Lady Ford's Blog About Everything!

This post is dedicated to my good friend Eryn Standard. As a group of girls, we have so often frequented RA Sushi. One of the best parts of sushi and happy hour food, of course, is dipping sauces. Eryn happens to totally love the spicy mayo RA serves with many different dishes. I love this kick also, and was recently inspired to make a much healthier version! Test kitchen approved, this version has 91% less calories than the original! That's right!!! Original Japanese style spicy mayo = 110 calories per TABLESPOON! The new rendition has a mere 10 calories per Tablespoon! This sauce is quick, stores well in the refrigerator, and can be used on a variety of dishes (see below for ideas!) 1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt 1/2 T Sriracha Sauce 1/2 t Splenda Mix above ingredients in a small bowl. Add more Sriracha or Splenda to taste. Note, Splenda was used to add "zero calories", if you so prefer you can use regular sugar for a few additional calories. Also note, calorie calculations are...

Well, here we are! One full week into the next chapter of our lives. Brad and I have been pretty busy this last week getting accustomed to the Pittsburgh area, and enjoying each other's company before Brad is off to work. Here is a little bit about what we have been up to, and pictures to share: We arrived on October 7th, and made the "almost famous" stop at Primanti Bros in the Strip District in downtown Pittsburgh. We experienced the restaurant that has been on Food Network, and that so many people talk about. I must say, it was quite interesting! Every sandwich come with coleslaw and French Fries IN BETWEEN the bread and meat! Right, like I said, interesting! Next we were off to the North suburbs to find the area that would soon become our new "bubble", Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. We are currently staying in a nice townhouse that has a great view of the West hills at the edge of town! We sure caught the trees at just the right time. Over the weekend we ...

We have always wanted to try making sushi at home, so we finally gave it a try! I must say, it turned out much better then I thought it would. With a good amount of time and patience our dinner was delicious! Brad did the rolling, he certainly did a great job. Also, this was SO much less expensive than going out to sushi. We made a good mix of; California Roll, Philadelphia Rolls, Dungeness Crab Rolls, Spicy Crab & Smoked Salmon Roll, Spicy Crab and Avocado Roll, Crab Tempura Roll, Salmon and Crab Tempura Roll!!!!! YUM!!!!

Chicken Picatta, Scallops, Whole Wheat Pasta with Garlic Sauce & Fresh Basil Easy and delicious snack bruschetta; Triscuit crackers, mozzarella, basil, cherry tomatoes and garlic

A little late getting all my summer posts up, but better late than never. I made a surprise birthday cake for my husband, Brad. Brad has a "meat tooth" not a "sweet tooth"! He absolutely LOVED this!

Can't take credit for this recipe, although I did modify and add. Simple recipe for coconut waffles, with coconut flake was quick and delicious. We additionally made a cold concoction of pureed strawberries and pineapple juice. A drizzle of coconut vinegar to mine, mmmm! Super delicious!

The only good thing about cold nights in winter, are they are the perfect reason to have a fondue dinner! Here are a couple of fondue ideas. There are millions of renditions on broth, cheese, sauces, etc. One word of advice - use a good fondue pot. Beef & Red Wine Broth: - 4 cups beef broth - 1 - 1 1/2 cups red wine - Chopped garlic cloves (4-5) - 2 bay leaves - Diced Shallot about 1/4 cup - Pepper - Any additional seasonings you might like, we use a tiny bit of hickory salt and garlic pepper, just a little or it gets to salty. - Simmer in fondue pot at least 20-30 min before serving. This allows the broth to thicken slightly. - Beef, mushrooms, broccoli, bell peppers, etc. are great dipped in this. Cheese Fondue: - Gruyere Cheese (depending on the # of people estimate about 1/2 to 1 cup of loosely grated cheese per person) - 1/2 - 1 cup dry white wine (generally use a sauvignon blanc ) - add more or less depending on amount of cheese - 1/4 cup diced shallot - Chopped garlic cloves...

Oh man, my blood is boiling. Seriously. Nothing irritates me more in the wee early days of January than those "fine" people who come out of the woodwork to show up at the gym for their New Years resolution. I hate it. Good for you working out, but why do YOU need all the good machines? I have been coming to this gym for years, and here you are, all new and bushy-tailed, taking the best equipment...85% of you ready to sink in a matter of days. I just needed to vent. It happens every year, nothing new. Just one of the many things I hate about January. I am SOOOO ready for spring!

Celebrating the last night of 2010, we went out like we roll all year - enjoying great food! Dinner: Lobster Tail, Alaskan King Crab & Lemon Chive Pasta with Tomato Mushroom Cream Sauce Dessert: Coconut Creme Brulee Drink: Champagne, of course! Brad was on the meat task, as usual! We figured out a great way to prepare the tail & legs so its much easier to eat! Use crab claws to slice open the crab legs before simmering in a pan with butter. The meat can be easily picked out with a fork, once ready to eat. Lemon Chive Pasta with Tomato Mushroom Cream Sauce: - 1 Package of Papardelle's Lemon Chive Pasta (City Market or online) - For the sauce: - 10 cloves garlic, diced - 1 large shallot, sliced into small sections - 4-6 Roma Tomatoes, cut into large sections - 1 can diced tomatoes (can sub an additional can for the fresh Roma's if necessary) - 2 packages sliced mushrooms 1/2 cup heavy cream Add 3-4 T EVOO to a large pot, add garlic & shallots. Simmer till tender on me...