dinner update

So, as promised, a review of the meals for this week: 

The meat loaf was fantastic!!!!  We (I) will make that again very soon. 

The casserole was very good as well.  It wasn't quite as swoon-worthy but it is pretty good for you.  :)

I would recommend trying either and soon!

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

We are taking it easy around here and spending time on the boat.  The rest of the summer is all planned out so we hope to enjoy a low-key weekend!!

on the menu

Here's what I am dishing up this week at the Shingler household.  I will let you know how they turn out!

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

This is Katie Lee Joel's recipe but I couldn't find it online for some reason...

3 tbs unsalted butter
3 tbs AP flour
2 c chicken broth
1 shallot, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tbs fresh lemon juice
1/2 c sour cream
2 c grated Parmesan
3 c frozen broccoli florets, thawed (I am using fresh, chopped broccoli and boiling it in the broth briefly)
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 c cracker crumbs

Preheat oven to 325.  In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat and add the flour.  Add the broth and shallot, increase heat to boil (I will add the broccoli at this point) and then reduce to simmer.  After about 10 minutes, the mixture will thicken.  Add the salt, pepper and lemon juice. Remove from heat, add the sour cream and 1/4 c Parmesan. 

Arrange the broccoli in a 2-qt gratin dish and pour half the sauce over it.  Arrange the chicken over that and pour on the remaining sauce.  Top with cracker crumbs and remaining cheese.  Bake for 20 minutes and then broil until the crumbs are gbd (golden brown delicious).   



Bacon Gruyere Meat Loaf

I just made this up to cook for tomorrow and I think it is going to be delicious!!  I don't know that I have ever eaten meat loaf but Brad loves it so I wanted to give it a try.  I am betting this may be a new fave.  The carrots look yummy too!

tv

Of course, we all look forward to summer and the fun and sun it brings.  With the arrival of summer, we also get season finales of our TV shows.  As usual, some were good, others not so much.  Here's my recap...

Brothers and Sisters - I thought it was good and was surprised there were not many cliff-hangers.  Well, turns out that is a good thing as it got cancelled.  Oh well, it was good while it lasted!

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Desperate Housewives - Ugh, this season was pretty rough to watch.  The sudden appearance and murder of Gabriel's stepfather felt forced.  I can't stand Bree's new boyfriend and the Paul storyline is getting old.  Hopefully, next year is better...

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Hawaii Five-0 - I love this show.  It is super predictable but the characters and scenery are marvelous.  They definitely left us hanging so I am really looking forward to their fall return. 

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The Event - This one's probably on its way out but the last couple of episodes have actually been pretty good.  I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.

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American Idol - I like the new judges, although they can be a little too easy on the kids.  I think the talent was better in the top 10 than it has been in a while.  However, I don't like the way America votes.  I think Casey, James and Haley should have been the top 3.  They are all good and, I hope, will all succeed but the last two left are definitely not the best.  They are good and plenty marketable though. 

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The Voice - I especially loved the blind auditions of this show.  Now, I am thinking that these contestants are not really that good.  Or, maybe it's just the battle rounds.  It is very hard for me to hear them and their voice over the other singer and the music.  I think they are going after people that are more coachable than those that are already polished.  At this point, I think Javier Colon is far and away the best.  Well, he was the lead singer for The Derek Trucks Band for a few years!!

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DWTS - Ok, I have to admit I don't watch this show.  But, I have been keeping up with it because of Hines Ward and it looks like he has a legitimate shot to win it.  I will watch the finale though - Team Hines!!

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Grey's Anatomy - Christina's breakdown kinda got on my nerves, as does anything Callie-related.  I thought the season finale was good and the Meredith situtation might be the best-ever storyline for her.  I also like the Teddy storyline because I really like Scott Foley - her husband.  :)  Next season should be good!

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CSI - I can't say this is my favorite show anymore.  They have changed the cast a lot and I feel like something is missing.  Laurence Fishburne (Augusta native)  was the main character this season and his is an interesting storyline.  We'll see where they go next year, more cast shakeups are expected. 

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Blue Bloods - Gotta love Magnum PI, um, I mean Tom Selleck.  This is a great show but they came to a quick resolution in the finale.  With one year under thir belt, we will see what they do with it next year...

So, for the summer, I will watch the remainder of The Voice, So You Think You Can Dance and Big Brother.  Plus, a lot of Braves baseball.  They have not been consistent yet this season.  They will beat the Phillies and then lose to the Nationals.  Hopefully, they can even that out on the winning side soon.

Although I will miss my shows, it's a good thing the DVR won't be full.  Brad and I have our anniversary trip to Antigua, bachelor and bachelorette weekends, a girls beach weekend, golf trips, showers, weddings and the usual lake trips.  Should be a busy and fun summer!!!

hydrangea

I have never been a fan of traditional hydrangeas.  I just think they are common and overused, especially in the South.

However, we have Hydrangea Macrophylla Beaute Vendomeise in our backyard and I love it!

I need to figure out where to get some more or how to split this one. 

greenjackets

Thursday, we went to the Augusta Greenjackets game.  Gotta love the $1 beers huh?

 Liza brought her adorable son, Aiden, and 'Uncle' Jay bought him a hat and foam finger.  They were a big hit. 

 Mike and Blake brought their nephew Rivers - Jonathan and Kasie's son.  He got a hat and foam finger too but he might have to grow into those.  : )

It was Mandy's last day of school with students so she had reason to celebrate!

They tied it up near the end of the game but we couldn't last for the extra innings.  They ended up losing in the 11th.  It was a fun night though!

corn and mushroom risotto

Corn and Mushroom Risotto

shrimp scampi

Last week, I made some great dinners courtesy of Food Network magazine.  Enjoy!

Shrimp Scampi

friends

Last  week, we celebrated Natalie's birthday with Carrie, Martha, Kelly and Ashley.  It was a great evening out!

On Friday, we celebrated a belated Cinco de Mayo at Vallartas.

 We ran into Katrina and Jason!  It was really nice to visit with them.  They live in Greenville and were in town for Mother's Day and graduation celebrations. 

Mel and Eric joined us and brought precious Tensley with them!

mother's day

Last Saturday, we went to Atlanta with Mom and Dad to see Mana.  Her birthday was on Mother's Day so we got to celebrate both with her.

On the way back home, we stopped off at Big City Bread to enjoy dinner with Levi.  The weather was perfect and dinner was fantastic under the trees. 

ellie's visit

Last night, we went to dinner at Bill and Debbie's.  Brad's 'Aunt' Ellie was in town to visit with Granny.  Ellie is Granny's neice and lives in PA.  It was so nice to visit and enjoy a yummy dinner!!