Recipes from Recent Derby Girls Lunch

Hey, everybody!!  You guys asked me to type up the recipes for the soups we had last week.  I'm glad you enjoyed them.

Tortellini and Zucchini Soup

2 T olive oil
2 large carrots, finely chopped
1 large onion, diced
1 T minced garlic
1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
2 14 oz cans vegetable broth
2 medium zucchini, diced
9 oz. (about 2 cups) fresh or frozen tortellini
2 plum tomatoes, diced

Heat oil in large pot.  Add carrots and onion, stir and cook until the onion is soft and just beginning to brown.  Stir in garlic and rosemary and cook about 1 minute.  Stir in broth and zucchini, bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer until zucchini starts to soften, about 3 minutes.  Add tortellini and tomatoes and simmer until the tortellini are plump and the tomatoes are beginning to break down, 6 to 10 minutes.  Serve.



Artichoke Soup


2 cans artichoke hearts, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 stalk of celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 qt. chicken broth
1 cup half and half
butter
season to taste


Saute green onions, celery, and garlic in 2 TBSP butter.  Add seasonings and broth.  Simmer 15 to 20 minutes.  Add artichoke hearts and simmer 10 minutes.  Add half and half and mix well.  Simmer 5 to 10 minutes and the soup is ready. 

Derby Makeover...

Hi Lovely Ladies,

As you can see our website is getting a little updating and I need your help. Can everyone except the Down girls send me a picture of yourself looking "Derby-ish" for the sidebar?

Thanks!

XOXO

Derbies and Dudes!

This post is for all you Derby girls who couldn't join us last week! Last Monday, because Cheryl took the time to get us all to look at our calendars and commit to a meeting, the Derby girls met in Salt Lake for lunch and a quick catch up session. We were even lucky enough to get some Dudes to join us! Don't worry, they have Derby blood, but since they aren't girls, they are Derby Dudes (thank Heather for that cool name!) We met at a deli called Tony Caputo's and had lunch...

We had to take two pictures, because we forgot to bring along a photographer so all of us could be in the pictures!

Sandwiches and pasta, yum!

We admired Isaac's stitches and heard his story and caught up on what everyone has been doing this summer. We walked through grocery store of Italian imported foods and cheese and then moved outside. We walked across the parking lot to "Waffles and Frites" and enjoyed scrumptious belgian waffles for dessert.

Strawberries and creme fraiche!

Chocolate filled!

Once we were stuffed, we walked across the street to Pioneer Park and it began to pour rain, so we stood under the trees to finish visiting! Everyone had places to go and people to see, so we went our separate ways after agreeing on our next meeting...a Derby Girls and Dudes (this time husband dudes) Date night at the Scera Shell to see the play "Aida". Funny thing, we all know the guy playing the lead, so it seems like a perfect place to meet!

A New Derby Girl

Hey, everybody, I just wanted to give an update on our newest Derby Girl.  I just talked to Andrea the other day and got the latest scoop.  She and the kids are flying to Salt Lake on August 4.  Dallas will be leaving earlier that week to drive down with an expected arrival date of Saturday, August 6.  They will be staying with me for the first little bit until they can get into an apartment in Provo.

She is excited to be down here as she hasn't lived in Utah since she was a baby.  Her oldest is starting kindergarten, then she has two boys.  Oh, and the Derby Girls reputation has been made known to her, and she's excited about that too!!!

While she is at my house, I can provide most bedding they need, but I do not have a portable crib or play pen.  Does anyone have one they could loan us for that time?  If so, please let me know right away.

Feel free to come by and visit her or give her a call when she arrives.  She'll get here at about 8:00 p.m. on the 4th.

Heather, I'd love to invite her to be a part of this blog, but I don't know what you did to set this up for all of us.  Can you add her as a contributor and reader?  That would be an awesome way to welcome her to the club!

Love you guys!!

In Case You Are Looking Forward to Winter Already

I'm sure that all of you in Utah are wondering if summer is ever going to really take hold here, and haven't given a thought to what you want to do in January, but I am posting this for when I say come winter, "You know, I read somewhere there are free, groomed, cross-country trails in Park City. I wish I could remember where."

Here is the link that gets you to the 60+ kilometers of free public Nordic skiing trails (for those with their own skis).

Derby Days pics...

Here is the link to the pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/59015816@N04/5891480646/in/photostream/

Dear Aunt Cathy: I am soooo sorry I haven't sent a check yet. Our check book was packed so we ordered a new one, but my mom informed me I could just get a cashiers check. Anyway, I will have it in the mail today for sure! Sorry it took so long! Thanks again for footing the bill upfront.

I hope everyone is having a fabulous summer. I can't wait to be skyped in on your next lunch.

XOXO

Fashion Show Tips From Grandma Witzke

I am really looking forward to our Girls' Weekend. I am happy that Jessica is coming, too! I want to clarify what the fashion show is going to be. It is supposed to be funny and creative. It is not to get expensive. Use old clothes, DI, costumes, etc. Think of time periods, favorite fads, whatever, just be creative. See you in a few weeks!

I can't wait to chill with our little club....

I booked my plane ticket to come and pack up our house and come to the Derby Days of Summer. Can't wait. ( FYI for mom, I will be there Tues afternoon, the movers come Wed and Thurs and I leave for Houston at about 7pm on Sunday.) Let me know what I can bring etc!

Have a good weekend! Love you all!

Jess

The Derby Dash!

We did it! Three of us finished a 5K in 38 minutes! We had fun, we had good food at the end and we won Fuddrucker's gift certificates! A pretty good morning's "work". Now we have to get back to our regularly scheduled lives!

Before the race...

After the race...

Treats at the end!

Upcoming Party!

So, we're about a month away from the big girls' weekend.  This will be a fun one.  Let's all hope it's mostly warm by then!  We're especially excited to have the under-18 crowd joining us.

As of now, we count 11 attendees.  If Jessica feels the need to come work on her home sale this particular weekend, we'd love to change the number to 12!  [Jessica, that means your assignment is to let us know so we can buy you a play ticket.]

The middle generation took it upon themselves to plan the weekend.  We thought we'd let everyone else in on the plans -- especially since you all have assignments.  I'd advise you to read carefully then take notes on what you might be responsible for!  Generally, we're going to do the big shopping at one time and just split the cost.  For dinner on Friday, we are asking for help just so everything can be chopped up in advance and preparation will be simplified.

Friday, June 24

7:00 a.m. Leave Orem in two-vehicle caravan.  The party begins!!!  We'll all travel in Cathy's Suburban and one other car.  Somewhere around Filmore, we'll stop to potty and change things up in the car if we want.

10:30 a.m. Let the party begin - the work party!!!  Grandma gets to have our service for a few hours.  We may be working inside, outside, or upside down, but come prepared to do a little service.

Work will be followed by a yummy lunch at Grandma's house.  [NOTE:  Grandma, that means you now have two assignments.  Determine what you want done, and plan lunch for 11.]

After lunch we'll head to St. George.  We'll probably do a little shopping or something at this point.  When we feel like it, we'll head to check into our digs.

If it's warm enough, and we have time, we can hit the pool.  Bring a cute suit!!

For dinner, we'll have Hawaiian Haystacks.  For this, please bring your assigned item to Cathy's on Friday morning, and we'll put everything into one cooler to take.

Cheryl: Chicken
Colleen: Coconut, Chow mein noodles, pineapple
Heather:  Gravy (Colleen said that yours is really good)
Cathy: Rice
Romney: Mandarin oranges, chopped celery
Grandma: Chopped green onions and chopped tomatoes

Everyone: Bring a really good treat to share.  We'll eat them throughout the time we are there.  NOTE:  For those of us participating in the Summer of Health Challenge, we are planning on everyone not getting their sweets points this weekend.  Better exercise a lot in the days before so you'll have some free points available!

After dinner, we begin the Slumber Party!!!

Bring fun stuff to do nails if you have it.  Bring your best pajama outfit to model at the PJ Fashion Show.  [Grandma, here's your next assignment, you are in charge of the fashion show.  If there is something you want us to know beforehand, drop us a note.]

Bring games you want to play.  We'll play games and maybe even do a craft.  [Romney, there have been requests for Hilarium and Spot It, just so you know]

Bedtime???

Saturday, June 25

7:00 a.m.  YES, I REALLY DID SAY 7AM.  Morning walk.  We'd love anyone who wants to go to take a beautiful morning walk to enjoy the early morning cool.

8 ish  Sourdough pancake breakfast.

Pool time
Play time
Nap time
Party time

Light lunch of quesadillas, nachos, fruit, etc.

Nielsen's  Frozen Custard Road Trip!!!!!!!  Woo hoo!!!

5:30 p.m. Dinner at fun restaurant in St. George

8:45 p.m. Grease at Tuacahn

Bedtime treats and bedtime??

Sunday, June 26

Sometime in the morning:  Crepe and fruit breakfast

11 a.m. Check out

Travel back to Orem


Hopefully this all sounds as fun to everyone reading this as it did to us when we planned it.  Send questions to Cheryl in case I forgot an important detail.  The condo is furnished and has dishes and such. You need to bring your own clothes, ear plugs, swimsuit, games, food assignments, etc.

Love you all!!!

So Jessica Can Vacation Vicariously...

Dear Jessica,

We really missed you on our trip! We tried not to have too much fun without you though.

Thanks for finding us the perfect accommodations. All the grownups had rooms and beds and there was ample space for all the kiddos as well. The backyard had soft green grass to play in and trees to climb. With Maddy and Missy we had built in babysitters so we adults could just relax. The pool was a bit chilly--actually it was frigid, but it was still perfect for tossing rocks in Eli found. That's what Dave, Daniel, and I were doing around the pool, fishing those rocks out before we left.

Saturday we went to Snow Canyon. If only you had been there...Scott could have followed John through St. George instead of Dave and probably saved himself crossing three lanes of traffic while Dave decided whether or not to follow my directions.

We stopped at the Sand Dunes first. The burst of hot desert air we were expecting to hit us when we opened the car doors did not hit. It was a bit chilly and breezy. We warmed up with a game of capture the flag on the dunes with boundaries far too wide and up hill both ways. The boy team beat the girl team and we collapsed to bury Cheyenne in the sand.

Next, we emptied our shoes of sand and started out on the "Pioneer Names trail" to find some historic graffiti. Each of the kids attempted to be reborn through a hole in the sandstone. Eli is quite a daredevil when it comes to scaling red rock. He climbed the highest of all.

We attempted lunch when the wind decided that if the sun couldn't make us take our jackets off with his warmth, the he would try to blow them off of us. We had our picnic in the shelter of our vehicles, and then decided to head to a calmer clime.

Romney and Scott introduced us to Nielson's Frozen Custard. A delicious way to rinse the sand from our teeth. Full of creamy goodness we attempted one more shot at the great outdoors. We drove up the road to try and squeeze our custard-full bellies through "the crack."

I found it a little overwhelming to be stick between two giant slabs of sandstone to the back and front, a whiny three year old to one side, and an anxious six year old to the other. But actually it was fun to do. The boys thought it was the best part of the trip and all the kids went through over and over again. Jocelyn took a liking to Isaac, or IceWick as he was known to her. They were little buddies.

We all went back to the house then and cleaned up. Isaac lost his very first tooth that evening.

Dale and Daniel joined us from their trip to Goblin Valley. We ate and played games. There was Spot It--that was my favorite, Wacky Six--a game similar to Nerts (whatever that is), BuzzerWizzer--trivia, and Funny Bones--what we are playing in these pictures.

Sunday, after sour dough pancakes (recipe please) we cleaned up (and fished rocks out of the pool) and drove over for a walk around the beautiful St. George Temple. I love how the brilliant white contrasts with the red rocks, green trees, and blue skies. If you had been there you could have done some amazing things with your camera!


Afterward we went back to the crack hoping to find a little bit of heat to bask in to enjoy Romney's phenomenal chicken salad (recipe please also). The Gardner girls and family headed back north and the rest of us delayed a few more hours to play Zombies in the sun.

We hope you and the sick baby got some good rest, but we missed you then and we miss you now.

Love,
Heather

My Recipe

So, my dish for Jessica's farewell lunch is a banana cream pie.  I'll be honest that I've never made this particular recipe, so I hope it's a good one!  But I trust the book, so I feel good about it.  This recipe says it's for a deep dish pan.  I found it filled a regular size pan just fine.

The crust recipe is mine.  This recipe actually called for a graham cracker crust, but I like pastry crusts better.  I have enjoyed using coconut oil in place of shortening.  I figure that if I'm going to ingest straight fat, I might as well ingest something that occurs in nature!

So, enjoy!

Over the Top Banana Cream Pie

Crust:

2 c. flour

1 c. shortening (or coconut oil)

1 scant tsp. salt

1 scant tsp. sugar

½ c. milk

Prebake the crust and let it cool.

Filling:

¾ cup plus 2 TBSP granulated sugar

1/3 c. cornstarch

1/8 tsp. salt

3 c. whole milk or light cream

3 large egg yolks

3 TBSP unsalted butter, cut into ½ inch pieces

1 ½ tsp. vanilla

Topping:

1 c. cold heavy or whipping cream

¼ c. confectioners’ sugar

3 medium-large ripe bananas

Combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium-size, heavy saucepan.  Whisk in milk and egg yolks.  Place over medium heat and cook, stirring more or less continuously, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, 5 to 7 minutes.  Continue to cook, whisking continuously for about 1 minute.  Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, one piece at a time, and the vanilla.  Pour the filling into the chilled pie shell.  Gently press a piece of plastic wrap against the filling to help keep a skin from forming.   Transfer the pie to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.

When you are ready to finish assembling the pie, make the topping.  Beat the cream until it won’t quite hold soft peaks.  Add the confectioners’ sugar and continue to beat until it is stiff but not grainy.  Smear a thin layer of the topping over the filling, using nor more than half of it.  Cut the bananas into quarters lengthwise, then cut them crosswise into small chunks, letting them fall over the pie.  Arrange the chunks in a more or less single layer, then mound the remaining topping over the top.  

Anybody want to join me?

So, I'm in a bit of a rut when it comes to healthy habits.  I need a little pressure.  Especially now that I just bought tickets to go to Hawaii this fall, I'd like to be in good enough shape to do all the cool things I want to do there.

Last year, Daniel participated with the Young Men in a healthy habits challenge to get them ready for the big 50 mile hike.  I did it with him, and it made me feel great.  Unfortunately, it's tough for me to offer myself a prize and take it seriously.  Since we did that last year, I've seen several variations on the same idea being used by groups of people to motivate each other.

I'm just putting feelers out to see if anyone might be interested in participating.  The habits include things like eating 5 fruits and veggies, exercising for 20 minutes, drinking water, sleeping for 7 hours, not eating sweets, etc.  In some versions you get one point for everything, in other versions you get more points for the harder things, like exercising.

In all versions, there are accommodations for making exceptions occasionally.

I am proposing that we all chip in some amount of money ($10 - $15) to participate.  We will then do the activities and keep our scores for about 3 months.  At the end of that time, the top 2-3 point winners will win a percentage of the pot.  Obviously, there are options, so we can decide some things definitively once I know if anyone will do it with me.

This is an activity I'd like to open up to the derby girls and the dudes.  And since this can all be done via email, it doesn't matter where any of us live.  I would love to compete with Dale to get us both doing these things, but it's not that inspiring for us to each chip in money and one of us win it.  It's pretty much all the same money anyway.

Feel free to comment here if you'd like and/or we can discuss it at lunch on Tuesday.  I am anxious to start something soon.  You'd think that if it's important to me I could do it just because it's a good thing to do, but a little competition seems to help!

Thanks for reading!  I'll be curious to see if anyone wants to join.

Farewell Lunch

Hello Ladies,

Our next lunch is fast approaching, very sad because it also means Jessica's departure is also fast approaching.

We will gather at my house in Heber, Tuesday the 19th, at 11am.

Everyone bring your "signature dish," your specialty, the one you want Jessica to remember you by. For example, I will provide a meatless main dish, probably carb-laden, because that's something somewhat unique to me (I'm leaning towards a pasta if you want to coordinate). Does that assignment make sense? Comment on what you are planning on bringing so we don't get everyone making Nana's Gumbo or something as their specialty.

Have the recipe (either blog it or email it to me) so when Jessica is joining our lunches by Skype she can cook and eat along with us.

Can't wait to see everyone.

Tickets are purchased!

I bought the tickets for "Grease" that Heather gave us the dates for in the previous blog! I did, however, opt for the $59 tickets as they were much better seats and they are seats with backs and not a bench (I am pretty sure!) So, because I didn't poll everyone, you are only obligated to pay the $49 we agreed upon. When you pay me, there will be no questions asked, pay the price you want...kind of like a family "Priceline". It will be a fun time together!

Derby Upcoming Events

April 19th--Going away lunch for Jessica at Heather's house in Heber. Menu plans to come...

June 4th--Drew's baptism (Not a Derby event, but you are all invited anyway)

June 24-26--Girls' weekend in Kanarraville, see Grease on Saturday night.

Spinach Feta Bread

Here is the super easy spinach bread:

1 loaf worth of white bread dough, frozen or homemade
1/2 c. wilted spinach, or frozen (I always wilt a couple handfuls of fresh spinach in a bit of water on the stove. If you use oil it doesn't incorporate into the dough very well.)
1/2 c. crumbled feta
1 to 2 Tablespoons of dry Italian dressing mix (Original recipe calls for 2, I used 1 when I brought it).

Knead all ingredients into dough. Divide into 8 rolls or form into a loaf. Let rise and bake according bread directions.

Soup Recipe

Thanks for a great time and great food today, gals. It's always a great time with you guys.

Here's the recipe for my part. I'll look forward to other recipes and Heather's plans for the next Derby Girls lunch.

Springtime Soup

1 lb. asparagus spears

1/2 c. chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp. olive oil

50 oz. vegetable (or chicken) broth

1/2 c. dried orzo or other tiny pasta

3 c. snow pea pods, ends and strings removed

6 cups torn fresh spinach

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 c. purchased pesto (optional)

1/4 c. shredded Parmesan cheese

Snap off and discard woody bases from asparagus. Bias-slice asparagus into 1-inch-long pieces. Set aside.

Meanwhile, in a 4-quart Dutch oven cook onion and garlic in hot oil until tender. Carefully add broth; bring to boiling. Stir in pasta; reduce heat and boil gently for 5 minutes. Stir in asparagus and snow peas. Return soup to boiling; cook3 minutes more. Stir in spinach and pepper; cook 1 minute more. Remove soup from heat. Ladle soup into bowls. If desired, swirl 1 to 2 teaspoons pesto into each bowl of soup. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of each serving. Makes 8 side-dish servings.

Our Happy Patty's Party...

Strawberry Cupcakes and Frosting

Makes 1 dozen

2/3 c whole fresh or frozen strawberries, thawed
1 1/2 c cake flour sifted (I used regular flour, not sifted)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 c milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c (1 stick) butter, room temperature
1 c sugar
1 lg. egg
2 lg. egg whites

Preheat oven to 350. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Place strawberries in a food processor or blender, blend until pureed. You need 1/3 cup of puree for cupcakes, save any extra (you need 3 T) for frosting.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt, set aside. In a small bowl mix together milk, vanilla, and 1/3 c strawberry puree and set aside.

In a bowl of an electric mixer cream butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy. Reduce the speed to medium and add egg and egg whites just until blended.

With the mixer on low add half the flour mixture and mix until just blended. Add the milk mixture and mix until blended. Add remaining flour mixture just until blended.

Divide batter into muffin cups. Bake until tops are just dry to the touch, 22-25 minutes.

Cool and frost.

Strawberry Frosting

3 T strawberries, pureed
1 c (2 sticks) butter
3 1/2 c powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Beat butter and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy. Reduce mixer speed and add powdered sugar, beat until well combined. Add vanilla and strawberry puree just until blended. Do not overmix, frosting should be dense and creamy.

Another successful ski day!

Thanks DG for the fun ski day....and the soup, snacks, cupcakes, laughs, memories...the list could go on! Don't forget to post all the yummy recipes (soup, cupcake, and spinach/artichoke wanton bites). Although not as artistic as Jessica's pictures, here are some pics from our adventure today! Aunt Cheryl, you were missed! We'll catch you on the next one!

Jessica speeding down the hill...I barely got this picture in time

Colleen was speeding down the hill to, I just took the picture a little sooner than when I captured Jessica's.

Jessica's artistic cupcake picture

LOL:) Scratch that last post.

It looks like the tribe has spoken sis:)

Let's go next week. And maybe the next too so Aunt Cheryl can go. You can't beat a 10 dollar ski day:)

It's going to be EPIC...

The birthday girl is willing to brave the cold...as long as it is not windy tomorrow...so stay tuned first thing in the morning, just in case. So derby girl dude-ettes...Let's go bust some sweet ski lines over some cross country kinks...our just get some yard saling on...Oooh I love this blog...I can say whatever I please:)

Oh and FYI, As long as I have on goggles and a gator I am usually good in the cold...I will just get a babysitter for James.

Burrrrrrr....

Hey ladies,

Wednesday looks coooold. Are we sure we want to brave it? Would anyone be down for going next Wednesday?

A Great Deal

Hey ladies

I just found out that Wednesday is Ladies' Day at Soldier Hollow.

$5 trail pass
and
$5 rentals

Very convenient for next week and any other Wednesday anyone wants to go.

Love,
Heather

Soup Recipe

In case you're still interested in the yummy soup we had at our lunch, I'm finally getting the recipe posted.

Cool Raspberry Soup

1 bag (20 oz) frozen raspberries, thawed

1 1/4 cups water

1 cup cran-raspberry juice

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3 whole cloves

1 TBSP lemon juice

1 carton (8 oz.) raspberry-flavored yogurt

1/2 c. sour cream

In a blender, puree raspberries and water. Transfer to a large saucepan; add the cran-raspberry juice, sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Bring just to a boil over medium heat. Remove from the heat; strain and allow to cool. Whisk in lemon juice and yogurt. Refrigerate. To serve, pour into small bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream. Yield: 4-6 servings.

A few more pics of our wintervention in the kitchen...

Grown-Up Fry Sauce

Here is the recipe for the Fry Sauce I brought today. It comes from Our Best Bites. Instead of Creole mustard I used plain stone ground mustard with a pinch of Creole seasoning.

1/4 c. mayonnaise

1/4 c. ketchup

1 1/2 Tbsp. capers, drained

1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic

1 1/2 tsp. minced red onion

1 tsp. fresh lime juice

2 tsp. Creole mustard (Zatarain's is widely available at most major grocery stores)

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/8 tsp. kosher salt

Combine ingredients in blender or the small bowl of a food processor. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Heather's Birthday

Soldier Hollow Ski Date
10:00 Meet at SH
Heather's bringing lunch
Cheryl's bringing the pass
Cathy's bringing dessert
Colleen's bringing bread
Everyone else bring presents!!
See you there!!!