tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68669998640898082332024-03-05T05:02:32.803-05:00Stories Behind the RecipeThere's a story behind every recipe. Maybe it's a simple trick you've learned growing up, or a very important lesson from your grandmother. I want to share some of the stories and recipes i have learned growing up, and what they mean to me. I hope i can make you laugh along the way.Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-24995011087954389902012-02-20T22:00:00.002-05:002012-02-20T22:14:18.544-05:00TTC Update!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oseY0qYmlXc/T0L1S6CBppI/AAAAAAAAAs0/d1UPWOp2ShM/s1600/402394_10150592831141072_650646071_11272191_417806099_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oseY0qYmlXc/T0L1S6CBppI/AAAAAAAAAs0/d1UPWOp2ShM/s400/402394_10150592831141072_650646071_11272191_417806099_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">This is the first time I am writing a blog post in a while. I don't
really know where to begin. The last time I blogged, I talked about my
struggle with infertility. I know this blog is supposed to be about
cooking and sharing stories, but I can't help writing about this right
now. It's where my heart is at.<br /><br />In July I got the HSG test. They
told me my chances of getting pregnant after that were very good for
the next 3 months. I'm sure you can see where I am going with this.
7months later, I'm still not pregnant.<br /><br />I have been having a very hard
time with this and can't understand why it hasn't happened yet. I know
it will happen one day, but I just wish I knew when.<br /><br />It's been really stressful for me<br /><br />God
forbid someone says, "Why aren't you pregnant yet?" or, "Hows the baby
making going?" or, "If you went on vacation you would get pregnant" I
feel like I want to rip someones head off and tell them, "it's none of
your business and stop asking!"<br /><br />But thank God I have a very
supportive husband who loves me very much. On Valentines Day, we
celebrated our 8 year anniversary. We have been together for 13 years
and everyone that knows us tells us that we are the most adorable
couple they've ever met. I have to agree with them, we are pretty adorable. Lol.<br /><br />Before
my appointment back at the fertility clinic last week, Dave and I
talked a lot about what the doctor would most likely tell us and how
much it would cost. We agreed that no matter what, we would get all the
information we could, and always keep talking about how we felt about
all of this.<br /><br />We really want to have a baby, but all the procedures and tests and
traveling is exhausting and stressful. The doctor understood all this
and remained positive, telling me I was her youngest patient and that
time was still on our side. I was happy to hear that until she also
explained that couples who try for three years without the aid of the
fertility clinic have a ....drum roll....3% chance of pregnancy....yep,
that's right. I know she has to tell me
the good, the bad, and the ugly, but I really didn't want to hear that.<br /><br />So
after seeing the doctor and talking to my husband, we made up our minds
for right now. We are NOT going to do anything for a year....no doctor
appointments, no pills, no injections, no Ovulation tests. We're still
hoping to get pregnant, we're just not going to stress about it, or
rather, I'm not going to stress about it.<br /><br />I
do want to see if there are holistic things I can do to make my chances
better on getting pregnant, so I might do some light research at Barnes
and Noble on that.<br /><br />I am going to spend this next year living
life, not waiting to get pregnant, but accepting and loving that I have
this wonderful life enjoying every minute of it!!<br /><br />So
this year I am going to smile more, cook more, love more, be silly
more, laugh more, dance more, be still more, pray more, do things I
have never done more, go places I have never been more, tell myself I
am beautiful more, love myself more, be happy in the moment
more, meditate more, blog more, read more... and never forget
that these are the moments and the people that make me happy and make me
smile. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And isn't that what life is all about. :)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rwS1tfbTEaBAs2nhd25qsEWLKgwNe571J6bX4RZPX5xgkJ1tlgAOkBiFro63lD9fBfxr4tXZBmU4vOXK2SXupG1LLtvkUTQUUMNrRvrh7xDSCjOFQhiTaCy6OHOZR4Nu6DBrPdPkYFI/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rwS1tfbTEaBAs2nhd25qsEWLKgwNe571J6bX4RZPX5xgkJ1tlgAOkBiFro63lD9fBfxr4tXZBmU4vOXK2SXupG1LLtvkUTQUUMNrRvrh7xDSCjOFQhiTaCy6OHOZR4Nu6DBrPdPkYFI/s400/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">So here is too a more positive and less stressful 2012 :) </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Who's with me?</span></div>
<br />
<br />Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com6Cranford, NJ 07016, USA40.6569929 -74.305954640.632900899999996 -74.345436600000014 40.6810849 -74.2664726tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-1967220261446154792011-05-17T22:33:00.002-04:002011-05-18T00:20:13.643-04:00Update on trying to conceive a baby!So, something has been on my mind a lot, and my sister told me i should talk about it on my blog.<br />
Me and my husband have been trying to start our own family for over 2 years now. No luck yet, but we are persistent and we will keep on trying until we have a baby. I guess i am hoping by talking about it on here, i will have support, maybe some advice, and i am hoping it will give me a chance to vent about how difficult this journey is for us.<br />
<br />
I know i am not the only one going through this, and maybe that is why i feel like sharing my story would help. <br />
<br />
So after going to doctor after doctor, i found my OB that i want when i do get pregnant. But a couple OB's before that have said that they feel it is going to be really difficult for me to get pregnant. I knew that a long time ago.<br />
<br />
When i was 5 i had a tumor on my ovary and had it removed along with my right ovary. But the doctor told my mom and dad that i was able to still have kids when i get older, it would just be a little harder. Well, considering that i have never been pregnant yet, yeah, a lot harder. <br />
I have also had multiple surgeries in the last 10 years. I had appendectomy, and then i had scar tissue removed and then my bowel was up where my ovary should of been and they fixed that. So one of my doctors have said that because of all of my surgeries and CT Scans, and possible scar tissue, it would be impossible for me to have babies. I don't like hearing that, but we still tried and believed in my heart that they were wrong. <br />
<br />
So my new OB is convinced that with a lot of trying (if you know what i mean) that i will have no problem getting pregnant. She also said something that kind of pissed me off, she said, "i think you need to go on vacation, then you will get pregnant" it would be awesome if she could write that on a prescription pad and i could take it to any destination i wanted too and go on vacation for free, because my doctor told me too, but vacations are expensive and it's not that easy. So yeah, that comment pissed me off, and almost made me reconsider my choice for a OB-GYN.<br />
<br />
This past December, i was convinced that i was pregnant. So much so, that on Christmas Eve i told a lot of family that i felt like this was the month, and expect me to be calling all of you up soon with the good news. I could not keep my moth shut, and our family is VERY excited about us having a baby. I can't explain why i felt the way i felt, i felt like i had symptoms, felt things in my body, and just KNEW. Well, turned out i was wrong...on December 27th i ended up in the ER because i was having lots of bleeding, and a lot of pain. The doctor said it was a cyst that burst. Oh, and she also informed me i was not PREGNANT. Sad day...really really sad, considering i had convinced myself that i was pregnant, i guess those things i felt and symptoms were my cyst. I told my OB after what had happened and she said another thing that pissed me off, she said, "you won't be able to tell your pregnant that soon" she kind of made me feel stupid. Considering, my sister and books i have read, said that some women know when they get pregnant, even before a pregnancy test, i thought i was one of those people.<br />
<br />
More recently, i have been having acute pain in my lower abdomen and have been to the Dr. about it and have had an ultrasound that says i have a couple cysts on my ovary and it looks like something burst recently on the side where i am having my pain. I am supposed to go for a CT Scan, but i am scared too, because of the complications it can cause to me being a mom one day. So i am still in a lot of pain, but just don't know what to do about it. I have a feeling it's scar tissue again, which comes back every time you have surgery. I am trying to avoid having any more surgeries. What should i do?<br />
<br />
I also got the OK to go to a fertility clinic. So i will be making an appt soon and hoping they have positive and good news for me.<br />
<br />
That's pretty much where i am now, we desperately want to have a baby...if you knew me and my husband you would see how much love we could give to a child. We both have this void, it's LOVE that is for nobody else but our baby. <br />
<br />
If anybody has struggled with this and have any inspiring stories to share or ideas that may help, or just words of encouragement, i am very open to anything....thank you for letting me share my story. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-esQEfT1CZN0/TdNIyXgK0rI/AAAAAAAAAq4/tEKe0vBVH4o/s1600/pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-esQEfT1CZN0/TdNIyXgK0rI/AAAAAAAAAq4/tEKe0vBVH4o/s400/pic.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Niki </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">xoxo</div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-67565928759838206172011-05-05T19:13:00.000-04:002011-05-05T19:13:29.965-04:00Stuffed Eggplant & Pepper<div style="text-align: center;">The other day i walked over to my Nanny and PopPop's house to visit them and while i was there, my Nanny was cooking some stuffed eggplant, and i am not gonna lie it smelled and looked really good. She had an extra, large eggplant and told me i should make it this week. This is a staple in my nanny's house, i learned how to make it from her and now i am passing it down to you....Your Welcome ;)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOs1vFCBUxY/TboPeg8veBI/AAAAAAAAAp0/1-KwhBzo8sg/s1600/DSCF0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOs1vFCBUxY/TboPeg8veBI/AAAAAAAAAp0/1-KwhBzo8sg/s400/DSCF0781.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stuffed Eggplant & Pepper</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><ul><li style="text-align: center;">1 Large Eggplant</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Red Pepper </li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Tomato sauce</li>
<li style="text-align: center;"> 1 pound of Ground Meat</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Fresh Mozzorella</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Parsley</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Breadcrumbs</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">1 egg</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Basil</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;">Cut the tip off the <b>eggplant </b>and then cut the eggplant down the middle, so you have two<b> </b>eggplant boats. Then very carefully<b> </b>scoop out the meat or pulp<b> </b>of the eggplant using a small knife and a spoon. This part takes a little practice.Take the <b>pepper</b> and cut the top off and scoop out the seeds and clean it really good. Once all of the eggplant pulp is scooped out,<b> </b>cut into chunks and saute<b> </b>it with a little bit of olive oil in a pan for about 5 minutes, or just until it gets soft. Then in another bowl, put your <b>ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, grated cheese parley, salt and pepper. </b>Then cut up small chunks <b>fresh mozzarella</b>, and add that to the meat, then add the eggplant pulp and mix well. Put the eggplant and peppers in a baking pan, make sure the baking pan is coated with a little olive oil. Grab the meat with your hand and stuff the eggplant and peppers. Then take your<b> tomato sauce</b> and pour over the eggplant and peppers, make sure there is enough sauce on the bottom of the pan just to cover. Garnish with <b>fresh basil</b> and <b>parsley</b>. <b>Bake</b> uncovered for an hour. When you take it out of the oven let it cool for 15 minutes. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSl1ICwOTca-qvpx3hBBNrG5dzSsexygSxRPsqhle0vMhgtBJOI8Pi3AZeWKwOTl_ePLm5jbuDcDbiWBwq9B0dm2ghrg5eBLdsOBqbdnuwayX-nt_NWDz8enRES7k19eFXr9Q3t5hIsM/s1600/DSCF0789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSl1ICwOTca-qvpx3hBBNrG5dzSsexygSxRPsqhle0vMhgtBJOI8Pi3AZeWKwOTl_ePLm5jbuDcDbiWBwq9B0dm2ghrg5eBLdsOBqbdnuwayX-nt_NWDz8enRES7k19eFXr9Q3t5hIsM/s400/DSCF0789.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What are some of the staples at your Grandparents house?</span></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com4Cranford, NJ 07016, USA40.6569929 -74.305954640.6334859 -74.3294556 40.6804999 -74.282453600000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-25798145022185582502011-04-06T21:28:00.001-04:002011-04-06T21:37:40.365-04:00Cooking for my Hubby and Sister-In-Love<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">So tonight i decided to be a good wife and sister and make shrimp with whole wheat linguine and broccoli. On Wednesdays my <strike>sister-in-law</strike> sister-in-love, Heather, comes over and does her homework while i work and cook dinner. And because her and my husband love shrimp i decided i would treat them. By the way did i tell you that i don't eat Shrimp, actually this might blow your mind, but i don't eat any seafood, I have to tell you for someone that doesn't eat seafood, i kick ass at making this. And i know this sounds weird but i actually eat this dish, i just avoid the shrimp. If you put enough garlic on something it doesn't taste so bad.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whole Wheat Linguine with Shrimp and Broccoli</span></div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li>Whole Wheat Linguine</li>
<li> Shrimp</li>
<li> Broccoli</li>
<li> 2 bouillon cubes</li>
<li> Lemon</li>
<li> Parsley</li>
<li> Garlic</li>
<li> Red pepper flakes</li>
<li> Olive Oil</li>
<li> Salt and pepper</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So start by bringing a big pot of water to boil for your<b> pasta. </b> Then clean and remove the tails of your <b>shrimp </b>then dry your shrimp. Bring another <b>deep saute pan</b> on medium heat and add your shrimp with a good amount of <b>olive oil.</b> Cook your shrimp until it turns pink <b>(don't overcook your shrimp)</b> at least that's what the people who eat shrimp tell me. At this point your water should be ready for your pasta and your <b>broccoli.</b> Salt your water before adding your pasta, <b>very important</b>! Then add your <b>8 cloves of garlic</b> to the pan. Take a big cup of the hot boiling water from the pasta and add <b>2 bouillon cubes</b> to it and let it dissolve. When your garlic is brown and your shrimp is pink add the cup of bouillon to the pan with a pinch of<b> red pepper flakes.</b> The drain your pasta but reserve some of the pasta water and add the pasta and broccoli to the shrimp and garlic. Combine all of the pasta with the shrimp and garlic, if it's too thick and some pasta water. If it's not thick enough add a teaspoon of <b>butter. </b> Chop some <b>parsley </b>and garnish on top with some <b>lemon. </b></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vM159z42rsVe5dKhHycsLo8mWE6UC2HnOAd831NviRsyx6FoecEmftnMSvtJGSYtJby9cjwyQEggjV1DpTvv_WtuiZm8Regou1wGeLfc5m-YclNEGQn8o6Fz5fHip8yTuaknSwCB9v4/s1600/lingini-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vM159z42rsVe5dKhHycsLo8mWE6UC2HnOAd831NviRsyx6FoecEmftnMSvtJGSYtJby9cjwyQEggjV1DpTvv_WtuiZm8Regou1wGeLfc5m-YclNEGQn8o6Fz5fHip8yTuaknSwCB9v4/s400/lingini-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><b>By the way my sister-in-love Heather said that this was her second favorite dish that i ever made her :)</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/jerseypepper/"><img border="0" height="53" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKnY2yXsLXVxHrHFeK1JN_kHDoEasYQwSACazsYcPviqDGG_FFf8C1iKrDdZQZkRknVtCAQAsSH6Z6MwgTpzQX9yApIdPSvAgyswHcqLfCycW4A1QO7WOfRWXn9PxXlveJ3JwNw0x45o/s200/PinterestLogo.gif" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div>I don't know if any of you know about this new website called Pinterest. It is definitely one of my favorite things, and when you check it out you will see why. Think of Pinterest as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections created by people with great taste.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ciao </span></i>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-31545418186494806792011-01-25T17:10:00.001-05:002011-01-25T17:15:56.504-05:00Love these girls...The Cooking Cousins<div style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is a cooking channel i like to watch on <b>You Tube</b>, it's called <b><a href="http://cookingcousinsrecipes.com/">The Cooking Cousins</a>.</b> Their names are<b> Kristie an Sydney</b> and they live in Toronto,Canada. The make a lot of yummy food, so i thought i would try out one of their recipes. So because we were snowed in a couple weeks ago and couldn't go anywhere for 3 days i cooked a lot, alright, i cooked way too much for those 3 days. One i the things i tried was the <b>Prosciutto, Mozzarella, and Spinach pinwheel</b>. Well my fellow foodies, me and my husband loved it so much we finished the whole thing is 5 minutes and wanted more. The best thing about it is, it's so darn easy to make, and it tastes amazing!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TTZTce9_wkI/AAAAAAAAApA/_SOATe1IPFM/s1600/day+after+x-mas+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TTZTce9_wkI/AAAAAAAAApA/_SOATe1IPFM/s320/day+after+x-mas+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange;">This is what it looked like just before i put it in the oven. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TTZTgQ02QdI/AAAAAAAAApE/5k9Xua-O80I/s1600/day+after+x-mas+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TTZTgQ02QdI/AAAAAAAAApE/5k9Xua-O80I/s320/day+after+x-mas+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: orange;">Here is a picture of it all done. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="color: black;"><b><i>Here is the link to the You Tube channel and the pinwheel recipe</i></b></div><b><i><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMwhphPRcGA">Pinwheel Recipe </a></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span></i></b></div><b><br />
</b><br />
<div style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #e06666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you know of any other fun cooking You Tube channels, let me know, i love getting ideas for different things to make. </span></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-91887230962852697592010-12-31T18:40:00.000-05:002010-12-31T18:40:03.038-05:00Farewell 2010.... Welcome 2011<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">As i say farewell to 2010....i remember what an amazing year it was!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TR5ohxK5msI/AAAAAAAAAo8/wIuiyDGgXPU/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TR5ohxK5msI/AAAAAAAAAo8/wIuiyDGgXPU/s400/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Looking forward to what 2011 has to bring....Happy New Years!!</span></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-46503539779262181792010-09-26T19:56:00.000-04:002010-09-26T19:56:15.085-04:00Pizza Frita (FRIED PIZZA) w/ my NannyWhen i was a little girl and used to visit my Nanny and PopPop's house she would always make <b>pizza frita (fried pizza) </b>for us for dessert, and she use to show us how to make them too. It was always fun to make and really <b> yummy</b> to eat. It's one of my sister's favorite things we used to do growing up so since she was coming down with her kids, she asked my Nanny if we can make them and teach her kids how to make them too. If you've never heard of pizza frita, all it is <b>pizza dough</b>, fried in oil, and then when it comes out of the oil it gets coated with <b>cinnamon sugar</b>. Here's to my Nanny and one her greatest creations and one of our favorite memories!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TJ_ZBobMRjI/AAAAAAAAAoI/LXaXj-5VysY/s320/DSC06605.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my niece Gianna</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TJ_ZBobMRjI/AAAAAAAAAoI/LXaXj-5VysY/s1600/DSC06605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TJ_ZP2803oI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/dDbo8IrIAXs/s320/DSC06628.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gia, Zac and Dave</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TJ_ZP2803oI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/dDbo8IrIAXs/s1600/DSC06628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TJ_ZZoP1SYI/AAAAAAAAAoY/fMEouNIDGoI/s320/DSC06633.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pizza frita</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TJ_ZZoP1SYI/AAAAAAAAAoY/fMEouNIDGoI/s1600/DSC06633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXgy8hAhrscMP0AbZagWaFu6jyta4BuJXVJRT-QHPFndIKVouR0iIg2L4UyS8BXpxumV5F-DsnghIlYfmKhPsVaoBV9DO37iTyUY3f0E4Ju527QPRjKu9u6TKlTeiMYQ6mCGuGb_yNN0/s320/DSC06638.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave and Zac</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXgy8hAhrscMP0AbZagWaFu6jyta4BuJXVJRT-QHPFndIKVouR0iIg2L4UyS8BXpxumV5F-DsnghIlYfmKhPsVaoBV9DO37iTyUY3f0E4Ju527QPRjKu9u6TKlTeiMYQ6mCGuGb_yNN0/s1600/DSC06638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04t-KPzl0-ZqiaBim8Mua0RabdiEbnptXspxWnGmJ16Hcp7vrLDDx0TnbXcywJwF-sr-g3WpFO96rJ1s3FAUOHAa5JNg9RBP8K6bIJOgdf8OviVcdyC1FohEwMDDakeAdQ5bgfczp-_M/s320/DSC06643.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Gia and Dave</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04t-KPzl0-ZqiaBim8Mua0RabdiEbnptXspxWnGmJ16Hcp7vrLDDx0TnbXcywJwF-sr-g3WpFO96rJ1s3FAUOHAa5JNg9RBP8K6bIJOgdf8OviVcdyC1FohEwMDDakeAdQ5bgfczp-_M/s1600/DSC06643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TJ_Zgfa28WI/AAAAAAAAAog/-HhNhEeB4QA/s1600/DSC06643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TJ_ZJSN5d1I/AAAAAAAAAoM/dHGgPsFtY-c/s320/DSC06609.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, my sister and my Nanny</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TJ_ZJSN5d1I/AAAAAAAAAoM/dHGgPsFtY-c/s1600/DSC06609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TJ_Y4gkoEOI/AAAAAAAAAoE/aCazzgCw9Dc/s320/DSC06581.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steph, and Gia</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TJ_Y4gkoEOI/AAAAAAAAAoE/aCazzgCw9Dc/s1600/DSC06581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TJ_ZVEFOOaI/AAAAAAAAAoU/60vDD6fQjgY/s320/DSC06634.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gia</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TJ_ZVEFOOaI/AAAAAAAAAoU/60vDD6fQjgY/s1600/DSC06634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">What are some things that you remember doing with your grandparents when you we're little?</span></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-18742160527582011572010-09-14T12:57:00.000-04:002010-09-14T12:57:21.556-04:00Just fooling around in Picnik<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0k0T9Nw9zEn7jDpa9f7bHpldIyurtmATXKKjqPKG6sLvogJclGhkLGgAY3C4JnCmUItNoqR_dNxwBAKv0_ZTgFfmnhiaK7DiXsLbX2nXpxPfs6xpV_QOdWmMQy9up1fb_kPnSHPBkDk/s1600/picniki+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0k0T9Nw9zEn7jDpa9f7bHpldIyurtmATXKKjqPKG6sLvogJclGhkLGgAY3C4JnCmUItNoqR_dNxwBAKv0_ZTgFfmnhiaK7DiXsLbX2nXpxPfs6xpV_QOdWmMQy9up1fb_kPnSHPBkDk/s640/picniki+pic.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE THIS MAN!</span></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-19482083892714641862010-09-07T21:13:00.005-04:002010-09-08T07:20:18.353-04:00Whole Wheat Pita Pizza's<i><b>Whole Wheat Pita Pizza's</b></i><br />
<br />
I<i>ngredients</i><br />
<ul><li>whole wheat pita's </li>
<li>homemade tomato sauce</li>
<li>basil</li>
<li>oregano</li>
<li>garlic</li>
<li>parsley</li>
<li>mozzarella cheese (shredded)</li>
<li>grated pecorino cheese</li>
<li>oil</li>
</ul><b>Preheat</b> the oven 400 degrees. Then lay out your <b>pitas </b>on a greased baking sheet. With a paper towel or our hands, <b>dab</b> a little oil on your pitas. Then <b>add</b> your sauce, leave room around the edges. Then add your cheeses, some fresh basil, garlic, oregano and parsley. Put in the <b>oven</b> until cheese is melted and a little brown, approximately 10-12 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TIbhkpODnPI/AAAAAAAAAno/A0sIa4bMtAc/s1600/DSC06071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/TIbhkpODnPI/AAAAAAAAAno/A0sIa4bMtAc/s400/DSC06071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I love making these, they're <span style="font-size: small;">delicious and easy to make, </span>super easy and you can add whatever you want, pepperoni, fresh garlic, mushrooms, peppers, it's a nice simple meal idea.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">What are some of your favorite toppings on pizza?</span> </span>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-19836247887661662982010-08-29T17:53:00.000-04:002010-08-29T17:53:16.109-04:00Weekend at the beachSaturday we spent the day at Sandy Hook beach in Sea Bright, NJ. Me and my husband got down to the shore nice and early and missed all the beach traffic. We met my sister, husband, niece and nephew at their motel and then walked over to a private beach. I am not gonna lie, it was probably the most relaxing, most fantastic days i have had all summer. Then after a nice long day in the sun, we drove down to Highlands, NJ and went to eat at a beachfront restaurant, and followed it up by dessert at another beach front place in Atlantic Highlands. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuViUsc_L1AD8Tu6NPPMFDer7XihjP-jICeWkaBooBteljJN8KpUHYY32bKCR2-u49CScmW8Yiv8X9ok_7EGsAFrxCUmoVv_uwAkxecaf0EOxz3MuWUQPL8ZINcdptIL1nUNwrLG9ao9E/s1600/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuViUsc_L1AD8Tu6NPPMFDer7XihjP-jICeWkaBooBteljJN8KpUHYY32bKCR2-u49CScmW8Yiv8X9ok_7EGsAFrxCUmoVv_uwAkxecaf0EOxz3MuWUQPL8ZINcdptIL1nUNwrLG9ao9E/s320/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_39.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/THrTqtE-GBI/AAAAAAAAAl4/q3Pzc73yQpk/s1600/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/THrTqtE-GBI/AAAAAAAAAl4/q3Pzc73yQpk/s320/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_25.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/THrT7y_wu1I/AAAAAAAAAmI/PlO444vA93s/s1600/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/THrT7y_wu1I/AAAAAAAAAmI/PlO444vA93s/s320/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_47.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/THrT_JkvuyI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/t5zXwzp0PlQ/s1600/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/THrT_JkvuyI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/t5zXwzp0PlQ/s320/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_49.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjck5h5xsYJDG9U6H5Xf40LVLyMoRAJSXKwWjp0owzVSYKvIomQ4SNl9lmg9NOeDh-B8n056U4waGK5tvDM_Hoy4SlonNbXZ8-Q9VqjrTONJLvev3iRYSi3KFxF6Sf0uF45opv4fwW5CXQ/s1600/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjck5h5xsYJDG9U6H5Xf40LVLyMoRAJSXKwWjp0owzVSYKvIomQ4SNl9lmg9NOeDh-B8n056U4waGK5tvDM_Hoy4SlonNbXZ8-Q9VqjrTONJLvev3iRYSi3KFxF6Sf0uF45opv4fwW5CXQ/s320/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_59.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilV8ppPP_ulZFzRFjFQ0SIQpOmM58ufhfZOh650raAff1mdAUzS7P-AEZPfIBADHIw5PAAnKHvXAnaRVlDALCjAzf-rDUEACgh0ljzSGg_qS8pWH6Ns-WZlLpCM6BCcLWRyidj0AzF3hQ/s1600/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilV8ppPP_ulZFzRFjFQ0SIQpOmM58ufhfZOh650raAff1mdAUzS7P-AEZPfIBADHIw5PAAnKHvXAnaRVlDALCjAzf-rDUEACgh0ljzSGg_qS8pWH6Ns-WZlLpCM6BCcLWRyidj0AzF3hQ/s320/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_60.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEija2p-J0Wt4vnlGAOYLt6jgnfuD5IovfO_Ardc4GgltwiC8tIDIhI1U9FBUmXj8X0gDvSP5XnO304pzgGd8eXAVQ_t-Cr5EBYTl91hu60GmIWIx2a91Ru6NTKcQN_bi0Y7XZz7fZJ3mWc/s1600/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEija2p-J0Wt4vnlGAOYLt6jgnfuD5IovfO_Ardc4GgltwiC8tIDIhI1U9FBUmXj8X0gDvSP5XnO304pzgGd8eXAVQ_t-Cr5EBYTl91hu60GmIWIx2a91Ru6NTKcQN_bi0Y7XZz7fZJ3mWc/s320/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_61.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/THrUO0SXgeI/AAAAAAAAAmw/FraAKd8g7P4/s1600/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/THrUO0SXgeI/AAAAAAAAAmw/FraAKd8g7P4/s320/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_63.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQp8u68eh9GIe06bEG6YzzjMI7rJ0BvIpLQ1kQKfkOcjijfmo5-AxFyklaKp6Xlq0b3V1RANsDe9IVd95kfo0v6fsU5AeWmWTC6QDu5EgffL6xba1IBkNHXFtGTIyIt6tuTXRsFFPft24/s1600/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQp8u68eh9GIe06bEG6YzzjMI7rJ0BvIpLQ1kQKfkOcjijfmo5-AxFyklaKp6Xlq0b3V1RANsDe9IVd95kfo0v6fsU5AeWmWTC6QDu5EgffL6xba1IBkNHXFtGTIyIt6tuTXRsFFPft24/s320/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_65.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrgIaX42Qhca57DL9oWavQJ0O2AFG7lN3kH6dT9mPUtzRMQwf3yzYQ22JeSWw4pOtchY9U6zb6K6Z0x_12X9YN1NJEd8-JUltIQ1K1rCGMgq3c7JBT1izi1eGT6rtII-NLiPIOl-EYGM/s1600/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrgIaX42Qhca57DL9oWavQJ0O2AFG7lN3kH6dT9mPUtzRMQwf3yzYQ22JeSWw4pOtchY9U6zb6K6Z0x_12X9YN1NJEd8-JUltIQ1K1rCGMgq3c7JBT1izi1eGT6rtII-NLiPIOl-EYGM/s320/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_67.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzesBtXwZ6O-LFXopjyrAqePZOKN0mnUUeZDzMpLeJyBznshZskDlMvvOkA1KD5saZMUu2gKnsF2-t8DwVg6sqaVsT3UXC7hV0Hjdg_xGbZkbKjffMCwH7f5GT7b21WLlPCD4jiBrPRA/s1600/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzesBtXwZ6O-LFXopjyrAqePZOKN0mnUUeZDzMpLeJyBznshZskDlMvvOkA1KD5saZMUu2gKnsF2-t8DwVg6sqaVsT3UXC7hV0Hjdg_xGbZkbKjffMCwH7f5GT7b21WLlPCD4jiBrPRA/s320/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_68.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_XUWRau962pqbBrnw3sna1oRXqzuMV_X5h1PviOmxnyh6P4NEr1sPT2lADnItpd0kaEPUgVW-01tH9_Avc9_e5Yby1wJ-KLDwIxvG25RTPXAl7Nm1gsydLyTdu4Da-J-wAFdAkdE-sA/s1600/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_XUWRau962pqbBrnw3sna1oRXqzuMV_X5h1PviOmxnyh6P4NEr1sPT2lADnItpd0kaEPUgVW-01tH9_Avc9_e5Yby1wJ-KLDwIxvG25RTPXAl7Nm1gsydLyTdu4Da-J-wAFdAkdE-sA/s320/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_75.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1QflLD__HUwdVg-Lm_zK9ajlLf2CfeXTcEfhRECkVlOCnol_WEJ6VMPegxX7WpjsBQMjB1YQwU8GOBm_wmJgOy39E2ctgQIp-27UyiFZ5vbHe0co0FNpl321Sy6PDS7Byhv51xgnvUg/s1600/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1QflLD__HUwdVg-Lm_zK9ajlLf2CfeXTcEfhRECkVlOCnol_WEJ6VMPegxX7WpjsBQMjB1YQwU8GOBm_wmJgOy39E2ctgQIp-27UyiFZ5vbHe0co0FNpl321Sy6PDS7Byhv51xgnvUg/s320/Sandy+Hook+Beach08282010_72.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> What kind of things do you do at the end of summer?</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-59377674152942470522010-08-22T19:16:00.007-04:002010-09-07T21:30:37.625-04:00MY Italian Meatball and Braciole Recipe<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I can honestly say i have mastered the art of a perfect meatball. I put a lot of love into everything i cook, but i LOVE meatballs and have gotten the recipe down perfectly. Tonight i made a pot of sauce with meatballs and Braciole. I made mine with Barilla whole wheat linguine, just to make it a little healthier. Let's be honest though, there really isn't anything healthy about a good Italian meal, but who cares sometimes you need some comfort food. I hope you enjoy my recipe!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Niki's Meatballs</span></b></div><ul><li>1 1/2 pounds of ground sirloin</li>
<li>2 handfuls of breadcrumbs</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>2 handfuls of grated cheese</li>
<li>2 cloves of garlic</li>
<li>a lot of fresh parsley</li>
<li>splash of milk</li>
<li>salt and pepper</li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Combine</b> all ingredients in bowl and <b>mix</b> until combined. Get a pan medium hot with oil. <b>Make</b> the meatballs into golf size balls and put them on the hot oil. Now this part is important, don't move them until they are brown. When they get brown on one side take a fork and very gently<b> turn</b> them over to get brown on the other side. Keep doing that until there are browned on all sides. Have a pot of sauce ready and<b> transfer</b> the meat right to the sauce and simmer for 2 hours.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Braciole </span></b></div><ul><li>package of thin sliced London broil</li>
<li>3 cloves of garlic</li>
<li>fresh parsley</li>
<li>grated cheese </li>
<li>round toothpicks </li>
<li>salt and pepper</li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Lay </b>out your meat on a cutting board<b> season</b> with salt and pepper. In the center of the meat, <b>put </b>your garlic and fresh parley and cheese. <b>Roll </b>your meat up and put 2 round toothpick in the meat to hold it together. Get your pan hot with oil and brown your meat for a couple minutes on each side. <b>Throw</b> in your pot of gravy and simmer for 2 hours.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/THGq73nMAnI/AAAAAAAAAk8/xfQ7q6rlVZM/s1600/Meatballs+and+Braciole+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/THGq73nMAnI/AAAAAAAAAk8/xfQ7q6rlVZM/s400/Meatballs+and+Braciole+008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am gonna let you in on a little secret. I have been married for almost 7 years. But i still haven't cooked a meal yet for my husband's family. I've grown up with Italian food my whole life, and my husband's family is Scandinavian. So they don't make homemade meatballs or know what a good pot of sauce tastes like. So 3 weeks from now i am going to cook them an authentic Italian meal served the way i always had it, on the table. I am very excited about this.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">For you Italians, if you can help me come up with an antipasto dish to serve with it, i would appreciate your help</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">. </span></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-40261924373492725022010-08-20T15:38:00.002-04:002010-08-20T23:40:36.380-04:00I'm back and boy do i have a story to tell...<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This has been one crazy summer so far. Here's a quick recap. I finished Twilight, finally. I am just getting over a severe case of poison ivy. My husband lost 50 pounds. We are actively trying to have a baby. I am very excited about this journey and will continue to keep you updated and let you know when i get pregnant.</span></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7eAznXKCS-NipeELvJaBFRuo97hJmhVI0Qrjzw6IeiAvfmzS21uCx94p0kSJMZtjndvKaenUQ-iUfLhv0ywkCeNplUqv5EQlnY41KrSrCywZYXVlOKy0BJ0umxJ-mhMsfit6Noq-lDA/s1600/memorail+day+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7eAznXKCS-NipeELvJaBFRuo97hJmhVI0Qrjzw6IeiAvfmzS21uCx94p0kSJMZtjndvKaenUQ-iUfLhv0ywkCeNplUqv5EQlnY41KrSrCywZYXVlOKy0BJ0umxJ-mhMsfit6Noq-lDA/s400/memorail+day+047.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Me and Dave on Memorial Day</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then came the 4th of July. Me and my husband were sitting in our apartment around 6:00 p.m., getting ready to go out to a park to see fireworks. I remember saying him, "look out the window, there's a lot of smoke coming from the street". So we ran to the back of our apartment and opened up our door and as soon as we walked outside we could hear the fire. We walked to our car and saw that the whole front porch of the house next to us was caught on fire, and the flames were huge. They were starting to break windows on our building. One of our neighbors across the street saw it from his window, so he called 911 and was screaming into the house next to us to see if anyone was home. He saw us and said, "get out now!" Having never been in this situation before, me and my husband ran for our lives. We ran back in side, grabbed our cat, and our laptop. We ran outside to find the fire had spread to the whole front of the house and the house was beginning to crumble. We got in our car, and drove away, listening to what sounded like 20 fire trucks coming down the street. As we drove away we were convinced that our place was going up in flames and we weren't going to have a home to come back too. We drove a couple blocks away and i just started crying. So my husband pulled over and we stopped for a second and looked at each other and said, "whatever happens, it's gonna be okay." We were both scared and didn't know what to do. So we drove to my grandparents house down the street and i waited there. My husband and Uncle rode their bikes down to our apartment to see what was happening. I got a call about 40 minutes later saying our place is okay, the firefighters got to the house fast enough and were able to save our place, but the house next to us is burned down. Later that night we went home, the firefighters were there until 2:00 a.m. The families that lived in the house next to us were on vacation and came home that night to nothing. Everything they owned was gone and their two dogs also died in the fire. I will never forget this Fourth of July. Instead of seeing fireworks that night we watched firefighters put out a huge house fire. I am so grateful that we were able to come home that night and sleep in our bed, and the worst that happened was our apartment smelled like smoke for a week. It took me a couple weeks after the fire to relax. Every fire engine and police siren i heard took me back to that day. I think i went through PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) but i can honestly say i feel like me again. As i am writing this post, i started to get emotional and remember very clearly what happened that day, but this is my therapy and i thank you for letting me get this out. Thank you to all the amazing firefighters who risk their lives everyday. I am truly grateful.</span></div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_h2I57eEo8_eDz0tKSQkTt8be56f6_ig24b7GUXX5LpJ_R-P_F5gzTCDfQ9Pfh6ud-_971B7Liec0RUTSMk9Dv7clS_HzbhCio8M22itTIp2iT0fW3q3dWnaZxow7e0xE3fJeMVfEBVU/s1600/fire+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_h2I57eEo8_eDz0tKSQkTt8be56f6_ig24b7GUXX5LpJ_R-P_F5gzTCDfQ9Pfh6ud-_971B7Liec0RUTSMk9Dv7clS_HzbhCio8M22itTIp2iT0fW3q3dWnaZxow7e0xE3fJeMVfEBVU/s400/fire+pic.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a pic of the house<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now that i am blogging again, i have a bunch of recipes i can't wait to share. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-71395186922303441632010-05-25T20:59:00.002-04:002010-05-25T21:01:08.065-04:00In the midst of Twilight!!I just wanted to let all of you know if you don't see me on here for a week or so it's because i am am taking a little mini vacation with my hubby, and i am also trying to finish the Twilight books. I am halfway through the second book, New Moon, and i really want to finish all of them before the movie Eclipse comes out, because my sister and a group of her friends are gonna go to the midnight showing when it comes out and i am so excited to see what happens. <br />
I know all you Twi-Hard fans understand what i am going through. My sister and my mom are the reason i started reading them, and i have to say, i really didn't think i was gonna like it this much, but i absolutely adore the love story.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVgKeP2QZ7SCBFhgoXMi5d0AWQQ7bhRxfaGDxAsoM7Auww-0nlWt64wMKF78aNz0yBNBndyYNTU8awBx0Qmav1_kFrHZG6g47mkmINF07cHoPPptRemBLxQFd3r_2GbM8T5WcOZl-edQ/s1600/twilight-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVgKeP2QZ7SCBFhgoXMi5d0AWQQ7bhRxfaGDxAsoM7Auww-0nlWt64wMKF78aNz0yBNBndyYNTU8awBx0Qmav1_kFrHZG6g47mkmINF07cHoPPptRemBLxQFd3r_2GbM8T5WcOZl-edQ/s320/twilight-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I do have a great meatball and spaghetti recipe when i come back.<br />
<br />
Have a great Memorial Day weekend!Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-54012384070474734492010-05-17T17:28:00.001-04:002010-05-17T18:18:08.844-04:00I have to brag about my husband!<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's no secret that I love my husband. He's the sweetest, kindest and funniest person I have ever met. On top of that he loves me! I knew the first time we met he was something special. But on top of that, he's super talented too. Most of you saw what he did for my birthday. If not just check a few posts down, and you will see it. He is also a graphic designer. His dream is to work for Disney. Anyway, i wanted to show you guys a few pieces of his art, and brag about how wonderful he is. I hope you don't mind.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S_GSAjn4OEI/AAAAAAAAAfk/fyZ2MDip-T0/s1600/Legends_by_dhulteen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S_GSAjn4OEI/AAAAAAAAAfk/fyZ2MDip-T0/s400/Legends_by_dhulteen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9_3Sllz-H9DJBQTfa-6zQXBKBG945A-w0uBLOD3QabW-8NlwENkbHR92n5iXVvmhBWeggpgQR-a_oIx1viciZ7m5y3j2pKB5SwnrEKyAdE3tOO-PHcPLBx8wq5dg6aSnzykrs-HYsbg/s1600/Good_Times_by_dhulteen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9_3Sllz-H9DJBQTfa-6zQXBKBG945A-w0uBLOD3QabW-8NlwENkbHR92n5iXVvmhBWeggpgQR-a_oIx1viciZ7m5y3j2pKB5SwnrEKyAdE3tOO-PHcPLBx8wq5dg6aSnzykrs-HYsbg/s400/Good_Times_by_dhulteen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S_G0sHRkf0I/AAAAAAAAAgk/0N2wfdpJ4aE/s1600/Sad_Girl_Is_Sad_by_dhulteen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S_G0sHRkf0I/AAAAAAAAAgk/0N2wfdpJ4aE/s400/Sad_Girl_Is_Sad_by_dhulteen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBuT283azfSS8oKyt360OE7KrYTI3_0UfSpKfGgHABO8KvmCmQkSWvMvf3lIWjT3ma_1qigYun9BmsjxhIGXjIV1-MRb0QOZzZLv01fvhzQ7JHCyUIq3ttqJrhwHOgFTzwGhM_OXXTnc/s1600/Rainbow_Brite_by_dhulteen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBuT283azfSS8oKyt360OE7KrYTI3_0UfSpKfGgHABO8KvmCmQkSWvMvf3lIWjT3ma_1qigYun9BmsjxhIGXjIV1-MRb0QOZzZLv01fvhzQ7JHCyUIq3ttqJrhwHOgFTzwGhM_OXXTnc/s400/Rainbow_Brite_by_dhulteen.jpg" width="302" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S_GSEF6rDqI/AAAAAAAAAf0/gOR6hL0VcYY/s1600/Silk_Spectre_by_dhulteen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S_GSEF6rDqI/AAAAAAAAAf0/gOR6hL0VcYY/s400/Silk_Spectre_by_dhulteen.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">If you want to check out more of his artwork, go to his deviant art page<a href="http://dhulteen.deviantart.com/"> davehulteen.deviantart.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Thanks for letting me brag about my hubby. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S_GbA3s6y1I/AAAAAAAAAgM/BxieFJt5o_c/s1600/Collages1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S_GbA3s6y1I/AAAAAAAAAgM/BxieFJt5o_c/s400/Collages1.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s-LykrIuixndDAhljuGHtgiBMsenSENryNYj8zjugCuhMpk0QFvYwlgfJ0GVwI97kb93bHQwhipIU3Mxa3VPpI8q_3XteYIdLT5hIDdNtOmsZ_QpYA6ZQWFIfg_m3k2-WRBJFQA4NMQ/s1600/Collages22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s-LykrIuixndDAhljuGHtgiBMsenSENryNYj8zjugCuhMpk0QFvYwlgfJ0GVwI97kb93bHQwhipIU3Mxa3VPpI8q_3XteYIdLT5hIDdNtOmsZ_QpYA6ZQWFIfg_m3k2-WRBJFQA4NMQ/s400/Collages22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">What are some things you love about your spouse?</span></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-14053835917472100112010-05-16T20:51:00.000-04:002010-05-16T20:51:18.499-04:00I made it, and I loved it!Last week, I decided to make a dish I found on another website:<br />
<b><a href="http://fortheloveofcooking-recipes.blogspot.com/">For the love of cooking</a>. </b><br />
The recipe is <i>Chicken Mushrooms Parmesan with Orzo</i>. Thank you so much, Pam for posting this recipe. It is now one of my all time favorite recipes. Everyone that knows me knows that I love pasta, and one of my favorite pastas is orzo. I never get to make it that much, because I can't find a lot of orzo recipes. It is the perfect combination of flavor and texture. So without further adieu, here is the link to my new <b><a href="http://fortheloveofcooking-recipes.blogspot.com/search/label/Italian%20Dishes?updated-max=2009-09-16T19%3A56%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=20">favorite recipe</a></b>!!!<br />
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-76027311358746198982010-05-12T20:11:00.004-04:002010-05-12T20:21:09.265-04:00Thank you so much!Thank you to everyone for wishing me a Happy Birthday last week! <br />
My husband along with my family made a very special <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/davehulteen#p/a/u/2/6Ovu5WB9tGE">birthday video</a> for me. It was so special i cried for almost an hour watching it, i can't believe that many people love me. I am one LUCKY girl.<br />
The other thing i really wanted, was a recipe box. I was talking to my sister about it, so we went on Etsy and looked to find the prettiest one. We both came across<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/nandjdesigns"> n and j design</a> and I completely fell in love with their stuff. It's whimsical and was just what i was looking for. So my sister secretly ordered my favorite one. It was so sweet of her, and i absolutely adore it.<br />
Here is a pic of my customized recipe box.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S-s2vnQtwlI/AAAAAAAAAe8/Z1o-Unn9pH0/s1600/recipe+box+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S-s2vnQtwlI/AAAAAAAAAe8/Z1o-Unn9pH0/s400/recipe+box+015.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQUaTg_ex12dW2d-6Euyt1kgFr7KMQXmnIXOVpl-jfWplzxJ7cDZdnC7MEyc3uBTLxRyZJPf8C2gHaNYY0Xd5lHyWWXmI_Si2i6J5JcqVB46YFdOxQOzGcoxeRnGYf2TpFNABjBVpEaU/s1600/recipe+box+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQUaTg_ex12dW2d-6Euyt1kgFr7KMQXmnIXOVpl-jfWplzxJ7cDZdnC7MEyc3uBTLxRyZJPf8C2gHaNYY0Xd5lHyWWXmI_Si2i6J5JcqVB46YFdOxQOzGcoxeRnGYf2TpFNABjBVpEaU/s400/recipe+box+013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I also wanted to give my sister a big shout out. Her company is expanding and her canvases will be in two different stores in very artsy touristy areas...CONGRATS to her and thank you for my lovely gift.<br />
You can visit her store at <a href="http://www.geezees.com/">www.GeeZees.com</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S-tDNULvjPI/AAAAAAAAAfE/cyLYU8D8ylU/s1600/canvas+photos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S-tDNULvjPI/AAAAAAAAAfE/cyLYU8D8ylU/s400/canvas+photos.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-75415319027856958032010-05-09T16:00:00.000-04:002010-05-09T16:00:50.806-04:00Happy Mothers Day!I just wanted to wish my mom a very special Mother's Day! I love you so much, and thank God you are my mother. Thank you for everything you taught me and every kiss you gave me. Thank you for telling me you love me, and always knowing the right thing to say when I'm sad. Thanks for listening to me, and showing right from wrong, and for always making me feel special. Thanks for never letting me give up, and always pushing me to do better. Thanks for making no matter where we lived home, you always made it work. You are the sweetest, kindest, most amazing mother, thank you for loving me so much!<br />
I love you Mommy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S-cSvXMmKWI/AAAAAAAAAes/zjcefJ61Ey8/s1600/mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S-cSvXMmKWI/AAAAAAAAAes/zjcefJ61Ey8/s400/mom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Mothers Day to all the Mother's today!</span></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-19963523698949313902010-05-06T18:24:00.005-04:002010-09-07T21:33:34.629-04:00Cinco de Mayo FajitasYep... that's right, this Italian girl decided to make fajitas. To be honest, it's one of my favorite things to make, and it couldn't be easier. <br />
What's not to love about chicken, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, cheese, peppers and onions?<br />
So here is a recipe to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, which also happens to be the day after my birthday. <br />
<br />
<b>Niki's Chicken Fajitas</b><br />
<ul><li>Chicken Breast</li>
<li>red, green and yellow peppers</li>
<li>shredded Mexican cheese</li>
<li>reduced fat sour cream</li>
<li>tomato basil tortilla wrap</li>
<li>plum tomato</li>
</ul><b>Season</b> your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and lemon pepper McCormick seasoning.<b> Spray </b>your saute pan with Pam spray. Make sure your <b>pan</b> is real hot when you cook your chicken. Just 3 minutes on each side should do it. Then put them to the side. In another pan put your peppers and onions in pan and<b> saute </b>them until cooked and soft. After the chicken has cooled off a bit, cut them lengthwise and then put them back in the hot pan. At this point you want to see a nice crust, just another 5 minutes. While that is cooking, i like to get my toppings ready. Put your sour cream, shredded cheese, diced plum tomatoes, and cooked peppers and onions on a plate. Take the tortillas and put on a microwave safe dish with a paper towel on the bottom and top of the tortilla. <b>Microwave</b> for about 45 seconds. Put chicken on separate plate and serve.<br />
If i had an avocado i would have made guacamole, but i forgot that when i went shopping. <br />
<br />
I also have to say these tortillas were the best i have ever had. They are called Olé Extreme Wellness Tomato Basil wraps. Try them, they also have spinach flavor.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRrwiqV_47dXBwJBxgRqiZ0gmMmj_9zqJYxHcgwJSmbJlwZXjTjaTJCx3D1i0uXc9d1Xk7H7j91R9U8v9nK6UlJRNlSsRz71jL7_8lgsn_tkywvN1qx5AZ8wfBbVLafLprelvjCYazn0/s1600/meatballs-fajitas+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK9s38OBzOUT6MTlVW-5HJc8xMPB4BQIrbniJnqUFNzxjLl_EGoNoDNYTsT6OanS8S2s3zIpgxFwQNoW-3DyyGk52lNfYiocQg2TQcMCyD0ODItllY4rJc2VQbmRRnxDM_-moBlLGcBc/s1600/meatballs-fajitas+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK9s38OBzOUT6MTlVW-5HJc8xMPB4BQIrbniJnqUFNzxjLl_EGoNoDNYTsT6OanS8S2s3zIpgxFwQNoW-3DyyGk52lNfYiocQg2TQcMCyD0ODItllY4rJc2VQbmRRnxDM_-moBlLGcBc/s400/meatballs-fajitas+019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82e_HfqxLWrvbGn7Wrz9hnqjxUanyaQ9t9DX2Nt1IdGEzFgWYTNYhLB8V4ZRT4M4iBYZGCM4lsmksVz-xB87gh7SS8EeXqKeWEBRv8bI9QvZCZyYrLK8hxbnkAh52Dg1P6PB4enRHhGo/s1600/meatballs-fajitas+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82e_HfqxLWrvbGn7Wrz9hnqjxUanyaQ9t9DX2Nt1IdGEzFgWYTNYhLB8V4ZRT4M4iBYZGCM4lsmksVz-xB87gh7SS8EeXqKeWEBRv8bI9QvZCZyYrLK8hxbnkAh52Dg1P6PB4enRHhGo/s400/meatballs-fajitas+021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRrwiqV_47dXBwJBxgRqiZ0gmMmj_9zqJYxHcgwJSmbJlwZXjTjaTJCx3D1i0uXc9d1Xk7H7j91R9U8v9nK6UlJRNlSsRz71jL7_8lgsn_tkywvN1qx5AZ8wfBbVLafLprelvjCYazn0/s1600/meatballs-fajitas+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRrwiqV_47dXBwJBxgRqiZ0gmMmj_9zqJYxHcgwJSmbJlwZXjTjaTJCx3D1i0uXc9d1Xk7H7j91R9U8v9nK6UlJRNlSsRz71jL7_8lgsn_tkywvN1qx5AZ8wfBbVLafLprelvjCYazn0/s400/meatballs-fajitas+017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-78350787781371268042010-05-04T00:26:00.002-04:002010-05-04T00:42:01.587-04:00Happy Birthday to Me!<object height="344" style="background-image: url(http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/6Ovu5WB9tGE/hqdefault.jpg);" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6Ovu5WB9tGE&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6Ovu5WB9tGE&hl=en_US&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-23360124183265168372010-04-28T22:36:00.000-04:002010-04-28T22:36:56.076-04:00Happy Anniversary Nanny & Pop PopToday my Grandmother and Grandfather celebrate 64 years of marriage. <br />
They are the sweetest most adorable couple i know.<br />
I have mentioned them before in my past posts.<br />
My Nanny is a big part of the reason i started this blog. <br />
Last year for 5 months me and my husband had a wonderful opportunity to move in with them, and see first hand what love is. In those 5 months living there my 90 yr old grandfather and 87 yr old grandmother taught me more about, life, love, and more about myself then i have ever known.<br />
My Pop Pop spends the day telling my grandmother how much he loves her, and sings to her at night.<br />
And my Nanny spends the day cooking and baking for him, everything she does comes out of love.<br />
They are constantly showing each other and everyone else so much love, and it shows, i believe that it made my marriage stronger by living there. <br />
Today they celebrated they're anniversary by going to my Nanny's favorite place...Atlantic City, NJ. They sounded like they had a great time, and i am so happy that got to enjoy themselves today. They very rarely get to go out, unless it's to the doctors, so this was a real treat. <br />
So to the most inspiring love story and couple i know...here's to 64 more years of happiness.....I love you guys so much! You bring so much joy to my life everyday!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S9jumix2IYI/AAAAAAAAAds/gFOIEBqBGX0/s1600/CP-NP-wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S9jumix2IYI/AAAAAAAAAds/gFOIEBqBGX0/s400/CP-NP-wedding.jpg" width="385" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Here is a photo of them 64 years ago today.</div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-15092945866174972122010-04-23T20:27:00.001-04:002010-09-07T21:37:31.144-04:00Chicken Braciole (my last minute supper idea)Tonight for dinner, i defrosted thin sliced chicken breast, i was going to make just a quick healthy grilled chicken dinner with lemon. But i wanted to make something a little fancier, and was in the mood to have tomato sauce, big surprise. I thought it would be really cool if i could make chicken braciole. Kinda like beef braciole, only with chicken and a little healthier. The only thing that was holding me back from making it was that i didn't have toothpicks to hold the chicken together. So i called my Nanny and asked her what else i could use, and she said if i had sewing thread i could use that, but i didn't have that either. At this point, i was disappointed because i really got excited to make it and thought it would be a nice surprise for Dave. My nanny also told me it wouldn't work without a toothpick or thread, the filling would come right out. But i decided to try it. And guess what...it was delicious. There is nothing like the sound of hearing my husband go "Mmmmm" while eating his dinner, the dinner i very lovingly prepared for him. I've said it before and I'll say it again, "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach."<br />
<br />
<b>Chicken Braciole</b><br />
<ul><li>1 package of thin sliced chicken breast</li>
<li>1 can peeled plum shaped tomatoes (drained) </li>
<li>Frozen onion and peppers</li>
<li>5 cloves of garlic</li>
<li>fresh parsley</li>
<li>oregano</li>
<li>basil</li>
<li>olive oil</li>
<li>salt and pepper</li>
</ul><br />
<b>Wash </b>and <b>dry </b>the chicken breasts, lay them out on a dish and <b>liberally</b> salt and pepper them.<br />
On a cutting board <b>chop</b> 5-6 cloves of garlic, and a handful of fresh parsley. <br />
In the middle of the chicken take about a 1/2 a teaspoon of the garlic, parsley. <b> Fill</b> each breast with the mixture. Then <b>roll </b>the breasts real tight. <br />
In a large heavy bottom <b>saute </b>pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil, and add the chicken to the pan <b>fold</b> side down. Make sure when you add the chicken, the pan is nice and hot, then lower the heat to medium and let cook approximately 8 minutes on each side. Don't move them around too much in the pan, or they will come apart. All your really looking for is the chicken to get a nice crust on it, and a little <b>brown</b> for flavor. Then remove the chicken from the pan on a clean dish and add your tomatoes to the same pan as the chicken. Use your potato masher and gently <b>break </b>the tomatoes up, add a <b>dash</b> of oregano, and<b> simmer. </b> Now add the chicken back in your pan with the sauce and let <b>simmer </b>on medium heat for about 20 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. About 10 minutes before you want to serve it throw in your onions and peppers and cover. This will help the sauce to <b>thicken</b> and give it a richer taste. Last minute throw in a 1/2 teaspoon of fresh basil. When you serve it, <b>spoon</b> the peppers onions and sauce over the chicken and enjoy! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S9Ix4_DI_oI/AAAAAAAAAdU/8mNoHDsF_4o/s1600/Chicken+braciole+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S9Ix4_DI_oI/AAAAAAAAAdU/8mNoHDsF_4o/s320/Chicken+braciole+032.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S9I6mPGZX-I/AAAAAAAAAdk/86scwHf8Xr8/s1600/Chicken+braciole+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S9I6mPGZX-I/AAAAAAAAAdk/86scwHf8Xr8/s320/Chicken+braciole+029.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Thank you to all the sweet people who commented on my other posts. You are a big part of why i continue to post recipes and enjoy doing this.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What's one dish you make that your loved one goes crazy for?</b></span>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-82479632969258468622010-04-21T22:10:00.003-04:002010-09-07T21:39:15.051-04:00Shrimp ScampiI made Shrimp Scampi for dinner tonight. I really never thought i would be saying this, but i <i>made</i> and <i>ate, </i>Shrimp Scampi, okay well i ate everything but the Shrimp, lol.<br />
I don't like any seafood. The smell of fish makes my stomach turn. But i'm married to a man who happens to love seafood, <i>ironic</i>, huh... So i have been contemplating making him a seafood dish, but something i wouldn't mind eating either. And if macaroni's involved, then i usually love it. I have always wondered where the Scandinavian side of me will ever come out . I am 1/2 Scandinavian and 1/2 Italian (Sicilian) I love everything Italian, the food, the music, the language. But the part of me that's Scandinavian, the part that should love seafood is not there at all. I love and respect each part of who i am. Just an interesting note, my husband is Scandinavian, German, and Irish...no Italian, but I've never met another person that has no absolutely no Italian in them at all, but loves garlic as much if not more than me....i'm such a proud wife :) <br />
<br />
<b>Shrimp Scampi</b><br />
<ul><li>1 pound of linguine</li>
<li>about 15 -20 shrimp </li>
<li>5 - 6 cloves of garlic</li>
<li>3 tablespoons of butter</li>
<li>2 tablespoons of olive oil</li>
<li>2 fresh lemons</li>
<li>Pecorino Romano cheese</li>
<li>red pepper flakes</li>
<li>fresh parsley </li>
<li>salt and pepper</li>
</ul>In a large stockpot or pasta pot <b>cook</b> 1 pound of linguine. <br />
And in a large heavy pan, melt butter and oil. Once that is melted,<b> throw</b> in your garlic, let cook for 2 minutes. Then throw in your shrimp (cooked peeled de-veined)<b> season</b> with salt and pepper. <b>Cook</b> the shrimp for about 3 minutes on each side. Then, and this is an important step, move pan off the heat, you don't want to overcook your shrimp. Put cooked macaroni in heavy pan with the shrimp, and <b>toss</b>. At this point, you can<b> zest </b>2 lemons and squeeze the juice of 2 lemons in with the pasta and shrimp. <b>Add</b> your red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley. And of course the cheese, then toss until everything is combined and coated. And if you want to be super fancy use another lemon and put slices on plate. Serve and enjoy!!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Which part of your heritage defines you more?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And what part would you like to learn more about?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S89_IDY0YeI/AAAAAAAAAc8/SnEgCsUwFWY/s1600/Shrimp+Scampi+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S89_IDY0YeI/AAAAAAAAAc8/SnEgCsUwFWY/s320/Shrimp+Scampi+001.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S89_LW2jA9I/AAAAAAAAAdE/drb1_gaFKHk/s1600/Shrimp+Scampi+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S89_LW2jA9I/AAAAAAAAAdE/drb1_gaFKHk/s320/Shrimp+Scampi+002.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1NV_H7DvfXwiw5jGvxFynPGZsCLC8RZaeRenGpv2XQplD05603BdBC4-dqBxNZADUzpoaWAQ7QzqEVVZNN4P8_6smYFbzIpn4hHVQTGe161WNQsE6HGvktsjjgaqrdze4wfnNOHGPj0/s1600/Shrimp+Scampi+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1NV_H7DvfXwiw5jGvxFynPGZsCLC8RZaeRenGpv2XQplD05603BdBC4-dqBxNZADUzpoaWAQ7QzqEVVZNN4P8_6smYFbzIpn4hHVQTGe161WNQsE6HGvktsjjgaqrdze4wfnNOHGPj0/s320/Shrimp+Scampi+003.jpg" /></a></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-51398327653044249192010-04-19T21:55:00.002-04:002010-09-07T21:40:25.530-04:00You are the Peanut Butter to my JellyWell the verdict is in....and it's<br />
<b>AMAZING!!!!</b><br />
That's right, i tried my <b>Peanut Butter Jelly Pizza with Bananas</b>...and loved it! <br />
The first thing i have to say is, when you make it, it looks really messy, but tastes delicious, don't let that fool you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdx9s9rVTKj7Lorc4hZ4YAV7WPzLVYEa8rFy5DiX4bZ38H8HX1BaWigcA-p_hzjN1bQOsxikHNtzZYDzMhDNtGTEdfxse14zDXVdcRAJ4dkrc4kn9AzR7OgQyngWXSRc_GcNFA29L5Q_k/s1600/peanut+butter+jelly+pizza+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdx9s9rVTKj7Lorc4hZ4YAV7WPzLVYEa8rFy5DiX4bZ38H8HX1BaWigcA-p_hzjN1bQOsxikHNtzZYDzMhDNtGTEdfxse14zDXVdcRAJ4dkrc4kn9AzR7OgQyngWXSRc_GcNFA29L5Q_k/s320/peanut+butter+jelly+pizza+008.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S80Fy17gM9I/AAAAAAAAAcM/OHv-6hE178I/s1600/peanut+butter+jelly+pizza+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S80Fy17gM9I/AAAAAAAAAcM/OHv-6hE178I/s320/peanut+butter+jelly+pizza+002.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0KM_fjYxmTbdKiKh8shAa24u0fDOETNGml4pyFhdgIi9jdSrMtWFsbUqD2SfOaE8JYZwlaSiZOhyiufU_jN8siG0tlD8OOExneggbioiD6Dyr9R6ORmX6kbruYaORmJoFRe304I3d3Q/s1600/peanut+butter+jelly+pizza+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0KM_fjYxmTbdKiKh8shAa24u0fDOETNGml4pyFhdgIi9jdSrMtWFsbUqD2SfOaE8JYZwlaSiZOhyiufU_jN8siG0tlD8OOExneggbioiD6Dyr9R6ORmX6kbruYaORmJoFRe304I3d3Q/s320/peanut+butter+jelly+pizza+004.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S80GFHt5CAI/AAAAAAAAAcc/DnnvveGHaNg/s1600/peanut+butter+jelly+pizza+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S80GFHt5CAI/AAAAAAAAAcc/DnnvveGHaNg/s320/peanut+butter+jelly+pizza+005.jpg" /></a></div>Thank you to my sister Steph for helping me with my blogger template and making this awesome logo "Your the Peanut Butter to my Jelly." I love you sis!<br />
Go check out her website www.Geezees.com<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAgCoFGR7lWMxOyzhVwIA2eXCY7KlIrXU2Jtz565yhVYhD5emLsoIZGvtPm-sRRbQM8X4aTxkVCM64fFOilKoPrhMUuZxeyUFrCQdDy0SaCOrkyO55yBO0MxY03_pijGO3oqJNxwcCtk/s1600/pbj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAgCoFGR7lWMxOyzhVwIA2eXCY7KlIrXU2Jtz565yhVYhD5emLsoIZGvtPm-sRRbQM8X4aTxkVCM64fFOilKoPrhMUuZxeyUFrCQdDy0SaCOrkyO55yBO0MxY03_pijGO3oqJNxwcCtk/s320/pbj.jpg" /></a></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-1808217675997020342010-04-19T15:37:00.002-04:002010-09-07T21:39:47.006-04:00Peanut Butter and Jelly Pizza w/ BananasI was walking home from my Nanny's today, and on the way home, i decided to stop at the local Pizzeria, and get some pizza dough so i can make pizza tomorrow night for dinner. On the way home i thought, what if instead of making pizza i make something completely different. <br />
<i>Penaut Butter and Jelly Pizza topped with bananas.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUitF5o2lZxLuocJ9JWkN2o9L7XqK-VkA4BV5coWLJGEeQzcku9jC3N6UQ-GxvJKcEca-BS7m37fW67b3oH9Ii9UJZTKezX-KpaA_OoQgMrDeSnlL7RRsTYLUBs7lLl0cnTFNZhAq893g/s1600/pressing_dough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUitF5o2lZxLuocJ9JWkN2o9L7XqK-VkA4BV5coWLJGEeQzcku9jC3N6UQ-GxvJKcEca-BS7m37fW67b3oH9Ii9UJZTKezX-KpaA_OoQgMrDeSnlL7RRsTYLUBs7lLl0cnTFNZhAq893g/s200/pressing_dough.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S8ytxKx8bBI/AAAAAAAAAb0/XNTCFJZPxbI/s1600/peanut+butter+jelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S8ytxKx8bBI/AAAAAAAAAb0/XNTCFJZPxbI/s200/peanut+butter+jelly.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S8ytzEIyf2I/AAAAAAAAAb8/mhf2cTw1X7I/s1600/banana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7UrCDeC3siI/S8ytzEIyf2I/AAAAAAAAAb8/mhf2cTw1X7I/s200/banana.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
How good does that sound, <i>seriously!</i><br />
So ladies and gentleman, tomorrow night, or if we're all lucky maybe tonight, i am going to attempt this delicious pizza and take pics of it, and let you all know how it tastes. For all i know, it will be a horrible disaster, but in my mind it sounds delicious. I mean you take to comfort foods, and combine them. Pizza, everybody loves pizza, and a peanut butter jelly sandwich, that sounds like ULTIMATE comfort food to me, <i>right? </i><br />
If anyone out there has tried this, and has any tips for me, let me know :)<br />
<br />
You know all of this got me thinking of that silly song...you know what song i'm talking about.<i> </i><br />
<i>It's peanut butter jelly time, peanut butter jelly time, peanut butter jelly time. </i><br />
If you don't know what i'm talking about, Google it, it will make you laugh, and stay in your head forever.<br />
Hope you all had a good weekend!Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866999864089808233.post-63940340885760358342010-04-10T20:55:00.001-04:002010-04-11T11:30:07.412-04:00How to Make Chopped Meat in the Food Processor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW2L7oL8uvbsEsThzHMQvz7ieVy1ZUYVtI_4zwm8DivbrxoKbeGycLSJi7kGdOPl9hv8P0CHLN82xIdUf0PdorAuZiidljWXdvoxhfFIaLAeOrQZxzQWBMImD5CoZ-UWEIqd1ETklgEc/s1600/beef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW2L7oL8uvbsEsThzHMQvz7ieVy1ZUYVtI_4zwm8DivbrxoKbeGycLSJi7kGdOPl9hv8P0CHLN82xIdUf0PdorAuZiidljWXdvoxhfFIaLAeOrQZxzQWBMImD5CoZ-UWEIqd1ETklgEc/s200/beef.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>How to Make Chopped Meat in the Food Processor</b><br />
<br />
<b>Becoming your own butcher:</b><br />
When you see London broil for sale buy it, freeze half for pot roast for another night<br />
First wash the meat, safety first. Then take a sharp knife and cut any fat off the meat. Take the other half and cut up into cubes and throw into your food processor using the metal blade, only do a little bit at a time. Pulse until it comes together and looks like chopped meat. The more you pulse the meat the finer it will be. Keep adding the meat until you’re all finished. Put chopped meat back in bowl and remove any silver skin or connective tissue that remains. This might be a tedious part, but you don’t want to bite into connective tissue later on, trust me. Now at this time you can freeze it and use it at another time or you can make meatballs in the same food processor. <br />
<br />
<b>How to make Meatballs in the food processor</b><br />
Put the meat back in the processor and add 2 eggs, a bunch of fresh parsley, a piece of wet bread (either soaked in milk or water) salt, pepper and of course Parmigiano Reggiano. Pulse it again until it’s mixed. Then you have meatballs! Then half of the meat I use and make meatballs for sauce and then the other half I roll into small balls and freeze for when I make escarole soup.<br />
<br />
<b>Story behind the recipe</b><br />
<i>For five months last year me and my husband moved into my Nanny and PopPop’s house. Living there helped us save money to get our own place, and at the same time live with two of the greatest people on earth. I have been very fortunate to learn to cook from an authentic Italian woman. While living there I learned more from my Nanny who raised six sons on one salary, about how to save money, cook delicious Italian food, and love unconditionally. My PopPop was one of the founding members of Foodtown. He worked there until he retired. My Nanny had to learn how to save money and making her own chopped meat helped stretch her food bill.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Food made with love always tastes a lot better.</span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Salut!!</span>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826521100514374244noreply@blogger.com2