Monthly Archives: November 2011

• 1 tbs. cumin
• 1 tbs. garlic powder
• 1 tbs. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp. chipotle powder
• salt to taste
• 2 bone-in chicken breasts
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 whole ancho chili peppers, stems removed
• 1 bottle dry white wine
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans black beans

1. Heat small amount of oil in large pot over medium-high heat. In medium bowl combine garlic powder, cumin, chipotle, onion powder, chili powder, and salt. Rinse chicken then coat in spice mixture. Add to pan, and cook the chicken until browned. Add 1/2 cup broth, as necessary, to prevent smaller pieces from burning.

2. Add onions and 1 cup of broth, scraping browned pieces off the bottom of the pan.  Continue stirring until thick sauce forms.  Add ancho peppers, cilantro, and 1/2 bottle of wine, bring to a boil, reduce heat and allow to simmer until reduced again to a thick sauce.  Add remaining 2 cups of broth; simmer until sauce once again thickens.  Add beans and remaining wine; reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for 45 – 30 minutes.

3. Remove chicken and beans; allow to cool.  Increase heat to medium, and allow to simmer for another 30 minutes or until sauce has reached desired thickness. Meanwhile, shred chicken with two forks, then return chicken to pan to reheat.  Serve with beans on the side and warm tortillas topped with queso fresco.

What??!? I have a blog? REALLY???  Does anyone even remember or follow it anymore? Apparently, I forgot about its existence! To be fair, I’ve been going…going…going since late August. There have been countless events, stories, and recipes that each deserve their own entry, but I’m afraid I just can’t swing it….here’s a run down:

1. Avdoo had his first official horse show in Oregon…after his third class, he came up lame. He just now is back in riding shape, but unfortunately, it’s looking like there are going to be constant lameness issues, and we just can’t rely on him to be consistently sound – which pretty much takes us out of  a “show horse” description. What does that mean for me? Well, I’m adjusting my expectations of him and am now on the hunt for something to lease and maybe, someday, eventually buy….I had so many dreams wrapped around that horse, and he has brought so much healing to me, I can’t ever imagine letting him go.  He’s my gentle giant who stole my heart the first time he nuzzled me with that all-knowing soul of his. He really is an incredible horse with so much love and kindness and healing to share.

2. We took a family vacation to Great Exuma (part of the Bahamas) and stayed Grand Isle Resort – we met some amazing people and had a seriously amazing time. The island is hands-down one of the most beautiful places I’ve been, the resort is exquisite, and the service is incomparable.  We’re definitely incredibly fortunate to have had the experience.

Yes, I know that I’m pretty much as spoiled as I possibly could be.

3. The week after returning home, I headed down to Beverly Hills for a baby shower for my girlfriend Carrie.  We had a spectacular time, and it was down right wonderful to reunite with the girls I spent most of my early 20s with.  The stories we have are, well, um, unrepeatable, so it was nice to be able to look at each other and just laugh and reconnect!

Unfortunately, I didn’t get any photos of the group of us.  Somehow I thought I had, but they’re nowhere to be found…

That same weekend, I was fortunate enough to  also see my dear college buddies Katie and Andrea (Yes, yes, yes – AKA Kimmy Gibler from Full House).  I honestly think that I laugh more with them than any body else. I’m so lucky to have the two of them as friends!

 

On the flight out of Portland, I was ever so thankful to have my camera handy…this was a very rare opportunity! So happy with the beauty!

 

4. While waiting for my flight home from Los Angeles, I got a phone call that Boots had gotten himself into a situation – he had eaten 3 weeks worth of both his anti-seizure medication and his muscle relaxer.  Nice. F’ing dog. It got a bit hairy, and I don’t think a single person that was working with him thought he’d make it through.  And to be honest, I don’t think it was my love, but rather Jeffrey’s hate for him that kept him alive. $1800 later – Boots is back at it.

4. Halloween.  Our Halloween party this year pretty much MUST have its own separate entry.  I just regret not having documented the preparation process, as it consumed every day for  3- 4 weeks.  Trying to synopsize its breadth is basically impossible.  I came up with dozens of new ideas for decor, some really fun costumes, delicious dishes, and quite frankly, I’m excited to share them with you guys…I just need another month to be able to sort through things.  A big group of friends came up from Los Angeles to spend the weekend, and provided loads of entertainment. The question is….is it no longer interesting since the holiday is long gone….hmmm…I’m not sure….I DO know that the costumes that people put together were downright impressive – so thank you to all those who put so much effort into it!

As usual I went a little overboard with food and decorations, but it was pretty incredible, if I do say so myself!

 

 

 

 

5. Several days after the party, Jeffrey and I headed to Hawaii….but that’s another story for another time.  It was wonderful. Period.