i was in the mood (and more enthusiastic than most days) to cook

as you all know, i love to cook... but even though i love cooking, some days are just plain and boring in the kitchen. but last night, i was so psyched and overly enthusiastic that i decided i will make our weekend meals more interesting...

so...

last night became BURGER NIGHT...

last night i made Mushroom Burgers with Potato Fries, and instead of serving it with pickles i made Mango-Cucumber salad.

Ingredients: 1 mango (i like it when it's not quite ripe), peeled and cut into cubes; 1 cucumber, cut into cubes; 2 tomatoes, seeds removed and cut into cubes; 1 medium red onion, coarsely chopped; 1/2 cup green onions, juice of 2 limes, salt and pepper. Combine all ingredients and season with salt and pepper. CHILL before serving!

Carl was ecstatic - and I think I heard him say "This is the best burger I ever ate!" He was actually watching a re-run of Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" and they were featuring the 'best burgers"... so I hope my burger was really good and he wasn't just having a hang over what he just watched. :) Sorry we didn't get the chance to take a photo of my burger and fries... i guess you've already figured out why...

It was quite time consuming to create our Burger Night, because I made my own beef patties and cut my own fries... but I guess that's what makes home-cooked feasts really yummy - all the love and the time that goes into the food!

So my awesome mood was carried over through today, and for dinner tonight i made Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Honey-Lime Sauce, Garlic Roasted Asparagus, and (Fake-out) Java Rice.

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: Wrap each scallop with a strip of bacon (secure it with toothpick if you want), season with salt and pepper, and sear both sides in butter, then continue cooking in the oven at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.

Honey-Lime Sauce: Whisk together 2 tbsp honey, juice of 3 limes, 1 tbsp. pineapple juice, 2 tbsp. water. and 2 tbsp. sugar. Cook over medium heat and stir until thick. Serve drizzled over scallops!

Garlic-Roasted Asparagus: Cut the tough ends of the asparagus, wash and pat dry, then arrange in a baking sheet. Mix coarsely chopped garlic, scallop/bacon grease, and salt and pepper together and drizzle over asparagus. Broil in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.

(Fake-out) Java Rice: Saute onion, garlic, and chopped ham in butter. Add cooked rice, ketchup and soy sauce. Season with pepper. Cook until fluffy. Serve warm.

I am a HUGE scallop fan, and today Carl said, "Ok lets go grab some of your scallops from Costco!" When he said that, my eyes just went 5 times bigger than normal!!! Ha Ha Ha! (I am literally laughing at myself right now, because I didn't care if Costco's scallops were not really the ideal kind that I'd prefer, I just want some scallops, period).

I just have to say that we had a really hearty dinner. Try it sometimes, food doesn't have to fancy. Its the effort that matters most :)