Winnings

It's the time of year when McDonald's restaurant runs their Monopoly game. Certain items you buy will have stickers to help you complete their Monopoly gameboard.
The problem is that only certain pieces will complete the gameboard and they are few and far between. There are also instant win prizes. So if you read the fine print, you could win a million dollars if you have the right sticker on your Big Mac sandwich! It is more likely you can win a free sandwich like we did, or a small pop.  Well, it's fun anyway.

Paint Party Friday - Fall Scene

This is a fall scene I did for Paint Party Friday.  I am also linking to Art Journal Journey.  The sketch was done in watercolour crayon on a journal page (8 1/2" x 11").

Crispy Onion Quinoa

I made this crispy onion quinoa dish recently and quite liked it.  I found the recipe in a magazine.  You baked thinly sliced onions with some olive oil, salt and pepper for 20 minutes at 350F.  Then I cooked a cup of rinsed quinoa in a rice cooker with 2 cups of water, some salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice.  I then mixed the baked onions in with a handful of chopped parsley.  You need a fine strainer to rinse the quinoa.

Have you made or eaten quinoa before?  It's thought by some to be a complete food with all the essential amino acids.  This is a great dish for the vegetarians!

October Sky

I took this photo one beautiful morning in October, and in fact we are having such mild, gorgeous temperatures this week.

I don't usually watch a lot of TV but lately have watched the first 2 episodes of the new Supergirl series thinking it embodies 'girl power' for young women.  It has been doing well in the ratings.  However, it is quite the action movie and I am finding it a bit too violent for my taste.  Hmm, so much for 'girl power'.  As a kid, I loved reading the superhero comic books, Superman, Batman, The Flash, you name it.  I also enjoyed the Archie comic books and tons of others like Richie Rich.  Were/are you a comic book reader?

Wine and Cheese Party

A few weeks ago husband M and I were invited to an art, wine and cheese party to celebrate the promotion of one of our financial advisors.  It was held in their offices.  The company has original art hung on their walls and a small tour was given to introduce some of the choice pieces.  I took home a few art catalogues from the gallery they deal with.  They served good wine at a bar and had tasty cheese appetizers.  I had 2 glasses of white wine and accepted a latte just before I left.  It was a lovely evening out, with good conversation and we met interesting people.  Here are some photos I took for you:

Ivan Eyre

This original art piece is at least $35, 000.  But art is subjective, so whether you could easily find a buyer is another matter.

Butternut Squash Shepherd's Pie

I saw a recipe for butternut squash shepherd's pie in a magazine, and decided
to try it.  It is great if you are watching those carbs.  Here is my version of the recipe:

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium butternut squash
1 onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 can tomato paste
1 plum tomato sliced
1 carrot diced
1 tbs cornstarch
2 tbs olive or canola oil
1 tsp dried thyme or basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Pre-heat oven 350F

Line a 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper.

Heat oil in a skillet, add oil, onion, garlic, carrots, ground beef, corn starch, tomato paste, tomato, dried herb, salt, pepper.  Stir together until the meat is browned for about 5 minutes.  Add a cup of water, cover and simmer 15 minutes until carrots are tender.

Meanwhile put a few cuts in the skin of the squash.  Microwave squash on high for 10 minutes and let it cool.   Cut the squash open, remove the seeds and skin.  Microwave for about 10 more minutes and mash it with salt, pepper, a tablespoon of butter.


Spoon the meat into the baking pan.  Spread the mashed squash over top.  Optionally top with 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.  Bake 20 minutes.

Enjoy!

Sunday Sketches - Out For a Walk

Halloween came and went.  We had 12 kids last night, quite early on in the evening and that was it!

Hope you remembered to set your clocks back before you went to bed last night. We are on standard time again in Canada and most of North America.

Welcome to November and Sunday Sketches!  This piece is called 'Out For a Walk' done on an index card in watercolour pencil. It was inspired by a photo I saw in a magazine.