So I finally pulled the trigger and ordered the parts for a HTPC for my living room. Once I get it all built and setup, I’m probably going to cancel my cable subscription. I’m pretty excited about the specs of the new machine:
- Intel Core i3-530 2.93GHz (with on-die HD graphics)
- Biostar Eco i2 case & motherboard w/Intel H55 chipset & IR remote
- 2 GB DDR3 1333MHz RAM
- 500GB 7200 RPM HD
- DVD/CD RW
- 802.11 b/g/n USB adapter
All for about $400 shipped. I’m hoping to get everything in by Friday so I can build it over the weekend. Then I’ll slap Windows 7 and Boxee on it and watch me some hulu.
Last night’s dinner: Three-Cheese Pizza with Shrimp, Bacon, Avocado, and More.
Toppings: sundried tomato Alfredo sauce, garlic, drizzle of white truffle oil, shredded mozzarella cheese, crimini mushrooms, black olives, red onion, bacon, shrimp, avocado, ricotta cheese, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese.
Finished with some crushed red pepper, it was awesome. Next time, we might do something more interesting with the shrimp first and may forego the truffle oil.
I’ve been cooking and eating rather well lately — mostly with my lovely girlfriend. Here are some of the super-tasty things we’ve made so far:
Steak with Grilled Avocado
Grilled steak served with lightly-grilled avocado halves.
BAMF Burgers
Grilled Bison burgers with Avocado, sauteed Mushrooms, and Swiss cheese (Fromage) all on a toasted onion roll.
Salmon Avocado Sandwiches
Sauteed salmon, sliced avocado, and garlic-caper aioli on a toasted sesame-seed roll served with extra sliced avocado and garlic-cheese bread.
Gnocchi with Fresh Pesto Sauce
Gnocchi tossed with a freshly-made pesto sauce, served with rosemary-garlic artisan bread and roasted garlic.
Beef Stir Fry
Strips of beef, red bell pepper, broccoli, zucchini, crimini mushrooms, shallots, and Serrano pepper, all stir fried in teriyaki sauce, served … read more »
