So I got more information about my trip to New York next week. Um, turns out I’ll be staying in Secaucus, NJ. Monday I shop for my food. I originally made my recipe two servings, but now I have to rewrite it to serve six. I don’t think I necessarily need to triple every ingredient, but I’ll figure that out. And it’s not a timed event. The woman said two things – one: maybe buy a couple more pork chops in case you burn one. Um, okay – and two: there will be a lot of down time on Tuesday because everyone will be cooking at a different time I guess. Not really sure of all the details yet, but at this point, I don’t really care. It’s a free trip so I am already a winner in my book! Maggie, as soon as I get more details I’ll get in touch with you! 
I had breakfast biscuits in the freezer, so I brought three of them for work. At work I defrosted them in the microwave for about 45 seconds, then finished them off under the broiler in the toaster oven. Wow, did these taste fresh, like I just made them!
My knee still hurts a bit, and my cold is still lingering a bit. I thought I might swim, but in the end I went to . . . Goodwill! I put this out on Instagram asking for thoughts on the outfit – some thought I needed to add more color, but in the end, I bought it. The pants fit really well. I looked at the temps for next week in NY – the high is 72 with lows in the 50s. You can’t beat a $9 outfit!
When I got back to the office I ended up having leftover chili mac. These Thai peppers were spicy – I had to pick half of them off actually. I ended up mixing a cup of baby spinach with 1/2 a cup of pasta.
It was so nice outside, Tony and I ended up sitting outside until nearly 7 pm! Dinner was super quick though – grilled chicken Caesar salad. Although I made mine buffalo by adding generous splashes of Frank’s hot sauce. It’s starting to get dark out by 7:20 these days – my dinner photography is going to suck ass unless I invest in a cheap light box this fall and winter.
I have to make this post short and sweet (like me!) – its stormy and I have to shut down the computer. Make it a great day!
Question of the Day: Have you ever been to New York – love it or hate it? Tony hates it, although he probably hasn’t been there for 25 years. He doesn’t like Chicago much either though, and I love Chicago!
Here is a great tutorial on how to make a CHEAP light box! For $35 it’t worth a shot.
http://www.neverhomemaker.com/2010/11/how-to-build-light-box-photography.html
Thanks Christina – totally going to check it out – hugs! 😀
I live in NY about 45 mins from Secaucus, New Jersey. and 1.5 hours from New York City. Not to much to do in NJ just outlet shopping. If you go to Manhattan go to Times Square and just take it all in. It is the touristity ( a word ?) thing to do. I love it there. Have fun and Good Luck I hope you win.
Larry
I have no idea if it’s going to be televised Abigail – I’ll keep you posted! 😀
I love it!! My sister lives in the upper part of manhatten so maybe i’m partial and i’ve only visted for at the most 3 weeks but really all the food and interaction with people ( while not as great as a country store) is pretty amazing , as i’m sure it will be with the foodnetwork. do you know when you will be airing?
I laughed about burning a pork chop! Ummmmm OK – is right!
Never been to NY and have NO desire to go!
That’s funny Courtney, I would have thought you would love NYC!
Love it. Don’t miss the Empire State and if you have time visit Ellis island. Have fun. Good Luck.
Thanks for the tips Karen 😀
You are going to be so great in Jersey! Love the outfit too!!!! Go Vat Go!
Thanks for the cheers Roz!
Oh NJ….hope you get a chance to go to Carlo’s Bakery…I loves Cake Boss……but I suppose you would not be close to that. There’s probably lots to see. I was in Buffalo NY years ago…but hardly remember it as a child. About 40 some years I was in beautiful upper state NY and loved it and even thought of moving there, but didn’t. I’m from Chicago….Love Wisconsin, wouldn’t want to live in Chicago anymore. No, too fast paced.
You’ll do fine, will you have people watching you while you make your chops? Must be there will be taste testers too. Oh it is a yummy recipe…I made it for JP and I. It’ll be an award winning dish….have fun and enjoy every minute of you trip!!!
Thanks Louise – I still don’t have details on the actual cook-off – at this point I think I’ll just show up and go with the roll!
yay 🙂
Hope your back to 100% tomorrow! I’ve been to New York a couple of times. The first time I went with my mom, sister, and grandparents. We went to Radio City Music Hall at Christmas-time. It was magical and I have so many great memories – though not of the show, my sister and I fell asleep after having to get up so early to get the bus! 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful time!
OMG, I thing Christmas time in NY would be amazeballs! I am about 90% back to normal – thanks 😀
I love NY, its busy and crazy. I was born in Long Island, but my parents moved to FL when I was 3. I was last there in 2008, stayed in Jersey City, NJ. Julie and I are going on October 14th-18th. I can’t wait. Not sure of your recipe, but one thing that I think is a game changer is blooming whatever spices you use in oil. That really brings out the flavor. I always cringe when the Pioneer woman just tosses her spices in the already simmering sauce.
Have fun in NY Randi – hope you are feeling better too. I simmer my rosemary in butter 😀
NJ? I am sorry, Biz LOL! I do hope you have a good time and get a chance to explore, though!
It’s okay – it will be fun no matter what 😀
I avoid NYC AT.ALL.COSTS, but love Chicago. My kids however are true NYC fans and know it like I know Chicago. Good luck!!!!!
Funny that your kids love it!
It’s on my bucket list. I really, really want to go to NY and go to the theater.
That would be fun 😀
I’ve only spent part of a day in New York when we were in NJ one summer – I would love to go and spend days and days exploring everything. I sort of want to pretend I’m Carrie Bradshaw for a day!!!
I could totally picture you doing that Kim! Except the part about walking the streets of NYC in 6 inch high heels 😀
I love NYC! I don’t go too often, but I’ve been a number of times. I don’t think I could live there, but it is fun to visit. I’m excited for you!! I think you are going to have a great time.
I visited Chicago once years ago and I loved it! The Chicago marathon is on my bucket list.
Well when you come to Chicago to do the marathon, we’ll definitely have to meet up! One of my co-workers won the lottery and is running it this year.
I’m sure you’ll do great at the competition. Can’t wait to hear how it goes. That salad looks delicious.
Thanks Erica! 😀
I love New York – it’s been way too long since I’ve been there! And yeah, Secaucus is NOT New York LOL!
Never been to New York – would love to go one day. I do have a friend that has a friend in New Jersey. Does that count?
I agree Helen – not the same, but hey, it’s a free trip 😀
I love New York! It is like no place (well, no large city) that I’ve been too–including Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Rome–well, you get the idea. Just different. Love eating in neighborhood restaurants and just listening in on conversations. Great theater. I hope you have a really good time. Having someone who knows the ropes might be able to give you more information.
Best,
Bonnie
I love people watching, so it should be fun – thanks for the input Bonnie! Bundle up today 😀
You are coming to my neck of the woods! Only a few miles from Secaucus. There is a great Shop Rite or Stop & Shop in Lyndhurst, another town close by. Also, on your downtime you will probably be near the outlets in Secaucus.
Welcome to Jersey!
Thanks Cheryl! Looking forward to it!