The Recipe...for getting to know me

I'm taking a break from politics to discuss a subject I'm even more passionate about: FOOD! Maybe I'll start a tradition of talking about FOOD on FRIDAYS.

I love food and food loves me back! I've come to terms with the fact that I'll never have a taut stomach because I like food, wine and Skittles way too much. I'm a girl who eats beef at least 3 times a week. I love ball park nachos, Philly cheese steaks, and I dream about Frito pies.

Am I sounding double-wide to you?

If I wanted to get all fancy, I could tell you about my killer ceviche, but that's for another day.

Today I'm going to share, exclusively for my readers, the award-winning Chicken Chili that made me famous on Halloween. Everyone keeps congratulating me and telling me how much they enjoyed the chili (except my own MMA who refuses to acknowledge what a big deal I am.) And I am loving the spotlight!

...Not bashful about selling this chili; it's so good, it has its own motto:

Superstar's Chicken Chili*
"Share the spotlight!"

2 T olive Oil
1.5 lb chicken breast cut into large cubes
1 med onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 can chicken broth
1 16oz jar Salsa Verde (I used La Sabroza brand)
2 cans Rotel tomatoes with Chili seasoning
1 sm zucchini peeled and diced
1 sm squash peeled and diced
pinch of oregano
pinch of ground coriander seed
pinch of cumin
1 can navy beans drained and rinsed
1.5 cups frozen corn
2 corn tortillas (processed into tortilla-meal)
1 T cilantro minced
optional vegetables to flavor broth

(This was my process, but it could be done the same day, cooking the chicken in the crock pot.) The night before: boil the cubed chicken in the broth and add optional vegetables to flavor (such as celery, onion, garlic and cilantro.) After the chicken is cooked, scoop out the vegetables and discard. Shred the chicken and return to the broth.

The next day: saute the onion and garlic until slightly browned. Put the chicken and broth in a crock pot on low 6-7 hours before it is needed. Add onion & garlic, Rotel tomatoes, salsa verde, cumin, oregano and coriander. 3-4 hours before serving time, add the squash, zucchini and cilantro and one cup of water if needed. One hour before serving time, add tortilla-meal and mix well. Then add the beans & corn (adding them after all the mixing keeps them from breaking up.) Turn up to high and allow the mixture to slightly boil...this will thicken the chili.

Garnish with sour cream, pico de gallo and tortilla chips. Serves 6-8.

(I didn't add any additional salt or spice and it was pretty spicy. I might try substituting one can of mild Rotel next time to make it more family -friendly. I also thought about adding some diced bell pepper for color but didn't have any.)

*I gleaned heavily from White Bean Chicken Chili found at Allrecipes.com. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions, especially if you try it out!

I need a smoke...

Only now does Superstar fully realize the enormity of this storm that swept the nation with excitement and the giddy anticipation of new love.
I saw it coming, but I thought it was a Cat 2 and as it turns out, it was a Cat 4!

The news casters had a smile on their faces this morning that was reminiscent of great sex. And in a way, the coverage of this election was, for them, foreplay that culminated in a great consummation last night for all to see.

I got left out of the frenzy for two reasons. First, I can't get excited about liberal policy, so I could not be won over by the Obama-likability-factor (which is undeniable.) And second, a disappointed MMA cried himself to sleep before McCain even took the stage. So there I was, shut out, shut down and the party train left the station without me.

Hmmph!

This was the outcome I expected, but the the hysteria I was unprepared for. The display at Grant Park was remarkable! I can't fully appreciate the significance of the night from the black perspective, but I am proud that this day has finally come (I just wish it had been Colin Powell.)

All the same, race played no part in my choice (and I hope not yours.) I voted for the candidate that I believed would better represent my agenda. And when every voter does that and we elect a minority to the top office, then we can say, "Now we're really getting somewhere."

But Rome wasn't built in a day and every step in the right direction, matters.

Now the great responsibility is on Barrack Obama to make positive changes, "yes you can" just like you promised. That's a tall order, but with the kind of resources at his disposal, I am hopeful.

In closing, my party was simply outmaneuvered at every turn by the Democratic machine. Their candidate was fresh and virile, ours represented old-white Washington. They wooed the young and undecided, we let too much slip through our fingers. Their army of brilliant minds left no stone uncovered and no opportunity to chance. Obama ran the marathon and sprinted home. McCain hobbled into second place, a dignified old man with unfortunate timing.

Hats-off on playing a winning hand, President-elect Obama & Co. You were a formidable opponent.

Conservative friends and fellow Americans, let's get back in the game and reinvent ourselves. Si, se puede, tambien...And aren't you glad we will not be inaugurating Madam President and First Husband?

Conspicuously Quiet Today

You probably think that I'm so political. I'm not. You'd be surprised to learn I won't be writing about my political beliefs today, on this, of all days. I've already resigned myself not to be bitter, regardless of the outcome.

To be perfectly honest, I'm an idealist and I was especially heartbroken to finally admit to myself the many disappointments of the the W regime...many intelligent people in that cabinet and so many mistakes. But one man, one administration, does not change me.

OK, I'll say this one thing, I am decidedly conservative. I am for smaller government in scope and size. I believe more taxpayers and less welfare equals lower taxes and better quality of life for everyone. Just so you know.

I heard myself (and could not stop) saying these words to my neighbors yesterday in the street, "The government should not define marriage. It is a religious sacrament and has already been defined by the Bible. It's out of the scope of the government. Sorry to offend you, that's what I believe."

OMG!
Remember Church Lady?

The one man in the circle started walking away backwards. So it is because I've already unloaded (and thrown away my chance at the trophy next year) that I don't NEED to get it out here...

There are no good, OOPS, I meant to say "easy" choices this election. What the media will not bring up, I will not either.

You won't hear a word about the meteoric rise of this amazing man, Barrack Obama. I mean, he was only just sworn in as a US senator in January of 2005. Then in 2006, he starts campaigning for the top job... Imagine if he went to work for Shell in 2005 and just three years later, lands the job of CEO of Shell Oil to begin in 2009. Now that would be something, wouldn't it? Some might call it amazing and question his readiness, but not me.

I haven't heard much about Obama's voting record or lack-thereof. I mean, he was on the job for just a year when he started campaigning and just two years when he started campaigning hard. And he called in sick alot during important votes, so I can't really pass judgement on his stance because its unclear to me, so I won't bring it up.

Let's just keep religious beliefs out of the discussion because, after all, that's private. If, by law, you can worship in public then doesn't it follow that you should be able to worship in secret? If The Very Reverend Jeremiah Wright believes that blacks should take care of blacks first and foremost, then I don't have a problem with that. But if you change the word "black" to "white," then its a problem. There's no problem here, and anyway Obama says he never heard such a thing in 20 years at that church. It makes me feel all warm and comfortable knowing we're of the same faith, even though we've already said religion is not part of the job...I'm hypocritical that way.

I haven't heard much about the character of the man who will be president. I just like to know, you know? I must be getting old because I'm suspicious of such a stellar rise and the capital that's been quietly raised to get him the job...who is behind all that money? Who are his friends and $ supporters and what do they know about him that I should know?

The media doesn't dare touch the subject of his Muslim ties and so neither will I. But it is interesting that the man spent formidable years attending a Muslim school. In fact, he's spent more time in Muslim-tutelage than he's spent in congress. No one thinks he is aligned with the radical Muslims that hate the US, but it wouldn't surprise me to think he is more sympathetic to the Islamic culture given his background. But I've never heard him or anyone else acknowledge that and the mere suggestion would be imprudent.

I will say, at the risk of sounding ignorant, that it's us against them in Afghanistan. I'm for us and anything that saves the lives of our troops, at any cost. I have a son and God help me if the day comes that he must go off to war. But I think both candidates agree.

So if this man, with fundamentally different ideals and very foreign experiences than mine, should become president, maybe he's got Divine intervention on his side. He's got all the momentum & charm of the Clinton of '92, plus the unknowns. Maybe that which raises my small-minded doubts could reveal strengths I never imagined. I hope so.

Doesn't God seem to give us what we need and not always what we ask for? If nothing else, the man who will be president will have the power of my prayers for guidance and strength in the job.

Let's see what He says.

Winner, Winner...Chicken Dinner!

One of my most unexpected joys is the suburban-dream-life we've happened upon. Before living on the cul-de-sac that we now call heaven, we were decidedly hip, urban DINKs (especially in our minds.)

Now, all that has changed.

We've become one of those predictable, conservative families that you'd expect to find living in a safe neighborhood with well-manicured lawns. You probably know someone just like us who vacations in Florida and goes to church 3 out of 4 weekends.

Me-ten-years-ago would have been rolling my eyes at me-now for being so...provincial. And for being one of those families on a street brimming with over-indulged kids who get sent to time-out instead of getting old school beat when they act up.

Can you picture our little street? Its a place where people demonstrate courtesy and keep and eye on each other. Neighbors come outside every afternoon to watch the kids play and discuss our comings and goings. We know each other by name and have old fashion block parties in the street. I couldn't have hand-picked nicer people to share a place in the world with.

Our Halloween festivities included trick-or-treating for the kids and a chili cook-off for the bigger kids. 18 pots were entered in this, our first annual street cook-off organized by our mayor and social chairman who lives next door.

The husbands on the street really embraced the game, but who says a good pot of chili is man's domain? I was almost giddy when I learned there was a trophy involved. A trophy...a forever, tangible reminder of victory.

I brought my A-game and a simple strategy: make a chicken chili that would stand out amongst all the beef and would appeal to the women. Well, it worked. I took the first place trophy and a little bit of ribbing by the men. A few congratulated me on winning the "chicken soup" contest. I'm not the only one who wanted that trophy, it seems.

The trophy will occupy a place of honor in my house. And it will be visible when said, lovely neighbors come over so we can rejoice in the memory of my big moment. I'm already working out some ideas for next year's contest. I have to defend my title and step it up now that they know Superstar don't play.

What a decadent week its been for me!

The idyllic life on this cul-de-sac, quiet and boring though it may seem to the outside world, is not without opportunities to shine.

And shine where I must.

Let's not forget the Pretty Boys...

Tit for tat. Since talking about beautiful people seems to be such a popular subject of conversation...my blog got a quick shout out on 1560 The Game yesterday, (Thanks Ken and David) I thought it would be fun to talk about some pretty men.

There are no salacious men in the local media. It seems being "good" is enough to get you a chair and keep-it-for-like-50-years, Dave Ward. Does anyone else change the channel before Before We Go?

Not to worry. In addition to my fetish for keeping up with the local media, I also have a thing for HGTV. Yes, and a soft spot for beautiful men who can do shock and awe on your window treatments and are dressed to kill, besides.

My top three picks for pretty boy Design Darlings are the epitome of beauty, talent and panache. Is there a girl out there who wouldn't love to share a chai tea and pour over House Beautiful with any one of these sweeties? Doubt they'll be talkin' about me on the radio tomorrow...

David Bromstad

He's the guy that won the first Design Star. Now he hosts Color Splash where he always leaves the lucky client with an original piece of signed artwork. He manages about three outfit changes per 30 minute episode while his side kick Danielle does all the dirty work.
Anyone catch his "Make life thizzle" commercial? Lisp and all, we love him 'cause he's darling and no one can argue with his flamboyant design skills. (Did you know that "flamboyant" comes from the french word flamboyer meaning "to flame"?) I wish he'd flambe' my dining room.

Nate Berkus

Nate is to design what Rachael Ray is to food. There's his pretty face on the cover of Out magazine (...collective sigh.) He's got at least one book out, a line of lovlies at Linens N Things and list list of celebrity clients.

Nate, Precious Nate, please come have your way with my kitchen, please.

Marc Bartolomeo

This Romeo is the electrician/carpenter from Save My Bath and In a Fix. Cute, huh?

Marc is the only potential metro of the bunch; although he does call himself "Sparky." And he is a part-time DJ and underwear model. Hmmmm. Either way, he's a cutie and a live wire and I have three bathrooms in my house with Marc's name on them.

Advance props to MMA who is hearing about all my designer boyfriends for the first time. He'll be the first to tell you that real men don't watch HGTV. But he is nothing if not a good sport and Superstar's biggest fan.

Which TV designer would you pick to do your home?

Don't burn your bras, stuff em!

Is it just my imagination, or are the journalists in this town getting slinkier by the minute?

I grew up watching Linda Lorelle, Marlene McClinton, Shara Fryer; all exceptional journalists, but no cleavage. In truth, the world wasn't ready for sexy at six o'clock and our moms' generation was more concerned with being treated as "equals."

Today's women in media are not "equal" because they're in a class by themselves, a sorority of media vixens! Every one of them -- statuesque, chiseled, sultry... The reporters are getting cuter, but if you want a chair, you better be smokin' hot.

You might call this a tribute to the girls who put the "boob" in boob tube. I'm in awe at the way they strut their stuff unabashedly each night. There is no conflict of interest with the feminist in me. We're talking about journalists who are udderly qualified and also pretty. Looks matter, and they've capitalized professionally.

Kudos for using all your assets to make the news fun to watch!

I present, our three favorites...

The Red Head

The Red Head needs no introduction. I love watching her command that desk. No weather-princess is going to upstage her. But as MMA keeps reminding me, she's chosen an unforgiving business and her days are numbered...some young hottie is waiting in the wings to steal that chair if she's crazy enough to take another maternity leave.

Just between us girls, D, the standard you've set is impossibly high. Three out of five days you look ready to hit the clubs after work, and on the suit-days we gape and wonder, "how does your tailor consistently manage such a tiny margin of error?" Those stressed upper buttons never move. We know, we're staring. Is it tiring to be so fabulous every day? Signed, Your biggest Fan

Lovely Ilona

A newer anchor, one we rarely get to see, is Ilona Carson at Channel 13. According to MMA, she's Dominique, Version 2.0: younger, blonder, bigger lips. (Hey, we said it's a cruel business.) On rare occasion that I catch her act, she's rock-solid: well-heeled, serious, and serious eye-candy. I'm guessing that only a few cup sizes separates her from the big-time.

Keep an eye on that Ilona, I know my husband will...

Saucy Lucy

This sorority could go on and on, so I'll give just one last nod to Lucy Noland. She's the exotic china doll who replaced Lisa Foronda at 11 last year. Of course, knowing there was a new girl in town, my household did all the research. Can you believe she's a single mom and has a kid in high school? Bet they all want to play at little Jimmy's house after school.

I read that an on-air joke in NY was made about her being "bootielicious" on account of her curves and fresh style. It hit the airwaves and Wikepedia made note. She successfully fought to have that reference removed. I'm sure its hard enough for her to be taken seriously...

I know, I know, we're weird news-anchor-junkies in this house. MMA is a man, and I'm not sure what my excuse is. I guess its true, the saying that women dress for other women.

Who is your favorite local media personality?

Do share if you have any inside scoop for my readers!

Another B-day to Shout About

I think this may be my last Birthday Shout Out because with my condition (shit head) I fully risk forgetting someone very, very important. So we're going to have rules and order here...But its a big-even-rounded-to-the-next-decade Birthday for Erna.

Erna has a straightforward name that any second grader could sound out, yet at her high school graduation ceremony, the principal butchered both her names and said something like Erna McCann...just wrong to do to an 18 year old. So that is how she will be referred to henceforth. Hee, Hee.

Let me share a few reasons why she is wonderful:

1. She bought and wore the bridesmaid dress I picked for my wedding and never complained and even told me that she loved it.

2. She's always willing to try new restaurants, wines and activities of my choosing, even when its not her cup of tea.

3. Once upon a time we were roommates and she was a very considerate person to live with. (Me, not so much, always.)

4. She is forever telling me how beautiful Only Child is even when he acts up around her.

5. Wine cruises.







This picture was taken after more than a few laughs and some liquor, I think. I asked her take my picture for Facebook because I kept hearing from my high school friends that I had to get on and see what everyone was up to. But I decided against it because, do-I-really-care-to-go-over-the-annotated-version-of-the-last-15-years, by email, a dozen times/week? Check out my blog...

Laboring to get the perfect shot, which we agreed was a vain use of thirty minutes, turned silly and then it turned ridiculous and hysterical. In the end we didn't like any of our individual pictures all that much. But we liked this one and we'll forever have a memory of that fun day when we went to lunch and the waitress came to take our order carrying her six month old baby on her hip...only in P-land, Texas.

Happy Birthday, My Dear! You don't look a day over 26 and you look like you had your lips professionally plumped.