It Is What It Is

Scene from a snowy Saturday

Recipe can be found at TastyKitchen.com.

 

 

A "Novel" Idea

One of my favorite Christmas gifts this year came from my Buddy, B.  She's a sneaky little thing and sent me a handmade gift that went straight to my heart.  I have to admit, I had never seen this craft project, but she tells me it's all over the crafting blogosphere.  I have been a bit remiss in my blog readings of late...so I've missed this adorable idea. 

It's a wreath made from the pages of a book- two different books to be exact.  The poetic justice is that she one of the books she used was from Janet Evanovich.  (If you have been reading this blog or following my podcasts with Beth, you would really see the humor in that.)  The other novel used was from author, Lori Foster.  (Another old favorite of mine...)

I absolutely love this idea!  It is completely adorable and personally meaningful.  I've decided to hang this wreath on the french doors that lead into my office/library.  The perfect place!  This way I wll be reminded regularly of my friend who lives afar, but is never far from my thoughts. 

I love the detail.  I'm such a freak, I was trying to guess the books by reading snippets from the rolls of book pages.  I totally figured out one of the books before she told me the other novel.  (which by the way, she derived great pleasure in tearing out the pages...i.e. Janet E.)

If you would like to make one of your own- type into google, "book page wreath" and you will be overwhelmed with images and how to's!  It looks like a lot of fun....I might try one myself!

Making Pizzelles

This past weekend,  I did my first bit of holiday baking.  I decided to mix up a batch of pizzelle cookies.  I haven't made these cookies in several years and after listening to my sister talk about her baking extravaganza,  I decided I would break out the old pizzelle iron once again.

Years ago,  I would take the first weekend in December and bake up a storm.  My sister and I would drive to my mother's house, ingredients in tow and spend the weekend baking.  Sun up to sun down and more, we would make about a dozen different kind of cookies, along with nut roll (kolachy) and some candies/fudge.  For some reason, we stopped getting together.  I can't remember why, probably because one year we couldn't work the dates out and went out on our own in the baking frenzy.  I eventually cut back on the amount of cookies made and at one time, just made one kind, but a lot of them to give away to friends and neighbors.  It wasn't until I decided to host a cookie party a few years ago that I my family was able to enjoy a variety of cookies on their Christmas Cookie tray once again. 

My sister however, has remained true and has mastered the holiday baking marathon.  She takes two days and pounds out about a dozen varieties of cookies.  (I usually count on her to bring dessert at Christmas.)  She inspired me to bake a little more.  So, in honor of her, my mother who gave me my first pizzelle iron and my Grandma Rosso who gave us the recipe, I am happy to share our pizzelle recipe.

Now, a lot of people don't like pizzelles because they have only tasted ones that are heavy on the anise flavoring.  Anise is a crucial ingredient, but it is not the only flavoring we use.  We have a special blend so to speak, that makes for a milder flavored pizzelle.   A couple of other secrets, we don't store our cookies in an air-tight container.  They get better as they age....we store them in a paper bag covered with a cotton dish towel.  Don't ask me why- it's just the way it's done.  And because the recipe makes so many cookies, you undoubtedly will have leftovers after Christmas.  They are best served in the morning with coffee, for dunking if you prefer.

Grandma Rosso's Pizzelle's

1 1b butter (melted and cooled)

1 dozen eggs (yes...that is correct)

3 1/2 cups sugar

Mix these first three ingredients well, then add-

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 tbl. lemon extract

2 tbl. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. anise extract

1/2 tsp salt

12 cups of flour ( I mix in 2 cups at a time)

Mix well with mixer in the largest mixing bowl you have...when done, roll into walnut sized balls and press in pizzelle iron.  This recipe makes 12 dozen or so- and the bad news, you can only make two at a time.  I usually press in iron for 30-45 seconds, until golden- but not brown.  Cool completely before stacking and storing. (They will be soft but harden up as cooling.)

They look adorable package in cellophane bags and you'll be the hit of your neighborhood or office if you share these delights.  I am a bit of a pizzelle snob, in that I won't eat store bought pizzelles, (I scoff!) or other people's pizzelles.  I only like our family recipe.  Which I might add, there was a bit of a family feud regarding the pizzelles.  My grandfather's sisters (all 100% Italian)  thought they made the best. Their cookie was a slightly crispier cookie.  My grandmother's, (100% Hungarian married to a 100% Italian man) who developed her own flavoring (with the addition of the lemon extract) were a little thicker.  although, I liked them both, I still prefer only our family pizzelles and am partial to ours.

Folks who think they don't like pizzelles, haven't tried them enough...or tried ours.

**Special note- you must use a pizzelle iron.  Available online or at any kitchen speciality store or any Italian speciality food store. 

The post I started three times- so lets hope I can finish it

Yes- three times- I've started this post and then walked away, did about a dozen other things and then forgot about the post, didn't save it and then had to start all over again.

I know- you're thinking what the heck, Deb, what's the problem?  Well, aside from playing nursemaid to my Beloved, Eldest had surgery last week, (she's fine- she had cysts on her vocal chords removed, as well as her tonsils.)  Needless to say, I'm on a first name basis with all the drive-thru folks at Sonic...Eldest was living on their slushes. 

On top of working, nursing, trying to finish decorating for Christmas, starting about 3 other mini-projects, cooking, cleaning, Christmas shopping, and getting ready for Beloved's side of the family Holiday Christmas celebration- I was in a car accident.  (I'm doing okay- just a raging case of whiplash.) I was rear-ended by some fool with no car insurance.  

Whew- I feel better getting that off my chest....back to post I was trying to write.

 

~~~~~~~~~Doing the Pick Up

 

Don't you just love your "pick-up" friends?  These are the friends- who you may or may not have know for life- but no matter the time or the distance, when you do see or speak to one another, you just "pick up" from the last time you saw or spoke to that person? 

A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting up with one of my "pick-ups."  I accompanied Eldest to our State Capital to take her state boards.  I needed something to occupy my time- and instead of shopping or hanging at a coffee shop alone, I gave my buddy, V a call. 

I have known V since "before."  That is before husband and kids!  She was one of my very best  work friends, we were cubicle mates.  Our friendship transcended the workplace and now twenty three years later....we are still doing the "pick up."

V was kind enough to play along- go for a ride so to speak, do what we needed to do while we waited for Eldest to complete the morning activities, pick her up for her lunch break and then take her back for the afternoon. 

We started the day at place I had never gone to before.  Supposedly, this joint had been featured on one of those Food Network shows, not sure which one...but primarily to feature it's signature sandwich.

Neither one of us was in the mood for the Dagwood, so we opted for breakfast items.  We had a wonderful time catching up on all kinds of things- mostly about the kids and such.  I swear, nothing makes time go faster than having kids and living through their milestones to mark that time.  V has two boys.  When I met her, one was a baby and the other maybe four years old.  Now, they are grown, gorgeous men, college graduates and starting their adult lives- away from mom. 

We had a great time chatting and driving through some of our old haunts and checking out some new cool places.  As always, the time just flew by and before we knew it - Eldest had called to say-

"I've passed!"

We said our goodbyes- but not to worry, the next time we "pick up" will be on New Year's Eve day.  That's her birthday and the day we both make cabbage rolls.  In fact, it's her recipe that I use!

Thanks, V- it was great catching up and spending time with you.

Seussical the Musical

Recently, the middle school at Youngest's school put on a production of "Seussical the Musical."  I know I'm biased- but it was fantastic!  I saw this show two years ago at a local high school and this production was every bit as good.  I was simply amazed at how they worked every kid in the 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes into the show.

Youngest played one of the 'Bird Girls."  If you haven't seen the show, the premise is based on "Horton Hears a Who" and then goes on to incorporate many, if not most of the beloved Dr. Seuss characters in a twisty, turny tale of mayhem.

Horton....

Animals from the Circus McGurkus

Jungle Creature from the Jungle of Nool and some fish from the River Walloo.

Mr. and Mrs. Mayor with their son, JoJo from Whoville.

Mayzie La Bird, Gertrude McFuzz, Bird Girls and Cat-in-the-Hat Assistant...

Yertle the Turtle, the Grinch, Thing 1 and Thing 2, Vlad Vladikoff, oh my word, and there is still more, don't forget about all those Who's and the other characters from the Circus....

Bird Girl, the Court Stenographer and one of those devilish Wickersham Brothers!

The songs were infectious.  I"m still hearing them in my head a week after the show.  (It probably doesn't help- that Youngest, can't stop singing them either!)

Anytime you can get kids involved in the arts, it's a good thing...and combining the fabulous books of Dr. Seuss with music- it doesn't get much better than that.

 

what's happening....

Beloved was released from the hospital yesterday following knee replacement surgery on Monday.  He's officially home convalescing.  (Read between the lines....dear friends, I've just added several more entries to my already full job description.)  Not that I'm complaining- oh no, it's all a part of the package.  We've been to this dance before with knee replacement surgery- so I have an idea of what to expect and the first full week to two weeks are the hardest.  (For everyone...)  Poor Beloved, wish I could take on some of his pain...(really, I do.)

That being said- here's some stuff to hopefully make you smile-

Love this idea of word art on the stairs.

I've seen this saying in different formats before- and I love the message.

Always...

Have a good one!

Soup it Up

I think that soup never goes out of style. I could eat soup for lunch and dinner every day- and not need any other side dishes, except for maybe some crackers or a piece of bread. My family disagrees. They think of soup as an appetizer or if we have it as a meal, they expect to see some sort of sandwich or meat and potato accoutrement. I am bound and determined to change their way of thinking. I started with soup boot-camp this week. I've made a different soup every day. They are ready to revolt.

Here's what I've made.

1. Chicken & Noodles. Simple, simple. Good, old-fashioned, comfort food.

2. Chili. Well, technically not a soup- it is soup like and can be found with the soups on a restaurant menu. This did get a good response since we could fancy it up with toppings like, diced onions and cheese. Usually I make corn bread to accompany it, but this time, good ole saltine crackers.

3. Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup. This is my new favorite. I found this recipe at the Pioneer Woman Website, Tasty Kitchen. It's supposedly the recipe from the Olive Garden version. I don't know about that, as I've never had this soup at the Olive Garden, but I can tell you it's DELICIOUS! This soup wins rave reviews from Beloved and Youngest. I've never cooked with kale before, frankly I've only ever seen it used as a garnish in deli cases and salad bars. The kale is our favorite part of this soup! Two thumbs up...

4. Aztec Chowder. This recipe does actually come from one of my favorite restaurants in Columbus, Ohio. It's a spin on chicken tortilla soup. It's spicy, thick and creamy. It gets its thickness from pureed navy beans. Yummy, yum. Well, while making this soup tonight, I had a revolt on my hands and had to make a side dish of spaghetti with an Italian sausage meat sauce. (Yes, I know the flavors don't really compliment one another, but I was working under pressure and had to come up with something quick in order to avoid a total meltdown, primarily from the husband.)

And now a fitting way to end a post on soup- a clip remembering "The Soup Nazi." Go to this link to view the Best of the Soup Nazi... http://youtu.be/M2lfZg-apSA. What's your favorite soup or soup story?

The Theatre....(please pronounce in an English accent for better effect)

This weekend was a weekend of "theatre going."  Friends of Youngest and I were in local community production of "The Sound of Music."  We attended with another friend and her daughter and had such a delightful time.  I love going to musicals!  They just make me happy.  Our little friend played one of the Von Trapp children and did such a fabulous job.  It was her first time being in a "musicale" and she loved it!  I get chills each time I hear the "nuns from the Abbey" sing "Climb Every Mountain."  I've been having the soundtrack playing in my head all weekend.

Last night, Youngest and I had another double date with a mom and her daughter and attended one of the area high school's production of "The Drowsy Chaperone."  I had never heard of this show before and was intrigued.  Interestingly enough, when this show was announced last Spring, I then noticed twice over the summer, two area universities were putting on this very show during their summer season.

If you ever get the chance to see this show- GO!  It's not very often that you get the opportunity to see a show that you have NO IDEA what it is about.  Not a remake of a movie or a tried and true Broadway production...This show was so creative and the talented young performers made it even better.   It's a musical within a comedy-  a  show within a show- current day to past times.  Very, very fun...still smiling about it.

In a few weeks, Youngest will be performing in her school's Junior production of Seussical.  We are looking forward to this with much anticipation.  Again, another very fun show.

On a completely random note, I know I mentioned a few months ago that I was starting the "30th anniversary of my Senior Year of High School."  Well, it's official- I received via Facebook- the date of my 30th High School reunion.  I'm excited and depressed all at the same time.  Excited because I have never attended any of my reunions- and I will not miss this one!  Depressed because- well I can't believe it's been thirty years! 

 

For your listening pleasure

I've been doing a lot of listening lately- to audio books that is....I journeyed down the Young Adult aisle and happened upon some really great stuff.

1.

 This is the story of Alice Bliss.  A coming of age story told through the eyes of a 15 year old girl whose father has just been sent to Iraq.  She's at a crossroads with wanting and needing her mother who is emotionally unavailable due to her own issues in dealing with her husband being gone.  Throw in  your first love and finding support where  you least expect it- and you have Alice and her small town.  This story made me anxious,  as I felt the utter loss and helplessness one would feel when their loved one is sent off to war.  I cried right along with each and every member of Alice's family. 

I would not recommend this novel for the younger teen set, due to some of the adult themed story lines- but if your young teen is emotionally mature, have them give Alice Bliss a try.  For that matter, your adult self should, as well.

 

2.

Fifteen year old Carly has grown up in a family of wealth and privilege.  She has always tried to remain the grounded one among her friends at her private school.  Her sister has also been her biggest supporter and confidante.  Then over a course of the summer, younger sister, Anna grows breasts and becomes the most popular girl on campus.  How do Carly and Anna handle one another's changes- especially when you throw some boys in the mix?  These are questions the girls must handle among other high school stresses. 

Author Lauren Myracle has written many other young adult novels, including the tween set- "Eleven," "Twelve," "Thirteen," and "Thirteen Plus One."  This book would be totally perfect for the Junior High reader.  It does deal with peer pressure, puberty, friendships and family.  It was an enjoyable "listen" as the narrator was perfect for this age group.

 

3.

Youngest is a big fan of this author.  I often struggle with if the subject matter is appropriate for the junior high set.  Although most of Sarah Dessen's stories are about high school age themes, they are written in an appropriate matter and never stray too far.  Honestly, I loved this story. 

Maclean is a girl who is still struggling with her parent's divorce.  She lives with her dad who is a restaurant consultant and they move around, a lot.  Maclean loves to reinvent herself with each move, until she finds herself in a place that she thinks she'd like to stay.  Maclean is an endearing character.  The love she has for her dad is heart warming and although you want to be mad right along with Maclean at her mother, you root for them.

All three of these authors- I would personally read/listen to again.  It was a nice diversion from my usual audio choices.  However, next up- an epic journey is about to begin for me as I start book one of the Ken Follet Trilogy-

I'm actually quite excited to begin this series.  I've been resisting starting since the other two novels aren't out yet and I have hard time with waiting ...especially when it comes to books.  But, once I saw this on the shelf at the library, I knew I had to snatch it up.  I'll let you know what I think, once I'm finished.  I'm sure I won't be disappointed.  As you know, Pillars and the sequel still rank on my all time favorite novels list. 

That's what's been playing in my ear- have any of you been listening to anything I should check out?  What about reading?  Share with me people, I feel out of the loop.  Glad to be back with you.

 

 

 

I didn't want to like it....

Just saw this today.  I have to be honest I have been feeling pretty negative toward Miss Janet Evanovich and the direction the Stephanie Plum series has been going.  I haven't read the latest novel and the next one is due out in November. 

I've been a naysayer about the movie, "One for the Money."  I couldn't see the actors that were cast in in their perspective roles.  Well, I can admit when I need to eat some crow.  And crow I will eat.  Watch this trailer and tell me you aren't excited to see this film.  (Only if you are a true Evanovich fan...)

I'm feeling warm, happy thoughts again.  I think I should go and read the novel again.  Watching this clip reminded me of the Stephanie Plum and crew that I knew and loved! 

Who's with me on opening night?  I'll even buy the popcorn!