Mother's Day 2015

Happy Mother's Day!

To all those wonderful mothers who give their love unconditionally whether with us or watching over us as Guardian Angels we salute these special ladies.

This whole weekend was so perfect it is hard to put it in words.  Sharing time with our grandson, his mom, dad and brothers at Prom, spending time with our niece and her family at the zoo and today spending time with our son and his family at his home had to be one of the best Mother's Day weekends ever.

So today my grateful journal is about being grateful for our family.

No matter what we do.  No matter how often we have our little  quarrels; we are FAMILY and I am so grateful for the closeness we continue to have.  It isn't that we see each other often because it is very difficult to do with busy lives and growing families. So remember it's more about quality time not quantity that matters. Make good memories and cherish each hour, minute and second you get to spend with family.  It is a true Gift!

Twenty Minute Tortellini Delight

In less than twenty minutes without having a recipe this quick meal was created.

 Raves from the hubby! :)

Tonight's quick meal is so simple you can prepare and serve it within twenty minutes!

 From my kitchen to yours,

1/4 cup olive oil
2 T butter
1 small red onion sliced thin
2 cloves minced garlic
1 pkg bird eye broccoli florets microwave according to directions
1/2 cup zucchini sliced thin
5 cherry tomatoes halved
Refrigerated cheese tortellini cooked 2 minutes and drained reserving 1/2 cup of liquid
2 To 3 T heavy cream or half and half
Grated pecorino Romano cheese

The result! Double yummy!

Wild Rice and Vegetable Pilaf

When I go grocery shopping I know if I have lots of fresh veggies in my cart there is going to be lots of cooking going on in my kitchen. So far the last few days I have been making healthy dishes minus meat.  You can add some cooked shrimp or chicken to top this dish if you choose.  Make sure you squeeze some lemon juice on it.   Light, delicious and so full of flavor this will be a favorite I am sure.  Enjoy!

Another Healthy Meal from my kitchen to yours,

 Happy Cooking!

2 cups reduced fat chicken broth

**1 cup wild rice, or brown rice or combine both to equal 1 cup

3 T olive oil or

3 T pesto(optional)

1 cup diced red pepper

1 cup diced orange pepper

1 cup chopped asparagus

1 cup diced zucchini

Lemon juice to taste

Salt and pepper to taste

1 T parsley

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

In a saucepan place rice and chicken broth.  Bring to a boil, turn heat to medium and simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

While rice is cooking, in a large skillet over medium heat place pesto or  olive oil.  Add bell peppers, asparagus and zucchini.  Season with salt and pepper.  Saute until crisp but tender.  Add cooked rice and simmer until  rice is blended.  Take off heat, sprinkle  with parsley, crumbled feta and freshly squeezed lemon or lemon juice. 

Note:  I used homemade pesto, store bought pesto can be used.  Pesto adds a lot more flavor.

Serves 4

**Note:  1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained twice can be substituted for the rice. 

recipe courtesy dashrecipes.  I adapted this recipe to our liking and substituted pesto for olive oil to give it a bit more flavor.

4/22/13