create the life you love

Easter Sunday

 

A lovely day with church and brunch with my boys

Just missing the middle boy. He did send a picture with friends at the Sunday service in The Grove .. pink shorts and all! ;)

 

.. just a month away until graduation!

 

And, I had to add these pictures of us many years ago on Easter Sunday

{no laughing at my flipity hair-do!} .. and I just noticed, it looks like I am sporting a farmer's tan!

Happy Easter!

 

I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
 John 11:25-26.

Party Boy

 

Wishing you all much happiness, health and blessings in the New Year!!

Christmas Day

We had a late start to our Christmas morning .. the parents were up bright and early, as always, but the boys later. A nice little perk as your children get older! With this being the first year with our oldest living on his own (although just 10 minutes away) as well as late sleepers .. we planned a brunch with gift opening and dinner to follow in the evening.

 

Mimosas!! .. with a breakfast casserole, cinnamon buns and of course bacon (bacon-lovin' boys)

Dinner was our traditional Christmas meal : beef tenderloin with bernaise sauce, cheesy, smashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, sweet potato casserole, spinach salad, rolls, red velvet cake and other dessert treats.

Our tree ... complete with NO lights! Just a few days before Christmas, ALL the lights went out. A bit of hysterics from me. Since none of my guys are handy men (to say the least), we had problems with fixing it. No luck what so ever and no white lights to be found in the 4 stores that I looked.

 

My 'holy' tree in the living room .. nicely lit!

Radko Tree

 

Lilly tree in my office

 

I didn't do a good job of picture taking during gift opening  .. photos throughout my home

 

 

 

Two of my crazy boys with their cracker 'treasures' ..

you see how much they LOVE posing for me??!

 

 

Christmas Eve

 

After church we had our annual Christmas Eve dinner at Enzos.

Dan & I have been dining there since we were dating .. for over 30 years now!

My handsome men

And since they are so handsome ;), another picture ..

another family (good friends of ours) also at Enzos ..

Santa was here ..

My Goddaughter

A little Christmas gift giving with my darling goddaughter ...

 The 'boys' love Bridget and joined in with opening the gifts

And little Lilly :) ..

And the back of our card ..

 

Since this is Connor's last year at Ole Miss (and the fact that this was the only photo I had of the entire family), we used our pictures from The Grove.

Merry Christmas!

A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler. He will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

 

Parties!

So many parties this Christmas season .. I have had something every night for over a week straight.

Many of the parties have been girls 'only' get togethers, including a small soiree I had with some good friends.

Completely forgot to take pictures, except for a few before the girls arrived.

 

This is my book club Christmas party .. the guys were invited too and no book discussion, just partying!

Connor is home! Dinner out on Park Ave.

And, I may add .. every night has been a party for him since home.

Catching up with old friends!

Bear boy and friends.

They all came over prior to a party on our street (another family of 3 boys).

Big Murph and myself in this picture

 

Mother - Daughter Champagne Party!

My sweet friend, Sharon invites me even though I am daughter-less.

All college girls and their mothers.

So much fun and the girls are sooo sweet to me!!

 

With Leigh, having a little bubbly! ..

Really just posing for the picture ;)

 

We attended a few other parties, but I didn't take pictures, and ...

tonight we are off to another party - a pig roast!

Wrapping it up!

Long time, no posting! I have been crazy busy with Preppy Paper Design orders, as well as gift wrapping for others. I love to wrap, so this has been a pleasure! Now I need to start on my own gifts .. on the schedule for today (along with so much more to do)!!

My photos are all so terrible .. the settings were all off.

For my goddaughter ..

'Tis the Season!

This was LAST Sunday .. and the tree is yet to be decorated. Griff was a big help .. he helped with getting the tree in and then bringing in all the many, big rubbermade boxes (while DCal 'directed'!) But .. that is just about all that has been done with our Christmas decorating. We did manage to get the outside finished (thank goodness for our yard men who do my trees every year). I am just so busy with my business and struggling to keep up. Not complaining - it's all good and I appreciate all my many wonderful customers. I have also been working for a friend of mine, who has a shop here in WP .. she is keeping my busy too! Going to try to rally and get this tree done tonight.

My little pink, Lilly tree is up in my office where I am spending most of my time lately ..

 

And, just catching up here on my blog ..

A photo (not very good - darn Nikon coolpix, I am not at all happy with) of Bear's birthday dinner at the CC .. minus the birthday boy who dashed before the picture taking. Griff was wishing he did also ;)

My goddaughter and her Advent calendar from me ..

 

The cutest reindeer topiary!

Halloween Past ..

My little 'punkins'

Barret - Connor - Griff

 

Bear Boy ..

Connor ..

B & C ..

arrr .. some mean pirates (and a sweet little penguin) ..

and the next year .. Connor wears the 'fro' (this was a favorite of all 3 for many years)

Griff ..

 

Happy 4th!

Mother's Day

I had a very nice day. Church and then brunch at the country club.

Once again we were missing Connor (gosh, I miss him!)

My boys were uncooperative with the photo taking. They didn't see why we had to do it again, since Easter was just two weeks prior?! Um, different holiday!! 

 

 

Twenty-Two

 

Happy 22nd birthday to my Connor 'Sweetie'!

Easter Sunday

{ Griff wore Lilly for me! }

 

A wonderful day..church and then brunch at the country club. Barret joined us .. not sure if I have mentioned it here, but he moved out about a month ago into a house with 2 friends and is on his own! He is only about 10 minutes away, but with his busy work schedule, I have not seen much of him. Dan has lunch with him every week though since they both have offices in downtown Orlando - actually right next to each other.

We were missing Connor this year. His spring break was weeks ago, and is too far away to get home for only a weekend. He has not been home since Christmas! :(

 

 

** I wanted to answer a few questions from my post below ..

NO, I did not take all these boys with me! Ha .. I did have an extra a few nights, but lots of other families from Griff's school (mostly moms & kiddos) go to the beach for spring break. It seems to be a middle school - high school event. Many were at the same condo as us, and others were staying at other condos down the beach. 

My hair just looks really short in the picture with Griff (I didn't have it cut shorter, just the same, with shorter bangs) .. windy evening and it was blowing!

Spring Break at the Beach

We spent the last week at the beach .. Griff and I all week long and Dan came for a just a few nights. A great week, with beautiful weather, sunny skies ..

and LOTS of teenagers!

 

{ Friends at Mi Mexico }

{ Griff and Casey }

At JB's

{Katie, Reid, Griff, Don }

{ Griff and I}

How did he get SOOOO much taller than me?!

 

Most of the following pictures where taken from afar .. either on my balcony or from the pool deck. 

Can not get to close!

 

He is Risen!

~ Happy Easter ~

 

 

'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life' John 3:16

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

{ Murphy }

 Don't look too close .. he need his teeth cleaned!

 

 

"May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow
May the soft winds freshen your spirit
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love."

***

"May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day.

May songbirds serenade you every step along the way.

May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue.

And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.”

Birthday Celebrations

A big weekend for birthdays .. Dan on Saturday and me on Sunday!

I had a nice day of shopping on Saturday at the annual Lunch with Lilly.

I completely forgot to take pictures though. 

 

My husband gave me a very generous gift card as one of my bday gifts

My very favorite .. love Jo Malone

And this on order. I am going to 're-gift' my other to one of my boys.

 Saturday evening celebration dinner at Luma on Park.

We also celebrated Bear's new job. He has been working for the past 6 weeks or so, and while this is a great job that he is enjoying, the new one is really great! He worked very at getting this job and it has been many months of interviews (I think 6 total). He starts a week from today .. and will soon be moving out (see how great this job is?!) and be on his own (i.e. paying all his own bills: insurance, phone, rent, etc.). My boy is all grown up! So proud of him. 

Our waiter brought us champagne. Dan is 'pretending' .. he doesn't drink!

Birthday cupcakes ...

 

Since Sunday was my birthday, we just had to eat out again .. birthday girls don't cook on their special day;). Nice dinner at Houston's (now called Hillstone, but it will always be Houston's to me). No pictures (all my boys despise me pulling out the camera). Just this beautiful sunset  ...

We were missing Connor this weekend and although he is on spring break this week, he chose to go to Destin beach instead of coming home. Of course, that's what spring break is all about for college students. Miss him though.

 

I wanted to record Griff's letters to us on our cards. He is quite the writer! .. a smart boy, remembered both our correct ages ;). BTW, my husband does not golf every day! 

 

'Dear Mom,

I love you. Thank you so much for all you do for me and for nothing in return. I know I am annoying at times and thanks for putting up with me. Happy 30th birthday! xoxo Griff'

 

Dear Dad,

Thank you so much for being a great father for 14+ years. You are the BIG double nickel now but your golf game still improves every day. Thank you so much for giving me everything I have for nothing in return. Love, Griff

Easter and More!

A few new Easter designs.

Available in tags, stickers or cards ...

 

Christian scripture cards.

Available in your choice of verse ..

 

Valentine's Gifts

For my sweet goddaughter

 

Some sweet treats ..

 

Gifts!

Since many have asked .. I will share my Christmas gifts. While Christmas is most certainly not about the gifts, but about Him .. I am a lucky girl, I was spoiled by both my family and friends!

 

 
 Those lovely pink pj's I am wearing were a gift from my dear friend, Diane. The most exquisite pajamas! 

Thank you so much, Diane .. oh, how I love them!
 
 

New Year's Eve 2010

A bit of a blurry photo .. heading to a New Year's Eve party.

It was actually just right next door, and an early 50th birthday party for my friend ..

including disco dancing, complete with flashing lights!

 

 

Big Murph partied a little to hard

 

Happy New Year!

'We will open the book.  Its pages are blank.  We are going to put words on them ourselves.  The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.'

 ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

A Bit of Pink & Green Christmas

My pink Lilly tree in my office..

 

Tags that I made for a friend's mother/daughter champagne party ..

Presents! ..

My sweet goddaughter, Bridget with her 'just like me' American Girl doll and matching pj's that I gave her ..

 

Beautiful Lilly gifts from Khloe and her mama ..

For me! ..

New Lilly stocking and monogrammed Lilly shift ornament ..

 

Gifts from my goddaughter - cute little suit cases filled with pink & green gifts! ..

 

Christmas 2010

We had a lovely Christmas day .. just the 5 of us. After the gifts were opened (I believe I was opening gifts longer than anyone else this year - santa was good to me!), the boys went down to our neighbors for their annual Christmas morning breakfast. This has been a tradition since we have lived in this house - for 15 years now. Connor and Dan played a quick 9 holes of golf and then Bear & Connor went with two of their friends the Magic game (more traditions!)

{ me and the pups .. and my gifts. Lots of Lilly, Tory Burch and William Sonama! }

{ Baxter .. patiently awaiting }

{ Griff received a much awaited new xbox live. His old one died a few weeks before Christmas }

{ my stockings were stuffed .. and then some! }

{Murphy .. patiently awaiting }

{ ha .. someone was not-so-good! }

And yes, I took many more photos of the dogs than my family .. they are much more cooperative ;)

Bear, Connor & Palmer of to the Magic game

{ sweet Lilly }

 

{ home sweet home }

More Christmas

Christmas eve dinner (after attending church) at a favorite restaurant, Enzos.

Dan and I have been dining here for over 30 years

{ all my boys cooperated with the photo taking, although they are poor quality }

Christmas Catch Up!

 
  Christmas baking and fun  ..

I was doing all the baking but a few boys were always around looking for a taste.

 

Gifts, wrapped and ready for giving.

 

 

 

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a very merry & blessed Christmas!

 

"I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; 
he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you:
You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Luke 2

Deck the Halls

I have finally finished with the decorating of my home. 

Took me almost 3 weeks - only because I would start one thing and never finish.

That little business of mine has kept be very busy this holiday seasoned, thus the slow process with decorating.

Pictures to follow soon!

 

My childhood santa cup that I broke last year and patched together. It survived so many years and many moves, etc. only for me to break it!

 

A beautiful orchid sent to me by my sweet friend, Diane.

This was a 'pay it forward' gift, and she actually sent me two of these!

Such a kindhearted, caring, and thoughtful gift.

Many, many thanks Diane!

 

Happy Birthday

{ DBC - 11.26.86 }

24 years ago my prayers were answered and I become a mother ...

Happy Birthday to my Bear!!

 

{ birthday dinner at Lumas - 11.26.10 }

Thanksgiving Day

A very nice day with my family. Although the dinner plan was beef tenderloin instead of turkey (my boys all love beef) .. Barret changed his mind and said he wanted to cook a turkey .. so cook a turkey, he did! He also made a squash soup that was so delicious (low fat and healthy too). Just love a man that can cook! 

Our menu ..

Squash soup and pigs in a blanket for appetizers (the little pigs are a must for every holiday - I have rolled thousands of them over the years!)

Turkey, stuffing, Ina Garten's Cheesy Smashed potatoes, Ruth Chris' Sweet Potato Casserole, roasted asparagus, rolls.

And the desserts .. pecan pie, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin roll

Dan the man doing the dishes .. an event that happens only on holidays!

He is not much for the kitchen ;)

Big Murph!

Connor had not seen him in his new Rebel jersey, so we dressed him out. 

Having a Hotty Toddy with the big boys ;)

 

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice.  ~Meister Eckhart

Thanksgiving Blessings To All!

 

“Let us thank God for his priceless gift!”

2 Corinthians 9.15

A Bit of Fall

The Boys ...

 
 
Gifts for my Goddaughter ...

Etsy Finds

HALLOWEEN!

The first 3 items I have ordered for my goddaughter :)

 I had a script monogram applied to this bucket ..

{ monogram market place }

 

{  tki designs }

 

{ homemade by susan }

 

I have bought these cute totes before for other holidays ...

 

{ twenty little toes }

 

{ polka dot baby bowtique }

 

I just happened to come across these too, ha .. nothing like promoting myself ;)

{ mcc designs }

 

Not Halloween ... but love these monogram scarfs. I ordered 2 for myself and one for a gift :)

{ monogram maker }

 

 

Oh, and completely off the topic, but do any of you play

words with friends?

If so, let me know your username. Love this game!

ETA: my usename: mclarecal

Play with me!

Fall Designs

It's that time .. I've already had many orders for Halloween and Thanksgiving tags (Christmas too, by those very organized customers!)

       

 
                                                                                              

 

 

   

 

mcc designs

And a fall recipe for you all ..

{custom, personalized recipe cards }

Happy 4th!

 

** Red, White & Blue Cheers! **

~ CHEERS ~

Red, White & Blue Cocktails 

Enjoy!

INDEPENDENCE DAY COCKTAIL RECIPES

RED FIZZ

Makes 2 servings 

Ingredients: 

1 cup passion fruit vodka 

1 cup cranberry juice 

Champagne 

Fresh cranberries 

Directions: 

Shake vodka and cranberry juice together with ice until chilled. Strain mixture into a champagne glass about 3/4 of the way full. Top with a splash of Champagne and a few berries. 

WHITE SANGRIA

Makes 1 pitcher 

Ingredients: 

Vodka 

Malibu 

Ginger Ale 

Raspberries 

Blueberries 

Mint 

Directions: 

Combine equal amounts vodka and Malibu in a large pitcher. Add in the fruit and let it soak in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. To serve, pour fruit mixture into chilled glasses and top with a splash of ginger ale. 

BLUE MARGARITA

Makes 1 serving 

Ingredients: 

1 ounce white tequila 

1 ounce Blue Curacao 

1 ounce fresh lime juice 

Salt for garnish 

Directions: 

Shake tequila with Blue Curacao and lime juice in a shaker with ice. Dip rim of margarita glass in water then in salt. Pour drink in salt-rimmed glass and serve. You can also serve this drink frozen by pureeing in a blender with ice. 

RED, WHITE AND BLUE SHOOTER

Makes 1 serving 

Ingredients: 

1/3 ounce grenadine 

1/3 ounce peach schnapps 

1/3 ounce Blue Curacao 

Directions: 

Pour the grenadine in a shot glass. Float the peach schnapps on top and then the Curacao on top of that -- it will create a layered effect. 

SPARKLING COCKTAIL TIPS

• Red, White, and Blue: To make all-American red, white, and blue cocktails you can use liquor that is colored such as blue curacao, Hpnotiq, strawberry schnapps, or a splash of red or rosé wine. Or you can use colored fruit juices like cranberry and pomegranate juice, or grenadine. For the white, you can float any clear liquor on top of a heavier juice. You can even use fresh fruit to represent the flag like adding cherries, blueberries, and bananas or “white” grapes to the cocktail.

• Make it Sparkle: To make a sparkling cocktail you can of course add Champagne, sparkling wine, or club soda for some fizz. If you want your cocktails to really sparkle then you can also add sparklers to your beverage. Just be careful!

• Firecracker Cocktails: For some fiery kick to your cocktails, add some jalapeno or serrano peppers to the mix. Even a splash of hot sauce will add a bit of fire and some red color. There are even pepper-flavored liquors available that will give your drink some spice.

*******

 

WAVING AMERICAN FLAG

Makes 1 cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce cranberry juice
• 2 ounces Hpnotiq
• 1 ounce watermelon vodka 
• Splash of club soda

Directions:

• Pour cranberry juice into the bottom of a martini glass
• Shake Hpnotiq with watermelon vodka and slowly pour over cranberry so it floats on top creating a layer
• Pour club soda over top of blue layer

RED RASPBERRY SPARKLER

Makes 1 cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce raspberry vodka
• 1 ounce elderflower liquor
• Splash of sparkling rosé wine

Directions:

1. Pour raspberry vodka and elderflower liquor into a champagne glass and top off with sparkling wine

SERRANO FIRECRACKER

Makes 1 cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1 lime, quartered
• 1/2 serrano chile, seeded
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 ounces tequila

Directions:

1. Muddle lime with chile and sugar until well combined
2. Add ice and tequila and shake well
3. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice
4. Garnish with a lime slice if desired

Recipes from She Knows 

It's National PINK Day ...

I very happy PINK day to you all!

 

A Father's Day Tribute!

It has been almost 7 years since my father passed away. Remembering him today on Father's day and always ...

me, my dad, and sister 

**********

Our Father's day yesterday was spent on the lacrosse fields.

We traveled up to Jacksonville for the last of our weekend tournaments ... at least the last for a few months and I will admit to be a bit happy for that. The Florida heat is just too much.

For the father of all sons and a lover of sports, a great way to spend 'his' day! 

 

 

Easter Gifts

For my sweet goddaughter. Lots of Hello Kitty, including a HK book light and musical jump rope, which I thought was super cute!

 

Easter Sunday

We had a lovely day, although we were missing Barret ... who graduates in just a few weeks!

I also miss all the Easter bunny traditions - dying eggs, egg hunt and little bunny paw prints on the floor Easter morning. My boys are all too grown up. The Easter bunny did bring them baskets though ;).

Sunday morning mass. Griff has been growing so fast, in a matter of weeks he is taller than me (unless I wear heels!), thus wearing shorts. His long pants are too short.

Brunch at the country club

       

He Has Risen!!

 

"The Good News is about His Son. In His earthly life He was born into King David's family line, and He was shown to be the Son of God when He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 1:3-4 NLT)

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." (John 11:25-26)

Wishing you all a very happy and blessed Easter Sunday!

Pink Saturday

Happy Pink Saturday

A few Easter finds for you all to enjoy (mostly pink). 

I love each and every one of these items!

RSH

 

 

  

Williams Sonoma 

 

 

 

Wisteria

Pottery Barn

Please visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for more of Pink Saturday   

        

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

{ princess cupcakes for my goddaughter }

 

{ non-princess cupcakes for Giff & DCal }

Me - A Winner!

I believe this is my very first time ever winning a blog giveaway (yay me!) ... and I have entered many over the past years. So happy to receive such wonderful Valentine's goodies from A at The Life of a Suburban Princess. Heart cookie cutters, hand towels, stamps, Love banner and more ...

 

Thank you Suburban Princess!

Pink Saturday

Happy Pink Saturday!

*warning: long, enabling post ahead*

A few pink (or not) Valentine's Day gifts that caught my eye ...

From Red Envelope ...

  
{ heart measuring spoons }

 

 

{ hand dipped strawberries }

 

 
{ tulips }

 

{ roses } 

 

 
{ heart measuring cups }

 

 
{ rose soap petals }

 

From Williams Sonoma ...

 

 

 
 
  

From Kate Spade ...

I love every one of these bracelets!

 

 

From Tory Burch ... 

From Room Service Home ... 

{ toile cover ups }  

 

{ silk sleep masks } 

 

 
{ poufs } 

 

{ heart of gold }

 

From Lilly Pulitzer ...

 

 

 

 

From Tiffany...

 

 

From Neiman Marcus...

{ tweezerman } 

 

{ slane & slane } 

 

{ roberto coin }

 

{ david yurman } 

 

{ baccarat puffed heart }

I actually have this pretty heart, a gift  

 

{ burberry } 

 

{ halcyon days } 

 

{ nambe }  

 

{ juicy couture } 

 

 

Please visit Beverly's blog for more of pink Saturday

 

 

 

   

Photo Project 52

4/52

Front door Valentine's Day wreath. After I took this photo, I realized the tulips were sagging down a bit, so I rewired them in place and it is looking much better :)

 

wreath info: I recently bought the wreath at a local home decorating store. It is very large and so 'real-fern-looking'. I bought it plain (and had it hung that way), until adding the pink tulips (purchased at Michaels) for Valentine's day. I plan on changing it out to different looks for different seasons ... although, I do like it just plain too.

 

***

 

Be sure to check out the giveaway at Bethany's blog! 

More Recipes

First, I do have to mention, since I know some of you are wondering if I actually eat any of these meals ... no, I do not. None at all with the exception of the homemade tomato sauce which I put on grilled chicken. I don't even get to eat the shell fish plain, since I am allergic to shell fish!

I still love to cook though, and had such a wonderful time cooking with my boys

*****

This is another recipe I have shared here on my blog in the past and it's a favorite of everyone who tries it. I am always giving out the recipe. Not even sure of the 'real' name.

 

Hot Cheesy Dip

8 oz. cream cheese softened

1/2 cup mayo

Beat together in mixer

Add:

5 oz. shredded swiss cheese (1 bag)

Place in baking dish. Sprinkle with Hormel bacon bits on top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Serve with FRITO'S! Other crackers and/or pita chips are fine too, but my boys like it best with the Frito Scoops.

**********************

This next recipe, Connor and I made together. He peeled all the shrimp too ;) and we added about 2 lbs of shrimp instead of the 1 lb that the recipe calls for. We also added a bit more red pepper flakes, since my guys like things spicy.

Linguine With Shrimp Scampi (Ina Garten)

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt plus 1 1/2 teaspoons
• 3/4 pound linguine
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 1/2 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic (4 cloves)
• 1 pound large shrimp (about 16 shrimp), peeled and deveined
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2 lemon, zest grated
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
• 1/4 lemon, thinly sliced in half-rounds
• 1/8 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes

Directions

Drizzle some oil in a large pot of boiling salted water, add 1 tablespoon of salt and the linguine, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or according to the directions on the package.

Meanwhile, in another large (12-inch), heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic. Saute for 1 minute. Be careful, the garlic burns easily! Add the shrimp, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and the pepper and saute until the shrimp have just turned pink, about 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from the heat, add the parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon slices, and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.

When the pasta is done, drain the cooked linguine and then put it back in the pot. Immediately add the shrimp and sauce, toss well, and serve

***********************

I have made this recipe many times and it's a winner. The sauce is very light, fresh and delish! I even like it by itself or I put it on a grilled chicken breast.  Griff doesn't like tomatoes or red sauce, so I just make his without - just the chicken and cheese. Barret made garlic bread to go with this meal, but it was his own 'concoction' with lots of garlic and butter and I am not sure what else. It took him longer than it took me to make the entire dish!

 

************************

 

Chicken Parmesan (Southern Living)

Yield: Makes 2 servings (I double it or triple it)

Ingredients

• 1  cup  Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2  tablespoons  all-purpose flour
• 1/2  teaspoon  ground red pepper
• 2  skinned and boned chicken breasts
• 2  egg whites, lightly beaten
• 1  tablespoon  olive oil
• Tomato Sauce **
• 1  cup  shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4  cup  freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Combine breadcrumbs, flour, and ground red pepper in a small bowl, and set aside.

Place chicken between two sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap, and flatten to 1/4-inch thickness, using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

Dip 1 chicken breast in egg whites, and coat with breadcrumb mixture. Dip again in egg mixture, and coat again in breadcrumb mixture.

Repeat procedure with remaining chicken breast.

Cook chicken in hot oil over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until done.

Place chicken breasts in a single layer in a lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish. Top evenly with Tomato Sauce and cheeses.

Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until cheeses melt.

**Tomato Sauce

Yield: Makes 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 1/2  small onion, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  tablespoon  olive oil
• 1  (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
• 1/4  cup  red wine
• 1/2  teaspoon  ground red pepper
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 1/4  cup  chopped fresh basil

Preparation

Sauté onion and garlic in hot oil over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes or until tender. Add tomatoes, wine, and red pepper; simmer 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Add salt and basil.

*********************

Penne alla Vodka with Scallops (Park Avenue Potluck Celebrations)

I received this book for Christmas and it is so beautiful. The tablescapes, home decor and recipes - all fabulous. I can't wait to try more recipes.

** I also wanted to mention that the proceeds from this book supports Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital and their Fight for Cancer **

Herend's Queen Victoria china

I absolutely love Herend china and have a few pieces, as well as a collection of Herend animals my boys have bought me over the years. Oh, how I yearn for a full set of this china.

 

Barret and I made this together and again, we doubled the amount of scallops to 24 (big boys, big eaters). We also added just a little extra of the oil, butter and chili flakes since we had more scallops to saute (and again, they like things spicy). They all LOVED this dish and I will definitely make it again.

 

Makes 4 to 6 main-course servings, 8 as a first course

12 sea scallops
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
2 leeks, cleaned, trimmed, and finely chopped
2 shallots, minced
2 tablespoons dry vermouth
1 cup vodka
½ teaspoon crushed red chile flakes, or to taste
1 cup fresh or canned tomato puree
½ cup crème fraîche or heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
1 pound penne
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley leaves

Trim the small ridge of tendon from the side of each scallop. Pat dry the scallops with paper towels. Place a large sauté pan over high heat, add the oil, and sear the scallops a few minutes, turning them once, until they are lightly browned. Remove the scallops to a dish. Lower the heat and add the butter. When it has melted, add the leeks and shallots and cook until the vegetables start to soften. Add the vermouth and continue cooking until the vegetables are very tender but not browned.

Pour in the vodka, add the chile flakes, and simmer until slightly reduced. Add the tomato puree and crème fraîche and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is well blended and pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add more chile flakes if desired. Set aside until just before serving. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the penne. Quarter the scallops and add them to the warm sauce in the sauté pan. Add the penne to the boiling water and cook for about 8 minutes, until al dente. Drain well. Fold the penne into the sauce and gently reheat the contents of the pan, stirring, until the ingredients are well combined. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Divide among individual plates, top with the parsley, and serve.

 

ENJOY!!