What’s For Dinner?

Lemon Angel Pasta Medley

1 box angel hair pasta

1 lemon

1 stick butter

1 – 2 cups sliced mushrooms

1 bag microwavable Brussels sprouts (or fresh, will take longer to steam)

1/2 bottle capers (without liquid)

1/4 cup olive oil (drizzled over capers and the cooked noodles)

Salt, Pepper, Lemon Pepper (to taste)

Sprinkle Italian Bread Crumbs

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1) Bring water to rolling boil and toss in salt, then add noodles.

2) Grill mushrooms in 1/3 stick butter, add salt and pepper to taste.

3) Steam or microwave brussels sprouts.

4) Remove grilled mushrooms and put aside.

5) add some olive oil to hot saute pan and add capers to warm them.

6) Drain noodles and toss everything together.

Week In Review

Glaciers tumble into a lake near Christchurch, New Zealand, after a terrible earthquake. I’m assuming the flooding of the town was caused by the displaced waters. Over 100 people died, billions of dollars in damages were reported, and search teams still look for possible survivors. Very sad.

After Egypt demonstrations die down, protests in Libya have been ongoing all week. The government has been firing and killing unarmed civilians. People are trying to leave the city for a safer place. Apparently Colonel Gadhafi refuses to leave and demands his military to continue resisting protestors. U.S. has imposed sanctions on Libya and frozen the assets of Gadhafi and his family. (Good! … about the frozen assets and sanctions)

Song: When I Am With You

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When I am with you any dream that I may dream comes true
Any star in the sky I can buy with a sigh when I am with you
Whenever we meet, whatever the sweet occasion
Where angels won’t go, I go with no persuasion.

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When I am with you I am nothing I was before
I am everything I ever wished I could be and more
So it’s not just for what you are yourself that I love you as I do
But for what I am when I am with you.

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(Instrumental interlude)

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So it’s not just for what you are yourself that I love you as I do
But for what I am when I am with you.

When I am with you I am nothing I was before
I am everything I ever wished I could be and more
So it’s  not just for what you are yourself that I love you as I do
But for what I am when I am with you.

** One of my all time favorite songs sung by Johnny Mathis.

(click to listen)

Valentine’s Dessert

This dessert is a speciality cake. I have the recipes and assembly instructions for you here. Hope you enjoy it!

Shaping Hearts

Valentine’s Day is just one week away and there is plenty of time to prepare something nice for the people you want to give a present to, on this special day.

As long as it’s heart-shaped then it should work. It matters not if it is a  pretty rock, seashell, flower, something made from papier-mâché, chocolate, a cake you baked or food you shaped and fried, like a pancake. It might be something you took the time to draw or photographed or simply one of those tiny little cards we used to give in elementary school. The important thing is to have something ahead of time and not leave getting something to the last minute, because that makes the recipient feel like it was the last thing on your mind. Being thoughtful is always appreciated and it shows others that you do not consider them an afterthought.

Valentine’s Day is a Sweetheart’s Day, set aside in order to share love and hugs with those in your life. It is a day to hold hands, get that special necklace or ring for your lady, cook your man an extravagant dessert, bring him his slippers and put on a DVD of a romantic movie, or cut out colored paper hearts and create a centerpiece for your parents, aunts and uncles or grandparents. It is a time to shower your little ones with cuddly bears, make cookies in the kitchen and to teach them about this traditional holiday.

Reds, pinks and lots of chocolates will help make your Valentine’s Day a lovely one and if you want more ideas just check out most February issue magazines and you cannot help but find that perfect gift.

As long as it’s heart-shaped it should work.

Grapefruit Sorbet

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(click the right arrow quickly to make it look like a movie)

Here is the story and recipe. ** Please note for oranges or grapefruit reduce the sugar and add lemon juice for balance. Read the post and you’ll know. It tastes wonderful!

Pink & Juicy

Four for a dollar, the sign declared. Petite and a warm yellow, I chose four for my cart and once home laid them upon the kitchen counter. Last night I walked into the kitchen without turning on the light. The glow from the dining room chandelier allowed me to see where I was going, and that none of my furry children had followed me, or lay crouched and poised to trip my steps. They do love to be underfoot. I paused mid-step, for my nose had detected the fragrance of my pink grapefruits. They still lay unassuming and quiet but it felt as if they spoke directly to me. “Pick me up. I’m sweet. You know you want to.” They were correct.

My hand reached out and soon I was rolling it in between both of my palms. It was no longer taut and tight. The plump flesh yielded to reveal the flavors inside, ready to be tasted. I rolled the round fruit some more and my mouth began to long for the perfectly delicious juices I had grownup knowing. Taking a knife I cut it in half. The next part, while interesting to watch, is still a little tiresome to me. Cutting around the membranes, to free the sectioned pieces of fruit. Once done I sprinkled the tops with a small amount of sugar and took up my spoon. Refreshing and delicious I ate of its flesh and drank all of the juices. I was satisfied and thankful, too.

Groundhog Didn’t See His Shadow

I've never seen Phil so relaxed!

Well for once I’ll say Hip – Hip – Hooray! Enough with the snow and ice storms already. I along with many others are glad he is predicting an early winter. Just so long as all of the scary storms and outrageous heat stays far away from me. I’m going for milder weather patterns this year.

Happy Birthday February 1st!

Today marks another day that my Father is no longer with me. Today would have been his birthday. I always sing the song to my relatives, ancestors and friends who have gone on before me. I remember the value they brought to my life and I hope they can hear me from afar. I want them to know I shall never ever forget them and that I cherish the joy they gave to me.