Recipe: Crockpot Jambalya
I don’t know about you, but I like recipes that you can throw in a crock pot, let cook all day, and are practically ready when you come home from work. Here’s a good, quick recipe I received from a friend that I thought I’d pass along.
Crock Pot Jambalya
1 – 14 oz. can DelMonte diced tomatoes (not drained)
1 – 14 oz. can DelMonte diced tomatoes with garlic & herbs (not drained)
1 – lrg. green bell pepper (chopped lrg.- approx. ¾”)
1 ½ - lrg white onion (chopped lrg. – approx. ¾”)
3 – med. celery ribs (chopped lrg. – approx. ¾”)
3 – cloves garlic (chopped sm.)
1 – tsp. dried or fresh thyme leaves (chopped sm.)
½ - tsp. salt
½ - tsp. pepper
½ - tsp. “Tabasco Green” hot sauce
2 – Tbl. fresh parsley (chopped sm.)
2 – 8” smoked sausage (sliced ¾”)
2 – boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced ¾” pieces)
1 – lb. med. shrimp (raw, peeled, deveined & cut in half)
1 – 3 ½ qt. or larger slow cooker
Combine all ingredients EXCEPT shrimp and parsley. Add cans of tomatoes to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hrs. or until tender. Combine with shrimp, cover and cook another 20 minutes or until done. Stir in parsley. Serve over rice with a bottle of Green Tabasco on the table.
Serves 4 – 6
Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on March 29th, 2008 by Barb | | 6 Comments
Beat Stress Naturally
We all have stress in our lives, although some people tend to have more than others. While some stress is good, too much stress can be bad and harmful to your health, unless you find some way to release it and get through it. I recently read, “10 Best Stress Busters,” an article found in the April 2008 issue of Body + Soul magazine that contained some valueable information that I wanted to share. According to the article, “Stress may start in your head, but it’s often your body that bears the brunt of chronic stress. A likely risk factor for heart disease, cancer, etc.” In todays society, reducing stress in our lives is an absolute must for good health.
Following are some ideas to help deal with stress naturally from the article:
- Grab the iPod and go—Studies show that physical activity helps people feel less anxious and depressed. Make it a habit to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Walking is a great habit to start.
- Eat fewer cookies, sip more tea—Try to cut back on refined carbs and sugar. They can raise your cortisol levels. Try and cut back on caffeine found in coffee and soda pop. Instead try and substitute green tea, which is healthier.
- Get out of your head—Try some mind body work like yoga, meditation, or tai chi. It can help to clear your head of the days activities, work, and worries.
- Fine tune your juggling act—Try to avoid multi-tasking while doing normally pleasureable things. Avoid working through your lunch, or writing a grocery list while taking a bath, etc. Try and pick 1 day only to stay late at work to get through your to do list. You can also work really intensely for a few weeks and then allow yourself to take a break.
- Just say no—Find time for a little rest and relaxation and time for yourself. Never say yes immediately when someone asks you to do something. Allow time to think about it and contemplate if it will take away from your needed personal time.
- Know thyself—Socializing can leave some people feeling drained, while for others hanging out with friends can be a good way to de-stress. If you need time to be alone, then take it.
- Score some herbs—Try taking some herbal supplements that strengthen the immune system such as Siberian ginseng, rhodiola, ashwangandha, or schizandra. They can help keep your immune system function well, while under stress.
- Play hide the laptop—Try to avoid constantly checking your e-mail, especially when you’ve been in front of it all day long. Eliminate checking it before bed, or first thing when you wake up.
- Seek out sound therapy—Studies show that listening to music, especially classical may help you unwind. Add soothing melodies to your music library to listen to when you are feeling stressed.
- Paint a picture, or go bowling—Try and do something you really like when you are feeling stressed. Doing something creative, or physical is a great way to take your mind off your daily problems, or activities.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized, Business on March 28th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Spring Break—A Great Way To Regenerize!
Last week, we were blessed to be able to enjoy a little rest, relaxation, family time, and some much needed warm weather! I don’t know about you, but after a long winter, I think a spring break is always a great way to regenerize yourself and improve your outlook on life.
Before I left, I was feeling a little overwhelmed with life contemplating the preparations for another upcoming graduation party, moving sometime this summer, etc. It is funny how taking a short break from work, some Mexican sun, margaritas, and having the opportunity to read a good book can change your outlook.
Now that we are back, I feel I can move ahead full force, and am full of energy to do so. I recommend a vacation get away to everyone, even if it is a place close by and only for a few days. I guarantee you will feel re-energized.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Following are some photos from Playa Del Carmen Mexico:
Posted in Company, Business on March 24th, 2008 by Barb | | 2 Comments
Recipe: Basil & Pesto Hummus
I received a new food processor for Christmas and have been trying several new recipes that require the food processor. A friend of mine gave me this recipe and I made it one weekend. It is delicious and healthy!
Ingredients:
1 can (16 oz.) garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1 clove fresh garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
salt & fresh ground pepper to taste
Directions:
Combine the garbanzo beans, basil, and garlic in a food processor; pulse several times. Use a spatula to push mixture from sides of processor bowl. Pulse mixture again while drizzling in the olive oil. Add vinegar and soy sauce; pulse until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with pita bread, crackers, celery and carrot sticks.
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on March 20th, 2008 by Angie | | 4 Comments
The Master Bath: An Oasis…
I don’t know about you, but having a quiet, relaxing space to finish the day off is a dream come true. Think of it, a hot bath, candles and soft music or a good book…how relaxing! Unlike the other baths in your home, the master bath is often times a component of a master suite, which can also have a walk-in closet and/or a sitting room.
With all of the different design elements that go into a master bath space the possibilities are endless. From the lighting and fixtures to paint color and granite/marble countertops you can create a space that is just right for you. Please check out some of the bath projects we have installed over the years.
With an abundance of different colors of granite and marble remnants in our stock you are bound to find something that works for the look you are trying to achieve. Stop into our showroom and we can show you the wide variety of choices you have to select from.
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News, Business on March 18th, 2008 by Angie | | 4 Comments
Add The Depth Of Natural Quartz To Your Kitchen With Granite Countertops!
Granite countertops have a natural beauty all their own. Each color is composed of a variety of minerals including feldspar, quartz, and mica that make each one unique. It is the quartz in the granite however, that give your countertop depth. Often times customers are drawn to a certain color because they see areas that contain quartz that give the perception of looking down into the stone. This visual effect is appealing and adds to the stones beauty. Often times, there are quartz areas in granite that are the size of quarter, or larger, which you’ll never see in any engineered stone.
If you are looking for a countertop that will make your kitchen stand out, why not choose granite, with its natural occuring beauty and depth?
Following are some colors that may contain significant areas of quartz throughout the stone:
- Verde Butterfly
- Labradorite/Verde Australe
- Juparana Sunrise
- Azul Iran
- Giallo Beach
- Giallo Napolean
- Juparana Rio Classico
- Labrador Antique
- Black Cosmic
- Mahogany Blue
- Glacier Ice
- Delicatus
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on March 14th, 2008 by Barb | | 8 Comments
Granite Countertops—Reflective Beauty!
Many customers are drawn to various granite colors because of their reflective quality. We often get asked the question, “What makes granite reflective, and why do some appear to change colors?” All granite is composed of various minerals including quartz and feldspar, but it is the mineral, mica, that gives some granites that reflective, mirror-like image. Some granite colors that contain an abundance of mica seem to change their look when exposed to direct sun light. (e.g. The color, Labrador Antique, when held in direct sunlight, will appear to have both blue and green flecking depending which way the light hits it.)
If you are looking for a countertop that will make your kitchen stand out, why not choose the natural beauty of granite? Whether you select a color with lots of mica, or a little, the natural mineral composition of granite will give your countertop a look all of its own!
Following are some popular granites that contain lots of mica and have that natural reflective beauty:
- Blue Eyes
- Black Galaxy
- Emerald Pearl
- Blue Pearl
- Black Polar Russian/Volga Blue
- Labrador Antique
- Azul Iran
- Labradorite Green/Verde Australe
- Coco Cohiba
- Gold & Silver/Delicatus/Golden Sun
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on March 11th, 2008 by Barb | | 4 Comments
Recipe: Thai Peanut Noodle Salad with Grilled Chicken
Here’s a recipe I saw on the show, Healthy Decadence, from Devin Alexander, the other day, as I was walking on my treadmill. The recipe sounded so good to me, that when I finished my workout, I had to immediately go to my computer to try and locate the recipe to try. It is easy to make, is low in calories and fat, and tastes great!
Thai Peanut Noodle Salad with Grilled Chicken
6 4-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce, divided
Salt, to taste
8 ounces dry udon noodles
2 teaspoons roasted sesame oil, divided
1/3 cup reduced-fat creamy peanut butter, room temperature
1/4 cup lower-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon minced, peeled fresh ginger root
2 teaspoons minced garlic cloves
3 whole green onions, chopped
1 cup mung bean sprouts
1 1/4 cup slivered, seeded cucumber
1 1/4 cup slivered carrots
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds (optional)
Cilantro, to taste (optional)
Preheat a grill to high heat.
Place the chicken breasts between 2 sheets of plastic wrap or waxed paper. Using the flat head of a meat mallet, pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Transfer them to a medium bowl and coat the breasts with the olive oil and 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce. Season them with salt. Let them stand for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile cook the noodles according to package directions then drain them and run them under cold water. Drain them well, then transfer them to a large bowl. Toss them in 1 teaspoon of the sesame oil.
Place the chicken breasts side by side on the grill. Turn the heat to medium. Grill them about 3-5 minutes per side until no longer pink inside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, the remaining sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, the remaining chili garlic sauce, the lime juice, ginger and garlic until well combined and smooth.
Add the green onion, sprouts, cucumber and carrots to the noodles. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss to coat. Divide the salad among 6 plates or transfer it to a serving platter.
Cut the chicken breasts into strips and place one atop each plate or lay them over the noodles on the platter. Garnish with cilantro and/or sesame seeds, if desired. Makes 6 servings; about 8 cups plus 6 chicken breasts.
Each (1-1/3 cup salad plus 1 chicken breast) serving has: 431 calories, 37 g protein, 48 g carbohydrates, 11 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 66 mg cholesterol, 4 g fiber, 702 mg sodium
Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on March 7th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Stain-Free Granite?…You Bet!
When it comes to granite countertops, one of the myths you often hear is in regards to staining. Some engineered stone companies would have you believe that not only do granite countertops stain easily, but that you have to go through some lengthy, pain-staking process to seal them. With all the sealing and staining myths out there, some granite fabricators continue to profit from these misconceptions by offering a “so-called” special sealer to make your granite countertops, “Stain-Free” and then charging an additional price for it - not PGC!
Well the good news is, according to the MIA, Marble Institute of America, “Most granite countertops do not need to be sealed. If a homeowner cleans their countertops after each meal, they will rarely, if ever, have staining or cleanability issues with granite. This being said, many granite countertops receive additional benefit from being sealed. That benefit is the further reduction of moisture migration into an already moisture resistant surface.”1
At PGC, we seal every countertop before it leaves our facility before installation. Granted there are a few granites that are more porous, with the vast majority of colors however, there are no issues in regards to staining. If you are concerned about staining and sealing, let us put your mind to rest by summarizing:
97% of granites are naturally stain-free, however because of mis-leading information from unethical competitiors (and the other 3% of granite selections); we seal everything that leaves our shop with the finest of sealers available! To make you even more comfortable, we will beat any competitors stain warranty-FREE OF CHARGE!
Thanks for reading!
Barb
*1 MIA Statement of Position on Sealing Natural Stone Countertops,”http://www.marble-institute.com/consumerresources/sealing_stone.cfm
Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News on March 6th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Add a Golden Touch To Your Kitchen!
I don’t know about you, but when it comes to decorating, I’ve always been attracted to gold tones. They just seem to add a touch of warmth and richness, and give you an overall good feeling.
I can’t think of a better way to add that golden touch to your kitchen, than by selecting a golden colored granite countertop. There are plenty of gold colors available, and it’s funny how customers are often drawn to them. While most gold colored granites are neutral, they often contain various other colors also, which can be used for accents for drapes, paint, etc.
If you are interested in a gold for your granite countertops, we’d be happy to help you make your selection.
Following are some popular golds to choose from:
- Golden Bordeaux
- Cooper Gold
- Giallo Vincenza
- Madura Gold
- Golden Aurora
- Kashmir Gold
- Golden Oak
- Venetian Gold
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on March 4th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
