Friday, October 26, 2012

RIP BIG TEX

First off, everyone should take some time to check out http://eatthebabies.com/; it's not my site but a random guy who took the time out to buy the domain name. Something my literary agent should have done. But he has some funny stuff on his website and worth checking out- I had some good laughs. Keep up the good work site title twin.

Had we known that Big Tex was going to become a towering inferno with a creepy waving hand, we might have spent more time at the State Fair of Texas.  Here is a nice little song in memory of Big Tex:



The Baby had a blast year and we hoped she would relive her crazy antics. For some odd reason, I always remember the Baby having the most grandiose time; jovial and laughing the entire time. Not being a terrible two bitch. This year, she was pretty well behaved.

We took the rail to the park because we're trying to be green and it's cheaper than the $16 parking. We've ridden on the rail before with Baby and she didn't do anything special but I guess she is at the point in her life where everything is cool.


She would watch the scenery buzz right by and just be astonished. Unfortunately the train ride was so much fun she didn't want to get off and threw a tantrum but all would be well as soon as we stepped in she was back to her normal self.

The day started off with an order or nachos for me and deep fried chocolate covered strawberries for the Wifey. The Baby loves chocolate. Absolutely loves it. If her fingers could always be covered in it, she would never stop licking her fingers.  Our first photo op was the obligatory fountain picture.

Our first stop was the car show so the Baby could play in the cars. We probably weren't well liked by the car people but the Baby had a blast. For some reason she only picked blue and red cars.


She wasn't as interested in the dog show - which is sad because that is our yearly tradition to see the three legged dog splash into the pool. We left and went to Big Tex. Our last photo before Big Tex would experience spontaneous combustion.






The next stop was the kid's farm thing. Usually we breeze right through it but this year the Baby was actually interested in performing the tasks at hand. Feeding the chickens, milking the cow, riding the tractor.












We moved on to the petting zoo. The Baby has no fear. She would just shove her animal feed through the gate so the animals would eat. The Wifey was worried she would come out with one less finger.



The family even decided to go to the kid's rides and see what all she could ride.  Unfortunately she is under 36inches in height so we didn't have many options. Our only choice was sitting inside a big, spinning bear. The Wifey was terrified because of the machine was creaking and making weird noises but the Baby absolutely loved it. Next year is going to be even better; hopefully she'll be tall enough to ride the rides herself. The Baby is such a thrill seeker.






Our day ended soon afterwards and the Baby was passed out on the train. A pretty successful trip to the fair.

RIP Big Tex. Circa 1951 - 10/19/2012

When my wife called to tell me she was bringing home dinner from Honey Baked Ham Co, I had to check my calendar to make sure I wasn't forgetting a special occasion. Typically we'll get a honey-baked ham for the holidays and a big plate of their ham is usually the only thing I can find solace in after another Cowboys loss. But my wife told me she wanted to try out Honey Baked's New Recipe Turkey Breast. I didn't know if I was more shocked that my wife had decided on dinner or that Honey Baked Ham actually made turkey as well.

The turkey didn't even make the plate before a piece was bitten off.


Much like the ham, the turkey does not need to be warmed up which makes for easy preparation. She also brought home sides of  and broccoli rice casserole and herb stuffing, which took about an hour to heat up. I am used to microwaving my boxed dressing so I was easily impressed. The dressing was very herbacious and stayed moist after I took it out of the oven. It was a very nice complement to Honey Baked's new roasted turkey breast.







 I don't think I have ever met a broccoli rice casserole I didn't like but Honey Baked makes one that I wouldn't mind to Facebook friend request. Cheesy, ricey, and broccoliy = delicious.


The roasted turkey breast didn't disappoint either. Serving the juicy turkey breast without warming it up guarantees my favorite part is still intact: the chips of sweet glaze that engulf the turkey breast. It's a delightful turkey dinner without the time and mess and the fight for the wishbone.



But the best part was the pie. I'm usually not a big fan of frozen pies but the Apple Caramel Walnut pie was a hit as it did not last long enough for to me take a picture. The walnuts were a great addition to the pie as it provided texture and crunch to the soft apple filling.

The only complaint I do have is the amount of cook time needed to make the sides and dessert. This is not something you can pick up from Honey Baked Ham Co., and have it ready as soon as you kick off your shoes. But it is worth the wait; especially if you'll be bringing it to a party or planning a nice dinner.

Honey Baked Ham Co., you have yourselves a winner. Now I'll be the favorite guest when I bring both ham and turkey to my holiday parties.


For anyone else interested in trying it out, Honey Baked Ham Co. is offering a $3 coupon at the link below:

http://www.honeybakedtotherescue.com/pdfs/Coupons-LetsTalkTurkey.pdf

*Honey Baked Ham did provide a delicious meal for me to review, but the thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own.