Administrativia

In more ways than one... Yesterday, in addition to beating the Saint Louis Cardinals, it was "Pride in the Park" day at Minute Maid -- celebrating Houston's rich diversity and the LGBT community.  This is the first year that such an event has been planned and held in conjunction with a pro sports team in Houston -- the now defunct Houston Comets being the exception. Ticket sales through the Houston Astros "Pride" web page benefitted local LGBT organizations.  At last count, more than 1200 tickets were sold through that site, making the event one of the largest events of its type in the country. Mayor Annise Parker threw out the opening pitch and the Bayou City Chorale sang the national anthem. All in all, a great day... and another example of why Houston is a great place to call home.

1 lb cooked white meat chicken (16 oz can) 1 cup cooked white or brown rice 1 egg, beaten 1 ear fresh corn (or 1 cup frozen kernel corn) 1 cup black beans, cooked & rinsed 1 cup shredded monterrey jack or pepper jack cheese 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper 1 poblano pepper, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 cup fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon taco seasoning 1/2 tablespoon tomato powder 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cups crushed kettle-cooked jalepeno potato chips 2 tablespoons melted butter Cut corn kernels from the cob. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add onions, garlic, bell & poblano pepper. Stir in black beans and corn. Heat through until onions are translucent. Remove from heat and set aside. In a food processor, add cheese, egg, cilantro, chicken, rice, taco seasoning & tomato powder. Lightly pulse to shred the chicken and mix other ingredients. Transfer chicken mixture to a large mixing bowl. Fold in vegetable mixture. Mix well. Sha...

For the salad: 3 cups fresh baby spinach 4 cups strawberrys, sliced 1/4 cup toasted almond slivers For the dressing: 1/3 cup white vinegar 3/4 cups sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1/2 small onion 1 cup vegetable oil 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds In a food processor, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard and onion. After the ingredients are well blended, slowly add in oil. Add poppy seeds and mix well. Toss the spinach and dressing in a chilled salad bowl.  Add strawberrys and toss lightly.  Top with almond slivers and serve.

After a while, isn't it just cruel exploitation to keep putting her in front of the camera? (Guess it will be a while before I post a pancake recipe.)

As we all get set to enjoy an extended weekend, let's not forget the sacrifice of those that made it possible.

1 (1-pound) package gemelli or other penne pasta -- about 2 cups, uncooked 1 cup chicken stock 1/2 cup coarsely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not oil packed) 1 cups sliced fresh mushrooms 1/2 cup chopped green onions 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1/3 cup dry red wine 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups milk 2 tablespoons cornstarch   Prepare pasta according to package.   In small bowl, microwave chicken stock until hot. Add tomatoes and let stand 15 minutes.   In large skillet, over medium heat, cook mushrooms, onions and garlic in wine until mushrooms 2-3 minutes until tender. Remove mixture from skillet. In same skillet, over medium-high heat, brown chicken and basil in oil. Add tomato and mushroom mixtures and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simer covered 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.   Stir together milk and cornstarch. Add to chicken. Continue to...