Loaded Baked Potato Soup (Skinnytaste.com)

March 2, 2015: As you grow up, you learn that each of your friends is a part of your life for a very unique reason. For example, my friend Holly who I met through work will always listen to my crazy anxious thoughts as they pop into my head. My cousin, Ashlea, is my prayer warrior. Any time I need prayers going out, I shoot her a text. My friend Whitney and I will always be able to pick up where we left off, no matter how long it's been since we've seen each other. And my friend Keri, who I call "History" because she's my oldest friend, Keri was my baked potato peeler. 

Keri & Kate at Keri's wedding- November 17, 2012 

Okay, okay, let me explain. When we were little, Keri and I used to collect pop tabs to turn into the Ronald McDonald House for donations. The tabs are recycled for money, and they money go to buy toys for the children who are staying at the residence. Read more about it by clicking this link. For as long as I remember, Keri has been my friend, and also for as long as I can remember, I have loved baked potatoes. They're still one of my favorite foods- hence this recipe. In Lower School, we could get baked potatoes in the cafeteria, but the problem was that they were wrapped in foil and still had the skin on them. Being the high maintenance child that I was, it was quite the problem for me that my baked potato came with skin on it. "But at home, my mom peels them for me!" So Keri, being the smart, selfless friend that she is, offered to peel my potatoes for me for a small fee- pop tabs. Ten pop tabs got me a peeled potato, and we were both happy campers- we were in business. So when making my Loaded Baked Potato Soup, who better to tell readers about than my sweet friend, Keri, who you will soon learn is much more to me than my baked potato peeler. Below is my toast that I gave at Keri's wedding in November of 2012.

Whitney, Kate, and Keri at Kate's engagement party- October 26, 2013

"Hi, I’m Kate, one of Keri’s bridesmaids, and I have known Keri since we were four years old. Back in 1990, my parents and I were boarding our sailboat, Cracker Jack, in her slip at the Fort Worth Boat Club, when along came another little curly-haired girl and her parents.  Mrs. DeVos gave us a friendly, “Hi there!,” and the little girl waved and said, “Hello!”  The rest is history.

In fact, Keri and I call each other “History,” because, outside of family, we are each other’s oldest friend.  A year after meeting Keri on our boats, we found ourselves in Country Day’s Butler Kindergarten building, not only trying to pick whether to take French or Spanish for the next 13 years, but more importantly, what outfit to wear to the Kindergarten rodeo. 

Kate & Keri at Kate's Wedding- November 15, 2014
The Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Keri, I cannot imagine my past 22 years of history without you.  At sailing camp, there were many long summer days with no wind. At all. We were sweating in the blazing sun on Eagle Mountain Lake in our little Optimist sailboats, not going anywhere whatsoever- so what did we do? We “accidently” capsized the boats so we could fall into the lake, cool off, and laugh at how sneaky we thought we were.  But let’s be honest- we WERE kind of sneaky at times… 

My mom’s first memory of us was when she heard us in the Boat Club Ballroom, laughing hysterically. 

She opened the doors to find that we had tied cloth napkins to our feet and were pretending to ice skate around the room.  To make matters worse, we then blamed it on your dad, saying “Well, Mr. DeVos said it was ok!” Between shimmying up and down your laundry chute and ordering too many Shirley Temples & fried cheese sticks at the club- we were quite the pair.

Frances, Whitney, Kate, Keri, Samantha, and Kate- Kindergarten friends at Kate's wedding-
November 15, 2041 at The Omni Fort Worth Hotel

We’ve been through a lot together.  In fact, seven of us women here to celebrate have been friends for 21 years.  Being friends for so long means we have been through the good times and the bad, the wins and the losses.  We’ve lost adored pets, loved family members, and irreplaceable friends.  But what we haven’t lost across time and across the country, is our ever-lasting, unconditional support for one another.

Keri, you and I have shared almost everything.  We shared Camp Fire, lake days, and even the chicken pox.  We shared our singing debut in the Lower School Talent Show- a performance that was so memorable, in fact, that the song we wrote is performed annually at the Country Day Lower School graduation ceremony.  

Ziplining in Costa Rica- October 2013

In fifth grade, we spent countless hours sharing a pan of paper mache- carefully placing newpaper strips over chicken wire in order to make our Mr. & Mrs. Planters Peanut costumes for Halloween- time well spent, though, seeing as we won the costume contest.  We’ve really done it all.

Fossils & Footprints assembly (1st grade)
Mr. & Mrs. Peanut (5th grade)
Easter Egg Hunt at the Fort Worth Boat Club
Camp El Tesoro

In January 2005, we shared in our excitement for a football game.  The University of Texas Longhorns met the University of Michigan Wolverines on a football field for the first time in the programs’ histories.  In case you Wolverines have forgotten, the Longhorns were victorious that year in the Rose Bowl, scoring a 37-yard field goal as time ran out, winning the game 38:37. 

Kate, Keri, and Whitney at Keri's Bridal Lunch
The City Club, Fort Worth
November 16, 2012

Now once again, a Wolverine and a Longhorn are meeting, but this time, instead of at the 50 yard line, y’all are meeting at the altar.  Your fans probably won’t be chanting “Hail to the victors, Texas fight, or go big blue,” but we will, undoubtedly be cheering for your victory.

So raise your glasses to Keri & Bradley’s newly formed team- may your pep-talks to each other always be encouraging, your cheers for one another always be loud, and your victories always be celebrated with a touchdown dance."

Watching the sunset in Los Angeles, 2011

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Servings: 6; Adapted from SkinnyTaste.com

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• 4 russet potatoes, peeled (but don't ask Keri to do it. She's peeled enough potatoes in her life :) )
• 3 c chicken broth
• 3 c fat-free skim milk
• salt & pepper as needed
• 1 c light or fat-free sour cream
• 1 c reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 12 tbsp chives
• 6 slices bacon

1. On medium heat, add chicken broth, milk, and potatoes- bring to a boil
2. Once potatoes are softened (appr 10-20 mins), use an immersion blender to puree until smooth
3. Add sour cream, 1/2 the chives, salt, and pepper
4. Cook on low for additional 10 mins
5. Ladle soup into bowls, and use cheese, bacon, and remaining chives for garnishing

Keep on cookin'!

-Katherine

Carly's Chicken Tortilla Soup

March 2, 2015: In February of 2015, I posted a picture on Instagram of a hodge podge soup that I had made. I called it Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chicken Chili- cause that's what it was, plus black beans & corn. Andy and I were iced in with little in our pantry, so we threw it all together in the crockpot and eight hours later had a delicious soup without ever having to leave our warm little house. My sister-in-law, Carly, posted a comment on my picture on Instagram. She said, "Sounds good! I made tortilla soup tonight." Of course I asked her for her recipe, and once the ice thawed, I adventured to the store and bought the ingredients. Out came Carly's Chicken Tortilla Soup, and I'm pretty sure it was the best damn soup I've ever had. And with new tastes comes old memories. 

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chicken Chili

I remembered one cold day, taking my cousin (who on all accounts is my "pseudo-sister") Central Market's Chicken Tortilla Soup when she was sick in college. I'm beginning to think tortilla soup is a cure-all dish for head colds and cold hands. Below is my Maid of Honor toast from Ashlea's wedding in December of 2012. It's not about soup or being cold or even having a cold, but it is about being sisters, so I found it quite fitting for this recipe. And a huge thanks to my new sister for the meal that's sure to be on our go-to recipe list from now on.

Andy, Kate, and Carly at Andy & Kate's wedding
at The Omni Fort Worth Hotel- November 15, 2014

"Hi, for those of you who don’t know me, I’m Kate or “Katherine” to most of my family, and I’m Ashlea’s Maid of Honor.  When I got my note in the mail asking me to fill the role of Maid of Honor, I was immediately overwhelmed with pride, excitement, and a major dose of reality. We are growing up. We were no longer playing dress up in our mom’s clothes, but instead, my Lil Cuz was going to dress up in white lace.  We were no longer decorating our rooms with Tweety Bird & Jonathan Taylor Thomas posters, but, instead, we were decorating for a wedding reception.  Standing in my kitchen, holding your letter, I wasn’t sure I was ready to grow up.

Kate (18 mos) and Ashlea (1 month) with Granny at Kate's parents' house for Christmas 1987
in Fort Worth, TX

When we were little, Ashlea and I both had older brothers, but neither of us had a sister.  I used to ask Santa Claus for a little sister, but apparently it doesn’t work that way.  I didn’t quite understand why I never found a little pink bundle of joy under the tree until I came across this quote, “God made us cousins because he knew our moms couldn’t handle us as sisters.”  Probably true, considering the adventures and mischief we got into.

Kate & Carly at Kate's wedding- November 15, 2014
The Omni Fort Worth Hotel

I think Ashlea would agree with me in saying that our best adventures were at our Granny & Papa’s house.  Their house was home to a garage full of cardboard boxes that were perfect for making forts that went from one end of the house to another.  It was home to a moth-ball smelling, blanket filled closet that made for the best hide and go seek hiding spot.  We spent Christmases in the den, helping Papa scratch off Lottery Tickets and Easters in the backyard having Easter egg hunts.  Then there was the kitchen that made me fall in love with cooking- where we had pizza for breakfast and s’mores & hotdogs for midnight snack, with frozen apple juice & frozen peaches in between.  We made all kinds of messes- dying Easter eggs, making sticky Rice Krispie treats, and mixing every ingredient in the kitchen into what we called a “Portion Potion.”  Despite our messes and adventures, Granny & Papa never told us “No.”

Ashlea & Kate before Kate's wedding- November 15, 2014
The Omni Fort Worth Hotel

We sat on Papa’s lap eating chocolate ice cream while he watched his programs, and we sat on Granny’s lap while she rocked us until we were in our twenties.  We crawled into bed with them in the mornings to read the funny papers and we snuggled up at night to watch Johnny Carson- Ashlea & I were inseparable, and Granny & Papa were our heroes.

Kate & Ashlea at Kate's wedding- November 15, 2014
The Omni Fort Worth Hotel

When I moved to Austin to start at UT, I thought Ashlea and my’s sisterly moments would come to a halt, but luckily I was wrong.  Being the intelligent woman she is, and against her brother’s crimson-colored wishes, Ashlea called me in 2006 and told me she, too, was going to be a Longhorn.  And, to make this proud sister even more proud, Ashlea chose to go through recruitment and pledge my same sorority, Delta Gamma.  I remember calling Granny on bid day, and tearfully telling her, “Ashlea is really going to be my sister!”  Granny, in her calm, sensible, and wise tone simply said, “Well Katherine, I thought she already was.” 

Katherine & Ashlea building a snowman at our Granny & Papa's house
in Wichita Falls, TX

Granny was right- she always was right.  Lee Lee, you have always been my sister.  As little girls, every Christmas at Midwestern’s Fantasy of Lights, every one of your bounce house birthday parties, every lake day ending with a fabulous sunset- you made them all complete.  To this day, I brag to everyone about you- my cousin, my Delta Gamma Grand Little Sis, my UT cheerleader, my Physical Therapist, and my very first friend. 

Kate giving her Maid of Honor toast at Ashlea's Wedding
December 15, 2012

Your courage, patience, faith, hope, and love have been a pillar of strength for your family, through the good times and the hard.  I know Granny, Papa, and your Bubba are watching down on you and Mark today, beaming at their handiwork and crazy proud of the woman you have become, just as I am.  Let’s raise our glasses to Ashlea & Mark- You two have found a love so great and unconditional- a love that lasted across high school halls and across the state.  Y’all have cared for one another, supported one another, and cheered for one another for 7 years thus far, so here’s to 77 more.  As our Granny would say, “Keep on making memories.”  Cheers.

Carly's Chicken Tortilla Soup

Servings: 8; Adapted from The Food Network

Carly's Chicken Tortilla Soup

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 med onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp salt
• 6 c chicken broth (we use unsalted)
• 1 c corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 3 chicken breasts
• 1/2 c cilantro leaves
• 1/4 c lime juice
• 1 doz tortilla chips, crumbled (for garnishing)
• 1/2 c cheddar cheese (for garnishing)
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced

1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat
2. Add onion, garlic, chipotle, chili powder, and salt and cook until onion softens
3. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil
4. After this has been boiling for appr 10 mins, add chicken breasts. Allow to boil for 20 mins.
5. Reduce to simmer and add corn. Cook for 5 mins more.
6. Stir in tomato, cilantro, and lime juice
7. Ladle into bowls. Top with chips, cheese, and avocado as desired. 

Keep on cookin'!

-Carly & Katherine

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

Crescent Roll Casserole

May 3, 2014:  The friendships that we made through our 13 years of school are the most unique, special, and amazing gifts that I can ever imagine. We went from plaid and pigtails to updo's and I-do's.  I have to tell you how mind-blowing it is to me that we are now in each others' weddings. That's a far cry from Camp Write Along and Rice Babies.  Most recently, Keri was Frances' Matron of Honor, and Whitney and I were in Frances' House Party. Kate and I were among hostesses for Frances & Zach's Stock the Bar shower in Houston.

Frances, me, Kate, and Keri at Frances & Zach's Stock the Bar Shower
The Future Doctors Compton's Home, Houston, Texas  March 2014

Before that, there was Keri's wedding last year where Frances was the Maid of Honor. I was a Bridesmaid, and Sam and Whitney were in the House Party.

Keri's Bridal Party
University Christian Church, November 2013

And throwing it back to the first wedding of our group, Whitney's, I was the Maid of Honor, and Keri and Frances and Sam and Kate were all in her House Party.

Kate, me, Keri, Whitney, Frances, Chaney, and Sam at Whitney's Rehearsal Dinner
Fort Worth Boat Club, May 2010

Fast forward to this coming November when I'm getting married, where I'll have Whitney as one of my Matrons of Honor, Keri and Sam as Bridesmaids, and Kate and Frances in my House Party.

Whitney, me, and Keri on the day Andy proposed to me
The Hickmans' Home, Fort Worth, Texas  October 2013

Phew! Did you keep up with all of that? Some days I wonder how in the world I am so incredibly blessed to have these ladies in my life.

So what do these beautiful women have to do with Crescent Roll Casserole? Well, not a lot, except for when I happened to make it for the first time. See, Frances married her husband, Zach, on May 3, 2014. The night before the wedding, we all rehearsed where to be when, and then we had an elegant dinner at the Kimbell Art Museum. Catered by The City Club, Zach's family treated us to a surf & turf combination with molten chocolate cake for dessert, served to the musical stylings of a string quartet who played everything from Tchaikovsky to TSwift. Memories were shared, laughs were had, and champagne flutes were clinked. It was a beautiful evening.

Whitney & me on the Trolley on our way to Frances' wedding
First Presbyterian Church, May 2014

However, nothing that weekend was as beautiful as our friend, Frances, in white and in love, the next night. It was a gorgeous evening under the stars at 809 Vickery where we celebrated. The little white lights strung across the open patio lit up a packed dance floor, where we danced the night away. The second (next to the wedding, duh) most memorable event of the night was definitely when our PE coach, Coach Breedlove, high-jacked the lead singer's microphone and "fired it up!"  Who knew back in August of 1991 that we'd be here today. Oh, and back to the casserole (oops), I made this for Andy and I on the Saturday morning of the wedding. Nothing difficult or tricky about it- a recipe I got from a co-worker recently. But it was definitely the fuel we needed to get the day rolling- after all, we had dancing and celebrating to do!

Keri, Sam, Frances, me, and Whitney at Frances' Rehearsal Dinner
Kimbell Art Museum, May 2014

Cresent Roll Casserole
Kim Cox
Servings: 8

Crescent Roll Casserole

• 1 Pillsbury Cresent Roll Package
• 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp (or more, if desired)
• 1/2-1 lb reduced fat sausage, browned (or more, if desired)
• 1/2 c fat free cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp fat free cream cheese
• 1 doz eggs- 8 egg whites only, 4 whole eggs\
• 2 tbsp skim milk

Crescent Roll Casserole

1. Preheat oven per crescent roll package instructions
2. Lightly grease a 9x13 pan
3. Spread the crescent roll out in the pan
4. Bake for 5 mins (so it won't get soggy later)
5. Meanwhile, beat eggs, egg whites, and milk together until frothy
6. Add in bacon, sausage, cheddar cheese, cream cheese- mix thoroughly
7. Bake for 30 mins or until eggs are stiff

Keep on cookin'!

-Katherine

Lemon Grilled Asparagus

Sunday, May 12, 2013: The weekend of Mother's Day 2013, my old college roommate, Hayley, had a wedding shower here in Fort Worth. Her step-sister hosted it with the other five bridesmaids. Chelsea, Sarah, Lindsey, and Hannah are Hayley's sisters, Lauren and JK are two of Hayley's good friends from high school, and Hayley's future sister in law was also a hostess.

Hayley's wedding shower
JK, Jen, me, Hayley, Lauren, Erin, and Emily

We toasted Hayley's wedding with mimosa punch, and showered Hayley with half of the inventory from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. The next day was Mother's Day, and we chose to shower my own mom by grilling out at the lake.

Andy and I got the stuff to make quite the meal- Tequila Shrimp Skewers, salad, Zatarain's Jambalaya Rice, and Lemon Grilled Asparagus. Andy has become quite the grilling-pro and always works as the grill master at Cabana #3. My mom loved the meal, and we all sat down to eat to a beautifully descending sun on the front porch.

Granny popped in to say hi on Mother's Day at Cabana #3

We had made everything except the Lemon Grilled Asparagus before- click on the links above for the recipes.  We wanted a side that was light since we were also having rice, and I thought the zest of the lemon would compliment the spiciness of the Tequila Shrimp well. And it did! We had ourselves a healthy, delicious meal and ended the night with a blazing sunset.

A Mother's Day toast by sunset

Lemon Grilled Asparagus
Servings: 4; Weight Watchers PointsPlus Value: 2

Tequila Shrimp Skewers, Jambalaya Rice, salad, and Lemon Grilled Asparagus

• 1/2 c lemon juice
• 1 bunch asparagus
• 1 tsp fajita seasoning

1. Wash & cut asparagus
2. Soak asparagus in the lemon juice
3. Sprinkle fajita seasoning on top
4. Grill for 6-8 minutes, turning often

Keep on cookin'!

-Katherine

Grilled Summer Asparagus

Longhorns at Hayley's wedding

June 16, 2013: My college roommate, Hayley, and her husband, Ben, got married this weekend in Frederickburg, Texas. Ben and Hayley live in Houston, but she is from Fort Worth and he is from Dallas. They decided on Fredericksburg as both mutual territory for the UT Longhorn and SMU Mustang and also because it is a really neat Texas destination. 

On Thursday, June 13, Andy and I were going to be busy wrapping up some work things and starting to pack for the weekend, so we ate dinner at home. I made Firecracker Grilled Salmon, but needed a side. I pulled out my "Texas Favorites by Jon Bonnell" cookbook and found a recipe he had for a "Summer Vegetable Salad" that included asparagus, so I prepped it per his recipe, and it definitely took place as my top favorite asparagus recipe. 

MaryEllen, me, Andy, and JK at Hayley & Ben's wedding

We wanted to make the most out of our adventure down to south Texas, so we broke up the trip into two parts. Friday, June 14, we had decided to drive to see my best friend and her husband, Whitney and Todd, at their home in La Vernia. On the way there, Andy got a nail in his truck tire. Of all places to pull over at, we happened to stop at a car repair shop. They had Andy's spare on, and we were back on the road in only 12 minutes!

Our flat tire, but it only took 12 minutes to change!

We met The Creels for dinner at La Fogata in San Antonio while it was pouring rain atop our covered patio. Then we followed them back to their beautiful home in La Vernia, about 30 minutes southeast of San Antonio. We spent the night catching up (although Whitney and I talk on the phone daily), checking out their son-to-be, Kolt's, nursery in progress, and watching Hangover 2.

Chisholm Trail Winery

Saturday, June 15, Whitney and Todd made us bacon and cheese biscuit sandwiches and then we were en route to Fredericksburg. After checking in to our hotel, The Sunday House, Andy and I headed out to our favorite winery, Chisholm Trail. We had gone there in February 2011, and it was the first winery that ever taught me how to properly taste wine. 

Rancho Ponte Winery

After Chisholm Trail, we went to Rancho Ponte for another wine tasting before we headed back to get ready for the Newell wedding. The Newells had arranged for a shuttle to take us to the winery where the wedding ceremony and reception were, Becker Vineyards. The weather was perfect, and Hayley was a beautiful bride! We spent the night dancing and sampling all of the wines Becker had to offer. I left the wedding the sweatiest hot mess I've ever been at a wedding. I was soaked but it was so fun dancing the night away with my favorite boy and Longhorn girls. 

Andy and me on the shuttle on the way to Becker Vineyards for the Newell Wedding

Ben & Hayley Newell!

Sunday morning, I slept late while Andy did a little sight seeing around town. When he got back, we had breakfast at my favorite little brunch spot in Fredericksburg, Mahaley's, with our friends, Katie, Leo, and Scott. After lunch and checking out of The Sunday House, we went to Luckenbach, Texas, (with Waylan and Willie and the boys). It's been a super fun but tiring weekend and we still have two hours left on our drive back to Funkytown- actually, I think it may be a good time for a nap.

Andy and me in Luckenbach, Texas

Grilled Summer Asparagus

By Jon Bonnell

Serving: 2; Weight Watchers PointsPlus Value: 1

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed & washed
• Pepper, as desired
• Salt, as desired
• Garlic powder, as desired
• Olive oil

Grilled Summer Asparagus and Firecracker Salmon

1. Drizzle asparagus with olive oil
2. Sprinkle with pepper, salt, and garlic powder
3. Grill 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally

Keep on cookin'!

-Katherine

Italian Style Chicken and Potatoes

Jessica, Annalise, Jennifer, me, Elise, and Natalie after Ashley & Ryan McCollum's Wedding

I found this recipe on the Weight Watchers website, and I have been wanting to try it ever since.  With my and Andy's conflicting and busy schedules, we did not have much time for homemade meals last week.  I continuously pushed back and pushed back the night I was going to make Italian Style Chicken and Potatoes, and finally was able to make it this past week.

Andy and me at Ashley & Ryan's wedding

This weekend was just about as busy as our week last week.  Our friends, Ryan McCollum and Ashley Meyka, got married on Saturday.  Ashley is my little sis from Delta Gamma, Jennifer,'s cousin.  Jennifer invited Ashley and Ashley's (at the time- boyfriend, now husband), Ryan, to play on their kickball team last year.  Andy and I got to know them pretty well, and we have seen them going from dating to being engaged, and now they are married! I had an 11:00am hair appointment to have my hair cut and colored- both of which were long-since past due.  After that, I went with my mom to get manicures and pedicures.  My mom had given me a Groupon for Valentine's Day to a new salon here in Fort Worth.  When I called to make our appointments, the receptionist told me that they had sold over 1,500 Groupons and were booked every Saturday until June 30th! So we nixed that idea, and instead went to E-Nails by my house. 

Jennifer and me at Ryan & Ashley's wedding

A small group of my friends decided to meet up at my parents' house because they live pretty close to the church where Ryan and Ashley's wedding was.  We met over there, had a glass of wine, and then carpooled to St. Paul Lutheran Church.  Ashley looked stunning, and even though Ryan had seen her when they took pictures before the wedding, I definitely saw his "Wow, she looks beautiful," reaction when the church doors swung open. 

Andy and me at Ryan & Ashley's reception at Chateau Forrest Park

After the wedding, we drove down the street to The Chateau at Forrest Park where the reception took place.  There was a nice cheese and cracker starter, then a buffet, and of course the cakes.  Ryan's cake was chocolate with chocolate covered strawberries, and Ashley's cake had a layer of white cake but also a layer of funfetti cake! Very fun, and very Ashley.  The bride's cake even had an anchor and the Delta Gamma greek letters on it- nice touch, sis.

Holly and me grabbing late night drinks at The Usual 

We took crazy photobooth pictures and danced the night away, and sent the couple off with sparklers at 11:00.  For a night cap, Andy and I headed to The Usual with Michael and his date where we met up with my co-worker, Holly, and her husband, Jason.  Thank you, Ryan and Ashley, for including us in your big day! I was honored to be a part of the celebration, and congratulations on your new marriage.  I hope they're having fun in the Dominican Republic- they sure deserve a break after both wedding planning and remodeling a house for the past few months!

Italian-Style Chicken and Potatoes
Weight Watchers
Servings: 4, Weight Watchers PointsPlus Value: 7

• 2 sprays cooking spray
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2 in. pieces
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 large sweet red pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 lb uncooked Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 3/4-1 in pieces
• 1/2 c dry red wine
• 1 1/2 c marinara sauce (store bought, from the jar)
• 1/2 c water

1. Coat a nonstick pan with cooking oil and heat over medium-high heat
2. Sprinkle chicken with salt & pepper
3. Add chicken to skillet; saute until golden brown, and almost cooked through (4-6 mins)
4. Move from skillet to a plate
5. Off heat, coat pan with cooking oil again
6. Add peppers & potatoes; saute until veggies are lightly browned (4-6 mins)
7. Add wine; simmer for 1 min
8. Add marinara & water to skillet; increase heat to high & bring to a boil
9. Reduce heat to low; cover & simmer until potatoes are almost tender (about 15 mins)
10. Stir in chicken and juices
11. Cover & cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and chicken is cooked through (about 7 mins)
12. Add salt & pepper to taste, if desired.

Keep on cookin'!
-Katherine