My Latest Finish

I think I posted about this project when I first brought home the pattern back in January,

                          
but I think I've been remiss in posting any progress on it. I just stitched a bit here and there and then suddenly it was finished and I took it to Hobby Lobby when they had their framing on sale. Can I just say that they are still expensive? However, I am thrilled with the finished product. I knew exactly how I wanted it framed and they always do a wonderful job although this time, the lady tried really hard to get me to mat it with one of their specialty cutout mats, but I stood firm. I wanted simple. I wanted barn wood.

I just now noticed that I must have taken that picture at an odd angle. The left side of the frame looks really deep. I haven't a clue, but I'm not taking another one.

I am going to research how to make my own frames from now on because I have an abundance of barn wood at my disposal.

I love everything about it! You can take the girl outta Texas, but you can't take Texas outta the girl!

Cubed Steak Green Chile Roll-Ups

A friend posted this recipe on FB the other day. I'm not sure where it hails from originally, but it said 'Hillbilly Recipes' at the top. I'm kind of afraid to go looking for it. :) However, we loved this!

Sorry. I took a bite before I jumped up to grab the camera. :)

Cubed Steak Green Chile Roll Ups

4 oz cream cheese
4-5 pieces cube steak
Green Chile
4-5 pieces bacon
Worcestershire
Steak Seasoning
Toothpicks soaked in in water for 15 minutes

*Marinate steaks in Worcestershire for about 15 minutes and sprinkle with steak seasoning. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese over one side of each steak. Layer green chile on top and roll up steak. Wrap bacon around steak and secure with toothpicks. Grill over low to medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Turn and continue grilling until done - 5-7 minutes.

I changed a few things up from the original recipe though. The origianal recipe called for 8 oz of cream cheese and I cut that in half. It was plenty. I added lots of amazing fresh, green chile! Surprised? I thought not. :) Green chile doesn't have to be hot, but it adds the best flavor! I also did not have the marinade so I just threw some Worcestershire (Rooster Juice!) on it and some steak seasoning because when I opened the cabinet door, it was looking at me, and called it good. I also did not get to grill it, but rest assured it will be grilled next time round. I just cooked mine up in a cast iron skillet and it browned up beautifully. Hard to beat cast iron! This recipe went into my battered recipe book which means it's a keeper. It might be good with a jalapeno in place of the green chile, but the jalapenos growing in my garden this year are MUY CALIENTE and that's saying something from someone who loves heat.

Presenting DH's Project...

Drum roll please. Yes, I am very excited to show y'all what he's been working on for the last 3 months. I tried to take occasional pictures as he worked on it:

                                     

He put in lots of hours:

He found bits and pieces from the junk pile and molded them into usable parts:

                                    

He bought just one piece of flat metal for the firebox and end caps. On Saturday evenings and Sundays, this is where he could be found for a couple of months:

                                                 

He even designed a nifty adjustable damper to control the air intake:

He made the wheels from scratch too:

                                      

The grates slide in and out. Yep, he made those too:

He did buy the handles:

                                         

And he made a couple of tools:

                                           

Sorry bout all the pictures, I am just so impressed.

                                          

On Saturday, we loaded it up

                                

and moved it down from the shop:

                                                       

This rascal is HEAVY.

                                    

Here he is, installing the thermometers:

                                                             

He didn't work from a pattern. Just did a ton of reading online about people who build smokers and before long, his pile of odds and ends turned into this:

Then it was time to build the first fire to season the smoker:

                                      

Adjusting the tuning plates:

                                        

After 26 years of marriage, this man still amazes me:

                                                    

Basting the chicken:


                                                       

Now that the smoker is done, I have been informed that I am expected to learn to cook on it. :) I don't know. It's going to pretty hard to beat this awesome chicken!

                                      

And smoking a roast turns the meat into something absolutely mouthwatering. Next up, brisket and ribs, and salmon, and ham, and turkey, and ...

Good job Honey!

This Week...

* Made a trip to town with DH and spent time doing this:

 *The sand in Lake Pasture ate Jake's truck so we loaded up and went to help pull him out. He was stuck good. All 4 tires looked like this:

It took us about 45 minutes to get there and it was pitch black when we arrived:

All's well, ends well, and after a lot of pulling and sand flinging, we all slept soundly in our beds:

* Had our entire Fall get really busy, really quickly, but it's a really good busy.

* Spent some time with good friends to celebrate a birthday:

*Cheered Carlos Condit on to victory on another UFC fight night. :)

*Tried another new recipe that we really liked. Yes, I'll share it soon. Just not enough time this week. Sorry, I took a bite before I remembered to take a picture. Beef is not very photogenic. :)

                              

*Finished embroidering and quilted the Fishy Baby Quilt...working on binding.

                                     

*Started playing with that Jungle-Safari fabric

                            

 *Enjoying my early morning trots immensely.

*Washed windows

                       
       
*Painted a room

                              

*Slept like a baby.