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I have been thinking a lot, perhaps too much. I suppose it is possible to think too much. It seems like there is so much to think about. This is a dinner that I thought up while I was working quietly in my kitchen, trying to use up the veggies and old bread. I really don’t like to waste anything and this is the result. Ingredients:½ loaf of left over Italian bread4 eggs1½ cups milk4 vin
Happy Mother's Day everyone!Here is a delicious treat that is sure to please.Add a little sweetness and spice to your day!Enjoy,CatherineIngredients:For the Chicken:8 chicken cutlets3 cups honey nut shredded wheat ½ cup honey roasted peanuts3 eggs plus ¼ cup milk1 cup flour2 tbs. olive oil and more as needed for sautéing For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:1 Jalapeño – chopped with seeds1 beefsteak toma
It is not always possible to start your day with a nice, complete breakfast. As a matter of fact I think that a home cooked breakfast is becoming more of a luxury than a norm. As Fats Domino sang, “Aint that a shame”. One of my prayers is that family gets to know each others faces. That it will someday be a norm to have breakfast with each other, that they look forward to s
There is something so comforting about the sweet smell of cinnamon and oranges, and it tastes even better when warm and gooey…fresh from the oven. It’s perfect in the morning…and even better at the end of a long day of work. There are more recipes out there that call for slow rising cinnamon buns…but who’s kidding who here? When I want a cinnamon roll, I want it now. And who has tim
It is often the small kind gestures in life that can change a person's attitude, it is the "hello" and gently asking how someone is, it is doing something nice for someone, not because you have to. People often take for granted the ones who are closest to them. A kind gesture can change someone’s heart, maybe, someone’s life. Charity does start at home; People tend to associate charity
My mother always said, “When you wake up in the morning you never know how the day will end”. As I get older, I don’t get shocked but I do get surprised. My dad had a saying too, “some people have more nerve than brains”! I guess that is how life is. Our memories are all we ever really have left. Everything can be washed away but our memories and our faith get us thro
The weather is becoming spring like and I love it! It has been a looooooong fall and winter with many changes to my life. I am looking forward to the rebirth of spring and to see the beautiful flowers bloom and the birds teach me how to spread my wings and soar.Ingredients:4-5 bell peppers – sliced4-5 cloves of garlic – sliced1 onion – sliced4 zucchini – yellow or green – quartered1 jalapeño – sli
Well, not everything in life is what it appears to be on the surface. The “game of life” is all about instinct. Sometimes our instincts are spot on other times; well I think you know the feeling. This is one simple example, I looked at these beautiful tomatoes that my brother brought me when he came to visit. He also brought me baby eggplants. I had never seen these before and th
Sometimes it is easy to get caught up with the latest craze. The latest craze usually means you will pay more money and usually in my case crave the old. New doesn’t always mean better you know. The old usually is comfortable, warm and familiar and the other side of the street is not always that welcoming. You have to learn new taste all over and usually that takes a lot of time and le
It is Sunday. I am making a simple dinner for my kids. Once again, I stopped at the local Italian bakery, Francesca’s. This bakery makes the best Italian pastries. I cannot resist!Life is full of simple pleasures!Ingredients:2 bunches of fresh baby spinach3 vine ripe tomatoes – quartered1 quart fresh button mushrooms - sliced ½ onion - sliced5 cloves of garlic¼ tsp. salt¼ t
The radio is playing the 70’s hits. It is about 6:20 p.m. and I am thinking I need a little something special to make for dinner; I bought miniature pastries for dessert, after all it is Saturday night. It is fun to listen to these songs, to sing along and do a dance move or two. It is good for the soul to have a little fun, even if it is in your kitchen and you are dancing with the s
Everyone has sweet and sour in their life. I always gain comfort from what a nurse told me the morning my mother died. She saw me sitting in the lobby alone just thinking. She sat down next to me and asked if everything was o.k., I told her my mom died. She kindly said, “every time the Lord closes a door, He opens a window”. I have always kept this quote close to my h
It has been a long time since I have whipped up some hummus. The menu for the winter months was very predictable. Usually it consisted of Chinese take-out or pizza, since Hurricane made sure to “wash” my kitchen away, among other things. Granted, this does bring out the “kid” in you, but after months of eating like this, it looses its appeal. I now have my kitchen and it is
During the summers, when I was a young girl, were included lots of family barbeques. My dad loved having a barbeque. It was my job to gather the dried twigs to help start the fire. This was before the gas grill was invented. I still don’t use a gas grill. There is just something much more enjoyable about a real barbeque. To me, it is not the same to roast marshmallows
During the months of the storm we did consume a fair share of pizza. I love our local pizzeria, it is called Joe’s. It is a small place and the people are kind. Once again, they have watched my children grow up. The greeting’s are on a first name basis and I feel welcome and appreciated. I feel like cooking and I desire pizza, yet, I really don’t feel like waiting, (h
The fog today was thick and reminded me of an old Sherlock Holmes movie. It was windy with a mist in the air. Nevertheless, I took my little dog for a long walk. It really was quite enjoyable. I thought about what to make for dinner while I was walking, (among other things). I really look forward to walking. I am not a power walker or speed walker or wear “special” walking
Everyone has their outlet for what inspires them. Inspiration can come in many forms. It comes from disappointments and from the need to survive. It comes from the love of family. It comes from faith and seeing big and small miracles in front of your eyes each and everyday. It is as if the Lord is “winking” at you, letting you know He is here. These miracles are abound; you must open your ey
Breakfast is one of my favorite meals. I wake up thinking, “what to have”. Sometimes the local bagel shop, which is thoroughly delicious place, is on my mind. I love saying, “hello” to the people who work there. They are so nice and I have known them for literally years. They watched my children grow. I guess I am dating myself, but it is like the show Cheers, where everyon
Dear Friends,Today was a very nice and sunny day. It is a Sunday and a day to set aside for thanks and for making dinner just a little more special. It does mean so much to be blessed to cook and eat with the ones you love. Each day is a gift not to be taken for granted. Roast Pork Rib End Ingredients:3 lb. Roast Pork Rib End½ lemonStuffing:1 bunch of Italian parsley - chopped4 c
Dear Friends,I decided early this morning to make some cookies for a friend. I do not have my kitchen stocked with many ingredients yet, therefore I began wondering what kind of cookies to bake.During the months without a refrigerator and only a beach cooler of ice for milk, most of my purchases were of non-perishable goodies, ie: potato chips!! I also have lots of candy bars left over, the
Dear Friends,With spring in the air and a feeling of gratefulness in my heart I wanted to make something light and tasty.I rarely make the same combination of flavors twice since so many flavors run through my head.This is a version of the way my mom used to marinade her chicken for barbequing.Ingredients:1 ½ lbs. of boneless chicken breast – sliced Zest of 1 lemonJuice of 1 lemonHealthy handful o
Dear Friends,I thought I would show you just how much take out was experienced during this storm by myself, my son and daughter!!! And this does not include the take out from our local pizzeria.I enjoy a treat of take-out from time to time but this is quite amazing to see just how much take-out was consumed!I now have lots of little condiment packages left-over to use and must think of different w
Dear Friends,It is good to be posting again about food!I have not posted a meal since October 2012, since Hurricane Sandy. She has come and gone and now it is time to begin again, one day at a time.I hope this finds all of you doing well and being happy.Sautéed Chicken with Veggies:Ingredients: 4 - Boneless chicken breast – sliced into cutlets and pounded gently 1 cup - Bread crumb
With Love,Catherinexo
Have A Fabulous Friday!!Sharing a song and a smile.With my Love,Catherinexoxo
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!xoCatherine
I am delighted to let all of my friends know that I have recently become an AVON representative. AVON is a household name, with a vast variety of quality products to choose from and that I am proud to represent.I remember my mom sitting at the kitchen table with her "Avon Lady".Today buying AVON is as simple as a "click" of a button. Hampton Beauty, is my new
Hi Everyone!!Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day!!I don't have my kitchen, but I am blessed to have my spirit. I would love to share a happy and fun song for Valentine's Day!! Don't try to resist~Dance!MAMBO NO. 5xoCatherine
Dear friends,Thank you for visiting and warming my heart with your kind comments and prayers. There has been so much devastation here on Long Island. The process is slow, but steady.Everyone is working hard and is steadfast to rebuild and get their life back to a sense of normalcy.We are grateful ro be staying with family and look forward blogging and visiting with all of you who are v
Dear Friends,It has been too long since I have last been able to visit with all you, of my dearest friends. My situation is one I had never anticipated.When Hurricane Sandy swept through the North East, it left many thousands devastated, including myself. I lost the main floor of my home and all its contents. My home is not inhabitable, which is why I have been unable to visit with you
Ingredients:10 chicken thighs – with skinFor the Topping:1 large vine ripe tomato1 small red onion 5 garlic clovesHandful of Italian parsleyJuice of 1 lemonDashes of saltDashes of black pepperDashes of garlic powderDrizzles of olive oilGrated Romano cheesePreheat Oven 350 degrees:Place all of the ingredients for the topping of the chicken thighs in a food processor and give a few good chops.P
Ingredients:For the Cranberries:½ cup dried cranberries¼ cup milkFor the Muffins:2 eggs - beaten¼ cup milk1 tsp. baking powder1¾ cups flour – sifted¼ tsp. salt¼ cup sugar2 – 4 tablespoons butter – melted1 tablespoon baking powderPreheat Oven 350 degrees:Soak the cranberries in the milk.Gently melt the butter.In a bowl, combine the sifted flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Add the eggs. Ad
Ingredients:3 bell peppers – sliced1 large onion – sliced6 cloves of garlic – chopped1 jalapeño – chopped with seeds28 oz. can - crushed tomatoes28 oz. can – black beans – drained¼ cup – chicken broth1 tablespoon – corn meal1 tablespoon – vinegar1 tsp. sugarHealthy handful – fresh Italian Parsley - choppedDashes – ground cuminDashes – chili powderDashes – garlic powderDashes – black pepperDashes –
Ingredients:10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach¼ cup butter 1 cup cornmeal1 cup flour - sifted1 tablespoon baking power½ tsp. sugar½ tsp. salt1 egg1 cup sour milk or buttermilk (for sour milk add 1 tsp. vinegar to the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles a bit)Preheat Oven 350 degrees:Place frozen spinach in a pan and defrost on low heat. When spinach is fully thawed; plac
Ingredients:2 tablespoons butter2 tablespoons Crisco1 cup sugar 2 eggs2 cups flour – sifted½ cup oats1 cup left over chocolate cookies (or any cookies on hand) – crumbled1 tablespoon vanillaMix sugar, butter and Crisco until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla and continue to mix until creamy.Add the oats, cookie crumbs and sifted flour and mix until cookie dough is formed.Form into a ball
Ingredients:5 lbs. potatoes – peeled and quartered2 cloves of garlic – chopped1 small red onion – sliced3 tablespoon of butter2 tablespoons of sour cream½ cup of milk4 oz. cheddar cheese – shreddedDashes of salt Dashes of black pepperOlive oilBoil the quartered potatoes until fork tender. Drain the potatoes and place in a large bowl.Place the chopped garlic in with the hot potatoes, the butt
Ingredients:Prepare a crust:2 cups flour3 tablespoons of butter2 tablespoons of Crisco2 tablespoons of oatsDash of saltDash of pepper4 tablespoons Cold water – plus more if needed to bind the doughPlace the flour in a large bowl along with the oats. Add the butter and Crisco and work the butter and Crisco with your fingers to form small pieces. Add the water to begin to bind the dough.
Ingredients:12 carrots – diced1 large onion – diced4 cloves of garlic – chopped3 stalks celery – chopped1 green chili pepper– chopped1 clove bay leaf28 oz. can crushed tomatoes1 cup frozen peas 19 oz. can red beans – or your choice7 cups chicken broth1 tsp. salt½ tsp. black pepper1 tsp. dried oregano1 tsp. chili powder1 tsp. paprika1 tsp. garlic powder1 tsp. sugarOlive oil for drizzlingPlace the c
Ingredients:4 - Split chicken breasts with boneFor the Marinade:1 tsp. sugar1 tsp. garlic powder1 tablespoon vinegarJuice of 2 lemons1 tsp. salt½ tsp. chili powderPlace all of the above ingredients in a bowl and place the chicken breasts to marinade. Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to overnight.For the Coating:3 cups Corn Flakes½ cup corn meal2 eggs –
I was so happy to receive a comment letting me know that Angie of A'lil Country Sugar featured my Sunday Style Tomato Sauce with Pork!!!Please take the time to visit my friend, Angie and her beautiful blog HERE!Thank you Angie.With Love,Catherinexo
Ingredients:2 eggplant – peeled and diced2 zucchini – peeled and diced4 marinated sweet cherry peppers – sliced2 stalks celery – chopped1 onion – sliced5 cloves garlic – chopped28 oz. can crushed tomatoes1 ½ tablespoons of chopped sun dried tomatoesHealthy handful of fresh Italian parsley – chopped1 tablespoon of capers2 tablespoon dried currentsDashes of red pepper flakesDashes of black pepperDas
Ingredients:For the Crust:1 ¼ cups flour½ cup shortening3-4 tablespoons cold milkDashes of dried oreganoDashes of black pepperDashes of garlic powder¼ tsp. saltIn a large bowl combine the flour and all of the seasonings. Cut in the shortening until it is crumbly. Add the milk a little at a time and while forming the dough into a ball.On a floured surface, roll the dough out to fit a 9
Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the ACTUAL LINK POST here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice. PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Th
Ingredients:Tomato Mixture:2 vine ripe tomatoes or 1 quart grape tomatoes½ red onion5 cloves of garlicHandful of fresh basilA few leaves of fresh marjoramTablespoon of sun dried tomatoesDashes of red pepper flakes¼ tsp. saltDrizzles of olive oilFor the Bread:Shredded mozzarellaGrated Romano cheeseSlices of breadPreheat Oven 350 degrees:Rub each slice of bread with a halved garlic clove. Driz
Ingredients: 5 - Boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thickness)Dashes of saltDashes of black pepperDrizzle of olive oilFor the Sauce:28 oz. can crushed tomatoes5 cloves garlic1 large onion – sliced2 cups frozen peasDashes of saltDashes of black pepperDashes of ground oreganoDashes of garlic powderPinch of sugarDashes of chili powderHealthy handful of fresh basil – chopped2 stalks celery –
Ingredients:3 lbs. boneless chicken breastRub:1 tsp. chili powder1 tsp. garlic powder½ tsp. salt1 tsp. brown sugar1 tsp. curry powder1 tsp. ground cumin1 tsp. molasses1 tsp. lime juice1 tablespoon olive oilCombine all of the above ingredients in a small bowl and stir to make a paste.Preheat Oven 350 degrees:Place the chicken breast in a baking pan and rub all over with the paste.Bake for 35-40 min
Ingredients:2 lbs. diced left over pork roast 1 large onion – sliced5 cloves of garlic – choppedHealthy handful of fresh basil2 - 28 oz cans of crushed tomatoesPinch of sugarDashes of saltDashes of red pepper flakesDashes of oregano1 bay leafOlive oilGrated Romano cheeseFavorite spaghetti or macaroniHeat a large sauce pot with a drizzle of olive oil and add the onion, garlic and diced left o
Living the Gourmet is pleased to be featuring the fine products of Clearwater Hampers. Their wide selection of gift baskets ranges from traditional arrangements of fine wine, cheese, and smoked salmon to themed and seasonal baskets for virtually any occasion from Christmas to St. Valentine’s Day. All of their arrangements are of the highest quality, and are beautifully arranged to be a
Ingredients:1 jalapeño – chopped with seeds6 cloves garlic – chopped1 bunch scallions – chopped2 carrots – diced2 stalks celery – choppedHealthy handful of Italian parsley – choppedHealthy handful of cilantro – chopped1 large onion – chopped28 oz. can crushed tomatoes28 oz. can of beans – drained (your choice)1 cup of chicken broth 1 tablespoon of cornmeal plus ½ cup of water8 oz. cheddar cheese -