trying to work out my living expenses "Wednesday Dinner" was put on hold , however I’m back, re inspired and I have decided to switch the blog up. Twice a month I will be cooking dinner and having people over for dinner and twice a month I will be dinning out and either be eating solo or be accompanied by a guest. So this brings me to last nights dinner which was in house with my sister and if I must say so I did my thing on the ones and twos. I have an abundance of food in both my refrigerator and freezer! I wanted to make something good but I also wanted to use some of the items in my fridge before they went bad. So I decided to try this Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Pasta, my sister Melissa told me I need to name it but for some reason I am only good at naming drinks not food (hahaha). Since I've moved out I've become an old person when it comes to eating dinner, I try not to eat dinner any later than 6pm so most nights I'm eating dinner by 5-5:30pm and I cook every night. I know that’s crazy but I get off work at 3pm so it’s only right, right? Anyway along with the pasta I decided to make this Greek Salad I've made before, which is really good & refreshing if I must say so myself! So here are the ingredients for the pasta & salad:


Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Pasta (Prep time 45 minutes)


• 1 Chicken Breast


• 2 Cups of Penne Pasta


• 1 Bag of Fresh Spinach


• 2 Handfuls of Fresh Mushrooms


• Butter


• Extra Virgin Olive Oil


• Fresh Garlic


• Classico Alfredo Sauce


• Mozzarella Cheese


• Seasoning Salt, Garlic Salt & Black Pepper


• 2 Slices of Texas Toast


Greek Salad (Prep time 10 minutes)

• One bag of salad


• Feta Cheese


• Sliced Olives


• Tomatoes


• Cucumber


• Red Onion


• Italian Salad Dressing


• 1 Slice of Pita Bread

So let me start with the pasta, so easy to make and if made correctly its DELISH! First I cut the chicken breast in cubes and seasoned it with seasoning salt, garlic salt and black pepper. Warmed my skillet and put extra virgin olive oil & butter, let it get hot and then dropped the chicken in. I had to keep my eye on the chicken because I didn't want to burn it or for it to be under cooked. The chicken cooked for about 20 minutes and was done; the pieces were moist and very flavorful. Next it was time to sauté the spinach & mushrooms. I heated up another skillet with butter, fresh garlic (minced it myself) and seasoning salt let the skillet get hot then I dropped the spinach & mushrooms in. I let the veggies sauté for about 10 minutes and they were done. Now the alfredo sauce was up, I had about a little less than a full jar of Classic Alfredo sauce in the fridge, I didn't think it was going to be enough so I added a little milk in jar and shook it up, put the sauce in a little sauce pan add about 2 pinches of mozzarella cheese and let it boil for about 5 minutes, I added a little seasoning salt to taste. Next it was time to do the noodles, I boiled 2 cups of penne pasta, and of course pasta is tricky because you don't want to under cook or over cook your noodles. It took about 8 minutes for the noodles to be done and now it was time to mix everything up. I did a little sample taste and DAMN that pasta was DELISH. Next up was the Greek Salad, extremely easy to make even a cave man can make it (hahaha). I placed the lettuce in a bowl, cut up the red onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Added the feta cheese and olives and then put about 3 squirts of the Italian dressing on. Mixed it and abra cadabra the salad was made. I put in the fridge and warmed up my Texas toast and pita bread, I rubbed the pita bread down with some butter and let it get a little crispy along with the Texas toast. By 5:30pm dinner was ready , Melissa and I were ready to eat. We ate the salad first; I set the table and everything! Melissa enjoyed the salad and pita bread and so did I. The pasta was served as the 2nd course and I am sad to report Melissa doesn't eat mushrooms, so she picked them out. She enjoyed the pasta as well she told me "Good job Ashley". Over dinner we just talked about small things here and there, it was soooo HOT yesterday sheesh. After dinner we were both FULL so we sat on the couch and didn't move for about 20 minutes. All in all dinner was good and of course I'll get Melissa to leave a comment on the food. I really enjoy cooking and decided this would be a great addition to what I've been doing with "Wednesday Dinner". If you would like to dine at the "Wednesday Dinner" table or have a recipe suggestion, drop me a line wednesdaydinnerwithash@yahoo.com and follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/wednesdaydinner. In closing I would like to leave you with this "Life is so short...kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly" Until next we I love you and peace! -Ashley