Lunch Pail!

I have been absent. I apologize. However, I have a very good reason for having been absent. You see, my best friend and college roommate got married last weekend. If you know me, you most likely know her, and are well aware that she got married. You prolly also know that she did not have a traditional wedding. She had a spectacular, dinosaur-themed wedding at a safari park. It was possibly the best thing ever. Anyway, I was her maid of honor. I did not realize how much work goes into such a role. But I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was quite a busy week. On top of heading to the location a day early and setting up and doing the rehearsal and all of that, my mother flew in for the week. So, there was a bit of sight-seeing and entertaining and driving this past week.

BUT, because the bride and groom are super awesome, they got me the Hamilton Beach crockpot that I've been eyeing for about forever as a wedding party gift!
I've been itching to use it, and finally today broke it in by making The Crockpot Lady's Quinoa Casserole. It's one of our favorite recipes. I haven't really made any significant adjustments to said recipe, so I don't feel that I have the right to distribute it myself. But I urge you to check out her site. She's pretty cool.

After the casserole was done (I did a double batch) I put it in this handy little pail that I have. We're going to see a cemetery viewing of Labyrinth tonight with some friends, and this works well for a picnic addition (and Muppets fit the theme).

It reminds me of the lunch pails from Return to Oz, another childhood favorite. Go watch!