Out of our element.

When it comes to beef or pork, we're pretty basic people.

Bar-b-q.

Sometimes, I don't think we even know that there's other ways to prepare it. It just doesn't make sense to us. I can't really blame Kyle for it. He's a southern boy after all. But me? I'm just all over the place.

I really think I need a trip back north.

So, I've been trying to stay away from bar-b-q because..well...I don't like being outside. And with the schedule Kyle works, I'd have to be outside to do the grilling..I don't like that idea.

Well w00t for different ways to cook pork!

During the process, you'll probably step back and be all "Um, no. This is going to be disgusting."
Don't worry. It won't be.

Ravioli? Holy Cannoli!

Oh, how I miss Chris Farley. :(

Anywho.

Pretty much, any cheese or pasta dish is a huge hit in this house. Not so much with Kyle if veggies are involved, or minced garlic. He doesn't like the texture of it. Lame.

I'm constantly trying to find ways to make different pasta dishes aside from spaghetti and fettuccine alfredo because, let's be honest, these can only go so far before you're so beyond sick of it that walking down the pasta aisle at the store makes you nauseous. Food that's easy and kid friendly is also a plus.

There's honestly no way to really get a glamorous photo of this. No way. I tried. But you know what? If you make it, it speaks for yourself. Gabe actually finished it ALL, without much on the floor or table. That's saying a lot.

A House Divided.

Sometimes I wonder why Kyle and I are married.

And there's one very big reason for this.

KYLE DOESN'T LIKE CHINESE FOOD.

Okay, I grew up on a fair amount of Korean food. There's a lot that I don't like, such as kimchi, bean sprouts, etc. I can't handle spicy. Hell, I didn't like Chinese food until I was about 14. Same with seafood. My palette has changed a lot throughout the years.

When Kyle works nights, I usually get simple dinners for me and the kids. The last one I got for myself was sweet and sour chicken by Healthy Choice.

Worst. Mistake. Ever.

It was horrible. The chicken was dry, there was VERY LITTLE sauce, and...it was just a fail. I was disappointed.

So I decided that while the boy was away, the girl would play.

Tastewise, it reminds me a lot more of honey chicken, but it's so good, you won't care.

Also, this is baked. It won't be crispy unless you want to do it that way.

Food Twister.

When I was younger, I got toted around. A lot.

I know, it's pretty typical for the kid to get toted places. You know, when we have no say in things. The good ol' days for the parents.

I specifically remember getting toted to the mall when my mom wanted to shop for old lady clothes. I was always restless. I've never been able to really simmer down. I get bored easily.

So everytime we went to the mall, I ended up with either a slice of amazing pizza or an awesome soft pretzel. And you know what? The love of soft pretzels has never left me. Ever.

I prefer making them as pretzel nugs, but I just had to try the actual pretzel shape.

I suck at it, by the way.

Also, I reached a huge plateau in my bread baking. I totally bought a jar of yeast instead of using packets.