Archives for March 2010

Cooking with The Pioneer Woman: Weekly Update

March 17, 2010 by Amy 6 Comments

Chicken Strips

Overall these were given a thumbs up. I did make one mistake and dumped a bunch more flour in my bowl and forgot to re-season. They came out tasting a little like they needed more salt. My fault! The bummer is the kids didn’t care for them and I could barely get them to eat them after stripping off the thick and crunchy breading. The whole reason to make these were to substitute Chick Fil A and every other kids meal. I think I’m going to fish for another recipe :(. I do have to say they were juicy and *I* enjoyed them just as much as any restaurant.

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Hot Artichoke Dip (in cookbook)

I think this came out really well for what it was. It was yummy with tortilla chips. It was a tad sour for my taste. I think I missed some spinach a la Spinach and Artichoke Dip. I’m just not a huge artichoke fan. Scott seemed to really like it and he likes artichokes so who am I to judge or even make this?

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Penne a la Betsy (in cookbook)

I substituted chicken for the shrimp just because I knew Lexi wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole. Turns out she barely touched the chicken anyway. But both kids really liked the taste. Actually Lexi’s comment was the garlic bread was better than the noodles but both of them were better than her Gatorade. So there you go. If you’ve made the tomato soup, this tastes just like it but with noodles. I personally could have used a lot more spice. My family is so spice-sensitive though it’s hard to play around with that.

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I feel like I’m being harsh this week. There was nothing that had anyone jumping up and down but they weren’t bad by any means. I think with a few tweaks, these could go into regular rotation.

American Idol Top 12

March 16, 2010 by Amy 7 Comments

I need to preface these reviews with the comment that before tonight I wouldn’t have said I’m a Rolling Stones fan but I really liked a lot of those songs. I know, call me crazy.

Mike – I’m not 100% sold on Mike. I’ve complained before on his performance. It just feels a little fake to me. And I felt the dancing/moves were a little awkward. I was pointing at the TV and saying “YES” when Simon commented on it as well. I wouldn’t say it was desperate though. The guy can sing though.

Didi – Where has that Didi been? Wow. The big note was off but I felt like she was in it to win it tonight.

Casey – Yes! I loved that. I loved in particular that he smiled through the whole thing and looked like he was having fun.

Lacey – I really liked it. I wasn’t wowed and I think maybe it’s going to be forgettable but I can see myself listening to this on my iPod. On a few sidenotes, I really like her black nails and how did I miss she had a church background?

Andrew – Dude. That was not good. I agree with Randy. Too pitchy for me.

Katie – She performed that well. I’ve just decided though I’m not a fan of the tone of her voice. And wow, I’m surprised none of the judges made a wedding singer comment after that intro video. Not that I thought she sounded like one but it’s just not beneath Simon to pull that out especially with an opening. I just kept imagining Carrie Underwood in her place and those big notes would be so much easier to listen to with Carrie’s voice.

Tim – Maybe because I’m clueless about the original but I think I liked it. At least he sang it well. Why did the judges hate it? I’m confused.

Siobhan – Wow, it’s amazing. Every week I become a bigger and bigger fan of hers. She was a certified performer tonight. Definite, definite reminders of Adam Lambert there. But in a good, normal way. Finally! That’s how you are an outstanding performer on stage and then be a humble individual off stage. She’s so cute with those glasses. Ah, I’m on the Siobhan train!

Lee – I wish the guy would annunciate better. I did not understand 50% of what he just sang. I think his voice was really good. Strange for me with all the mumbling.

Paige – Is it just me or did she sound like one of the Judd’s? I think I might like the Country sound on her.

Aaron – Wow, I did not agree with the judges at all. I was bored. The performance was a little awkward. His voice was very nice in some places but overall, I’m just not a fan yet.

Crystal – I love Crystal. I love that every week you feel like you’re already watching a star.

Favorites by far: Crystal and Siobhan

In trouble this week: Andrew and Lacey

Check out more posts at boomama.net

Local Press on My Suze Orman Segment

March 16, 2010 by Amy 1 Comment

Our local newspaper and news station decided to do an article and segment on my segment on Suze Orman airing this weekend. I think my time on the news here is going to be longer than the actual Suze segment!

I’m happy to talk about the golf tournament as I think it’s going to be a great time for a good cause and I love Suze. I hope more people tune in to her as well. We all can use financial advice no matter where we are in our journey.

See the rest of the news article here.

Maybe it’s not a new car, a fancy home or an expensive flat-screen TV, but before Fort Mill resident Amy Bennett splurges a little on something fun, she needs to know, “Can I afford it?”

Last week, Bennett taped a spot for The Suze Orman Show’s “Can I afford it?” segment. The splurge she wants to make? A trip to the third annual “Beyond the Lights” celebrity golf tournament in Texas. The tournament, which raises funds for spinal cord injury research, is hosted by Brad Leland and Kyle Chandler, two of the stars of the NBC show “Friday Night Lights.”

Actors and actresses from the show also attend the tournament, which includes a silent auction and concert, and filming for the show occurs in nearby Austin. An avid fan of the show, Bennett runs a Friday Night Lights fan Web site, www.fridaynightlightsfan.com, that offers up-to-the-minute information on the show as well as recaps, blogging about the show and the cast, and a podcast created by Bennett and her partner on the Web site, Kaitlin Mattison.

Bennett has wanted to go to the tournament before, but felt like now is the time to book the trip.

“The network has already said this is the last year of the show,” Bennett said. “So this is probably the last year all of these actors will be together in Austin, so this is it. It’s kind of do it this year or never.”

Jenny from the FM Times wrote the article and I had such a fun time talking to her. We know each other back from high school and I almost forgot I was doing an interview on the phone with her. I think it really came across in the article and am so pleased with it.

Today Diane from CN2 came over for just a few minutes to get a couple sound bites for their segment on tonight’s news. I didn’t really realize I was going to be on camera. I thought it might be one of those they show my headshot or a picture of the show and then just saw a few words about it. I realized just how much I talk with my hands! If you can’t view the video below, check it out here.

Top Ten Tuesday: The Pioneer Woman’s Top 10 Recipes

March 16, 2010 by Amy 16 Comments

I’ve been wanting to do this list AND participate in Top 10 Tuesday. But somehow never put the two together? Who knew?

I have to give this with the qualification I haven’t tried every single recipe in the book but I think I’ve hit 90% of it. I’m judging simply by the mmm factor taking into consideration I would eat desserts 8 times a day as well as ease of recipe and frequency you make it. Also judging by how quickly my brain pulled it out of thin air. So here’s my list so far:

1 – Tomato Soup

This gets such high marks because it’s so delicious and so easy.

2 – Chicken Pot Pie

This is a tummy pleaser for sure. It takes a little more work because of the crust and time but once you’re familiar with it, it’s pretty easy.

3 – Blue Cheese Sauce

This is so high on the list because I could eat it with a spoon and try to find every reason to eat it again. It’s not in the cookbook either but did I mention it’s yummy?

4 -Tomato Basil Pizza (including her Pizza crust recipe)

Best homemade pizza ever.

5 -Best Lasagna Ever

I feel like a real cook when I make this. No can of spaghetti sauce included! It’s not the easiest thing ever but it certainly is yummy!

6 -Mocha Brownies

By far my favorite dessert recipe in the book. The inch thick icing is just sinful!

7 – Onion Strings

I could eat these for a snack pretty much any time of the day. They are salty and crunchy and for once I don’t feel like I’m missing out on not buying a Bloomin’ Onion somewhere

8 –Cinnamon Rolls

I only made these once. They are sinful. Period.

9 – Jalapeno Poppers

This is a great party snack. Even people that don’t like jalapeno should like these. And something about wrapped in bacon and a toothpick make me feel fancy.

10 -Sour Cream Pancakes

My favorite breakfast…besides bacon.

If you’d like to see all the recipes I’ve done, check them out here

Also, go buy her cookbook!

And check out more Top Ten Tuesday at ohamanda.com!

A Walk with God – In Hardback

March 15, 2010 by Amy 2 Comments

I wasn’t going to share this but it’s come up a few times so I thought I’d go ahead. I put the “A Walk with God” post into a hardback format for myself this weekend. I have read it so many times myself to remember what He showed me. I’m in awe of Him every single time.

I ordered a copy for myself and my mom got a copy. Then someone else wanted one to give away. I’m not making any money off of this whatsoever but if you are interested in having a copy, it’s available on lulu.com. I tried to make smaller formats but it just didn’t work out right with the pics and the verse so it’s $28.45 for a 9×7 27 page book. A preview is below:

Regular Monday Morning Convo

March 15, 2010 by Amy 5 Comments

On the way to take Lexi to school this morning, this is what Lexi pipes up with.

Lexi: I think when I get to heaven I’ll be happy to see Trooper [Dad’s dog]
Emma: and Misty and Tisha [parents’ cats]
Me: and Sheba [sister’s dog]
Lexi: and Mr Fred [neighbor]
Me: You miss them?
Lexi shakes her head yes.
Emma: And yourself
Lexi: How can you miss yourself?

*pause*

Lexi: I think DisneyWorld misses me.

Random! Happy Monday, ya’ll!

Sunday Highlights: Love, Sex, God: Purity Goes Public

March 14, 2010 by Amy 1 Comment

Some things should remain private but some things that should seem private should be public.

Purity is a public matter. Our sex lives have an impact on the community around us

SoS 8:4-8:12

She’s saying again not to stir it up until the appropriate time. She’s concerned for her sister who is not yet mature. If she’s pure, they will come alongside her and help fortify her. If she’s “open”, they will put boards up. It’s a family ordeal. Siblings can and should step in.

Your goal is to help your kids love Jesus. Find opportunities to teach Godly principles. Don’t let the world dictate your morals. You are your children’s pastor.

Fathers, date your daughters. Go on regular dates. Once a year, have a very fancy date. Show her what a gentleman does…open doors, pushes in chair. Be physical appropriately.

Youth, treat a woman like you want someone to treat your sister.

Good guys don’t mind community. They don’t mind meeting parents, hanging out with friends, going to church because they have nothing to hide. If a guy isolates you from that, get rid of him.

For those that have a past, repent, take responsibility.

Parents, know your children. Spend time with them. Know what they know. Control behaviors. They are in your home, act like it.

Purity will lead to peace in the home. You can control yourself.

A Walk with God

March 13, 2010 by Amy 14 Comments

I started this yesterday and finally finished it today.

Today as I drove to the Y to get a fast walk in at lunch, I felt the Holy Spirit asking me to walk outside. It was fairly nice but I still debated in my head. I’d picture myself on the treadmill and I’d have no peace about it. I’d picture myself walking outside and I could hear Yes! Yes, a simple walk was a debate.

So I parked at the Y and started out on the sidewalk leading out to the adjoining neighborhood. For local folks, this will look familiar. As I walked I really felt that God has something to show me. I prayed that He’d give me His eyes as I walked. As I walked past this field of sorts, I could hear the birds chirping. The pieces of a few verses came to my mind

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them…do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Mattthew 6:26, 34

As I walked, over and over again a word or object would bring forth a verse to my mind. Sometimes all I could recall were a few words. But it was clear specific verses were coming to mind from the most mundane things.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:2-3

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 6:18

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:3

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10:14-15

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Mark 1:17

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. John 1:11

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. Genesis 2:8

He said to them, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Luke 20:25

Be still, and know that I am God Psalm 46:10

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalms 23:5

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the eastand have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

(reflection)

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you Jeremiah 1:15

As I drove away, I was overcome with emotion. God is real. We can meet with Him in the smallest things around us. He loved us. He died for us. He’s inviting us. Just as we are.

Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidst me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.