We had the inspection done on the new house today and everything came out well! There are of course a couple of little things, but nothing at all to worry about - hurray! The only thing that is left to do is the appraisal and then we are set to close on September 4th. Things seem to be moving along at lightning speed, but at least it looks like we will be able to get settled in fairly quick. Here's a teaser shot of the the walkway up to the house...
We will be going to the "Great Minnesota Get-Together" this weekend and we are pretty excited! It has been years since we have been to the Minnesota State Fair - I'm sure Jeff will make a bee-line for the pork chop on-a-stick stand... that is a must-have for him. We'll try to get a post about it up on the site Sunday or Monday.While I've been cookin' along in the apartment, I have been heavily relying on old favorites that are dead easy to make or don't really have a recipe - however, I did pick a new recipe for us to make for dinner. I picked up a large pack of chicken from Costco today so I could portion it out and get it in the freezer, but I left a pound out so I could make tonight's dinner of Spicy Soba Noodles with Chicken in Peanut Sauce.
With a generous base of chewy buckwheat (soba) noodles, this nutty dish was quite filling and satisfying. Threaded with thin strips of bright orange carrots, the noodles are dressed with a creamy peanut sauce. Thick peanut butter is thinned out with chicken broth and is then seasoned with soy sauce for a salty edge, a garlic clove and fresh ginger for a spicy bite. Crushed red pepper brings just enough spice when balanced wwith a bit of sweet honey to bring a gentle note of heat to the dish. Sliced fresh green onions are tossed on top along with a smattering of crunchy peanuts for the finishing touch to tie in with the sauce. This kept us well-fed for tonight with enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow. While the shredded chicken added a hearty element to this dish, I think we will have to try this meal again with some grilled shrimp for a more delicate flavor. I know not everyone may have access to soba noodles, so if this is you or you just don't like the texture, you could use whole wheat spaghetti instead.
Hi Joe, can't wait to see the other pics because it looks like a really nice house. Have a good w-end.
ReplyDeleteWow, Joe. That was fast finding a house. I still cannot believe you are cooking and updating your blog after your drive and move to MN. My blog is lacking considerably, and I've cooked twice and baked once (ruined a batch of peach muffins) in the two months since I got to Vancouver. LOL. :)
ReplyDeleteYour house looks lovely. Congrats on finding it and closing so quickly. I'll check back next week and hope to see more pictures then.
Have fun this weekend!!! :)
I think the new place looks pretty sweet. Those stepping stones look cool. I'll have to go look at them again.
ReplyDeleteThat's great that you are still trying to cook at such a hectic time. I think most people would be eating out. But probably expanding their waistlines.
Have fun at the State Fair! I am going next week, and as always, I am excited. I love the State Fair! Make sure to eat plenty of things on a stick, not just pork chops...
ReplyDeleteYour new house looks lovely, by the way!
Courtney
So glad everything is working out for you guys, Joe! That pic of the house looks so nice, can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteVal
Helene - We can't wait to post some more!
ReplyDeleteMindy - We will try! I think we got fairly lucky with this house!
Emilie - Thanks! We loved how the stones in front actually have grass in between.
Courtney - I don't know how much stuff I'll actually eat on a stick, but we will have to see what sounds good when we get there!
Val - Thank you!
ReplyDeleteFrom what little the picture shows, it looks like a great house!
ReplyDeleteChristina - Thanks, I know the picture is a little small, but we are still trying to get things together before we post the rest. I hope to get them up soon - however, it may not be until we actually get our stuff inside!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited about your new home! And the pic is indeed a teaser. Can't wait for you to move in and show us around :)
ReplyDeleteCostco comes in handy for those quick ideas and items to embelish. I'll look forward to more posts once you are in your new home and cooking up a storm.
ReplyDeleteWow!! That isn't a house that is a mansion!!! Can't wait to see pics of the new kitchen!!! Gad you are settling in okay.
ReplyDeleteThat was fast! Congratulations! Good luck with closing and moving. Again. :)
ReplyDeleteI was totally kidding about the "on-a-stick" edibles from the fair--I don't think I have ever had anything on a stick there before! Some of the new creations this year sound less than appetizing! Hope you have/had fun!
ReplyDeleteCourtney
Cynthia - Me too, hopefully our things will be delivered on time and we can get the process going!
ReplyDeleteValli - We hope to dive right in and get cookin'!
Pat - Not quite a mansion, but it is bigger than what we intended on!
Alysha - Thanks, we need it =P
Courtney - hee hee! I couldn't believe some of the "new" foods... span curds? no thanks!
I made this noodle recipe last night and it was a big hit with my husband - thanks! :) -CB
ReplyDeleteJoe - I'm glad that you and Jeff have settled on a place and that the appraisal has come out fair. I hope the next week or so goes smoothly, so you guys can move in and get on with the next chapter of your lives in beautiful Minnesota.
ReplyDeleteCB - Glad to hear you liked it! Thanks for the feedback.
ReplyDeleteShaun - Thanks! Hopefully things will go smooth next week!