Addicting Pretzel Dip

The recipe of the week took the office by storm. This stuff is so yummy people were eating it for breakfast, afraid there wouldn't be any left later in the day.

Pretzel Dip

2 8-oz. cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. mayo (don't use miracle whip!)

1 pkg. Ranch dressing mix

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese 

1/2 c. Miller Lite (I've used Bud Light, but it gives it a different taste)

Mix well; chill. Serve with waffle-shaped pretzels. Don't become an addict :)

Guero's Taco Bar, Austin TX

A couple of us were in Austin, Texas a little over a week ago. We had a delicious lunch at Guero's Taco Bar

Here are a couple of photos of our lunch:

Of course there was bottomless chips and salsa, too.

Monday, 1-23-2012: Beef Stroganoff

A main topic of conversation yesterday was an easy crock pot recipe, beef stroganoff, courtesy of Kraft.

 http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/slow-cooker-beef-stroganoff-60834.aspx

2

lb. beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

10

oz. fresh mushrooms, halved

1

 onion, chopped

1

clove garlic, minced

1

cup beef broth

2

tsp. paprika

1

tsp. salt

1

cup sour cream

2

Tbsp. flour

1

Tbsp. Dijon mustard

1

pkg. (16 oz.) egg noodles, uncooked

2

Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

PLACE meat, mushrooms, onions and garlic in slow cooker. Add broth, paprika and salt. Cover with lid. Cook on LOW 7 to 8 hours (or on HIGH 5 hours).

MIX sour cream, flour and mustard. Stir into ingredients in slow cooker until well blended. Cook, covered, on LOW 15 min. Meanwhile, cook noodles as directed on package.

DRAIN noodles; place in large serving bowl. Add meat mixture; mix lightly. Sprinkle with parsley.

 

Underwear and Neighbors

Names are changed to protect the (insert appropriate adjective).

Today, Hannah told a story about her father-in-law. Some years ago, he remarried and moved in with his new wife. The house is a mid-century 20th century ranch, with large corner windows in the living room.He has a habit of walking around the house in just his underwear. He sits in front of those windows to read the morning newspaper.

That Christmas, the doorbell rang. A nicely wrapped present was sitting on the doorstep, addressed to him. He opened it to find a robe. All the neighbors pitched in to buy it for him.

You think he was embarrassed? No! He was angry. Go figure.

Bullies

At the lunch table today, we ended up talking about bullies. This is a group of women who range in age from approximately 25 to 55. Everyone single one remembers bullies from school.

One person was slapped across the face by the girl sitting in front of her for "staring at her." The teacher and principal both ignored the incident.

Another was beat up by another girl because she sewed better. Yep. Sewing envy.

Nasty writing on the windows of a car were experienced by one of our group.

Rocks being thrown at a person while walking home from school is yet another.

The meanest thing mentioned today? One girl was tormented by another pasting tampons all over her locker when she experienced her first menstrual cycle.

We all wonder if these bullies ended up working at the DMV, or somewhere similar, as adults.

Perfect Rumor Mill Fodder

Today's notable comment:

"Not that I want you to think anything by this, but can you use HSA funds for having a child?"

Tuesday Topics, 12-27-11

In addition to talking about all the goodies people received for Christmas, we talked about a co-worker's photographs in the Wall Street Journal, along with one of his videos: Neil Bloom's "Her Flower"

Another topic on the table was kids who were surprised by their dads coming home unexpectedly:
Girl Tells Santa She Wants Dad Home From Iraq, Doesn't Know Santa is Dad





Also discussed, a co-worker recently went on a first date with someone she's been talking with online and through Skype. How comfortable would you be meeting someone face-to-face for the first time, in a city other than your own, without any friends or family nearby?