Ahhhhh the luck of the Irish! St. Patrick's Day! Many of us kiss the Blarney Stone or wish on a four-leaf clover and of course eat corned beef and cabbage. I am not Irish but I do eat corned beef once a year on St. Patty's Day at my Dad's favorite tavern, Tierney's. They make some of the best corned beef I've ever had! I wanted to share with you a recipe that you can make at home that is different then corned beef, but one that still makes me think of St. Patrick's Day. You can make this delicious Cheddar Beef Shepherd's Pie at home and it'll make you think you are in Ireland. So on the 17th of March, enjoy the day, drink a green beer, eat some corned beef and do a little Irish jig.
February reminds me of romance. I guess because Valentine's Day is on the 14th, but also because there is snowfalls with white fresh snow, winter getaways, skiing, and cozying up by the fire. Maybe I am crazy and no one else is feeling this but me, but I just feel that it's a time of year that it's easy to get close to the ones we love, no matter who it is. I feel that after all the hustle and bustle with the holidays and the new year rolling in that in February we all kind of take a deep breath and get the opportunity to slow down. Which I welcome.
Well, I hope everyone's year has gotten started off on the right foot and that 2010 will be all you hoped it would be.
For me I have been traveling a lot. Which isn't a bad thing, it just keeps me so busy. My most recent trip was to Las Vegas: the glitz, the glamour, the showgirls, the casinos... it never stops in Vegas! And let me tell you neither did I.
I wasn't there too long, but it was nice to get home. I don't mind getting away every so often, but you know after a while you start missing the normality of living your life and having a comforting home cooked meal. I sure did. So that is why I am going to share with you an amazing macaroni and cheese that is easy and delicious and worlds away from that little blue box we are all used too.
For me I have been traveling a lot. Which isn't a bad thing, it just keeps me so busy. My most recent trip was to Las Vegas: the glitz, the glamour, the showgirls, the casinos... it never stops in Vegas! And let me tell you neither did I.
I wasn't there too long, but it was nice to get home. I don't mind getting away every so often, but you know after a while you start missing the normality of living your life and having a comforting home cooked meal. I sure did. So that is why I am going to share with you an amazing macaroni and cheese that is easy and delicious and worlds away from that little blue box we are all used too.
Well it's the New Year. That means resolutions, new commitments, and all of us just promising ourselves that we will try to be better in every aspect of what we do!!
Of course one of the biggest commitments we make is to get healthy...and that means exercising and eating right!
For this episode I decided not to give you a recipe, but to just remind you that eating healthy is important. Not just for you, but for the whole family. We really need to be conscious of what we are putting on the dinner table.
For this episode I decided not to give you a recipe, but to just remind you that eating healthy is important. Not just for you, but for the whole family. We really need to be conscious of what we are putting on the dinner table.
When it comes to impressing family and friends around the holidays, a fancy dinner is in order. Pull out the "good" china, the best silver, linen napkins. Oh la la. Decorate the table with some place cards. These things are simple to do every once in a while and is quite rewarding because you are sure to get many compliments.
Rack of lamb is always a treat. I have a great recipe I have been making for a long time that my kids love and even more my friends: Rosemary Breadcrumb, Dijon Mustard rubbed Rack of Lamb. You can even start this a couple days ahead. So you are not running around the day of your party.
Rack of lamb is always a treat. I have a great recipe I have been making for a long time that my kids love and even more my friends: Rosemary Breadcrumb, Dijon Mustard rubbed Rack of Lamb. You can even start this a couple days ahead. So you are not running around the day of your party.
With the holidays approaching quickly, I find myself running, running, running! Work, family, Christmas shopping, and just everyday chores. Man, I hate laundry.
UGGGGGHHHHHH!!!
So for dinner, I am always trying to make quick and easy dishes that the kids really enjoy, too. Being Italian we tend to love chicken cutlets. They are cost-effective and always a crowd-pleaser. Tonight, we're making chicken cutlets with melted mozzarella and lemon butter and broccoli with toasted garlic for a healthy and delicious side dish.
UGGGGGHHHHHH!!!
So for dinner, I am always trying to make quick and easy dishes that the kids really enjoy, too. Being Italian we tend to love chicken cutlets. They are cost-effective and always a crowd-pleaser. Tonight, we're making chicken cutlets with melted mozzarella and lemon butter and broccoli with toasted garlic for a healthy and delicious side dish.
If you remember from Top Chef Season 5, I won best turkey on the Thanksgiving Day challenge. I'd like to share with you a way to make sure your turkey stays juicy and moist: Brining. Not only will your turkey look delectable, it will taste so moist and succulent, too! It is definitely something different to try, but so easy and delicious.
I know that it's apple season when the weather gets cooler and the leaves start to change color. That's when I take my family to Pennings Farm in Upstate NY. It has been a family tradition for a few years now and it is just wonderful.
We make a full day of it: pack up a lunch and some snacks (of course some cheese and wine!) to accompany all the apples we pick and eat right there when they're at their freshest. There is nothing like an apple picked right off the tree... that satisfying crunch you get and all the sweet, juicy goodness inside.
We make a full day of it: pack up a lunch and some snacks (of course some cheese and wine!) to accompany all the apples we pick and eat right there when they're at their freshest. There is nothing like an apple picked right off the tree... that satisfying crunch you get and all the sweet, juicy goodness inside.
I don't know about all of you, but I am still trying to get used to being on a school schedule. The mornings come fast. Too fast. And I feel I am always on the go. Trying to remember what is happening with the girls lives, who has to be where - it is crazy! I really don't remember my mom running around after me and picking us up and driving us wherever we wanted to go. Times have changed for sure. The last thing we need to worry about is what are we eating for dinner.
You can feel the change in temperature. The air smells different. You just know that fall is here. School has started, and I feel the need to clean house and organize. It is like we are starting all over again, and I treat it like my girls are going to school for the first time. New clothes. New shoes. Folders, pencils, and erasers.
