a night at the opry

It's been pretty quiet around the Crenshaw place. We have both been really busy at work, so that's excellent. However, it leaves us wanting to relax on the weekends and not get too busy.

It's been a month ago now, but we took a little trip over to the Opryland. We stayed at the hotel, ate at Ristorante Volare and then went to the Grand Ole Opry to see Carrie Underwood! You might remember, I like her just a little bit. :) However, I have competition in the fan category as I am not an official member of the Carrie Underwood fan club. Yes, I might a lady who was and had on the t-shirt to prove it. I was shamed. (Remember when people used to say that?)

It was a great little get-a-way. Of course, I'm always impressed by the expanse and beauty of the hotel (but will never forget how they get $$ at every turn!). The food at the restaurant was delicious (I had rigatoni and Jon had steak). The show was amazing.

As you may or may not know, the Opry has multiple performers during a show. For example that night Josh Turner and Carrie Underwood were the big names, but they only sang 2-3 songs each. You get to see an interesting mix of bluegrass, classic country, etc. all while they do the old school radio show. I can't wait to take my Dad--he will love it.

Next up: Easter complete with a roast. I'll let you know if I go out on any limbs and cook anything different. After that: Super Bulldog Weekend and I cannot wait!

not for cheese haters

So, I am probably not the best of chefs. I love the idea of trying crazy, difficult dishes, but I tire easily of the steps and clean-up. I love to bake though. It's different when you're doing all that work and something sugary, sweet is the outcome.

However, I have been trying to do better about cooking meals. Today I have decided to share an indulgent, unhealthy casserole I love.

It came to me without a formal name from my mother-in-law. It's pure cheesy goodness, but that wasn't enough of a description. So, I have named it Cheesy Chicken Tortilla casserole.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless chicken breasts
- 16 oz of shredded Monterrey Jack and Cheddar Cheese
- 1 medium white onion chopped
- 2 Tbsp margarine
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (I did use the low-sodium/low-fat kind)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (ditto on the low-sodium/low-fat)
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 can of Rotel
- 8-10 flour tortillas

Boil the chicken, cool and shred. Keep the broth from the chicken. Saute onion and margarine. Combine soups, milk, Rotel and onion in a bowl and stir well. Pour a very small amount of broth (just enough to coat the bottom) into a well greased casserole dish or glass baking pan. Place the bottom layer of tortillas in the dish. Then layer chicken, sauce and cheese. Repeat the layering process, starting with tortillas and ending with cheese,of course. (You can soak the middle layer of tortillas in the broth if you want them to be very soft in the casserole)

Cover and refrigerate overnight (or a few hours would probably be fine). Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

catching up...

So, what better to do on a rainy Saturday afternoon than finally catch up on my blog? Well, honestly, I think a nap would be nice. However, I will write.

I think that a while back I was tagged to write 10 things about myself. This is better than 25 (stupid facebook).

1. I love to blog stalk. If you have a blog, I have probably read it. If you don't have one, I've probably read about you on one of your friends blogs. I know that I'm going to see one of my stalkees one day and mistakenly say something to them that lets them know I've pretty much been keeping up with their life, even though they have no idea who I am.
2. I love doing laundry. This excludes ironing. I hate to iron because I am terrible at it. Who likes to do something that makes them feel bad about their domestic skills?
   
3. We (my dear husband and I) watch Nascar. Sue me, but the beginning and end are pretty exciting. (Go Jr.)
   
4. I only have 24 teeth. I think most normal adults have 32.
5. I have started a fund to purchase a Louis Vuitton handbag. Louis, I'll see you in like 2012.
6. I like miniature things. For example, I used to carry a mini stapler, mini highlighters, mini sharpies, etc. in my backpack. I guess one of my facts should also be that I'm a major nerd.
7. I love to spend the night in hotel rooms, but only really clean and nice ones. My family has always taken lots of trips and vacations, so I've stayed in a lot of hotel rooms. It's just never lost its appeal.
8. I crave Noshville's grilled cheese and fries.
9. Jonathan and I like mexican food. For example, we have in one week, eaten tacos, fajitas and burritos.
   
10. I HATE this commercial. I think it is disgusting and right up there with the worst commercials ever made. I get angry, seriously angry, every time it comes on.

tagged?

So, I have definitely been on a blogging vacation. I love to read blogs and even write on mine occasionally, but after staring at a computer all day at work it can be hard for my tired eyes. But, enough whining from me.
Apparently, I have been tagged by two different people to do two different things. I'll start with Jennifer's tag (since she pretty much threatened my life if I didn't) to go to the sixth folder on my computer and get the sixth image. So, here we go:


This is a pew at the Ryman Auditorium. One of my favorite places in the whole world. I've seen some great shows at the Ryman and took the full backstage tour not too long ago (I love being a tourist in my own town sometimes). The whole place is steeped in history and tradition.

Ok, so Marianna tagged me as well, but it's a little more difficult. I have to come up with 10 things about myself. That is for another night...