family pics: the 'rents

Here's a few pictures of my parents - this is what you guys get for hating to have your pictures taken: I just have to post the only two pictures I have of you guys from the weekend :) (and if you want me to take them off I guess you'll have to text me - ha!).

family pics: bkf

And here's some pics of my sister and her beautiful family...

(kari's glamour shot)

(ben's glamour shot... :) )

family pics: bjp

Here's some pictures of my brother and his beautiful family from the weekend.....

happy tuesday

the hunt

The first annual Pauls Easter Egg Hunt started off slow.  And continued slow.  And ended slow. Some were more into it than others (namely the parents and grandparents) but by the end it seemed everyone was having a great time. There were different ways of getting around but when all was said and done, the eggs were all collected, opened, and even shared.  Thanks mom, for all the hard work and planning that went into Easter this year! We appreciate your love of celebration and quality family time.  

giesbrecht style

Some people have lovely, docile grandchildren that play softly, sit quietly, snuggle sweetly. Here on the G side, the grands are a crazy bunch - there's only three so far but they bring with them a whirlwind of activity... when everyone gets together they're loud and lively, fast and funny, each one full of personality. I love it!  But getting them to "sit still and smile" with Grandma is like taking a picture of a unicorn....never going to happen.  Here's a few pics from today.   

the amazing little miss salsa-eater

While the rest of us were filling up on turkey and chocolate, someone discovered chips and salsa...and boy did she love them! She just kept coming back for more.... and more. Move over buns and jam, there's a new love in the house!

Turkey Chili

Turkey Chili

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
• 1 package taco seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth
• 1 (7 ounce) can salsa
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
• 1 can of corn

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble turkey into the pot, stirring with a wooden spoon to break apart as much as possible. Brown the turkey. While cooking, season with taco seasoning mix, coriander, oregano, chili flakes, and tomato paste, and mix until meat is evenly coated with seasonings. • Pour in beef broth, and simmer to reduce liquid slightly, about 5 minutes. Add salsa, tomatoes, and corn - Continue cooking at a moderate simmer for ten minutes. Adjust the thickness at any time you feel necessary by adding water. • While chili is still cooking, heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion and green bell pepper, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent and bell pepper is lightly browned. Add onion and bell pepper to the chili, and continue cooking at a very low simmer. • In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, and cook stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the zucchini to the chili, reduce heat, and continue cooking 15 minutes more. Again, adjust the consistency with water as needed. • Ladle chili into serving bowls. Top with sour cream, green onion, and cheddar cheese, and serve.

** this recipe is from allrecipes.com with a few of our own modifications. We like it because it is easy to make, low calorie (approx. 400 calories per serving), and very tasty... and Jen likes the fact that it contains no beans.

long weekend

we're out and about, enjoying the long weekend..... more easter pics to come in the next couple days.

Beef Stew

Beef Stew (Jamie Oliver)

• 500g or about 1 lb diced stewing beef
• 500ml beer
• 2 sticks of celery
• 2 medium onions
• 2 carrots
• olive oil
• 1 heaped tablespoon plain flour
• 1 14 oz can of diced tomatoes

3 bay leaves
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

If using the oven to cook your stew, preheat it to 350ºF • Trim the ends off your celery and roughly chop the sticks • Peel and roughly chop the onions • Peel the carrots, slice lengthways and roughly chop • Put a casserole pan on a medium heat • Put all the vegetables and the bay leaves into the pan with 2 lugs of olive oil and fry for 10 minutes • Add your meat and flour • Pour in the booze and tinned tomatoes • Give it a good stir, then season with a teaspoon of sea salt (less if using table salt) and a few grinds of pepper • Bring to the boil, put the lid on and either simmer slowly on your hob or cook in an oven for 3 hours • Remove the lid for the final half hour of simmering or cooking • When done, your meat should be tender and delicious • Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving, and taste it to see if it needs a bit more salt and pepper • You can eat your stew as it is, or you can add some lovely dumplings to it.

** This recipe is taken from the Jamie Oliver website but I make it from the "Food Revolution" cookbook he published last year.  I usually omit the flour and add potatoes, a sweet potato, rutabaga, or parsnips (whatever i have lying around) just before I pop it in the oven.  And if there's no beer around here, I use chicken stock. The approximate serving size is correct.

a few more from last week

here's a few more pics for my sisters from last week's afternoon in the park....