Today started like any other, that is until I got a flat tire on the way to taking the kids to school.  As I pulled over, I realized that all the plans I had for the day before me would be put on the shelf .  Life had alternate plans for me today. 🙂

With speedy roadside assistance and my trusty spare tire, I was able to get the kids to school and made it to the tire shop.  I thought my tire would need a simple patch, but as it turns out new tires would be needed most likely.  No problem….  I walked to a nearby coffee shop, and enjoyed a muffin and mocha with my little guy.  I happened to bring my new cookbook from my Mom and we then walked to the grocery store.  May as well plan a nice dinner for later.  After a few hours (and by now the little guy was getting a bit restless and started looking for trouble), I returned to the tire shop.  Bad news – they recommended more extensive work that would take the entire day.  This was my excuse to then walk straight over to my favorite Japanese restaurant and enjoy lunch, just the two of us.  It was interesting to sit back and observe the groups out on their business lunches, while I helped my 2 year old sip green tea.  He was so good and as it turns out, loves bean sprout salad.  Afterward I decided to just deal with it, and walk the entire way home.  I rescued a huge poinsettia that was heading for a trash truck – the gentleman offered me more – beautiful white and red poinsettias, but unfortunately I could only carry so much home.  I must have been a sight to see with groceries hanging off the stroller everywhere (including these cookies – it is dangerous that they now sell them outside of their home-state, MD), and peeking out from my big potted flower.  I was so thankful I decided to wear reasonable shoes instead of the new heels I contemplated wearing today.

Cell phone shot - he's still chipper...then fell asleep on the walk home.

The day ended on a good note – that meal I planned was DELICIOUS.  I must share this recipe with you, in case you’re stumped for dinner ideas.  I think the fresh ingredients really made the difference.  I doubled the recipe, which made plenty for our family of 6.

Steak Tips with Peppered Mushroom Gravy

(Cooking Light Annual Recipes 2011)

2 c. uncooked egg noodles

Cooking spray

1 lb. top sirloin steak, cut into ¾ inch pieces

1 Tbsp. butter

2 Tbsp. finely chopped shallots

1 (8 oz) package presliced baby bella mushrooms

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce

3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups fat-free, less-sodium beef broth

½ tsp. black pepper

¼ tsp. salt

3 fresh thyme springs

1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves (optional)

1. Cook noodles according to package directions, omitting salt. Drain.

2. While the noodles cook, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add steak; sauté 5 minutes, browning on all sides. Remove from pan; cover.

3. Melt butter in pan over medium high heat. Add shallots and mushrooms; sauté 4 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Stir in soy sauce. Sprinkle flour over mushroom mixture; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add broth, stirring constantly. Add pepper, salt, and thyme springs. Bring to a boil; cook 2 minutes or until thickened. Return beef to pan; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Discard thyme springs. Garnish with thyme leaves, if desired. Yield: 4 servings.

I’m hoping my day is a bit less eventful tomorrow.  Thank goodness it’s the weekend!  And registration for the new ArtBLISS workshop will open!