Jalapeno Apricot Salmon

June 10, 2014: Well, folks, it's Birthday Week for the Strickland family, and today is MY birthday! Since 28 is just getting started, I don't have a lot to report yet. I can tell you that thus far, 28 has consisted of a big "Happy Birthday!" from the fabulous fiance when I woke up, a good workout while watching I Love Lucy, a round of "Happy Birthday to Kate & Alma (a co-worker)" sung by my new co-workers, and numerous calls/texts/Facebook posts. That about sums it up, but you know I'm not going to end the post there. 

Mom, me, and dad at our birthday celebration
June 8, 2013
Cabana #3
Eagle Mountain Lake

Instead, I thought I'd reflect back on what an amazing year 27 has been for me. Let's start in Summer of 2013. Strickland Birthday Week 2013 was spent at the lake, celebrating my 27th, my mom's 65th, and my dad's 70th. The next weekend we celebrated as my college roommate, Hayley, married her husband, Ben, in Fredericksburg, Texas. The rest of the summer included 4th of July at the lake, a Hilbers family reunion, my other college roommate, Erin, and her husband Alex's 1st anniversary party, a baby shower for my bestie, and the 3rd anniversary of Andy and my first date.

Me, Jennifer, Shannon, and Erin
The Bryant's 1st Wedding Anniversary Party
July 13, 2013
Fort Worth, Texas

Fall of Year 27 was the season of football. Of course there was TCU Frog football, But I also became a Saints fan.  There was also the football themed baby shower for my dear friend, Chelsea, and the TCU v. UT football game (see ENGAGED below!) Kolt David made his appearance in San Antonio, Texas. We zip-lined and hiked our way through Costa Rica. And on October 26th, there was a little bit of excitement as we got ENGAGED (eee!! 158 days!!) before the TCU v. UT game. We cheers'ed to Andy's 29th birthday at Shaw's Burgers, and spent many Saturdays at The Omni Hotel wedding planning. We were a Cowboys Cheerleader & Walter White for Halloween, and I played my first season of kickball after watching from the sidelines for 3 years. Fall of Year 27 was, and always be, pretty damn tough to beat, but Winter of Year 27 sure gave Fall a run for it's money.

Andy and I got engaged!
Cabana #3 & The Hickman's House
October 26, 2013

There were snow days, ice days, and ice days that turned into perfectly sunny days. We were stuck in our house for 5 days straight (for better or for worse, right?) There were four Christmases spent with the Jennings, the Rivers, the Stricklands, and the Poirots. We danced the night away at one of the girls I used to nanny for's deb party. Andy and I hosted our first (hopefully annual) New Year's Eve party and rang in the new year with some of our favorite friends. We sang along with Ryan Bingham at Billy Bob's, and we went to the rodeo three times. Chelsea gave birth to her & Chris' beautiful baby, Campbell Grace, who I could snuggle with for hours.

Andy and me at our First Annual New Year's Eve Party
December 31, 2013
Fort Worth, Texas

Then came Spring of Year 27, and with spring came weddings and more babies. First, I went back down to Fredericksburg for my Kindergarten friend, Frances', bachelorette. We watched so many friends marry the loves of their lives- The Comptons, The Dubans, and The Sims. We celebrated as Charleigh Marie turned 3... and speaking of kids growing up? This year Greyson turned 4, Sloane turned 1, and Kameron turned 8. They sort of have their own Birthday Week: April 30, May 1, and May 5. Spring of Year 27 also brought with it a job change for me, and a new truck for Andy.

Sloane Sawyer turned 1 year old on April 30, 2014
Princess Sloane's 1st Birthday Party
May 28. 2014
Wichita Falls, Texas

Greyson Senter turned 4 on May 5, 2014
Greyson's Dino Dig Birthday Party
May 18, 2014
Wichita Falls, Texas

So that brings us to Summer of Year 27. Thus far, Summer of 27 has included The Colonial, Paige & Kyle's baby, Kaden's, debut, Memorial Day at Cabana #3, toasting to another happy couple- The Broyles, and watching my beautiful cousin, Tiffany, walk down the aisle to her husband, Scott.

\

Kameron & me
Tiffany & Scott Chilcutt's Wedding
June 6, 2014
Grapevine, Texas

So bring it on, Year 28. You have some tough competition, but I have a crazy feeling you'll be the best year yet. 

Jalapeno Apricot Salmon
Main Dish to Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash- see story there
Servings: 2; Weight Watchers Points Plus Value: 9

• 2 tbsp EVOO
• 2 jalapenos, seeded & sliced into rings
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1/2 c white wine, I used Pinot Grigio so I could drink the rest after :)
• 3 tbsp whole-grain mustard (I used Grey Poupon)
• 1 c apricot preserves (Smuckers makes a light, sugar free one)
• 4 (6oz) salmon fillets
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 lemon, zested

Jalapeno Apricot Salmon & Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash

1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Saute oil over medium heat
3. When hot, add jalapenos to caramelize
4. Add garlic then add white wine
5. Add mustard & apricot preserves and bring to a simmer
6. Simmer over low heat for 20 mins, then let cool completely
7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (to make it less messy- not required)
8. Place salmon on baking sheet and sprinkle with S&P
9. Liberally apply Jalapeno Apricot mixture atop and top with rosemary sprig
10. Cook on 400 for anywhere from 5-15 mins, depending on taste and preference
11. Serve topped with lemon zest

Keep on cookin'!

-Katherine

Island Grilled Chicken

Maui Sunset #5 at The Four Seasons Resort Wailea

7/07/13: To be quite honest, I have absolutely no idea what I was doing the day that I decided to make Island Grilled Chicken. I mean, really, that was about two months ago and, let’s be honest, sometimes recipes and ideas all start to blend together at some point.

Maui Sunset #1 at Kamaole Beach across the street (South Kihei Rd) from our hotel

At any rate, I figure I would take this opportunity to tell you about my most memorable island adventure: Maui, Hawaii. As I’ve mentioned before, my college roommate, Erin, asked me to be a bridesmaid in her Maui wedding. Of course, I was thrilled, and it ended up being the most beautiful place I have ever been. I asked myself repeatedly throughout the trip (YouTube’s After the Dentist style), “Is this real life?”

Maui Sunset #2, Happy Hour on the Bensons' lanai at mana Kai Maui Resort

Maui Sunset #2, Happy Hour on the Bensons' lanai at mana Kai Maui Resort

And the sunsets. Oh. My. Gosh. The sunsets. I have never- not at the lake, not at the river, not in Alaska, not on either coast, not in Florida or Mexico- never EVER seen a sunset like a Maui sunset. Holy. Moly.  They were absolutely breath-taking.

Maui Sunset #3 at Erin & Alex's Rehearsal Dinner at the
Plantation House Restaurant at the Plantation Golf Course

Maui Sunset #3 at Erin & Alex's Rehearsal Dinner at the
Plantation House Restaurant at the Plantation Golf Course

We watched the sunsets every night that we were there- from the beach, from a luau, from the Kapalua golf course, from Erin’s family’s hotel room- but the last sunset of the trip had to have been the most spectacular. Everyone had recommended that we try to get to the Four Seasons for happy hour to watch the sunset, and I would give anything to be able to do that just once a year for the rest of my life. We had fun, fruity drinks on the patio and watched the most blazingly beautiful sunset I have ever seen in my whole life. As you can see by the pictures, it completely changed color schemes and phases numerous times in the short time it was setting. We were in awe.

Maui Sunset #4 at Erin & Alex's wedding reception
The Grand Luau at Honua'ula

Maui Sunset #4 at Erin & Alex's wedding reception
The Grand Luau at Honua'ula

I always think of Granny when the sunsets. For more on that, read my story for Strawberry Shortcake. She loved sunsets, and I am sure that I inherited my love for the blazing orange beauty from her.  While it makes me sad to think of her never getting to see a Maui sunset, I had no doubt she was watching right alongside of Andy and me on the Four Seasons patio- and knowing Granny, she probably had her own fruity drink in hand, too.

Maui Sunset #5, Four Seasons Resort Wailea

Island Grilled Chicken

Pinterest.com

Servings: 2; WW PointsPlus Value: 5

Spaghetti Squash & Island Grilled Chicken

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1-2 lemons)
• 1 ½ tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 chicken breasts

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together
2. Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour, up to overnight
3. Grill chicken over medium heat, appr 15-25 mins depending on thickness

Keep on cookin'!

-Katherine

Creamy Chicken Lasagna

6/30/13: My co-workers and I often exchange recipes in an effort to avoid the ever-ominous food-rut that every cook at some point gives way and falls in to.  For example, Buffi makes fabulous cookies and pumpkin muffins. No matter how well I’m trying to eat that day, if Buffi walks by with a bag of cookies and says “Here, do you want a cookie?” my answer will ALWAYS be "Yes please!"

Our Administration Cook:
Buffi 

With as many cooks as we have in our department, it is a wonder that we all are not 800 pounds. (Although, if I were 800 pounds, and Buffi’s cookies were all I could eat for the rest of my life, I would be okay with that.) Let’s see… about our chefs- Abby makes a Sopapilla Cheesecake that is decadent, Diane makes homemade Oreos that could put Nabisco out of business, Wendy makes her own salads for lunch that rival Central Market’s, Hali’s breakfast biscuits give Cracker Barrel a run for their money, and Shayla makes salsa that is down-right addicting to anyone who says “I’ll just have some on one chip” (yeah. right.) Oh, and ask Sharon about the video of her making chicken and dumplings- they’ll make your mouth water and her commentary will crack you up.

Our Intake Cooks:
Stephanie, Cari, Wendy, Kim, Joy

Since I have this blog, people will sometimes ask me for recipe ideas, but this time, I asked a coworker for her recipe for Creamy Chicken Lasagna. Joy has told me before that finding food that both of her children enjoy can be tricky, but that this one is always a crowd-pleaser in her home. Now for someone who had never grown up with a lasagna-making mom, in the past few years, I have eaten more lasagna that I have in my whole life.  I have made Lasagna Roll-Ups, Tomato & Pepper Meat Lasagna, and plain Tomato & Pepper Lasagna. All of them have been delicious, but we all know that I’m always willing to try new recipes.

Our School Cooks:
Beth & Sharon

Andy and I loved Joy’s Creamy Chicken Lasagna, and it was just as easy as she’d said it would be! I had it for leftovers (just as she had the week before!) for the whole week, and I never tired of it. Thanks for the recipe, Joy- as for the list above, I’ll add you on…  Joy’s Creamy Chicken Lasagna puts in the “joy” in the “Joy of Cooking!” Cheesy? Yes. (and creamy, and chicken-y), but fabulous!

Our Nurse Cooks:
Shayla, Melody, and Lisa

Creamy Chicken Lasagna
Joy Bevoni
Servings: 12; Weight Watchers PointsPlus Value: 4

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 6 uncooked lasagna noodles
• 1 cube chicken bouillon
• 1/4 c hot water
• 1 (8 oz) package fat free cream cheese
• 2 c part skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 (26 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
  
  
  

1. Place chicken in a saucepan with enough water to cover, and bring to a boil
2. Cook chicken for 20 mins, or until no longer pink & juices run clear
3. Remove from saucepan & shred
4. Preheat oven to 350°
5. Dissolve the bouillon cube in hot water
6. In a large bowl, mix the chicken with the bouillon, cream cheese, and 1 c mozzarella cheese
7. Spread 1/3 of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 in baking dish
8. Cover the chicken mixture, and top with 3 lasagna noodles (these do NOT need to be cooked in advance); repeat
9. Top with remaining sauce, and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese
10. Bake for 45 mins 

Keep on cookin'!

-Katherine

Spaghetti Casserole

May 5, 2013: I first made Spaghetti Casserole for a celebratory dinner with Andy when I got a promotion at work. 

My new office!

One wall in my new office:
My TCU diploma, my UT diploma, and my LPC license

The kind, praising emails that followed from my co-workers were absolutely heartwarming. I've included a few of them below. Thank you all for your constant support and encouragement, and I can't wait to start my new position! I have so much to learn, and I am eager for the opportunity to grow as a clinician. 

My office

Here, here. I agree wholeheartedly. Kate is bright, industrious, and enthusiastic, and has a bright future ahead of her. Cook is a better organization for being a part of that future. I was proud to have her as a counseling intern. I’m prouder to have her as a colleague. -Phil

GREAT NEWS! Kate is a treasure and congrats to her. We will all benefit!!

Lena 

I am so excited for you!  You are a hard worker and a team player.  You will do great things, I know it!  Best Wishes with your new position.

Buffi

We were so pleased when we learned you will be joining us! 

 Kimberly 

A S'Mores Martini at Bar Louie to celebrate my new job!

Congratulations Kate!!! This is wonderful news! So excited for Kate! - Elizabeth

Congratulations, Kate!  You give 110% in everything you do. I'm so happy for you and your new role. -Melody

Congratulations, Kate!   -Carol

Congratulations Kate!  I know you will continue to be a true asset -Helen Thomas

Congrats Kate…..very exciting and well deserved! -Mandy

Congratulations Kate!!  That is amazing!! :)  You will do great in your new role! -Holly

Spaghetti Casserole
Pinterest.com

Servings: 8; Weight Watchers PointsPlus Value: 6

Spaghetti Casserole

• 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti

• 1 pound ground beef (I use Laura's Lean Beef, 96% fat free)

• 1 large can spaghetti sauce (26.5 ounces) (try a light marinara)

• 1 tablespoon butter (I use Smart Balance Light)

• ½ cup chopped green peppers

• ⅓ cup chopped onions

• 8 ounces fat-free cream cheese

• 2 tbsp skim milk

• 1/2 c grated part-skim or reduced fat Parmesan cheese

1. Cook spaghetti according to directions on the package. Cook to al dente, drain and set aside.
2. Brown ground beef. Drain excess grease. 
3. Add spaghetti sauce to skillet and heat.
4. Combine onions, peppers and butter in small glass bowl. 
5. Cover and microwave 4 minutes on high until soft.
6. Add cream cheese and milk to vegetables and stir well. (If cream cheese is not soft, nuke it for 20-30 seconds to make it easy to spread.)
7. Using a 12 x 8-inch baking dish (or something close), assemble in the following order: thin layer of spaghetti sauce, cooked spaghetti, cream cheese/vegetable mixture, remaining spaghetti sauce, parmesan cheese (amount subject to your own taste)
8. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. 

Keep on cookin'!

-Katherine