First meal in a new apt!

Last night I had two friends over for dinner (yes, the dining room table was cleared) in the new apt before we had to be a meeting.

Honey Soy Chicken legs
I got this recipe from the November edition of Everyday Food.

1/3 cup water
1/2 cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce (I use low sodium kind)
salt/pepper

8-10 chicken legs
450 (I moved it down some from 475 like the book said), 40-50 minutes or until done
9x13 pan with aluminum foil on bottom. Turn legs every 10 minutes to make for even cooking and ladle sauce over top when you turn the legs.

Good. Served with Lipton Teriyaki noodles and broccoli. Turned out pretty good! Don't forget to salt and pepper them!

The Standard

What a treat. This is a must stop for anyone in Nashville.
The history in this house sets the dinner mood. It is an amazing atmosphere made even better by excellent wait staff and delicious food.
I ordered the pork medallions with brown mustard cream sauce, pancetta cheese grits, and chef's veggies. The pork was cooked perfectly, the veggies too. I tasted some of the chilian sea bass and it was so moist and delicate with such a fantastic flavor. We ordered the sweet potato fries for appetizer and they were great, with a mustard and a spicy mayo dipping sauce. The sourdough bread was warm - by that time we were all pretty much full! For dessert we got some key lime pie (I am from Florida, so this didn't win me over) and a dark multi-chocolate cake - now that was great!
We had fantastic service. Prompt everything - even without reservations. Black napkin in the lap, table talks with the chefs - what service! :) We closed them down.
In a way I dislike going to these restaurants - you know, the really nice ones...they spoil you for going to normal restaurants.
This was such a treat! I'll never forget!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

These became a favorite of Veronica's - then became a favorite of our Bible study's - now it is a favorite of mine. I just made a couple batches last weekend and had fun giving them away (and eating some). I tried to make one batch with fresh pumpkin, but after cooking my pumpkin - it wasn't ripe enough, so I just bought a can - so much easier!

Vern's Pumpkin Choc Chip Muffins

1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin
1 stick butter, melted
1 2/3 cup flour
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder, salt
1 cup choc chips (I have used all kinds, with semi or milk working the best).

Mix the wet (1st four) then the dry. Fold in the chips. Pour into greased muffins tins (or use cupcake wrappers). Bake at 350 for about 23-25 minutes. These are fantastic right out of the oven, but also they are really good cold. So - make em, and eat em any time!

Enjoy - thanks Veronica!

The Countdown is on!

I will never be more excited to move! In three weeks, yes on Thanksgiving Day, I will be moving stuff into a new one-Br apt here on Southern's campus. It has a KITCHEN! Ok, so some people would consider it a half of a kitchen, but it is still MY Kitchen! I will have my stove (that works), my sink to wash my dishes on, my fridge - I can't wait! :)
I will have all my gadgets! Whoohoo! Thanks be to mom who is packing all of them right now!
I will have a DR with a table that I can actually invite people over and practice hospitality. Yes, I do know you can practice hospitality without a DR table, but oh, how it helps!
I'll have a couch and other living room furniture!
I'll have my own bathroom.
But, seriously most of all, I'm looking forward to a bread maker, kitchenaid mixer, food processor, real plates and silverware, glasses, a brita, seasonings, all the good things that I miss!