tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31593793842407124702024-02-07T23:57:48.936-05:00Food and FamilyWelcome to my blog about two of my favorite things...FOOD and FAMILY!Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-3420703139790048722011-04-06T09:45:00.001-04:002011-04-06T11:07:51.719-04:00It's Spring, Finally!<span style="font-family: inherit;">The weeks go by so fast that I feel my head is spinning most of the time. I have so many good intentions but most never come to life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since the pictures of my latest meals are still in the camera I thought I would share a couple of pictures that make me happy...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNSZUtjwvilafOwM20weJlQwzi-zwENlBKs4z_E57-HXxz3pTqg41EI0itQALIJsexba-oUmLRuK10zN9Vj-hIiEARnWAlr5BOGcrWf383LN1GjBwect_nVHsipUh13mzjqYD0TCO1a3e/s1600/pansies+3.12.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNSZUtjwvilafOwM20weJlQwzi-zwENlBKs4z_E57-HXxz3pTqg41EI0itQALIJsexba-oUmLRuK10zN9Vj-hIiEARnWAlr5BOGcrWf383LN1GjBwect_nVHsipUh13mzjqYD0TCO1a3e/s320/pansies+3.12.11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The first pictures of Spring...my pansies by the front door and the yellow bell bush (my Grandma Nix called these forsythia bushes yellow bells or Easter bells so that is what I typically call them) in my front yard. These make me happy especially after the long cold and dark winter.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This one also makes me happy...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBThW1vfnMEzTgE6DrXXIbJanB3seaqPLxiafraT27-_16sflDMR1WynCgsk3coaxnUWG8v6K2MlqF3xej_4NtebQi1TzpQ-BOT5QsUk3I8AfWjZ25XUSSIBZfEfFIyHbWVIvYQR1EDt6K/s1600/bailey+3.12.11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBThW1vfnMEzTgE6DrXXIbJanB3seaqPLxiafraT27-_16sflDMR1WynCgsk3coaxnUWG8v6K2MlqF3xej_4NtebQi1TzpQ-BOT5QsUk3I8AfWjZ25XUSSIBZfEfFIyHbWVIvYQR1EDt6K/s320/bailey+3.12.11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bailey loves to go to the park and sometimes I catch him with the camera at the right moment. Most of the time he is running around with sticks in his mouth wanting you to throw them so he can play keep away with you.<br />
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I'll get back to cooking soon...as soon as it's too hot to be outside :)<br />
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</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-76607296148207368242011-03-18T15:05:00.002-04:002011-04-06T09:22:07.280-04:00Broccoli Rabe? No Way!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I love greens…turnip greens, mustard greens, collard greens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like them the way my mom, Granny and Grandma Nix fix them, cooked long and slow with some bacon or “streaked meat” (or fatback).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the BEST part is pouring the pot liquor over cornbread!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes me hungry just thinking about it now!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">On one of our visits to <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">New Jersey</place></state> I came across another green I’m fond of…Broccoli Rabe (</span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Rapini).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">It was sautéed with olive oil and garlic and it was so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, that has been a few years ago and I’ve had it a couple of times since on our trips to <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">New Jersey</place></state>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I come back from those trips with a renewed energy to find Broccoli Rabe in a local grocery store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>EVERY week I search the produce to see if there is, by chance, the broccoli rabe I’m looking for and EVERY week I’m disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>EXCEPT last week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The words had just left my mouth “Maybe one day they will actually have broccoli rabe” when right before my eyes…there it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not believe it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nick immediately got out the cell phone and called Liz and Ang to find out how best to fix this elusive green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Now, you have to understand that I went into the grocery store with my list which detailed the ingredients for a nice Baked Ziti but that was all gone once I saw the broccoli rabe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The menu immediately changed and I was so happy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was SO happy that it threw my whole psyche off and it took us FOREVER to get through the store because I just could not concentrate…thank goodness Nick understands (as best he can) my quirkiness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We ended up fixing Broccoli Rabe with Sausage and Rigatoni…YUUUMMMYYY!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually blanched the broccoli rabe before I sautéed it and I probably would not do that again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was referencing a recipe I found online but I don’t think it needs to be blanched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the sausage left a little to be desired, it’s hard to get good italian sausage in the mountains of <place w:st="on">Northeast Georgia</place>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Here’s the recipe I came up with (including the blanching).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can add the sausage or leave it out; I think it would be great without it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I probably won’t blanche the broccoli rabe next time; I will just sauté it a little longer to make sure it’s not too bitter.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Broccoli Rabe w/ Sausage and Rigatoni</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1-Bunch Broccoli Rabe (about a pound), cleaned</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">3-Cloves of Garlic, sliced</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1-Pound Sweet Italian Sausage (can use links but remove from casing before cooking)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1-Pound Rigatoni, cooked al dente</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">2-3 Tablespoons Olive Oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">½ Cup of Chicken Stock</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">½ Cup of Pasta Water</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Remove the long stems from the broccoli rabe and blanch in salted water for about 2 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remove from hot water and place in ice water until cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remove from ice water and place on kitchen towel and pat dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set aside</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If using link sausage, remove from casing and crumble into large frying pan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cook until done then remove from pan onto a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb some of the grease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set aside.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Add olive oil to frying pan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When oil is hot add garlic and red pepper flakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sauté garlic until lightly brown then add the broccoli rabe to pan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sauté for 2-3 minutes then add the chicken stock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sauté for 2-3 more minutes then add the sausage, broccoli rabe and pasta water.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Serve with grated Romano cheese and nice crusty bread.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriZnpY9GakZ-jAr4TU3O9ErqrU7PQthAxJ7hj2BQJ6tVeMSO-r1_rTBtZIOLAYIuO3zr2TSlcS8n34p0tfpccpp6AC0bvxPYy3OVWo63n1kPSGWzUDnaP2ctIsNl2cOstOOMLW0WBDV0e/s1600/Rapini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriZnpY9GakZ-jAr4TU3O9ErqrU7PQthAxJ7hj2BQJ6tVeMSO-r1_rTBtZIOLAYIuO3zr2TSlcS8n34p0tfpccpp6AC0bvxPYy3OVWo63n1kPSGWzUDnaP2ctIsNl2cOstOOMLW0WBDV0e/s320/Rapini.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broccoli Rabe (Rapini)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6tgA1zcEVUHoCl7XEOnwVB0tvS3NczDPyV6Py7Z6SuoWGjLBA-4ITq1dtlw9uMQKt-9IC8k2Qd9ejBhb61ARXC0Rb_Y-cavZjgqW0eGWARUxZLct-A1RMZB3PKAuPpBvLezL8EVPr6_4/s1600/broccoli+rabe+saute2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6tgA1zcEVUHoCl7XEOnwVB0tvS3NczDPyV6Py7Z6SuoWGjLBA-4ITq1dtlw9uMQKt-9IC8k2Qd9ejBhb61ARXC0Rb_Y-cavZjgqW0eGWARUxZLct-A1RMZB3PKAuPpBvLezL8EVPr6_4/s320/broccoli+rabe+saute2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KhpJ5Y4m0uRedCEPDmx0wsJ6q9LEB0IMSVTryqkpX8A4tWn2KOVIx9_EZ4WqyPgB_y0IcWRkEl0kcnK6bPJJf_lboHWdD9Le2tHhTwiTOTisJV-MHoXyU0MCBkLQVgHCYPglWe9OU_8e/s1600/broccoli+rabe+%2526+sausage+sauce2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KhpJ5Y4m0uRedCEPDmx0wsJ6q9LEB0IMSVTryqkpX8A4tWn2KOVIx9_EZ4WqyPgB_y0IcWRkEl0kcnK6bPJJf_lboHWdD9Le2tHhTwiTOTisJV-MHoXyU0MCBkLQVgHCYPglWe9OU_8e/s320/broccoli+rabe+%2526+sausage+sauce2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqKTaHDj60o2j9xMekw5_TK0lQ9luzvHaWLkptfi9FYqVGna3SU2olV62DFixwgM9_QkXPI-JVakcBrN1RYN3uyuX4-LicXG738GskqP-TuTtmbxGnYDPBffWlxh4DijUchxaVFZOVqJw/s1600/broccoli+rabe+sausage+%2526+pasta.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqKTaHDj60o2j9xMekw5_TK0lQ9luzvHaWLkptfi9FYqVGna3SU2olV62DFixwgM9_QkXPI-JVakcBrN1RYN3uyuX4-LicXG738GskqP-TuTtmbxGnYDPBffWlxh4DijUchxaVFZOVqJw/s320/broccoli+rabe+sausage+%2526+pasta.2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTNo64KztFJUHydKOoI_Z10OkRhrCtjUqxfu9IncQEcL7DPg9eiN3Qq9ULGM7odQXVWJp0zz6asEyxJmng3JJp1j8Vuh2-T1jSO-Jhf2GwyLRgy3z09sSA3LghZQlTqlku0CKGtX6Rpz7/s1600/broccoli+rabe+done2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTNo64KztFJUHydKOoI_Z10OkRhrCtjUqxfu9IncQEcL7DPg9eiN3Qq9ULGM7odQXVWJp0zz6asEyxJmng3JJp1j8Vuh2-T1jSO-Jhf2GwyLRgy3z09sSA3LghZQlTqlku0CKGtX6Rpz7/s320/broccoli+rabe+done2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-12204168245884483672011-03-15T13:26:00.000-04:002011-03-15T13:26:11.001-04:00Visiting Family<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been a few WEEKS since I have posted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess that corresponds to it being a few weeks since I’ve cooked anything worth talking about…and it’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have cooked but nothing worth mentioning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Same old dishes every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s o.k., I don’t mind having the same thing from week to week but it’s just not worth telling everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">We had company last week, Nick and Betsy passed through on their way to <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Texas</place></state> for a wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great to see them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They got into town on Saturday, 3/5 so we visited our typical “first night” dinner spot, El Campesino.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been a while since we had been and it tasted great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Sunday, we visited The Dillard House in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Dillard</city>, <state w:st="on">GA</state></place> for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was wonderful too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’ve never been to The Dillard House I suggest you check it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is country comfort food at its best, except for eating at my Granny’s table on Sunday, it can’t be beat!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">On Monday of their visit Nick made spaghetti sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came home from work and the house smelled wonderful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t usually eat lunch and I was starving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great meal with family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I always worry about Bailey when Nick and Betsy come for a visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not have a lot of visitors so Bailey gets SOOO excited when someone new comes into the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s different when I come in from work everyday…he sits in his spot until he is told it’s o.k. for him to move. BUT when someone new comes in it’s off to the races!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, not everyone likes to be licked to death by a 100 pound shedding ball of energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did very well though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By Monday he was laying in the kitchen while Nick put the sauce together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now don’t get me wrong, we had our moments when he couldn’t help himself but he is growing up and learning so those moments where short and far apart.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-16285890630533018022011-02-23T12:02:00.000-05:002011-02-23T12:02:29.069-05:00Nick's Birthday 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Friday, February 18<sup>th</sup> was Nick’s birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asked for a plain cheesecake with graham cracker crust for his cake and I was happy to oblige.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left work early Friday so we got an early start on going to celebrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted pizza so we found some of the best pizza we could find below the <place w:st="on">Mason-Dixon Line</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Saturday I cooked Chicken Fried Steak and gravy, mashed potatoes, mustard greens and biscuits (ok…the biscuits were frozen and the greens were canned BUT both were good).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to thank Claire Perkins for her guidance on cooking the steak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nick has been asking for chicken fried steak for at least 10 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">San Antonio</place></city> to visit Grandmother Carter in 2001 and we ate lunch with her at Earl Abel’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of us had chicken fried steak and gravy that day and it was delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was after that trip that I was asked to make chicken fried steak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no idea why it took me so long to make it because it’s really not that hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would always tell him I would be glad to make it then when we would be at the grocery store trying to figure out what to have for dinner we would not think of it…my memory is not what it used to be!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I used Top Round Steak instead of that chewy cubed steak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parent used to get the cubed steak and it was grizzly and chewy…the longer you chewed the bigger the piece got…UGH!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Claire said Top Round or Bottom Round Steak was the best way to go and it was delicious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crust fell off (I guess I’ll have to make more to get it right<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>) but other than that it was perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I added a little cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to the flour; I mixed the eggs with the milk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tenderized the meat and worked off some built up frustration while I was at it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">All in all it was a great meal; I hope it was worth the wait!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqvxsHBr6vpXRMLU6o5ZSu5UKawWiLH1oPbQc4y10etj8iT9nK0YtffCeFnh9e-dlFhdht0HFl5r5DM-IfLO7y9p2eocaSP6Q9vKh5EVYS3En0aFrFIbHenxwTPPAuMgckVXYvJbOLXmW/s1600/plain+cheesecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqvxsHBr6vpXRMLU6o5ZSu5UKawWiLH1oPbQc4y10etj8iT9nK0YtffCeFnh9e-dlFhdht0HFl5r5DM-IfLO7y9p2eocaSP6Q9vKh5EVYS3En0aFrFIbHenxwTPPAuMgckVXYvJbOLXmW/s400/plain+cheesecake.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div align="left">"Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside"</div><div align="left">Mark Twain</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-64468405337422695932011-02-14T15:00:00.002-05:002011-02-21T14:22:49.933-05:00Rigatoni w/ Vodka Sauce<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Happy Valentines Day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Nick and I spent Saturday evening preparing Rigatoni with Vodka Sauce for our early Valentines dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a little angst over the measurements that were NOT on the recipe I decided to use, the chopping was done and the flambé was complete and the sauce was in the pan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After about an hour of simmering, the heavy cream was added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YUMMY is all I can say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I will say one other thing…when you write a recipe, how about putting the quantity and sizes on the recipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance, this recipe called for “4 Cans of Crushed Tomatoes”…Really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t give me a can size?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although it’s not relevant to the complaint, I will say that the recipe I was using was for 4 to 5 pounds of pasta and I was cutting it in half so we would have leftovers (but not too much) for this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless, I did not realize that information was missing until I was making my list for the grocery store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I found out that Nick and I have different thoughts on what the size of the can could be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I think of a “can of crushed tomatoes” I think of a 14.5 ounce can…a regular size can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nick, on the other hand thinks of a 28 ounce can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This became an issue with me ALL day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we used 2-28 ounce cans (to half the recipe) and the sauce was very good and that’s what counts.<br />
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I want to thank Michele Brigante who writes the blog at <a href="http://www.myitaliangrandmother.com/">http://www.myitaliangrandmother.com/</a>. She gave me such a quick response on my question concerning the can size. She has some great recipes and this is only ONE of them. Check her out.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><b><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;">Vodka Sauce</span></b><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span></div><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;">2 onions, chopped</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;">1 bunch scallions, chopped, (separate light and dark green parts)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;">5 cloves of garlic, chopped</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;">Extra virgin olive oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;">¼ lb Prosciutto di Parma, sliced into strips</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;">1 ¼ cup vodka</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;">2 cans tomato paste</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;">4 – 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;">1 Qt heavy cream</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;">Kosher salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;">Black pepper</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;"></span><b><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;">Directions:</span></b><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;">In a large saucepan, sauté onions, garlic and light parts of scallions until soft on medium heat. Add Prosciutto and let cook for about one minute. Add vodka; turn up heat to medium high and cook until alcohol burns out about 4 minutes. Lower heat and add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes; stir. Add green parts of scallions, kosher salt and black pepper. Turn up heat until boiling, then lower heat. Let cook for 1 hour. Add cream; let simmer until starts bubbling and turn off heat.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;">This is enough sauce for about 4-5 lbs of pasta or more.</span></div><br />
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</span><span style="color: #4c2600; font-family: Georgia;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGxJaOWCc1xtfOlgQvjs20Mf1qBf_DHYJ36MwL5tUgeGym2Qu_9VfyL2FK8y7Q0InEKs8jr1MbfKbunemMYvspr5GHrgA5D4a3uR6WykTwYyKCt0OOCq1_jDIVgkQX7cl_siaNqk3fC8u/s1600/vodka+sauce+2+2.12.11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGxJaOWCc1xtfOlgQvjs20Mf1qBf_DHYJ36MwL5tUgeGym2Qu_9VfyL2FK8y7Q0InEKs8jr1MbfKbunemMYvspr5GHrgA5D4a3uR6WykTwYyKCt0OOCq1_jDIVgkQX7cl_siaNqk3fC8u/s320/vodka+sauce+2+2.12.11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating." -- Luciano PavarottiCindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-59701578803050158462011-02-04T11:01:00.001-05:002011-02-07T15:24:02.238-05:00Wishes and Weekends<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11pt;">The days go by so slow but the weeks fly by…how is that possible?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the years are flying by at warp speed, that’s been happening to me since I turned 30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was still in school and wishing for the weekend, my Dad would say “You’re wishing your life away” and I would say “Oh well, I’m ready for the weekend.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things haven’t changed that much…I still wish for the weekend on Monday morning and I’m still wishing my life away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When summer vacation was over and it was time to head back to school I’d complain that it went by too fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Dad would say “you think time goes by fast now, just wait, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was right…the years are flying by with our minds so tied up with work, worries, money, appointments and everything else except slowing down to enjoy the simple things in life. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11pt;">I like to spend most of my weekends enjoying the little things…taking Bailey to the park for a long walk, chasing a few squirrels and if it’s warm watching him have a big time running through the stinky water of the creek that runs through the park, taking a nap on Sunday afternoon, going to Granny’s house for Sunday Lunch and spending time with her, getting in the kitchen with my wonderful husband and whipping up a delicious meal with good music playing and sitting around my parents house talking about whatever subject pops into our heads…quality time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11pt;">This weekend I hope to get to enjoy several of those things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for the meal I’ll be cooking with my wonderful husband, I’m thinking Shrimp Scampi with Linguini.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit that I got this recipe from Tyler Florence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have tweaked it some but not much, it’s just about perfect in my opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning as I left the house and it was cold and rainy I was wishing for the beach, warm weather and flip flops and this recipe popped into my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just feels like summer and boy am I ready for summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not “wishing my life away” this time, just wishing my front yard was surf and sand </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11pt;">Try this recipe and see if you don’t think about the beach, flip flops and the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s super easy, quick and tasty…what more can you ask for?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11pt;">I’ll post a picture after I make it and you’ll see what I’m talking about.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Shrimp Scampi with Linguini</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3d3d;">1 pound linguini </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3d3d;">4 tablespoons <a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/butter/index.html"><span style="color: #1e7bac;">butter</span></a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3d3d;">4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3d3d;">1 large <a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/shallot/index.html"><span style="color: #1e7bac;">shallot</span></a>, finely diced </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3d3d;">5 cloves garlic, sliced </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3d3d;"><a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/pinch/index.html"><span style="color: #1e7bac;">Pinch</span></a> red pepper flakes, optional </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3d3d;">20 large shrimp, about 1 pound, peeled and deveined </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3d3d;"><a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/salt/index.html"><span style="color: #1e7bac;">Kosher salt</span></a> and freshly ground black pepper </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3d3d;">1/2 cup dry white wine </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3d3d;">1 <a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/lemon/index.html"><span style="color: #1e7bac;">lemon</span></a>, juiced <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(I use 1 ½ lemons and the zest of 1 lemon for more zing)</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3d3d;">1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #3d3d3d;">For the pasta, put a large pot of water on the stove to <a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/boil/index.html"><span style="color: #1e7bac;">boil</span></a>. When it has come to a boil, add a couple of tablespoons of salt and the linguini. Stir to make sure the <a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/pasta/index.html"><span style="color: #1e7bac;">pasta</span></a> separates. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the water returns to a boil, cook for about 6 to 8 minutes or until the pasta is not quite done. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/drain/index.html"><span style="color: #1e7bac;">Drain</span></a> the pasta reserving 1 cup of water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Meanwhile, in a large skillet, <a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/melt/index.html"><span style="color: #1e7bac;">melt</span></a> 2 tablespoons butter in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saute the shallots, <a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/garlic/index.html"><span style="color: #1e7bac;">garlic</span></a>, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the shallots are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Season the <a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/shrimp/index.html"><span style="color: #1e7bac;">shrimp</span></a> with salt and pepper; add them to the pan and cook until they have turned pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remove the shrimp from the pan; set aside and keep warm. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add <a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/wine/index.html"><span style="color: #1e7bac;">wine</span></a> and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons oil. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the butter has melted, return the shrimp to the pan along with the <a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/parsley/index.html"><span style="color: #1e7bac;">parsley</span></a> and cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stir well and season with salt and pepper. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/drizzle/index.html"><span style="color: #1e7bac;">Drizzle</span></a> over a bit more olive oil, add freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese and serve immediately.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2249fute2iHq8AZY_tkC3OdvDrxJMJMR6lXfGYsFXMYdZY-IHbQEDY4JMzy5zTjg1PWf-fU51SoJRgNREkWJCOPPonkYqhUVaKo_o0aEuty27xN9fCyEOmx0IP31dEK1gKJk3p3xt_NV/s1600/scampi+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2249fute2iHq8AZY_tkC3OdvDrxJMJMR6lXfGYsFXMYdZY-IHbQEDY4JMzy5zTjg1PWf-fU51SoJRgNREkWJCOPPonkYqhUVaKo_o0aEuty27xN9fCyEOmx0IP31dEK1gKJk3p3xt_NV/s320/scampi+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlrzbwY3B4ZfwsNwhhfibouSv7hlUb_WYQxN1YG73ATqql2s1vRA7PV2exf9O_IFJBsShpreK-lv-G_bfwSH4e1FQO99806Fy6G3trtSJWWcW6e09rHhimtGTCY_mcvU0AbP2kcJDU8DX/s1600/scampi+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlrzbwY3B4ZfwsNwhhfibouSv7hlUb_WYQxN1YG73ATqql2s1vRA7PV2exf9O_IFJBsShpreK-lv-G_bfwSH4e1FQO99806Fy6G3trtSJWWcW6e09rHhimtGTCY_mcvU0AbP2kcJDU8DX/s320/scampi+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-67541616105524598762011-01-31T15:08:00.002-05:002011-01-31T15:14:29.908-05:00Birthday WeekendI had a great weekend!!! Besides getting another year older the weekend could not have been better. I'm sure that getting another year older is better than the alternative but a little disturbing too. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The sun was out Saturday and Sunday with the temperature soaring to 66 and 70 degrees. Nick and I took Bailey to the park Saturday morning so all of us could enjoy the wonderful weather together. That evening Nick and I we to a Japanese restaurant for dinner and had a great time.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">On Sunday Bailey and I visited my Dad for a while and Nick got some reading done for his classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a painful and irritating trip to the grocery store Nick made his “quick” sauce and we had spaghetti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was delicious and the perfect way to end my birthday weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Mom made me a cake (German Chocolate layer cake with cream cheese icing) and it is wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll have to get her to share the recipe, it’s the best birthday cake I’ve had!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Another year older and this week started the same as last week…funny how that happens!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">"Everything you see I owe to spaghetti." -- Sophia Loren</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHWK5Qk1aXifsUuembufIo2P4lJMapLE9MekGYGx_xEXgbMRzWl1Qq8UglaAdwfAIrPXilk86jkXN1LEbdz8k2jk3IbUqpgqGm4nIJVqPxsdzqmdQy3hwSCzRE_msZq3W7EAc8kedMrdO/s1600/birthday+japanese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHWK5Qk1aXifsUuembufIo2P4lJMapLE9MekGYGx_xEXgbMRzWl1Qq8UglaAdwfAIrPXilk86jkXN1LEbdz8k2jk3IbUqpgqGm4nIJVqPxsdzqmdQy3hwSCzRE_msZq3W7EAc8kedMrdO/s320/birthday+japanese.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filet and Chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcHneCxCib5RP8jwbpprnLBER22jYkpSC7vIImpk4fyqMZAIhwPqe-V9uB1d7T-YrQYocktSp31oXwOIbdelUQqvgpWDj678LiG6L-J7rN6jQPgMdopVDJnzmyM4vof46srJczaq8FhPM/s1600/birthday+mai+tai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcHneCxCib5RP8jwbpprnLBER22jYkpSC7vIImpk4fyqMZAIhwPqe-V9uB1d7T-YrQYocktSp31oXwOIbdelUQqvgpWDj678LiG6L-J7rN6jQPgMdopVDJnzmyM4vof46srJczaq8FhPM/s320/birthday+mai+tai.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mai Tai</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02NfbBbnnLp_zj-GYv3eg_To4wYxpVnw5vGNc2DPBHHvMbr2aFSyQWmRWEttqjdXepD_zoivteg3g3zKUMw0KedsYAhDPPQxRvI9U6B9Z1fejkPjmuPlalSRCodH29JdOj-5FdgNyW3k9/s1600/birthday+spaghetti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02NfbBbnnLp_zj-GYv3eg_To4wYxpVnw5vGNc2DPBHHvMbr2aFSyQWmRWEttqjdXepD_zoivteg3g3zKUMw0KedsYAhDPPQxRvI9U6B9Z1fejkPjmuPlalSRCodH29JdOj-5FdgNyW3k9/s320/birthday+spaghetti.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Spaghetti</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-81811762891114004652011-01-26T15:23:00.000-05:002011-01-26T15:23:48.548-05:00LeftoversTonight is leftover night...Chicken Pot Pie leftovers to be exact. Thank goodness Nick does not mind eating leftovers because we do not throw anything away. I made Chicken Pot Pie for dinner on Sunday and it will be so good tonight warmed up in the microwave and so quick too. Tomorrow night will be Chili leftover night as we had Chili last night. <br />
<br />
Since I travel an hour to and from work every day I don't really cook that much during the week. When I do cook I try to cook enough that we can have leftovers a day or two later. Last night was Chili night so before I went to work yesterday morning everything went into the slow cooker and it was perfect when I got home. Served with sour cream, cheddar cheese and tortilla chips all I can say is YUM!<br />
<br />
My Chili is very simple and not very creative since I use a store bought chili kit and only add my ground beef, tomato sauce, pink beans, onions and a can of Rotel Hot. I'd love to find a good and quick chili recipe but haven't put in the time to look. I'm sure there are some recipes out there but I haven't found one that is quick yet. All of them sound good but would take more time than I have in the mornings to put it together. <br />
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I've been working on the cookbook too. I've typed several recipes that I wrote down during the holidays while I had my parents in front of me to give me the blow-by-blow. I am expecting some recipes in the mail this week and I'm so excited. I can't wait to see and try some of them. <br />
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The weekend is approaching, thank goodness. Once I've come up with a food plan I'll let you know.<br />
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"Everything you see I owe to spaghetti." -- Sophia LorenCindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-19451520789018314012011-01-24T10:27:00.000-05:002011-01-24T10:27:14.655-05:00Sunday Night Meal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kjhDTnNq3E5aeINRzjeqLmQQwrjHDe9BTyX_4oMXgnIoIApPvgCznrOauvT_fQw1hHfY4McG0YpVaR3Hnh3NW0JrA0y8eMXjZm4VWs4lSkXDIc5K6oezm7__Nkr67op5unuN0uLHULxZ/s1600/chicken+pot+pie+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kjhDTnNq3E5aeINRzjeqLmQQwrjHDe9BTyX_4oMXgnIoIApPvgCznrOauvT_fQw1hHfY4McG0YpVaR3Hnh3NW0JrA0y8eMXjZm4VWs4lSkXDIc5K6oezm7__Nkr67op5unuN0uLHULxZ/s320/chicken+pot+pie+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnvHCSMz-j643AXdg242CZqHfyLOBtIoj2Befnwr7ZCduiLUbCSlLHjxzFKZ8d-QJUUUEDgp3Ps49CR0MU0FK9cIr_iNUVeu0rMM6jJJjTSwy2afyqTfGhPxnkPcop3tFvgAi5hW_5RWn/s1600/chicken+pot+pie+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnvHCSMz-j643AXdg242CZqHfyLOBtIoj2Befnwr7ZCduiLUbCSlLHjxzFKZ8d-QJUUUEDgp3Ps49CR0MU0FK9cIr_iNUVeu0rMM6jJJjTSwy2afyqTfGhPxnkPcop3tFvgAi5hW_5RWn/s320/chicken+pot+pie+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Sunday was the perfect time for Chicken Pot Pie. Nick loves this dish and mentioned last week it was time for us to have it. I cooked some boneless chicken breasts that were on sale a couple of weeks ago instead of using the rotisserie chicken that I typically use. This recipe is so easy and tastes so good. This was my only cooking experience this weekend. I had originally planned on trying a new recipe for Vodka Sauce this weekend but got lazy after my brother left Sunday afternoon and didn't want to go to the grocery store to get the things I needed. This happens to me alot but I think the Chicken Pot Pie was a nice substitute. Maybe I'll have the Vodka Sauce for my birthday dinner this coming weekend.<br />
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I'm trying now to figure out what the menu will be this week. I'm thinking a big pot of chili is due and I'm sure spaghetti will work it's way in also. <br />
<br />
Here's the recipe for the Chicke Pot Pie:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Quick & E<span class="yshortcuts">asy Chicken Pot Pie</span>:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">2 - Cans <span class="yshortcuts">Cream of Potato Soup</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="yshortcuts">1 - 16 oz. Can Veg-All, drained</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="yshortcuts">2 Cups chopped cooked chicken *(I typical use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="yshortcuts">1/2 Cup chicken broth</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="yshortcuts">1/2 Cup Milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="yshortcuts">1/8 tsp thyme</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="yshortcuts">black pepper to suit taste</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">2 - 9" Refrigerated Pie Crusts</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">1 Egg, beaten</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Drain Veg-All. Combine all ingredients, except egg, in a bowl and mix well. Put one crust in the bottom of a pie plate, spoon mixture in pie plate and cover with other crust and crimp edges to seal. Cut 3-4 slits in top of crust then brush with beaten egg for a golden brown crust. Cook in a 375 degree oven for approximately 45 minutes or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling through slits in crust. Let cool about 10 minutes before serving.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> Serve & enjoy!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">*I have used 2-3 boneless chicken breasts boiled in water, butter, salt, pepper and garlic instead of the rotisserie chicken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually use the whole rotisserie chicken without the skin.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Let me know what you think if you try it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Have a great Monday!</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-11627695590192250912011-01-21T11:21:00.001-05:002011-01-21T11:24:02.087-05:00Cooking for the WeekI need to write on this blog more about what I cook during the week...which is not much, maybe that's why I don't think it's worth the effort to put it in writing. <br />
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In the cold months, Mondays are typically for soups, chili, etc. I like to put on a crock pot full of chili or soup before I leave for work and walk in the door that evening and smell all that goodness. This year I have incorporated a Taco Soup into the rotation and I love it. It's SO easy and SO good. I like to serve it with tortilla chips and a spoon full of sour cream and cheddar cheese. This week the soup of choice was Vegetable Beef Soup. My mom has made this soup as long as I can remember and it's one of my favorites. It too is easy and smells delicious after cooking in the slow cooker all day. I like to have cornbread with Vegetable Beef Soup...that's the way I had it growing up so that's the way I like it now. And the soup leftovers are wonderful which we usually have on Wednesday or Thursday.<br />
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The food for the rest of the week has been boring...jar spaghetti sauce with frozen ravioli, frozen mac and cheese, left over soup and I'm not sure what tonight or the weekend will hold.<br />
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Last weekend I tried my hand at a London Broil...first time. The menu was London Broil with Twice Baked Potatoes and bread of course. I have to say that the London Broil was terrible...the taste was good thanks to the marinade, if you could cut it or bite it. It was dry and tough BUT the potatoes were tasty. Again, this was my first attempt at cooking a piece of meat under the broiler and I knew the possibilities going in but could not resist cooking it a few minutes too long. I'll try it again the next time it's on sale and I know it will be better. As Angela Batisa said to me "live and learn" and I have, concerning this anyway.<br />
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Here's the recipe I use for Taco Soup, it's best when there's snow on the ground!<br />
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TACO SOUP<br />
2 Pounds browned ground beef (or cooked chicken)<br />
1 Medium Size Onion (I use Vidalia, keepn' it local)<br />
1 or 2 Cans Pink Beans (depending on how many beans you like)<br />
2 Cans Whole Kernel Corn, drained<br />
2 Cans Petite Diced Tomatoes (if you like it chunky don't use the petite diced)<br />
1 Can Rotel Hot or Rotel with Green Chiles (I use the Hot)<br />
1 pkg. Ranch Style Dressing<br />
1 Pkg Taco Seasoning<br />
2 or 3 tomato cans of water (depending on how soupy you want it)<br />
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Mix everything into the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6-8 hours. Serve with tortilla chips, sour cream and your favorite shredded cheese.<br />
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Pics to follow. <br />
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Have a great weekend!Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-28854098767919547572011-01-14T11:41:00.001-05:002011-01-15T21:05:12.090-05:001/10/11 Snow Pics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFm2eHr9gj7Gs7VNO9DBg5x6bwQK9GHzCuXMewlLoVOoB8Di7_dxXt6rIgd3a2ziaCVJhvD7fITFJP4b2Trxukc3NBOwAu2jr7POF4JNU8FtXBVwyWaCfFQ4Qw8g8CQ30TtRW2aWZKURh/s1600/IMG_2086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFm2eHr9gj7Gs7VNO9DBg5x6bwQK9GHzCuXMewlLoVOoB8Di7_dxXt6rIgd3a2ziaCVJhvD7fITFJP4b2Trxukc3NBOwAu2jr7POF4JNU8FtXBVwyWaCfFQ4Qw8g8CQ30TtRW2aWZKURh/s320/IMG_2086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCQVcv0lbo1EMax0kRIdNleRAAPzVJVyGA37MDijj6v3H2Gldz_SKkj0YkNUtnVNIGiB6Q_RKpnQaOrONTDoOPtkdKnJS63Q-F3bSw2sG9cEy5zD8SP-ye640JpcLgwT3kDBp7yu0iKxq/s1600/IMG_2074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCQVcv0lbo1EMax0kRIdNleRAAPzVJVyGA37MDijj6v3H2Gldz_SKkj0YkNUtnVNIGiB6Q_RKpnQaOrONTDoOPtkdKnJS63Q-F3bSw2sG9cEy5zD8SP-ye640JpcLgwT3kDBp7yu0iKxq/s320/IMG_2074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-26089903543249286632011-01-14T11:39:00.002-05:002011-01-15T21:05:48.571-05:00Plans and Chicken Parm<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Last weekend was more eventful than I had planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plan for Saturday was to hit the grocery store with the other 100,000 people in town to get ready for the snow BUT it was not to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent from 11 AM until 4 PM helping my wonderful, kind and generous Dad replace the water pump in the Tahoe…UGH!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so cold but luckily we pulled the Tahoe in the garage and closed the door and had a heater running the garage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, replacing a water pump is not that fun but I did enjoy spending time with my Dad although I would rather have spent time with him on his boat with a fishing pole in my hand (not with it 25 degrees and windy but you know what I mean).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, after 2 trips to the parts store, lunch from Burger King and hours of wrestling, scraping and wrangling, the water pump was in and everything was back to some semblance of normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No wonder mechanics charge so much…nothing is easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank goodness Nick got back from his class meeting when he did, that trip to BK helped give us the energy to finish the job.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Sunday evening I made chicken parm with spaghetti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nick made his “quick” sauce for it…it was SO good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can see the pieces of chicken are gigantic after pounding them out and frying them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have Nick’s “quick” sauce quite often with spaghetti, it was perfect for the chicken parm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I call it “quick” sauce because it only cooks about an hour not the ‘simmering all day” sauce.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The whole time I’m cooking I’m looking for the snow as I had already planned on NOT being able to work Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally at Midnight we had our first flake with almost 8” to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I couldn’t work Tuesday either…woo hoo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bailey LOVES the snow!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Monday I put on a crock pot full of taco soup and it hit the spot with all that snow on the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those chicken parm leftovers were great on Tuesday too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The snow is melting and I’m back to work but at least it’s Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure what the menu holds for the weekend…maybe meatloaf and mashed potatoes, we haven’t had that in a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a great recipe for meatloaf cooked in the microwave but I may go old school and cook it in the oven…hmmm decisions, decisions.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Eat something good this weekend!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSpve0B7iGMdg22eG4lt3wtNXGMtjnrj9I9LwMAsuLi8t12rdiKEHZqw57fsXKB-FtqyXrwcKePZIJtIGX7Bggf2PvTGJySRzhLGykkWwGKEkTgraS5Pl9vXXgm7dVozgpGDGz7WW4qwk/s1600/IMG_2069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSpve0B7iGMdg22eG4lt3wtNXGMtjnrj9I9LwMAsuLi8t12rdiKEHZqw57fsXKB-FtqyXrwcKePZIJtIGX7Bggf2PvTGJySRzhLGykkWwGKEkTgraS5Pl9vXXgm7dVozgpGDGz7WW4qwk/s320/IMG_2069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK82puFdqM-xUliWySrBcCkzh455UBmRTQgNnjwisKOj0ieFUHHzWKCvYHVpYWRfol14lFPfrav97-EnnpLs8WV2_27SuTgEYeVpNMYw-x_auLQqR_gnzSZPHLif_ghnS0rVqEbyqq3PHt/s1600/IMG_2070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK82puFdqM-xUliWySrBcCkzh455UBmRTQgNnjwisKOj0ieFUHHzWKCvYHVpYWRfol14lFPfrav97-EnnpLs8WV2_27SuTgEYeVpNMYw-x_auLQqR_gnzSZPHLif_ghnS0rVqEbyqq3PHt/s320/IMG_2070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-84225444588772109992011-01-12T12:03:00.001-05:002011-01-15T21:06:31.775-05:00WOW what a weekend!! We had 7" of snow and ice but the power never went off...thank goodness. I have pics to share of the chicken parm and of the snow but with all the sitting around and playing in the snow I didn't get them from the camera to the computer. Being back at work with all this snow on the ground stinks but whatcha gonna do?!?<br />
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Hope everyone has a great week!Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-40542689705842511102011-01-06T13:37:00.001-05:002011-01-06T13:41:29.955-05:00Food...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_2BElvVkt9ovHQum2VXQtRlYT0BDyEkhm2QyGise5k7NMuyYQkofmNSa6LQvhe5FMeohqTlQciaEnJfqLfhC8eAtW1P93vU7esMtxhsuQwurWiD2BchW4u7Ypt_THjKVKq5cdoJ1Rzhz/s1600/christmas+sauce.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559144300262981458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_2BElvVkt9ovHQum2VXQtRlYT0BDyEkhm2QyGise5k7NMuyYQkofmNSa6LQvhe5FMeohqTlQciaEnJfqLfhC8eAtW1P93vU7esMtxhsuQwurWiD2BchW4u7Ypt_THjKVKq5cdoJ1Rzhz/s320/christmas+sauce.jpg" /></a>
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENfadGzDp1vXfeb3i9ZWIO4tgtwPWHWG-o7A5X4fIvoVLfEW_yr3217Jla0KWDbeMNhKXoypSGA3Yz7jCxDwo29f5dfehkHKH7mLGMSkt30a3Sf29xVu_KArvwO3GAXK-zE3s0M7GKq1Y/s1600/biscuits.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559144182123715090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENfadGzDp1vXfeb3i9ZWIO4tgtwPWHWG-o7A5X4fIvoVLfEW_yr3217Jla0KWDbeMNhKXoypSGA3Yz7jCxDwo29f5dfehkHKH7mLGMSkt30a3Sf29xVu_KArvwO3GAXK-zE3s0M7GKq1Y/s320/biscuits.bmp" /></a>
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdUCEXjctsJ2D-fR3wL-PabGZKpDAgZvXur2L-omNL2YM_n2hNEO35umAPD35fR2kWh0pvT4V-ENXfxqBFf-8izUwwUBEyn07G40Wk2YyURGFnzD0HcLttmCUpFdF723JXy2eSN4tXDkf/s1600/lasagna.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559144088397324898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdUCEXjctsJ2D-fR3wL-PabGZKpDAgZvXur2L-omNL2YM_n2hNEO35umAPD35fR2kWh0pvT4V-ENXfxqBFf-8izUwwUBEyn07G40Wk2YyURGFnzD0HcLttmCUpFdF723JXy2eSN4tXDkf/s320/lasagna.jpg" /></a>
<div></div></div></div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-47823544322652608622011-01-06T12:38:00.001-05:002011-01-15T21:07:11.223-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvLYz7yM6KHyOJbcz6FSyyavpT8ehRCgAxEg4JDkBokxoLcdfA_4W8hSQfYfKNIO955EvoAYKKKcFWkRb9VQLtmq5I53K8TnrvS5nhiek1IOPose2aa30JhO-iIFcoLRZoBAJLwpYrp_Z/s1600/Christmas+2010.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559128916304989794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvLYz7yM6KHyOJbcz6FSyyavpT8ehRCgAxEg4JDkBokxoLcdfA_4W8hSQfYfKNIO955EvoAYKKKcFWkRb9VQLtmq5I53K8TnrvS5nhiek1IOPose2aa30JhO-iIFcoLRZoBAJLwpYrp_Z/s320/Christmas+2010.bmp" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a> <br />
<div>This was the day after Christmas...Bailey is in hot pursuit of something...</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-3909386686149992102011-01-06T12:32:00.002-05:002011-01-15T21:07:27.697-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzj7oFBoArDy3CiHt282oDGdxU9QLvPUNnpK1rx_s3v6FrR3CJpn_N79Kg61t46TLNA2bA0bPxDakkNP39r7XYO1YvePKUpynRuDVK7d6EAIKFA2yhaQYndCWeNx_97JVLM7PQkLTGrIOh/s1600/baily+football.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559127832372019698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzj7oFBoArDy3CiHt282oDGdxU9QLvPUNnpK1rx_s3v6FrR3CJpn_N79Kg61t46TLNA2bA0bPxDakkNP39r7XYO1YvePKUpynRuDVK7d6EAIKFA2yhaQYndCWeNx_97JVLM7PQkLTGrIOh/s320/baily+football.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a> <br />
<div><div>This is Bailey...he LOVES this football! He was happy to see a white Christmas too!</div></div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3159379384240712470.post-72438053091573790712011-01-06T11:53:00.002-05:002011-01-15T21:08:14.070-05:00The Beginning<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_qJqh1ICfNHoGrAVUZsIKapB7Ie88juHCjQxUhsr29XcMUl8bhWPdhyphenhyphenICs9E-m7Jdbxq3AubIrsuIu__DWBkhMbrtZfSyuSs61yNqSYnM9Bn7NVQ63xpoOU63cssYxuskREqyNdRdH9M/s1600/mac+%2526+cheese1.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559118038102232002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_qJqh1ICfNHoGrAVUZsIKapB7Ie88juHCjQxUhsr29XcMUl8bhWPdhyphenhyphenICs9E-m7Jdbxq3AubIrsuIu__DWBkhMbrtZfSyuSs61yNqSYnM9Bn7NVQ63xpoOU63cssYxuskREqyNdRdH9M/s200/mac+%2526+cheese1.bmp" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> <br />
<div>"Ya'll come in and fix you a plate" My Granny says this every time I walk in her door. And I usually do, fix myself a plate of something good to eat. I love to eat and I love sharing recipes.</div><div></div><div>I created this blog to help me with my project of putting together a family cookbook. A compilation of recipes from my family and Nick's family. And, so I can let everyone know what's going on with my family. Most of the time there's not alot to report but every now and then something happens that I would love to shout from the top of the mountain. This is my mountain. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>As you can see by the pic attached, I love mac and cheese. I have my Mom's recipe and will include it in the family cookbook. I invite everyone to send me ANY recipes you would like to share. Feel free to post them to the blog, send them in an email or mail them to me. I'm looking for family recipes, recipes you have created or enhanced, recipes handwritten by long gone family members and basically any recipes you love and you want to share. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Eventually, I'll put all the recipes together in a cookbook that can be printed and shared with everyone. I don't have all the details worked out yet but I know it will be great. </div><div></div><div></div><div>I can't wait to see your recipes!</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070332849282513155noreply@blogger.com1