Rachel Ray I'm Not

bloodorangepoundcake, originally uploaded by Payneplace.

I made a stab at a pound cake today... A little too done, and I used the receipe for a pound cake pan, not the bundt one that I used. So, it came out a little on the small side. One thing I definitely learned is that I miss the KitchenAid stand mixer. There really is no substitute for it; I think I'm going to have to get another one before too long. Every time I try a new technique or receipe I find something else I need, just like when I do a woodworking project... Hey, it's an excuse to go to the store, right??

Pecan Crusted Chicken Inspiration

Pecan Crusted Chicken Inspiration, originally uploaded by Payneplace.

I pretty successfully adapted this entree for myself and the boys today. Green beans from a can, noodles from a bag, but the chicken was from scratch and delicious. I used the Kitchenaid chopper my Grandmother gave me for Christmas to finely chop the pecans for the crust - Henry and Will ate every bite of their chicken, and I have to admit it was awesome. I used this new technique I learned of pan frying with a little olive oil on the stove and then finishing in the same pan in a 450 degree oven. Crispy and golden brown chicken tenderloin... Yum-Mee!!

But I did let them watch cartoons while I made dinner, so I still have room for improvement in the Super Dad category.

Getting Out

I went to see these guys on Saturday, and they really surprised me. I thought I would like them, but they put on a great show. It's really nice to see a band come back; the hometown crowd was so in to them. I did feel a little bit like a spectator at a few points; watching the crowd sing songs word for word brought me back to when I was a young lad going to the 40 Watt to watch a band that meant the world to me. And it was good to see my friend, Zack, who is one of the bartenders at the Fabulous 40 Watt. He was very hospitable even though crazy busy.