Honey Glaze – Soy Chicken Thighs

Here's a delicious chicken recipe. It's easy. Hope you like it.

Ingredients:
3 pounds chicken thighs
3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon cilantro
2 cloves garlic – chopped finely
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon basil
¼ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon parsley
½ lemon juiced
fresh ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons canola butter, melted
save for later - ½ cup honey for glaze
save for later - sesame seeds for garnish
save for later - fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:
Mix all the ingredients except honey, sesame seeds, and fresh parsley in a medium mixing bowl then put the marinate in fridge. Next remove the skin and fat from chicken thighs before rinsing well with cold tap water. Place the cleaned thighs in a large, deep oven baking pan; then spread evenly. Spoon the marinate over the chicken evenly covering each piece generously; using all the marinate. Place in fridge for 6 hours.

Six hours later. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
Remove chicken from the fridge. The marinate should still be on top of the chicken; if not use a spoon and spread back onto the top. Bake for 30 minutes on a higher rack.


After thirty minutes. Remove the pan from oven. Using tongs, remove each piece of chicken and place on a plate for a moment. Carefully pour the marinate into a metal bowl; use oven mitts for safety. Place the chicken back in the oven baking pan with the other side up. Next poor or spoon on the marinate over the top of the chicken; cover all pieces generously using all the marinate. Place back in the oven and bake for 30 more minutes on the higher rack.


After thirty minutes remove chicken from the oven. Using tongs, remove each piece and place in a large frying pan. Pour the ½ cup of honey over the chicken and cover. Cook on low heat for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, uncover and turn chicken over; then cover again. Bake for 10 minutes again.

Remove from heat and leave in pan covered until ready to serve. The honey will continue to glaze as long as you turn the chicken over every few minutes and keep covered until ready to serve.

When serving, garnish with sesame seeds and fresh parsley. Here's a picture of what my Honey Glaze – Soy Chicken Thighs looks like.

Honey Glaze - Soy Chicken Thighs

This recipe can be used on chicken legs, thighs, and wings. I hope you enjoy my Honey Glaze – Soy Chicken Thighs recipe.
May good fortune guide your path.
J.A. Ireland.

ALASKA; Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm Fjord

The Fjords Are Like Being In A Dream

Humpback Whale in Glacier Bay

When we booked our Alaska cruise, we didn't know what to look for. Some people will choose to sail on their favorite cruise line.  Others say to book for the port adventures, or onboard adventures. For many the question will be, do I want to see Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm Fjord? Both are enchanting and dreamlike, but different experiences.
When we cruised through the Tracy Arm Fjord, the ice, mountains, nature, and waterfalls seemed close enough to touch with the stunning Sawyer Glacier as a conclusion.
Glacier Bay National Park,  with it's vastness, huge bald eagles soaring high over the mountain tops,  glacier carved mountains, and streams ragging down the mountains.  After getting a wide perspective of Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm Fjord's vastness, we were able to see more of the small details.

Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park- Our day in Glacier Bay National Park on Holland America's Zaandam was breathtaking. We were blessed with a nice sunny day, with temperatures in the mid 50’s. We cruised through the St. John’s Inlet, and viewed the magnificent John Hopkins Glacier. Even though it was partially dirt covered, its majesty and splendor were breathtaking.
We were approximately 6 miles from it, but due to its vast nature; it looked to be only a quarter-mile away. Imagine our amazement when we were informed that we were 6 miles away from this giant natural wonder. As we gazed upon her beauty and splendor, we could see the light blue ice, which marks her timeless journey that began on the Fairweather Range on the eastern slope of the Lituya Mountains. John Hopkins Glacier, like many others in Alaska takes a journey that requires several hundred years to complete. Also, during our dreamlike cruise, we were filled with the wonders of hundreds of smaller glacial formations and picturesque waterfalls.

Alaskan Mountain Goats in Glacier Bay

We spotted, with our high-powered binoculars, many cream colored mountain goats that are living very happily on the rugged slopes of the snowy mountains. They are actually very easy to spot, high up on the mountainside due to their cream color. The cream color contrasts with the white snow and the green vegetation of the mountain side.
This very picturesque journey through the seemingly narrow channels of this unchallenged and vast ice wilderness will leave any traveler with perhaps the best memories of a lifetime. Glacier Bay National Park will live in our hearts. It was a glorious day.
Tracy Arm Fjord- During our day of sailing through the majestic Tracy Arm Fjord, the weather was more typically Alaskan. We were bundled in layers, as the cold drizzly rain fell from the overcast sky. Fog engulfed the ship at each turn along the fjord and gave us more unexpected surprises with it.

Tracy Arm Fjord

We sailed on this cruise with Disney Cruise Line on the Disney Wonder. As the Wonder turned into the vast entrance to the breathtaking Fjord, we were immediately taken in with her heavenly beauty. The vastness of her incredible size was unfathomable as we slowly sailed through her still waters.
The mountains appeared to be only one quarter mile high from the cruise ship deck even though we were told they were 4-6 miles high. Slowly sailing along, we saw more cream colored mountain goats walking on the sides of mountains and bald eagles soaring majestically above. Sea otters and seals were also plentiful. Seals were lying on the floating, blue ice chunks from the calving glaciers.

Seals on Glacial Ice

While standing on the cruise deck we felt as though we were experiencing another world.  A world that was untouched by man and by man measurements. Objects appeared a half mile away but were actually seven or eight miles away.  Alaska is so big. It's vastness is something one must experience from a cruise deck or other means to understand.
We began to see large chunks of blue glacial ice, from a calving glacier, floating by in the calm water. Often times we could spot a seal lying on the floating ice, watching us curiously as we sailed by. With each turn of the fjord, we could feel that we were going to experience something very special.
While approaching Sawyer Glacier, we noticed that the ship was sailing even slower. As we were now approaching a large field of floating blue ice, we began to see more seals, moms and their pups. To determine safe passage, the captain had to very slowly navigate around these large chunks of blue ice. This is there home. We're the intruders. The captain was very slow and cautious.

Sawyer Glacier With Humpback Whale Fluke

Reaching Sawyer Glacier at last, our cruise ship remained a safe distance, as to not disturb the hundreds of seals sunning themselves on the solid blue ice bergs that were calved from the glacier. As we viewed the awe inspiring creation of nature, we were captivated by the vast splendor of this famous glacier. We were stunned when we were informed that the face of Sawyer Glacier was over six miles wide, and 300 to 400 feet tall. To us, it seemed only a fraction of that size. This was a further testimony to the vastness of these incredible Fjords. We watched as Sawyer Glacier slowly calves many small and large pieces. We heard the crack, like thunder, and down the ice crashes into the freezing waters below. I remember standing there in awe as the calving continued. The journey these glaciers make down from high in the Alaskan mountains takes several hundred years concluding by slowly calving in the fjords.
The cold rain was still coming down. I had a coffee mug in my hands. But this moment was not to be missed. We realized that time and distance have no meaning to a glacier. One hundred years is merely an instant, and for this vast untamed wilderness, several feet can equal many miles. Our senses are rendered useless as we span this heavenly, unimaginable land. We were standing on the deck  watching, while taking it all in for about 45 minutes.  Our ship was just quiet. People were quietly captivated and immersed in their own reflective experiences.

Disney Wonder in Tracy Arm Fjord

Slowly, one by one, people started leaving the deck. The ship slowly swirled around and began the slow, still awe inspiring, journey back through the Tracy Arm Fjord. Even though the deck was practically empty, we stayed top side to enjoy the magnificent splendor even more. This is when life long memories are created. The deck was all but deserted when we finally went in to warm up. And regrettably. Sailing the Tracy Arm Fjord was truly another world that we sailed through. We remember staying on deck to soak in every possible moment of this heavenly, magical, mesmerizing sight. It too, was a glorious day that will live in our hearts.
Is a cruise inside Glacier Bay National Park or Tracy Arm Fjord in your future? Often times the decision of which fjord is decided by which cruise company a person chooses. If you shop Alaska Cruises you'll see what I mean.
If you want my opinion, from the perspective of a Disney Castaway Cay Gold Club Member, experienced traveler, fantasy / fiction / spiritual author, chef, blogger. In my opinion, either choice will provide you with a heavenly vacation and fill your minds with awe and wonder. Alaska is a world of it's own; it's a place you can visit over and over again. As we have. If you are planning an Alaskan Cruise, and I hope you are, you will leave this Yukon paradise with memories that will last a lifetime.
May good fortune guide your path.
J.A. Ireland.

HEART HEALTHY PIZZA / CARROTS / SALAD

Hi Everyone,

Today I’m cooking one of my favorite meals; homemade pizza. By making it myself, I can load up the healthy toppings at an affordable price. I can also ensure to the healthy nature of the meal. I will also make oven bake carrots and take advantage of the heated oven. For us, a spinach salad is also an almost daily vegetable.
Last night I removed a frozen roll of bread dough from our freezer. I placed it on a plate and covered it tightly with several layers of plastic wrap. Next I covered the plate with a dark towel to sit and thaw / rise until I was ready to make my pizza crust.

Ingredients:
One Roll White Bread Dough Bought Frozen Then Thawed
½ Pound Mild Ground Italian Sausage
4.5 oz. Sliced Turkey Pepperoni
Two cups 5 Cheese Italian, low fat, low sodium
One cup Parmesan Cheese, low sodium, low fat
Small 14 oz. Jar of low sodium Pizza Sauce
One can Black Olives
One Large Onion
One Large Bell Pepper
8 oz. mini Portabella Mushrooms

Prep work:
Cook the sausage. Drain and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the grease. Next chop the olives, onion, peppers, and mushrooms. Put everything including sausage (discard grease soaked paper towel) into separate bowls. Place all in the fridge until later.
Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees. Spray your pizza pan with non- stick. I use either canola or extra virgin olive oil non- stick.
Time to make the pizza crust. Don’t worry. It’s easy. Use a counter top or table. I use my kitchen counter. Put a large pinch of flour on the counter and unwrap the dough. It should look similar to a large mushroom ball. Here is a picture.

Dough Raised and Ready to Roll

Don’t play with it. Put the dough on the flour then turn it over. Begin rolling. Roll just enough to fit your pan; if you can. If you can’t, don’t worry; it’s easy to stretch, once in the pan. Complete this process quickly; then carefully peel off the counter. Lay in the pan with the edges over the rim of your pizza pan. If the dough isn’t big enough, gently push from the middle to the outside edges. It stretches easily on the non-stick spray. Complete this process quickly as well. Next, tuck the excess dough inside the edges. If there is a tear in the dough; don’t worry. Pinch off some of the excess dough on the wall and fill in the tear(s). No one, not even you will be able to tell. Next, use a fork to prick many small holes in the crust so it doesn’t bubble while baking. Don’t destroy your work; just vent it. Next, sprinkle on whatever spices you like. The spices I’m putting on my pizza are; garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, Italian, pepper.

My Pizza Crust Seasoned and Ready to Bake

This is what my pizza crust looks like before baking. Here is a picture. I’m going to bake the crust for 6 minutes at 400 degrees on the top rack.
When the crust is cooked, remove from the oven. I’m ready to make my pizza.
Make The Pizza:
I start with ½ bag of five Cheese Italian on the crust ( all spread evenly)
¾ of the jar of pizza sauce (save the rest for dipping sauce)
Italian Sausage
Portabella Mushrooms
Onions
Bell Peppers
Black Olives
The rest of the cheese
Lastly; Turkey Pepperoni on top.

Ready to bake

It's ready to bake. Here's a picture.

My Heart Healthy Pizza Ready to Serve to My Hungry Family

I bake the pizza for about 30- 35 minutes on the top rack. The time varies. I cut it after 10 minutes and continue baking. Here are before and after baking pictures. Isn't it a beautiful pizza; and heart healthy.
It's hard to see but this pizza is almost an inch thick, and full of natural juices.

Next: My Carrots

Ingredients:
½ bag whole carrots
Orange Marmalade Jelly
Caraway Seeds
Preparation:
Spray baking pan with non-stick. Wash carrots and peel. Cut carrots in half; long ways. Coat generously with orange marmalade jelly and place in pan, flat side up; sprinkle lightly with caraway seeds. Bake next to pizza for 30 min.

These Carrots Have a Sweet, Orange, Nutty Flavor

Next: My Salad
Baby Spinach
Shredded Red Cabbage
Cucumber
Tomato
One can Garbanzo Beans / colander drained to remove salt

Many Days a Week We Enjoy a Fresh Spinach Salad in Our Home

Next: My Salad Dressing
We use a variety of Italy and Greek combo’s. As long as it’s a blend of canola or extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar plus spices, it’s fine with us.
That’s my heart healthy Sunday meal for this week. I hope you give it a try.
Thanks for stopping by.
J.A. Ireland

BERMUDA; Beauty Beyond Imagination

Fellow Travelers,

BERMUDA FERRY

We have been blessed to travel to many beautiful destinations, but none as breathtaking as the Island of Bermuda. We sailed to the United Kingdom Island onboard Norwegian Cruise Line and enjoyed our stay of several days.
Our last memorable day was spent in the capital; Hamilton. We enjoyed a very enjoyable and scenic ferryboat ride from Dockyard to the charming city. We sailed across the Great Sound again taking in the islands beauty once more from the water. Magnificent. The weather was perfect,with blue skies and very comfortable temperatures.
When we arrived in Hamilton, our ferry captain dropped us off at Front Street. This is the heart for Bermuda’s tourist and resident businesses. All along the street, we could see the colorful landscape of pastel businesses. We enjoyed the sights of open-air trolleys, mopeds by the hundreds, and some cars lining the streets. This is a place to buy that perfect souvenir.
Another interesting sight to remember was the residents going into their places of business wearing Bermuda business suits. These consisted of a dress shirt, sport coat, and matching Bermuda shorts, long socks, and shoes. This seemed  perfectly normal attire; how nice.

      Bermuda Open Air Trolley

As we had booked a shore excursion that day, we had just enough time to meet up with our tour guide. Our shore excursion was to spend a delightful couple of hours touring downtown Hamilton on one of these open-air trolleys. Our guide shared with us many interesting facts about his island. He told us about the architecture, home ownership, and pointed out many different building to us.

           Front Street in Hamilton, Bermuda

As we journeyed through the streets, our driver stopped in front of the HSBC bank on Front Street. We were fascinated as he explained that the quaint little bank enjoyed deposits that exceeded several billion dollars. “No Way “was our response. It was only a small, simple bank.

Johnny Barnes Statue in Bermuda
"Mr. Happy Man"

Along our tour, one of the most unforgettable and impressive structures that we saw was a tribute to Johnny Barnes. Our tour guide explained the history of this local legend. Each morning for more than 50 years, Johnny Barnes stood at the roundabout at Trimingham Hill. He stood there waving cheerfully to the vast commuters who were going to work. He was wishing them well and wishing them a pleasant day on their jobs.
As a tribute, the good people of Bermuda erected a statue in his honor at the very spot where he stood and cast his well wishes on the commuters.  The people of Bermuda refer to him as “Mr. Happy Man.” A trip to Hamilton is not complete without a visit to the statue of Johnny Barnes. We believe this gives a spirit to the island and is a strong testimony to the people of Bermuda.
This day ended our splendid three days on this beautiful, picturesque island. There was so much to see on Bermuda. We have memories from King's Wharf Dockyard to St. George with its delightful views along the way, Bermuda’s pastel homes and pink sand beaches, and Hamilton with its island tribute. It just overwhelms the senses.

             Bermuda's Pink Sand Beaches

The beautiful coral reef island of Bermuda is not only about its famous pink sand beaches. There is so much more. Bermuda’s interesting culture, architecture, and as perfect island paradise will provide lasting memories.
The Island of Bermuda is a must see if you are a traveler or a cruiser. There is so much more to write about. The island was so fascinating. I will continue my tales of our Bermuda cruise in later articles. Thanks for stopping by. Ja