bucket list 2011 update

a few weeks back i published my "bucket list" . one of the things on my list is to make a new recipe/meal (not a baked dessert!) each month. 

this month i asked the nana and grandad to let me make them dinner as a thank you for their kindess and hospitality the last few weeks, as i have been staying with them in walnut creek, ca. (beautiful town - highly recommend a stop if you're in the area!). this stay is part of another bucket list task - living outside of orange county! as of next week i will be an official resident of sacramento, ca. but more on that later..... 

i had seen a friend post a picture of a dinner she cooked awhile back and thought it looked really cool (as in, presentation....), and hoped it would taste good too :) I went through a few of nana's cookbooks to find an accompanying side, hit the store, and got to prepping.

french onion sauteed potatoes

mix 1/3 olive oil with one packet of lipton french onion soup mix.  Sautee or marinate potatoes in mix and bake for 40 mins at 450

pistachio crusted chicken

you bet i hand rolled/chopped those pistachios!

mix 2 TB dijon mustard, 4 TB olive oil, 4 TB honey and salt and pepper to taste in bowl. mix 1 cup whole wheat (or not?!) bread crumbs and 2 cups chopped pistachios. dip in batter then in crumbs/nuts. bake at 375 for 20 mins

my dinner guests!

with salad and wine of course :)

and sugar cookies! (these i just baked. didnt even slice!)

i need to work on my photography skills  for blogging post purposes.....i am always SO in love with bridget's pictures at tales of me and the husband. which if you haven't already spent hours stalking her blog and falling in love with her love story..... you should!