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What's for Dinner Tonight? - Pork Tenderloin Stuffed with Spinach, Pine Nuts and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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Not only is this pork tenderloin delicious, but also a heart healthy choice for dinner. From the American Heart association, this elegant main dish will impress your guests when the pork is sliced open to reveal its beautiful, bright filling. It may look complicated, but it’s simple to prepare. Sweet sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and crunchy pine nuts provide a wonderful contrast to rosemary-scented pork. Pork Tenderloin Stuffed with Spinach, Pine Nuts and Sun-Dried Tomatoes 1/2 cup dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes Cooking spray 1 pound pork tenderloin, all visible fat discarded, butterflied and flattened to 1-inch thickness 2 tablespoons pine nuts, dry-roasted 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, divided use 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, divided use 4 cups loosely packed baby spinach Bring 1 cup water to a boil. Put the tomatoes in a small bowl. Pour in the boiling water. Let stand for 10 minutes, or until softened....
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Mothers

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There are an endless number of words that can be used to describe mothers, loving, nurturing, caring, healer, protector, cheerleader, warrior, comforting, understanding, compassionate, selfless, accepting, resilient, strong, courageous, generous, patient, beautiful and wise. We all have our own words to describe our mothers, and what comes to mind depends on where we are in our lives. Each stage of life brings a different role with its own meaning. Being a mother is a huge responsibility. From the day we hold our children for the very first time we become acutely aware of two things; just how much we can possibly love another human being, and the enormity of the responsibility ahead of us. Our children are a miracle we give to the world; there is no other word to describe giving birth. We love and nurture them as they grow and try to not only see our hopes and dreams for them fulfilled but also hope they achieve their dreams. Mothers are not perfect. We are human after all, and we will...
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April Showers

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Today is a typical April day in New England; gray, rainy and cool. It's the kind of day that would make it easy to stay in bed covered by not only warm blankets, but also gloomy thoughts. There are those who may look forward to giving in to the rainy, dreary day as if it's a chance to escape from the world for a while. Many of us, however, prefer to look at these April showers in a more positive light. Instead of letting them surround us with a melancholy mood we choose to see what they will soon bring. The trees that have been barren all winter are sprouting buds that will suddenly burst into green leaves. The transformation always seems to happen overnight as we sleep, and the sight is as refreshing as a breeze gently blowing across our face. Birds that have returned to nest for the season reap the benefits of April showers. They provide puddles for drinking and a quick bath and will bring worms and bugs closer to the ground's surface for the birds to feast upon. Watching...
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Let's Have Brunch - Caprese Quiche

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Tomatoes, basil and mozzarella are a great combination in any recipe. From Weelicious, this quiche is rich, delicious and easy to make. You can make it in advance and warm it before serving. Sure to be a hit with your family or brunch guests. It received a big thumbs up from my Italian man! Caprese Quiche 6 large eggs 3/4 cup whole milk 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup packed basil, thinly sliced (I used 1/2 cup and it was plenty) 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 unbaked pie crust (you can make your own or use a refrigerated pie crust) 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Place the dough into a pie or tart pan and mold into the shape of the dish. Place the crust in the freezer for 10 minutes to chill. 3. Line the crust with parchment paper and pie weights or dried beans and bake for 15 minutes. 4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and mozzarella cheese. Gently fold in the basil and cherry tomatoes. 5. Pour the filling into the partially baked pie crust a...
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Don't Judge What You Don't Understand - A Timely Reminder

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 The good ole' boy network, boys will be boys, or whatever terminology they want to use, it's apparent that once again women are being disparaged and dismissed. Mocked by men in power as ones who should not be believed, and even worse, in the same breath excusing or defending the men who have been the abusers. For every step that has been taken forward, in the end so much remains the same. I wonder at times what it's going to take for this behavior to be unacceptable; not only to men, but also the women who have not believed what their sisters have gone through.  W hen men came out after many years to say they were abused by priests nobody questioned whether it happened, or why they didn't say something years ago. So why is disbelief the first reaction people have when a woman comes out to say she was sexually assaulted in the past? Their abuse was just as traumatic, and as difficult to talk about; plus, the fear of what they would endure if they reported the assault at...
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A Kind Word and A Smile

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There are those days in all our lives where nothing seems to be right. No one thing to point to, no one to blame, just feelings that settle too deep. We can tell ourselves to let it all go, that our life is really not bad. As hard as we try, we can't shake it off like a cold chill that refuses to leave. When these feelings linger and refuse to leave, we may hear a whisper in our ear. Call it fate, or a guardian angel, in a stranger who suddenly appears. A kind word or compliment not expected will catch us by surprise. We turn to see the smiling face of a stranger sent to lift our soul. This small act of kindness, no matter how brief, will impact the rest of our day. A simple reminder to be aware of so much we have to be thankful for. As we go about our day, we must remember to spread kindness whenever we can. Some days we will be the guardian angel, and others the one who needs a hand. A few kind words, a compliment, and a smile can have impact far more than we know.
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Coffee and Dessert - Hello Dolly Cookie Bars

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 From  ManilaSpoon.com , these cookie bars are very easy to make; from start to finish you can have them in and out of the oven in just 40 minutes. The seven layers of rich sweetness are decadent and delicious, and a real treat for your taste buds! The simplicity of this recipe makes it a good one to make with your children. Hello Dolly Cookie Bars 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1 cup unsweetened flaked coconut 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts) 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cut butterscotch chips 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Melt the butter in a 13 x 9 pan in the oven. Remove once the butter is melted ensuring that the entire bottom of the pan and an inch up the sides are coated. 2. Press graham crackers to form a crust. Make sure the crust is spread flatly and evenly. Sprinkle the coconut flakes all over the crust, then layer with the chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and then butterscotch chip...
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