Scattered Thoughts From A Maryland Cottage

Scattered Thoughts From A Maryland Cottage
The Yin and Yang of Thankfulness
Showing posts with label cooking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cooking. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The Yin and Yang of Thankfulness

“One of the main reasons that we lose our enthusiasm in life is because we become ungrateful..we let what was once a miracle become common to us. We get so accustomed to his goodness it becomes a routine..” 
                                                                                                 Joel Osteen


it's windy, wet and I see a few flurries
outside my bedroom window while I
write this post and I've been thinking about so
many things on this early release day. I work in a 
high school health room which means
everyone left early for the holiday. as always, 
it was a crazy pre-holiday week because not
everyone is happy about Thanksgiving. some families 
are broken, homeless, hungry and all of the above.
I didn't realize to what degree until I began this career
11 years ago. I've always had a meal. 
in fact, I've usually trying to lose a few pounds.
so as I sit here, I began to think about this past year
 and the title of this post 
"The Yin and the Yang of Thankfulness". 

I don't believe I take the time every day 
to be thankful enough. 
for every moment with my kids
instead of saying "I wish I saw 
you more often" - I want to just 
enjoy them!
and there's a little one on  
the way in a few weeks
....
enjoying the stillness of winter,
school snow days, comforters,
Christmas... instead of moaning about 
slush and short dark days.
....
bringing more flowers inside the house
and taking road trips to gardens
I've always wanted to see.
....
I had both knees replaced in March,
I'm pain free and this is 
going to be my summer!
and thanking others... I want to bitch less -
and thank more.
Well, I'm going to try.  
Because I have so many, many things
to be thankful for.  Jenn

Give this a try... I want to!

Grapefruit Cranberry Marmalade
adapted from myrecipes
  • 4 large grapefruit (about 4 pounds)
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 2.5 cups cranberries
  • 3 cups sugar
  1. Carefully remove the rind of each grapefruit with a vegetable peeler or pairing knife, being careful to avoid the white pith. Slice the rind into thin strips. Place in a large saucepan.
  2. Peel and section the grapefruit: Slice off a piece of both the top and bottom of each grapefruit until the fruit is visible. Place on a cutting board. Starting at the top and following the curve of the fruit, cut away the remaining pith until only the flesh and membrane are left. Holding the fruit on it”s side, slide a pairing knife between one section of fruit and the membrane that is holding it there, loosening it”s hold. Cut alongside the opposite side of the fruit to loosen it from the membrane on the opposite side. Continue all the way along the grapefruit. Place the grapefruit sections into the saucepan and discard the empty membrane.
  3. Add 1.5 cups water to the saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 min, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in cranberries and simmer for another 10 min.
  5. Add sugar and simmer for 30 min until slightly thickened. Continuing to stir occasionally.
  6. Remove from heat and allow to cool 10 min. Poor into jars or plastic containers and allow to cool for another 20 min before putting on lids. Let sit on counter until room temperature. Store in the fridge or freezer.
Makes approx: 5 cups
*This will keep for 3 weeks in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer.
*Cranberries have enough natural pectin to set this jam by itself. It is important to note that fresh cranberries have more pectin then frozen ones and therefore will set firmer. I did use frozen cranberries for mine and it turned out fine.
*To remove excess pith from the peeled rind: hold the rind firmly, pith side up, with one hand and drag your pairing knife in the opposite direction, shaving away the pith.
                                              thank you to...      Kitchen Simplicity.com                    

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Devilish Thoughts!

At Home With The Neely's








Fried Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:



1 dozen eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
1 tablespoon chopped chives
Dash hot sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup panko crumbs
Parsley, for garnish

Peanut oil, for frying


  • Directions:
    Add the eggs to a large saucepan filled with cold water. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let sit in the water for 14 minutes.
  • Peel the eggs and slice lengthwise. Remove the yolks to a bowl. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon, lemon zest, chives, hot sauce and salt and pepper. Mash the yolks together with a wooden spoon. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Fill the egg yolk mixture into the egg whites.
  • Heat oil in a deep-fryer to 350 degrees F.
  • In a medium bowl, add 1 cup of flour and season with salt and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs, in a third bowl, add 1 cup of panko.
  • Dip the eggs into the flour, then the egg and finally into the panko. Gently put the eggs into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown. Remove to a paper towel lined sheet tray. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley.



Level: Easy Total Time: 44 min Prep :20 min Cook:10 min Yield:  3 to 4 servings


or go traditional
you choose...

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Fit To Be Tried! Greek Green Bean Recipe

ready
set
go!
I've been working nights and weekends with special needs adults and one of the tasks they have is exercise. We have a complete work-out room in the complex. Each client is supposed to work-out for 30 minutes 3 times a week and some 5 times a week.
 Why would I simply watch? 
So I go on the treadmill, the bike, lift weights too.
It makes me healthier, encourages all of us and the smiles....oh! our smiles.
So after a very long day of my regular job and my 2nd job, I don't want a heavy meal.
I LOVE GREEN BEANS - HOT OR COLD
A CUP OF COOKED GREEN BEANS IS 44 CALORIES
I ALSO LOVE GREEK OLIVES...
YOU KNOW THE KIND YOU GET AT THE GROCERY
STORE AT THE SALAD BAR?
1/2 OZ. 1 TABLESPOON 35 CALORIES
SO...
I STEAM MY GREEN BEANS WITH THE OLIVES, SIT BACK....
read, dose off and it's all good. J

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

AN APPLE A DAY AUTUMN RECIPE

For times when a little indulgence is deserved, this sweet and buttery, gooey and crunchy treat is just right.

APPLE CARAMEL BARS

Servings: Makes 16 Bars
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Golden Delicious apples, cored and chopped
1 cup caramel candies, each cut in quarters
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Method:
1) Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan. In medium-size bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Transfer mixture to pan and press in an even layer in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes.
2) In same mixing bowl, combine eggs, vanilla, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and remaining 1/4 cup flour; stir in apples, caramels, and nuts. Pour over bottom crust. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden. Cool slightly; cut into quarters lengthwise and crosswise to make 16 bars. Cool completely.
Nutrition Information:
Protein: 3g; Fat: 9g; Carbohydrate: 32g; Fiber: .8g; Sodium: 113mg; Cholesterol: 41mg; Calories: 215.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

You Are Invited....To My World Of Wow!

Welcome!
please take a seat
and watch my mini series of last Sunday...
my friends and I loaded up
in Bobbie's van and drove to my son &
daughter in law's home in Annapolis, Md
for... my birthday dinner (I'm a Libra 9/29)
6 chatty ladies, Emily took her own vehicle,
 my brave son Todd and his patient,talented wife Ravy
in we walk with what else but enthusiasm, laughter, appetites and
and
ugghhh ...  no bottle opener or corkscrew... newlyweds... (stocking stuffers)

Todd rescues us with his drill!
Ta Da!
Ravy and Todd prepared a meal made with love...
Cambodian soup, Larb Gai, Summer Rolls, Ginger Fish
Bobbie brought  carrot cake... no one skipped
Emily a lovely bouquet
sunflowers are so happy don't ya think?
Mom misses you tons!
then Matt and Connie called from Korea..
I haven't seen them (my youngest son - since Dec.)
yes, Mom cried

then as my Dad always said 'we packed up our dolls and dishes'
and gabbed happily all the way home!  
I love my friends and family. Hope you enjoyed your journey, I did!
                                                                                                            Jenn

Friday, June 4, 2010

Not Just Any Day At The Beach ... Recipes, Family and Summer NJ Style!

    hot news, hot grill and ME going on and on..

I'm always looking for new recipes for the grill. Something light. Don't get me wrong...coming from an Italian family - we're big on sausage, peppers and onions, lots of garlic, LOTS of garlic. Pasta, bread. Fresh crunchy crust bread. In fact the best bagels I've ever had are in New Jersey . They have a French Toast bagel that is....well it's yummo and not listed in the calorie counter book. I'm sure it's several days of Weight Watcher points. Holy Canoli! So, moving right along....

I've seen several recipes for Shrimp Skewers that sounded delish. Lemon wedges in between those garlic marinated plump babies along with red onions. Lime marinated sea creatures ready to be inhaled after you have roasted them with avocado wrapped pancetta. Ohhh Mama Leone! Slices of bread ready to sop up the juices. Yes... bellas SOP!
                
You Will Need

1/2 fresh pineapple, trimmed and cut into 1-inch chunks
3 medium nectarines, cut into 1-inch chunks

3 medium pears, cut into 1-inch chunks

3 medium fresh peaches, cut into 1-inch chunks

3 to 4 medium plums, cut into 1-inch chunks

10 apricots, halved

3 tablespoons honey or light corn syrup, warmed

What to Do
1. Thread fruit alternately onto metal or soaked bamboo skewers.

2. Grill, uncovered, over medium-hot heat until fruit is heated through, about 6 minutes, turning often. Brush with honey or corn syrup during the last minute of grilling time.

Serves 6

From Taste of Home Backyard Grilling
or...
How to make Grilled Fruit Skewers
1. Soak the skewers in cold water for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare a charcoal grill to medium heat.
3. Start threading the fruit onto the skewers,
beginning with strawberries, then pineapple,
then papaya, and mango. Continue alternating among the four.
 4. Grill the fruit, turning as necessary, for about 6-8 minutes.
 Grill time will vary depending on ripeness of fruit.
5. Remove the skewers from the grill and serve over scoops of Butter Pecan Ice Cream.
Ingredients
skewers
1 container large strawberries, cleaned
2 mangos, peeled and seeded
1/2 large papaya, peeled and seeded
1/2 pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into even pieces
1 carton Butter Pecan Ice Cream

I'm an only child. When I was little I used to pretend I had 9 brothers and sisters. In fact, I used to tell people I had 9 brothers and sisters when I would first meet them. I think of was about 7. Then my mom would call and say "Can you please send Jennifer home, she's an
only child and I am a little protective of her." Awww Mooommm! But when I was with my cousins ... that Big loving family with the open door policy - heaven.
Two Grandmas lived there always.
Friends could stay over, friends could move in.
When I would ask if there was enough dinner for me to stay, my cousin Linda 
 would say "if we can feed 8, why can't we feed 1 more?".  So when I drive up from Maryland to be with the Mondelli's ... it's not about
romance
it's about.... family        
9:32 am doctor called blood work fine - ct scan clear - 1 year cancer free
thank you with all my heart for your prayers  Jennifer

Monday, April 26, 2010

The Good, The Bad and the Fattening!

sunday was my oldest son Todd's 32nd birthday....i cannot believe it...
that's one of the many good's in my life
the bad...no bad that's worth mentioning...
thank you LORD....
the fattening...
Todd's wife Ravy is Cambodian and a fabulous cook of her own culture's recipes along with Thai and Chinese...
and
she's
in
Cullinary School!!!!
           we prepared, cooked and ate....all  weekend to have their friends over!
my cup runneth over....
Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.
                                                                                           Matthew 18:4-6

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Thoughts For Thursday - Spring Recipe: Tres Leche Cake Fresh Strawberries!

MY VERSION OF TRES LECHE CAKE!














Ingredients

1 yellow cake mix (with pudding) baked as directed in 13 by 9-inch pan
For topping mixture:
1 can evaporated milk
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 pint heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup rum (or to taste)
To finish:
Whipped cream, to cover cake ( or Cool Whip)
5 ounces sweetened coconut
Directions
Poke holes in the cake with a fork all over.
Pour topping mixture over cake.
Let mixture absorb completely in refrigerator.
Cover with whipped cream or cool whip and
sprinkle sweetened coconut over top of cake.
OPTIONAL: I love putting little bowls of fresh strawberries,
blueberries, pineapple and chopped macadamia nuts around the cake

SERVE INDOORS, OUTDOORS WITH THE VERY BEST OF FAMILY OR FRIENDS!