Chicken Breasts with Cranberry-Balsamic Sauce & Brussels Sprouts

2 Dec

Since it’s between Thanksgiving and Christmas cranberries are a staple in supermarkets, so I figured this would be a great time to make a quick, simple recipe including them.

What You’ll Need:
1 thawed bag of frozen Brussels sprouts
1 tablespoon (plus 1 teaspoon) of olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper
2 tablespoons flour
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 cups cranberries
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup water

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Cut the Brussels sprouts lengthwise into thin slices. In any pan you wish, toss sprouts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper to coat. Spread evenly in pan; roast 15 to 20 minutes.

2. While your Brussels sprouts are browning, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium-high heat on skillet. Combine flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper on plate; use to coat chicken.

3. Add chicken to skillet and cook 6 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; turn chicken over and cook 6 to 8 minutes longer. Transfer chicken to plate.

4. To skillet, add cranberries, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and water; heat to boiling over medium-high heat. Cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Serve chicken with sauce and Brussels sprouts.

food

All my friends and I  are always trading ideas about how to cook our chicken, and this is one of my favorites.

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Tv Shows Should Not Be Turned Into Video Games

28 Nov

To my absolute horror, I found out that Friends (the TV show which started a dozen different hair style trends) is being turned into a trivia game available on PS2. It is even available on PC right now –and people have already purchased it! No, this is NOT right! Especially NOT RIGHT when there are good games like Full Throttle and Grim Fandango that deserve sequels! Sigh.

Here is a list I have quickly compiled of television show concepts turned into video games that should have never been made. Feel free to add to the list.

1. Law & Order 1, 2, and every other one I saw at Costco. Game play (especially questioning suspects) is tedious and boring. Once upon a time I liked myself a good police investigator game (aka Police Quest 1988), but these games do no justice to the cast, writers or the image of the show. Rest in peace, Jerry Orbach!

2. The Simpsons: Hit and Run is a driving game based on popular characters in the hit television show, The Simpsons. The game is repetitive, poorly designed, and can be beaten in 15 hours.

3. What is the fascination with pretty girls that kick butt? I am sorry that these were made, but Dark Angel, Buffy, and Alias –all bad.

4. I know “Jack is back” and all that, but do we really need a game for him on PS2? The game will answer questions from the second and third seasons of 24, like “Who was behind the failed attempt on President Palmer’s life,” “Who ran the country while Palmer recovered,” “Why did Kim Bauer begin working in the CTU,” and “How did Bauer and Chase Edmunds come to work together?” None of these questions actually make sense to me, so, umm, yeah, I’m not really looking forward to its release in February.

Final note: To whom it may concern, I know you want to cash in on the popularity of these shows, but consumers are becoming smarter. So, stop it, just stop it.

Update: You may not have guessed this, but the boyfriend keeps this blog readable and user friendly.

Bf: “You forgot CSI!”
Me: “Isn’t that the same as Law & Order? I mentioned Law & Order.”
Bf: “No, you forgot CSI. You hate CSI!”
Me: “Eh, it’s the same as the Law & Order games.”
Bf: “Fine, I will just comment and add that you forgot CSI.”
Me: “Why?”
Bf: “You said on your blog to ‘feel free to add to the list.’”
Me: “Ugh, fine, I will add it. Don’t comment. I will just add it to the post, okay?”
(Boyfriend gloats…)

Comments

Aww, I still adore the Simpsons game. :P

Posted by: suki at November 28, 2005 04:18 PM

I think a “Friends” game would be cool if it were like The Sims. I would kill Ross.

Posted by: Donnie Jeter at November 28, 2005 06:15 PM

ER became a game as well. People say it sucks.

Posted by: Thomas at November 28, 2005 06:24 PM

You forgot CSI, CSI is way different from Law & Order, YOU HATE CSI!

But Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for Nintendo was a bad ass.

Posted by: Brandon at November 29, 2005 04:44 AM

There are also all the wrestling games based on the WWF/WWE TV shows. “Friends” would be good if it were a fighting game.

Posted by: Tom at November 29, 2005 07:23 AM

Oh how I agree totally!

Saying that; I play CSI. Law & Order had such a tedious and poor engine though. I couldn’t see why people liked The Simpsons games etc nor any of the others.

In response to Police Quest and Full Throttle, they were 2 of my 3 old favourites, RingWorld was the other. Oh my, how I cravefor the pixely goodness of Police Quest and the coolness of Full Throttle.

Posted by: Zach Inglis at November 30, 2005 01:11 AM

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A Close Call at Goodwill

20 Nov

I decided that I would help alleviate the pain of my next move by going through my closet and giving away bags and purses I don’t use anymore. I put a bunch of purses and bags in a black trash bag, including a pair of sneakers I had only worn a few times. Yes, I even threw in my fake Louis Vuitton purse that Frank and I haggled from a very sketchy man near Canal Street during my NYC trip.

Boyfriend and I took my goods and the roommate’s unwanted television to the local Goodwill. We went to the donation area, and buzzed for someone to come help us. No one came to help us.

Bf: Hey, this sign says they don’t take tvs.
Me: They don’t take tvs?
Bf: That’s what the sign says.
Me: Well, no one is coming. Let’s just leave everything here infront of the door.
Bf: The sign also says that dumping is illegal.
Me: My mom does it all the time. Let’s go.
Bf: Ehh…
Me: Come on, let’s go!

I’m a criminal. Heaven help us.

Comments

Bf: The sign also says that dumping is illegal.
Me: My mom does it all the time. Let’s go.

LOL!!! Reminds me of when I first re-visited Korea with my mom. Apparently bribing the customs officials is expected, despite the numerous warning signs and threats.

Posted by: Ian Ashley at November 21, 2005 02:21 AM

Don’t lose too much sleep over it. They can take it out of their CEO’s jillion-dollar salary.

Posted by: Jack Bog at November 21, 2005 11:00 PM

I’m telling on you! :)

Posted by: Thomas at November 22, 2005 11:10 PM

Oh noes, what if they google “Stacy” “TV” “Dumping”.

Busttttted.

Posted by: Esther at November 23, 2005 12:03 PM

Unfortunately, Stacy had her name and address written on numerous items which she illegally dumped at a Goodwill store.

We regret to inform you that she will not be back for quite some time.

Posted by: Baron at November 24, 2005 02:31 AM

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Procrastination always produces the best essays, right?

19 Nov

Classmates from my US Foreign Policy class and I (of course) have waited until the last weekend to write either a nine page essay or policy decision memo. We’ve had eight weeks to work on it, but why not just start and finish it in two days, right? Right…

Conversation between James Murphy and I about the above assignment:

[22:19] James: i wish i could write a policy post it note instead of a full memo
[22:19] James: i bet the president would appreciate my brevity
[22:19] Me: most definitley
[22:20] James: it would just say “America – good, terrorists – bad, UN – kind of annoying”
[22:21] Me: hahahhhaahah
[22:21] Me: hilarious

Comments

Whenever I do assignments in a timely fashion I fail, so yes, procrastination works.

Posted by: Alan at November 20, 2005 04:31 AM

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Why aren’t there classes on laundry etiquette?

10 Nov

I’ll admit that I was a bit pampered while growing up since I didn’t do my own laundry until I left for college. Unlike some of my classmates, at least I knew how to do my own laundry. Yes, there are some boys and girls who have no idea how to even start doing laundry, and seem to be too lazy to read the directions on the detergent label.

Yet, I still wish there were classes on laundry etiquette. Many clothes of mine have been ruined due to the fact that I had to learn from mistakes. Like, mixing jeans with white towels is a bad thing? I never knew! It’s more complicated than I originally thought. And then there are other things…

I use a laundry room shared with my entire apartment complex, and I also used a laundry room while in the dorms… but I am still confused on a few things.

1. Is it acceptable to take out someone else’s clothes out of the washer or dryer if they’re done and no one has arrived to take the clothes out? Honestly, it’s really inconvenient to wait for an hour just for someone to empty out a washer or dryer, but it’s also really odd to touch someone else’s clothes (especially when they’re wet).In the dorms, I would usually put someone’s clothes from the washer to the dryer, because it was such a dog eat dog situation. Also, usually the person wouldn’t come for their clothes until the next day, and I figured if they were already dry it’d be that much better. Yet, getting caught by the person whose clothes you moved could have disastrous consequences. Like… yelling. :-/

2. What do you do if your underwear falls on the floor when you’re taking them from the washer and trying to put them in dryer? Are they dirty again at that point? I’ve always stuck it in the dryer, hoping the heat would kill some of the germs, but now I’m wondering if I am wrong.

3. How often am I supposed to wash blankets, sheets, pillow cases, towels, etc.? I obviously wash my clothes after wearing them once, but the other things… I have no idea. Wash when it starts to stink? Is that sanitary?

4. Cleaning the lint catcher when a load is done should also be common practice, right?

Now, a different set of questions for when your apartment (or house) has its own washer and dryer, but you have roommates.

1. Is it okay for your friends to come over and do laundry? I’ve been on both ends of this situation. If it’s your friends, of course you want them to benefit from your washer and dryer. But if it’s not your friends, you’re paying for them to use up your water and electricity. Also, it ties up the washer when others who live in the house may need it.

2. I had a roommate that used to wash one or two things at a time. What a waste! She would also put her towel in the dryer every morning. So it would be warm? So it would be dry? I have no idea, but what a waste! Crazy, wasteful Jenny who would leave her fan on in her room all summer long, even when she was not home.

3. Once again, cleaning the lint catcher when a load is done should also be common practice. Yet, no one seems to like doing this… Not even me! hehe!

Well, it looks like it’s time for me to get my clothes out of the dryer. Better hurry before they’re thrown on the community table. (Gross.)

COMMENTS

I’ve only had to share a washer/dryer with one roomie, so my rules probably don’t carry much weight.

1. Acceptable if you know the person well enough. Unacceptable, inconsiderate, and unresposible of them to leave their clothes in there for an extended period of time.

2. 5 second rule applies here.

3. I’ve always thought it depended on whether or not you take a shower before you go to bed or not. Pillow cases more often than sheets.

4. Nobody remembers to clean the lint trap until they pull the clothes out of the dryer and they’re still wet.

Of course, I’m biased – when looking for apartments/condos an in-house washer/dryer is a MUST and I won’t even consider it without. Same goes for the bathroom. :)

Posted by: Ian Ashley at November 10, 2005 11:35 PM

With laundry, it all depends. I wouldn’t mind a friend coming by to use it once in awhile… If the laundry has just finished washing, I’ll move it to the dryer for someone, but I usually leave dried laundry in the dryer… No matter how much of a rush I’m in, it’s never enough to have me throw someone’s clothes all over because I personally wouldn’t want that done to me. But yea, I just throw everything in at once – always have, always will.

Posted by: suki at November 12, 2005 12:19 AM

For bedding I do it every Sunday, if wishes were fishes I’d have clean soft sheets every day though.

Towels don’t last long in Oregon, they start smelling funky after 2 or 3 goes… Into the hamper flyboy!

Posted by: Jonathan at November 14, 2005 10:39 PM

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Pad Thai

31 Oct

I made Pad Thai (from scratch) the other night. I am immensely proud of myself, since I’ve only made it with the help of a box before. Boyfriend said that “the noodles were the best” but “meat would be preferred over tofu.” Well said.

13.2 oz Phad Thai Rice Sticks (aka Rice Noodles, Rice Vermicelli or Long Rice)
3 T. Vegetable Oil
1 Clove Garlic, Minced
3 Eggs
1 Container of Tofu, sliced
4 T. Fish Sauce
1 Green Onion, Sliced
2 T. Sugar
1 t. Paprika
1 C. Bean Sprouts
1/4 C. Ground Peanuts

In a large bowl, soak rice sticks in warm water for 15-30 minutes, until tender but firm.

.

Heat oil in a large frying pan (pot or wok), then add garlic.
Add egg and scramble until done; reduce temperature.
Add sliced tofu, mix together.
Drain rice sticks well and add to egg mixture.
Increase temperature and stir fry noodles until they are translucent, adding up to 1/4 C. of water if needed.
When rice sticks begin to stick together, add fish sauce, sugar, paprika, bean sprouts, and green onion.
Sprinkle each serving with chopped peanuts. Garnish with slice of lime.

Comments

I want some pad thai and that camera.

Posted by: haywood at October 31, 2005 09:25 PM

Nice presentation!

Posted by: Adam Bishop at November 1, 2005 02:46 AM

That looks yummy. I might try it some time – thanks for sharing!

Posted by: suki at November 12, 2005 12:21 AM

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Why is reading about crime funny to me?

8 Oct

I find the news on television depressing, but reading about the criminal activity in my town is just too funny. If you’re bored, I really recommend visiting the Gazette Times online and searching “Crime Watch.” The results are usually hilarious, sometimes disturbing, and definitley tells you a lot about this little college town.

Let me post some hilarity (which may just be hilarity because I live here). They are not in any specific order.

THEFT — 3:05 p.m. An unknown white male stole a belt from Sancho’s Restaurant, 1425 N.W. Monroe Ave. The belt, imported from Mexico, is leather and holds five shot glasses. It is valued at $100.SHOPLIFTING — 5:04 p.m. Female, 55, cited on an accusation of shoplifting for reportedly stealing miscellaneous grocery items, valued at $9.48, from Albertsons, 2005 N.W. Circle Blvd.

CAR PROWL — 8:31 a.m. A laptop computer and a digital photo printer, total estimated value $1,450, was reported stolen from a vehicle in the 2800 block of Northwest 29th Street. Entry was gained through a window left partially open.

BIKE THEFT — 10:20 a.m. A mountain bike valued at $1,200 was reported stolen from an open garage at a residence in the 1000 block of Northwest Charlemagne Place. Whoever took the bike apparently left a longboard style skateboard behind.

PIG AT LARGE — 2:29 p.m. Trap set for a feral pot bellied pig in the 26800 block of Alsea Deadwood Highway.

POT-BELLIED PIG CAUGHT — 9:17 a.m. A deputy trapped a feral pot-bellied pig in the 26800 block of Alsea Deadwood Highway in Alsea and took it to Heartland Humane Society.

DRIVING WHILE PRIMPING — 9:08 p.m. Female, age not listed, pulled over by an officer on Highway 99W near Lewisburg Road. Reportedly, her driving speed was erratic, she was swerving all over the road and had a turn signal on but did not turn. She told the officer she had been applying lipstick and that she dropped it at one point.

THEFT — 2:20 p.m. A wallet was reported stolen out of a dorm room in Sackett Hall. It was found later near a fraternity, with $112 cash missing.

I couldn’t find any stories about sheep, but I know they are out there…

COMMENTS

Oh man, i do miss corvallis

Posted by: Brandon at October 8, 2005 08:35 PM

Ever hear of the Arcata Eye police log?

Posted by: Some Salem Guy at October 8, 2005 09:18 PM

Hah! Stolen belt (imported from Mexico, that’s important) that holds five shot glasses?!? LOL!!!

Posted by: Ian Ashley at October 9, 2005 05:15 PM

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Best quote ever for college students

23 Sep

“Stop worrying about the stupid things. You have four years to be irresponsible here. Relax. Work is for people with real jobs. You’ll never remember time you wasted in class, but you’ll remember time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So stay out late damn it. Go out on a Tuesday with your friends when you have a paper due Wednesday. Spend money you don’t have. Drink until sunrise. The work never ends, but college does.” – Tom Petty

Comments

Yup, becoming a lifetime “professional” student could be considered a career option too …

Posted by: sai at September 24, 2005 07:53 AM

Ain’t that the truth. Lord knows I got my papers in on time and studied for my exams enough. But I had also had the time of my life while in college, writing for various publications, playing in bands, smooching the smoochables, partying forever.

Good for Tom Petty. That’s the best thing I ever heard out of him.

Posted by: The Unknown at September 25, 2005 09:30 PM

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My friends are nerds… and engaged.

6 Sep

I have gone to one wedding so far for my friends. I missed Jolene and Chris’ last year, but I think that number will soon jump. Everyday I learn of more and more people getting engaged. None of them are even beyond the age of 23! What is happening? I didn’t think I was already at the age of marriage!

Also, what is with the trend of engagement websites by people who have little to no previous html experience? So far there are only two websites I found by my friends. “Engagement at the Beach” and “She Said Yes.”

Also, everyone is asking at the beach. If anyone is listening out there, that’s too cheesy for me, and photos of me at the beach are always unattractive. Unless we’re talking Hawaii. ;-)

By the way, I am not jealous. Surprised, mostly. Everyone knows I’m getting married when I am ready to be married. I’m not getting married young, on a whim or because it seems like great idea at the time, and then getting divorced afterward. When I get married, it’s going to be well thought out and stable. There’s no reason to be in a difficult marriage. I learned from my parents a long time ago that a marriage shouldn’t be hard.

And, Stacee is so designing my engagement page, because every girl deserves a nice, classy engagement website.

COMMENTS

Yup – same here about everyone getting married when you’re 23. Spent this entire summer attending (4) various weddings. So, according to national averages, the divorces should start kickin’ in at about 10 years from now with half of my friends. I guess I’ll just enjoy the happiness while it lasts.

Posted by: Ian at September 6, 2005 04:28 PM

seriously. i feel like everyone our age is married, has kids, or is married with kids. kids, not babies. kids meaning they had babies when they were much younger.

and ugly engagement sites because they’re too excited. but mostly because weddings are expensive so they can’t afford a web designer?

i’d probably blog about my engagement, but i can’t see a website for it, other than like having a guestbook and wishlist thing – what’s it called when it’s for a wedding? i’ll do yours though :) !

oh, i just remember that i actually saw a nice one. the bride was a graphic designer. the groom was a programmer. her name started with an E and his with a M i think. they had this really nice logo where the letters intertwined. i wish i remembered what the url was.

Posted by: stacee at September 6, 2005 08:31 PM

Okay, but are you a geek or a dork?

Posted by: J.D. at September 7, 2005 09:19 AM

note to self: keep women+me away from beach

PS you should install the gravatar.com plugin ;)

Posted by: wayne at September 7, 2005 12:05 PM

dictionary.com says a dork is “a dull stupid fatuous person.” harsh!

Posted by: jason at September 7, 2005 05:41 PM

I got your nerdscore beat

Posted by: Paul Scott at September 8, 2005 09:40 AM

Hey Stacy~

I’m getting married in March ’06. I am 27. This is my first (AND ONLY) marriage. Don’t rush into marriage- you’re right- get married when YOU’RE ready!
Steven and I got engaged on March 5, 2005 and are planning our wedding for 53 weeks later. Since our engagement, I know at least 5 couples who have gotten engaged… and all 5 will be married before we are (and most have been dating less time than us).
Anyway, just wanted to throw my three cents out there!

l8r,

stef

Posted by: stef at September 8, 2005 06:11 PM

Wow. I know a lot of unmarried 30pluses. 0_o

Posted by: Esther at September 8, 2005 07:52 PM

OMG, you’ve put into words everything i am feeling. saturday is my friend anne’s wedding. she is 23. she is getting married at the beach. she has a website for her wedding where you can actually type in your “guest number” and rsvp. insane. insane i tell you. honestly, i cant wait to get married… hmph.

Posted by: Rowena at September 9, 2005 12:38 AM

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Quote of the day

16 Aug

There are some very funny people at my internship. I wish I could post everything that occurs in the mailing list, but there’s probably an unspoken rule against that. I just thought I’d share a token by Allison, my fellow female techie.

“I’ve always found it ironic that we champion labor rights while enforcing sweatshop conditions. At least we’ve got nice bathroom facilities.”

Comments

Don’t ya worry lil’ ones: Your Prez & his Cabinet cronies are doing the same thing up top. You’re just follow by example ;-P~

Posted by: Sai at August 17, 2005 08:52 PM

The thing is… does anybody at your internship know of this blog? We want some funny stuff =P

Posted by: Baron at August 18, 2005 03:45 PM

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