Month

April 2013

In Transit: Portable Caprese Salad

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Caprese salad is something that I discovered much too late in my life.

I have always loved Italian food. In fact, pasta was always requested for my birthday dinner, and most big events or dinners have included an Italian restaurant. It still seems almost silly that I did not try my first Caprese Salad until I was in my mid twenties.

I remember the first bite of Caprese salad I had at my favorite Italian restaurant, and I was so amazed by the combination of flavor and texture. It was love at first bite.

Since that first taste, I have been creating different ways to enjoy this awesome flavor combination.

A few days ago, I was at my favorite grocery store Mariano’s (here is my post dedicated to this store’s wonderfulness), and they had an awesome selection of cherry and grape tomatoes, and I had an amazing idea.

I got some wooden skewers, tomatoes, bocconcini (small mozzarella), and a ton of fresh basil.

 

I skewered a tomato, wrapped the bocconcini in a basil leaf and put that on next, and then added another tomato.

I loved that I was able to use different color tomatoes.

Finally, I poured my favorite store bought Balsalmic viniegrette into a small dish for dipping.

Ta da! Portable and delicious and oh so easy! If only I could make every salad like this.

Easter

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This past weekend we celebrated Easter by going to Easter mass at our parish (getting there early to avoid the crowds), a brunch with my family at my brother’s house, and a dinner at Brian’s Aunt and Uncle’s house.

 

While it was a lot of running around throughout the day, it was worth it to spend time with those that are closest to us. The Easter egg hunts at everyone’s houses were a nice bonus too.

 

 

I know not everyone celebrates Easter, but how do you usher in Spring? Is it like my friend Mary Tyler Mom?

 

Smart Cookies: Lemon Squares

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When I think Spring, I think lemon. Perhaps it is because of the all the spring cleaning that happens, and my house smells like Mrs. Meyer’s Lemon Verbena.

 

Lemon squares are something that are light and the perfect balance of sweet and tart. I found a recipe on AllRecipes.com and I, of course doctored it up a bit.

 

Erin’s Light Lemon Squares

Crust
2 sticks of unsalted butter softened to room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all purpose flour
Pinch of salt

Filling
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup all purpose flour
4 eggs
2 lemons juiced (just shy of 1/2 cup)
Zest of one lemon (about 1 Tbs)

Garnish
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

For crust, in a mixer with the paddle attachment, cream butter and 1/2 cup sugar until well combined. Then, slowly add flour until the mixture is the consistancy of course sand.

 

Press this mixture evenly into an ungreased 9 x 13 baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes.

 

While the crust is baking, wash and dry mixing bowl. Then, with the whisk attachment, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1/4 cup flour until well incorporated. Next, add eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix for a few minutes until a frothy consistency is formed and set aside.

 

When crust is finished baking (it should be firm) remove from oven and pour lemon mixture over top. Put back in oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes.

When cool, dust with powdered sugar, and cut into squares.

 

Enjoy!

 

For more information about Smart Cookies click here.

For past Smart Cookie recipes, check out the links below:
Oatmeal Dark Chocolate and Dried Cherry Cookies, Lucy Cookies, White Chocolate and Cranberry Blondies, Chocolate Dipped Vanilla Biscotti,  Italian Butter Cookies with Lemon Glaze, and Salted Carmel and Dark Chocolate Truffles, Irish Creme Delights

Linking up at Serenity Now for Weekend Blog Reading!

Spring is Almost Here: March Wrap Up

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March was one of those months that was so busy I don’t even know where to start. We started the month with a pretty big snow storm and the kids first real snow day. Just when we thought we wouldn’t have any snow at all we had plenty and even were able to finally try snow cream. Now, we are in April and have been hoping and praying Spring gets here soon.

 

In the kitchen I tried a few new things, and was happy to add some fun things to my regular kitchen routine. First up, I made some home made cheesy bread, that I have decided will make a great snack or easy to make appetizer in a pinch. I also made an awesome fruit dip, which will make a great weeknight dessert (and it is sort of healthy too). Also, I decided to make some Irish Creme Delights as March’s Smart Cookie recipe. I thought it was a fun way to share some St. Patrick’s Day flare.

 

Speaking of St. Patrick’s Day, in March, I dedicated an entire week to my Irish heritage, and had a GREEN WEEK! I shared a recipe for chocolate cherry tray bake, my Mom’s recipe for Irish Soda Bread, and made a clover quiche with cheese and herbs. Also, I dished all about my first Listen To Your Mother rehearsal with my favorite green pants. Finally, I was able to show how I decorate with a little inspiration from the Emerald Isle.

 

Finally, I was able to tackle two projects that I had been wanting to do for a long time. The first, was I finally rearranged some furniture in the living room to make it more storage friendly as well as a wonderful place to read, work, or play. Then, to add a classy touch and a pop of color to the dining room, and added some fabric to the back of the china cabinets. I have to say, I still smile when I walk in the dining room.

 

While, I like the cozy nights snuggling with the munchkins and one pot cooking and lots of baking that happens in the winter, I am very much looking forward to spring. I am already thinking of what to plant in the vegetable garden.

What are your plans for Spring?

Spring Break 2013

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In the last ten days, life has been pretty hectic. The kids were on Spring Break, I hosted a small baby shower for a friend, we finished up a few little projects around the house, we finally got some outside time now that Spring is finally arriving, and we were able to celebrate a wonderful Easter with our family.

As you know by now, when my kids are on a break from school, I spend a little less time writing and blogging and more time with my munchkins.

However, I cannot wait to share all the details in the coming days and weeks as well as some wonderful pictures that I was able to capture.

Finally, I hope you will join me on ChicagoNow on my other blog South of I-80. I am going to be posting more often there too.