The Girls' Gazette
Keeping Us Connected
BELIEVE
One thing I will miss leaving the K-12 learning environment is the excitement of the new school year. As an educator, you get to experience newness and excitement every August. It is a time to be creative, freshen the environment you work in, and set goals that are meaningful and deliberate in supporting children. No other profession gets this opportunity.
Take advantage of renewed energy, the opportunity to dream big, and BELIEVE that you make a difference. Mel
Inspirational videos
Jojo's Recipe Box
Tamale Pie
By Gami (my maternal Grandmother)
I am not exactly sure why it is called "tamale" pie in that it does not taste at all like a tamale, but maybe it has to do with the consistency?? Regardless, this was a family favorite and considered comfort food when we were children. It is a wonderful and tasty Mexican casserole that seems to please all. Enjoy!
1 1/2 lbs. ground meat, could use beef or turkey
1/2 c olive oil
1 lg. onion, diced
Saute above in oil. Add 1 t basil
3 T chili powder,
1 can pitted olives sliced
garlic salt to taste (about 1t)
1 28 oz. can tomatoes puree or chopped (the best are Bianco DiNapoli - Safeway!)
1 can tomato paste
1 can creamed corn
2 eggs, beaten
1 c milk
1 c white corn meal
Combine all ingred. Last add beaten eggs, then milk, then carefully
stir in cornmeal. Be careful it spits and can burn you. After mixed, put lid on pot for a minute. Bring to boil. Pour into greased casserole or casseroles. Paprika on top. Bake uncovered for about 40 - 50 minutes @350 degrees depending upon
size of casserole. Serves 6-8.
Black Bean and Corn Salad
This is one of our favorites to take when we are tailgating or having a picnic somewhere. And, if you want to make it more of a meal, serve it with tortilla chips and shreddred cheese for "cold nachos" or serve on crisp corn tortillas for cold tostadas. I usually double the amount of avocado as my family loves there to be more of this yummy goodness. :)
DRESSING:
1/3 c lime juice
½ c olive oil
1 clove garlic crushed
1 t salt
1/8 t cayenne
2 (15oz) cans black beans, rinsed & drained
1 ½ c frozen corn
1 avocado, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 tomatoes, ch
6 green onions, chopped
½ c ch cilantro - optional - I can't eat cilantro, and am told it doesn't make or break the salad.
Combine dressing ingred. Can add some balsamic if desired (if you like it a bit more tangy)
Combine remaining ingred. Toss with dressing.
Serves 4-6
Wine Time!
Usual Wines - Sonoma
I have tried the red and the rose. The Rose was ranked one of the most drinkable wines of last year! Here is the link to buy. I bought some a couple of months ago and the shipment came FAST. If you are the only wine drinker in the house and want to stop wasting wine, here is one solution:
https://usualwines.com/?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=retarget&pp=1
Coravin Wine Preservation System
This device was developed, originally, by a surgeon. His wife kept opening up expensive bottles of wine, but never quite getting through them. Taking his expert surgeon skills, he developed this "opener" that uses a needle to penetrate the cork, which compromising the integrity of the wine by preventing oxygen from getting into the bottle.
There are a few different models, but I have had mine for several years and it has been AWESOME. We have used the device on a bottle and not opened the bottle for up to six months - wine maintained its yummy and original quality and flavor. Check it out! It makes for a great gift. It is a bit pricey, but for a bigger gift for someone, it is well worth it.
You can also purchase the variety of systems on Amazon
"Bunko" Schedule
Please send me the details and I will make sure to get it out in the next Girls' Gazette.
August: Debbie
September:
October: Sunshine
November: Mel
December:
January: Lynda
February: Heidi
March: Claire
April: Nicky
May: Christine
June:
July: