I posted the picture of the finished meals before I posted the recipe - woops. Here is the recipe and like always *ENJOY*!!! I think I might need to come up with a catching phrase like Paula Deen or Rachel Ray have after they cook their meals......
2-1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 lb. Italian sausage links, cut into 1-in. pieces
1 large onion, halved and sliced (since I ALWAYS cry when dealing with onions I only made it through half of cutting the onion)
1 medium green pepper, sliced
1 Tbsp. canola oil
1 can (14-1/2 oz) stewed tomatoes, cut up (I put in pan and used spoon with the heat to cut up)
1 can (8oz) tomato sauce
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the sausage, onion and green pepper in oil over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink and vegetables are tender. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce and seasonings; heat through.
Drain pasta; toss with tomato mixture. Sprinkle with cheese if desired.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Planning for 2nd Birthday
So I went ahead and booked our clubhouse for December (in the event we are still here to celebrate Gabriel's 2nd Birthday). Now I have been brainstorming about what theme I would like to do!!!! I figure I only have one, maybe two, more birthdays before he gets to voice his opinion. Last year for his First Birthday we did a Winter ONE-derland theme. I had so much fun with this party.
So for this year I want to do more crafts, make the birthday cake again, but if only I could make up my mind on the theme!!! I have thought about Trains, Cars, Airplanes - which all three he is LOVING right now. Mickey Mouse Club - his favorite cartoon. Something with balls or a golfer theme birthday - Gabe and his dad play golf in the backyard everyday and Gabe has a wicked swing already. Then I thought a Cowboy or Hayday/Rodeo theme for this one horse Gabriel's Papa May bought him for Christmas, that Gabe loves to "ride".
For now I will keep brainstorming but be thankful for at least we finally decided on a Halloween costume!! I thought I would be nice (hehehe) and let Nathan pick the costume for this year since I picked last year. Have I mentioned that Fall and my FAVORITE months are just around the corner?!?!?!
So for this year I want to do more crafts, make the birthday cake again, but if only I could make up my mind on the theme!!! I have thought about Trains, Cars, Airplanes - which all three he is LOVING right now. Mickey Mouse Club - his favorite cartoon. Something with balls or a golfer theme birthday - Gabe and his dad play golf in the backyard everyday and Gabe has a wicked swing already. Then I thought a Cowboy or Hayday/Rodeo theme for this one horse Gabriel's Papa May bought him for Christmas, that Gabe loves to "ride".
For now I will keep brainstorming but be thankful for at least we finally decided on a Halloween costume!! I thought I would be nice (hehehe) and let Nathan pick the costume for this year since I picked last year. Have I mentioned that Fall and my FAVORITE months are just around the corner?!?!?!
Friday, August 27, 2010
What Kind of Person are YOU????
Tough question right?!?! See this is the question that I have been asking myself for the past two weeks. I woke up one morning and just had enough. Enough of drama, negativity, lack of understanding, lack of communication, and so much more. Most importantly, not liking who I see in the mirror. This has started a honest two week period of self reflection.......
I am a rip the band-aid off fast and let the healing begin. Tell you straight - not to hurt your feelings but the sole belief in I hate lying. Will do everything in my power to help a family or friend, and so much more. I woke up and realized that who I am has been slipping away from me and I wanted myself back. I started looking at my marriage, my mothering skills, my friends, my own goals, and realized some sad stuff.
Realized that my marriage was hurting because I was putting friends first, lack of communication, and major lack of romance. Mothering my child with some annoyance, short fuse, and not being more hands on and creative with our son that I have high hopes and dreams to be.
Looking at my friends and realizing that it was mainly me calling people or texting all the time to just talk, wishing them a great morning/day, making plans to do things, or sadly enough, I was being sucked into their negative beliefs, life styles, bashing, and gossiping. *Side note yes everyone needs to vent about things in their life but to be on a path where all you do is bash, gossip, or only see the negative, I just don't get it or approve of it. Yet I was joining right along this path - no one to blame but myself*
Feeling like my passion for life was gone. As in the candle burned out and my passion was in total darkness.
So after seeing these things, acknowledging them, and telling myself no more, here is what I have been doing:
1 - I stopped texting and/or calling family/friends. This surprised me the most because within the past two weeks man my phone has been quiet!! Why?!? My husband pointed out that before I would even get out of bed in the morning I was texting my friends to wish them a fabulous day or letting them know I was thinking of them, etc. He then asked how many of my friends did that for me. I read somewhere that if it is you who is always calling or texting to talk or make plans, maybe that is a sign your friends are trying to tell you...hm had me thinking.
Now I had a couple of people that wouldn't accept the silence from me. They started texting me first or calling me to check in. Letting me know they understand why I am trying to to "center" my life. They told me they love me for who I am and take as much time as I need to right myself, my marriage, and family. They were not going anywhere. Other friends thought it was about them and wanted to know why I was ignoring them or being rude by not calling or texting them like I normally do. I tried to explain that it had nothing to do with them and this was for me. However, it still hurt when they couldn't wrap their head around that I, Rachel, am not in a place where I am happy with who I am.
2 - I am laying low on FB and stopped checking my emails all the time. FB and Emails can be great. Fabulous to keep in contact with family/friends hundreds of miles away or seeing pictures of your nieces and nephews growing up. However, it can be a bad thing when you read depressing, negative, or attention seeking status updates, over and over again. So I have started hiding people so I don't see their daily drama and you know, it works. *Of course everyone has some sort of drama or need a place to vent, to feel like you are not alone in the world, but when you have post after post of said status updates, I just don't want to be part of it. It is not healthy*
3 - I am baking and cooking more. Signed up for a cake decorating class and set up sitters so I can go to said cake class. Trying out many new recipes and hearing the wonderful words "Babe this is good!" Watching my husband and son eat what I cook and like/love it, brings me such great joy!
4 - Reading more. Still thinking about the electronic book readers. I am not ready to commit.
5 - Revamping my Life's Bucket List. Traveling is in my blood, dreams, and Internet searches. One day I will get around to posting my Bucket List. I believe in making a Bucket List so you are not letting life pass you by!
6 - Being the wife that my husband needs and wants of me. Being the mother I want to be and that our son needs!
7 - Working OUT!! I have turned into a lazy person about my figure/health and I just had enough. I needed a personal trainer to keep me motivated but had no money for a trainer. Instead I found a friend to not let me slack.
8 - Praying Yep that one word says it all for me
So where do I go from here? Making the promise to not let myself get into a negative world wind that affects my self happiness, love, and marriage is a start. Will it be easy not always. Am I all self-righteous now...no. Do I expect all my family and friends to understand...no and that is okay. I know the ones who see the goodness in me will understand and will want to help strength that goodness. Everyone has to face their own mirror at some point in their life. I have a feeling many don't/won't understand because they are not brave enough to look in the mirror them selves. This I too understand because it is scary. You just may not like what you see. I know I didn't.
However, I am liking what I slowly see in the mirror more and more everyday. Especially the love I am experiencing (again) in my marriage, the peace I feel within myself, and the joy I know I am teaching my son.
I truly believe with all my heart that God will continue to guide me. I know He will let me know when I am slipping off the path He has chosen for me. Especially now for once in my life, I am truly listening for His words that he speaks to me daily. Lastly, I give my thanks to God for giving me a healthy family while many people in this world are truly suffering - cancer, death of a parent, child fighting for his/her life in the NICU, loved one just killed in the war, and many more things.
So, I say to you What Kind of Person are You? Do you like what you see in the mirror? No, then change it! We are only given one life so why not make it the best it can be?
I am a rip the band-aid off fast and let the healing begin. Tell you straight - not to hurt your feelings but the sole belief in I hate lying. Will do everything in my power to help a family or friend, and so much more. I woke up and realized that who I am has been slipping away from me and I wanted myself back. I started looking at my marriage, my mothering skills, my friends, my own goals, and realized some sad stuff.
Realized that my marriage was hurting because I was putting friends first, lack of communication, and major lack of romance. Mothering my child with some annoyance, short fuse, and not being more hands on and creative with our son that I have high hopes and dreams to be.
Looking at my friends and realizing that it was mainly me calling people or texting all the time to just talk, wishing them a great morning/day, making plans to do things, or sadly enough, I was being sucked into their negative beliefs, life styles, bashing, and gossiping. *Side note yes everyone needs to vent about things in their life but to be on a path where all you do is bash, gossip, or only see the negative, I just don't get it or approve of it. Yet I was joining right along this path - no one to blame but myself*
Feeling like my passion for life was gone. As in the candle burned out and my passion was in total darkness.
So after seeing these things, acknowledging them, and telling myself no more, here is what I have been doing:
1 - I stopped texting and/or calling family/friends. This surprised me the most because within the past two weeks man my phone has been quiet!! Why?!? My husband pointed out that before I would even get out of bed in the morning I was texting my friends to wish them a fabulous day or letting them know I was thinking of them, etc. He then asked how many of my friends did that for me. I read somewhere that if it is you who is always calling or texting to talk or make plans, maybe that is a sign your friends are trying to tell you...hm had me thinking.
Now I had a couple of people that wouldn't accept the silence from me. They started texting me first or calling me to check in. Letting me know they understand why I am trying to to "center" my life. They told me they love me for who I am and take as much time as I need to right myself, my marriage, and family. They were not going anywhere. Other friends thought it was about them and wanted to know why I was ignoring them or being rude by not calling or texting them like I normally do. I tried to explain that it had nothing to do with them and this was for me. However, it still hurt when they couldn't wrap their head around that I, Rachel, am not in a place where I am happy with who I am.
2 - I am laying low on FB and stopped checking my emails all the time. FB and Emails can be great. Fabulous to keep in contact with family/friends hundreds of miles away or seeing pictures of your nieces and nephews growing up. However, it can be a bad thing when you read depressing, negative, or attention seeking status updates, over and over again. So I have started hiding people so I don't see their daily drama and you know, it works. *Of course everyone has some sort of drama or need a place to vent, to feel like you are not alone in the world, but when you have post after post of said status updates, I just don't want to be part of it. It is not healthy*
3 - I am baking and cooking more. Signed up for a cake decorating class and set up sitters so I can go to said cake class. Trying out many new recipes and hearing the wonderful words "Babe this is good!" Watching my husband and son eat what I cook and like/love it, brings me such great joy!
4 - Reading more. Still thinking about the electronic book readers. I am not ready to commit.
5 - Revamping my Life's Bucket List. Traveling is in my blood, dreams, and Internet searches. One day I will get around to posting my Bucket List. I believe in making a Bucket List so you are not letting life pass you by!
6 - Being the wife that my husband needs and wants of me. Being the mother I want to be and that our son needs!
7 - Working OUT!! I have turned into a lazy person about my figure/health and I just had enough. I needed a personal trainer to keep me motivated but had no money for a trainer. Instead I found a friend to not let me slack.
8 - Praying Yep that one word says it all for me
So where do I go from here? Making the promise to not let myself get into a negative world wind that affects my self happiness, love, and marriage is a start. Will it be easy not always. Am I all self-righteous now...no. Do I expect all my family and friends to understand...no and that is okay. I know the ones who see the goodness in me will understand and will want to help strength that goodness. Everyone has to face their own mirror at some point in their life. I have a feeling many don't/won't understand because they are not brave enough to look in the mirror them selves. This I too understand because it is scary. You just may not like what you see. I know I didn't.
However, I am liking what I slowly see in the mirror more and more everyday. Especially the love I am experiencing (again) in my marriage, the peace I feel within myself, and the joy I know I am teaching my son.
I truly believe with all my heart that God will continue to guide me. I know He will let me know when I am slipping off the path He has chosen for me. Especially now for once in my life, I am truly listening for His words that he speaks to me daily. Lastly, I give my thanks to God for giving me a healthy family while many people in this world are truly suffering - cancer, death of a parent, child fighting for his/her life in the NICU, loved one just killed in the war, and many more things.
So, I say to you What Kind of Person are You? Do you like what you see in the mirror? No, then change it! We are only given one life so why not make it the best it can be?
Love a Bargain
Went to Michaels today to sign up for a cake decorating class. Then I spotted these -
These are foam and felt hats. Gabriel has been getting into play pretend with remotes as a phone, walking around in my shoes, and loving hats. The hats were on the side walk sale for .10 to .99 cents each. So when the lady was ringing up the hats my total came to.....$1.78 I couldn't believe it. I just LOVE a great bargain like this.
These are foam and felt hats. Gabriel has been getting into play pretend with remotes as a phone, walking around in my shoes, and loving hats. The hats were on the side walk sale for .10 to .99 cents each. So when the lady was ringing up the hats my total came to.....$1.78 I couldn't believe it. I just LOVE a great bargain like this.
Gabe the Elephant
Nathan says its a Ladybug but
I say it is a motorcycle helmet with goggles
Nathan wearing the Snake hat and
making the Ssss side
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Catching up with some photos
So I have posted about a Baby Shower and several new recipes. Found my camera cord to finally upload some photos. We have been crazy busy lately but it has been crazy busy good!! We are taking a lot of family time and cutting back a TON of technology (FB, TV, etc). We are getting teased lately with Fall weather which equals us living outside. I have been working out M, W, F with a friend on her Elliptical machine. This has been wonderful because we are motivating one another and watching each other's kids so we can work out. Then on T and TH I work out to Jillian's 30 Day Shred. I feel like I walk like I have been riding a horse nonstop. More to blog about for sure but here are some pictures!
Baby Rattle Cupcakes that I made for the Baby Shower
Buffalo Chicken - can not say enough how
easy and yummy this recipe is!!
Diaper Cake - for same Baby Shower
Just realized I haven't posted this recipe yet but
I like to say if I saw married to an Italian
I would make my Italian MIL proud!!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Buffalo Chicken Recipe - Delish!!
Before I post the recipe, what a weekend we have had!!! I am still behind posting about out Loveland Castle and Jungle Jim's trip last week but I promise I will get to it. This past weekend was ALL about babies!!! Saturday we celebrated a Baby Shower for Jessica. Her and her husband are expecting their first in October. Then Saturday night I got the call that our friend Jen was in labor....well so she thought. Went over to their house and stayed for a few hours while she walked, breathed, and decided it wasn't time to go to the hospital yet. So went home to finally get the call at 4:44 am, went back to their house to say with their first born, and off they went to the hospital. 6:49 am and finally after 9 months and 14 days later, their baby girl arrived!!! Life is so amazing I tell you. I went up to the hospital to visit with Jen and new baby today. Ended up staying a few hours becuase I just couldn't let go of baby girl. 8 lbs 6 oz and so beautiful!!!
Okay here is what we had for dinner tonight. I must say I was happily surprised on how easy and YUMMY this dish is!! Even Nathan smiled and said "Babe that is good!"
-4 boneless, skinless, chicken breast halves (5oz each)
-1/4 t. salt
-1/4 t. pepper
-2 eggs (I used one because that is all I had)
-1/2 c. seasoned bread crumbs
-3 T. canola oil
-1/4 c. buffalo wing sauce
-1/4 c. shredded provolone cheese (didn't have)
-1/4 c. shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Flatten chicken to 1/2 inch thickness (didn't flatten b/c didn't have time)
Sprinkle with salt and pepper
In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs
Place bread crumbs in another shallow bowl
Dip chicken in eggs, then coat with bread crumbs
In large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken in oil for 7-10 minutes on each side or until chicken juices run clear, adding wing sauce during the last 2 minutes
Turn to coat chicken (I only coated one side with wing sauce). Sprinkle with cheeses. Cover and cook until cheese is melted.
**Enjoy**
Okay here is what we had for dinner tonight. I must say I was happily surprised on how easy and YUMMY this dish is!! Even Nathan smiled and said "Babe that is good!"
-4 boneless, skinless, chicken breast halves (5oz each)
-1/4 t. salt
-1/4 t. pepper
-2 eggs (I used one because that is all I had)
-1/2 c. seasoned bread crumbs
-3 T. canola oil
-1/4 c. buffalo wing sauce
-1/4 c. shredded provolone cheese (didn't have)
-1/4 c. shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Flatten chicken to 1/2 inch thickness (didn't flatten b/c didn't have time)
Sprinkle with salt and pepper
In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs
Place bread crumbs in another shallow bowl
Dip chicken in eggs, then coat with bread crumbs
In large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken in oil for 7-10 minutes on each side or until chicken juices run clear, adding wing sauce during the last 2 minutes
Turn to coat chicken (I only coated one side with wing sauce). Sprinkle with cheeses. Cover and cook until cheese is melted.
**Enjoy**
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
20 months and counting....
Today Gabriel is 20 months old. This means in 4 months I will officially be a mom of a Toddler. This bothers me more than turning 30 (I still have a year thank you!). So we celebrated by taking a day trip to Jungle Jim's and Loveland Castle. I will blog about these places another time for this blog is all about Gabriel.
A fabulous friend once told me that every time her daughter says a new word she writes that word on the calendar, according to the day daughter said such word. I LOVE this idea and wonder why I never thought of it!! That being said I still haven't followed through with this great idea. So Nathan and I brainstormed today all the words we can remember Gabriel knowing/saying by today, his 20 Month Birthday.
*Momma - Mommy
*Dadda - Daddy
*Papa
*MeMaw
*MiMi
*Bailey
*Baby
*Belly
*Dog
*Ball
*Shoe(s)
*Car
*Hug
*Hot - Hotttt
*Juice
*No
*Yep
*More
*Yellow
*Ma'am
*Green
*Blue
*Horse
*Up
*Mouse
*Feet
*Hat
*PeePee
*Hi
*Hello
*Bye
*Uh-Oh
*Bye - Bye Bye
*Cheese
*Roar - as well as act out roar
*Woof Woof - Woof - as well as act out woof
*Meow - as well as act out meow
*Chicken - working on acting this out
*Nano
*Thank You
*Welcome
*Night - Night Night
*Please.......this word is turning into a pain!!! He know understands that if he says Please it results in him getting something. So now he will say please for everything he "wants" and I'm the "bad" mom telling him sorry you can't have juice because you need milk. Or you can't get "up" which means out of the carseat while the car is moving!!
So that is 45 words we can think of. Just think, back in early part of Summer I was wondering if Gabriel would ever talk!!! However Gabriel is more than just the number of words he can speak. He is joy, laughter, endless hours of dancing, and rocking out to my crazy Pandora Radio Station. He loves to drum to some Aerosmith and Metallica, while dancing and fist pumping to Lady Gaga and Beyonce. The latest thing that amazes me is, he will go get his Keyboard and play the piano with Josh Groban and Andre Bocelli.
He will dig out his markers and come running to me to say "please" and we will draw until he is covered in marker - thank goodness for washable markers! He LOVES to grab his stool and come into the kitchen to watch me cook and whenever I get to close to the oven he yells out "HOT". If I don't reply back he then yells "Momma HOTTTT". Which I tell him yes, very hot so stay away.
Think one of my favorite times with Gabriel is "Night Night" time. Around 4 and half months I did some hard core Sleep Training and words can not explain how much we are thankful we stuck to our guns. At night, when it is time for Gabriel to go to bed, all we have to say is, "It's Night Night Time". This sends Gabriel running over to me for hugs and kisses. He then walks up the stairs and stopping at ever step to "talk" to me. What is he saying....we have zero idea LOL
All I know is I say back to him "I love you too son, good night, don't let the bed bugs bite, night night, yes go to bed, I love you more, see you in the morning". All the while Nathan is smiling and gently pushing Gabriel's bottom up the stairs.
Running around the gardens at Loveland Castle today, Nathan asked me if I can believe we are parents to this amazing little guy. I just had to stop and smile. God has truly blessed us with a child that is happy, healthy, and has brought more love into our lives than we can ever imagine!!
Happy 20 Month Birthday Son, I truly love you!!
Mom - Momma - Mommy
A fabulous friend once told me that every time her daughter says a new word she writes that word on the calendar, according to the day daughter said such word. I LOVE this idea and wonder why I never thought of it!! That being said I still haven't followed through with this great idea. So Nathan and I brainstormed today all the words we can remember Gabriel knowing/saying by today, his 20 Month Birthday.
*Momma - Mommy
*Dadda - Daddy
*Papa
*MeMaw
*MiMi
*Bailey
*Baby
*Belly
*Dog
*Ball
*Shoe(s)
*Car
*Hug
*Hot - Hotttt
*Juice
*No
*Yep
*More
*Yellow
*Ma'am
*Green
*Blue
*Horse
*Up
*Mouse
*Feet
*Hat
*PeePee
*Hi
*Hello
*Bye
*Uh-Oh
*Bye - Bye Bye
*Cheese
*Roar - as well as act out roar
*Woof Woof - Woof - as well as act out woof
*Meow - as well as act out meow
*Chicken - working on acting this out
*Nano
*Thank You
*Welcome
*Night - Night Night
*Please.......this word is turning into a pain!!! He know understands that if he says Please it results in him getting something. So now he will say please for everything he "wants" and I'm the "bad" mom telling him sorry you can't have juice because you need milk. Or you can't get "up" which means out of the carseat while the car is moving!!
So that is 45 words we can think of. Just think, back in early part of Summer I was wondering if Gabriel would ever talk!!! However Gabriel is more than just the number of words he can speak. He is joy, laughter, endless hours of dancing, and rocking out to my crazy Pandora Radio Station. He loves to drum to some Aerosmith and Metallica, while dancing and fist pumping to Lady Gaga and Beyonce. The latest thing that amazes me is, he will go get his Keyboard and play the piano with Josh Groban and Andre Bocelli.
He will dig out his markers and come running to me to say "please" and we will draw until he is covered in marker - thank goodness for washable markers! He LOVES to grab his stool and come into the kitchen to watch me cook and whenever I get to close to the oven he yells out "HOT". If I don't reply back he then yells "Momma HOTTTT". Which I tell him yes, very hot so stay away.
Think one of my favorite times with Gabriel is "Night Night" time. Around 4 and half months I did some hard core Sleep Training and words can not explain how much we are thankful we stuck to our guns. At night, when it is time for Gabriel to go to bed, all we have to say is, "It's Night Night Time". This sends Gabriel running over to me for hugs and kisses. He then walks up the stairs and stopping at ever step to "talk" to me. What is he saying....we have zero idea LOL
All I know is I say back to him "I love you too son, good night, don't let the bed bugs bite, night night, yes go to bed, I love you more, see you in the morning". All the while Nathan is smiling and gently pushing Gabriel's bottom up the stairs.
Running around the gardens at Loveland Castle today, Nathan asked me if I can believe we are parents to this amazing little guy. I just had to stop and smile. God has truly blessed us with a child that is happy, healthy, and has brought more love into our lives than we can ever imagine!!
Happy 20 Month Birthday Son, I truly love you!!
Mom - Momma - Mommy
Monday, August 16, 2010
Niiiice - New Cookbook for Me!! **Update**
**So Nathan and Gabriel both loved it so much they had two helpings!!! Me, not so much. I felt like it was too much Spinach and next time will cut the Spinach in half. Also, when I made it for Becky I added lots of Garlic Powder. I didn't this time and it was missing. ENJOY!!**
Went to the ever beloved Sam's a couple of days ago and bought Southern Living All-Time Favorites, Cook Book. This cookbook is fabulous!!! Over 500 recipes, many pictures, and easy to follow. Last night I made Chicken-n-Spinach Pasta Bake from the cookbook and delivered it to a fabulous friend, Becky. I didn't follow the recipe exactly since she needed no onions in their meal(s). I tried a bite of the bake to make sure what I was delivering wasn't a total disaster. Man it was good. So tonight I am making it again but following the recipe as given and hoping my family loves it - ENJOY!!
Chicken-n-Spinach Pasta Bake (will upload pictures after I make it tonight, promise!)
-8 oz uncooked rigatoni
-1 Tbs Olive Oil
-1 cup finely chopped onion
-1 (10oz) Frozen Chopped Spinach
-3 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts
-1 (14.5 oz) Italian-style diced tomatoes
-1 (8oz) container chive-and-onion cream cheese
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon pepper
-1 1/2 cups (6 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
-Prepare rigatoni according to package directions
-Meanwhile, spread oil on bottom of an 11x7 inch baking dish; add onion in a single layer
-Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or just until tender. Transfer onion to a large bowl, and set aside
-Drain chopped spinach weel, pressing between layers of paper towels.
-Stir rigatoni, spinach, chicken, and next 4 ingredients into onion in bowl. Spoon mixture into baking dish, and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
-Bake, covered, at 375 degrees for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 15 more minutes or until bubbly.
Makes 4-6 servings.
Went to the ever beloved Sam's a couple of days ago and bought Southern Living All-Time Favorites, Cook Book. This cookbook is fabulous!!! Over 500 recipes, many pictures, and easy to follow. Last night I made Chicken-n-Spinach Pasta Bake from the cookbook and delivered it to a fabulous friend, Becky. I didn't follow the recipe exactly since she needed no onions in their meal(s). I tried a bite of the bake to make sure what I was delivering wasn't a total disaster. Man it was good. So tonight I am making it again but following the recipe as given and hoping my family loves it - ENJOY!!
Chicken-n-Spinach Pasta Bake (will upload pictures after I make it tonight, promise!)
-8 oz uncooked rigatoni
-1 Tbs Olive Oil
-1 cup finely chopped onion
-1 (10oz) Frozen Chopped Spinach
-3 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts
-1 (14.5 oz) Italian-style diced tomatoes
-1 (8oz) container chive-and-onion cream cheese
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon pepper
-1 1/2 cups (6 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
-Prepare rigatoni according to package directions
-Meanwhile, spread oil on bottom of an 11x7 inch baking dish; add onion in a single layer
-Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or just until tender. Transfer onion to a large bowl, and set aside
-Drain chopped spinach weel, pressing between layers of paper towels.
-Stir rigatoni, spinach, chicken, and next 4 ingredients into onion in bowl. Spoon mixture into baking dish, and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
-Bake, covered, at 375 degrees for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 15 more minutes or until bubbly.
Makes 4-6 servings.
Friday, August 13, 2010
The Search for the best Mac-N-Cheese
Continues in our household. I have tried this recipe for Mac-N-Cheese by Giada De Laurentiis It was very yummy from what I remembered (made about 4-5 years ago) but I do remmeber it was running. So I would like to try this recipe again and find a way to make it thicker. Then I have been told to try this Mac-N-Cheese by Alton Brown So until I try this recipe I will let you know about a jazzed up Mac-N-Cheese that I made this week and boy it was yummy!!! So yummy that Nathan ate two Ziploc To Go containers and Gabriel ate some. Yes I have a weird child that will eat every fruit and vegetable known to man but won't eat meat or normal Kraft Mac-N-Cheese. Try it, enjoy, and don't blame me if your family is wanting it every week ;)
**Side Note** I got this wonderful recipe from a friend. I will copy and paste her notes exactly how she gave them to me. I followed recipe to a T but used all the seasonings and 4 cups of cheese - sharp cheddar cheese.
Beef Mac-N-Cheese from Lisa Gorski
It is from the book "I Can Cook, You Can Cook!" by Wayne Brokke. It's very basic and super easy. I included what I used a little differently or less of in the dish from Friday night so that you can decide how you want to make yours. He also talks about converting it to a broccoli mac n cheese, Italian sausage mac n cheese, and ham and asparagus mac n cheese (there's no directions for these, but if you wanted to change it up those are a couple of ideas). I don't know why this is so good - I think it's the green peppers that adds the unexpected extra flavor.
Wayne's Beef Macaroni and Cheese:
-2 lbs lean ground beef (I used 1.5 lbs)
-2 cups of white onions, chopped (I used one huge onion)
-2 cups green peppers, chopped (I used one pepper)
-1-28 oz can of crushed tomatoes (I couldn't find crushed, so I used plain diced, and it doesn't specify drained or not, but I drained them) **Rachel's notes I used one diced and one stewed and drained both-used what was in my cabinet.
-1 Tbsp garlic powder or fresh, chopped (I used 1 Tbsp of the refrigerated minced garlic)
-1-16 oz box of elbow macaroni
-2-3 cups of grated cheddar cheese (I used 3 and think it could have used more)**Rachel's notes I was bad, real bad and used 4 cups of cheese. One cup to mix with the meat and noodles while the rest was put on top.
-1 Tbsp basil
-1 Tbsp cumin
-1 Tbsp oregano (I used a bunch of Italian seasoning because I didn't have all of these on hand) **Rachel's notes I used all the seasoning plue Italian seasoning...blame it on living in Cajun Country for so long
-Olive oil as needed
-Salt and pepper to taste (I didn't use these) **Rachel's notes I used salt when boil noodles and don't remember using pepper
Preheat oven to 350.
1. Boil macaroni noodles, drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, sauté green peppers, onions, and garlic in olive oil until soft.
3. Add ground beef and sauté until brown. Drain excess fat.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper
5. In a large bowl, combine macaroni and beef mixture.
6. Place mixture in a 9 x 13 greased baking dish.
7. Top with grated cheese and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.
**Side Note** I got this wonderful recipe from a friend. I will copy and paste her notes exactly how she gave them to me. I followed recipe to a T but used all the seasonings and 4 cups of cheese - sharp cheddar cheese.
Beef Mac-N-Cheese from Lisa Gorski
It is from the book "I Can Cook, You Can Cook!" by Wayne Brokke. It's very basic and super easy. I included what I used a little differently or less of in the dish from Friday night so that you can decide how you want to make yours. He also talks about converting it to a broccoli mac n cheese, Italian sausage mac n cheese, and ham and asparagus mac n cheese (there's no directions for these, but if you wanted to change it up those are a couple of ideas). I don't know why this is so good - I think it's the green peppers that adds the unexpected extra flavor.
Wayne's Beef Macaroni and Cheese:
-2 lbs lean ground beef (I used 1.5 lbs)
-2 cups of white onions, chopped (I used one huge onion)
-2 cups green peppers, chopped (I used one pepper)
-1-28 oz can of crushed tomatoes (I couldn't find crushed, so I used plain diced, and it doesn't specify drained or not, but I drained them) **Rachel's notes I used one diced and one stewed and drained both-used what was in my cabinet.
-1 Tbsp garlic powder or fresh, chopped (I used 1 Tbsp of the refrigerated minced garlic)
-1-16 oz box of elbow macaroni
-2-3 cups of grated cheddar cheese (I used 3 and think it could have used more)**Rachel's notes I was bad, real bad and used 4 cups of cheese. One cup to mix with the meat and noodles while the rest was put on top.
-1 Tbsp basil
-1 Tbsp cumin
-1 Tbsp oregano (I used a bunch of Italian seasoning because I didn't have all of these on hand) **Rachel's notes I used all the seasoning plue Italian seasoning...blame it on living in Cajun Country for so long
-Olive oil as needed
-Salt and pepper to taste (I didn't use these) **Rachel's notes I used salt when boil noodles and don't remember using pepper
Preheat oven to 350.
1. Boil macaroni noodles, drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, sauté green peppers, onions, and garlic in olive oil until soft.
3. Add ground beef and sauté until brown. Drain excess fat.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper
5. In a large bowl, combine macaroni and beef mixture.
6. Place mixture in a 9 x 13 greased baking dish.
7. Top with grated cheese and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Chipotle Sliders
So I have slacked off posting our family menus don't think anyone really cares guess just plain lazy. Lazy about Blogging in general. Especially since I have written down notes of great things to Blog about!!! Then those Blog ideas get tossed out because other follow Bloggers have beat me to it and who wants a copy cat Blogger???
Okay back on track...tonight's dinner was Chipotle Sliders. Oh my!! After one bite my mind drifted to that scene in When Harry Met Sally at the diner table and well if you have never seen the movie go watch. Second bite my mind went holy cow these are really yummy but CRAP that are hot!!! So make these sliders and follow the recipe but to take off a layer "crap that is hot" skip the mayo and just use ketchup (Nathan did). Oh, I also should say WOOHOO to the hubs making dinner tonight....thanks babe!!
Chipotle Sliders - $500 winner in June/July 2010 Taste of Home Simple & Delicious Magazine
-1pkg (12oz) Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
-1 tsp. salt
-1/2 tsp. pepper
-8 tsp. minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, divided
-1-1/2 lbs. ground beef
-10 slices pepper Jack cheese
-1/2 cup mayonnaise
Place 2 rolls in a food processor; process until crumbly.
Transfer to a large bowl; add the salt, pepper, and 6 tsp. chipotle peppers.
Crumble beef over mixture and mix well.
Shape into 10 patties
Grille burgers, covered, over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 160 and juices run clear.
Top with cheese
Grills 1 minute longer or until cheese is melted
Split remaining rolls and grill, cut side down, over medium heat for 30-60 seconds or until toasted. Combine mayo and remaining chipotle peppers; spread over roll bottoms
Top each with a burger
replace roll tops!
**ENJOY** Side Note, blog might be going through some more changes. This Fabulous Blogger left a wonderful comment on my page. When I went to check her out I noticed at the end of each blog was a section where you can click on older blogs - really like that! Plus I need to add a signature one of these days.
Okay back on track...tonight's dinner was Chipotle Sliders. Oh my!! After one bite my mind drifted to that scene in When Harry Met Sally at the diner table and well if you have never seen the movie go watch. Second bite my mind went holy cow these are really yummy but CRAP that are hot!!! So make these sliders and follow the recipe but to take off a layer "crap that is hot" skip the mayo and just use ketchup (Nathan did). Oh, I also should say WOOHOO to the hubs making dinner tonight....thanks babe!!
Chipotle Sliders - $500 winner in June/July 2010 Taste of Home Simple & Delicious Magazine
-1pkg (12oz) Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
-1 tsp. salt
-1/2 tsp. pepper
-8 tsp. minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, divided
-1-1/2 lbs. ground beef
-10 slices pepper Jack cheese
-1/2 cup mayonnaise
Place 2 rolls in a food processor; process until crumbly.
Transfer to a large bowl; add the salt, pepper, and 6 tsp. chipotle peppers.
Crumble beef over mixture and mix well.
Shape into 10 patties
Grille burgers, covered, over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 160 and juices run clear.
Top with cheese
Grills 1 minute longer or until cheese is melted
Split remaining rolls and grill, cut side down, over medium heat for 30-60 seconds or until toasted. Combine mayo and remaining chipotle peppers; spread over roll bottoms
Top each with a burger
replace roll tops!
**ENJOY** Side Note, blog might be going through some more changes. This Fabulous Blogger left a wonderful comment on my page. When I went to check her out I noticed at the end of each blog was a section where you can click on older blogs - really like that! Plus I need to add a signature one of these days.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Chocolate Hazelnut Pie w/Cool Whip
So tonight is our monthly GNO (Girl's Night Out) which really should be GNI (G.N.In) b/c we stay in and have a blast. So I have been wanting to try this recipe for awhile now and decided to make it for tonight. It is my first time to make a homemade pie and homemade cool whip. First let me start with the coolwhip - OMGoodness it is fabulous!!! It truly may just be okay to most people but I do NOT like Cool Whip and when I licked the spatula (after I was done...of course) I impressed myself!! Then I am hoping the pie turns out okay since I thought I had more Nutella than what I actually had. I guess Nathan and Gabriel really do like Nutella.
Chocolate Hazelnut Pie
-1 (8oz) Cream Cheese, softened
-1/3 c. Hazelnut Spread (Nutella)
-1/2 c. sugar
-1 egg
-1 c. heavy cream
-1 t. vanilla
-1/2 c. toasted hazelnuts, chopped
-2 T. mini-chocolate chips
-1 Chocolate Pie Crust (I used store bought till I find a recipe)
-Large Bowl, combine cream cheese, hazelnut spread, and 1/4 c. sugar
-Beat on Mediuam for 3 minutes or well blended
-Add egg and 1/4 c. hazelnuts and beat till blended
-Pour batter into crust and bake 30 minutes or until center is just set.
-Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
-Once pie has cooled, beat heavy cream, remaining 1/4 c. sugar and vanilla on high speed until medium
peaks form.
-Spread over pie and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 c. hazelnuts and mini chocolate chips.
**Pictures soon - camera battery died after last picture taken. ENJOY!!**
Chocolate Hazelnut Pie
-1 (8oz) Cream Cheese, softened
-1/3 c. Hazelnut Spread (Nutella)
-1/2 c. sugar
-1 egg
-1 c. heavy cream
-1 t. vanilla
-1/2 c. toasted hazelnuts, chopped
-2 T. mini-chocolate chips
-1 Chocolate Pie Crust (I used store bought till I find a recipe)
-Large Bowl, combine cream cheese, hazelnut spread, and 1/4 c. sugar
-Beat on Mediuam for 3 minutes or well blended
-Add egg and 1/4 c. hazelnuts and beat till blended
-Pour batter into crust and bake 30 minutes or until center is just set.
-Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
-Once pie has cooled, beat heavy cream, remaining 1/4 c. sugar and vanilla on high speed until medium
peaks form.
-Spread over pie and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 c. hazelnuts and mini chocolate chips.
**Pictures soon - camera battery died after last picture taken. ENJOY!!**
Joe Dirt meets Billy Ray Cyrus
Ever wonder what Joe Dirt and Billy Ray Cyrus' hair would look like if it was infused together???? Can't quit picture it? Here let me help you!!!!
Went to a friend's house to cool off, stop crying, and take a HUGE breather. Finally returned home and asked what in the world Nathan was thinking. Basically, he said he wanted to trim the hair out of his eyes and it seemed easy. So moved on to the ears and things went wrong. However he kept going and just didn't know where to stop. In tears I called a good friend, Jessica, to come over and help clean up Nathan's mess. Bonus of helping me calm down.
All of this took place this past Monday and it is now Saturday. Yep that is 5 days and I am now at the point of no more tears and slowly accepting Gabriel's hair is gone. I had my hair styled yesterday with my fabulous hair stylist Alicia. She reassured me that hair does grow back and to give it two weeks and then bring Gabriel in. She made me promise to not shave his head because I was seriously wanting to.
*Side note* Yes I know it is just hair. I have friends fighting cancer, deaths of family members, and babies in the NICU but sheesh I was only gone an hour and my husband made a huge decision without me.......this was huge to me. Two Positive Things - Never truly knew how Blue my son's eyes are and He is WAY less sweaty now that all his thick hair is gone.
Front view of Joe and Billy Hair Style
Right Side View
Left Side View
So what caused this hairstyle you may ask....my fabulous husband. See it was during nap time that I decided to get a pedicure. Oh what a pedi it was!! No one was in the salon, the guy took his time, and man my little toes were in heaven. Move to an hour later and BAM!!! My little boy turned into a little man.
I came into the house to find Gabriel getting a bath (hind sight I should have gone upstairs to say hi.....but hind sight is 50/50). So I went to the kitchen to start dinner, to then have Nathan peek his head around the corner to tell me, "I love you dear and I tried". Yep...he tried to give a "trim" which turned into a mullet. I instantly started to cry and for the first time (10 yrs together) I grabbed my keys and walked out of the house.
When I left for my pedicure....................................
Yes it is in his eyes but only b/c needs a trim
19 months to get all this hair
It was in less than 24 hours Gabriel was getting a trim
All of this took place this past Monday and it is now Saturday. Yep that is 5 days and I am now at the point of no more tears and slowly accepting Gabriel's hair is gone. I had my hair styled yesterday with my fabulous hair stylist Alicia. She reassured me that hair does grow back and to give it two weeks and then bring Gabriel in. She made me promise to not shave his head because I was seriously wanting to.
*Side note* Yes I know it is just hair. I have friends fighting cancer, deaths of family members, and babies in the NICU but sheesh I was only gone an hour and my husband made a huge decision without me.......this was huge to me. Two Positive Things - Never truly knew how Blue my son's eyes are and He is WAY less sweaty now that all his thick hair is gone.
Gabriel's New-Do with a side of spaghetti
Needed to go back and get re-relaxed
but they do look pretty ;)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Family Day at its best!!!!!
So we didn't make it to church. Instead we chose to get up early and have a family day. We are still in the process of finding a church home but until we do I have been attending the Bible Study class and will start MOPS in September. You know finding a Church home is way harder than I thought it would be!!!
Anywho, we had breakfast at First Watch and man oh' man do we love this place!! It never gets old, food is always fabulous, and everyone who works there is super nice. I am wanting to get into baking homemade bread so I asked Nathan to take me to Half Price Books and then to Barnes and Nobles.
I scored a Bread making cooking book at Half Price Books but didn't stay long...Gabriel was bored. This is where I am glad we went to EnterTRAINment Junction a couple weeks ago. Gabriel's love for trains (do to EnterTRAINment Junction) allowed us to stay at Barnes-N-Nobles for almost TWO HOURS!!!! Nathan got coffee, walked around the store, checked out the Nook for me, all while Gabriel and I were in the children's section - me reading and Gabriel playing with Thomas The Train trains.
Nathan and I talked about my love for books, poor guy!!! His reading list consists of the Sport's Pages and doesn't understand why I bring Gabriel a book home every time I come home from a store. I have even been ordered to not buy any more books....LOL yeah right!!
I toy with the idea of getting the Nook, Kindle, or whatever electronic book is out there. What stops me??? The smell of a book. The first thing I do when I read new or used book is to smell the book. Call me crazy but smelling a book gets my mind ready to take off to petticoats, a who-done it mystery, shape shifters, love, or whatever the theme is I happen to be reading. It helps to take me away from the real-world and truly immerse into the plot. Man I really love to read! Then the thought of not turning a page bothers me. I have no rhyme or reason why it bothers me but it does.
So until I can make up my mind to go digital or not to go digital, I will finish my Sunday night in bed, curled up under the comforter, with Janet Evanovich's Finger Lickin' Fifteen.....this book has me rolling with laughter! Another steal for a hardback book for $6.98 at B&N!
Are you a digital reader yet???? Oh, Sunday was finished with naps, cartoons in bed (only 10 minutes because Gabriel is still not ready for TV or cuddle time in bed - we are not the co-sleeping kind of family), Grilled Steaks with mac-n-cheese and green beans, and practice on our numbers, colors, and lots and lots of hugs and kisses :D
Anywho, we had breakfast at First Watch and man oh' man do we love this place!! It never gets old, food is always fabulous, and everyone who works there is super nice. I am wanting to get into baking homemade bread so I asked Nathan to take me to Half Price Books and then to Barnes and Nobles.
I scored a Bread making cooking book at Half Price Books but didn't stay long...Gabriel was bored. This is where I am glad we went to EnterTRAINment Junction a couple weeks ago. Gabriel's love for trains (do to EnterTRAINment Junction) allowed us to stay at Barnes-N-Nobles for almost TWO HOURS!!!! Nathan got coffee, walked around the store, checked out the Nook for me, all while Gabriel and I were in the children's section - me reading and Gabriel playing with Thomas The Train trains.
Nathan and I talked about my love for books, poor guy!!! His reading list consists of the Sport's Pages and doesn't understand why I bring Gabriel a book home every time I come home from a store. I have even been ordered to not buy any more books....LOL yeah right!!
I toy with the idea of getting the Nook, Kindle, or whatever electronic book is out there. What stops me??? The smell of a book. The first thing I do when I read new or used book is to smell the book. Call me crazy but smelling a book gets my mind ready to take off to petticoats, a who-done it mystery, shape shifters, love, or whatever the theme is I happen to be reading. It helps to take me away from the real-world and truly immerse into the plot. Man I really love to read! Then the thought of not turning a page bothers me. I have no rhyme or reason why it bothers me but it does.
So until I can make up my mind to go digital or not to go digital, I will finish my Sunday night in bed, curled up under the comforter, with Janet Evanovich's Finger Lickin' Fifteen.....this book has me rolling with laughter! Another steal for a hardback book for $6.98 at B&N!
Are you a digital reader yet???? Oh, Sunday was finished with naps, cartoons in bed (only 10 minutes because Gabriel is still not ready for TV or cuddle time in bed - we are not the co-sleeping kind of family), Grilled Steaks with mac-n-cheese and green beans, and practice on our numbers, colors, and lots and lots of hugs and kisses :D
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