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Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Sometimes you just need a hug

Don't get me wrong - this has been a very good year for us. I passed the bar and got a job. However, there is always bad that comes with the good. Since January this has been one of the roughest years ever for me. Sure I don't have school anymore, but work is keeping me far more busy. The commute is rough, I'm hardly home, and Sunday was the first day all year I didn't have any major plans. I can't remember the last time I've been this exhausted. In addition, I haven't seen my friends in AGES. I can't remember the last time I went to a happy hour, a get together, or spent time with a group of people. It doesn't seem to matter to any of them though, which makes it even harder for me. In general I'm feeling very left out and alone. Thank goodness for Jon and my WC girls who always seem to be ready with the virtual hugs. I'm also so thankful for my San Diego girls who always make me smile. Our lunches are the highlights of this year!!!

Jon was ready and waiting for me with a nice cool beverage tonight. Of course, my phone call on the way home where I told him how I told all the WC girls how much I wanted a drink and how he'd never pick up on that really helped. I turn to the quintessential comfort food right now - turkey breast. And nothing is simpler than roasted fowl. I also threw in something decadent and completely terrible for me - sweet potatoes au gratin. It's just been one of those days.

Herb roasted turkey breast
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped fresh herb of choice (I used sage)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp pepper
1 turkey breast
1 shallot, quartered
1 orange, quartered

1) Heat oven to 325. In small bowl, mash 1 Tbsp butter, sage, salt, coriander, and pepper.
2) Rinse turkey, loosen skin and spread butter mixture under skin.
3) Melt 1 Tbsp butter and brush turkey with butter. Place turkey on rack in large roasting pan. Place shallots and oranges around turkey on rack.
4) Roast turkey 2 hours or until thermometer registers 180.
Serves 4.
Each serving has:
Calories 405.4
Total Fat 11.4 g
Cholesterol 161.8 mg
Sodium 3,599.3 mg
Potassium 1,032.4 mg
Total Carbohydrate 14.5 g
Protein 58.2 g


Sweet Potato Gratin
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
4 oz sweet potato, peeled and sliced thin
1 onion, sliced thin
1 tsp chopped thyme
Grated parmesean cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 Tbsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

1) Heat oven to 350. Spray baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 1/3 of potato slices in dish.
2) Top with half of onions, thyme and sprinkle cheese on top.
3) Repeat with another third of potatoes, rest of onions, thyme, and another sprinkling of cheese. Top with remaining potatoes.
4) Mix cream, salt, and pepper, pour over potatoes.
5) Dot with remaining butter, cover with foil. Bake 50 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
Serves 2
Each serving has:
Calories 405.0
Total Fat 31.8 g
Cholesterol 106.9 mg
Sodium 1,138.6 mg
Potassium 287.8 mg
Total Carbohydrate 23.3 g
Protein 8.3 g

14 comments:

  1. I hope things slow down for you. It does sound Jon is a good support. Can you set aside a weekend of relaxing and catching up with friends in the near future?

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  2. You deserve those sweet potatoes every day just for making that drive! Glad to know that Jon was ready with that drink!

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  3. Well, I remember the last time I had a GTG with you! I had the best seat in the whole place, next to you! Sorry you've been bummed lately *tap dancing* turn that frown upside down! *mwah*

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  4. :( hang in there m'dear. things are bound to let up at some point soon, right? {{hugs}}

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  5. hang in there darling, you're almost there. pretty soon we'll both be feeling less tired and we'll sip umbrella drinks pool-side while the cabana boys fan us with palm fronds. (ok, ok, but we can at least meet up for happy hour or hang out on the weekends!)

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  6. Sounds like you've had a rough few months with a busier lifestyle. Hope you are able to "schedule" in some time just for you.

    That meal sounds like it would bring so much comfort... I love meals like that.

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  7. The good news is graduating - the bad news (although not entirely bad) is that you're now in the earning your way process that'll whack the hell out of you short term but trust me - will all be worth it. Life balance is always a struggle and a conscious effort. Dinner looks amazing.

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  8. ah man... I'm sorry everything is so tiring and stressful. It can imagine adjusting to all the changes is hard too. I am so glad you're going to be living in my 'hood! :)

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  9. Dude! I notice every single time you are not around, even if it is just me and R. I'm always saying, "Why isn't Kate here?" To which he says, "Because it would be really akward if she was out on date night with us, let it go."

    I can't wait to hang out again, if you find yourself with a free evening, even last minute, let me know!

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  10. Hey big hugs here!!!! i know the feeling of finding it hard to find time for yourself and for friends. You're a lucky gal to have Jon who takes the hint.... I was asking Rob to do the dishes for me coming home from a conference a few days ago and he didn't get that "hint" lol. ah well

    Anyways I love roast turkey, it's a great comfort food and the swwet potato gratin sounds divine!!!!

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  11. virtual hug!! How do you have time to do all that And sleep And have good relationships AND blog? Or maybe blogging is an outlet for you? HUG! Go snuggle in a comfy blanket and drink tea and read some flaky fiction novel :)

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  12. I miss you too, my friend. My life went from 0 to 100 mph over the last few months, I was so glad we got to catch up the other night. We'll catch up again soon enough :)

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  13. A little late, but sending you big virtual hugs nonetheless!! I hope some relaxing is in your very near future :)

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  14. I'm almost a month behind, but I've got a virtual hug for you. ;)

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