Monterey Getaway

We spent last weekend in Monterey...with a good deal of tourists.  It was a nice break from the everyday and the kids had a blast.  Nolan had been asking to go to the aquarium for quite some time, so of course we obliged.  The last time we visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium was on his second birthday...so it was high time for another visit!  In addition to the aquarium, we strolled along Cannery Row and the the shore near the wharf.  The salty air and good family time was good for the soul.

I love the light and the colors in this shot!

Mesmerized!

We're sharks!  Or dolphins?  Or ???

My "little pearl" would NOT sit still in the oyster!

Chillin' by the bay--what my guys do best.

My Kids Don't Like Popsicles

Whatever.  More for ME!

10 on 10

This is my first 10 on 10 post!  There's probably a link out there somewhere to whomever thought it up...but I don't know where to find it.  So, here are 10 snapshots of our day--the first day of summer break!

My first cup of coffee from my brand new Keurig machine!

Nolan is way too cool to wear his sunglasses correctly.  They MUST be upside down!

Strawberry picking!

Mud, mud, glorious mud!

Sick baby's temperature!

Nolan LOVES his "tickle toothbrush."  Let's hope he's reminded of his love for the crazy thing when he gets his teeth cleaned at the dentist this coming week!  (Nolan + Dentist = Nightmare)

My least favorite part of laundry...matching the white sox!  BOO!

What did you do today?

Good Eats

I love to cook, and although I'm not a great cook I know my way around the kitchen pretty well.  My Mom is definitely not a good cook, and she readily admits it, so it's not as though I'm throwing her under the bus here on the ol' blog when I proclaim her lack of culinary skills to all of cyberspace.  There are few recipes that we want Mom to repeat, but Turkey Turnover doesn't fall into that category.  I loved this dish as a kid and still love it now, as does my family.  I made Chicken Turnover tonight with the leftovers of a Costco rotisserie chicken and would encourage you to try it someday soon, too!  Easy, nutritious and delicious, this main dish will not disappoint!

Turkey (or Chicken) Turnover
Filling
1/2 c. diced vegetables (you can use whatever you like--I typically use carrots, zucchini and celery)
1/4 c. butter
1 T flour
3 c. diced cooked turkey (or chicken)
1/3 c. prepared gravy (I make mine from an envelope, if I don't have Thanksgiving leftovers)
1/2 t. salt
1 T(ish) fresh chopped rosemary

Melt butter in a high-sided skillet.  Add veggies and saute for a minute or so.  Add diced turkey, prepared gravy, flour, salt and rosemary.  Mix well and remove from heat.

Crust
1.5 c. flour
3/4 t. salt
1/4 c. butter (room temperature)
1 T(ish) fresh chopped rosemary
4-5 T cold water

Sift flour and salt together in mixing bowl.  Cut in butter til mixture is coarse (pea-size pieces.)  Stir in rosemary and sprinkle water over the mixture until it is slightly sticky.  Use your hands to make it into a ball.  On a floured board, roll out dough into 1/4" thickness (approximately a 10" square.)  Transfer dough onto a lightly greased baking sheet.

Spread filling over one half of the dough.  Fold over, moisten a bit and press edges together.  Cut 3-4 slits in the top and bake for about 30 minutes at 425 degrees.