Chili Cookoff Results

Posted on February 29, 2012 by

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Today we had our second annual chili cook off at work. I mentioned that I had been working on a recipe and today it made it to the big show.

I had three progressive goals for this cook off.  First, I wanted to not finish last.  (I’ve competed in one other chili cook off and I placed 13th out of 13.  Need I say more?)  Second, I wanted to finish ahead of last year’s winner.  Third, of course, I wanted to win.

Well…

I didn’t win first place, although the real winner was chosen correctly so I can’t complain.  I didn’t see the final results, but I heard that I came in tied for third out of eleven competitors.  I did finish ahead of last years winner, so I got two out of three.

Unfortunately, the chili I brought in wasn’t as good as my test batch, but I know what I need to do to make it better.

  • I didn’t let it simmer long enough for the starch to be drawn out of the beans, which would have thickened the sauce more.
  • Partway through cooking, it looked a little too dry.  I panicked and added water.  I should have just waited longer for more liquid to be drawn out of the tomatoes and onions.  It would have been perfect.

We’ll see how it goes next year.  :)

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My theme song — Let’s Blog Off

Posted on February 28, 2012 by

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This time around, the topic for Let’s Blog Off is “The song stuck in your head.”  Usually, we think of having a song stuck in our heads as a bad thing.  I think it can be a great thing.

After our daughter died, we knew we would view our lives through a new lens.  Shortly after the event, I first heard “Take a Back Road” by Rodney Atkins.  This song spoke to me at exactly the time I needed to find a new direction.

I realized I had been taking the freeway in my life way too often and needed to slow down and take in the scenery.  I also needed to see some new things and meet some new people.  I’ve talked about our travels over the past nine or ten months so I won’t rehash them here.

I’ve really taken this song to heart and often have it playing in my head.  I find it comforting, so this earworm can stay as long as it wants to.



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I work out

Posted on February 24, 2012 by

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I worked out yesterday.  That means I actually used the equipment in the fitness center at work.  I am NOT a workout kind of guy, but I need to get moving.

Softball season is fast approaching.  Last year, I played in 2 summer leagues and one fall league.  The whole time, I was suffering with some tendonitis in my right ankle.  It finally started feeling better in November.  That was the first time in the 11-or-so years I’ve been playing that I had chronic pain in my joints.

I know it is because I didn’t get into playing shape.  This year is going to be different.

I only worked out once, but I already feel a bit better.  I was kind of dreading getting into the gym, but once I was there, it was just fine.  While on the bike, I listened to some tunes while I checked my email and Twitter.  That was always my excuse why I needed to get home rather than staying late to get some exercise.  Pretty weak, huh?

I’ll be back in there again today, but going twice does not make a trend.  I need to do this regularly.  Not just getting ready for softball season.  Through softball season.  And after softball season.

Maybe it’s as simple as having some discipline.  Maybe there’s more to it than that.

What tips do you have to stay on your exercise routine?

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Lodge Manufacturing Field Trip

Posted on February 22, 2012 by

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As a little change of pace, I thought it would be fun to take you on a field trip to Lodge Manufacturing in South Pittsburg, TN.  Lodge Manufacturing has been making cast iron cookware since 1896.  The family owned and operated company is the only one in the United States still producing cast iron cookware in the country.

 

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Gallery

Pork Fried Rice on the Grill

Posted on February 20, 2012 by
Hoisin Pork Tenderloin

This gallery contains 6 photos.


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One of the main reasons fried rice tastes better when it comes from the Chinese takeout place is that your home stove doesn’t get hot enough to actually stir fry.  The solution to this problem is in your backyard — … Continue reading →

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