4th Annual Cooking Light Ultimate Reader Recipe Contest

It is that time of year when Cooking Light begins accepting submissions for their Annual Ultimate Reader Recipe Contest. One of the requirements for the recipe is that it must include one of their sponsor products. I chose Nakano Seasoned Rice Wine Vinegar from their list of sponsors. I decided that I wanted to enter this year since I have come up with some great creations over the past year. I revamped an old recipe for fish tacos and came up with a recipe to enter in the "Family Dinner" category. The recipe I submitted is for Tuna Tacos with Marinated Slaw. Enjoy!

Tuna Tacos with Marinated Slaw

Ingredients:
4 cups shredded green cabbage
3 tablespoons Nakano Seasoned Rice Wine Vinegar
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon diced pickled jalapenos
1 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 cup flour
4 tablespoons taco seasoning
2 pounds tuna fillets, cut into bite-size pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
16 flour tortillas
1 cup Pico de Gallo or fresh salsa

Directions:
1) Combine first four ingredients in a medium bowl. Toss well, cover, and refrigerate.
2) Combine sour cream, hot sauce, and chili powder in a small bowl. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate.
3) Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Combine flour and taco seasoning. Dredge fish in flour mixture. Add fish to pan and sauté for 4 minutes or until desired degree of doneness.
4) Warm tortillas according to package directions. Spread a spoonful of sour cream mixture down the center of tortillas. Top with 1/4 cup of marinated slaw. Divide fish evenly among tortillas and top with spoonful of Pico de Gallo; fold in half.

Yields 8 servings (Serving Size: 2 fish tacos)

Spring! (Well...maybe)

It is so warm today that The Fred has decided it is officially "park day." After dance class, we are going to walk on over and enjoy some much needed outdoor fun at our favorite neighborhood park. The Fred has informed me that StickyBun-Scotti can swing, but she is going to slide..."he's just too little for that," she says, authoritatively. I am in agreement with The Fred...as much as I love story time at the library, indoor playgroups, and McWane Center, I am ready to get back outside and enjoy the park and the zoo. Nothing like a little bit of sunshine and some time at the park with the kiddos to brighten your day!

Could She Be Any Sweeter?

The Fred trying to steal a kiss and console her little StickyBun-Scotti...it just doesn't get any cuter that that!

Project Two: Nemesis

Well, I think that I am finally getting the hang of this whole Photoshop thing. I just created this piece for my second project with a total of 10 images and 26 layers...whew! It is much more exciting to see in person because it is printed on a piece of translucent vinyl static cling and affixed to a large piece of glass that is supported by a solid mahogany base that The Husby designed and made for the image. I will post some more pics when I get them. The assignment for the project was to select a myth or fairy tale and create a montage based on what we chose. The title for my piece is Nemesis...enjoy!

"Daddy The King"

The Fred has started creating imaginary situations where she assigns names of cartoon characters to all of the members of the family. Currently, her fascination is with all things "Little Mermaid." A few weeks ago, after renting the movie from the library, she decided to assign our "Little Mermaid" names. She told me that she was "The Little Mermaid," StickyBun-Scotti was "Flounder," I was "The Sea Witch" (yes, I know, how sweet), and that The Husby was...get this..."Daddy The King." Of course, "Daddy The King" has been relishing in the glory of his newfound title.

Well, as some of you know, we have been mattress shopping for the past several weeks. We have been to just about every store in town, but our stop at hhgregg was nothing but memorable. When we entered the store, The Husby went in one direction, and I went in another direction with the kids. A few seconds later, The Fred saw The Husby walk out of an aisle on the other side of the store. She yelled at the top of her lungs, "Wait, Daddy The King! Wait for us, Daddy The King!"

Of course, everyone in the store stopped to look. I'm sure they were all wondering why he made his kids call him "Daddy The King." I can assure you that the looks on their faces were even more priceless when she yelled, "Hey! Stop, Momma Sea Witch!" Something may have been lost...like a specific consonant...in translation

Not Exactly What I Would Call Romantic

As everyone knows, we are quickly approaching Valentine's Day...one of my favorite days of the year!  In the beginning of a relationship, I believe that it is important to give romantic or sentimental gifts...just to let them know just how much you care.  Well, these days, I tend to lean more towards the practical than the sentimental.  

For our wedding anniversary this past year, I gave The Husby a picture that I had made for him.  The picture was of the skyline in St. John (where we were married), and the stars were arranged exactly as they were on the exact date that we were married.  It was sweet...sentimental...but not something for The Husby to get too excited about.

I decided that for Valentine's Day I was going to get him something that he really wanted...something he could really get excited about.  Over the past few months, I have been paying very close attention to any comments he has made in hopes of selecting the perfect present.  Finally, I figured out the perfect gift...a chainsaw. 

What says, "Happy Valentine's Day," more than a chainsaw?! 

Anyway, I don't think he has ever been so excited about a gift that I have given...who knew that it could be so easy?

It's Raining...It's Snowing?

For those of you Yankees, this is nothing to get excited about, but we had the privilege of enjoying a snow day on Saturday. I promise...every little bit counts with kids. The Fred had a blast making snowballs, and StickyBun-Scotti couldn't stop giggling while the snowflakes were landing on his face!