Lis'Anne Harris's Blog, page 11

Chicken Caprese Casserole

I was searching for more healthy entrées when I came across a gorgeous image of caprese-stuffed chicken and knew I had to make it. I didn’t have all the exact ingredients, but I was close and that was good enough for me. And, not one to avoid a shortcut if at all possible, I turned mine into a casserole so I wouldn’t have to pound out the chicken. This dish was so delish, it’s definitely going on the supper rotation list!

Chicken Caprese Casserole

2 Tbsps. e.v. olive oil1 medium onion, chopped...

Sadly, Utterly Abandoned Kitchens

I’ve long been fascinated with kitchens, the older the more interesting. I love to cook and often imagine how difficult it must’ve been in centuries past. While I appreciate intact or refurbished ancient cooking chambers – they help me tremendously while writing scenes for my characters – there’s just something inherentlyintriguing about these lost and forgotten, totally abandoned and derelict kitchens.

Although the house was inhabited until the 1950′s, it looks as if little was done to it in...

Defiance – Mini Review

As I watched the second episode, I kept thinking the show would be better if Nolan and Irisa were just salvagers trying to make their way to the beaches of Antarctica. Maybe picking up characters along the way. Or maybe I’m just desperately wanting it to be more like Firefly.

I have too many unanswered questions. Like, where do they get spare tires? And gas to run the vehicles? Who’s producing the food? Does it ever rain or snow? If the whole city of St. Louis – skyscrapers and all – are still...

Super Simple Supper: American Goulash

The guys still want their favorites on occasion. Like I’ve always said, “all things in moderation.” My willpower has grown by leaps and bounds so controlling my portion is no longer a problem. Here’s a recipe my husband and youngest son love – and me too for it’s ease and tastiness.

Back in the day, when I was a young lassof 14, I scoured the pantry for something different to make for supper. It had to be ready by 6p.m. when Mom arrived home from work. I have no idea what my options were, but...

Heavenly Homemade Hummus bi Tahine

I found everything I wanted to know about hummus at Desert Candy. I think it’s pretty cool that there are shops on every corner in Levantine cities – probably akin to Subway restaurants in the U.S. I’ve always wanted to visit the Middle East, especially Turkey, ever since I researched everything under the sun for Sweet Liberation.

Making hummus is not difficult at all, but pinching the skins off of the cooked chickpeas was quite tedious and time consuming. I’m sure the hummus wouldn’t be near...

Sadly, Utterly Abandoned Hotels

I always wonder what happened to drive away business. Was it poor management, an economic downturn, or did someone die on the property and the hauntings have scared off all the customers? It’s really quite sad to see such beautiful craftsmanship gone to waste in some of these properties.

An old and abandoned hotel in the center of Odessa by Roland Geider

Abandoned hotel and restaurant on U.S. Highway 83. by Billy Hathorn

Abandoned Hotel Viggo across from the Jim Hogg County Courthouse in Hebbron...

Lawnmower Salad

My sister introduced us to this awesome salad (in my mind it’s actually a slaw) many years ago at a family gathering. Warmer weather means many opportunities for cook-outs. This cool, crisp side is the perfect accompaniment. The ingredients may sound weird, but you’ll love it! Trust me! It’s perfect for doubling and taking to pitch-ins for work, church, family reunions, etc. Ramen noodles, cashews, and the sweet & sour dressing give Lawn Mower Salad an Asian flare.

Lawnmower Salad

2 (3 oz.) pkg...

4/18/13 – Techy, Social Media, Entertainment Stuff

I happened to click over to Mashable today and several headlines jumped out at me. Some good things are afoot in the tech world – and some not so good.

5 Services to Boost Email Productivity – I don’t use gmail and only use yahoo mail for joining groups, but for those that do, some of these options sound amazing. If you’re overwhelmed with a ridiculous daily influx of email like I am, one or two of these are worth a try.

Hands On With the Fork That Tells You to Eat Slower - A fork that knows w...

Defiance, Syfy’s New Futuristic Series

I had no idea a new series was about to suck me in when I turned it to the Syfy channel a couple of nights ago (Mon. 4/15/13), looking for the next episode of another series. Mr. Lis’Anne and I totally forgot last week was the season finale of that one. We’ve been impatiently awaiting the return of Falling Skies and I wondered what we were going to do with our thumb-twiddling time while in series limbo.

I sure hope this new show, Defiance, turns out better than NBC’s Revolution. I thought it h...

Chicken Pinot Noir

Have you ever had or heard of Chicken Marsala? I think almost every Italian restaurant serves their rendition. And you know how all the famous chefs on the Foodnetwork and elsewhere are always saying to cook with the wine you like to drink? Well, I don’t like Marsala, but Woodbridge Pinot Noir is my favorite.

I found a recipe for the famous dish on Women’s Health that is only 265 calories and 2.3 grams of fat per serving. Mine probably has a few more calories since I had to change up the recip...