banana, coconut, macadamia nut muffins

Banana, Coconut, Macadamia nut Muffins
(1 dozen)
* this is a modified recipe adapted from a Disney recipe

Ingredients Group A:
1 Cup Mashed bananas (2 1/2 bananas)
1/2 Cup Butter
3/4 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup  Brown Sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
Dash of ground Ginger
1/2 Cup chopped Macadamia Nuts
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 Egg beaten
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
1/2 Cup Shredded Coconut

Ingredients Group B:
1 1/2 Cups all-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit
Using a mixer blend all ingredient of group A well.
In a separate bowl sift together flour and baking soda.

Pour the contents of group A onto group B and fold together.
Pour combined mixture into 12 cup muffin pan (cooking time 1 hour 20 minutes) or 1 loaf pan (cooking time 1 hour 45 minutes) Check with toothpick, press tooth pick in center and if it comes out clean it is done.

Milk and Me

I was watching Alton Brown's 'Good Eats' on the Food Network where he was describing his relationship with milk. If you have never seen 'Good Eats' it is important to know that this show uses some unique props to make it's points and explain things. The scene where Brown is explaining his problem with milk is no different. Alton is telling the viewer how he has lost fifty pounds and when it comes to milk he just avoids it because in his words "it makes me do things" (enter the funny man in a milk carton costume holding a plate of cookies) who says "Hey Mr.B you want some cookies" (in drug pusher fashion). I was watching this with my wife who begins to laugh at the realization that I have the same problem which I too dawned a pound but didn't think it was nearly as funny. I truly do not enjoy cookies as much with out milk and I really enjoy cookies, as I really enjoy milk. To be perfectly honest if Half and Half wasn't so bad for me I'd most likely lavish in it's creamy goodness instead of regular milk. I have a cholesterol problem which I am on medication for, and I'm also taking it to prevent strokes since I'm at risk. The cholesterol thing regulates me to skim milk. It took some time to get used to skim milk, yet it's so much better than water on cereal; which just seems lame and gross to me. Every once in awhile my market will be out of skim and I get the treat of 1%, and yes I really can taste a wonderful difference.
Several Moths ago I took a fitness class with the fetching Mrs. Cogbill (that's Sam if you were getting confused) and it was suggested to all attendees to try to go 'organic'. I used to be an Ag student back in high school when this whole organic trend started up and the joke I heard about organic is 'do you know how to tell an organic field from a regular field? It's the low yield field with weeds in it'(I think you have to be in Ag to kind of get this), so I had my doubts. I don't usually buy anything organic, but because it was the one thing that was highly recommended to switch to I tried organic milk. Organic milk cost something like double what normal milk cost and I think the cost of normal milk is way over-priced, yet I have some positive things to say about Organic Milk. After three weeks of drinking organic milk I started to feel different, better, and I didn't think I had felt all that bad before yet there was a definite difference. I'm kind of a strange guy and when something like the change I described above happens I want to test it, so I did. I bought a gallon of regular skim milk, and sure enough I started to feel more moody and lethargic. I was a little disappointed with the result since I was hoping to be able to return to buying the less expensive milk. When looking at the results of my little self imposed test and what little I know about dairy production from my high school Ag class I guess I'm not all that surprised at the reaction milk can have on the body. I think about all the artificial stuff that go into cows for milk production like hormones(that's estrogen guys if you didn't know), and antibiotics which all goes into the milk. Organic milk on the other hand is not supposed to have any of this unnecessary stuff going into it. I understand that dairy farmers want to produce every cow they have and that is why they give them antibiotics (this is a short-term solution and the antibiotics are going to be less affective or even ineffective as viruses become immune to them), and they want the most milk they can get out of each cow and that is why the give them hormones. The affect of the hormones is most likely what I am able to detect, and I just don't like how it makes me feel. This idea that milk can have an effect on a persons mood congers up a thought "docile as a cow"-unknown author- this could just be a paranoid conspiracy theory, but exposing the general public to high doses of estrogen would most likely cause an overall 'docile' effect. If this is true why would you want people more docile and what else might they (those who control such things and want to control more) be doing. If you have ever watched 'Doctor Strange Love' you might be thinking 'fluoridation' but I'm just not going along with that at all.
Live Free, Live Happy
God Bless

Bees still like me

Sam and I have moved into a high-rise condo but the bees still come up to the window "to visit" as Sam likes to remind me, and I still get buzzed randomly. I've changed shampoo and I guess I should change soaps next, but then again Sam uses the same soap and they leave her alone. Hope you enjoyed the update.

A round christmas tree ornament

Here I hang in the back of the Christmas tree and I wonder why the person who hung me even bothered. I don't know what color I am and once I thought I was red or green because of the reflection I seemed to omit, but it turns out those were the colors of the nearby lights alternatively flashing. As far as my shape I'm almost sure I'm a pathetic round ball, nothing more than a filler ornament. I'm not even one of those fancy looking shapely bulbs. No one cares for me and one day I will no longer be hung, replaced by a fading-memory ornament in an ever growing collection of weird , strange, and even meaningful ornaments. It's not like I'm not grateful to be out of the box ,because I am, but I wish I could be hung in a better position, if not more toward the front of the tree then maybe a little higher up; from where I hang now I'm best friends with the water bowl.

Holiday Bownies 2009

Both of the Brownie recipes are basically the same and I'm sure if one were to leave out the extra goodies they would be a mighty fine brownie all by itself.

Cherry and Coconut Brownies
2 cups white sugar
1 cup canola oil (or butter)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 Eggs
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (table salt will work)
14 oz Jar Maraschino Cherries halved (reserve the juice for 7up or other cocktails)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup shredded coconut

Grease 9" x 13" pan
Bake at 350 F for 25-30 minutes



Peppermint Brownies
1 cup white sugar
1 cup canola oil (or butter)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 Eggs (beaten well before adding)
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (table salt will work)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 package(6 oz) of 12 regular size candy canes smashed **it is important to pulverize the candy
canes because any large chunks will melt leaving undesirable holes or voids in the brownies**

Grease 9" x 13" pan
Bake at 350 F for 25 - 30 minutes

My Christmas Newsletter

For Christmas Sam and I adopted an invisible monkey named Toby. The real trouble with an invisible monkey isn't figuring out where Toby is, but rather where the invisible monkey poop is which smells just as you would imagine it to smell. Bad Toby, bad bad bad. It is hard to know if Sam or I farted or if there is a hot heaping invisible monkey mound in the room. I am going to try to train him to place a flag or something on top of his mess so maybe it will be easier to find then randomly stepping in it. Toilet training didn't go over at all, we just ended up with a wet bathroom floor and wet invisible monkey that both smelled like poop. Toby doesn't make really any noise and doesn't seem to have much to say. We thought we were fortunate that Toby was already trained in sign language, but it wasn't until he arrived that we became aware we couldn't see his signs or which way he is facing to give him signs. At one point we got the bright idea to put gloves on Toby, and after several monkey bites, we wrestled them on only to find we had put them on his feet. Once the gloves were put on Toby's hands we finally knew which way he was facing and eagerly awaited his first viewable communication with us, but it never came. I can't say that Toby never used the gloves because I found them both laying on the ground smelling remarkably like invisible monkey poop, then I found the poop mound with my foot, so it wasn't like he had decided to flag is pile. For the Christmas season we thought we would put a little Santa hat on Toby but it to0 ended up on the floor smelling of monkey poo. We are starting to think that Toby ignores our signs, and the trainers say Toby is only reacting in this negative fashion because we don't answer his signs which Toby thinks is rude. I'm starting to think that stupid monkey was never able to sign, and the adoption place just says that crap to add a little tinsel to the crazy Christmas monkey's nest. So listen don't ask me 'why?', or 'what were you thinking?' because don't think for a second that you wouldn't jump at the chance at having an invisible monkey that speaks sigh language just as we did because you know you would; and you won't ask yourself if you can see the signs from invisible monkey hands, or if the poop is invisible; if someone offers you a free monkey you most likely won't even think about if the thing craps. You'll be thinking 'alright, free monkey'. In fact there is a good chance someone might be getting a free invisible monkey this Christmas, so start checking those packages. Hint the one that smells like poop is the monkey.

Dan's Swine Brine

I've decided to share one of my recipes, so here it is Now with pictures in living color. This is a simple recipe starting with a brine. Salt is key to a brine so if you are on a low sodium diet this may not be for you. A.B. you are a true inspiration.

I like to buy a flat of pork chops at Costco.







Sam and I only need a pork chop each, so I use quart size ziploc bags for the pair. (gallon size should be fine for four pork chops)










After placing the pork chops in the bag remove as much air as possible then sealed. After sealing just freeze.

















Remove pork chops from freezer the night before or the morning of intended use.



















I don't normally measure out my ingredients, but I did for this project.
It is a good idea to put the dry ingredients in the bag first.
2 Table Spoons Lawry's seasoned salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup dried chopped onion
1 Table Spoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons Cognac or Whiskey
1 cup white wine (*12oz of beer can be substituted)
1/4 cup water (*if using beer do not add water)
add all ingredients, seal, mix around, then refrigerate. *over 24 hours and the meat will start to get salty so be advised.


At cooking time remove bag from fridge and pork chops from the bag. Place the brined pork chops on 3 paper towels folded in half, and cover with another 3 paper towels. I'm sure a clean kitchen towel will work.















It is important to dry the pork chops well if the intended cooking method is pan frying. Don't worry about any little pieces of onion clinging-on they will cook just fine.

















This is optional...did I say optional I meant mandatory. By some means strain and separate the reconstituted chopped onion and liquid and save for later.
*if you used beer instead of wine do not separate just throw out onions (extremely bitter) and liquid








If you choose to pan fry I suggest using about 4 Tablespoons olive oil ; again I don't usually measure. Allow oil to heat up on medium high















When oil is hot reduce heat to medium and add pork chops and separated chopped onion. Heat pork chops for 10 minutes on each side. Stir onions regularly.
I usually heat the pork chops for 5 minutes then flip, but that's just me.


















I suggest using a spatter guard












At this step you have some choices. After removing the pork chops from the pan the crispy onion bits can be scooped out and used on rice or mashed potatoes, or you can follow this next step.
Add 6 Tablespoons flour and mix well with hot oil. I use a spatula.








Cook mixture until brown, not tan, brown
















Stir in remaining brine liquid and watch the magic happen. If the sauce is too thick add a small amount of water(no more than 1/8 cup) at a time until it is a favorable consistency. It should be fine.







This is what I ended up with.

oahu travel

Oahu travel suggestions

Aloha,
The island of Oahu has many different places you can stay all over the island, yet there are definably places you would want to avoid.

Waikiki isn't bad, and for some people it is exactly what they are looking for; night life, fancy restaurants, and a popular beach with cocktails. We lived in an Ohana hotel located at Kuhio and Lewers for a month back in 2003, and it was ok but not anything special. Before we knew anybody over here living in a cheap but decent hotel seemed like a good idea until we could find a place of our own. We also lived on the other side of Waikiki at Discovery Bay (a condo place) which is across the street (Ala Moana Blvd.) from the ILI KAI (Hotel and Condo place) and the Hilton Hawaiian village. We also spent a night at the Ohana Beachcomber Waikiki, and it was ok and it is not on the beach. The thing about Waikiki is it is busy, sometimes crowded, and sometimes very loud even past midnight. My experience is that the closer you are to the center of Waikiki or the International Market Place the more tourist trap crap you are going to experience. There are many nice and expensive restaurants in the Waikiki, yet I am limited to tell about the only five I have eaten at; Dukes(very expensive) is the best if you like fish, Tiki's has fish and more traditional type food like Lau Lau(very expensive); Outback Steack house (on Ala Moana Blvd and not very good); Chili's (on Kuhio), and Cheese Burger in Paradise (it's ok and on Ala Moana Blvd).
If you are unsure about a place let me know and I'll either let you know what I think or go check it out and then let you know what I think.
Diamond Head- it's a nice short little hike, but they are going to charge you an entry fee to enter



Pearl Harbor- there is a bit more to do here then just see the Arizona memorial; the memorial is free and I believe the parking is free as well. There is a museum and the U.S.S. Bowfin (WW2 sub) where you can also get the combo ticket that allows you to take the trolley over to the U.S.S. Missouri (the battleship the Japanese signed their surender), and the Avaition Museum. I suggest starting early the memorial opens at 7:30A.M. and by 9 A.M. there will be a line. Bringing a lunch if you have a cooler or taking a lunch break and driving toward the airport down to Radford Dr. and getting something to eat is a pretty good idea. There was a snack bar, but really do something else.
I don't think there is any place to stay over here unless you know someone in the Navy or Airforce stationed here.



The North Shore
Wailua- very small town and there are sharks (breeding area)

Haliewa- a Hawaiian style country town with some tourist stuff like boutiques, surf shops, art galleries, and restaurants. THIS IS NOT LAHIANA
although there are other restaurants in Haliewa there are three restaurants most tourist frequent in Haliewa Joe's (popular and expensive) Jensens Seafood, and Cholo's. All three are places people go to be seen especially Cholo's.

Waimea Bay- pretty neat big surf spot in the Winter
Waimea Falls- never been

Sharks Cove- great snorkeling in the summer

Sunset Beach- surf spot

Turtle Bay- this is a private resort that has a hotel, two golf courses, condos, and multiple private beaches. They might have more but I've yet to go there. If you go find out what the visitor polocies are and I'll come over.

Liehi- it's where the Mormons are and it's pretty. The Polynesian Cultural Center which is huge is also here; I hear it's an all day thing.

Kahuku- Horseback riding and movie tours



The East Shore

Kailua- nice long beautiful beach with beach estates for rent among other things. There are good restaurants and some shopping. This is where bama vacations

Lani Kai- very nice and quiet with one of if not the prettiest beach in all of Hawaii; but if you need to go to the store or want to go to a restaurant your going to have to make the quick drive into Kailua.

Waimanalo- big long beach. Don't think all the locals are going to be happy your there because some really don't want you there. The Magnum P.I. House is here but you kind of have to know where it is and it is NOT open to the public.

In Between Waimanalo and Hawaii Kai/Portlock
Sea Life Park (http://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com/) it's like a smaller version of Sea World. There is a Dolphin experience you can pay to do, and they have some other animals; they do not have a Walrus like you see in the movies.

There is a Light house you can walk to just down the road

Koko Head Crater- botanical garden in the center, and you can climb to the summit, but you'll need to drive to the park on the other side to get to the trail head. *the trail has no switchbacks, so that means it's straight up.

The Blow Hole- on the side of the road with good parking, no sign.

Hanauma Bay- Wildlife Preserve supposed to be great snorkeling, but get there early. Closed Tuesdays

Hawaii Kai/ Portlock
There are some vacation places to rent here and one of the three Costcos is here




Leeward Oahu
If your not staying at one of the new resorts on this side of the island I think it would be better if you didn't venture to this side of the island.
Disney is building a big place over here.
There is a waterpark


Please understand that if you show up at my door unannounced and expect to stay with me you may be surprised when I hand you a tarp and head you towards a place you can camp (most likely illegally and with homeless people) This doesn't apply to everyone but I don't think you should risk it.

Neighboring Disneyland Hotels

Hello there fellow travelers. I have compiled a list of neighboring Disneyland area hotels that I have stayed at, and I have added ratings and comments. Prices may fluctuate, so some hotels maybe less expensive than others at different times of the year. I suggest ignoring my price structure and just go by walking distance and comfort, and base the prices off of what you find online. The Rating System: #1 is the best #13 is the worst. This is just a guide and I will not tell you what to do; this is just my opinion and I hope it helps. If you have younger kids that may be getting ready for bed around the time Disneyland has their firework show it is worth asking the hotel if they have 'Firework view rooms' for a before bedtime treat.

Embassy Suites-South

(11767 Harbor Boulevard, Garden Grove, CA 92840)
Ranking: Walk #11
Price #5
Comfort #4
Food:There is a sort-of buffet in the Hotel but it's kind of weird, so I wasn't a big fan. There are other restaurants close by: Red Robin, Outback, Joes Crab Shack, Buca Di Peppo, and Coco’s
Comments: Far from park, and no direct hotel-Disneyland shuttle (there is a Disneyland trolley that you can pay to ride, and has multiple and frequent stops), yet I suggest just driving and parking at Disneyland. This is a good place for families; with a bedroom for mom and dad and a fold out couch for the kids in the living room.
Other Info: There is an animatronic-Lion in the Lobby that younger kids will like. Elevator noise in rooms close to elevators.

The Anabella hotel (1030 W Katella Ave Anaheim, CA 92802)
RANKING: WALK #10
PRICE #6
COMFORT #9
Food: Hotel restaurant ok, Coco’s, and some other place I’ve never eaten
Comments: I’ve stayed at the very front west corner (the street noise is kind of loud), and the very back east corner (Anaheim convention center noise starts early, and ends late; it is disturbing) IF you decide to walk to the park cut through the Grand Californian. There are some rooms that feature a separate kids room within a suite.


The Carousel (1530 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92802)
RANKING: WALK #5
PRICE #1 ( I don't think this is current)
COMFORT #11
Food: Quiznos (never eaten at this one), free breakfast upstairs (I didn't like it)
Comments: rooms are dated, but you get what you pay for here


Camelot Inn (1520 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92802)
RANKING: WALK #6
PRICE #2
COMFORT #10
Food: MacDonald’s
Comments: It was clean, and fairly comfortable. Nothing special


The Disneyland Hotel
RANKING: WALK #4
PRICE #12
COMFORT #2
Food: Downtown Disney
Comments: It is a longer walk to the park than you might think.

The Disney Paradise Pier
RANKING: WALK #8
PRICE #10
COMFORT #5
I have nothing good to say about Paradise Pier. There is no resort transportation, yet you pay a resort fee. The rooms are not super nice. The elevators broke numerous times when we were there. For the price there is no incentive to stay here.

The Disney Grand Californian
RANKING: WALK #1
PRICE #13
COMFORT #1
Food: Story Teller Café (expensive) and Downtown Disney
Comments: Nice, but Expensive


Fairfield Inn *my favorite (1460 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92802)
RANKING: WALK #7
PRICE #9
COMFORT #7
Food: Mi Mi’s, Mac Donald’s, and Millies (not very good, but better than IHOP)
Comments: Fireworks view rooms are awesome; you can see the show and even hear the music. Very comfortable beds, and free WiFi. Walk to the park is just bearable.


Marriot Suites (12015 Harbor Blvd
Garden Grove, CA 92840)
RANKING: WALK #12
PRICE #11
COMFORT #3
Food: Red Robin, Outback, Joes Crab Shack, and Coco’s
Comments: Far from park, and no direct hotel-Disneyland shuttle (there is a Disneyland trolley that you can pay to ride, and has multiple and frequent stops) No free internet.
Not a very good value for the money.


Parkview Inn *easiest walk (1570 S Harbor Blvd Anaheim, CA 92802)
RANKING: WALK #3
PRICE #4
COMFORT #8
Food: Capt’n Kid’s (never eaten there), and IHOP (horrible don’t eat there)
Comments: Very close to the park, with a very short walk. Rooms were very clean (smelled like a hospital)


Best Western - Park Place Inn On Harbor across from Disneyland (1544 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92802) *easiest walk
RANKING: WALK #2
PRICE #6
COMFORT #12
Food: Capt’n Kid’s (never eaten there), and IHOP (horrible don’t eat there)
Comments: Very close to park with a very short walk. Rooms were very dated, no internet at all. Not a very good value for the money.


Best Western – Stovall’s Inn (1110 W Katella Ave
Anaheim, CA 92802)
RANKING: WALK #9
PRICE #3
COMFORT #13
Food: Coco’s
Comments: The walk is a little far but reasonable, and the Anaheim Trolley (pay to ride) picks up outside the hotel. The room was clean, but dated. I wouldn’t pay more than $80 a night even during peak season to stay here. IF you decide to walk to the park cut through the Grand Californian.


Anaheim Sheraton (900 S Disneyland Drive Anaheim, CA 92802) Walking not advised; there is a hotel ran shuttle that runs twice an hour.
RANKING: WALK #13
PRICE #8
COMFORT #6
Food: Hotel restaurant ok but not open at convenient hours
Comments: Nice, Clean, and if you don’t mind driving yourself or taking the hotel shuttle it’s a good place to stay.

Visitors

It has been sort of weird around here since our last visitor departed. We had two visitors from May 21st to June 10th. First was my cousin Jessica who spent just under a week with us. We had a good time and did some tourist type stuff, some we've done before and some we haven't but mostly we just hung out at the beach. Sam and I aren't party people so we were relieved we didn't have to go out to any clubs, although I had suggested we go to a Karaoke bar.
Just before Jessica left we were informed that one of my other cousins would be arriving three days after Jessica departed.



David arrived via CVN74 or otherwise known as the U.S.S. John C. Stennis. David was only going to be here for three days, but it turned into a week and a half. I was told to meet David at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial around 11 A.M. but the Navy had other plans.
You can see how thrilled I look--I was hungry which didn't help--










I don't remember what this was called, but here he is Big Dave.
Dave gave me a tour of the ship which was cool. I have never been on an aircraft carrier, and I am looking forward to going on a Tiger Cruise one day. In the picture above you can see the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and the U.S.S. Missouri Memorial behind it.


We played Miniature Golf David's last night, and he won.

It was fun to have visitors, and maybe one day someone will want to go to a karaoke bar when they visit. I hope Sam and I have a better different place to live the next time we host someone.