What Cold Weather?! Warm Up With My Mac N Cheese!

Happy TGIF!...Wow...15 shopping days left until Christmas and I am so not ready! It is so cold out today...I would not mind a little dusting of snow, especially since Brad and I plan on getting our tree tonight!

I cannot seem to locate our camera cord...I really wish I could, so I could share some pictures of dinner this week! On Wednesday...Brad was set to get home a little later, which gave me more time to prepare something special. I decided to make good ole mac N' cheese with toasted garlic bread and roasted tomatoes. It is the perfect cold weather meal. To start, I sliced a tomato, into medium thick pieces and removed all the seeds. I then placed them on a baking seat. I seasons ed my tomatoes with pepper and a pinch of salt. I then drizzled over olive oil and some fresh bread crumbs. I put those aside, pre heated the oven to 350 and started on my garlic bread prep. I decided to make a garlic puree to spread on my bread. I took out my mini chop (love that thing) and put in 1/4 garlic clove, Parmesan cheese and little Motz cheese. I blended that all together in the chop. I sliced two pieces of bread and drizzled over some Olive oil on the 2 slices. Next, with a knife, I spread my garlic puree out on it. I put the bread on a baking sheet and put it aside. I then began to heat some water for my elbow pasta. In another pan...I began to heat butter on medium. After that, I added 2 teaspoons of flour, and began whisking the butter and flour together over the heat (make sure the clumps are out)...then I added 1/4 or a little more of milk. Begin to whisk that together. Your water should be boiling, so pour in your elbow pasta. That takes about 4 minutes to cook al dente. Then add as much or as little cheese as you want to your flour milk mixture and stir. It should become thick and really cheesy. Once your pasta is done, add it to the cheese mixture and mix it around. Put the mixture in a baking dish, top with bread crumbs and put in the oven for 30 minutes. Also put your tomatoes and bread in the oven at this time.

This meal came out so good!...I presented it on a plate and topped the mac and cheese with the roasted tomatoes and garlic bread on the side! YUM! Brad was thrilled. The funny thing was, I cleaned up the kitchen while my mac and cheese was baking. When Brad came home...him and I were talking..and I noticed he began to peer over at the kitchen to see what was cooking/done. When he did not see anything, I noticed that he began to get really unsettled and said.."so, maybe we can talk at dinner...we should start cooking or something?!"...Little did he know that I was already way ahead of him!

Looking forward to relaxing tonight and enjoying our tree!! Have a great weekend everyone!

Holiday Decorating Tips!

Holy Patriots/Jets Monday!...I was at Patriots Place early this morning in Foxboro, and the security and hype was intense! I had to be checked in by security....this game is going to be a battle!...Not to mention a duel between the 2 best looking quarterbacks in the league! (Wahoo!)

I cannot believe Christmas is in 3 weeks! The month of December always goes by so quickly!....The bitter cold this morning was a lot to swallow. It was a friendly reminder of how excited I am for my family's upcoming trip to Florida at the end of the month!

Our house is looking more "Holiday" friendly everyday. I currently have very little holiday decorating items (although I know it will grow as the years go by)...So i decided to swing by some cheaper stores to pick some things up. One thing, when you buy from these stores, is that....you do not always get the most attractive pieces. For example, there was a really cute table centerpiece item. It was a candle holder with holly and greens....but it looked kind of sad, and needed some serious help (it was also 6 bucks)...so I decided to purchase it and spruce it up on my own to make it "Pottery Barn" ready! I removed some holiday holly/red berries and greens from some already purchased garland...(I didn't need them all on that particlar garland) and added it to my centerpiece. 30 minutes later...and my kitchen floor covered in berries and sparkles...I was finished.............and it looks great! I also added an already purchased green candle to the center!

I think the main message here is that....you do not always need to spend pottery barn money to get a great holiday decoration. Using items that you already have in the house and getting a little crafty....can not only save you money....but its fun too! Tea light candles completed my centerpiece. Brad came home from work that day to a very dim lit holiday dinner!

Stay warm today!

Holiday Memories

It's my favorite time of year. I absolutely love the holidays. And no, its not about the gifts (although...I do love presents :) ), it's about the traditions. I am blessed to have been able to grow up in a home where holiday traditions are the heart and soul of the season.

Christmas cookies, new PJs on Christmas Eve, Cinnamon Buns and muffins on Christmas morning, yankee swaps...etc...These are all traditions that I have come accustomed too, and look forward to every year. I would be lying if I did not say, this year I am slightly sad...I am only getting older...and it is getting harder to be that same little girl who would stay up all night, only to run down the stairs the next morning to the delight of a big mound of presents. But it never was about the presents that got me excited. It was the time spent with my family...the time together Christmas morning...that I hold so sacred. The good news is, that I will carry on these traditions in my own home, and for my children one day. There is no place I would rather be, than with my family on Christmas morning. Christmas is magical--buying things that you really don't need, but have always wanted. I was spoiled as a kid, (and still am), when it comes to gifts at Christmas----because to my parents, the look on my face of pure happiness....was and is worth every penny spent. I know for certain I will feel the same way with my own children...and will spoil them the best I can!

Looking back at Christmas pictures---makes me so happy...here is look down memory lane!

Christmas 2009!

Christmas 2007!
Brad and I's first Gingerbread house!

Tomorrow marks the 25 day countdown, and I could not be happier! This is such a special time of year....enjoy it! Time spent with each other is so precious! Happy Holidays!

Black Friday and Pumpkin Cake!

Back to work....after a great Thanksgiving Break!..Its also Cyber Monday...for all you deal grabbers! I had a very relaxing turkey break myself! It was wonderful to spend the holiday surrounded by family! Actually, it was great to just relax...and enjoy the holiday---and not think about wedding planning! Last year at this time--I was driving myself insane...trying to book bands, reception halls, etc......which now leaves me more time this year to concentrate on shopping :)

Speaking of shopping....I shopped till I dropped on Black Friday...literally! I was good and passed out on my pillow by the time Friday night rolled around! My mom and I started our day at Legacy place in Dedham. The lines at GAP, were out the door....not worth waiting for at all!! Next we landed on Newbury street....which surprisingly had great deals and more merchandise....probably becuase no one would think to shop for deals on Newbury street, but its our hidden gem! (plus no crowds!) I ended up purchasing a gift for my brother and some new things for Brad! My mom and I stopped at Pinkberry for some lunch. It was my first time at Pinkberry, and I really enjoyed it. Their fro-yo is tangy and sweet---and when topped with fresh fruit, almost tastes like a big smoothie! After exploring newbury and the Copley mall, we jetted off to the Chestnut Hill Mall. It was there, that we met up with my dad, brothers and Brad for dinner at Cheesecake. I was starving!!...All that shopping can really work up an appetite! I surprisingly (and I say surprisingly because I never, EVER venture off from my one favorite meal at restaurants) ordered the eggplant veggie pizza. It was really good!...I crashed later that night...along with my bank account..................just kidding!

So like I said last week, I was going to attempt to make a pumpkin shaped cake for Turkey Day. Well, 3 cakes later....and it finally came together! It came out much better than I ever expected!
I used Duncan Hines spike cake mix. In order to make this cake, you start by baking 2 bundt cakes. On the first cake, after it comes out of the oven/has had the proper time to cool, you trim the top slightly--so its flat. This can all sound confusing.....but if you look at the picture it will make more sense. You do the same to the second cake. Remember to save your cake scraps in another bowl, you will need them later. Place the 2 cakes together, so that they form a pumpkin shape! Now its time for the stem....UGH! I was happy I had 2 helpers with me...because for the stem...you need to use Marzipan! This stuff is really hard to work with......vegetable oil...helps soften a bit...but it takes some muscle. Use a toothpick (dipped in Oil) to help form the ridges on the stem. Roll the Marzipan into a cylinder and bend the skinny end into the stem shape. Use color dye to turn the stem orange. I also added a leaf...which you can choose to do...also made from marzipan. Okay, now....fill the hole in your cake with the extra cake scrapes that you put aside in the bowl. When you get close to the top....add in your stem and stuff some of the extra cake around it....to make sure its securely on.

Okay, frosting time.......you can do 2 types:

1. Kid friendly frosting: Frost the entire cake orange....by using confectionery sugar and butter (beaten together). Kids will love the taste...and the look!
2. Adult party (this is what I chose)....Mix 1 cup confectionery sugar...and 1 teaspoon of water together...to form a nice white glaze. Take a spoon of your glaze, and slowly pour it over the crease of the pumpkin, so that if falls into the stem region and down the sides of the cake. This makes it look really classy.

To finish---shave off filings of a chocolate truffle onto the cake and your plate! I had so much fun making this!!.....I am already drumming up ideas for Christmas.....I am thinking a cookie tree!

Brad and I really got into the holiday mood yesterday!...The music was blasting as we began to put up our holiday decorations! We ended the night...with some good old fashioned chicken "cheesesteaks!"...And since you all know I am into make healthy meals.....this one did not disappoint! I don't have a picture.....but we used lean chicken breasts (broiled for 7 minutes)....healthy flat bread, lots of veggies and low fat cheese---delicious!

Happy cyber shopping everyone!

Weekend Recap and Thanksgiving Burgers!

Happy Thanksgiving week!...Gotta love a short work week!...First to catch up on my weekend adventures. On Friday Night I went to dinner with Friends at Patriots Place....very yummy and a good time. On Saturday morning, Brad and I were out an about early, because we had an appointment to look over our wedding photo album!...I am really excited, it is going to look amazing! Before our appointment, I whipped up a quick breakfast, eggs and cranberry toast. Lately I have been addicted to cranberry everything! This past weekend marked Brad and I's engagement anniversary. In order to celebrate, we made reservations at Mistral in Boston. We have not been out to dinner, just the 2 of us since the honeymoon really, so it was nice to finally get to do that....not to mention....that the food was OUTSTANDING. I had the Dover Sole, with spinach, onions, capers and roasted potatoes. Brad had Beef with whipped potatoes and asparagus. When it came time for dessert, we could not decide. We were down to a warm apple croustade and the chocolate torte. Typically, when I think of a torte, I think of a fudge like, dense cake. When we asked the waitress to describe the torte, she said it was warm, gooey and full of chocolate. We were sold instantly. It was the BEST chocolate "molten" like cake we have ever had.

I also was able to gather my ingredients for a Thanksgiving dessert. When I think of Turkey day dessert, Pie is usually what pops into mind first. However, I am not in love with pie. Besides that fact, everyone brings pie, many of whom have been making their specialty pie for decades. I am only 23...and not a seasonsed pie maker. That's why I decided to make something inspired by the ace of cakes. I will document the making and post it after thanksgiving.

Speaking before of being obsessed with Cranberries, last week for dinner I made cranberry turkey burgers! I paired the burgers with roasted cauliflower and warm toasted cranberry bread! It was so good! The recipe is quite simple...

Thanksgiving Burgers:
-Ground Turkey
-Pepper
-Pinch of salt
-Dried Cranberries --As many or as little as you like!
-1 egg/and or egg white
-Chopped fresh breadcrumbs
-Motezerlla (1/4 cupped shredded)

In a bowl combine all those ingredients, and form your patties!...Grill them up, and warm up your bread and your finished! I paired it with Roasted Cauliflower. Place tin foil on a baking sheet. Next pull apart your cauliflower head, and spread the minis on the tin foil. Drizzle some OO around the cauliflower, making sure the pieces get coated. Pepper, pinch of salt, and sprinkle fresh breadcrumbs on top. Bake at 350 for about 20ish minutes. It was delicious!! They came out, perfectly cooked....not too soft, not too hard.

Brad and I also made 2 kinds of pizza last week. Pita pizza and real pizza!...I blogged about the pita pizza recipe last week, but here is the picture that I promised of the finished product!

We also made "real pizza."Mamma Mia's" thin crust ready made pizza dough is our favorite! I bought some new organic, Tomato and Basil tomato sauce (low in sugar, sodium) to spread on my pie first. I loaded my pizza up with peppers and onions. For the cheese, I use a blend of laughing cow babel cheese, feta and a little Italian blend. For brads pizza, he used fresh cut pepperoni, spinach, onions and peppers. He also used mozzarella and Italian cheeses. Here is a picture of Brads pizza. It was so delicious. I love homemade pizza so much better than takeout. It is less greasy, and I have the power to pack on more vegetables. This pizza only takes 30 minutes to create...the same amount of time that it takes to call and order takeout. We cook our pizzas on a Mario Batali pizza pan. The pizza comes out sizzling.....not to mention the kitchen smells of Italian goodness!

Have a great beginning to this Holiday week everyone!!

Pita Pizza and Thanksgiving Themed Food!

And I'm Back!...What a crazy week it's been....Good thing tomorrow is Friday! I have some pictures that I have been meaning to post....I will have them for tomorrow.

On Tuesday, I made Pita Pizzas for Brad and I. We both love pizza, but having pizza every night is unrealistic...and take out pizza is not that healthy for you. Well, I have found a great solution. You start with a couple organic, whole wheat pita pockets. Next, take out a baking tray, lined with foil, and place the pita pockets on top. Meanwhile, begin to heat up some tomato sauce on the stove. In another pan, saute your veggies....(use whatever veggies you like). I used green peppers, onions, corn, spinach and tomatoes. If you don't have a nice healthy variety of shredded cheese, take whatever whole cheese you do have...and blend it in a mini chop. Brad and I just so happen to have lots of left over cheese from our party, so I grind-ed up the cheeses in my mini chop for the toppings.

Okay time to assemble your pizzas. Brush lightly, each pita pocket with a little OO. Next, on one pocket, spread a little of your tomato sauce around and pile on some of your shredded cheese and a little spinach. One another pita, layer on your veggies and sprinkle cheese over. And lastly, on the final pocket, layer tomatoes, spinach and feta (Greek style)! ....Put in the oven at 350 degrees..and bake for about 10-12 minutes. And your done!...the pita should come out crispy and the cheese all melted...like a real pizza.....but super healthy for you!

I have pictures of the final product...and will post them soon!

Ah, ONE week until Thanksgiving. I am psyched!...Can't wait to kick of the holidays....not to mention...BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING!....I have a new store obsession...Jack Wills....just in case anyone is wondering what to get me ;) ...I have drummed up a new dessert to make for thanksgiving...and I am pretty excited about this one...if I can pull it off...it is going to impress!

Yesterday, I had B.Good for dinner....and it was Oh.so.good!...best veggie burger by far...and I have had my share of veggie burgers!...It was so good..that I am craving another burger tonight....and because it is so close to Thanksgiving....I decided tonight... I am making a Thanksgiving burger!..I will post pictures and recipe tomorrow! And sticking yet again to the Holiday season themed food...Brad and I split one of the last caramel apples of season last night....loaded with dried cranberries.......it was too good to be true!

Party Recap and Thanksgiving!

Why does the weather always have to be so gloomy on a Monday...isn't that fact that it's MONDAY....bad enough?

I am dead tired...and waking up early this morning to get to the office at 7 A.M did not help! My weekend was packed! It started off Friday night with a trip to Patriots place after work! I dined at Travelino...which was really good! After dinner, I spent some time shopping for last minute party items. I woke up early Saturday to finish the rest of my errands. Even though our house is kept pretty much spotless during the week (how messy can things get with only 2 ppl---that's what I try to tell myself anyways)--but my family was coming over, many whom have not seen our place yet, so I wanted to make sure it was extra clean. Brad spent his time out racking leaves and landscaping. I spent my time inside cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming stairs and washing floors. It was exhausting. Finally 5 O'clock rolled around and the first early arrivals were at my front door. Of course I expected my grandparents to arrive early. If you tell them a particular time, they will make sure to arrive one hour before. Gotta love that generation.

The party, in my opinion, went off without a hitch!...It was fun to see where in the house that people gathered. Every home always has that one "gathering spot." Ours was the kitchen and our front living room. The wine was flowing, along with the conversation--which usually means that everyone was enjoying themselves. I used some of our wedding name stands to help decorate the tables. I loved being able to reuse items from our wedding! It adds a touch of class! Brad and I even received some wonderful house warming presents...mostly Christmas decoration related. I was pumped!...I am slowly starting to collect my Holiday decorations...which I will need to get ready after Thanksgiving......just in time for our next party!

After the shin dig was over, I grabbed a leftover dessert and put my feet up. It was so nice to relax and reflect on the night. I thought of some things that I am going to change for our next get together.....such as the locations of food and drinks. It's going to be my goal to spread people out more. But overall, Brad and I had a blast, and we hope that our guests did too!

This upcoming weekend marks Brad and I's engagement anniversary. How crazy that it has been a year since we got engaged and then married! Last Thanksgiving I surprised my family with the big news! It was such a special time. This Thanksgiving is going to be more low-key, considering we are married, with no major announcements in sight!..I am looking forward to kicking back and relaxing!......I am trying to decide what to make for a really good Thanksgiving dessert....Any suggestions?...I want to try something different...Maple walnut pie, Pumpkin Bread Pudding, Apple Cranberry walnut pie??....all appealing choices....which I will have to practice beforehand.

Last night, we went out to dinner and movie! Wicked Pizza, which also has a location in Mashpee, MA, opened at Legacy place. They have great individual sized pizzas.....I tried the vegetable goat cheese...really good!

Brad and I are planning a date night this weekend for just the 2 of us. It seems like it has been forever since we have gone on a "date." I am really looking forward to it!