Treat yourself...

To a lovely filet and some yummy pasta.  Blake and I did this past weekend to celebrate his new job and it was divine. 

Start by taking your filet out of the fridge and letting it come to room temperature.  This takes about a half an hour.  Season each side with salt and pepper.  Heat olive oil over high heat until it ripples and place your steak.  Sear on each side three minutes.  Place into a pre-heated (375) oven and let finish for about 10 minutes for medium rare-medium steak.  After you pull your steak from the oven place on a plate and let rest for 10 minutes so that the juices can re-distribute throughout the meat.  Place on your plate with a tab of some black truffle butter on top and you're golden.  You could also do some crumbled gorgonzola, or a horseradish cream sauce and it would be great too. 

For the pasta puree three roasted red peppers, two cloves of garlic and salt and pepper in your food processor.  Add to a small saute pan and bring to a simmer.  Add two table spoons of capers a half a cup of cream and some lemon zest.  After your pasta has cooked to al dente (I used angel hair) toss the pasta and some fresh basil with the sauce.  Plate and top with fresh grated parmesan cheese. 

This meal is easy and comes together quickly.  The pasta takes longer to come to a boil and cook than anything else!  Let me know what you think!

Xo-Wife of Wright

What clean laundry?

I was doing chores while Max was over this weekend and after I dumped some laundry fresh out of the dryer on the couch I went back to the laundry room to switch the load from the washer. When I came back to fold I found this. He's done it since he was a puppy so I don't expect to break him of it now. Honestly I don't even want to. I mean how cute is this little old man of a dog? He can have all the clean laundry he wants.

Xo-Wife of Wright

Sent from my Samsung Captivate(tm) on AT&T

The Smiley told me to do it.

As I mentioned earlier this week my hubby got me some great new dishes for my birthday.  The ironic thing is that the aforementioned dishes come from a store that I truly dislike.  Any guesses?  Okay fine.  They're from Wal-Mart.  Wally-World.  The threshold of hell.  Whichever name you prefer, I think we can all agree shopping at Wal-Mart is one of the most un-pleasant, disturbing and sometimes un-sanitary thing you can do.  I mean we've all seen the "People of Wal-Mart" e-mails right?  You can not find that variety of folks anywhere else short of the state fair in the fall.  Oh how I'm rambling...The important thing is that while looking for something completely different one day on Wal-Mart's website I decided to take a trip through their housewares and I found these.

Oven to Table dish set by Canopy. 

#1.  These dishes are under $45.00 for service for four.  That's sixteen pieces.
#2.  They are oven to table safe.  That means if I want to make individual mac and cheeses in those bowls I can shove all that ewwey gooey goodness into the bowl and then straight into the oven to get even more yummy and crusty on top. 
#3.  I love white.  Not only are they crisp and clean looking, but they show off your food very well.
#4.  Also available are serving dishes that match and vary in size.

They also offer an oven to table set in round, but I liked the abstract and clean lines of the squares.  Plus I already have a bunch of round plates, why not mix it up?  Blake got me two sets for my birthday, and I plan on adding one more to be able to serve 12, along with the serving dishes.  If you're like me and don't enjoy the crowds at your local Wally World feel free to order them "Site to Store" online.  You will have to go in to pick them up, but you won't have to pay shipping and since you don't have to check out while you're there it's an easy pick up and leave from customer service.  Make it happen here.

Xo-Wife of Wright

Chicken of the Sea

I made Blake and I an easy and very quick dinner last night that is both nutritious and yummy to boot. 

Citrus Crusted Tuna Steaks with Oven Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans

Sidenote:  Those pretty white plates were one of my b-day gifts from my loving husband.  He did so good!  I will post on them later this week.  They are such a bargain, fit so many needs, and you'll never believe where they're from.

But I digress...We love tuna.  Now that Sam's sells tuna steaks in their frozen food section at a very reasonable price we eat it fairly often.  The citrus crust is also a citrus blend spice that is sold at Sam's and it is so great on all seafood.  It has dried lemon peel, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, etc. and for about $5 you get 80lbs. of it.  BULK.  On the side I did some simple oven roasted potatoes.  I do some variation of these a couple times a month.  Blake loves them, and he also loves taking the leftovers to work with him. I believe this morning they ended up in a burrito.  Don't ask.  Large dice any potato you have on hand, toss them in a large ziplock with some olive oil and whatever spices will go with your particular meal and you're golden.  375 for 30 minutes and they're done.  Last night I chose a mix of fresh ground pepper and Old Bay since we were having seafood.  The green beans?  Green Giant frozen with no sauce(the no sauce part is what's important).  They even come with the slivered almonds!  Sure you could buy fresh green beans, snap them, slice them, blanch them and then give them a saute with some butter and top them with your own almonds, but why when Green Giant does all the work for you?  I tossed them with a little butter and ground black pepper and they were delish.  That bread you see there is smeared with the Black Truffle Butter that I showed you yesterday.  I couldn't resist.  I could have had about 10 more slices, but I stopped after the one.  After all, I had leftover Ribbon Cake from Rasberries and Cream to save room for...

Xo-Wife of Wright

There's some truffle on your face...

For my birthday yesterday I treated myself to this 3oz. tub (can you say "tub" if it's only 3oz.?) of deliciousness. 

I purchased it here in Oklahoma City at Forward Foods on the corner of Western and 50th.  I also dropped a fresh loaf of bread in my basket to smear it on, however I'm the most excited to melt it down over some pasta or a nice filet.  If you aren't in OKC the same product can be found on Amazon here.  It is $9.99 if you're near Forward Foods (there is a location in Norman as well), or $12.99 on Amazon.  I highly recommend you treat yourself to this yumminess immediately. 

I'll be back tomorrow with a new recipe great for the holidays. 

Xo-Wife of Wright

Boot Scootin' Boogie

Hello all.  Sorry I've been M.I.A. for the last two days, but that "little bit under the weather" I was experiencing on Monday turned into a full blown Gary England interupt your favorite show weather alert.  Ugh.  I somehow always get sick the week before my b-day.  I think it's the time of year in Oklahoma where the temperature is swinging between 35 and 60 degrees on a weekly basis and the old bod just can't take.  Or my sinusitus can't for sure...you get the point. 

Today I'm bringing you a fabulous gift idea for the lady in your life.  I never said that lady couldn't be yourself!  I would love to add these to my wardrobe.  Is anyone listening?  Mom, Dad, Blake?  Anyone?  I WANT THESE BOOTS!  I adored them when I saw them and then I saw the name of them and was sold.  Check it.

Thrifting in Tulsa Boot by Modcloth

How cute are they?  At $79.99 I think they're a steal for boots.  I love that you can wear them folded over or pulled up, and the detailing on the back of the boot.  The heel is the perfect height too.  I love the descriptions that Modcloth gives their clothing items, they do a great job.  Make sure you check them out and read the shout out to Oklahoma.  Santa you can find them here.  I mean it Santa, do the right thing.

Xo-Wife of Wright

Art-i-choke Dip

Good Monday everyone!  I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend.  I am a little under the weather.  Not sure whether it's a cold, or my allergies and sinuses, but I know I feel like my head has been blown up by a tire pump and my nose and throat feel like they've had a gravel treatment.  You're welcome!

Here is another great recipe for the holiday season.  As we get closer to Christmas there are more and more holiday parties to attend and less time to prepare for them.  This is a quick, easy and delicious dip to take to anything you may have going.  It's a Southwestern twist on a classic and so far everywhere I have taken it the bowl has come back home clean. 

Southwestern Artichoke Spinach Dip

1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained, coarsely chopped

1 box (9 oz) frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed to drain

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed, softened

1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chiles, undrained

½ medium red bell pepper, chopped (about 1/2 cup)

½ cup shredded pepper Jack cheese (2 oz) plus a couple of handfuls to top

4 slices chopped cooked bacon

Tortilla chips/Scoops

I usually double this recipe for a larger crowd.  Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees.  Mix all of the above ingredients well (let the cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes to make this easier) and pour into a well sprayed casserole dish.  An 8x8 would probably work perfect, although for a double batch you will most likely need a larger dish.  After you have poured the dip into the dish top with more shreded cheese.  Put the dip into the oven un-covered and cook about 15-20 minutes or until light brown and bubbly.  Serve with tortilla chips or Scoops.

Enjoy!

Xo-Wife of Wright

Watch what you're doing...

Today I thought I would feature a gift for the guys(although it is on my mom's wish list as well).  They get left out so often... 

Timex Vintage Field Army Watch from J.Crew

At $150.00 this watch is more on the "big gift" side, but it's totally worth it in my opinion.  You can even buy different watch bands on the J.Crew site if you want to change up the look or color.  I know Blake would love this watch, and I wouldn't mind wearing it either (bonus!).  So if you're looking for a nicer gift for that special someone check out the watch here. 

Xo-Wife of Wright

Lay off my muffin top!

I bet you're not sure where I'm going with this are you?  You're a little concerned?  Maybe a little grossed out?  Well get your minds out of the gutter!  I'm just trying to share a delicious breakfast muffin recipe with you.  These aren't the traditional sweet pan muffins, but a savory spread that is smeared on English Muffins and heated up till brown and bubbly under the broiler.  Yum. 

Make Ahead Muffin Melts

These are a Ree Drummond recipe off of her recipe blog/website called Tasty Kitchen.  They are wonderful.  I usually half the recipe on the weekend when it's just Blake and I, but if you want leftovers for easy weekday breakfasts, or to eat cold on sandwich bread for lunch (I've tried it and it's to die for, think spruced up egg salad) go for it!  I usually add a little extra bacon and worchestershire sauce for an extra kick, but that's just me.  Also, I use lowfat mayonaise, 2% cheddar cheese, whole wheat/grain English Muffins and Oscar Meyer Center Cut Bacon (it has less calories and sodium than turkey bacon).  You really can modify favorite recipes to make them more figure friendly and packed with protein and fiber.  Please give these a try this weekend or holiday season.  They would be perfect for company because you can make the mix the day before and simply spread it on the muffins and pop them under the broiler the morning of.  You can find the recipe here.  Let me know what you think.

Xo-Wife of Wright

Mod-ern Gifts Online

I love the website Modcloth.  They feature clothing, accessories, shoes, housewares, vintage, etc. and I always have an ever present "wishlist" featuring their items.  Here are a few things from their "Apartment" category that I would love to see show up at my house. 

Fancy a Cup of Tree Set

How adorable is this?  I think it would be perfect for a small brunch or lunch with girlfriends.  Heck it would be great if it did nothing but sit on your counter top for the rest of time.  It's that cute.

Kitchen Line Up Tea Towel

I love funky tea towels.  I have one hung next to my sink at all times and while I'm cooking I usually have one drapped over my shoulder, so it's important that it's cute.  Plus who wants a shaggy, nasty old tea towel hanging around?  Have some fun with something that's normally boring!  Plus teatowels are a cheap way to spruce up your oven door or sink area. 
Season-al Birds Salt and Pepper Shakers

Okay, I'll admit it.  I have a small obsession with salt and pepper shakers.  I think I have about 10 sets to date.  I love them.  I think they're cute.  I want them ALL!  Okay, not all, there's some really BAD ones out there as well, but for the most part I really dig them and buy new ones all the time.  I'm especially fond of birds.  I think three of my sets involve birds and this one would make four.  Don't think I'm not sending the link for these to Blake as soon as I'm done here.  They will be mine.  Make them yours too! 

You can find all of these great gifts for yourself, or someone you love here.  All of the items above are under $50.00, two of them are under $25.  When you get to the website go to the "Apartment" area of the site and have some fun.  Don't tell your husband I sent you...

Xo-Wife of Wright

Note:  Wife of Wright was not paid or given any perks for this post.  W.O.W. just happens to love the product and enjoys paying it forward!