Good News: The Celtics can beat the Hawks. We have the talent. Yes, Allen is hurt and Garnett is really, really old, but Pierce is still solid and what was considered our second string has been producing big time. Bass, Bradley, Dooling and Daniels have been clutch.
Bad News: Rondo is still acting like a spoiled child. Bumping the ref?!?! Really? How old are you again? This reminds me of something I would see in AABL elementary school basketball. Not Professional Ball. Not College Ball. Not even High School Ball. His continued antics are downright embarrassing. As far as I am concerned, trade him. Bradley has the talent and doesn’t seem to have the Diva attitude.
More good news: Lebron was caught acting... again. This was one of the most ridiculous flops I have seen in awhile. And as I root for the Celtics and love Paul Pierce, I have obviously seen my share of flops. This latest incident is a great example of why he went from being considered to be one of the best players in the league to being only the second best player on his team. (Thank you Totalprosports for taking a great picture.)
This year I made a Sunday Funday Jar to help us with our weekly themes. Anyone who has previously read my blog knows that I loooovvvveee themed dinner parties. Here is the catch: I don’t love having to come up with a new theme every week. With a little bit of Elmers Glue, Water, and Blue and Green food coloring I made this sweet “Idea Jar.” This Sunday Erica and I spent time coming up with themes and filling the Jar. At the end of each Sunday, we will pick a theme for the following week.
We started the day with some Texas Caviar. I was given this recipe by my friend Jess Ciola (Soon to be Jess Kuchar) about a year ago, who had gotten it from her Mother. I don’t know if Mrs. Ciola made this up or if it came from a cookbook, but it’s a delicious alternative to Salsa and Chips.
Texas Caviar
Ingredients:
1 Can Black Eyed Peas
1 Can Black Beans
2 Cans (small) Sliced Olives
1 Can Shoepeg Corn
1 Jar Pimento (small)
1 Jar Jalapenos (depending on heat level), chopped
1 Red Onion, large, chopped
3 Stalks Celery, chopped
¼ Cup Olive Oil
½ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
½ Cup Sugar
Directions:
1. Warm Olive Oil, Vinegar and Sugar in a small pan.
2. Meanwhile rinse all canned products and combine in a medium bowl. Add vegetables and sauce, combine and let sit overnight.
For the Main Course we had Pork Ribs and Erica’s Macaroni Salad. I have made the Ribs before, if you don’t remember, click here: http://thesporksreport.blogspot.com/2011/10/week-7-baby-back-ribs-and-pumpkin-mania.html
I have no idea what Erica put into her Pasta salad so I have included a recipe for Baked Stuffed Potatoes which Dan and I had on Monday night with the leftover Ribs.
Baked Stuffed Potatoes
Ingredients:
3 Russet Potatoes, scrubbed
2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
2 Green Onions
6 Slices Bacon, Cooked and Crumbled
3 Tbsp Sour Cream
¾ Cup Shredded Cheese (I prefer the Monterey Jack / Cheddar Combo)
Salt and Pepper
Directions:
1. Bake Potatoes.
2. Slice each potato in half and use a spoon to remove the innards.
3. Combine the innards with Butter, Green Onion, Bacon, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese and Salt and Pepper.
4. Stuff the Potatoes with mixture and bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.
5. Serve with Garnish of choice. My good friend Erica Lesperance introduced us to the idea of garnishing the potatoes with Dill Pickle Slices and Jalapeno Slices a few years ago and it has become our favorite way to eat them.
Next Week’s Theme: Picnic Foods!
Happy Cooking!




































