Inside Queeny's world

Happy Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T17:57:00.000-08:00

Today was such a great day. I got to sleep in. I woke up, showered and chatted with two of my favorite girls, Monica and my Tee girl. Then I ran out real quick, visited with my hairdresser and came back home. My fam and I went to Best buy to look at some new computers, then to Applebee's to eat some free food, to the library, and then the mall. As I sit here typing, I feel so incredibly blessed. Although America isn't perfect, I love my country. I enjoy some freedoms I know women in other countries could only dream of. I also know this freedom came with a cost and I don't take that for granted. As I enjoyed my day with my husband, I know some wife just said goodbye to hers as he headed to Iraq. As I laughed at my babies, I know there is a mother who patiently waiting for a from her daughter who is in harms way. So today, I take the time to pray for all those who serve, who are serving, and who will one day serve to keep this country free. Q

The news said that the sky is falling....

2009-11-05T19:58:00.000-08:00

Man it has been one of those days. I'm sure you all have heard about the tragedy at Fort Hood today. Well it hit close to home. My father in law retired from the army a few years ago at Fort Hood. My mother in law works on base at the clinic and he is a civilian worker as well. So many thoughts rushed through my mind as I tried to get in contact with them. Although my gut told me they were okay. I finally got the confirmation in the form of a phone call from my MIL. Things could have been bad for her. The gunman bypassed her building and then another before taking aim. From what she described, those soldiers didn't have a chance. I am emotionally drained right now.

It's times like these I really wish Jesus would return. I don't know or understand why things like this happens. But what I know is God is real and we must always be ready. No one knows when their life may end. My thoughts and prayers goes out to all the people affected today. Q

Let's hear it for the Yankees!!!

2009-11-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

#27 Nuff said. Q

When will I see Vince Carter play? Part 2

2009-10-31T15:59:00.000-07:00

Southwest Airlines had a special on tickets for 72 hours. I booked some from T and I to go to Phoenix in December to see Orlando play the Suns. I'm waiting to hear from someone I know there about the game tickets. I may be able to actually meet him as well. Either way, just seeing him play is more than enough for me. Now I have to arrange for a house and babysitter, book our room, and hotel. I'm so excited!!! Q

Buttermilk Biscuits

2009-10-29T17:28:00.000-07:00

2 cups all purpose flour
1 T of baking powder
1/4 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick of butter
3/4 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 400. Combine all of the dry ingredients in a bowl. Cut butter into mix using a fork or pastry blender until you see fine crumbs. Stir in buttermilk making a soft sticky dough.

On a lightly floured surface, knead dough over gently about 3-4 times. Roll out until 3/4 inch thick and cut with a 3 inch biscuit cutter. Place dough 1 inch apart on un-greased baking sheet. Brush with butter and bake for 15 minutes. Q

Remixed Coconut Cream Cake

2009-10-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

So I searched the web for a coconut cream cake recipe. I believe a cake like this should have real coconut cream in it. I have some tropical traditions coconut cream and I am determined to use it. Me being me, I found a recipe that was simple enough but made a few tweaks I think will work well. Here is my tweaked version of the recipe:
Ingredients:
2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pans
2 oz coconut oil
2 oz of coconut cream
2 cups sugar
5 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
3 teaspoons pure coconut extract
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pans
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup coconut milk
4 ounces sweetened shredded coconut

For the frosting:
1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 oz coconut cream
1 teaspoon pure coconut extract
1 pound confectioners' sugar, sifted
6 ounces sweetened shredded coconut

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans, then line them parchment paper. Grease them again and dust lightly with flour.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter, coconut cream, coconut oil and sugar on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, until light yellow and fluffy. Crack the eggs into a small bowl. With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl once during mixing. Add the coconut extract and mix well. The mixture might look curdled; don't be concerned.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the batter in 3 parts, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the 4 ounces of coconut with a rubber spatula.

Pour the batter evenly into the 2 pans and smooth the top with a knife. Bake in the center of the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, until the tops are browned and a cake tester comes out clean. Cool on a baking rack for 30 minutes, then turn the cakes out onto a baking rack to finish cooling.

For the frosting, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, butter, coconut cream, coconut extract on low speed. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until just smooth (don't whip!).

To assemble, place 1 layer on a flat serving plate, top side down, and spread with frosting. Place the second layer on top, top side up, and frost the top and sides. To decorate the cake, sprinkle the top with coconut and lightly press more coconut onto the sides. Serve at room temperature

Thanksgiving Menu is set

2009-10-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

I'm late posting this and I'll have all of the recipes up tomorrow. Here is my final list. I decided to do it simple this year.
Roasted Turkey
Cornbread Dressing
Gravy
Mashed potatoes
Collard greens with smoked turkey wings
Macaroni and cheese
Buttermilk biscuits
Coconut Cream Cake
Red velvet cake
Caramel apple pie
Sweet potato pie

So what are you guys making? Q

B's Christmas list

2009-10-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

So all of the girls have turned in their lists. But yall know with the Supremes, comedy is never far behind. B turned in her list yesterday. On the front page was her items at the top. On the bottom it read:

Mom and Dad you do not have to give me any of this stuff. But since you love me, you probably will buy me one thing on this list. Either way, I'm okay with whatever you get even if it's not on my list. Anyway, I love you.

Then she had an arrow to turn it over. On the back it read:

All the things on this list can be found at Toys "R" Us (most of them) or at Walmart (maybe). Now go find them (if you want me to have them)(see the gesture on front.)

What is we gone do with these kids?!!! Q

When will I see Vince Carter play?

2009-10-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

Oh yes I hear the sounds of my friends giggling. I can imagine them shaking their heads and praying for me. Well keep on heffas. LOL Anyone that knows me, knows I love Vincent Lamar Carter. (Yes I did use his gubment name.) Ever since I first saw him playing over 12 years ago at UNC I've been a fan. I followed his career from being Rookie of the year, to the Slam Dunk Champ (I have it bookmarked on youtube), an Olympic medalist, a philanthropist, a husband, a father, numerous All Star appearances (although they went lame on him last year) and so on and so forth.

I've tried countless times to see him play in the past but with so many things going on, it's been so hard trying to plan it all. Well after a year of losing some great people like MJ who I never got a chance to see, I decided to get moving on seeing VC. One of the things I hate about this state is, it doesn't have any professional teams. So right now my best bet is to head to Arizona, or Denver to see him play. Both are a straight shot plane ride from here and also less than 8 hours driving. Right now I am leaning towards seeing him play in AZ on December 11th.

I've already priced the plane tickets, $137 round trip, and the game tickets about $200 each. I think this will be a Christmas present to myself along with a b-day gift for dh. His birthday is on the 13th and he also wants to see a pro b-ball game as well. He wishes it wasn't because of VC but hey, beggars can't be choosers. LOL That's the first part of my goal, the second is meeting him. Whooo saaaaa I'll talk about that in a later post. Yall pray for me. Q

Three Cheese pasta bake the remix

2009-10-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

I decided to take a hint from my commenter Mrs. Saddity and add some veggies to it this time. I added some green beans and broccoli to it. I made it last night and as I type, my family is finishing off what's left. LOL Q

My newest creation

2009-10-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

I played around with my basic white cake recipe. I used some coconut cream, added some macadamia nuts, and white chocolate chips. I mixed my vanilla frosted with melted white chocolate, and toasted some coconut and sprinkled it on top. I named it "The Meya" after my friend who gave me this awesome cookie recipe. More info to follow. Here is a shot of one I sent to her as a birthday gift. Q

My 6 month press and trim

2009-10-16T20:53:00.001-07:00

Yes it's that time again. I decided to go a different route this time. I did a protein treatment at home the night before, detangled my hair and let it dry in braids. The next day, I took them down and gently combed through. I put my hair in 4 sections and headed to the salon. I got my hair flatironed and then trimmed. I lost at least 2 inches probably 3 but it's alright. I didn't get a hard press and I had her lightly bump the ends. I am still planning on donating my hair but I'm letting it grow over the winter right now. Enjoy. Q

Honey Mustard Curried Chicken

2009-09-27T15:09:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe by going to allrecipes.com. I was looking for a recipe that included honey, mustard and curry. I tried this last week and I decided to make it again and make some adjustments.

1 whole cut up chicken
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup dijon mustard
2 tsp curry powder
1/4 tsp salt

Mix honey, mustard, curry, and salt together. Place chicken in a shallow pan and baste with some of the sauce. Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 15 minutes basting several times with sauce and turn once. I served this tonight with Trader Joes Basmati Rice Medley made with reduced sodium chicken broth and an organic spring mix. Enjoy. Q

No-Bake Cheesy Ziti Toss

2009-09-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

I love baked Ziti. It is one of those dishes that makes me think of my mom. She was known for hers in the neighborhood. She would always pair it with cresant rolls and I do the same. This recipe is a quick and easy one on the stove. It also uses tomatoes along with traditional spaghetti sauce. But it still tastes great. You can do this without meat but I used some ground turkey.

1 16 oz package of ziti
1 lb of ground turkey
1 (15 oz) can of tomatoes drained
1 1/2 cups (6oz) reduced fat Cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend
1 small red bell pepper chopped
1 cup of tomato based sauce
1/2 tsp pepper
1 T of Italian seasoning

Cook ziti according to package and drain well. Cook turkey and drain. Stir tomatoes and the remaining ingredients. Add pasta, turkey, and toss. Q

Honey Mustard-and-Bacon Smothered Chicken

2009-09-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

This is another recipe I got out of my new cookbook. It looks so bad but it's not, I promise. Here is my version of the recipe.

8 (6 oz) skinless, boneless chicken breast
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1T of smart balance spread (optional)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup mustard (you can use prepared honey mustard)
8 cooked slices of turkey bacon (I broke each in half)
1/2 cup (2 oz) reduced fat shredded Mexican 4 cheese blend.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Melt butter in large skillet and add chicken. Cook on medium high heat for 8 minutes on each side until done. Reduce heat to medium low and brush chicken with honey mustard and cook for about 2 minutes. Top each breast with 2 pieces of bacon and sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook for 2 minutes until cheese melts. Enjoy. Q

Baked potato soup

2009-09-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

I'm back to post some more recipes I've tried and tweaked. This one is a family favorite. I first had this soup at a restaurant and made it my mission to make it at home. After searching over the net, I was saddened to realize how fattening it is. So I made some adjustments to make it a little healthier. I mean it will still set you back in calories but it is good for those times you want some good, bad and hardy. I love to eat this with crackers.

5 large baking potatoes

2 T of smart balance spread
1/4 cup all purpose flour
4 cups of reduced fat milk
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp of pepper
1 cup (4 oz) reduced fat shredded Cheddar cheese
2 slices of cooked turkey bacon crumbled
1 sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Wash, scrub gently and prick each potato with a fork all over. Arrange 1 inch apart in the microwave on a paper towel. Microwave on high for 20 mins, turning and rearranging after 10 minutes. Let cool

Peel potatoes and mash with a fork. I like to leave a couple of large pieces. Melt spread in a pot on the medium heat. Add flour and stir until smooth. Slowly stir in 2 cups of milk. Add potatoes, salt, pepper, cheese and remaining milk and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes. Top with a little cheese, bacon and green onions. Enjoy. Q

Weekend giggles!!!

2009-09-12T22:25:00.000-07:00

D:Mom are you cooking?
Me:No, you know I don't cook on the weekends.
D:Well what do you do then.
Me:*side eye with a blank stare*
D: Never mind

Yall see why I don't like kids?!!! Q

Three-Cheese Pasta Bake

2009-08-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the second night of recipes from my new cookbook. Here is what I am making tonight:
1 (16oz) package ziti (I used mostaccioli)
2 (10oz) containers light refrigerated Alfredo sauce (I used 1 15oz jar)
1 (8oz) container reduced-fat sour cream
1 (15oz)container part-skim ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (I used about a tablespoon of Italian seasoning)
1 1/2 cups (6oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350. Cook ziti according to package directions; drain well.

2. Stir together Alfredo sauce and sour cream in a large bowl; add ziti, stirring until blended. Spoon half of the mixture into a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking dish.

3. Stir together ricotta cheese and next 3 ingredients; spread evenly over pasta mixture in dish. Spoon remaining pasta mixture evenly over ricotta cheese layer; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

I used a round dish and did a layer of noodles, ricotta, another layer of noodles, ricotta, noodles, and then mozzarella to finish. I'm pairing this with a nice side salad with balsamic vinegar dressing. Q

I got a new cookbook

2009-08-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

Last week the Supremes and I took a trip to Ross. I was looking to get some stuff for the house but ran across the book section. I love cooking as you all know and I really love quick, easy and healthy cooking. Well I stumbled across this book "Busy Moms Weeknight Favorites" by Southern Living. I glanced through quickly and it had lots of pics, which I love, and a bunch of easy recipes. For only $5.99, I couldn't pass it up. So this week, I will be trying a new recipe for every meal I make.

My plan was to start yesterday but we went to a birthday party and ended up eating there so there was no need for me to make dinner. Here is tonight's recipe:
Caramelized Onion Chicken

Prep:7 min Cook: 16 min
1 lb of chicken breast tenders
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp olive oil

1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam (or red currant, apple, or seedless blackberry)
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp soy sauce (I will be using reduced sodium)
1 tsp bottled minced ginger (I will be using 1/4 tsp of ginger powder)
1/2 tsp dried rosemary (I will be using Italian seasoning)

1. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Saute' onion in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 2 minutes. Add chicken to pan; cook 8 minutes or until chicken is done, turning occasionally. Remove onion and chicken from pan, and set aside.

2. Add jam and remaining ingredients to skillet; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk to loosen browned bits from skillet. Return chicken mixture to pan; cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

I plan on finishing the chicken with roasted asparagus and brown rice. I will update with pics once I'm finished. Q

More braid out pics

2009-08-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

So I decided to post some more pics of my b-day braid out. The first pic is of the braids I started with. I washed, conditioned, and blowdried my hair. I applied some avocado butter to seal and braided. Then I took them out. I wore it pulled back in a head band and I took some pics of the side as well. Q

Best birthday ever?

2009-08-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

Okay so I've had a few great ones but this one is right up top. Last year was hard for me, real hard. I was dealing with turning 30, not reaching my goals, and not being able to share it with someone real dear to me. Although I was wrong, and she did contact me via email, it still hurt. An email is so impersonal for someone so close. So many people thought this was about them but sorry, it wasn't. Not trying to be passive aggressive or whatever but I just want to put any rumors or ASSumptions to rest about my post last year. Okay? Good. My friend doesn't even read my blog, lol. This wasn't just some everyday run of the mill person. She is so close to me, the word friend doesn't fit. She was there holding my hand as I pushed my daughter out. She was there going to bat for me when folks were spreading awful rumors. She was there for all of my previous pretty parties. But last year, she couldn't be there for me and it hurt.

But I was selfish. She needed me way more than I needed her. But this year was different and I knew it would be. I had been praying for her, not knowing when, but I knew she would be back. As much as I tried to deny it, my love for her was stronger than ever. The time, and distance only made it stronger. So I spent my birthday celebrating with my friend Jen and her new husband Shawn. They took the step into married bliss and I had a great time. I admit, I was feeling a little funny about not being with my family but they made up for it. It's nice to have friends that you can hang with like family!!! I also got to meet some of the girls I've spoken to or interacted with via forums and they were great as well. There is too much to tell but I have a new phrase, "I got what I came here for."

So imagine my surprise when I got home, I had a message from my friend, my girl, my sister. At first I was shocked and a little perplexed. Do I call? Do I wait? What do I say? Finally I just said forget it and picked up the phone. I got the voicemail but she called back. We talked, and we talked, and we talked. And she talked to Thomas, and they talked, and they talked. I got a lot of nice gifts this year, but hearing her voice and reconnecting with someone I love so much, is PRICELESS!!! My heart was smiling after we hung up. What we have, is something most people only dream of. It's not perfect but I thank God we are able to weather so many storms. Everything we've gone through has made our friendship stronger than we've ever imagined. I really think this was the best birthday ever!! Q

My b-day hair

2009-08-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

I went to Baltimore this weekend for a wedding. I decided to rock another blowdried braid out since this will probably be the last one in a long while. I used Jasmine's shealoe butter on my hair and it gave me incredible shine. Here are some pics. Q

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

2009-08-07T22:50:00.000-07:00

Yes I am turning 30 again. *blink* Right now I am in VA for my friend's wedding that will be taking place today. This is my first b-day away from my family and I miss them. But I am looking forward to supporting my friend in her new journey towards wedded bliss. So I'll be celebrating her day, and cutting a rug for myself as well. Q

Powerful word continued...

2009-07-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

34And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross,and follow me.
The third thing Jesus requires of us is to follow Him PERIOD. Which means we are forever growing, we are forever learning, we are forever to do as He requires and do His will. This another stumbling block for many Christians. We get too comfortable and we start to stray and slack off. We don't read our word as much, we don't pray like we before, we lose the desire we had for the Lord. But this is why 1 and 2 are important. If you are doing those things daily, then 3 will be easy. Those 2 lead you and strengthen you for the road ahead to follow Christ.

I know it sounds hard and not worth it but look a little deeper. Think about where Jesus' journey took Him. It took Him right to victory and now He sits on the throne in heaven. So even though our time here may be hard at times, remember where this is leading us. It is leading us to an eternity with our Lord and Savior!!! Be blessed. Q

Happy Anniversary to meeeee!!!!

2009-07-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

Today dh and I celebrate 11 years of marriage. I can honestly say without a doubt, I would marry him all over again. Each year with him has been better than the last. He is a great husband, father, lover, friend, and provider. He loves me for me, he really loves the Lord, he has a great relationship with the Supremes, and he gives to others. Earlier this year he got a citizen's award for his charity work in the community, this past week, he got the sharp troop award. He is quiet and humble but he has a big heart. He is the kind of man every woman should have and the kind I pray the Supremes marry. After all this time, you are still the one!!!