Did someone say steak?

tonight's dinner was a smash hit! my dad [who was definitely a food critic in a past life] was over for one of our mid-week dinner dates and he couldn't stop ranting and ravin' about how good this meal was. I thought it turned out pretty well too...but it's always nice to hear someone else thinks so ;)

Seared Steak + Sautéed Veggies with Pesto Couscous  


ingredients:

• 1 lb hanger or flat iron steak
• 2 cups [uncooked] couscous
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 tbsp pesto sauce
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 1 orange bell pepper, cut length wise into strips 
• 1 medium onion, halved and sliced
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 3 tbsp EVOO
• 2 tbsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp Grill Mates® Montreal Steak Seasoning [the BEST steak seasoning. ever.]

directions:

1. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium-sized sauce pan.
2. Add couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let sit, covered, for 10-12 minutes. 
3. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp of EVOO over med-high heat in large sauté pan. 
4. Start by sautéing onions and peppers until soft.
5. Then add garlic, spinach, and remaining EVOO. Toss until spinach is wilted.
6. Remove veggie mixture from pan and place in separate bowl. 
7. Dress steak with seasoning and add to the hot oiled pan. 
8. Cook steak to desired temp. [2-3 minutes on a side should be good for medium-rare]
9. Remove from pan and let rest on cutting board.
10. Prepare couscous by "fluffing" with a fork and adding pesto and red pepper flakes.
11. Stir until blended well. 
12. Layer your plate with a pile of couscous, veggies, and sliced steak on top. Garnish with chopped parsley if you're feeling fancy! [I was feelin' fancy]

Maggie Smith's Downton zingers found in US Weekly.
made waitin' in line at the pharmacy a tad more pleasant. 

toodles! 

xoxo

football, fashion, and food...oh my!

This weekend was just lovely. It was a 3-day wknd, so what's not to love? 

isn't our town darling?

enjoyed some brews + oysters at our local micro-brewery [brewer's alley]

watched football. lots and lots. 
playoffs! playoffs?! Ravens WIN! whew-hoo! Packers lose? weird. 
[[how adorable is my fur-cousin Jagger?]]

watched the Globes...well more like glanced at the Globes.
mainly just to get a peek at these ^
[Jessica + Reese were my favs!]

also watched this. holy cow. incredible story.
a few of the images + sounds, still haunt me.
powerful stuff.

~~~  

Got a little crafty! thanks to pinterest, I was inspired 1st to make this holiday card wreath.
then when putting our "holiday" things away, the thought occurred to me to hit up good ole' JoAnn's Fabric and find some pre-cut hearts to put in place of the holiday cards.
think it turned out pretty darn cute...if I do say so myself ;)

I also decided the winter outdoor wreath had to go. So thanks again to pinterest [addicted!]
I got a little inspiration for a sweet-heart XO wreath.
This one took a lot more time + work. Got all of my supplies from JoAnn's again.
Both projects cost maybe $20?! Gotta love that teacher discount :)

~~~

did a little cooking---->Crab Dip!! [recipe below] [[YUM!]]

enjoyed a mini road-trip with the hubs

AND...became absolutely enthralled with this show! [[highly recommend]]murder, betrayal, British accents, love affairs 20th century fashion, war
...need I say more?

 [[Recipe]]

Quick + Easy Crab Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup low-fat mayo
• 2 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire 
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsp Old Bay
• 2 cups [divided] cheddar cheese [or any cheese you'd like, I used pepper jack for an extra kick!]
• 12-16oz crab-meat 

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. 
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl using only one cup of cheese. 
3. Spoon crab mixture into baking dish.
4. Top with remaining cheese and a sprinkle [or 3] of Old Bay seasoning. 
5. Cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 mins or until bubbly. 
6. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until top begins to slightly brown! 
7. Grab your favorite cracker or chip + dig in! Enjoy :)

[I think either Ritz crackers, or Stacy's Simply Naked Pita chips work best!]

this weekend was just easy-breezy [as they should be]

and an all-around...