A Whole Week

since my last post. Its been busy but not with anything unusual.

I did go to a cooking class this week and must share this recipe. It was a Trader Joe's class.

Sun Dried Tomato Bugers with Balasmic Glazed Onions

3 pounds ground beef (at least 10% fat)
1 1/2 cups chopped drained oil soaked sun dried tomatoes (reserve 6 tablespoons of the oil)
1/2 cup grated onio
2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1 1/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp ground black pepper


3 onions, halved, thinly sliced
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tblspn brown sugar
hamburger buns, toasted

Line large baking sheet with parchment paper
Combine beef, tomatoes, 2 tblspn of the reserved tomato oil ,onion, basil, cumin, salt and pepper in a large bowl; blend well.
Shape mixutre into eight 3/4 inch thick patties.
Transfer to baking sheet.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Heat remaining 4 tblspn tomato oil in heavy large skillet over medium high heat.
Add onions and saute until soft and starting to brown, about 10 min.
Add vinegar and brown sugar, sprinkle with salt & pepper.
Suate until onions are deep borwn, stirring occasionaly, about 10 min.
Remove from heat.

Prepare grill and heat to medium high.
Grill burgers until cooked to desired doneness
Top with onions.

Can be baked at 400 for 14-16 minutes if preferred. Can also be make into a meatloaf.

Feta and Mint Rice
2 tblsp olive oil
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 cup long grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup crumbled Feta cheese
2 tblspn fresh mint, minced

Heat oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat
Add onion and saute until translucent, about 5 min
Add rice and stir 1 minte.
Add broth
Bring to boil
Reduce to low, cover and cook until broth is absorbed and rice is tender, about 20 min.
Fluff rice with fork.
Stir in Feta and mint.


These were the two recipes I liked best and will make at home. There were lots more that were good but not something I would make. There were two good salmon recipes as well.

Friday night my friend Cheryl took me to Big Sky for a belated birthday dinner. It was nice to be out with an adult sans chilluns. Plus since our boys are nearly the same age its nice to hear that I'm not the only mom being driven to the depths of insanity by thier offspring!

Yesterday I had a training ride. It was a nice day except for the wind. Bleh. But it really drove home the point of how weak and out of shape I am. SUCKS. I really need to get more training in or I'll never be able to finish. Sleep will be even more elusive as I will have to get up at 5 to train before work. AGHH, the sacrifices I make for charity....

Looks to be another nice day today. Maybe we will hit the park