Do You Love Your Slow Cooker?

Because I do!

I say I love my slow cooker, but I know I don't use it enough. I follow the blog, A Year of Slow Cooking. She makes a lot of amazing stuff, but unfortunately this dish is not from her. A friend of mine made this recipe when she had us over for dinner. I love it because its EASY!! (And delicious.)

Slow-Cooker Chili Chicken Tacos

INGREDIENTS
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6)
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup prepared tomato salsa, plus more for serving (optional)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- coarse salt and ground pepper
- 8 hard corn taco shells
- Cilantro, shredded cheese, line wedges, and sour cream, for serving

DIRECTIONS
1. In slow cooker, combine chicken, garlic, salsa, chiles, chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and teaspoon pepper. Cover: cook on high, 4 hours (or on low, 8 hours).
2. Transfer chicken to a serving bowl, and shred, using two forks; moisten with cooking juices. Serve in taco shells, with toppings, if desired.

Like I said, easy! I used chicken breasts in mine because that is what I had on hand, but it worked just the same. Happy eating!

XOXO,
T

The Results Are In!

We received Walter's DNA test results tonight. What a surprise!

"The Wisdom Panel Insisters computer algorithm performed over seven million calculations using 11 different models (from a single breed to complex combinations of breeds) to predict the most likely combination of pure and mixed breed dogs in the last 3 ancestral generations that best fit the DNA marker pattern observed in Walter. The ancestry chart predicting the best statistical result of this analysis is shown in the picture below."

(Click Image to Enlarge)

I'm not so sure about the Skye Terrier, but the rest I can agree on. I definitely see some Walter in the Catahoula Leopard Dog Cross even though I have never heard of them.

(Click Image to Enlarge)

There you have it people! He is one crazy mutt, but we love him.

XOXO,
T

Walter Update

Yesterday was a big day around here! Walter's new bed showed up on the front steps and we couldn't be more excited. It is time for our 80+ lb. dog to go back on the floor. No more sleep on the couch or on our bed! A queen just isn't big enough.

We looked around for a while, but finally decided on a bed we found on Amazon. Walter LOVES to snuggle up next to us, so the large Bagel Bed was the perfect option. So far I think he likes it! :)
He had a pretty big day yesterday, but we are hoping the switch from the bed/couch to the floor is an easy one.

XOXO,
T

PS. Most of you comment on Walter's size every time you see him. We don't notice it as much until we see photos like this. I miss the days when I could easily move him.


PPS. No news about the DNA test. Still waiting...

Christmas at the Lake

What do you get when you put five families in one house for Christmas? Lots of laughs, drinks, gifts, delicious food, and of course, many memorable moments.
After 26+ years, we finally had our first Christmas at Grandview. The radar showed snow on Christmas Eve. Secretly I was hoping to get snowed in, but as usual the weather man was wrong and we only had a light dusting. It was a fantastic 3 days. Here are the highlights... in photos of course!

5 families, remember?

I was definitely dreaming of a white Christmas!

My crafty table decor.

Every man should have a beer holster!

Lo and James

SURPRISE!! Katie and Landon got engaged Christmas morning. (Video to follow.)

Me and D

Abby and Lo

Me and Katie

Scratch-offs for everyone!

Cheers to 2 family weddings in 2011!

CHAPS girls and Hass girls

CHAPS girls (locally known as the "Grey House" girls)

And of course this guy!

As you can see it was a fantastic holiday. My break didn't end there, but I will spare you the details. Thank you to my family for making our first Christmas at the lake so wonderful! I can't wait to pack into the house again in 2011!

XOXO,
T