Busting out the Nerdiness

Dave and I decided to be social and throw a party. Not just any party: A STAR WARS party. We had it on May the 4th, because it is Star Wars day since it sounds like "May the force.." With Star Wars costumes, themed food, and a trivia contest, i think we out-nerded some of our friends, and came out as nerds to others. 

I'd like to say this was all Dave's idea... but really, I was the driving force. Dave asked me, "If you were to go back to 20-year-old Annie and tell her about this party, what would she say?" I probably would have just looked confused. I definitely didn't think this is what I'd be doing...hah!

Here are some photos of our nerd-fest. 

What's for Dinner

Fish Tacos with Cabbage and Chili Slaw

My first experience with fish tacos was a success! I'm slowly getting back in to the groove of cooking regularly again. When Dave's gone, there's a lot of Lean Cuisine in the freezer. I was worried Dave wouldn't like this - because of the lack of red meat (and we know I tend to eat vegetarian when Dave's away). Dave gave it a double thumbs up and suggested we add it to the rotation! Woot! AND - wait for it - there is an onion in the recipe. And he still ate it! And liked it! Granted, I did substitute the red onion for the shallot. But success none the less!

photo from bhg.com

ingredients

• Tacos:
• 1-1/2
  lb. fresh or frozen cod or halibut fillets, thawed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2
  fresh tomatillos, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2 cups)
• 2
  tsp. olive oil
• 1
  clove garlic, minced
• 1/2
  tsp. finely shredded orange peel
• 1/2
  tsp. finely shredded lime peel
• 12
  6-inch corn tortillas
• Slaw:
• 5
  oz. green cabbage, thinly shredded (1-1/4 cups)
• 1/2
  cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1
  poblano or pasilla pepper, halved crosswise, seeded and thinly sliced
• 1
  carrot, peeled and shredded
• 1/4
  cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3
  Tbsp. olive oil
• 2
  Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1
  Tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice

directions

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In bowl toss together fish, tomatillos, oil, garlic, orange peel and lime peel. Season with salt and black pepper; set aside.

2.Cut six 12-inch-square sheets of foil. Place one-sixth (about 2/3 cup) fish mixture in center of each square. Fold diagonally in half in a triangle. Fold edges two or three times to make a packet. Place packets in single layer on a large baking sheet.

3.Bake fish 10 to 12 minutes, until packets puff slightly (carefully open a packet to check fish doneness; fish should flake easily with a fork). Meanwhile, in dry skillet warm tortillas over medium-high heat until soft, about 15 seconds per side.

4.To serve, divide fish mixture between two tortillas. Top with Cabbage and Chile Pepper Slaw. Serve immediately. Makes 6 servings.

Cabbage and Chile Pepper Slaw In a medium bowl combine cabbage, red onion, poblano pepper, carrot, and cilantro. For dressing, in small bowl combine olive oil, lime juice, and orange juice. Season with salt. Toss with slaw.

nutrition facts

• Calories341
 
• Total Fat (g)13
 
• Saturated Fat (g)2, 
• Monounsaturated Fat (g)7,
• Polyunsaturated Fat (g)3, 
• Cholesterol (mg)36, 
• Sodium (mg)293, 
• Carbohydrate (g)30, 
• Total Sugar (g)3, 
• Fiber (g)5, 
• Protein (g)28, 
• Vitamin C (DV%)1.11, 
• Calcium (DV%)12, 
• Iron (DV%)14, 
• Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

What's for dinner

When Dave's gone, I tend to eat vegetarian. One night, dinner consisted of roasted cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and carrots tossed with olive oil and rosemary. YUM. 

Easter morning pumpkin cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting. yes, I made it all from scratch. woot!

What's for Dinner: Grilled Pizzas

Well, again, this dinner was a while a go, but was delicious none the less. From the magazine found at grocery check out lines around the country, Every Day Food's grilled pizza recipe was yummy. (I bought the magazine because it had a delicious picture of Smores, which made me want them and hence the purchase.)