Monthly Archives: July 2009

Man am I tired.

Posted on by

So much has been going on these last couple of days that I have not been able to blog at all. K’s sister is moving to Florida with her finance and daughter. We have been helping them and trying to spend as much time with them as we could before they left. Seems like K’s family is moving all over the country! First his brother and now his sister. Every day this week seemed to be packed to the gills with things to do (Broadway show, dinners, moving, friends, motorcycles). I can’t wait till things settle down so that we can take a bit of time to breath and catch up on everything. It seems that ever since we got back from our vacation the days have been packed.

Man am I tired.

Grilled Chicken and Pesto Farfalle

Posted on by

After a long day at work yesterday all I wanted was a carb dinner and to watch a movie. I had a case of the Monday’s and just really needed a bit of a naughty night. So K and I decided that we would have Grilled Chicken and Pesto Farfalle with crusty pita bread, a bit of mint chocolate chip ice cream and the movie Push to end the day. Utterly enjoyed my Monday evening.

Grilled Chicken and Pesto Farfalle (adapted from the Cooking Light recipe)
1 3/4 pounds boneless chicken breast (halves)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Cooking spray
20 ounces uncooked farfalle (bow tie pasta)
1 tablespoon butter
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk (divided)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 (3.5-ounce) jar commercial pesto (about 1/3 cup)
3/4 cup half-and-half
2 cups shredded fresh Parmesan cheese (divided)
1/2 cup halved grape tomatoes

Cook chicken on grill or as I did just cook it on the stove top. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut chicken into 1/2-inch pieces; keep warm. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain in colander over a bowl, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Place pasta in large bowl. Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic to pan; cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Combine 1/2 cup milk and flour in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add milk mixture to pan, stirring constantly with a whisk. Stir in pesto. Gradually add remaining 1 cup milk and half-and-half, stirring constantly with a whisk. Cook 8 minutes or until sauce thickens, stirring frequently. Add 1/4 cup reserved cooking liquid, salt, pepper, and 1 cup cheese; stir until cheese melts. Add chicken and sauce to pasta, tossing well to coat. Add tomatoes and toss gently. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Serve immediately.

{Grilled Chicken and Pesto Farfalle}

* The bread was some left over pita bread that was going to go stale soon. I decided to mix a bit of olive il, garlic and a bit of butter together then broil the pitas till they were a golden brown. Very tasty!

# 22. A full-on English cream tea

Posted on by

# 22. A full-on English cream tea (from my Eat before I die list)

Yesterday K and I decided to visit our friends J & H and their adorable baby C. They live about 40 minutes away so it is very hard to schedule a time to visit because we always know that it is going to be a full day event. We were so excited to see them because we hadn’t seen them in a couple of months and knew the baby was getting bigger and starting to walk/run!
It was a gorgeous day for a long drive. We opened the windows and let the fresh air envelope us as we sang along to the different songs that came up on my iPod. When we arrived all of us were famished and H suggested that we go for lunch at Sally Lunns Tea Shoppe and Restaurant. H is from England and she said that this place reminded her of home.
Sally Lunns Tea Shoppe and Restaurant has over fifty flavors of loose tea and foods imported from England, and a large variety of food including sandwiches, Cottage Pie, Lamb and Beef pasties, piled high melts and fresh roasted meats all served on home style bread. The parlor where you eat is filled with curiosities, fine bone china and anything and everything to do with tea.
Each of us ordered a different tea which came in its own mini tea pot. For lunch I decided on the Home Roasted Smoked Ham w/Brie and Sally’s Own Apple butter. It was amazing! I happen to have a jar of apple butter at home and never knew what to do with it. I want to try and make this sandwich at home! K decided to go with the Cottage Pie, H went with the Chicken Pot Pie and J went with the Seafood Melt (a homemade bun is topped with fresh shrimp, crab meat, lobster sauce, fresh dill & mozzarella cheese). We even decided to have dessert! Everything we ate was perfectly presented and tasted fresh.
After filling ourselves to the max we decided to walk around the cute town of Chester. We had eaten so much that we needed to walk some of it off. There were so many cute shops to check out and I am happy that I didn’t bring shopping money with me. After a good hour of walking K and I decided that it was time to head home since it was getting late and we needed to get ready for the long week ahead. We promised them that we would return soon for swimming and more amazing tea and sandwiches!

Warwick Vallery Winery & Distillery

Posted on by

We first  thought of visiting the Warwick Vallery Winery & Distillery a couple of months ago, but due to the weather had to reschedule. We’ve traveled to Upper New York State before visiting wineries and thought this one seemed close and sounded relaxing. We were right, it was an absolutely wonderful Saturday. It was full of friendly people, great weather, great wine and a really relaxing visit.
When we first arrived our new friends M & M (heheh…their names start with the same letter) asked if we were hungry. They told us that they had been to this winery many of times and that the food there was amazing.  They weren’t wrong! K and I decided to share the Fruit & Cheese Platter which contained a variety of cheeses including gorgonzola, white cheddar and baked brie and seasonal fruits with an assortment of fresh artisan breads and extra virgin olive oil. Mouthwatering (just writing about them makes me want to eat them all over again). We also split the grilled marinated chicken breast sandwich with provolone and prosuitto. Out of this world! The bread that came with both of the dishes was fresh and aromatic. I think it was because they bake fresh bread from scratch every weekend morning! To wash down lunch the four of us had two bottles of the Black Dirt Blush. It is a unique wine with a blend of Catawba, Vincent and Delaware grapes which are varieties native to Eastern North America. These grapes make for an excellent blush wine with flavors of grape and apricot. I even bought a bottle for home because I loved it so much.

So after being completely full we decided to head down to the Tasting Room to explore the many offerings of wines, ciders, brandies and liqueurs that the winery had available. K and I tried everything and bought the Black Dirt Blush, Harvest Moon, and the Doc Draft Hard Raspberry Cider.

Since it was such a nice day out we decided to buy a couple of bottles (ok..three to be exact) and head out to the picnic area. We relaxed, drank and had wonderful conversations about life, wine, movies and just about everything. It felt great to make two new friends and we are definately going to go back in September together for the Apple and Pear picking. AND if I can convince K – berry picking sometime soon!!

Time crunch in the kitchen…

Posted on by

Last night K and I had his family over for dinner.  Usually, we have them over on a weekend, but for some reason K decided to invite them on a Friday night after we both had to work.  Dinner for 8 on a Friday after work?  Oh goodness.    When he asked if they would like something specific to eat they picked empanadas.  You see K makes the most wonderful empanadas.  Even better then my own (gasp…crazy I know).  When he was younger he worked a place that taught him how to make them and he became one  of their cooks.   K decided that he wanted everyone to have a varity so he made: chicken, chicken with cheese, beef, beef with cheese and just cheese.  So I decided to make my beans with white rice, a salad and homemade lemonade.   I wish I had a picture to show you because everything came out amazing, but since we were on such a time restriction and we have a kitchen that is a little bigger then a walk in closet we just finished as his family was walking into the apartment. We had an hour and  half to make his 30 empandas and my sides. Every empanda, bean, rice and lemonade was ate! Sucuess!  I am so excited that we were able work with such a time crunch and come out with an amazing meal.  I just wouldn’t want to do it every time we have someone over.

A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table by Molly Wizenberg

Posted on by

I am in the middle of reading A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table by Molly Wizenberg. I was going to wait till after I finished reading it to write about it, but I just can’t. It is a book written by fellow blogger Molly Wizenberg of Orangette.  I have been a fan of hers for a while and when I found out that she had written a book I knew I had to read it. Since I turn to the first page I feel as though she is talking to me. Molly’s writing seems effortless. She speaks of her family, and before long you feel like one of them. She tells stories of her life, family, loves and food. Each chapter is completed with a recipe. I can’t tell you how many of the recipes make me want to run into my kitchen and start to cook. If you are looking for a good story and a bit of good food to go with it this book is a must!

** I borrowed the book from the library but after seeing/reading the wonderful recipes in it I want to own one. It is one of those books that you keep on your kitchen shelf.

Perfect ending to a very stressful day…

Posted on by

I am so glad that today is finally going to be over. It was one of those “stressful, get me out of here, I need a beer” kind of days. Last night when I was over a friends house I got into a bit of an accident. No one was hurt. Well, except for my car. So today I had to run from insurance company, auto body, back to insurance office and then off to a car rental place.  So when K and I got home I was whipped out.  Instead of making the meal that we had on our menu for Wednesday we decided to just make mini pizzas out of pita bread, sauce and cheese, grab a couple of beers, put our feet up and watch a movie.  It was a perfect ending to a very stressful day.

# 23. Kayak in the ocean

Posted on by

When K and I were in California we decided that we wanted to go kayaking in the ocean. It is something that neither of us had done before and has been on “My List of Things to Before I Die”.
When we first got to the place they geared us up with life jackets, helmets and instructions. Usually for kayaking you don’t need a helmet but we opted for the tour of the 7 Caves and sea cliffs experience. The area we were in was La Jolla. The sea caves of La Jolla open outward along the waterline of the cliffs just east of the cove. Carved out over the centuries, these awe inspiring cliff formations are easily viewed and visited by kayakers, snorkelers, swimmers, and tourists. They are often overlooked because of their sheltered location, but a trip to their waters is an unforgettable experience and a treasure worth seeking.
So all suited up we headed for the kayaks. The first time trying to get into the ocean was comical. Both K and I fell out of the boat and into the surf. Pulling our boat out we tried again. Again we fell out. The third time we got it right and off through the waves we paddled. Finally after getting through the waves we made it to calmer waters. There we practiced our paddling (you both have to paddle same side/same time). The guide then took us to the first cave. It was so exciting entering the cave and knowing that the water had formed it. Each cave was unique. Afterwards, we paddled around and were visited by sea lions, fish and leopard sharks. I was a bit nervous at first having never seen sharks/sea lions so close and in the wild. I keep hearing the Jaws soundtrack in my head even though there was no way that they could hurt us.
While sitting out in the ocean I began to realize how small we really are. How there are so many things out in the world that we won’t experience or even see. How many other things are so much more important then taking out the garbage and/or missing your favorite television show. It has made me want to go out and do something. Anything. We have been trying to schedule outdoor activities. Things that will get us out and really enjoy nature and our bodies. I want to experience everything that this world has and enjoy this life I have.