Shrimp and Grits

My husband's shrimp and grits is the best I have ever had! I'm not just saying that because he's my husband. He saw the recipe in a book at the Chafin's home while we were visiting them in South Carolina. What makes it tastes so good is the crispy bacon, white cheddar cheese and good old Texas Pete. The husband always dishes the meal during college football season. If you want the recipe you'll have to ask the chef. It really is that good...

My favorite way to roast a chicken...

I used to be afraid to roast a whole chicken. It seems so simple. All it takes is some seasoning and throw it in the oven for an hour or so. I have finally found a technique to conquer my fear of roasting a chicken. My first success of roasting a chicken was with Jacques Pepin's recipe - Quick-Roasted Chicken with Mustard and Garlic. Take a whole chicken cut out the backbone and flatten the chicken. It cooks in no time...30 minutes! The chicken comes out juicy and perfectly cooked.

Quick-Roasted Chicken with Mustard and Garlic

Adapted from Food and Wine (Jacques Pepin)

INGREDIENTS

• One 4-pound chicken
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco
• 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 450°. Using poultry shears, cut along each side of the chicken backbone and remove it. Turn the chicken breast side up and press on the breast bone to flatten the chicken. Using a sharp knife, cut partway through both sides of the joint between the thighs and the drumsticks. Cut partway through the joint between the wings and the breast.
2. In a bowl, mix all of the remaining ingredients. Turn the chicken breast down and spread it with half of the mustard mixture. Set the chicken in a large skillet skin side up; spread with the remaining mixture.
3. Set the skillet over high heat and cook the chicken until it starts to brown, 5 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the chicken for 30 minutes, until the skin is browned and the chicken is cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, cut it into 8 pieces and serve.

MAKE AHEAD

The chicken can be prepared through Step 2 and refrigerated overnight.

Chasing Snowflakes

I didn't think I would be skiing this season and I couldn't imagine us traveling with a 4 month old. I wasn't sure if I was up for the challenge. Somehow the husband convinced me to go on a road trip to Utah to spend a week in Park City...I'm so glad we did it! We packed up the Tiguan with winter clothes, diapers, wipes, and husband's skis. At 4 months Norah has already been to Nevada, Arizona and Utah. She did really well for her first road trip.

We were lucky to get perfect skiing conditions...powder day and sunny skies. The rumor is true about Utah..."The Greatest Snow on Earth"! The husband had a chance to ski the Canyons, Deer Valley and Park City. He was a daredevil one day and hiked Jupiter Peak at Park City and charged his way down the bowl. We skied the Canyons and Deer Valley together. Deer Valley was my favorite. Sorry snowboarders it is a skiing only resort. It is first-class service that you would find at a Four Seasons. When you pull up to the base of the mountain there are ski valets that carry your skis for you. The slopes are groomed to perfection and the scenery is amazing.

Our first family vacation was a lot of fun. Norah enjoyed her first time in the snow. She even made mini snow angels. I know the husband can't wait for the day to put her on skis. I wonder if we will be able to find skis small enough for her. We are already looking forward to our next ski adventure.

Pioneer Park

It was warm and sunny as if it was summer but it is only January. I enjoy days like this but I know my husband dreams of snow during this time of year. It was a perfect day to take a walk to one of the many parks in our neighborhood. Norah got a chance to see kids running around the playground. She even slid down a slide for the first time. She was absolutely content just sitting in Eric's lap and watching everything around her. It's crazy to think that one day she will be exploring the playground herself.

Norah - Play Time

I can't believe my baby is already 3 months. It's amazing how she has gone from sleeping around the clock to kicking, babbling and drooling. She is perfect in every way. Eric and I are very blessed to have such a beautiful little girl. We bought her an activity mat and she absolutely loves it. Although sometimes she resists tummy time she does enjoy cooing and looking at all the colorful animals.