Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Foster #2 : Daisy

Say Hello to Foster #2... Daisy. She may just be the cutest little pup ever. Daisy has the best personality and loves other dogs. She's also a total snuggle bug, I can't even go to the bathroom without her following me. 




We're not exactly sure why Daisy was dropped off at the shelter. I can't imagine why someone would want to give up this sweet little pup. After the first week, Daisy finally got a haircut. Doesn't she look like a completely different dog?!




After just 1 week I became 110% attached. The thought of giving her to someone would bring me to tears. I had to sit down and really think about why I was doing all of this. Every time I foster a dog, I pull them out of the shelter and allow another dog an opportunity at freedom. Chicago Animal Care and Control puts down hundreds of dogs and cats a month. It's absolutely heart breaking. It's a constant rat race to save animals. After a heart to heart with myself, I realized that I couldn't keep Daisy. I had to find her a new home. 

After hearing my daily stories about Daisy, a friend and co-worker Karen applied to Rain Dog Rescue, to adopt Daisy. She herself does a lot of volunteer work at Animal Care and Control and was quickly approved. 

Here she is in her new home and with her new sister. She just adores other dogs.  


Karen gave me Daisies as a thank you for her new baby, now named Sophia <3 


I'm told the pain of loosing her will get easier... :(

Monday, February 3, 2014

Honey Jalapeno Chicken Rub

This recipe is awesome. I usually buy the thin chicken breast tendreloins from Trader Joe's, which are perfect when making this dish. Since they chicken pieces are so small, they tend to cook very quickly, which helps keep them juicy, and the honey in the recipe caramelizes in no time. Remove the jalape ño seeds for a less spicy version. If you don't want to grill the tenders, they can be broiled about 5 inches from the heat for about 6 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 pounds chicken tenders
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Sour cream for serving

Instructions:
1. Preheat the grill and oil the grill rack.

2. Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, oil, garlic, jalapeno, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in the marinade and let stand for at least 10 minutes. 

3. Grill the chicken until well browned and cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes. Serve the chicken sprinkled with the cilantro and with a dollop of sour cream on the plate.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Quick and Easy Taco Bell Jalapeno Sauce Recipe - Great for Taco Night!

I mean who doesn't love Taco Bell at 3 AM? My favorite item... Quesadillas! I think the reason I like them so much is because of the spicy Jalapeno Sauce they put on it. I knew I had to figure out the receipe...

Jalapeno Sauce - Inspired by Taco Bell

1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
4 Tsp Minced Jalapenos (Jared)
4 Tsp Jalapeno Juice (from the Jar)
1 1/2 Tsp Sugar
1 Tsp Cumin
1 Tsp Paprika
1/2 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
Dash of Salt


Mix it all together and refrigerate for at least an hour. Oh and you could also add some garlic powder to the recipe, I'd say 1/8-1/4 teaspoon, but no more because it will over power the sauce. The sauce will last up to a month, but don't worry you'll probably eat it all before then ;)