Low Carb Jambalaya and Lent Preparation

Happy Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, and the day before we start our Lenten season, which honestly could not come fast enough.

Among many things I am committing to, there's quite the laundry list, let me tell you...

Tomorrow I am breaking up with my "boyfriend", Jeff Bezos.  Well, he's not really my boyfriend, but I have been shopping on Amazon so much lately, that I feel like I am having an affair.  So, starting tomorrow, no more shopping.

I have also developed an unhealthy addiction to Marshalls, Home Goods, and At Home stores.  The problem is that we have been working on our downstairs build-out for so long, and now our upstairs remodel (more on that in the coming weeks)...that I have been shopping way too much for home items.  I need to stop for awhile and hit the reset button.  I think Lent is the perfect time for this reflection.

As you know, we have been trying to slowly ease our way into some more healthier eating options.  Tonight we had this Low Carb Jambalaya from Plain Chicken, and as an extra added bonus, we also had her Crack Keto Biscuits (featured here).  Oh my goodness, both were amazing!!!  

I am quite confident when I say that I may never go back to the retail boxed version of Jambalaya again.

Low Carb Jambalaya

Adapted from Plain Chicken

1 pound turkey smoked sausage, cut into rounds

1 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 half large white or yellow onion, diced

1/2 poblano pepper, diced

1/2 sweet red bell pepper, diced

1 Tbsp minced garlic

1/4 cup butter 

2 tsp cajun seasoning, or to taste

salt and pepper, to taste

1 (20 ounce) package frozen cauliflower rice, thawed

1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies undrained

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

* I added 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails off

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook smoked sausage (and optional shrimp) in olive oil.

Add onion, poblano pepper, sweet bell pepper to the skillet.  Sauté until soft.

Add garlic, butter, cajun seasoning, salt and pepper.

Add cauliflower rice and cook until softened slightly browned.

Add Rotel, sour cream, and cheese.  Simmer on low for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

One Year Ago:  Baked Mac and Cheese and Cabin Fever

Two Years Ago:  Good-Bye Angus

Three Years Ago:  Creamy Penne Pesto Chicken and Personal Genetic Service

Four Years Ago:  King Cake Bubble Up for Mardi Gras

Five Years Ago:  One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese and One Heck of A Month

Six Years Ago:  Muffuletta Pasta Salad

Seven Years Ago:  Chocolate Layered Pudding with Chocolate Box Wine and the ER

Goodbye GGMa

Yesterday my Grandmother went Home and God welcomed her with open arms as He now has another beautiful soul as one of his Angels.

To say that I am heartbroken would be an understatement.  I am so blessed to have my "GGMa" all my life.  I have experienced a sadness this week that I cannot even find the words to describe.  Anyone who met her instantly fell in love with her.

She is no longer in pain and now has an eternity of peace, which she has waited a very long time for.  I know that there were many waiting for her in Heaven and I am comforted knowing how blessed and happy she is for that.

Grandma had incredible wisdom and often would send me special typed items like this one and tuck them in my birthday and Christmas cards, or send me a special note...just because.

There are so many things that Grandma taught me.  I will cherish these forever and pass them on to my children and grandchildren.

Faith

Family Is Everything

Butterfly Kisses

Forgiveness (of others and yourself)

Scrapbooking, Crafts, and Card Making
Be Thankful and Gracious

Humor (be okay to laugh at yourself...don't take life so seriously)
Think before you speak.

Drink plenty of water.

Enjoy a little something sweet at dinner.

Always dress appropriately when leaving the house.

Don't complain!...If you don't like something and refuse to change it,

 "Then you must like it that way".

In addition to these contributions, she also had so many signature recipes that we still enjoy to this day.  

Many of these I have shared on this blog.  I hope you enjoy them too.

Snickerdoodles

Angel Food Cake

Wintery Day Bean Soup

Lemon Shrimp

Chocolate Layered Pudding

  Your beautiful heart and smile will shine on forever within each and every one of us. 

Baked Mac and Cheese and Cabin Fever

Cabin fever is setting in and it's starting to get a little uncomfortable.  These little teasers of 70 degrees one weekend and waking up to a foot of snow and 10 degrees is becoming exhausting.

My husband is convinced he's never going to see a golf course again this year.  Trust me, I am praying that green grass shows up sooner than later! There is only so much remodeling construction at our home, in one weekend that any of us can handle right now.

He has rigged up his own hitting net in our garage that is on a pulley system and can be stored up to the ceiling or down, for his daily practice shots.  It is actually a very clever system and I'm really impressed how he did a DIY practice range in our 3rd car area.   It's however, a miracle my car has not taken a ball yet!

Since our garage is quite chilly this time of year, he has a personal propane heater that I got him for his birthday.  It's amazing how warm these little babies get.

He also did a DIY of this (I actually have no idea what this contraption is).  It looks important.  He took a lot of time in making it and he uses for practicing in the garage.  I only know that I keep tripping on it, while trying to get to/from my car.

My husband is ready to go with whatever the weather brings....on the left, his "clicgear" golf bag buggy, and on the right...the ever necessary snow shovel.

Let me also just state for the record that I did not hang that mirror up for me to check myself out before I leave for work in the morning.  That is my husband's mirror which we scored at Goodwill for $2 !!.  He was told to hang it in the practice area, so he can see his swing form.  

While he continues to practice his golf, I continue to practice new recipes.  This one came to me from my youngest daughter.  She has made it three times at our house now, and it just gets better and better.  She takes half the pan back to her school, and leaves the other half for me and husband to enjoy during the week.  It truly is one of the BEST homemade versions we've enjoyed.

The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Courtesy of Mom On Timeout

16 ounces Cellentani pasta (or elbow macaroni), cooked

1 Tbl extra virgin olive oil

6 Tbl unsalted butter

1/3 cup all purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy whipping cream

4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded

salt

pepper

1-1/2 cups panko crumbs

4 Tbl butter, melted

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

1/2 tsp smoked (or regular) paprika

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease a large 3qt or 4 qt baking dish and set aside.  Combine shredded cheeses in a large bowl and set aside.

Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente according to the package instructions.  Remove from heat, drain, and place in a large bowl.

Drizzle pasta with olive oil and stir to coat pasta.  Set aside to cool while preparing cheese sauce.

In a medium bowl, combine the sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses together.  Set aside.

Melt butter in a deep saucepan, dutch oven, or stock pot.

Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking for about 1 minutes until bubbly and golden.  

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until nice and smooth.  Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface and then continue cooking and whisking for another 2 minutes.  Whisk in salt and pepper.

Add two cups of shredded cheese and whisk until smooth.  Add another two cups of shredded cheese and continue whisking until creamy and smooth.  Sauce should be nice and thick at this point.

Stir in the cooled pasta until combined and pasta is fully coated with the cheese sauce.

Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish.  Top with remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese and then the remaining mac and cheese.

In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter and paprika.  Sprinkle over the top and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes.  Serve immediately.

One Year Ago: Good-Bye Sweet Angus

Two Years Ago: Creamy Penne Pesto Chicken

Three Years Ago: Champagne Margaritas

Four Years Ago: Birthday Flirtini

Five Years Ago: Raspberry-Lemon Dump Cake

Six Years Ago: Chocolate Layered Pudding

Mushroom Marsala Cream Sauce and Sunsets

Just when I think I cannot take another day of cold and/or snow.  I walk outside and see the most breathtaking sunsets and suddenly it's all worth it.

My husband and I were running errands a couple weeks ago and pulled into a parking lot.  I opened my door and was mesmerized.  Mother Nature sure knows how to paint a beautiful picture, wouldn't you agree?!

If you are still looking for something special to make this Valentines for stay-at-home date night.  This sauce is amazing!!!  So easy to pull together on a week night but tastes like you worked on it all day.  It is so silky, it works on steaks, chicken, and pork tenderloin.

Wishing you a special Valentine's Day and many beautiful sunsets!

Mushroom Marsala Cream Sauce

Courtesy of No Spoon Necessary

2 Tbl unsalted butter

1 small shallot, finely diced

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, baby bella, or white button mushrooms, (or combination) thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-1/2 Tbl all purpose flour 

1-1/4 cup dry Marsala cooking wine

1/3 cup beef stock

3 Tbl heavy cream

1-1/2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

1-1/2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped

salt

ground black pepper

Melt butter in a saute pan over medium heat.

Add in the shallot and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.  Saute 1-2 minutes, or until softened.

Add the mushrooms to pan.  Saute until liquid is evaporated and mushrooms are barely cooked through, about 3 minutes.

Add in the garlic and a scant 1/4 tsp salt.  Saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Sprinkle the flour over mushrooms and stir to incorporate.

Reduce heat to medium/medium-low and add in the Marsala wine.  Cook until slightly reduced, about 4-6 minutes, scraping up browned bits off bottom of pan.

Add in the beef stock and continue to cook until slightly reduced again, about 4-5 minutes.  

Stir in the heavy cream and thyme.  Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.   Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add in the parsley.  taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve over over steak, chicken, pork, or pasta.  Enjoy!

One Year Ago: Strawberry Tiramisu Bites

Two Years Ago: Creamy Penne Pesto Chicken

Three Years Ago: Champagne Margaritas

Four Years Ago: Birthday Flirtini

Five Years Ago: Raspberry-Lemon Dump Cake

Six Years Ago: Chocolate Layered Pudding

Almond-Crusted Halibut with Lemon Garlic Butter...."Fire...Fire"

Yesterday was my xx birthday.  I recently saw this article from Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

This is my new mantra for life...I love this quote!

My husband and I were going to go out for some light appetizers to celebrate my birthday, since we already had dinner with our daughters the night before.  It was 9 degrees when I got home and I just wanted to be in my warm home and not go anywhere.  I figured I would just make a simple salad for us and call it good.

I walked into our house.  All the kitchen lights were on and my husband was feverishly cooking, chopping and measuring away.  He surprised me by making the most amazing 5-star dinner for my birthday with candles and a wonderful buttery Chardonnay to celebrate.

Just as he was getting ready to plate our dinners, apparently the parchment paper the halibut was broiling on, got a little too hot.  Smoke filled the kitchen and before I could get all the doors open, our smoke alarm went off! 

I have never heard an alarm like this.  A women's voice says "Fire", then there were 2 loud beeps.  It kept going so long, that it sounded like a rap dance song.  "Fire"...Woop Woop", "Fire"...Woop Woop".  We laughed so hard and started dancing to the tune, until the freezing air took over, cleared out the smoke and the alarm stopped.  This will definitely be a birthday to remember!  Dinner was out of this world (I ate every last morsel) and a great memory to go with it!!

Almond-Crusted Halibut with Lemon Garlic Butter

Courtesy of Ahead of Thyme

Lemon Garlic Butter

1/2 Tbl garlic, minced

1/2 Tbl fresh lemon juice

1/2 tsp lemon zest

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 ground black pepper

1/4 cup butter, unsalted (at room temperature)

Halibut
2 fresh halibut fillets

2 Tbl lemon garlic butter (as per recipe above)

salt and pepper, to taste

3 Tbl ground almonds

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Place the halibut fillets on a lined baking tray and set aside.

For the Lemon Garlic Butter:  In a blender or food processor, blend together the garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper until pureed.  Add the butter and continue to blend until fully combined.

Spread 1/2 tablespoon of the lemon garlic butter on top surface of each halibut fillet, covering the surface completely.  Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on to.

Sprinkle 1-1/2 tablespoons of the ground almonds on each fillet and carefully spread over the butter to full cover it.

Bake the halibut for 5 minutes

While the halibut is still in the oven, change the oven to broil on high.  Continue to cook for 5 more minutes.

Remove from oven and serve hot with a teaspoon of the remaining lemon garlic butter on top.  Enjoy!

The other great thing about birthdays, is that all those annoying-soliciting-marketing emails that you forgot you signed up for, finally pay off.  I must have received twenty birthday coupons yesterday (and we all know that I live for my coupons)!

I received a free birthday bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes.  Dear Heaven, if you have not experienced one of their cakes, go now!!!  If you don't have one of their stores near you, order from them now!!!  I decided to have their White Chocolate Raspberry bundt cake! WOW!  I may have to go back and keep celebrating my birthday the rest of this month.

One Year Ago: Creamy Penne Pesto Chicken
Two Years Ago: One Year Older
Three Years Ago: The Birthday Flirtini
Four Years Ago: Purple Potion #49
Five Years Ago: Chocolate Layered Pudding

Strawberry Tiramisu Bites For The Love of Your Life

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day.  A day of chocolates, cards, flowers...and strawberries!

One of my all time favorite love-rom-com movies is Sleepless In Seattle.  One of the classic scenes is known as "The Tiramisu Talk".  Here's how it all goes down...

(1993) follows widow Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) as he begrudgingly attempts to re-enter the dating world a year after losing his wife.  It's been a long time since he had to date anyone, so he consults his pal Jay (Rob Reiner) for advice.  Jay explains the way dating dynamics have changed since Sam was last on the scene (Jimmy Carter, 1978) - women ask men out, they have to be friends first, they split the check, and having a cute butt is a requirement.

"I don't think I could let a woman pay for dinner, " Sam says.

"Great, they'll throw a parade in your honor.  You'll be man of the year in Seattle Magazine", Jay replies.

Then, they engage in a discussion about tiramisu....

"Tiramisu," Jay says, randomly.

"What is tiramisu?" Sam asks.

"You'll find out." Jay responds.

"Well, what is it?" Sam questions.

"You'll see!"  Jay says.

"Some woman is gonna want me to do it to her and I'm not gonna know what it is!"  Sam exclaims.

"You'll love it." Jay announces.

If you are planning on staying in tomorrow night, such as ourselves, these are the perfect little sweet treat bite.  If I was being completely honest, I could just eat this mascarpone filling with a spoon right out of the entire bowl, and not apologize for it!

Strawberry Tiramisu Bites
Adapted from Paula Deen

1/2 cup strawberry preserves, at room temperature
1 1/2 (6.3 ounce) packages miniature bite-sized phyllo tart shells
1 (8-ounce) package mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup lemonade
2 Tbl fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tsp. lemon extract
2 quarts fresh strawberries, halved (or quartered, depending on size)

Place about 1/2 teaspoon strawberry preserves in bottom of each tart shell; set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, lemonade and lemon juice.  Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.

In a medium bowl combine cream, sugar and lemon extract.  Beat at medium-high speed with an electric mixer until medium peaks form.  Fold into mascarpone mixture, stirring until combined.

Spoon about 1 Tbl mascarpone mixture into each tart shell.  Top each with a strawberry half.

One Year Ago: Creamy Penne Pesto Chicken
Two Years Ago: I'm Back
Three Years Ago: The Flirtini
Four Years Ago: Raspberry-Lemon Dump Cake
Five Years Ago: Chocolate Layered Pudding

Creamy Penne Pesto Chicken and Personal Genetic Service

As I have another birthday waiting for me around the corner, I am realizing in my ripe old age that there is only one thing that you really need...family.  

You can have everything that money can buy...but what happens when those things are no longer there, or you have lost them, then what do you really have?  Nothing.   Family is the only thing that you cannot purchase, but it will always be there for you.

Quite a few years ago, our nieces were working on a family tree project for school.  As my husband is the youngest of 9 children, with now 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren...if I am remembering correctly...and within all of those family members, there are three sets of twins.  So you can imagine, we're not talking a family tree the size of a bonsai...more like the size of a cypress tree.

At any rate, the nieces hit a road block when it came to their Nana (my mother-in-law) and her family.  It wasn't long after Nana passed away that we all learned she had been adopted...and she never knew it.

It breaks my heart that she went her entire life and never knew who her real family was.  My sense is that's why she was blessed her whole life with such a large family, because she really didn't know her true family growing up.  

We can only speculate, but here is my theory...  She was born around the time of the Great Depression.  My feeling is that she was born a twin (as there is no other family history of twins anywhere in the family or extended family...yet we have three sets of twins).  Given the difficult economical times back then, I think that the twins were separated and given up for adoption.  I guess now, only she and God know the truth.  In an case, whatever the truth is...I think my version would make for a wonderful Hallmark Channel movie, don't you?

For my husband's monumental birthday, this past December I really struggled what to get him....as this was before I purchased Alexa.  We kept seeing ads for the 23 and me DNA service.  Every time he saw the ad, he would say "I really want to do that".  So, it's not a sexy gift, but definitely an interesting one.  Given what he learned about his adopted mom, he is really curious about his family ancestry.  Stay tuned.....

Like my husband's gift, this dish is not sexy, but really, really good and comforting.  During one of our family dinner nights, we made homemade wood fired naan pizzas and had a good amount of leftover ingredients...so, I re-purposed and made a round 2 dinner with everything.

Creamy Penne Pesto Chicken

cooked, penne pasta
sauteed mushrooms
cooked chicken breast
1/2 container, Barilla pesto sauce
1/2 container, Barilla alfredo sauce
fresh mozzarella ball, cut in slices

In a saucepan, combine the pesto and alfredo sauces until warm and well blended. Toss with the cooked penne pasta.

Plate the pasta and add the chicken breast, a slice of mozzarella cheese and sauteed mushrooms.  Enjoy!

One Year Ago: Champagne Margaritas
Two Years Ago: The Birthday Flirtini
Three Years Ago: Raspberry-Lemon Dump Cake
Four Years Ago: Chocolate Layered Pudding

Our beautiful wood fired pizzas before they got re-purposed.

Champagne Margaritas

Happy National Margarita Day!  May you find the perfect margarita to celebrate with...whether on the rocks or blended...with or without salt...gold or silver Tequila.

This past New Year's Eve, my husband and I celebrated at home with a nice, quiet movie night...my favorite way to celebrate.  I didn't want to just have the stereotype Champagne toast, so I searched out and found this fun new cocktail...Champagne Margaritas.  WOW, was it good!  My husband is allergic to Tequila, so I had to drink the whole shaker all to myself...sad for him!

We also took in "Sully" on New Years, along with our fancy new cocktail. Such a riveting movie, if you have not seen it yet...please do, you won't be disappointed.  Incredible heroes we have in our country to be blessed with and we love seeing their stories on the big screen!

New Year's Dinner...Lobster Mashed Potatoes of course!  What else would you serve with a highly acclaimed actor like Tom Hanks.  Don't be that impressed...I had leftover mashed potatoes from Christmas in the freezer that I needed to use before freezer burn set it.  Our grocery store was having a BOGO on small lobster tails, so I just broiled them, chopped up and put them together for an unforgettable dinner.  It's amazing how a little bit (or a lotta bit) of butter, heavy cream and garlic can transform leftover mashed potatoes into a work of art!

Champagne Margaritas

Courtesy of www.thekitchenismyplayground.com

For 2 Margaritas:

4 Tbl Rose's Sweetened Lime Juice

2 oz. white tequila (I prefer Silver Patron)

2 oz. Triple Sec

1 Tbl fresh squeezed lime juice

6 oz. brut champagne/sparkling wine (I like Prosecco)

For Sugared Rims & Garnish:

1 Tbl. turbinado sugar (Sugar in the Raw)

1 Tbl. granulated sugar

lime slices/wedges

For the sugared rims, combine turbinado and granulated sugar in a shallow dish.  Wet the rim of each glass, all the way around, with a lime edge.  Dip each rim into the sugar to coat.  Set aside.

For the margaritas, fill a cocktail shaker with ice.  Add the Rose's Sweetened Lime Juice, tequila, Triple Sec, fresh lime juice, and champagne.  Gently shake two or three times.

Strain into the prepared glasses and garnish each with a lime slice/wedge.

Cheers!

** This would also be a great one to serve for upcoming Cinco de Mayo...if your're feeling fancy!

One Year Ago: Birthday Flirtini

Two Years Ago: Purple Potion #49

Three Years Ago: Chocolate Layered Pudding

I'm Back...and One Year Older

I'm back!  Hard to believe, but it's been exactly two months since my last post...for those of you who follow along, sorry about my hiatus.  It was a much needed break as there has been so much going on since my last post. I needed time to take care of (and still continue taking care of), I guess for lack of a better word...life. In addition for this year, my grandma is turning 90 in March, I am celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary in May and my twins will then be graduating high school...2017 is already looking like a blur!  So, here's a snip-it of what's been happening all that time away...

Let's start off with yesterday was my birthday.  I am now fully vested and can say that "I am in my 50's".  Not quite sure how that happened, but I wake up everyday and thank God for the gift of breath.

My husband threw me the ultimate (and very strategically planned) surprise birthday party a few nights ago.  To say that I was surprised is a complete understatement.  I burst into tears like a baby I was so taken back with the outpouring of new friendships we have made since moving to Colorado.  I truly am blessed beyond measure to have these wonderful people in our lives and for that I am eternally grateful.

My mom and dad also outdid themselves (again) and sent me the most colorful, spring arrangement that can only put a smile on your face every time you walk by and see it.  Thank you!!

Christmas 2016...was definitely the one to remember!

Every family has that one story of something that is so memorable at Christmas time, you tell the story every year...Well, this past Christmas is sure to make the top of the list of stories for the future...try to follow along.

• My mom sends me a "daughter" Christmas card with my gift.
• I coincidentally (unbeknownst to me), purchased the same card for my daughter.
• My husband also (on a separate shopping occasion alone), selected the same card for said daughter.

• Then, I selected another card for my other daughter.
• My husband also (again), selected the exact same card for same daughter.

So, as you can see in exhibit above, three people go card shopping alone on different occasions and purchase the exact same cards...what are the odds?

The next hurdle (milestone) that took place was my "babies" turned 18, and I truly don't know how that has happened so incredibly fast.  As I was selecting photos to put on their doors while they slept, I of course became overrun with emotion and it all starts hitting the heart.

Over their school break, they decided on the college they will be attending in the fall, which after months of college visits and applications, was an incredible feat in and of itself.  Then, we started the scholarship application process (which is another post and story all by itself that I will save for another day...) During this time, I also discovered a site called Grown and Flown...because parenting never ends.  If you have high school age kids or young adults, whether heading to college or not, it is a must read.

During one of my "woe is me, my children are leaving me, and I will have an empty house, sadness and saga moments"...I read one of their blog posts.  In so many words it said...don't be sad! Don't let your kids see you so sad!  You are not sending your kid off to jail, or rehab, you are sending your kid to college!  You should be celebrating and congratulating yourself that your job is nearly done here and you have raised a young adult who is graduating high school and ready for their next chapter in life...so snap out of it!  

After I absorbed all that in, I realized the article was spot on...no more sad faces, only encouragement and happiness for them. (Yeah, we'll see how far that philosophy takes me on high school graduation day!)

Can you tell I did a lot of "door decorating" in college as a Resident Advisor?

Back to happy...we celebrated their birthday dinner at The Melting Pot.  If you have one near you and are celebrating a special occasion...must go!  I had the hostess add red rose petals all over the table before we arrived (cause you only turn 18 once) and it was a meal experience like no other!

Speaking of experience like no other....I don't know if it was just the right day in the bakery, but the oh so ever Chocolate Cake my husband got for my party was over the top good!  I have to give a shout out to Sam's Club for an outstanding platter of perfection!  As you can see, there wasn't much left after the first night.

So, that's what's been happening around here (give or take a few other stories to be shared soon)...I'll try to get back on the blog'n wagon and post more in the near future.  The good news is these past couple of months I have still kept cooking new things (and driving family crazy photographing food), so I'll have fun things to share with you.  Until then, have a blessed day and year!

One Year Ago: Birthday Flirtini

Two Years Ago: Purple Potion #49

Three Years Ago: Chocolate Layered Pudding

Surviving 50 and The Birthday Flirtini

Well it's over...I said good-bye to my 40's and hello to 50 this past weekend.  I made it.  It's been a long time coming and I'm ready to see what life has for me these next ten years.

This is how I started my birthday....

I came downstairs to giant helium balloons, crepe paper streamers and happy birthday banners strewn throughout the house.  My husband was up at 4am decorating for my special morning and I was shocked as I tried to focus on everything and the daily stagger to my coffee.

When I got everyone out of the house, my next gift was almost ready to arrive.  House Cleaners!!!! Yes, when you hit 50 the only gift you want is for someone to come professionally clean your house. What a treat!!!  It had been many years since I had a cleaning service and I missed it so!  Nothing like the smell of Clorox to put you in the birthday spirit!!

The aroma of cleaners quickly became overrun with that of flowers.  The florist, UPS and postman just kept coming all day long.  I felt like the most blessed, loved and luckiest person all day long. Truly beautiful bouquets that I wish I could freeze in time and keep everyday.

After the house was cleaned and deliveries were complete, it was time for some special girl bonding and lunch with my daughters at Cheese Importers for some decadent paninis and dessert.  They brought us our carrot cake and macaroons first...worked for me!! We indulged in our sweets before the sandwiches came...another thing you get to do in your 50's!!

Next, I was off to my hair appointment.  I had enough of my $7.99 boxed color and decided to treat myself to a real colorist to nurture me and my "highlights", we'll just say.  She foiled me up and as I sat there waiting for the miracle of modern chemistry to process I looked around and saw every other woman there was around plus/minus 60 years old getting their hair done.  I smiled to myself and thought, it's official...I am old and now part of the "Friday afternoon wash and set club".  How did this happen??!!

I went home with my new "hot momma do" and changed for cocktails and dinner.  We started with a birthday flirtini, then dinner at Bonefish Grill for an amazing night and my husband even snuck in a Black Forrest Cake from our favorite Romana Cake House.

At the end of the day, I pray for many, many more years and am so thankful and blessed for the birthdays I have been given to this point of my life.  Cheers!

This is how I ended my birthday...

Birthday Flirtinini

2 ounces white cranberry juice cocktail
1 ounce good vodka
1/2 ounce X-Rated Fusion Liqueur
1 ounce Prosecco sparkling wine

Combine the cranberry juice cocktail, vodka and liqueur in an ice-filled martini shaker.
Shake gently and strain into a large chilled martini glass.  Top with Prosecco.


One Year Ago: Purple Potion #49
Two Years Ago: Chocolate Layered Pudding