Dog Days of Summer

Today was an interesting day...running errands and enjoying the terrific weather.  I managed to snag a digital camera.  After I thought about my purchase, I realized it is the very first digital camera I have ever owned myself.  My amateur status is glaringly obvious, because I am an absolute horrible photographer.  I snapped a few test shots.....and, as you can see by E.V.'s reaction once she viewed my photos, they were hardly well received....

"Mom, you take HORRIBLE photos!!  Get them away from me!  But I still love you! "

I was starving tonight, and had a few things lying around in the fridge that were well in need of being cooked.  So, I didn't hold back.  The total cost for this meal was around $4.00, a little off from my goal, but when you bring beef into the picture... 

Here is what was haning out in the fridge:

Yummy Rib Eye Steak

Blue Cheese

Broccolini

Mushrooms

Fingerling Potatoes

I sprinkled pepper on the steak and pan seared.  I boiled some of the fingerlings and made mashed potatoes, adding some cream cheese and blue cheese.  I formed them into potato pancakes and then coated them with panko bread crumbs and fried them in olive oil.  I topped the pancakes with sauteed crimini mushrooms and a little pancetta.  For the broccolini, I broiled it and then drizzled some lemon juice.  Relatively easy and tasty meal for one.  I did have some leftovers which I may use for breakfast tomorrow.  I haven't had breakfast in quite some time and it never hurts to changes things up a bit!

Here's dinner:

I'm on the fence about the lighting...  This camera can do some awesome things regarding editing and so forth.  I'm working on it!  It may take at least a week or so.  Perhaps, I should just rename this to Good Food, Bad Photos.  At this rate it only seems fitting.

I've been thinking a lot about the Fourth and something special.  E.V. and I have no plans, and she hates fireworks and crowds, so I was thinking about debuting a mini picnic.  All sorts of picnic food, in a miniature version.  It could be a fun way to spend the day!  Isn't that right, E.V.??



"Anything you say, Mom!"



I hope you enjoyed this evening's meal.  My goal for next week is to move onto more meatless, more vegetable inspired dishes.  For now I will use up what I have left and see where that goes.

Last night I debuted a new addition to the apartment, Mr. Lizard.  I regret to inform you that he, unfortunately, remained intact for a very brief period of time.  Lots of stuffing has been lost, and as you can see....his head isn't far behind.



Poor Mr. Lizard


Lastly, I will leave you with photos of a project I worked on this evening.