An Overloaded Fridge

I bought a larger, side-by-side refrigerator. I got tired of stuff falling out from my freezer causing me so much aggravation, swearing and gray hair. It was delivered early this morning and when I put back all the stuff in the fridge side, they would not fit in! What happened? This fridge is supposed to be larger, 36 inches wide and 33 inches deep. I know the water and ice dispensers take a lot of space but I didn't realize the old one, with top loading freezer and without dispensers has a bigger refrigerator space. Sigh. I actually gained only a little bit more freezer space and it is now more organized with pull-out drawers and shelves, no more falling meats and vegetables. I think we just have too much stuff. We have about 10 jars of fruit preserves, 3 kinds of ketchap, 6 bottles of chili sauce (3 Malaysian, 2 Thai and 1 Indonesian), 5 different mustards, you get the picture. Do we really need all these? Sadly, yes. These half empty jars and bottles of condiments, olives, etc. alone take up 2 shelves! I will forbid anyone to open a new jar of something until the thousands already open are empty and ready to be thrown away. I will be a refrigerator nazi from now on (I think I might be the one who's guilty of hoarding condiments, heheh. I may need to attend a meeting for hoarders anonymous).

The vegetables and fruits bins, on the other hand, are almost double the size of the old fridge because I was able to put the contents of both bins in one drawer. Aha, thaaat's the reason I lost so much space for other stuff. Hmm, are the manufacturers trying to make me buy more fruits and vegetables? I am not amused.:D

It's Finally Here!

the bad plus PROG, yes! I went to Best Buy and bought the only copy, they have 1 copy, 1? Strange. Anyway, it has 4 covers which are wonderful and 6 original TBP compositions, which I love more than the covers.
giant, what a beautiful, beautiful song, and physical cities, both written by Reid Anderson (bass) are worth the price of the cd. I have played the cd 4 times non-stop already! I am sooo happy.:D

Covers:
everybody rules the world - tears for fears
life on mars - david bowie
tom sawyer - rush
this guy's in love with you - burt bacharach

Here's The Washington Post's article last Saturday.

Beef Tournedos With Juniper Berries

I was looking for a recipe for the filet mignon I got last week. I usually wrap them in bacon and season them with garlic, salt, worcestershire sauce, extra virgin olive oil and ground pepper. I wanted to try a new sauce, but didn't like mushroom or cream sauce either or anything complicated. I saw one online with juniper berries, gin, and balsamic vinegar. The ingredients are few and method of cooking is easy. Gin doesn't sound appealing so I used brandy. I liked this uncomplicated but very tasty sauce.

Beef Tournedos With Juniper Berries

1½ pounds small filet mignon, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
2 tablespoons juniper berries, crushed
2 tablespoons brandy
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
½ cup beef broth
salt & ground pepper, to taste
oil for frying

• Secure beef with toothpicks to keep its round shape. (Optional, wrap each in half of a bacon rasher, then secure with toothpicks). In a small container, combine berries, brandy, vinegar and broth, set aside. In a heavy skillet, heat oil until nearly smoking. Season the sliced beef with salt and pepper, fry in hot oil, 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a serving dish, set aside. (Don't forget to remove toothpicks before serving). Lower the heat to medium, add the broth mixture and let come to a boil, scraping the browned bits that are stuck at the bottom of the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour on top of the steaks. Best with croutons fried in olive oil or with thick fries, but since we're Filipinos I served them with steamed rice. I steamed some frozen quartered artichoke hearts to go with this simple dish.

Book Review ANGELICA: A NOVEL by Arthur Phillips

Angelica: A Novel by Arthur Phillips 5 stars

A psychological thriller set in Victorian England written most brilliantly by Arthur Phillips à la Rashomon, which is one of my top 20 favorite movies. The same story is retold from four different perspectives: the mother's, the hired spiritualist's, the father's, and the daughter Angelica's, my sympathy shifting as I read. The book deals with ghosts (real or imagined), relationships, memories, and psychoanalysis. The book is so good I couldn't decide if I should finish it in one day or read it slowly because I didn't want it to end just yet. I just had to read it again. I had the same reaction to Phillips' last novel The Egyptologist, I read the book twice in one week. He has become one of my favorite authors. Highly Recommended