Matzo Ball soup

I've been meaning to add this recipe on to my blog for a while now. Here it is:

3 qts. chicken stock

olive oil

1 onion diced

6 diced celery sticks

5 diced carrot sticks

10 diced potatoes

4 minced garlic cloves

shredded cooked chicken (optional)

basil, parsley, and thyme, salt and pepper

Matzo ball mix (I use Manischewitz)

vegetable oil

2 eggs

In large stock pot heat to low. Add olive oil, and diced onions. Soften. Add garlic, celery, carrots. Stir and cook for 3 minutes. Add stock and seasonings. Add shredded chicken if you like. Simmer until veggies are almost cooked through. Add potatoes, and cook until potatoes are almost cooked through. In the mean make matzo ball according to package directions, and place in frig. Once all veggies are cooked taste soup to make sure it's to your liking. Now is the time to add more seasoning. Once Matzo balls are in the pot. No more stirring. Form small balls out of the matzo( they will expand) then drop into soup. Don't stir. They fall apart easily. After 10 minutes gently turn over balls carefully. Cook another 15 minutes and the soup is ready.

I usually make this soup for the holidays with potatoe pancakes, and a dreidel game. I use the Manischewitz potato pancake mix. Its the best.

Cherry Tomato garlic and herb pasta

I typically go through phrases of cooking joy. This week I'm in the zone. One of my favorite T.V. shows is Barefoot Contessa. I sit on the couch watch her shows, and write down my favorite recipes in a spiral notebook. My parents show up just as I finished this pasta dish. They were the testers. I have to say this dish is pretty delish. Easy, and fast to make. Here's how.

2 cloves of garlic minced

2 pints Cherry Tomatoes, or Grape Tomatoes

2 tbsp. parsley

2 tbsp. basil leaves

2 tbsp. thyme

salt and pepper

1/2 tbsp. red pepper flakes

oil olive

1/4 c. butter

parmesan cheese grated

Angel hair pasta

Heat oil and butter in a skillet on low heat. Add minced garlic. Add tomatoes, and seasoning to pan. Cook for 5- 10 minutes. Have pasta water boiling with oil and salt. Cook pasta. Once pasta is al dente strain and add to skillet. Mix together. Taste for additional seasoning. To be honest I really just used this recipe as a guide. I don't do exact measurements. I just taste and see what else I need to add. Serve and add grated parmesan. Yummy.

New wines

My Prescott BFF introduced me to 3 Blind Moose Riesling wine. I'm started to venture into new wine territory. I thought this was great. Light, fruity taste, but not too sweet. My other girlfriend Frankie is a big Pinot Grigio drinker. She always raves about Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio as her all time favorite wine. I recently purchased 2 bottles. Oh yeah, she was right! Crisp, fresh, and dry. Heaven in the mouth. This bottle runs about $20 - $25.

Teaching a monkey to ride a bike

I have taught all of my monkeys to ride their bikes. My secret is GRASS. I recently taught my nephew to ride his bike without training wheels. It's important to find a park with a long stretch of grass. I begin with letting them know they aren't going to fall. I hold the back of the bike firmly, and I don't let go until I feel they have their balance. If you think they are going to fall then grab the back of the bike to remind them you've got them. You want them to feel it was a good experience (too conquer their fear). Each monkey is difference. Usually 15 to 1 1/2 hours. I like to stay until they can at least ride straight. That way when returning for practices they feel confident. All monkeys are different so make sure they can control the handle bars before moving to gravel, or pavement surfaces. If their arms and legs aren't strong enough for a smooth surfaces yet. Give them exercises to do like held wall squats, and push ups. Good Luck monkeys!

Bagging it everyday

Since I finished Cosmetology school I made a hugh efforts to send my kids to school with homemade lunches. Doing it everyday I realize how wasteful I was with plastic bags, disposible drinks, flatware, and napkins. I did some searching and found great alternatives for my lunch supplies for the monkeys. Target had a great selection of liquid containers with built in ice packs in assorted colors, and sizes. They also had spill proof drinking bottles that stay cold, and spill proof hot, liquid containers for soups, & etc. The website http://www.lunchville.com/ has an variety of lunch bags, snack bags, metal straws, and flatware. I'm looking forward to using many of these lunch supplies next year. It's a good way to teach our kids not to be wasteful.

Homemade party decoration

My friend Erin was graduating from beauty school. It's customary to decorate the salon station for the graduation day, but the problem was I couldn't find decorations to match her style. That's when I decided to create my own. She loves wine, cute dresses, and high heels. I made a Congratulation Erin banner which I created a space to put a photo of her on her big day. I couldn't find confetti that I liked, so I made large ones with wine, and high heel stamps. I couldn't find the perfect card, so I tried my best and make one myself. I was really happy with my efforts, and I really enjoyed, taking the time, to make her day special. I think I'll give this a try again in the future.

Easter Bunny veggie dip

My friend Stephanie made this cute Easter Bunny bread bowl out of baguettes. She just filled with her favorite dipping sauce. Nice festive touch. See Stephanie I'm rubbing off on you!