Early morning

This morning started off way too early, especially since my toddler woke up with a bad dream around 2 am, and then I couldn't fall back to sleep for ages. I wanted to get some testing done for work early since my boy is home with me on Thursdays. Juggling work and a toddler who wants to swordfight and gallop through the house is a challenge that I've happily taken on.

The legs are hurting from a run yesterday and it's got me motivated for the spring running season. I can't wait until it's not frightful outside so I can get out there instead of on the "dreadmill" at the gym.

So for dinner tonight I'm making my mom's famous BBQ sauce. I've decided to post the recipe here and try to upload the picture that I took when I used it in the family cookbook I created in 2008. I'm also going to try my hand at sweet potatoes... something I must admit I've never cooked. The marshmallow ooey gooey thing at some Thanksgiving tables turned me off (or are those yams? and is there a difference? see... this is why I might be a foodie, but I'm no chef...). I did find a recipe from weight watchers that sounded good, and if not I might just bake them up as some mock sweet potato fries.

Now this recipe has 2 versions, the one with lemon & worcestershire, and the one with lime & teriyake. Apparently the great people that spawned me are leaning towards the lime one lately, so that's what I've been making as well.


















Mom's BBQ Sauce

1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (or Teriyaki sauce)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (or lime juice)
2 tablespoons red wine
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
10 - 12 dashes liquid smoke (or to taste)

Place all in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add liquid smoke if desired.

I plan on smothering some pork chops in that sauce and broiling them.

Now for those sweet potatoes... it will have to be this one, or simply cut like fries, drizzle with some EVOO and bake. Anyone have an opinion? :)

Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Serves: 8
WW points: 1

3 medium sweet potato(es), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (about 2 pounds)
2 medium garlic clove(s), peeled
1/2 cup(s) plain fat-free yogurt, Greek-variety recommended
4 tsp sugar
1/8 tsp table salt, or more to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste

Place potatoes and garlic in a large saucepan and pour in enough water to cover potatoes. Set pan over high heat and bring to a boil. Boil until potatoes are fork-tender, about 8 minutes.

Drain potatoes and garlic; transfer potatoes and garlic to a large bowl. Add yogurt and sugar to bowl; mash until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Yields about 1/2 cup per serving.

Ok, I'm off to call Mom, check in on work, and start my day. Hoping I can squeeze in my shower before the boy wakes up! Oh, and I never did get lunches prepped last night, so this morning I'm going to throw together that broccoli cole slaw!

Toodles!

~M