Monday Morning Motivation....

"Agape doesn't love somebody because they're worthy. 

                            Agape makes them worthy by the strength and power of its love. 

Agape doesn't love somebody because they're beautiful. 

Agape loves in such a way that it makes them beautiful." 

Rob Bell

"...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning and

a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair..."

Isaiah 61:3 

Happy Monday Everyone.

Restaurant Review...."Los Portales Mexican Restaurant" in Durham NC

It was Tuesday night.  Just one of those after work nights, where I was tired and did not feel at all like cooking.  I called Erica and asked if she wanted to try out a new, to us, restaurant.  The answer was a very quick..."Yes!"  We had walked past this restaurant about a week ago and what piqued our interest was the colorful decor.  Bright and whimsical....fun.  I zoomed home, picked up Erica and off we went.....to "Los Portales Mexican Restaurant" in Durham NC.

I found several meanings for the word Los Portales...."the porches, entrance, doorway, the patios".  Sounds welcoming:-)

Now what does "bienvenidos" mean?
It is spanish for "Welcome".  Very nice greeting on the bench outside their door.

Color and whimsy all around....

Tired after a very long day.  Could only manage a half smile....

Full smile now:-)
Strawberry Margarita.
Very good!

Chips and Salsa...

Even the table had
character....

The Menu was extensive.  I did not get to study the menu at home (like I usually do) before our visit, so I made a quick choice. Enchiladas Blancas....They were good.  I did add a bit of salsa for a touch more flavor.

All in all what did I think of LosPortales?  It was fun and relaxing after a long day at work.  The decor was colorful and interesting and the food good.  The service was friendly and the atmosphere casual.  I would go back.
Get out and try a new restaurant.
Enjoy Your World!
Kathiey:-)

Monday Morning Motivation

"My strength in life is I am Yours

My soul delights because I am Yours"

lyrics by Jesus Culture

"The Lord is my strength and my song,

He is my savior"

Psalm 118:14

Happy Monday Everyone!

Enjoy Your World:-)

Recipe Review..."Bruschetta" Kathiey's Version

First off just what is bruschetta?  Lets ask wikipedia....
Bruschetta (Italian pronunciation:brus 'ket a) is an antipasto from central Italy whose origin dates to at least the 15th century. It consists of roasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Variations may include toppings of spicy red pepper, tomato, vegetables, beans, cured meat, and/or cheese; the most popular recipe outside of Italy involves basil, fresh tomato, garlic and onion or mozzarella. Bruschetta is usually served as a snack or appetizer. 
After searching several recipes I decided to make my own version.  I gathered my ingredients....

Tomatoes fresh from the garden...

The deer did get the best of the crop but we managed to 
enjoy a few:-)

Fresh mozzarella cheese...Yum:-)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar,
Salt and Pepper, Loaf of Italian Bread.....(many folks like to use a baguette for their bread of choice but I prefer a softer bread.  Many toast the bread before adding the cheese but again I did not want crunchy bread)














I did mine a bit different from most of the recipes you find.  I did stick with the Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar.  
The recipe I used called for 1/4 cup of Olive Oil and 2 Tablespoons of Balsamic Vinegar.  It tasted more like oil then vinegar to me so I just kept adding the Vinegar until I liked the flavor.  I also added salt and pepper to taste.  Most folks add a bunch of garlic but I am not crazy about garlic.

Tomatoes, Mozz Cheese and Fresh Basil.  (I don't know why I put the spinach in the picture, I did not use it for the recipe.  I must have made a salad:-)

Kathieys Bruschetta 

(Make it your own by adjusting the ingredients)

1/4 cup Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons of Balsamic Vinegar (I added more to desired taste)
Salt and Pepper to desired taste.
Fresh Tomatoes, chopped
Fresh Basil, stems removed and chopped
1 loaf of Italian or French bread sliced.  (Or your bread of choice)
Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

Directions

Preheat the oven to the broiler setting

Spray a foil lined cookie sheet with cooking spray.

Mix the Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar in a bowl.  Add the salt and pepper.  Adjust all ingredients to taste.

Add the chopped tomatoes and fresh chopped basil.  Stir and set aside for about 10 minutes.

Slice the bread into serving sizes.  Top with a slice of mozzarella cheese.

Place the bread on the prepared cooking sheet.

Broil about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Remove from oven and cooking sheet and place on serving plate.

Use a slotted spoon to spoon the tomato mixture unto the melted cheese. 

Makes me hungry just looking at them.
Happy Eating Everyone!
Enjoy Your World:-)

Caleb our first Grandchild is finally here:-)

July 30th 2011 Caleb arrived.  What a blessing.  A beautiful little boy weighing 7 pounds.  I had the priviledge of spending a week with the little guy and his wonderful parents.  Here a just a few of my hundreds of pictures.  I hope you enjoy them.....
Welcome to our family Caleb.....We love you:-)

I am thankful that Caleb is healthy and that Stephanie is doing well and made it through the delivery without unexpected problems.  I know Caleb is thanking God for being born into a family where he is well cared for and loved by his parents and of course his Grandparents and Aunt Erica.
Enjoy Your World Everyone!
Kathiey(Grandma:-)