On My Mind Today

Several years ago, I was introduced to Chicken Caesar Pizza from a local pizzeria. I was skeptical at first, as I was never a big fan of chicken on pizza. The first bite of this delicious pizza won me over. I knew that I could make this at home, but he didn't think so. I put together my first Chicken Caesar Pizza, and he was the one that was won over. Although I still love traditional pizza, this has become a favorite of ours, and any of our guests who have given it a try. Buon appetite!! Chicken Caesar Pizza 1 pizza dough  1 - 8 ounce package cooked roasted chicken 1/4 to 1/3 cup Caesar dressing ( I use lite) 1-2 plum tomatoes 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup feta cheese 1. Marinade chicken in the Caesar dressing for at least one hour or overnight for best flavor. 2. Preheat oven to 475 degrees F. Grease pizza pan. 3. Prepare pizza crust and spread on baking pan. 4. Spread chicken over the crust. Top with plum tomatoes, shredded mozzarella,

With all the negative stories and images being spread through the news and social media, it's difficult at times to see beyond it. A sense of hopelessness can take over if we don't seek out all the positive and uplifting stories taking place every day. Instead of being caught up in the negative rhetoric, we need to say no and shut it off. It can only spread if we participate; even if it's only by watching. A change in attitude can start with one single act of kindness. Most of us are not unwilling to do for others, but sometimes feel we don't have the time or financial resources to do so. In reality, it doesn't necessarily have to take a lot of either to do a good deed. If you have time to volunteer, or the financial resources to donate, then share those with others. However, if you are overwhelmed with a busy schedule, and don't have the money to give, there are many other things you can do. Smile and say hello to a stranger, and wish them a good day. Ho

As I observe people today, both adults and children, I am astonished at their brazenness when they speak to someone else. It's as if there is no filter or inner voice advising them when something might be inappropriate. I also wonder when it became acceptable to say whatever you are thinking? It seems that everyone has decided that their opinion or belief needs to be shared. Even children feel entitled to speak to their parents, or even other adults, and give opinions on what should or should not take place in the home, school or other public places. As if their short time on earth has endowed them with some wisdom greater than the adults in their lives. We all have opinions, and should be able to share them when it's appropriate to do so. I'm not advocating for a society where you can't say anything. I'm also not talking about being "politically correct" in all that is said. What is important, is to think before you speak, and to talk to others with r

A Dutch baby is a giant, puffy pancake, sometimes called a Dutch puff or German pancake, that deflates within seconds of leaving the oven. It's usually topped with something sweet and served at breakfast. This version from Food Network changes things up with a savory combo of sausage and mushrooms. A perfect addition to your Sunday brunch, or add a salad to serve for dinner. It was a big hit in our house, and I will try other combinations with the sausage such as peppers or other vegetables in the future.    Sausage and Mushroom Dutch Baby 3 large eggs 1/2 cup whole milk 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/2 pound ground breakfast sausage 1/2 pound white button mushrooms, stems removed and caps cut into 1/2 inch pieces 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped shallots 1 cup Swiss or Gruyere cheese 1. Position an oven rack in the center of the oven, and preheat to 425 degr

No matter how you look at it, much of how our lives turn out depends on the choices we make along the way. Now I do believe in fate to some degree, as there are people and things that come into our lives that cannot be explained any other way. I also believe that we are set on a path from the day we are born; however, along that path there are choices put in front of us and we are given free will to select one. The choices we make either keep us on the direct path, or veer us off into another direction where we need to maneuver the rough waters to get back on our designated path in life. The choice may have been put there for us to learn a lesson we previously ignored, to experience something we need to understand, or because there is someone who has crossed out path that we need to help. Of course, it could just be put in front of us to see whether we can stay focused on the direction we need to go in, or if we are weak enough to stray. I have found over the years that the best

As I look at the sunrise over the lake on this late summer day in September, my emotions run from feeling blessed to see such beauty, to sadness for the nearing end of summer. Although it brings my favorite season in New England, I'm not quite ready to let go of the warm summer days. The loons that I hold so dear are less frequently serenading me with their haunting call, and I know that it won't be long before their silence will leave an empty space in my heart. They too know that their days on the lake are coming to an end. It has been a fun filled summer spending time with family and friends. Of course the special days with our grandchildren are the best. There is nothing that can refresh your soul like the laughter and innocence of children. They see the fun and joy in everyday life that we tend to forget as adults. It would do us all good to have their exuberance for life upon wakening each morning. The boat that seems to have just entered the water will soon be coming

Root Beer soda, root beer floats, root beer barrel candies. If you, your family or friends love root beer, then this quick and easy cake will be a big hit. From Kat Thompson in Oregon, this light and fluffy cake has root beer in the cake and the frosting, so it has a great root beer float taste. A great treat for your end of summer gatherings. Root Beer Float Cake 1 package white cake mix (regular size) 1-3/4 cups cold root beer, divided 1/4 cup canola oil 2 large eggs 1 envelope whipped topping mix (Dream Whip) In a large bowl, combine cake mix, 1-1/4 cups root beer, oil and eggs. Beat on low speed for 2 minutes or stir by hand for 3 minutes. Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack. In a small bowl, combine the whipped topping mix and remaining 1/2 cup of root beer. Beat until soft peaks form. Frost cake. Store in the refrigerator. Yie

In the chaos of a very busy summer, it seems that things get a bit scattered and out of place. Never enough time to keep the usual organization in the home. With this disarray all around us our thoughts become clouded and difficult to keep in focus. As we near the end of summer, I find that I am in great need of gathering up the whirlwind of thoughts spinning around in my brain, and bringing focus back into my life. One of the best things for me to achieve this is to start cleaning out the forgotten spaces in our home. So many neglected areas that it comes down to choosing one to start with. Yesterday I decided that I needed to make that choice and pick one project to complete. If I could do that, then I knew clearer thoughts would follow. I openly admit that my walk-in closet does become a space that collects far too many things in a years time, and was one of the biggest projects that needed to be tackled other than the kitchen cabinets; but that is easily a two day project that