Pastina!

 

Oh friends!  This one brought back too many memories and I was thrilled that my girls love it just as much as I did as a kid.

 

Pastina was given to us when we weren't feeling well or just needed to warm up or just because we were hungry.

 

I remember eating it at my aunt's house with my cousin- we couldn't get it enough!

 

I decided to try making it and it became an instant hit.  Sharing the recipe with you below.

 

Disclaimer: I have doubled or tripled my recipe in recent weeks because the girls are demanding leftovers...ha!  Hope you try it and enjoy

 

 

Ingredients  

½ cup Acini di peppe or any tiny pasta shape.

 1 ½ cups Chicken broth 

⅓ cup Parmesan cheese finely grated 

1  Egg 

1 tablespoon Butter 

Pepper to taste Optional

Instructions 

In a sauce pan add the chicken broth and the pasta.

Cook the pasta over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until most of the liquid has been absorbed and pasta is al dente.
In a bowl, whisk the egg and parmesan cheese until you get a uniform paste.

Remove the pasta from the heat and use a whisk to stir the pasta as you add the egg mixture.
Add the butter and keep stirring until it has dissolved.

Sprinkle more parmesan cheese and pepper. Serve and enjoy.

Italian Summer Dinner Party

First Things First....

 

 

 

and now...for our main event...

 

 

 

When I heard that Zach and Zoe were coming home for a visit, we agreed on a night for dinner and I decided to really dial things up.  If you have been following along for awhile then you know cooking for people is a way I show my love so I will often go overboard ;)

 

 

I thought there was no better time for an Italian Summer Dinner Party and I made some dishes that I want to remember and share here so I can refer back to these wonderful recipes.  I hope you will give them a shot as well!

 

But first....our VIPs :)

 

 

After the hugging attacks, we enjoyed some Market Basket Spinach Pie and Stuffed Grape Leaves while I got everyone a drink.  I didn't do anything fancy for drinks but it would be the perfect meal for an Aperol Spritz ;)  We stuck with water, seltzers, sodas and wine.

 

Here is what our Italian Summer Dinner Looked Like

 

Steak Pizzaiola

Find the Recipe HERE

This is a fairly simple recipe and just dials steak up a bit.  The sauce consists of tomatoes, olives, capers and onions and peppers- so colorful and delish.  I served the sauce on the size in case anyone didn't like it but it tastes even better when the steaks are sitting in this deliciousness

 

Caprese Salad

Kept this one pretty straight forward- the only tweak I made was to add some little golden tomatoes as well

You can find my Caprese recipes HERE  in this post

 

 

Next, I whipped up a Mediterranean Orzo.   The recipe calls for Shrimp in this yummy dish but I omitted the shrimp since Zoe doesn't eat fish.  Rob and I agreed the shrimp would be a nice addition or you could serve this with lamb kabobs OR even by itself- it truly could be a meal in itself and it is SO GOOD

Check out the Recipe HERE 

 

 

 and the finishing dish on our Italian Dinner was a Sauteed Zucchini and Corn and it was probably my favorite dish of this collection!

Check out the Recipe HERE

 

 

 and although not very Italian, I also whipped up a couple of desserts (even though I am really not a baker)

I made the Pioneer Woman's "Knock You Naked Brownies" which are essentially Chocolate Caramel Brownies.  Check them out HERE

 

 

 and Reeses Fluffernutter Bars

Find them HERE

 

 So yes...it was a delicious night BUT the highlight was hearing Zach's stories...we had some real good belly laughs and quality time...I cherish these times more than anything :)

 

 

 

Deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie

 

Hi Friends.  When my kids love a meal I make and request it again, I know it is a win...they don't come around often but when they do I want to share them with you!  It helps me to remember, too, to keep these in the rotation!  Without further ado, here is a cozy recipe for you to make that's perfect in the fall and winter- enjoy!

 

 

Ingredients

6 tablespoons butter 

2 cloves garlic, minced

 2 cups chopped yellow onion

 1 cup chopped celery 

1 cup peeled and chopped carrots

 ½ cup flour

 2 cups 2% milk 

1 cup chicken stock 

3 cups shredded cooked chicken

Salt and Pepper, to taste

1 Can of Biscuits

Instructions 

Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a large dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter and then add the garlic, onion, celery and carrots. Saute until softened, about 7 minutes.
Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Add the milk and chicken stock to the sauce. Simmer over low heat for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until thick. Add the chicken and season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Drop the biscuits onto the top of the chicken mixture 

 
Place pot into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the biscuits are golden and cooked through. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Memorial Day Weekend Inspiration!

 

If you have been reading for awhile then you know my love for all things summer...it starts on the unofficial kick off to summer and that is Memorial Day Weekend.

 

I am obsessed with all things patriotic and all things red, white and blue so I get decorating early and let those decorations stay up all summer and through Labor Day Weekend.

 

 

I start my summer planting around Memorial Day too and several years I have gone with a red, white and blue theme with my flowers.

 

 

I just remembered that Memorial Day is a little over two weeks away- eek!  So exciting.  Our weekend is still shaping up (we have a softball tournament for Eva and a party to attend on Monday but we want to host something fun too so we will see how that shakes out)...I can't wait for the excitement of it all.

 

Today, I thought I would share a little inspiration with YOU!

 

How about some festive appetizers and main dishes to kick things off?

 A Patriotic Charcuterie Board?  Yes Please!

Red, White and Blue Bites made with triscuits, blue cheese and strawberries (I drizzled truffle honey over these- delish!)

A Yummy and Festive Dip?  Going to give this one a shot this year!  You can find the recipe HERE

Lobster Roll Sliders- always a big hit!  You can find my recipe HERE 

Patriotic Bites include watermelon, feta and blackberries and sometimes I will add a sprig of mint for flavor

and lastly a Red, White and Blue Burger- YUM!

Top your burger with mozzarella, blue cheese and roasted red peppers- sounds so good.  Check out the recipe HERE

 

 and a celebration would not be complete without dessert of course!

A Festive Charcuterie Board makes such a great statement on the table

Patriotic Bites?  Yes please!  The rolo bites are always a big hit!

Red, White and Blue Rice Krispee Treats?  Definitely giving these a shot this year!  Check out the recipe HERE

 

 and finally...next up Centerpieces!  I always have so much fun putting together patriotic arrangements!

Here are a few for inspiration

 

 and here are a few I whipped up over the years- one of my favorite ways to kick off summer :)

 So any plans for Memorial Day Weekend?  How do you kick off summer?  Any special traditions?  I want to hear it all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Favorite Memorial Day Weekend Recipes

 

Hi Friends!  With Memorial Day Weekend Quickly Approaching, I thought I would share some of our favorite recipes that are on repeat as we kick off the summer in these parts.  So I am giving you a little time to whip up a menu that will be sure to impress.

This year, we are kicking off our Memorial Day Weekend with a ladies birthday get together for Cass....Daddy will be covering the softball game that night!  The rest of the weekend will be filled with softball and getting together with family and friends....exact schedule to be determined and we tend to wait for the weather forecast in these parts!

Anyway, I digress....here are some dishes I plan to whip up for the long weekend...

Red White and Blue Bites (Version 1)

Watermelon, Feta and Blackberry Skewers (garnish with mint if you choose)

Beautiful- Patriotic - Refreshing

Red, White and Blue Bites (Version Two)

Crackers, Strawberries, Blue Cheese and Drizzle with Truffle Honey

Patriotic- Simple- Oh So Delish!

Lobster Roll Sliders (Find My Recipe HERE)

Nothing screams summer more than lobster in New England!

 

 

Fruit Salsas

 

First, The Pioneer Woman's Watermelon Pico de Gallo (Find the Recipe HERE )

 Patriotic and Refreshing!

 

 

and Strawberry Salsa

Find the Recipe HERE

 

  It is such a nice alternative to regular salsa- I typically serve this with pita chips or blue tortilla chips for a patriotic twist!

Hope you give one of these a try- let me know!

 

 

Avgolemono Soup (Greek Lemon Egg Soup with Chicken)

 

I don't know about you but I have been CRAVING soup...just feel like I can't warm up right now...I was leaving the gym yesterday morning..very hot and sweaty after my workout and STILL was craving a big bowl of soup...so on my lunch break, I whipped up this big pot so easily and so quickly..I thought..I have to share it with my readers...it is so easy and so warm and soooo delish!!

Hope you give it a shot and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
• 1/2 cup arborio rice
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 2 lemons, juice and zest
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add the onions and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the chicken broth and rice, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is cooked, al-dente, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Slowly pour 1 cup of the hot broth into the eggs while whisking and then slowly whisk the egg mixture into the soup.
4. Add the chicken, lemon juice and zest and cook to warm, about 5 minutes.

Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Mac

 Hi Friends!  If you are like me, you are always looking for new recipes to break up your meal rotation AND keep the kids pleased at the same time- no easy feat!  I have challenging pallets here in this house.  My little one "doesn't like soup"...really?  During these cold winter months, I would love to incorporate soup into our menu 1-2 times/week...so what do I do?  I make a big pot for Rob and me and we tend to eat it for lunch while we are working.

I am all over Pinterest always and noticed recipes for Chili Mac in the slow cooker...kept thinking, no way my kids would eat that with beans and all the spice so I decided to get creative and made up my own recipe...the verdict?  A win!  They even asked when I was going to make it again...my hubby did too...ha!  Too many calories for this Mama but pretty simple, nutritious and delish meal for the fam so thought I would share it with you!

 

 

Ingredients

 

½ box of elbow macaroni

1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

1 15 oz can diced tomatoes

1 onion chopped

1 lb. lean ground beef

2 cups beef broth

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1 cup shredded cheddar

Salt and Pepper and Grated Parm to taste

 

 

Instructions

 

 Saute onion on the stove until translucent

Add in ground beef and brown

Add both to your slow cooker

Then add the remainder of the ingredients (but not the cheese yet!)

Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours

During the last 15 minutes of cooking, add your cheeses and seasoning

 

Voila- Enjoy!

Favorite Fall Recipes

 

Hi Friends!  Thanks for stopping by.  Today I thought I would share some of our favorite fall recipes..these are the ones that get made the most often each fall and tend to be crowd pleasers with our fam or one group or another...tried to share something from each category- cocktails- apps- main dishes- sides and dessert...hope you enjoy!  Let me know if you give any of these a shot!

 

 Cocktails

 

Caramel Apple Martinis

Find the Recipe HERE

 

 

 Hot Buttered Rum Cider

Find the Recipe HERE

 

 

Appetizers

Fall Cheese Ball

Find the Recipe HERE

 

 

 Thanksgiving Dips

Find the Recipes HERE

 

  

Main Dishes

 

Autumn Chicken and Squash Risotto

Find the Recipe HERE

 

  

Dr. Pepper Ribs

Find the Recipe HERE

 

  

Enlightened Chili

Find the Recipe HERE

 

  

Side Dish

Mashed Potato Bread Stuffing

Find the Recipe HERE

 

 

 

Desserts

 

Ghosts In The Graveyard

 Find the Recipe  HERE

 

 

Halloween Chex Mix

Find the Recipe HERE

 

  

There ya have it!  What are some of your favorite fall recipes?  Love getting inspiration from all of you!

Meal Planning- Fall 2021

 

 

 Hi Friends!  So many of you asked to share my meal planning...love sharing and getting ideas from you as well! If you have been around here for awhile, then you know I meal plan all year but in the fall is when I get really serious about variety...so I have meal planned for September and I am sharing our plan with you today.  I have linked up some recipes too to make it easier for you.  Let me know what you think!

BACK TO SCHOOL

 

Wednesday 9/1/21- Let’s Taco About Going Back to School Party- Tacos, Guac and Chips, Strawberries and Pineapple, Corn, Beans and Rice

Thursday 9/2/21- Mama out for her bday with Friends- Burgers, Fries and Corn on the Cob for the fam

Friday 9/3/21- Mama’s Bday- Eating Out!

Saturday 9/4/21- Pizza Night with the Fam

Sunday 9/5/21- Mama in Maine with Mimi- Fam doing take out/going out

 

Monday 9/6/21- LABOR DAY = Grilling

Tuesday 9/7/21-Frito Pie

Find Recipe HERE 

 

Wednesday 9/8/21- Pasta with Vodka Sauce and Broccoli

Find the Recipe HERE 

 

Thursday 9/9/21-Breakfast for Dinner- Pancakes, Eggs, Bacon and Strawberries

Friday 9/10/21- Friday Night Pizza Night

Saturday 9/11/21- Out at Fody’s for Blackout Cancer

Sunday 9/12/21- Steak Tips on Grill, Corn on the Cob, Salad and Roasted Potatoes

 

Monday 9/13/21- Crockpot Mac N Cheese with Broccoli

Find the Recipe  HERE 

Tuesday 9/14/21- Asian Beef and Broccoli (Crockpot)

Find the Recipe HERE 

 

Wednesday 9/15/21- Chicken Caesar Salads

Thursday 9/16/21- Fish Sticks, Fries and Apple Slices

Friday 9/17/21- BLACKOUT CANCER GAME- eating at the field

Saturday 9/18/21- Chili, Cornbread, Tostitos and Guacamole

Sunday 9/19/21- Pasta with Homemade Meat Sauce

 

Monday 9/20/21- Chicken, Broccoli and Ziti

Find the Recipe HERE 

 

Tuesday 9/21/21- Grilled Greek Chicken Skewers, Roasted Potatoes, Carrots and Dip

Find The Recipe HERE

 

Wednesday 9/22/21- Stuffed Peppers with Rice

Thursday 9/23/21- Breakfast for Dinner- Waffles, Eggs, Sausage, Bananas

Friday 9/24/21- Friday Night Pizza Night

Saturday 9/25/21- M&D at Laurel’s Bday Party- Girls with Papa

Sunday 9/26/21- Pork Roast, Apple Sauce, Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans

 

Monday 9/27/21- Chicken and Veggie Lo Mein

Tuesday 9/28/21- Chicken Caesar Salads

Wednesday 9/29/21- Pasta with Baked Mini Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Cream Sauce (sneak in spinach)

Find the Recipe HERE

 

 

Thursday 9/30/21- Breakfast for Dinner- Air Fryer Donuts, Eggs, Sausage, Berries

 

What's On Your Menu?  Give me some ideas for October please!