Kindle Converted

Early on in our relationship my husband talked about getting me a Kindle as a gift and I quickly shot it down. I didn't read enough to justify that kind of purchase. Yes, we often discuss gifts with each other to make sure it is something they would actually want and use. Time went buy and I didn't buy a single book. I just really don't read that much. I have a couple authors that I follow religiously but otherwise I am not a reader unless it is a cookbook.

Would you believe that I didn't read a book front to back until fifth grade (The Outsiders - Loved it!)? It is true. I just didn't care for books. In second grade we had to take these tests on kid books. I remember scanning the Clifford book, looking at the pictures, and taking the test. I failed it the first time but passed it the second time. Since it was a "take it till you pass it" thing it didn't bother me and I didn't change my ways. As I got older I did many book reports by reading the back, the first few pages, and the last few pages. I was great at talking my way through it, sounding like I knew what I was talking about, and I always got an A. I was a 4.0 student until I hit high school (it only went down to 3.8 during that time though). During all of my school years, including college, I didn't read more then probably 10 books completely and that includes my three psychology text books that I completely loved! Makes you wonder how I made it through with a 3.8 being my lowest GPA (including college which was 3.9).

So last week I saw a book in the grocery store from one of my two authors that I follow. I didn't even know she had a new book out because well I have been busy with the whole motherhood thing. I snatched it up and read it during nap times. I had it finished by the next day. My husband looked and me and said I really think you should get one of those Kindles. I agreed with him as I had been thinking the same thing. Nap time goes so much quicker when I have something to do other then surfing Facebook on my extremely slow phone.

I ordered my Kindle, got online and order a few free books, a few one cent books, and one ten dollar book about getting your baby to sleep on their own. I read the sleeping book in one day. Today when my daughter took a five hour nap after being up all night I read two whole books. (No, I didn't sleep while she slept because I have to work to keep her sleeping through nursing and rocking otherwise she would be awake in half hour - that is why I bought the sleeping book.) This Kindle turned out to be a great little gadget. I am sorry I didn't let my husband get it for me originally when he wanted to! I think I could have gotten a lot of reading done while I was on bed rest!

I guess my husband is right occasionally!

The Art of Being Sick

I started getting sick when I was a wee one. I was sick way more than the average bear. I know every person/kid gets a cold or the flu but I was constantly sick. It was like I had no immune system at all. I remember being in fourth grade and I got sick yet again, I started crying and asking why it was always me, why was I always sick? I was a very clean person, I always washed my hands, I ate decently, and I drank my orange juice so why was I always sick? Eventually I came to terms with the fact that I was just one of those people that got sick easily and often. I learned how to be sick efficiently, it was like and art form. I began to not dread it. I got to miss a day of school or even better a day of work!

I moved out of my parents house when I was eighteen and my immune system quickly started showing up. My guess is that I was no longer around cigarette smoke. To this day if I am around it within a couple weeks I will be sick. So my sick bouts were less and less but when they did come around I knew how to get through it quickly and with out medicines. Ok, I might have stayed home from work a couple more days than needed but who wants to spend all their sick days actually being sick.

Fast forward to having a little baby, a little stuffy nose, snot nosed, coughing, and cranky baby.... and Momma being a stuffy and snot nosed, coughing, and cranky Momma. It is no longer an art form but more trying to survive, not drip snot on my little one, and to hold back sneezes when she is sleeping soundly. Hopefully this passes quickly because it really really sucks. Not to mention Momma doesn't get a sick day, I asked Ellie if I could have the day off, but she didn't seem to go for it! Did I mention my husband got us sick.... He claimed it was allergies when he was sniffling. Allergies.... Please!

How Many Kids?

I remember when I was a youngster I wanted to have a ton of kids, a whole wrestling team, I thought it would be great to have a huge family. I didn't care so much if they were boys or girls I just wanted a ton of them. I knew I loved kids and I knew that I wanted to be a mother. So why stop at one or two? I saw movies with families that had eight or so kids and they always looked they were having a blast.

I think I was about nineteen when I lowered my number to about three kids. I was living on my own, I was completely broke, I ate bread and milk a lot, and I didn't turn on my heat in the winter because I knew I couldn't afford it. I just saw how much money it cost just to provide for myself and I knew it would cost even more to provide for kids. So I thought three would be a reasonable and affordable number.

A couple years after that I was attending a baby shower for a dear friend of mine and they were having a diaper drive. I went to Target to purchase my gift and a pack of diapers and when I saw the price of one tiny package of diapers I think I might have peed my pants. I honestly had no clue how people did it. That little tiny package of diapers probably wouldn't last a week and it cost so much! I am totally apposed to germs so the thought of disposable diapers was not even there. So my number went down to two! That would be much more affordable.

When I met my husband he wanted to have one kid and I wanted to have two. I made my case with various reasons. You could still get family of four vacation package deals. They would have a sister or brother to play with. If we were to pass they would still have an immediate family member. It is good for social reasons, sharing, and all that other good stuff. We went back and forth for quiet sometime until my husband finally realized that I was right and that two would be best. We wanted to start six months after the first was born so they would close in age. I didn't want to get all finished up with diapers and drool and start all over again. I just wanted to do it all at once!

I had my baby girl and I still knew I would have two kids. Labor was nothing at all to me. I had a really tough pregnancy but I also knew that all pregnancies are different and even if I was sick the second time around it would only last nine months. A couple weeks went by, my baby was an all day/all night screamer, didn't sleep, had a bad tummy, and had reflux. I started to think that maybe I would only want to have one kid and I expressed that to my husband. However, he was sure that he now wanted to have two kids, I had made my case too well!

Four months later we have an adorable baby girl who still doesn't sleep for more then thirty minutes at a time, she nurses every two hours, she only sleeps on me, she has a very very very sensitive tummy, and still has reflux. She is the best little baby anyone could ask for, she has a smile that lights up a room, she has a giggle that melts your heart, and she has convinced her Mom and Dad that she should be an only child!

Two weeks ago I took a pregnancy test, just to make sure, and today I was feeling off so I took another pregnancy test just to make sure. I got out my little test and looked at the window and waited to see what it would revel. I was hoping I wouldn't see a little plus sign but instead just a straight line. When I finally got the answer I walked out into the living room. My husband was up on the roof finishing up installing our new windows and I lifted the test up to show him. He squinted at it and looked at my face... he got this look on his face... I started busting up laughing.

To anyone who think this was a mean prank to pull on my husband I should probably tell you that he passed his cold onto our four month old baby girl. So she isn't sleeping a lick (and I am the one up with her) and she has a runny nose. You try nursing and breathing through a plugged nose ....

However, he worked his little booty off this weekend and got tons done around the house and also walked over forty laps for Relay for Life. He did stellar! We are two lucky girls ... and we will tell him that as soon as the little one no longer is sick!

Wishing for Winter

I have always been a cold person. I remember as a youngster I would wear two pair of socks. I remember being in ninety degree weather but wearing jeans and sweatshirt. I swear I didn't even know what sweat was for years and my selection of shorts was few and far between. For this reason I have always loved summer. We don't always have warm summers in my neck of the woods but when we do I cherish it. I get outside, shed a couple of my layers of clothing, and soak in the warm sun. For this same reason, I loath winter. I have never liked it. It is freezing cold, it is icy, and my power bill is always insanely high. I shed a little tear when I see the snow start to fall.

I remember last summer when I was just entering my pregnancy everyone told to be thankful I wasn't eight months pregnant in the heat. I just smiled and took their word for it! We had a couple days when the heat was beyond hot but otherwise it was great. I enjoyed the sun and so did my garden!

We have only had a few days of warm summer weather so far but I can already tell you I would rather be eight months pregnant in it than to have an infant in it. My baby girl hates this warm weather. My house turns into our own little personal sauna. She gets heat rashes, she gets tired, she gets super thirsty, and she throws up because it is too warm out. Last night we were up every single half hour to hour because she wanted to nurse. I didn't get a wink of sleep until about three am when the fan finally started taking the temperature in the room down from 83 to about 77.

So please Winter fairy if you could bring some cooler weather our way and Summer can come back in full force next year when my little one will be old enough to not only enjoy it but to have a Popsicle, ice cream, and run through a sprinkler!!

Children's Attire

Have you ever been walking through the mall and saw a child dressed totally odd and thought I wonder if they picked that outfit or if their parents did? Or have you ever been looking through photos of when you were younger and asked your parents why would you dress me like that? They inevitably said "you picked it out honey." Of course I always think, I might have picked it out that morning but you are the one that purchased it for me!

Dressing a baby can be fun. You can put them in embarrassing little clothes and take pictures and everyone thinks it is really cute. So when my daughter looks back at this photo and and asks me why I dressed her in that....



I am going to say proudly... because I wanted you to see the clothing that your FATHER picked out for you! I am guessing Daddy thought we were back in the eighties. There are also little square pockets on the front with a red borders.

Happy Father's Day... Mom

Today I told my husband that he had baby duty since it was Father’s Day. Isn’t that what Father’s Day is about, spending time with your child? Well it was an uneventful day, just the normal occurrences. The husband headed out to take his Father to dinner and that is when the fun started.

Baby wakes up and Mom puts baby is crib while she uses the little girl’s room.

Baby somehow pees everywhere but in her diaper soaking the entire crib and herself.

Baby rolls over in said pee soaking her entire belly and putting all her weight on a full belly of food.

Baby is placed on changing table to strip down and be cleaned up.

Baby proceeds to throw up all over said changing table and herself because she was lying on her full tummy of food.

Baby is stripped down, a new diaper, and set in baby chair while Mom prepares bath.

The doorbell rings…. Kirby Vacuum people who want to clean my carpet for free and won’t get the hint that it isn’t going to happen.

Mom goes back to baby and smells something very pretty.

Mom picks baby up and notices that baby went poo everywhere but in her diaper.

Mom gives baby a bath, puts new clothes on her, and sets her on the floor.

Mom puts all crib stuff, all changing table stuff, and all baby chair stuff in the washer.

Baby throws up on herself again no doubt from having a warm bath after eating.

Mom cries and baby laughs.

Fried Chicken

Guys, fathers, and people in general seem to all be a fan of one dish (if they are meat eaters) and that is fried chicken. It is one of those all American dishes that will never get old. It is one that you can make a million different ways (I know I do!) but the constant variable is that crunch. That is when you know you have a good piece, the crunch.

Today we had my sister and her husband over for Father’s Day dinner. I made fried chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn. It was a meal liked by all; I know I would have loved it if I could have eaten it! I even fried up just a chunk of crust for this guy:

I hope you all have a wonderful Father’s Day tomorrow and if you are looking around for some good fried chicken this might be a starting point for you:

Fried Chicken

Chicken (You can use tenders, breast, or bone-in, etc.)

3 Cups of Flour

1 T Lawry’s Seasoning

1 T Emeril’s Essence

1 T Garlic Salt

1 t White Pepper

½ t Cayenne

1 T Kosher Salt

½ t Rosemary

2 Eggs

1 Cup Buttermilk + 1/3 Cup Buttermilk

1 Cup Milk

Canola Oil for Frying

1. Prepare your chicken, rinse, chop if needed.

2. Dip chicken in mixture of eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, and 1 cup of milk.

3. Coat in flour mixture which is prepared by combining flour with all spices and then using a fork to stir in buttermilk. (So you get little crumbly bits)

4. Double coat if you want an extra thick crust by dipping again in egg mixture then back in flour mixture.

5. Fry in oil (325 Degrees) until chicken is cooked through. Allow to cool and drip excess oil by playing on a wire rack.

56 Slices of Bread

When I first found out I was pregnant I knew I was going to breastfeed. One of the major perks I was looking forward to was being able to eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, and not having to worry a whole lot about my weight. Whole chocolate cakes here I come. Thirds on pasta, yes please! But that dream was quickly squashed!

My little girl Ellie was a fussy eater from the first day we brought her home. At first we thought we just had breastfeeding issues so we finagled that issue. Next I started tinkering with my diet. I had a friend whose little one had a milk allergy so that was the first thing we tried eliminating and it helped but she was still having troubles. So one by one I started eliminating the big allergy foods, dairy, peanuts, eggs, and corn and they all helped. From there I took out citrus, spicy, and acid foods (Read: Tomatoes) and that helped a whole lot. Next I started eliminating anything else I was eating sausage, broccoli, carrots, beef, and condiments/seasoning and that also seemed to helped. I even tried eliminating gluten but thankfully that didn't seem to impact her one way or the other. Little by little her tummy got better until we realized she was just one of those very rare babies that need a super bland diet and for their mom to eat the same couple things. We tested the theory to see if it wasn't so much what I was eating but that I ate it consistently, that didn't work out to well and she quickly shot that theory down.

What does that leave me with rice, chicken, flour tortillas, vegan bread, olive oil, salt, water, granulated sugar, and golden delicious apples. You are probably thinking to yourself that really doesn't leave much to work with and it doesn't. Currently I eat four chicken sandwiches a day and one apple. Yes it is boring, yes sometimes I would rather just not eat, and yes sometimes I just want to eat something different regardless of the outcome. I realize that makes me sound like a horrible mother that I am willing to make my child sick just for three skittles but sometimes I just need a change. Everyonce in awhile I would take a little taste of something. When I say taste, I mean a very small bite, one piece, or lick a spoon kind of thing (and never dairy). Not consume a bucket of ice cream and hope for the best! Normally, not much would happen, she might get a little annoyed but it wasn't the end of the world.

However, what is occurring is that Ellie's tummy is getting used to this bland consistent diet and is starting to reject even the smallest change or variation. Last weekend we bought half a pig and so of course the first meal I was making my husband was biscuits and sausage gravy. I cooked up the maple sausage and tasted a little bit, probably 1 teaspoon, of pork prior to putting anything else in it. The next day my baby girl was so sick you would have though I ate all 100 pounds of pork in one sitting. The week before that I was making my husband spaghetti and I licked the back of the spoon to test the taste and the next day you would have thought I drank the whole pot of sauce.

No more sneaking taste for me! My solution, lick a spoon and dip it in the sugar container and repeat as many times as necessary. This is healthy, right? I guess I could lick my prenatal vitamin and dip it in sugar and pretend it is candy. If you think I am insane for going to these lengths just think about this... in one week I eat 56 slices of bread and 56 slices of chicken... wouldn't you want some variation too?

So what are you having for dinner.. let me live vicariously through you??

4 Months

My baby girl is a big four month old. No more three month old stuff for her! She can now roll over to one side, she is wearing twelve month old clothing, and she is an amazing twenty pounds. She is still working on that sleeping thing and sill considers me her bed. Her tummy is getting better now that all I eat is chicken, bread, and apples. Her newest challenge is sitting up. She wants to so much but doesn't quiet have the back strength for it. She no longer likes sitting in the recline position whether it is in her chair or in her car seat. She will strain her head and neck to tell you she wants to sit upright! Additionally, she has the legs down for crawling but the arms have not figured it out yet. Baby girl needs to work on her upper body strength.

Spaghetti Sauce

A passion for food or eating isn't what inspired me to start cooking. What inspired me to start cooking was my lack of passion for food. I didn't care for most of the food I was eating. I pretty much was eating the same few things and they weren't even that good. The first thing that I ventured to make was spaghetti sauce because I hated spaghetti sauce that came in a jar. It tasted processed and fake and very little like tomatoes. Additionally, I am not a lover of onions and almost all jar spaghetti sauces are made with onions. I will admit for the longest time my version of spaghetti sauce was simply tomato sauce and brown sugar. I know gross, right? However, my immature pallet didn't think so. As I have grown and eaten more "good" foods my pallet has matured and that doesn't quiet cut it for me anymore. It took me a long time to find the spaghetti sauce that I truly enjoyed and would go back for seconds and thirds. For me, this is it. While this might not be your perfect sauce, maybe it will be a starting point for you!

First off I have to say that I am not a fan of chunky spaghetti sauce so if you are this probably isn't going to make your skirt fly up. If I want chunky, I make chili but that is just my preference. Additionally, I use canned tomato products and dry spices for this sauce because it is more cost effective and easier to do year around. Fresh is always wonderfully delicious but not always reasonable regarding time or money. Also, if you like a stronger flavor just bump up the spices, this is the one I make as a crowd pleaser for kids, adults, and me. if I am just feeding my husband I make it with a stronger flavor.



Spaghetti Sauce

1 (29 Ounce) Can of Tomato Sauce
1 (29 Ounce) Can of Crushed Tomatoes
1 t Brown Sugar
1 t Sweet Basil
1 t Oregano
1 t Parsley
1 t Italian Herb Seasoning
1 Pound of Ground Beef
1 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 T Garlic
3/4 t Kosher Salt
1/4 t Black Pepper
Noodles of Choice
Cheese of Choice

1. On medium heat add the olive oil and garlic. Saute for about a minute. Just until fragrant.
2. Add the beef and tomatoes. Don't allow the beef to brown. Otherwise you will have a chunky sauce. If you put it all in together the meat will melt into the sauce and give you a smoother sauce.
3. Put all your spices in. I place mine in a spice grinder before adding them to the sauce because I think it makes the flavor stronger and because I don't care for big flakes of spices.
4. Add the sugar, salt, and pepper. Allow to simmer for about an hour. Longer if you wish. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place upon your choice of noodles and top with your choice of cheese!

This sauce freezes wonderfully. I made a huge batch while I was pregnant and my husband lived off the frozen packages for weeks after my little girl was born. You can also omit the beef if you want a meatless sauce or omit it but toss in some meatballs! Add mushrooms.. what have you.. the options are endless.

Play Dates

I think play dates are really important for children because it allows them to interact socially with other children. I think this is especially important if you have an only child. Not only does it give them a chance to socially grow but it also allows them to learn important skills like sharing and interacting with different personalities. I am a firm believer that it is never to early to start learning. I read my baby girl books even though she has no idea what I am saying. I talk to her through out the day about what I am doing, what she is doing, where her fingers are, and what a cow says, even though she has no clue what I am saying. I instruct her about cooking while we are in the kitchen when in reality she won't be assisting in the kitchen for quiet some time.

However, I have a feeling the kids are thinking... "Hey Mom, I think this play date is more for you, not us."



Maybe... but hey it is never to early to learn. Additionally, it will help her to see how Mom interacts with her friends. You know, I like to teach by showing.

Chicken Parmesan

There is nothing I love better than pasta but this pasta dish is one of my favorites. Chicken Parmesan will always hold a soft spot in my heart and belly. I know there are a thousand variations of this dish but this is my version. Adapted from here.




2 Chicken Breast
1 Cup of Flour
2 Eggs
2 T of Emeril's Essence
2 Cups of Italian Bread Crumbs
4 T Melted Butter
1 T Minced Garlic
1 Cup Mozzarella
1/2 Cup Parmesan
Olive Oil
Red Sauce (Recipe Below)
Noodles

1. Butterfly the chicken breast and tenderize with mallet.
2. Mix butter and minced garlic. Dip each piece of chicken in mixture.
3. Mix flour and 1 T of Essence. Dredge each piece in mixture.
4. Whisk eggs together and dip each piece in eggs.
5. Mix bread crumbs and 1 T of Essence. Coat each piece of chicken in mixture.
6. Cook each piece of chicken in olive oil until golden brown on both sides.
7. Place in a baking dish, top with red sauce, and finish with both cheeses.
8. Bake at 450 degrees for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and hot.

OR you can top the chicken with cheeses and bake until cheese is melted. Top with sauce and extra cheese for garnish (depending on your preference).

Note: You can use store bought Italian bread crumbs or you can use plain bread crumbs and add the following:
1/4 t Oregano
1/4 t Sweet Basil
1/2 t Parsley
1/8 t Sage
1/4 t Garlic Salt

Note: You can either purchase Emeril's Essence or make your own, which is:
2 1/2 T Paprika
2 T Kosher Salt
2 T Garlic Powder
1 T Black Pepper
1 T Onion Powder
1 t Cayenne Pepper
1 T Oregano
1 T Thyme

Red Sauce:

3 Pounds of Roma Tomatoes
1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 1/2 T Oregano
1 T Sweet Basil
1 T Kosher Salt
1/2 t Black Pepper
10-12 Cloves Garlic
1 t Brown Sugar

You can either cook this stove top or in the oven. I roast (all ingredients except sugar) in the oven at 400 degrees for 1 hours. Stirring half way through the cooking time. You can dice the tomatoes or you can roast them whole. I have done it both ways!

After it has cooked allow to cool and blend in food processor till smooth! I usually don't add all the oil in the pan. Just what is needed to get the right consistency. Season with sugar and additional salt and pepper to taste.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is the best chocolate chip cookie recipe in the whole world. In my humble opinion. If you like cookies that have the consistency of cake or bread this is not the cookie for you. If you like cookies that are crisp and snap when you bite into them this is not the cookie for you. However, if you like the warm sweet morsel that is crisp on the outside and chewy and gooey in the inside this is the cookie for you. I have searched high and low for the perfect chocolate chip cookie and for me this is it!



3 1/4 cups of flour
1 1/4 t baking soda
1 1/4 t baking powder
2 t kosher salt
1 1/4 cups unsalted butter - room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 t vanilla extract
2 cups chocolate chips

1. Cream the butter and sugars together until fluffy - this will take about 5-7 minutes depending on the speed of your mixer.

2. Add eggs one at a time on low speed.

3. Add in vanilla extract.

4. Whisk together dry ingredients and next add it to the wet mixture. Mix just until incorporated. Don't over mix!

5. Fold in chocolate chips.

6. Make balls about 1/4 cup. Slightly flatten and lay on parchment paper.

7. Allow to rest in the refrigerator for one hour.

8. Bake on 350 degrees for 12-18 minutes (depends on your oven), on parchment paper, till light brown around the edges. Allow to cool on rack.

These also freeze well so you can take them out one or two at a time and bake them as you desire them. This recipe will make about 23-25 depending on how accurate your measuring is.

If you are currently allowed to eat dairy, eggs, and chocolate this is wonderful with a big glass of milk! If you aren't, you can sit and lick the screen, like I am!

To Keep Or Not To Keep

I don't like clutter. If you are in my home for more then a minute this is very clear. I don't have stacks of stuff sitting around. I don't have book shelves lined with books. I don't have shelves full of collectibles or figurines. I don't have a wall full of family photos. I am not a believer in keeping things you don't need or use. I just don't understand it. I am not a complete wasteful Wally though. If I am getting rid of something I will donate it to an agency, friend, or family member. I understand just because my home isn't a good place for it doesn't mean that someone else can't find it a good home.

The husband on the other hand is one of those people who think:

We might use this some day.

I could sell this and get some money out of it.

We can use it when the other one breaks.

We could use it for parts.

I can fix it.

All those excuses that pack rats come up with. However, since being with me he is coming over to my way of thinking. I think it is more because he is learning that when he gets rid of things it makes me happy. A happy wife makes a happy husband.

I have never had trouble deciding whether or not to keep something. I am usually very definite, toss it, keep it, or donate it. However, for the first time I am having trouble deciding whether to keep something.

This little gem:





Photos By: Chad Scott

I understand why people keep their wedding dresses. They wore it during a super important event. They may want to pass it along to their daughter. It is a family heirloom. However, this dress wasn't a designer dress that cost thousands of dollars. I am guessing by the time my daughter walks down the isle she will have her own style desires for her wedding dress. Additionally, I am pretty sure she is going to be taller than me. It isn't like I am ever going to wear it again. It is going to sit in the closet in that white bag until the end of time. It isn't like my daughter can play dress up in it, it weighs a ton! It could be an expensive Halloween costume but that is about it. So what do I do.... Do I keep it... Or donate it? If I am keeping it, what is the reason?

How Can It Be?

My baby girl sleeps on me. She has since the day I brought her home. She likes to play in her crib but that is about it. I have tried getting to sleep on her own but it just hasn't worked. Many people have told me just to put her in there and let her cry till she falls asleep but that isn't in my nature nor do I think it is healthy. Additionally, she hates sleeping on her back. Soon as her little back touches anything she is wide awake. If she doesn't want to be awake she is screaming. She is a tummy sleeper but according to the whole world you aren't suppose to put them to sleep on their stomach. So she sleeps on her tummy on me in our trusty recliner.

Last night we were laying in bed nursing and she fell asleep on me. Of course at that exact moment I had to pee really bad. Normally I just deal with it till she wakes up but I just couldn't hold it any longer. So I layed her on the pillow next to us. Thinking she might stay asleep if she though she was still wrapped around my belly. She did. So I brought her up stairs and eventually moved her to her crib. She slept in there for three hours just like a big girl.

So what did I do. Sleep, right? Because what do you do when the baby sleeps. You sleep. Especially when you haven't had baby free sleep in over three months. You take that opportunity and put your little head on the pillow and sleep all you can until that little girl wakes you up. It might be twenty minutes from now it might be a few hours from now so you take advantage of every minute and sleep!

Wrong, I couldn't sleep for anything. I tried falling asleep and it didn't work. I tried counting sheep. I tried counting backward from a hundred. I tried everything I could possibly think of! Nothing worked but instead I kept checking on her. Making sure she was still breathing and all that fun stuff. Anytime she would stir just the slightest I would pop my head up to make sure everything was alright in her little crib world. I didn't get a wink of sleep. Of course once she woke up for another nursing session she wasn't going back in that crib for nothing so back to the recliner we went. We are going to try it again tonight and see if it works. Hopefully if it does I will get a little sleep as well! However, I am not going to hold my breath.

Big Steps

It is amazing how becoming a mother changes your outlook on milestones! As you get older the bar is raised substantially regarding achievements. If you get up in the morning and pour yourself a bowl of cereal that isn't really considered a great achievement. If you manage to make it to the restroom instead of wetting your pants that isn't considered a great achievement but more an expectation. If you get drunk one night and wet your pants don't think for one second your friends will ever let you live it down. However, when you are a baby you are expected to wet your pants, it is pretty much a given!

When I first got my little baby girl I think the first thing I started looking for was a smile. Such and easy thing to do but not for a baby! The first time she gave me a real smile it warmed my heart. From there the facial expressions just kept on coming!



This being one of my favorites!

The next thing I was looking for head control. Keeping that big head up on that little tiny neck. It is the small things when it comes to babies. Even with all these milestones it wasn't like I was jumping up and down with excitement. Not like in that movie where the little girl starts to walk but one parent is missing it so the other knocks her down so she doesn't take her first step without them both present!

However, today we hit a milestone that I wasn't expecting! I thought it would still be awhile before this particular milestone was reached. However, my baby girl surprised me by rolling over! She will only roll in one direction and can't get back once she is rolled over but those take a little more muscle control! I was so excited!

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog. I picked this new title because that is my world for the most part!

I have been pondering exactly why I blog and what I want my blog to be. I originally started to blog to keep in touch with my sister who lives on the other side of the country. I picked a pretty anonymous name and title because I am a pretty private person. However, I have enjoyed blogging and meeting other bloggers. I didn't think I would care for it but I do. I am still pretty private but I am a little more willing to get out there and not be a ghost!

I moved over some of the recipes that I had on my original site but otherwise I am starting fresh with new posts! I will leave the old site up for awhile until I feel that people have gotten the word about the new one. Eventually I will shut the old one down.

I hope you enjoy the new blog!

Caramel Squares

One of the things I have been wanting to make for a long time is caramel squares. Many of the recipes I found just had you melting down store bought caramel squares which wasn't what I was looking for. However, after a continued search I found a recipe that was criticized for being to hard. This is right up my alley. I love hard caramel. Just think of milk duds. That hard chewy caramel that you have to pick out of your teeth. That is the caramel that I love! So I made a few alterations and gave it a shot!

I mean how can you go wrong with butter:



Sugar:



And Sweetened Condensed Milk....



Caramel

1 Cup of Butter
1/2 t Salt
1 Pound of Light Brown Sugar
1 Cup of Light Corn Syrup
14 Ounces of Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/2 t Vanilla Extract (Or Other Flavor)(Flavoring is Optional)

Melt butter over medium. Add sugar and salt and stir until completely combined. Stir in corn syrup until mixed well. Gradually stir in condensed milk. Stir constantly until mixture reaches 245 degrees. Remove from heat and mix in flavoring. Poor mixture into a buttered dish to cool. Before the mixture completely cools take out and cut in squares.

I also made one batch with orange flavoring that turned out very well.

Chicken Marsala

2 Chicken Breast - Cut in Half and Pound Thin
1/2 Cup Flour
1 T Emeril's Essence
2 T Olive Oil
5 T Butter
1/2 Onion Minced
2 Cloves of Garlic Minced
4 Cups Thinly Sliced Cremini Mushrooms
1 Cup Marsala
1 Cup Chicken Stock
S/P
1/4 t Sage
1/4 Cup Heavy Cream
1 T Water
1/2 T Cornstarch

Dredge chicken in flour/essence mixture.

Heat olive oil on medium high heat. When hot, add 1 T butter. When butter is melted add the chicken breast and cook until each side is golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside.

Lower heat to medium and add 4 T of butter to the pan. Saute garlic and onion for one minute or until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook until tender. Add wine and bring to boil, reduce by half. Add chicken stock and simmer until sauce has begun to thicken 3-5 minutes. Add sage and chicken breast to mixture. Cook until chicken is cooked completely - 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add cream and if sauce needs thickening add the water/cornstarch mixture (I like thick sauce.).

Put over noodles and enjoy!

Cheese Ravioli

1 Batch of Dough
1/2 Cup of Parmesan
1/2 Cup Mozzarella
1 Cup Ricotta
S/P to Taste
1/4 t Oregano
1/4 t Parsley
1/4 t Basil
2 Minced Garlic Cloves

Eggplant Parmesan

1 Eggplant - Sliced in 1/2 Inch Slices
Kosher Salt
2 Cups of Italian Bread Crumbs
Vegetable Oil
1 Cup of Flour
2 Eggs Beaten
1 T Milk
1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan
1 1/2 Cups of Grated Mozzarella

Marinara Sauce

3 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 Sweet Onion Minced
6 Cloves of Garlic Minced
1/2 T Sweet Basil
1 t Powdered Thyme
Salt/Pepper
28 Ounces Crushed Tomato

Slice and salt the eggplant slices and allow to sit on a paper towel for 30-60 minutes.

Prepare the marinara sauce by heating the olive oil and sauteing the onion and garlic for about thirty seconds or until fragrant. Add the tomato and spices and allow to simmer for about thirty minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Rinse the eggplant slices off in cold water and pat dry. Coat the slices by first dredging in flour, second in milk and egg mixture, lastly by pressing in Italian bread crumbs. Fry it vegetable oil until golden brown. Place slices on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Layer in a baking dish (sauce, eggplant, sauce, both cheeses, eggplant, sauce, both cheeses, etc). Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until heated and bubbly brown.

Stuffed Tomatoes

5 Beef Steak Tomatoes
2 T Diced Sun Dried Tomatoes (In Oil)
4 T Diced Artichokes (In Water)
1 1/2 Cups Diced Cremini Mushrooms
1/4 Cups Italian Bread Crumbs
1/4 Cup Panko Crumbs
3/4 Cup Grated Parmesan + Extra for Topping
S/P for Seasoning
1 T Minced Onion
1 T Minced Garlic
3 T Butter + Plus Extra for Buttering Dish
1-2 T Olive Oil

Slice the tops off the tomatoes and clean them out. Salt the inside of tomato shells and turn upside down on a paper towel. Take the inside and chop up 4 T of the insides to add into the stuffing mixture.

Melt the butter and saute the onions, garlic, and mushrooms until the mushrooms are tender. In a mixing bowl combine the cooked mixture, sun dried tomatoes, artichokes, bread crumbs, parmesan, and chopped tomato insides. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Fill each one of the tomatoes, drizzle each one on top with the olive oil, top with additional parmesan cheese, and place in a buttered baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Spinach Sauce

1 T Lard
1 T Olive Oil
5 Cups Chopped Baby Spinach
1/2 t Minced Garlic
1/4 t Black Pepper
1/2 t Kosher Salt
1/4 t Nut Meg
1 1/4 Cup Milk
5 Ounces Cream Cheese
2 T Butter

Melt the lard and olive oil and saute the garlic until fragrant. Add the spinach and saute until soft. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until combined and cream cheese is combined into sauce(you can add more cream cheese if you want it thicker). Add the cooked noodles to the sauces and toss. Serve with some parmesan.

This was a wonderfully delicious dish. The sauce was perfect.

Beef Stroganoff

2 Cups of Diced up Beef
3-4 Cups of Sliced Mushrooms
1 Onion Cut in Half
4 T Butter
1 T Olive Oil
1 T Garlic
1/4 Cup Sherry
12 Ounces of Beef Stock
2 T Flour
1 T Worcestershire Sauce
1 t Emeril's Essence
Salt/Pepper
1 Cup Room Temperature Sour Cream
Egg Noodles

Heat in a large pan 1 T Butter and 1 T Olive Oil. Add the onion flat sides down (I do this because I want the flavor but want to be able to remove the onion - you could always dice it and leave it in). Add the beef and cooked through.

Remove the beef with a slotted spoon. Add 3 T butter, when melted add the minced garlic and mushrooms. Saute for about 10 minutes. Add the sherry and stir. Combine the stock and flour and whisk until combined. Add the stock/flour mixture to the pan and stir well. Add the Worcestershire sauce and essence and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and remove the onion.

Whisk in the sour cream and serve over cooked noodles.

Southwest Egg Rolls

Egg Rolls:
1 T Olive Oil
2 Chicken Breast Cubed
1 Medium Yellow Onion Diced
1 Orange Pepper Diced
1 Jalapeno Pepper Diced (Seeded)
1 Can of Black Beans
10 Ounces Chopped Spinach
1 Cup Corn (Fresh or Frozen)
1 t Cumin
1 t Chili Powder
1/2 Cup Chopped Cilantro
1/2 t Salt
1/2 t Pepper
2 Cups of Pepper Jack Cheese
12 Egg Roll Wrappers
Canola Oil

Sauce:
1 Cup Natural Sour Cream (The extra sourness works well with the spice.)
1/2 Cup Salsa
2 T Minced Chipotle Chilies in Adobo Sauce

Prepare sauce first and set in fridge so the flavors can merry. If you want a milder taste you can split the Chipotle Chilies in half and remove the seeds.

On to the rolls, I heated the pan on medium with the olive oil and added the onion, peppers, and garlic and sauteed for about 5 minutes.



Next I added the chicken and allowed the chicken to cook through - about 10-15 minutes.



Finally add the spices, spinach, corn, beans, and cilantro. Stir and combine. Than add cheese and stir until cheese is melted. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool.



Place the mixture on egg rolls wrappers and wrap. Note I attempted to make wrappers with gluten free flour but it just didn't work so I made a batch of my normal egg roll wrappers.



Once you have prepared all of your rolls place them (1-3 at a time) in the heated canola oil and deep fry until golden brown.

Devour with sauce!





The base recipe came from My Kitchen Cafe.

Render Lard

Step 1: Acquire pork fat from the butcher.



Step 2: Chop the fat into small cubes. Place the cubes in a pan with 1/3 cup of water per 1 pound of pork fat. Heat on medium low heat.

Next time I will lean more to the low side and will cut my cubes smaller - my stove must be hotter than most - my heat was a little too high. Along with the larger cubes and the higher heat I was not able to completely render the cubes without cooking it too long. Next time around I will also cut all the extra meat/etc off the fat.



Step 3: Stir occasionally, eventually the water will evaporate and the fat will begin to melt.



Step 4: Keep on stirring! Eventually the cracklings will sink to the bottom indicating your fat is rendered.



Step 5: Allow to cool, pour through a strainer (I used cheesecloth and a metal strainer.) and into container.







Step 6: Place in refrigerator. The lard will turn from the yellow oil mixture to a solid white creamy lard. Store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Chicken Pot Pie

Recipe/Directions

Chicken Pot Pie:

5 Cups of Diced Cooked Meat (Turkey or Chicken)
3 T Olive Oil
12 T Unsalted Butter
2 T of Kosher Salt
1/2 t Black Pepper
1 Onion
1/4 Cup Heavy Cream
1 1/2 Cups Frozen Peas
5 Cups Chicken Stock
2 Bouillon Cubes
3/4 Cup Flour
2 Cups of Carrots
3 Cubed Potatoes
Pie Crust (homemade or store bought)

Heat stock and dissolve bouillon cubes.

In separate pan melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Saute onion for 2-3 minutes (I half the onion, saute it, than remove the onion because I don't like onion - but you could dice them and leave them in.). Add flour, whisk constantly for 2 minutes. Add hot stock. Simmer on low until thick - stirring constantly.

Add salt and pepper - if you are using regular broth and not low sodium, add half the salt needed, taste test, and decide if you want more. Add heavy cream and stir until creamy. Add the meat and veggies and stir until well combined.

Place the mixture into containers, brush and egg wash around the edges, and put the crust on.

Bake on 375 degrees for 45-60 minutes (depending on the size of your pies).

Corn Chowder

2 T Salted Butter
1 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Cloves of Garlic (I left out as I am having a strong aversion to garlic.)
2 Sprigs of Thyme
2-3 Idaho Potatoes
1/4 Cup Flour
6 Cups Chicken or Vegetable Stock (I used 4 Chicken and 2 Veggie.)
2 Cups Heavy Cream
6-7 Ears of Corn (I used 12 because mine were small.)
1/4 Cup Parsley
S/P

Heat the butter and extra virgin olive oil, add garlic and thyme. Saute for 10 seconds and add flour. Whisk and cook for 30-60 seconds. Pour in stock and bring to boil. Add cream and potatoes and bring to a hard boil. Boil for 10 minutes than add corn, parsley, and S/P. Simmer till corn is cooked, 10-15 minutes.

This will result in creamy but not super thick soup. Which is what I wanted because I thought it would be easier on my tummy, if you want a thicker soup, add additional flour so your soup will be thicker.

Brined Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Brine
3 Cups of Buttermilk
1/4 Cup Course Sea Salt
4 T Sugar

Crust
3 Cups of Flour
1/4 t Salt
1/4 t Black Pepper
1-2 Cups of Buttermilk

First I let the chicken soak in the brine overnight. To coat I patted the chicken dry, dipped in the flour/salt/pepper mixture, dipped in the buttermilk, and than back into the flour mixture. I fried all in oil (350 Degrees) until golden brown. I also finished mine off in the oven because they were fairly large and still on the bone.

The husband was in heaven and really enjoyed the real meal!

Lemon Bars

Crust:
1 Cup Unsalted Butter (Room Temp)
1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/4 t Kosher Salt
2 Cups of Flour

Filling:
6 Extra Large Eggs
2 1/2 Cups of Sugar
1 T Lemon Zest
1 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
3/4 Cup Flour

Preheat the Oven to 350 Degrees.

Cream the butter and sugar with a paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Combine the flour and salt and add to the butter mixture (with the mixer on low). Use your hands to form the mixture into a ball and place in a 9 x 12 pan (greased - I used non stick baking spray). Use parchment paper to press the mixture flat into the bottom of the pan. Use a dinner fork to press some holes into the bottom. Allow to chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes. Cook for 20 minutes or until very light brown.

Remove the crust from the oven and place on wire rack to cool completely.

Reduce the oven temp to 325 degrees.

For the filling mix the sugar and flour in a bowl. Combine the other ingredients in another bowl. Combine the two mixtures with a whisk. Pour evenly over crust and bake for 40-45 minutes or until mixture has set. Allow to cool at room temperature until completely cool. Cut and sprinkle powdered sugar, if you so choose!

Chicken and Spinach Ravioli

Filling:

2 Chicken Breast: Ground
1 T Olive Oil
S/P
4 Cloves Garlic
8 Ounces Frozen Spinach: Thawed and Drained
1 Cup Grated Parmesan
1/4 t Nutmeg
10 Ounces Ricotta

Heat olive oil in saute pan and add chicken. Cook through and break up into smaller pieces. Add garlic, S/P, and nutmeg and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely in fridge (or freezer for quicker results). Add both cheeses and mix well.

To make the ravioli prepare a batch of dough. Roll the dough out and place 1 tablespoon of filling in a rows. Brush an egg wash around each filling and place another sheet of dough on top. Press the edges together, making sure there are no air pockets. Cook in boiling water for 4-5 minutes.

Sauce:

28 Ounce of Can Whole Tomatoes
Handful of Oregano and Thyme (Fresh)
1 T Sugar
1 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 t Blackberry Balsamic Vinegar
1 Pint of Cherry Tomatoes

Put canned tomatoes and herbs in food processor and blend till smooth. Put all ingredients, expect cherry tomatoes, into a sauce pan and simmer, covered, for about twenty minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook an additional 3-5 minutes.

Mongolian Beef

Marinade:
2 T Olive Oil
1 Cup Red Wine
1/2 Cup Soy Sauce
1 T Vinegar
1 T Sugar

Sauce:
1 T Minced Ginger
1 T Minced Garlic
1 Cup Soy Sauce
1/2 Cup Water
1/2 Cup Light Brown Sugar
2 T Rice Wine
1/4 t Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 t Sesame Oil
1 T Oyster Sauce
1/4 t White Pepper
2 t Vegetable Oil

Other:
1 Flank Steak
1 Onion
Green Onions
Cornstarch
1-2 Cups Canola Oil

1. Put all the marinade ingredients together in a large zip lock bag. Prep the flank steak by removing that silver skin and poking a few holes into it. Marinade the steak for 2-4 hours.

2. Cut the flank steak into 1/4 inch strips, against the grain, at an angle. Dust each piece with cornstarch and lay on a wire cooling rack. Let each piece rest for about 10 minutes after dusting.

3. While those are resting, prepare the sauce, by heating the vegetable oil and sauteing the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add all remaining ingredients and bring to a boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. In a large pan (or a deep fryer if yours is already prepped with enough oil) heat 1-2 cups of canola oil. Fry each piece of steak until it has a nice crispy outer coating. Be sure to place/drop one piece in at a time so they don't stick together. It took me three batches to cook them all without over crowding the pan. Transfer cooked pieces to a paper towel to remove excess oil.

5. Dump the oil out of the pan and put 2 T of the oil back into the pan. Add the sliced onions and saute until translucent. Add the meat and sauce and cook until it starts to bubble. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions.

Spinach Pasta Dough

1 Cup Diced Spinach
(I used frozen spinach. thawed, chopped and drained of all liquid)
1 t Olive Oil
2 Eggs
1 t Salt
2 Cups Flour

Mix the salt, oil, and eggs together. Combine flour, wet mixture, and spinach in the kitchen aid and mix with paddle attachment, speed 2, until combined. Put on flour surface and knead for 4 minutes. Allow to rest for 20 minutes. Roll out. (I used the kitchen aid roller to roll and cut.)

French Dip Juice

2 T Butter
1 Onion (Peeled and Cut in Half)
1 T Flour
1/4 Cup Red Wine
2 Cans Beef Consomme
1 T Blackberry Balsamic Vinegar

Melt the butter in a sauce pan. Place the onion flat side down and saute for 2-3 minutes. Remove the onion and whisk in the flour. Cook for one minute and add the wine. Whisking continuously pour the consomme and balsamic vinegar. Add the onions back in and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes. Pour the liquid into a bowl (making sure the onions don't go in the bowl) and enjoy!

Dumplings and Fried Rice

Dumplings

Dough for Wrappers:
2 Cups of Flour
3/4 Cup of Boiling Water

Put flour in a bowl and make a well. Evenly stream the water in mixing (with a wooden spoon) as you pour. Use hands to form into a ball and than knead for about five minutes on a lightly floured surface. Seal in a zip lock plastic bag and removed all the air. Allow to rest for 30 minutes. Roll and cut circles. (Most have you roll them into log, cut sections, and roll each one into its own circle but I can not form perfect circles so I use the cookie cutter.)

Filling:
1 1/4 Cups Diced Savoy Cabbage
1/2 Pound Ground Pork
1/2 T Ginger Minced
1 T Salt
2 Diced (Mini) Chives
1/8 t Ground White Pepper
1/2 Cup Chicken Stock
1 T Soy Sauce
1/2 T Rice Wine
1/2 T Canola Oil
1 T Sesame Oil

Salt the cabbage and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Drain with cheese cloth by twisting, pushing, wringing, etc. Mix pork, cabbage, and ginger together. In a small bowl combine all remaining ingredients. Mix the two mixtures together and allow to rest for thirty minutes.

To cook my dumplings I brown the bottoms and steam them. I cooked half of them and froze the other half for next week.

Dipping Sauce:
1/2 Cup Water
1 T of Sugar
3 T Regular Soy Sauce

Mix and heat.

Dumplings Adapted From: Asian Dumplings by Nguyen

Fried Rice:

3 Cups of 2 Day Old Steamed White Rice
2 T Canola Oil
1 T Minced Ginger
1 T Minced Garlic
2 Eggs Beaten
3/4 Cup of Peas
1/2 T Sesame Oil
1/8 Cup Soy Sauce
1/8 Cup Oyster Sauce
3/4 Cup Diced Carrots

Boil the carrots and peas for 3-5 minutes. Heat canola oil in wok or saute pan and add carrots, peas, and ginger. Saute for 1-2 minutes. Add garlic and saute for 1 minute. Make a well by pushing all the veggies to the outer edges of the pan. Add the beaten eggs and allow to cook for a moment before stirring. Continue cooking while stirring, once eggs are cooked through add the cold rice. Saute for 3-4 minutes. In a small bowl mix the sesame oil, oyster sauce, and soy sauce. Pour the mixture over the rice mixture and sauce another 5-10 minutes or until ready to serve.

Spanish Rice

1 Cup of Uncooked Rice
1 T of Lard, Crisco, or Bacon Grease
1 Onion Diced
1/2 Green Onion Diced (Optional)
1 1/2 Cups of Chicken Broth
1 Cup of Diced Canned Tomatoes (With Juice)
1 t Chili Powder
1 t Cumin
3 Cloves Minced Garlic
1 t salt
1/2 t sugar

Heat oil over medium-high heat. Add oil component and saute rice for 3-4 minutes. Add onions, peppers, and garlic and saute until rice is golden brown and veggies have softened. Stir in tomatoes, broth, and spices and simmer, covered, for 20-30 minutes until rice is done to your liking. (Add more liquid if all is dissolved and your rice isn't done to your liking.)

Meatball Sub

I have never had a meatball sub but I was roaming around and found this blog: My Kitchen Cafe . I saw a recipe and noticed that the meatballs were pretty close to what I normally make. The comments were great so I thought I would give it a try. Below was my adaptation of her recipe.

Meatballs

1 1/2 Cups Bread Crumbs
1/2 Cup Parmesan
1/4 Cup Milk
1/4 Cup of Beef Broth
1 T Dry Parsley
1 t Dry Basil
1/4 t Red Pepper Flakes
2 Eggs
1 t Cumin
1 T Worcestershire
4 Cloves Minced Garlic
1/2 t Salt
1 Pound of Ground Beef, Turkey, or Pork (or 1/2 and 1/2)
1 t Ground Black Pepper

Mix all ingredients, except meat, in a mixing bowl and allow to rest 15 minutes. Mix in meat and form into meatballs. Place on greased, foil lined, baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes on 400 degrees. Remove meatballs and place in a baking dish, top with sauce and bake an additional 15 minutes. Cut meatballs in half and place on toasted bun with your choice of cheese. We used Havarti and it was excellent.

Sauce

26 Ounces of Diced Tomatoes
2 T (A handful) of Fresh Basil
2 T Oregano
1 T Sugar
5 Cloves Garlic Minced
1/2 t Salt

Place all ingredients in a food processor and process till semi-smooth. Place in a sauce pan and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Pour over meatballs and follow the above directions.

I really enjoyed this. The meatball was really tender and the sauce was strong and delicious.

Beef and Mushroom Pasta

This is a version of PW's Beef and Mushroom Stew.

Mine consisted of:

2 Cups Diced Beef
5 Cups Diced Cremini Mushrooms
3 T Butter
2 T Olive Oil
6 Cloves Minced Garlic
1 Cup Red Wine
1 Can Beef Consomme
2 T Blackberry Balsamic Vinegar
5 T Flour
3 T Water
S/P

Dice beef and dust with flour. Saute meat in olive oil and butter. Remove meat and add mushrooms and garlic and cook for 5 minutes. Add wine, consomme, S/P, and vinegar and bring to boil. Add meat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Add a mixture of 3 T Flour and 3 T of water to mixture, whisk, and allow to cook for 10 more minutes until thick. Pour over noodles. I liked the dish, nice comfort food.

Pomodoro Sauce

Our version:
5 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 Cups Diced (Clean out seeds.) Campari Tomatoes
6-7 Cloves Minced Garlic
2.5 t Sugar
Kosher Salt
1 T Basil (Fresh - Minced)

Heat oil. Add garlic and cook for one minute. Add tomatoes, sugar, and salt and allow to cook 30-60 to allow for reduction. Add basil about ten minutes before the sauce is done.

Pasta Noodles

2 Eggs Room Temperature
1/2 T of Water
1/2 T of Olive Oil
1 3/4 Cups of Sifted Flour

Make a well with the flour and pour the egg, oil, and water in the well. Mix with a fork, slowly pulling in the sides, once a dough starts to form use your hands to knead the dough. Add more flour as needed. Cover in plastic wrap and allow to sit, room temperature for 30 minutes. Roll out, cut, and cook - boiling time will vary depending on thickness. We ended up with 1 minutes and 45 seconds for boiling.