December Filers

[Lise+Michael 13]

Good Morning fellow December filers:

Our recipe contributions continues to grow, we received 2 more contributions from Mark & Jamila and from Matthew & Tara!

Derek & Callie (Australia); Michael & Lise (Canada); Alex & Joan (Dominic Republic)

Sean & Sonoko (Japan); Nicole & Emilio (Mexico); kristen_maroc (Morocco)

Nea & Ola (Nigeria); Marcia & Danny (Poland); Swissmiss2 (Switzerland)

Mari & Kadir (Turkey); Phillipe & Anzhelika (Ukraine); Gyselle (Singapore)

Mochamich (Haiti); Inna & Stass (Israel); Lena & Igor (Ukraine)

Jonathan & Izabela (Armenia); Jennifer & Byron (South Africa); Pauly & Ning (Philippines)

Wendie and Sam (United Kingdom); Lee & Jeni Bee (Philippines); Ashley & Meinard (South Africa)

Elmer & Jen (Philippines); Reilly & Carrie (United Kingdom); Mark & Jamila (Guyana)

Matthew & Tara (Canada)

Let’s all encourage members from the 24 countries who are on the "recipe wall of shame" below to contribute! Please encourage your fiance to share a recipe...if they do not cook as a rule maybe someone in their family would share, maybe while visiting you tasted something that was really good. It does not need to be a complicated recipe...a simply dessert, a yummy salad...I would like to have all recipes in by the end of this month so I can collate them in a recipe book fashion. We would love to have contributions from the following countries:

Albania; Argentina; Brazil; China, Columbia;; England; Guyana; Ghana; Guatemala; Honduras; India; Ireland; Ivory Coast; Jamaica; Macedonia;

New Zealand; Peru; Russia; South Korea; Taiwan; Thailand; United Arab Emirates; United States; Venezuela

Have a great week everybody! Hoping to see some more NOA2s this week!!!

Lise

[wendie and sam 4]

I'm so happy to see so many CSC NOA2approvals for the Decemberite family. Your joy truly inspires those of us at VSC that the end is near for our Decembrite group!! Thanks for keeping us updated and warm wishes as you continue on your journey!

As for me, life went on this weekend with the fitness challenge, I ran 8 miles Friday and another 3 on Sunday. Marine Corps Marathon countdown is at the 6th month mark so it's time to take my training into high gear!! Although I'm still doing a very slow run/jog, I'm very excited to be nearing the double digits in miles so early in my trianing. And my skirts are fitting fantastic!!

I also did some crazed wedding shopping this weekend. I found the most beatiful custom made ring bearer's pillows on ETSY this weekend. I highly recommend this artisan to anyone who wants a unique and beautiful pillow. Check out mine: Wendie's ring bearer pillow

I did get my moroccan lanterns and received my sample invitation papers from Cards and Pockets and the Envelope Mall. I do have to say the sample colors are absolutely awesome and I would definitely recommending ordering some samples from these vendors if you're interested in partial DIY invitations. Although the Cards and pockets samples are a bit expensive

Anyway, have a good day folks, hopefully with VSC moving onto October/November we'll be seeing VSC December NOA2s soon!!!

[DiZZyLoX 114]

Woooooooohooooo!!!

VSC did you see? Oct/Nov flying by! We're next!!!!!

Updated 04.18.2011

VSC:

Congrats to the NOA2s at CSC!!!!

CSC:

[nikolacolada 21]

Hey, sorry I went silent for a couple of weeks. I was obsessing over Igor's List and decided I needed to take a step back. So I went AWOL for a little while for my own sake. Congratulations to the Decemberites who got their NOA2s.

I had to do that too a few months back... Now I just don't check igors list that frequently. I realized that I have to take that list with a grain if salt because it relies in members updating their timelines and I went through and it looks like atleast the first 80 people in the list have probably already gotten their NOA2s and just haven't updated ... For Vermont atleast.

Now I mostly come to visajourney to check in with the decemberites :-)

[nikolacolada 21]

Aw so cool!! We sent out "save the month" cards because we still don't have a date yet lol. But it was exciting just to send them. It finally feels like some day it will finally happen and there will be a wedding we're going to e worrying about instead if a visa :-p

I'm so happy to see so many CSC NOA2approvals for the Decemberite family. Your joy truly inspires those of us at VSC that the end is near for our Decembrite group!! Thanks for keeping us updated and warm wishes as you continue on your journey!

As for me, life went on this weekend with the fitness challenge, I ran 8 miles Friday and another 3 on Sunday. Marine Corps Marathon countdown is at the 6th month mark so it's time to take my training into high gear!! Although I'm still doing a very slow run/jog, I'm very excited to be nearing the double digits in miles so early in my trianing. And my skirts are fitting fantastic!!

I also did some crazed wedding shopping this weekend. I found the most beatiful custom made ring bearer's pillows on ETSY this weekend. I highly recommend this artisan to anyone who wants a unique and beautiful pillow. Check out mine: Wendie's ring bearer pillow

I did get my moroccan lanterns and received my sample invitation papers from Cards and Pockets and the Envelope Mall. I do have to say the sample colors are absolutely awesome and I would definitely recommending ordering some samples from these vendors if you're interested in partial DIY invitations. Although the Cards and pockets samples are a bit expensive

Anyway, have a good day folks, hopefully with VSC moving onto October/November we'll be seeing VSC December NOA2s soon!!!

[nikolacolada 21]

Hey Dizzy... If we're going by the date on the NOA1 and not by the date that we actually recieved the NOA1 in the mail than my NOA1 date is actually December 2nd.. I would post a link to my timeline like you asked but my computer died yesterday and I'm working off of an iPhone until further notice :-( lol

Woooooooohooooo!!!

VSC did you see? Oct/Nov flying by! We're next!!!!!

Updated 04.18.2011

VSC:

Congrats to the NOA2s at CSC!!!!

CSC:

[Bec_Dipu 103]

Now I mostly come to visajourney to check in with the decemberites :-)

Every time I see your user name, I wish I was on a beach with a cocktail, preferably a Pina Colada *sigh* It makes me very unproductive at work

[DiZZyLoX 114]

Hey Dizzy... If we're going by the date on the NOA1 and not by the date that we actually recieved the NOA1 in the mail than my NOA1 date is actually December 2nd.. I would post a link to my timeline like you asked but my computer died yesterday and I'm working off of an iPhone until further notice :-( lol

Hey!! if you're already on the list I don't really need your timeline

I'll update for ya! i LOVE the idea of "Save The Month"!

[Bec_Dipu 103]

Dipu and I have been “arguing” for weeks over this recipe stuff. He doesn’t understand why anyone would use a recipe…a cook should just cook. And if he were going to turn in a recipe, it would be for cheeseburgers because that’s what he loves. Sooooo, I’m turning in two of my favorite Indian dishes and my Dipu’s favorite too

Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients

Marinade:

1 cup plain yogurt, whisked until smooth

3 tablespoons Ginger-Garlic Paste, recipe follows (or 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger and 3 cloves garlic put through a garlic press or finely minced)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, poked with a fork, and cut into large bite-sized chunks

Sauce:

2 teaspoons olive oil

3 tablespoons butter

1/3 cup Ginger-Garlic Paste, recipe follows (or 6 cloves garlic and 2-inch thumb ginger minced)

2 serrano peppers, minced (seeds removed if you don't want it spicy)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon garam masala

2 teaspoons paprika

8 Roma tomatoes, diced

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 to 2 cups water

Oil, for grilling

1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (optional)

1/2 cup heavy cream

Minced fresh cilantro, for garnish

Cooked rice, naan, or crusty piece of bread, for serving

Directions

For the marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate at least 30 minutes, or in the refrigerator up to overnight.

For the sauce: When you're ready to make the curry, place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. When the butter has melted, add the Ginger-Garlic Paste and serrano peppers. Saute until lightly browned around the edges. Add the tomato paste and cook until the tomato has darkened in color, about 3 minutes. Add the garam masala and the paprika and saute for about 1 minute to draw out their flavors.

Add the tomatoes, salt, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer, and cook until thickened, about 20 minutes. You may need more water depending on how much liquid the tomatoes give off.

Meanwhile, fire up your grill. When it is nice and hot, lightly brush it with oil. Place the chicken on the grill, shaking off some of the excess marinade. Cook until it's charred, about 2 minutes on each side. (Don't worry that the chicken will still be a little uncooked, it finishes cooking in the sauce).

Pour the sauce into a blender or food processor, or use an immersion blender, and process until smooth. Pour back into the skillet and bring back up to a boil. Add the chicken and fenugreek leaves, if using. Take the heat down to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. Add the cream and stir through. Garnish with minced fresh cilantro, and serve over rice, with naan, or a crusty piece of bread!

Ginger-Garlic Paste:

1/2 cup cloves garlic, whole

1/2 cup fresh ginger, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch slices

1/4 cup canola oil

Throw the garlic, ginger, and canola oil in a mini-food processor and let it go until it forms a semi-smooth paste. There will still be tiny little pieces in there, but overall, it should resemble a paste.

Save what you don't use in a small glass jar. It should last in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks. It's a delicious addition to marinades, pasta sauces, stir fry sauces, slow-cooker recipes, gravy etc.

Butter Chicken (Indian Chicken in Tomato Cream Sauce)

Ingredients

Spice Blend:

1 tablespoon garam masala seasoning

1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter

1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)

2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice

1 skinless rotisserie chicken, boned out and pulled into 1 1/2 by 1/2-inch chunks

1 (10-ounce) box frozen peas, placed in a colander and run under hot water to thaw

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

Hot basmati rice, for serving

Naan bread (you can get at Trader Joe’s)

Directions

To make the spice blend: Stir the ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.

To make the sauce: Melt the butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the pieces just begin to turn gold, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, tomato paste and spice blend, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The spices will be fragrant. Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes and stir will. Add the chicken pieces, spoon the sauce over the top and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat to low and cook, uncovered, until the chicken is warmed through and the sauce is flavorful, about 10 minutes. Stir frequently. Remove the chicken to a serving dish and cover to keep warm.

Shake any excess water from the peas. Add the peas and cream to the sauce in the pan, stir well and heat through. Do not boil. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Serve with rice and warmed naan bread.

Variation: If you prefer shreds of chicken to whole pieces, remove the skin from the chicken and pull the meat into large chunks by hand. Add to the pan along with the garlic, tomato paste and spiceblend. Cook for 3 minutes and then add the tomato sauce and continue with the recipe. Serve over basmati rice or with naan.

Cajun Burgers – Cajun to celebrate my hometown and burgers for my Dipu!

This burger recipe is filled with delicious flavor. Not only do the patties have a Cajun flare, but there is also a mild spiced barbecue sauce to accompany it.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: Makes 4 1/4-pound burgers

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1/4 cup barbecue sauce

1 egg

3 green onions, chopped

3 tablespoons dry bread crumbs

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon prepared mustard

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

4 slices Cheddar cheese

Preparation:

Preheat grill for high heat. Mix ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, green onions, mustard, and 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning in large bowl. Form mixture into 4 patties. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning into barbecue sauce. Lightly oil grill and cook patties for 5 minute per side, or to desired doneness. At the end of cooking, place cheese on patties and serve over burgers topped with seasoned barbecue sauce.

[wendie and sam 4]

Dipu and I have been “arguing” for weeks over this recipe stuff. He doesn’t understand why anyone would use a recipe…a cook should just cook. And if he were going to turn in a recipe, it would be for cheeseburgers because that’s what he loves. Sooooo, I’m turning in two of my favorite Indian dishes and my Dipu’s favorite too

Chicken Tikka Masala

Butter Chicken (Indian Chicken in Tomato Cream Sauce)

Cajun Burgers

Yumm yumm and yumm!!! OMG these are by far my favorite recipes yet!! I love tikka masala and butter chicken, and the burgers are definitely going to be at my next BBQ.. Well done Bec!

[nikolacolada 21]

Yumm yumm and yumm!!! OMG these are by far my favorite recipes yet!! I love tikka masala and butter chicken, and the burgers are definitely going to be at my next BBQ.. Well done Bec!

I know I'm soo excited for this cook book!!

[nikolacolada 21]

Every time I see your user name, I wish I was on a beach with a cocktail, preferably a Pina Colada *sigh* It makes me very unproductive at work

haha piña coladas are my absolute favorite! Sometimes in the summer when I want one but don't want the alcohol I make virgin ones with pineapple juice, crema de coco (coconut cream or cream of coconut.. NOT coconut milk, it's not sweet enough) and a little bit of condensed milk all blended together with ice. Omg it's soo good lol

[Bec_Dipu 103]

haha piña coladas are my absolute favorite! Sometimes in the summer when I want one but don't want the alcohol I make virgin ones with pineapple juice, crema de coco (coconut cream or cream of coconut.. NOT coconut milk, it's not sweet enough) and a little bit of condensed milk all blended together with ice. Omg it's soo good lol

Have you ever been to a Cheeseburger In Paradise restaurant? This is a chain started or at least endorsed by Jimmy Buffet...best Pina Colada's EVER!!! I can't stress the EVER enough

[Mariye & Ky 172]

Hey, sorry I went silent for a couple of weeks. I was obsessing over Igor's List and decided I needed to take a step back. So I went AWOL for a little while for my own sake. Congratulations to the Decemberites who got their NOA2s.

Like you, I had to stop checking Igor's list. I got too excited when CSC was fondling and VSC was moving. It had me obsessed for a hot minute; same with the uscis status. Decemberite Timeline is better for me as it's specific to our group.

im a december filer too!and on april 11 we got rfe and hope to send our reply on the 20th...

What was the RFE about can you share that? The good thing is, once you send in what they want, the NOA2 is right there behind the corner! Hang in there!! By the way, I noticed you haven't submitted your regional recipe and we haven't heard from you about your Fitness Challenge. LOL So.... what's up? Get on with it! Tita Mari

As for me, life went on this weekend with the fitness challenge, I ran 8 miles Friday and another 3 on Sunday. Marine Corps Marathon countdown is at the 6th month mark so it's time to take my training into high gear!! Although I'm still doing a very slow run/jog, I'm very excited to be nearing the double digits in miles so early in my trianing. And my skirts are fitting fantastic!!

Anyway, have a good day folks, hopefully with VSC moving onto October/November we'll be seeing VSC December NOA2s soon!!!

Wendles, you're a total Diva! That 8+ miles is empowering and encouraging for the rest of us. Good Job!!

Woooooooohooooo!!!

VSC did you see? Oct/Nov flying by! We're next!!!!!

Diz, can you believe it!? Both centers are moving moving moving!!! All of us are really close now. I'm very happy with the progress I'm seeing on the Decemberite Timelines; Soon, the timeline is going to be in Bridal "pinks" lol... good job on that!

xoxo

M

I had to do that too a few months back... Now I just don't check igors list that frequently. I realized that I have to take that list with a grain if salt because it relies in members updating their timelines and I went through and it looks like atleast the first 80 people in the list have probably already gotten their NOA2s and just haven't updated ... For Vermont atleast.

Now I mostly come to visajourney to check in with the decemberites :-)

Niks, can we all come to your beach for a 'get together party?" lol

Every time I see your user name, I wish I was on a beach with a cocktail, preferably a Pina Colada *sigh* It makes me very unproductive at work

Bec, I have that pic of Nik's beach embedded in my mind too. I can smell the grilled shrimp, and see plates of fresh fruits, and lobsters piled high... Ice buckets of Corona and beans... rice... cabbage salad... omg... the thoughts...

Good Morning Decemberites:

This weekend I took it easy. Fell asleep in the sun with my dogs and we all took a catnap. I bought some books because they were 70-90% off. Went to yoga last night and then out to get a new yoga capri & top. I haven't done much with our wedding plans because I'm working to save $$ for it instead. Sheesh, am I going to have to take on a second job for all the expenses occuring? If I do, I'm going to work at Starbucks and when nobody is looking, eat little red velvet cakes in the back! LOL I have to make it worth my while.

Love,

Mari

[Mariye & Ky 172]

OMG DECEMBERITE FAMILY!!!!!

I was about to get in the shower, I missed K's call cuz I did not hear it ring. I figure, I'd call him back if signal permits... no big deal. A text comes through saying they made a decision. OK now I'm nervous & praying [in shower] please do not be a RFE I can't take anymore LORD! Please.. it's Holy Week! LOL LOL... me yanno... . I made myself calm down and when I finally checked the uscis site, then it said they mailed our Approval on April 13, 2011. I checked my email and then I got this:

WE ARE APPROVED!!!!!!!!

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: WAC#########

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Your Case Status: Post Decision Activity

On April 13, 2011, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal and/or motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results

listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current

processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.

*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Check Processing Times.

*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.

Sincerely,

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

I can't get a hold of K! omg omg omg now I am going to puke I'm so nervous to tell him

... lol .... :dance: He can finally come home to Adana! Yeah!!!!!

Mari