tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29409751090868868042011-11-27T19:01:50.036-06:00A nest...Constructed carefully piece by piece, woven of a variety of strands, interlocking to nurture life, ideally consisting of nourishing, positive and inspirational connections, expressions and experiences. A nest...a metaphor for family, a group of similar or related things. This is a blog of recipes, news, projects, thoughts and other expressions intended to enhance creativity, optimism and a sense of community amongst those that I love, and they love, and on and on...Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.comBlogger281100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-46529887471088319922010-07-21T21:07:00.000-05:002010-07-25T17:08:59.796-05:00

Hello.  I'm back.  Please forgive me for just now posting an old May recipe/writeup.  I've had camera malfunctions, office relocations, and many other "issues" that have drained all creative flows right up.  However, today is the first day that I have been able to apply photographs to this.  I'll try very hard to make it up to you.  I really have missed y'all! So here goes the beginning of what I

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-14893554848982062382010-06-02T08:26:00.007-05:002010-06-04T22:15:22.706-05:00

Holy Cow this is truly a lickety split recipe.  It'll be done in a jiffy!  Really, I panicked yesterday as I was getting ready for work when I thought, for a second, that it was Wednesday and I had forgotten to post my "What's For Dinner Wednesday?" recipe.  That always happens when there is a holiday during the week.  I am off track and just can't seem to get the day right all week.  But then I

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-7459215898230867412010-05-31T17:56:00.004-05:002010-06-04T22:15:38.464-05:00

  Happy Memorial Day!  Today I give thanks to all who served and are currently serving this country so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we are so priveledged to have.  What a great country to be a citizen of!  So many of us take for granted all that we enjoy on a daily basis just because we live in this country.  I am not saying that our country is without flaws by any means, no one is perfect

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-3648550800659327282010-05-25T23:40:00.000-05:002010-07-25T17:08:45.213-05:00

With the Louisiana summer heat slowly creeping upon us, a fulfilling, refreshing, and simple meal is always welcome and will be even more so as the summer progresses.  Perfectly seasoned poached chicken breasts paired with a zesty crispy salad and rich salty feta cheese is the meal of the evening.  You won't believe the flavor that this dressing adds.  Literally, you'll want to lick the bowl

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-58595916637125168462010-05-18T21:23:00.003-05:002010-06-04T22:15:22.708-05:00

A speedy recipe will do just right today!  Beef, it's what's for dinner.  What's For Dinner Wednesday?  Mark's Hamburger Steak, Smothered Onions, and Gravy! We live in Cajun Country, in case you didn't know.  Hospitality and down home friendliness abounds here.  If you are so fortunate to have friends in the outer lying towns around the city of Lafayette, Louisiana consider yourself blessed. 

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-16699173780234789512010-05-17T22:44:00.011-05:002010-06-04T22:15:22.709-05:00

I'm back in full swing as of this past weekend.  Yes!  The past two weeks have been a bit of a struggle in numerous ways, and when my energy is zapped, my creative energy is the first to go.  No worries though, because this weekend I have begun the rejuvination process, thankfully.  And just in time, actually a little late, for my first Daring Cooks Challenge.  You're going to be in love with

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-9884255065975520642010-05-11T22:39:00.003-05:002010-05-11T23:04:06.649-05:00

Hello!  Another episode of "What's For Dinner Wednesday?" is upon us and this one is a two for one special.  Here you will find a wholesome warm and cool contrast of the cuisine of two ethnicities, both Lebanese and Indian.  Please don't be afraid to try this if you have never heard of it.  Believe me, you do not have to serve meat with this to feel like you have eaten a feast.  Your senses will

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-56392068117773313212010-05-05T07:30:00.003-05:002010-05-18T21:46:36.816-05:00

Hello Wednesday "Tune-Ins"!  It's so cool that we are getting a little routine Wednesday crew going.  I've gotten some regular feedback on "What's For Dinner Wednesday?" and it is sweeeeet!  Maybe next we'll see some "What's For Dinner Wednesday?" get together to cook thingamabobs happening.  I personally love a good excuse to get a few diverse characters together to attempt a creation or project

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-367979757330529352010-05-02T10:34:00.002-05:002010-05-02T13:54:25.545-05:00

Good Morning to all of my "Best From the Nest" Friends and Visitors!  You just don't know how much I appreciate the support that you have shown to this blog since it began.  I know, I know, it's still so new, but hey, with every day and every post, it gets more experienced and even better.  Hopefully.  This is the point of my blog post today.  With your help, I want to make this blog better in

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-59865614773083980562010-05-01T18:07:00.004-05:002010-05-02T10:21:54.634-05:00

Refreshing.  Sweet.  Beautiful to look at.  Everything you look for in a dessert recipe.  But wait, is it easy as well?  You bet!  Why can't everything so good be so simple? I have heard that your body craves what it is deficient in.  If that is the case, based upon the recent trending of my recipes, I think I need to go somewhere tropical.  Coconut, Lime, Pineapple, Cilantro, and Bananas have

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-6149010039294350162010-05-01T16:26:00.004-05:002010-05-01T20:27:44.898-05:00

What's up with this whole "Sanew" deal?  I'll make it short and sweet.  Way back when, like so far back that I can't even remember, I am told that I created a new slang for the word sandwich.  Obviously, proper pronunciation was not occurring at the time.  There is an excuse for it though, and an appropriate one at that.  I was maybe two years old.  The funny thing about this is that my siblings

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-56311721923617597022010-04-28T10:17:00.004-05:002010-07-13T15:12:56.924-05:00

It's almost May and Cinco de Mayo is coming up before we know it!  Maybe that's what put me in the mood for the recipe that I am about to share with you.  What's for Dinner Wednesday must be quick today.  I've got a full busy non-stop day ahead of me but wanted to be sure to get this on here for you.  You will love this recipe.  And if you have kids, or a husband, or a significant other, friend,

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-90859676959515876812010-04-25T14:53:00.000-05:002010-04-29T20:15:45.328-05:00

This past week has been so so busy and stimulating.  It would be fair to say that all of the colors of the wheel in my mind were in action.  Yesterday I thought to myself, "Wow, this week all of the hats were on, and even some that I wasn't even aware that I capable of wearing!"  Of course, new and different inspires me, so as of today, this Sunday, I am trying to recoup and prepare for another

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-35958307781629622322010-04-20T22:03:00.002-05:002010-04-29T20:16:08.936-05:00

I'm a little premature in posting this, but hey, it's almost Wednesday!  Another week just flying by!  Five days of "go-go-go!" and then two days of trying to catch up, then what do you know?  Seven more days gone.  While it is so easy to want to go and pick up something that doesn't require cooking for dinner every day of the week, this practice  really takes the fun out of going out to eat

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-81939800821885961722010-04-18T20:27:00.008-05:002010-04-18T22:32:17.772-05:00

Earlier Today I wrote this: I'm in a slight predicament.  I have three over-ripe bananas and a very ripe pineapple sitting here and am wondering what to make?  If you're feeling innovative, any ideas?  I'm thinking and will let you know by editing this post later on.  Obviously I could do Banana Bread or Pineapple Upside down cake.  Classic and so good.  But maybe I'll try something a little

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-276064822814466942010-04-13T22:07:00.001-05:002010-04-14T08:40:21.949-05:00

Culture to me is the spice of life.  I jump at every chance I get to learn about other cultures and am so appreciative of any opportunity that comes my way to taste authentic cooking of any ethnic cuisine.  THE REASON, really, that I love big cities, is because of this one factor alone.  That's it.  That's THE REASON.  The abundance of options when it comes to choices of ethnic restaurants and 

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-19984867873177577532010-04-12T22:06:00.001-05:002010-04-14T20:25:39.340-05:00

Do you have any friends from Lebanon?  If not, you definitely should.  You just don't know what you're missing out on. We have quite a few Lebanese friends and they are wonderful people.  Their FOOD, oh my goodness, their food is irresistable!  If ever you are fortunate enough to get invited to a get-together with authentic Lebanese food being served, just do not hesitate.  Immediately accept

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-14296303856309259062010-04-07T22:50:00.000-05:002010-04-08T18:05:57.564-05:00

"What's for Dinner Wednesday" is a new idea of mine.  I hope that it's something to look forward to and maybe even give you an idea of what to cook on a whim.  It also may help you if you're like me and have to write out somewhat of a meal plan on Sunday.  This helps me when I'm ravenous and just walking in the door from work at 6:00pm and can not for the life of me think of something to cook (

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-7280463076750282582010-04-06T19:46:00.000-05:002010-04-06T19:46:51.374-05:00

Hello Dear Friends! So, we officially wiped out the Lemon Butter Cake in less than a full day.  I know what my household is capable of doing to good food, especially the sweet stuff, so a few lucky folks at the office got to taste a square.  They were just not satisfied with the serving size though, I guess it was just a tease.  You'll see what why they felt that way when you make this! This has

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-91437934997155979972010-04-05T21:28:00.000-05:002010-04-10T22:58:44.999-05:00

Easter was oh so sweet this year for a few reasons. Reason #1:  Baby Nugget, the newest sibling to Fluffy Nugget, arrived Easter morning, hand delivered by the Easter Bunny to my nieces house.  A baby grey and white bunny, fitting perfectly in the palm of my hands and sleeping cuddled up to a stuffed animal rabbit in a large Easter basket was the big surprise in the Broussard household.  The

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-51174504543274155382010-04-03T11:09:00.001-05:002010-04-10T22:59:06.316-05:00

What an Egg 2010!Originally uploaded by Lisa AvantReady, Set, Go! The Easter Egg hunts are soon to begin. Whether young or old is neither here or there. We all love a good contest. This year, test your creative photography skills. No need to be a pro! It's all in fun. And after you are finished trying unsuccessfully to get the dye off of your fingers and out of your nails, submit a

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-30228457502909293652010-03-31T21:52:00.004-05:002010-05-01T20:48:39.112-05:00

I love Martha Stewart Living magazine, especially the annual Easter edition. There is something about a change of season, whether Spring or Fall that gets me going.  I also especially love the October and November issues every year.  It's kind of like when you know you're going on vacation soon to somewhere new and the countdown begins.  Everyday you get closer, somehow daily chores get done

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-43701280885051879952010-03-27T17:12:00.001-05:002010-04-10T22:59:18.087-05:00

If you have read any previous posts, you'll know that for the past two weeks I have been waiting for the hatching of two dove eggs in a nest in my courtyard.  From reading up on these peaceful and easily adapting birds, it usually takes 15 days or so for this to occur.  Two Fridays ago I managed to sneak a picture of two perfect little white dove eggs in the nest.  So the countdown began! 

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-4182724119385500122010-03-21T15:29:00.003-05:002010-03-21T19:47:08.952-05:00

 As the saying goes, "You have plans, and then you have life."  This has been the case for me so many times, and I know that I am not alone.  Sometimes when plans don't work out the way we intended, many not so comfortable emotions can arise, such as confusion, anger, negativity, disappointment etc.   Change of any kind can be a painful thing.  The majority of time, a sudden fork in the road or 

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-53071631180975455942010-03-20T22:30:00.001-05:002010-03-20T22:34:03.958-05:00

Recipe Alert:  Salty-Sweet Maple WalnutsThese can be used as a topping for ice cream, yogurt or oatmeal, on a salad or even better, eaten just as they are and right away.  They are candied and delicious!  We received a tin of them as a gift from a friend two years ago for Christmas.  They were devoured on the hour long drive home.  I begged for the recipe, received it and then lost it before I

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-87014478980636704242010-03-12T21:42:00.008-06:002010-03-13T15:52:50.534-06:00

Forgetfulness is a way of thinking for me, or something like that.  What I mean is, sometimes I do so many things at once and so many thoughts go through my mind simultaneously that there are moments that I have no clue what I am doing or why.  Sounds weird huh?  Well, the best way to focus in on a thought or a project, for me anyway, is to write about it.  So then I write it down. I recently

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-67785201272209251182010-03-10T21:20:00.010-06:002010-03-12T08:29:04.130-06:00

Now this, People, is good stuff.  If you want something fresh, filling and wholesome then you've gotta try it.  Plus, it's vegetarian, if your body craves a break from meat.  I love it and can promise you that you'll feel like a new man, or woman, once you eat this.  Nothing to feel guilty about here, if you're into that whole "feeling guilty" thing.  Just good food. To answer your question

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940975109086886804.post-2764765283314250042010-03-09T20:42:00.012-06:002010-04-10T22:59:28.666-05:00

After much procrastination, which anyone who knows me well understands is part of my nature, I have finally decided to begin my initial post.  I guess the term "Peeps" in this instance has a dual meaning  in relation to this blog.  Yes, it's cool to call your friends/family/supporters "Peeps".  I guess I'm still pretty cool (at least my Uncle J. told me so, and yes, I like to say that he is the 

Lisa Avanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157567832810632270noreply@blogger.com1