Showing posts with label Miscellaneous. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miscellaneous. Show all posts

Monday, May 6, 2024

My Food Passion! Time spent with MOM

Hi everyone and Happy Mothers Day to all moms across the world.


NOTE:   I originally wrote this post in 2015.  My mom passed away February 13,2017.  The person I’ve become and the passion I have for baking and cooking is because I had a wonderful mother who because of her mother knew how to put a meal on the table to feed her family without using expensive ingredients.  Basic home baking and cooking made with love.

This can be considered food related or not.  It depends on how you my loyal readers interpret it.

My passion for baking and cooking has developed through the years because of my family roots.

I was born into a family where the love of food and necessary came together to make the heart of family.

My grandmothers on both sides of our family were of different decent.  Grandma S. was English and Grandma R.(Nana) was Slovak.  Both married 100% Italian men from different areas in Italy.  Frontone and Naples, Italy.  Their style was similar but their end results slightly different. The end results were wonderful so I have fond food memories of both grandparents for which I am so grateful.

Grandma S lived with for some time her husbands family and then to have Grandpa S and his brothers build a two family home where the home was connected by one door keeping the families very close.  Grandma learned all about Italian food from her mother- in- law and sister- in- law but to make it her own she added her touch of ingredients which were lots of grated fresh cheese and whatever meats were available during those early years. Making Tortelli ( that’s what they called them)
were made with whatever chicken beef and meat they had.  All
Had been cooked before grinding.  Grinding the meats using a hand grinder are so clear that I can picture it still today very vividly. Her ravioli (tortelli)were huge.  She used a glass to cut out the round shape pasta pieces and used two pieces for each Tortelli.

 My Aunt Rose, and Aunt Anna were great bakers so Grandma learned a lot from them especially their specialty biscotti. YUM!  **I actually have Aunt Anna's Biscotti recipe which I'll link at the bottom of page.

For two years I lived with my Dad's parents as mom and dad moved because of jobs and my parents didn't want me to change schools.  My memories of those times are really imbedded in my mind and I am so thankful now I had that time to get to know them well.  At the time I did cry a lot.  Not because of living with them but I missed my parents.  It was only during the week I lived there but it still was hard.  Weekends I spent home with my parents and brother.

Grandma R (Nana) baking and cooking were the biggest influence on my mom style of baking and cooking at first but after mom and dad married they lived with dad's family so there she learned more about Italian specialties of Biscotti and Ravioli. 

I loved Sunday's at Grandma and Grandpa's.  We would all sit around a huge round dining room table and my brother and I and at times cousins too would play under the table before dinner was served.  I loved that!  I guess it was our play house.  Grandma didn't complain ever we were in her way!

Now I'll get to the point that I have wanted to and that is telling you about mom.  Mom truly was and still is at 91 going on 92 a big influence on my baking and cooking.  She truly is the I LIKE TO BAKE AND COOK lady.  She loved doing both and so do I!  You don't get many who love to do both but both her and I do. I think it's pretty amazing to have that passion.

 

I wrote a cookbook almost 3 years ago and her recipes are a big part of that book.  I learned to be creative by using what I had in my kitchen.  There is rarely a time I can't put a meal together in minutes using vegetables, pasta and tomatoes with whatever meat, chicken or fish on occasion I have in freezer or refrigerator. Quite honestly you can too!  Just have confidence that you can do it.  I never give it much thought actually having a family to raise I just did it and times were not always easy but I did it.  One nice idea is breakfast anytime.  It works and most families like breakfast dishes.

I visit mom every month and although she doesn't do any of the above anymore we still talk about food and yes I take with me a cooler full of homemade foods and desserts which she waits for with anticipation.  She likes to give out some of my desserts so I have to bring lots if you know what I mean?  She takes pride in telling those she shares desserts with that her DAUGHTER made them from scratch and that gives her great joy.

I took some photos recently of our time spent on this particular day.  She is usually a very serious woman and rarely laughs heartily.  I have to encourage a smile or two for pictures but this day her and I shared a few moments of hearty laughter.  So much I had tears in my eyes.  

I managed to capture these happy moments and like to share them with you.




Remember to make some memories.  Your parents and loved ones are a gift so make those moments ones you can cherish forever.





Fondly,


  





Thursday, January 4, 2024

Kitchen, Pantry, Closet, Home :). A little motivation from me to you!

Hi Happy 2024 everyone!

Winter is a perfect time to minimize lol if you can and organize.  Whether it’s your kitchen area or your closet get going.  The winter will breeze by and you’ll feel so much better GETTING ORGANIZED! M.j.

Here are some new updated photos of my kitchen cabinets and laundry room.









 








It doesn't matter what time of the year it is getting organized will make YOU feel better. 

BEFORE

All stored in my cabinet and every year I check for old, dried up spices..Everything tastes better when using fresh.
Note:  Some of these suggestions may be repeated in other Getting Organized Posts.

 


Every January, July or about I spend a day or a few hours on a day or weekend and have a pitch party...................as in out with the *old, messy, stained or just ugly (why did I buy that) item?  This also goes for your spice cabinet or drawer.  I think this post is worth re-posting for those who need a bit of inspiration and and a little push!   Whether it's your *closet, *kitchen cabinets or home * it time to pitch out dated items and freshen up your home.

Spices lose their freshness after time so buy in small quantities to assure you'll replace when needed.  




Spring will be here in no time and what better time now to start setting some goals for a stress free summer.  I love to set goals for myself.  Whether it be saving for a vacation, eating healthier, or keeping my home in order..  They all have meaning to my life and to help make it stress free I have found that setting goals has helped make my life much more enjoyable..

 This whole goal thing probably was inspired when I worked for a cosmetic company.. Everyday goals ($$$) were set and it was placed on top of our work sheet.  That number would glare at me every hour I worked.   It did motivate me( I made my selling goal most days I worked).  I felt proud of myself too (I think I stood a little taller those days) and honestly a little sad when I didn't make my goal but I never gave up.  Never Ever!!


  One of my top goals in life has always been to keep my home clutter free.  I'm a pitch person.. I love magazines but only keep a very few after I read them and that goes for books. Those extra dishes you never ever use or all those slacks and tops that have shrunk from the dryer( I'm being kind to myself). Donate, donate donate! or have a garage or yard sale.


  Warm weather is on the horizon so you and your friends may want to have a neighborhood yard sale.  There are so many options for you. On a positive note if you donate you can get a tax deduction. You just have to remember to not let clutter take over your life and it can if you allow it to.  You have to be in control and being in control is a great feeling.  Why not start right now and make yourself a few easy goals to make life a bit easier for you to enjoy!


In January I decided to work on my main clothes closet..I got rid of all my clothes that I hadn't worn in 2 years and donated to my church.  They were having a rummage sale.  My church appreciated it and I bet a lot of people benefited from those unwanted items..Anything old and tattered I pitched!!! What a wonderful liberating feeling.

Start today and make your life clutter free! 

P.S.  I'm keeping my hubby and kids!!!!

Make a list of 3 goals to set for yourself and start today to make your life a bit more enjoyable. 

As always,




  


  





3/12/12 
1/16/13
3/18/13 
8/3/15 
1/4/2023
1/2024

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Welcoming the New Year 2024

Cozy and Comfy New Year’s Eve.




We love staying at home for New Year's Eve..We have gotten away from going out to parties..
Somehow, curling up with a nice blanket in front of the TV with hot chocolate and cookies or sometimes making a wild sundae as we did this year becomes  our norm and honestly it was something I would look forward to and I am sure more and more. 
Feeling safe comfy and with someone you love means more than going out to a party to celebrate.  Celebrating love and life is the greatest gift of all.

 Can it be that I am getting old?  or acting old?  Naw, I just think there is something very comforting and peaceful with being in your home doing your own thing and I'm betting there are a lot of folks like me.

I will also reflect on my plans for next year..I really don't make New Year's resolutions (too stressful) so I am going to try to cook a bit healthier at times (I have to be honest.)
Be more patient (some days I really have to work at it).

  Do some walking (even if it is too cold, I'll either bundle up or go walk in a mall). No shopping allowed!  

 Most of all be thankful for my family and friends.  As I have gotten older I truly realize family is family no matter where they live, what they do or say I love them and I appreciate and love my friends. I am there for them as they are for me and I am very blessed..

Looking forward to sharing 2024 with you my blogger friends.. 

Hoping this new year brings you health, peace love and happiness..

A bonus if (someone I know wins the lottery) Wouldn't that be a nice bonus?  Stay safe and Healthy!

Love,

M.J.

2011, 2012

Monday, October 23, 2023

Banana Foster French toast

Breakfast for dinner tonight.  Bananas Foster over pancakes. 10/23/2023






It’s Sunday and I’m thinking an easy brunch meal for us...


                   

Hmmmm I have Italian bread, eggs, milk and cinnamon so French toast is always easy but toppings are better than plain syrup so since I have bananas, butter and maple syrup I’m going to experiment to make the Bananas Foster version my mind views it as.

  This was a total experiment and it turned out DELICIOUS!  My hubby loved it...


Topping

4 T butter
4 T pancake syrup ( I used log cabin brand)

2 bananas cut in medium slices

Melt butter in skillet add syrup.  Simmer.  Add bananas and allow to simmer on low until bananas are coated .  Serve over French toast.

French toast

2 eggs
2 cups milk
1 tsp. Cinnamon
Pinch salt
5 thick slices of Italian bread
Butter

Whisk eggs, add milk and cinnamon.

In a large skillet place a pad of butter.  Dip bread into egg mixture and then place in pan. Cook until brown on each side. Yummy and you'll WOW them...


This recipe made 5 slices of French Toast.  I sprinkled a little powdered sugar on them before I served it.

12/9/2018 original 

Monday, July 17, 2023

Interesting facts on Paprika

My interest in varying types of paprika have made me do a post on it.  I really like to add paprika to several of my dishes.

FYI:

Paprika is a spice made from dried, ground red peppers from the species capsicum annuum. Peppers from this group include everything from sweet bell peppers to spicy hot chilis. Native to Mexico, these peppers were brought to Spain in the 16th century.

A few meals using Paprika 

Hamburger and fried potatoes.  Add 1to 2 tsp. For enhanced flavor a color.

Baked Chicken
Add paprika to your basic seasonings to give it a slight bite and awesome flavor and color.


Paprika 
  • Pepper Selection: To start, specific types of peppers are used for making paprika. Although these peppers belong to the same family as bell peppers, they differ in shape and size, being longer and thinner. Interestingly, different varieties of peppers can lead to different types of paprika, thus adding to its versatility.
  • Pepper Drying: Once the peppers are picked at the right time, they are subjected to a drying process. This step can involve sun-drying, smoke-drying, or oven-drying, each contributing its unique touch to the final taste of the paprika. For instance, the much-loved smoked paprika is made by smoke-drying the peppers, giving it a robust, smoky flavor that sets it apart.

  • Pepper Grinding: After the drying process, the peppers are crushed into a powder, resulting in the final product we know as paprika.

  1. Sweet Paprika: Also known as Hungarian sweet paprika, it’s mainly made from sweet, mild peppers, and is the national spice of Hungary. This type of paprika provides a rich, sweet flavor without the heat, making it a popular choice for various dishes.

  1. Hot Paprika: Hot paprika, as the name suggests, brings a spicy kick to dishes. It includes chili peppers in its ingredients, providing a more fiery flavor compared to its sweet counterpart.
  2. Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika or Spanish pimenton provides a deep, smoky flavor to dishes thanks to the smoke-drying process the peppers undergo. It’s used in dishes like paella for its robust flavor.




Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Getting Organized: FYI: Your Clothes 2023

 Happy New Year 2023

Every year I update this post but I seldom change a word.  Just the year!

  It’s the best time of year both January and July to get yourself and your closet and home back on track.


I usually post this every year to help us get organized.  

Twice a year, January and July I try to go through my closet and decide what I'm going to do with items I never use, seldom use, are damaged and either donate, take to resale store or discard.

The years come and go but somethings don't change.


Let's get together and get organized.




Passing a few helpful suggestions to you to help you and I get organized this new year.  

To be clear I am not suggesting you do this for New Years Eve or Day.  

A rainy day or if you find yourself bored and are looking for a lift it's a good suggestion. Also if you have not made any plans for the weekend I say why not? It just may make it a good way to start the new year or a new month. 

I know it is hard to do but in order to have a free and uncluttered closet you must downsize.  Several nice casual and dressy casual outfits is probably all that you will ever need.  Personally at this time of my life I need less and as much as I love to shop I find myself being a lot more selective.  So IMO that is as good a reason to leave room to pick out some new items when you feel the need for a little something to update..

FYI:  Take some time (preferably on the weekend )  or a rainy day and start going through your clothes. Anything that is soiled or damaged get a large bag and get rid of them.  Make note that any clothes that don't fit quite like you would like them to either pitch it or put it in a pile to go through to donate or re-sell at a re-sale shop.  They are the in thing at the moment.

Making about 3 piles should make it simpler to do. One to pitch soiled or unwanted items, one for donation to local homeless shelter and one for consignment or re-sell.   This should help allowing room for any must keep items.  This should not take you a very long time.  It is either a keep or time to go. Simple!

I like a neat closet and twice a year go through it.  It makes me feel much calmer.  Yes it does and instead getting frustrated on what to wear this will take some pressure off you. 

It will take some stress out of getting ready.  No matter if it's work or to the grocery store.  It just makes life better!

My Closet:



   

16


My shoes...removing boxes help and I use slide out containers and I do have an over the door rack for sandals. 

First and foremost I make sure all my hangers are going in the same direction.. So much easier when you have them all going the same direction.

Second:   I keep my shirts, blouses and other hang able tops in one section. I keep my clothes according to colors.  Whites, blacks, browns and keep mixed colors last.  Anything that can be folded I put in easy accessible drawers.  I keep all tanks, tees and cami's in one drawer..

Third:  I place pants/slacks, beige's, brown's and blacks next to my shirts or blouses. I have decided basic colors work best!

Fourth:   I place all casual jackets, blouses and tops  according to color.



***I keep belts and scarfs on a belt/scarf hanger (I bought one at Marshall's for $6.99.. ( I used to love scarves but now feel they outdate you).  I’m donating lots of them.

You can use a plastic soda 6 pack bottle container for scarves too!  

They make an easy place to store scarves.  Hang the plastic container on a hanger and through the holes place scarves.( I hope I explained that enough for you to envision it..No picture sorry!

Fifth:   At the very back of the closet all dressy skirts, pants and items that I use only on occasion. I find I wear fewer dress items anymore.


A special note:  You don't have to spend a fortune organizing your closet.  I ask for the hangers when I purchase items.  Usually they are more than happy to accommodate.  I do have a few felt pants hangers for those creased or hard to hang pants or slacks..

Last about shoes.  I love shoes lol.  and purses(I won't even go there)and shoes and purses are a weakness in my never ending search for the right purse/bag or pair of shoes. 

Note:  I do not keep boxes..I have learned they take up way too much space. I use stackable containers  to store my extra shoes. I bought the containers at either Wal Mart or Target. The drawers slide out for easy removal of shoes.  They store approximately 5 or 6 pair of shoes in each container, depending on size of heel... 

On a personal note I find being organized in my home makes me more relaxed and feeling in control.  

Happy New You!



12/30/16
Updated 1/25/2023




Saturday, January 7, 2023

My closet 2023 Fall/Winter

Happy January! And Happy New Year.

As you might know since our kids left the nest hubby and I have our own closet.

That and having a free bathroom is like the best of both worlds. No complaints.

I decided since January and July have been the times I chose many years ago to rearrange and allow myself to have some better organized space that I feel much more in control of my life in general.  It’s a feel good feeling.

Today I’m updating my previous years post and pictures.

I am finally very happy with my January closet.

I started taking clothes shopping very seriously.  Actually during Covid in 2020.

This is my 2023 winter closet.  I move my clothes on opposite side of closet for different seasons.  I’ll get to the other side when spring is almost here.  Stay tuned!


When I shopped during Covid I bought mostly online with a company I knew my size and  I realized I seldom get really dressed up anymore.  I decided to not buy anything real dressy (although I do have dressy casual clothes from that same company from years ago and I still wear).

Some basic black styles work well for all seasons and all occasions .









I try keeping colors together for easy tops  and pants.  
Pants I have mostly black blue and grey.  I do have brown but seldom wear brown .  I do though wear beige and brown in spring, summer and fall on occasion.  Beige, white, navy blue in summer along with sundresses.

I find sweaters handy for those times you need a little something to add to an outfit.  I do have a few pinks, black, navy, grey and a few that are little bit “holiday” type sweater.

Turtle necks…. I rarely wear them but I can’t seem to part with them but with limits.  Only neutral colors.



I’m a more basic clothes person but like an occasional pick up color.  I love peacock blue , rust/orange and shades of yellow and green.

  For some reason I don’t like red on me but love it and yellow in my flower garden.

 **** I do have one red lightweight dress up and a few jean casual jackets.

I have the fringe jacket in taupe and black too!  These 3 were a great buy(sale)very reasonable lightweight feel good addition easy to care for jacket that can be used in many social situations.  

****My Spring/Summer wardrobe is much more colorful but I still try to stay with basic colors in my slacks/shorts.

****I love sundresses so you’ll see more of them as the weather improves.

I don’t buy many pastels (I think pastels age me)imo
 and lean toward solid blacks, creams and grays for fall and winter.  Blues of all tones, beige , corals and white for Spring /Summer.

I do like to shop so something other than my basic that I find irresistible I’m going to buy it but here is where control comes in.  It’s not a good buy if you will only wear it once or twice!!!!

So my basic backsplash is neutral colors with accents like a nice simple chain, earrings or better yet a simple silver or gold shorter necklace.  I have found scarves are nice but I had way too many and seldom used them so off they went to be donated.

On another note.  This is the time of year to update your wardrobe and either discard, donate or go to resale shop. You can make $$ by reselling your nice items you don’t wear anymore.

I hoped this post helped someone today.  I enjoyed writing it.


Wishing you the best 2023.  





Saturday, December 17, 2022

Stuffed Dates with almonds

Updated recipe.


This was a first try and it was easy.  Hubby loves  dates so I figured I'd give the dates a whirl and stuff them with a few almonds.

I did almost but not exactly as the recipe below says and I remember my Mom doing it the same way. 

Hubby said they tasted delicious so I think I'll serve some for Christmas.

Very easy to do with great results. 

Pitted dates 
Whole almonds( choose smaller size almonds)
Confectionery (powdered sugar)

 



Here's the recipe I followed.

Preheat an oven to 350°F.

  1. Place the nuts on a baking pan in the middle rack of the oven. Bake

  2. for 15 minutes stirring frequently.

  3. Cool for 10 minutes before use.

  4. Place one almond inside the date. Roll in powdered sugar if

  5. desired. Place on wax paper-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Enjoy!  Easy peasy!






12/3/14 original 

Sunday, December 4, 2022

The White House ornaments

HERE ARE A FEW A THE “WHITE HOUSE” ORNAMENTS MY HUBBY RECEIVED AS A GIFT FROM HIS FORMER  BOSS.

So very thought of him.

HE HAS SINCE PASSED BUT WE BOTH WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM AS A GOOD AND GENEROUS MAN.



















MERRY Christmas,

M.j.