On My Mind Today

If you are looking for something new and delicious for the upcoming Easter holiday, these are sure to be a big hit with family and friends. Recently I heard someone talking about asparagus, prosciutto and blue cheese wrapped in puff pastry, so I went looking for a recipe, and found a similar recipe from Kylie Lato and made a couple of adjustments. They turned out great and were a big hit with our dinner guests.   Asparagus, Prosciutto and Bleu Cheese Wrapped in Puff Pastry 2 sheets puff pastry dough, thawed 18 thin slices prosciutto 36 spears asparagus, woody ends removed, halved widthwise Crumbled Bleu Cheese 1 egg, beaten 1 tablespoon olive oil salt fresh ground black pepper   Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 1. Unfold puff pastry and cut along seams, creating 6 long rectangles out of the two sheets. 2. Roll each long rectangle a bit thinner (about 3.25" wide by 13.5" long). 3. Cut each rectangle into 3 equal size rectangles. This will give you 18 equal size puff pastry r...

Spring snow.... we don't want any, but we always have at least a few days with flurries or an occasional storm after the first day of spring arrives. It's usually wet snow that melts rather quickly. When I was growing up, my father would call it "poor man's manure"; something to put nutrients in the soil for the upcoming growing season. Although the past week has not been very warm, we were given a sunny day before the rain comes back this weekend. I decided to take advantage of the sunshine after feeling cooped up and gathered some tools to clean up a few things in the garden and flower bed. This is phase one - work that gives me a glimmer of hope and visions of what's to come. There have not been many changes in my flower bed for several years, so last fall I cleared out much of what had been there for too long. It felt good to remove tired old plants and get things ready to lay down new soil this spring. The daylilies have sprouted and are reaching for the ...

Open water on the lake appeared like magic, with the ice disappearing while we slept. The first sign of spring to greet us, as we wait for brighter and warmer things. April showers have arrived at our door, but the cold of March is still lingering. Our mind is searching for the warmth of spring, as our bodies are still chilled to the bone. Geese and ducks have returned to the lake, enduring the cold water as they float. Once again, we can hear optimistic birds sing, in spite of the gray dismal skies above. With the ground free of snow our minds wander, aching to put our hands in the earth. As hard as it is to wait for gardening time, we will dream of the things we will plant. Each day new signs seem to appear, hinting that warm spring days are near. The daylilies are pushing through the earth, and buds are filling all of the trees. Mother Nature, she is a fickle one, giving us teasers here and there. Will today be another wet and cold one, or will we get a taste of what is to come....

Several years ago, I was looking for a recipe for Ricotta Pie and found this one online. I was surprised that Ponzio's was willing to share their recipe, but apparently, they were once featured on Food Network and had an enormous demand for the recipe. I am grateful that they were willing to share as this is the best Ricotta Pie I have ever had. The blend of orange and lemon zest gives it an amazing flavor. This pie is the perfect ending to your Easter dinner. Thank you, Ponzio's for sharing. Ponzio's Famous Ricotta Pie The filling is enough for two pies. 2 - nine-inch pie crusts (homemade or pre-made) 2-1/2 pounds Ricotta Cheese 1-3/4 cups heavy cream 3/4 cup powdered sugar 5 whole eggs 2 egg yolks Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon 1/8 teaspoon vanilla Preheat oven to 320 degrees F. 1. In a large bowl, add Ricotta and powdered sugar. Mix at low speed. 2. Add eggs, egg yolks, heavy cream and vanilla. Continue mixing on low speed until texture is smooth. Add zest and place fillin...

Are you living your own life or are you watching someone else live theirs? It's no wonder people tend to feel depressed more often today. If they are watching television or constantly scanning social media, and comparing their life to what is being presented, then it can quickly bring them down. The first thing they need to realize is what people put out there more than likely is not reality. Nobody has a life that is picture perfect, but they want others to believe they do. It may make them feel better or more important, however in the process they are contributing to making others feel like their life is less than it should be. If you are asking yourself questions like: Why can't I look that beautiful? Why aren't my children that talented and well-behaved? Why don't I have such a great home, job or relationship? You need to stop! Stop comparing your life to the unrealistic images you are seeing. Although they say perception is reality, the reality is far from what the...

Our journey in life takes many paths and we never know where we may end up along the way. What we envision is not always what happens as we know all too well. There are many times of great joy and exhilaration that we encounter. Our first day of school, our first kiss, learning to drive, going to college, getting married, the birth of a child and so many other firsts that if we lined them all up, they would show what a good life we have had. The times of our life that we are forever grateful for and wouldn't trade for anything. There are also times of sadness and pain that we would like to forget or wish may not have happened at all. The small things like falling off our bike, the bully at school, and our first broken heart. Or something much larger that we think we will never recover from, like the loss of a loved one. Life goes along quite smoothly most of the time, but just when we think our life is on track and figured out, we are thrown a cur...

From Taste of Home contributor, Julianne Meyers from Huntsville, Georgia, this recipe is a quick and easy dinner that you can make in one skillet. With ten ingredients and 30 minutes, you can have a delicious dinner for your family. Although this is meat free, you can add cooked ground sweet Italian sausage or chicken sausage for the meat lovers. Gnocchi with White Beans 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 package (16 oz.) potato gnocchi 1 can (15 oz.) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 1 can (14-1.2 oz.) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained 1 package (6 oz.) fresh baby spinach (I added 10 oz.) 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add garlic; cook one minute longer. Add gnocchi; cook and stir 5-6 minutes or until golden brown. Stir in beans, tomatoes, spinach and pepper (also ground meat if adding...

People everywhere feel the tension, worrying and holding their breath. We raise our voices and speak our truth, but is there anyone listening to us? They do not adhere to their country's laws, as they cut jobs and brutalize those in the way. As long as they line their pockets with money, they will never truly listen to what we say. Our friends and allies are used and abused, with our leaders bullying and leaving them adrift. We cry out and say do not alienate them and isolate us, why will they not wake up and listen to us? We have always been a great and generous nation, willing to help other countries in need. No more they say, we want it all for the rich, too selfish to listen to anyone's plea. Our democracy is now in great jeopardy, they refuse to follow our constitutional laws. And those that were voted into the House, will not listen to what their constituents say. We will continue to rise up in anger, to the horrific things they say and do. Show our resistance to these un...

In light of recent events, I feel this needs to be repeated. As an American, I need to say that what transpired between the U.S. and Ukraine in the white House, was an embarrassment to millions of U.S. citizens. This is not who we are, and the Ukrainian President should have been treated with dignity and respect, not ambushed and ridiculed. What price will we all pay for this lack of true leadership? "Leadership - the process by which a person influences others to accomplish an objective." "True Leader - one who wants to give people pride and to make people stand on their own as leaders in their own right. Instead of trying to blind us with their brilliance, a true leader reflects our own light back to us." True leadership can be difficult to find, as it has been overshadowed by the bad leadership that is pervasive in the world today. We all can spot bad leadership because it is driven by ego, power and money, and it uses lies, bullying and oppression to divide and ...

From SouthernPlate.com , this oven baked omelet can be put together in about 15 minutes, and ready for the table in less than an hour. You can make it your own by adding the veggies, meat and cheese that you and your family love. For a larger group, make a couple of different variations to please your guests. For an added kick, top with a dash of hot sauce. Easy Omelet Baked in the Oven 8 eggs 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup milk 1 cup cooked crumbles turkey sausage (I used ground sweet Italian sausage) 1 cup diced onion and bell pepper blend In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Then add the milk and all other ingredients. Beat until well combined and then pour into a greased 8x8 baking dish. Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 40 minutes, or until it no longer wiggles in the middle when you shake it a bit. Note: When serving - top with a bit of shredded cheese or a dash of hot sauce.

Overall, we have had an extremely mild winter here in the Northeast. Almost nonexistent snowfall and very few bitter cold days. Winters were much colder and had more significant snowfall when I was growing up. Although it has been mild, it is still winter. Shorter daylight hours and no leaves on the trees. Lacking in light and color, which in turn leads to a lack of energy. Now that we have entered March there is anticipation and hope of what is arriving soon. The daylight hours have begun to stretch later into the day, and Daylight Savings time arrived today. Having the extra hours of sunlight seems to invigorate the body and soul. Each year, like a miracle, the sun shines longer, brighter and higher in the sky. As if the days are being touched by the angels. With the extended light and warmth comes a renewed sense of energy that makes me anxious to become reacquainted with the earth. My flower bed is still buried under snow but will soon start to show signs of what's to come. I y...

When end of winter seems to hang on, and the cold winds chill to the bone. Close your eyes to block it out, fly away to sunny warm days. When world events seem to crush your soul, making life seem a heavy weight. Disconnect from the negative forces, fly away to a world filled with peace. Each day as you go through the motions, of caring for everyone you love. When it all becomes too much for you, fly away to tranquil solitude. At times when there is little connection, to friends who live far away. Take time to call and reconnect, fly away to the shared memories. When your children now have children, and busy lives get in the way. When time spent together is more elusive, fly away to earlier days of family fun. When the game of life rushes by, and the last quarter comes into view. Cherish each milestone and memory, fly away to embrace each day of your life.

From Jamielyn Nye at https://www.iheartnaptime.net , this recipe for homemade crunch bars could not be any easier. Made with only 3 ingredients, they can be ready within 30 minutes. With the crispy chocolate and peanut butter taste that you love, they are sure to be a big hit with you family. Homemade Crunch Bars 1-1/2 cups chocolate chips 1/3 cup peanut butter 1 cup Rice Krispies flaked sea salt, optional Line an 8x8 square baking dish with parchment paper. Place 1-1/2 cups chocolate chips and 1/3 cup peanut butter in a medium sized microwave-safe bowl. Melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. When the chocolate is smooth and melted, add 1 cup Rice Krispies and stir well. Spread into prepared baking dish, dust with flaked sea salt if desired. Freeze for 15-20 minutes. Cut into 8 bars. Place in a freezer safe container and store in the freezer until ready to serve.

Watching the news today often brings much disappointment and despair as I see events taking place in this country, and around the world. So much hatred, or mean spiritedness, seems to have taken over our society. People somehow feel they have the right to say whatever they are thinking without taking time to think through how it sounds. The words go directly from their head to their mouth without stopping at a filter. All of this sets us up for a world where nobody cares about their friends, neighbors or the strangers they encounter each day. Perhaps this is exactly what our world leaders are hoping for. If people are not paying attention to what they are doing, then it will enable them to do exactly as they please without thinking of the consequences for their citizens. There are times that I'm glad I won't be around in 30 years, when what seems inevitable happens from events being put into motion now. At times the fear and sadness in my heart, for my children and grandchildre...

With the sun shining higher and brighter in the sky, and the days getting longer, there is a hint of spring in the air. Although the temperatures have not become warm enough to open windows here in New England, I can see it on the horizon. In two weeks, we will turn the clocks ahead and the first day of spring will quickly follow. Even if a couple of snowstorms come in after that they will rapidly disappear. As spring approaches my desire to start cleaning takes over. I have been told by my daughters that my obsessive inclination to clean has been imparted on them. They are not thrilled to have taken on this trait. My youngest daughter was visiting recently, and she found a bottle in the closet with dust on it. She took a picture and sent it to her sister as she couldn't believe it was possible in my house. I let her know that I have relaxed quite a bit with age. Anyway, I still have the desire to clean every closet, curtain and wall, I just don't have the same drive. As time a...

I may not call as often as I used to, and my messages are not as frequent. Don't fret and wonder as to why, as I have not forgotten you. Life is not what I imagined as I entered this stage of life. The dreams of carefree days filled with fun are not as common as I had hoped. Sometimes it is hard to explain the things that are faced each day. Although they may be small at this time, the worry is not felt less. Many days seem to be long, and it is enough just keeping up. When the evening arises with time to relax, silence seems to be a best friend. I do think of you often, and treasure memories of time spent together. However, no matter how good my intentions, there are times that sleepy eyes stop a call. Know in your heart that I think of you, and cherish our time and conversations. One day when you least expect it your phone will ring, as I have not forgotten you. 

From Claudia Lamascolo, this stuffed meatloaf called Polpettone is the gourmet version Italian style meatloaf. This version comes from the region of Bari, Italy, and is her mother's recipe which is stuffed with hard boiled eggs. I used a mix of ground beef and ground sweet Italian sausage, prosciutto in place of the Capicola, and did not use the spinach. I asked the Italian in my house if it was as good as his mother's, and he said it was actually better. Couldn't ask for a better compliment than that!! Polpettone Italian Stuffed Meatloaf 4 or 5 hard boiled eggs, or enough to place across the size of your meat mixture spread out 1 - 10 ounce bag of fresh or frozen spinach sauteed in olive oil or boiled escarole drained and seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh garlic (1 minced clove) grated Romano cheese 6-7 slices of Hot or Sweet Capicola (or use prosciutto, soppressata) Slices of mozzarella or provolone 1-1/2 to 2 pounds ground beef 4 slices of day-old bread, crust cut of...

I never believed in my lifetime I would ever see the world we live in shrouded in so much chaos and hatred. Being part of the peace and love generation, I have always tried to live my life emulating these things, and taught my children love, peace, and acceptance of all people. We are all human and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. It boggles the mind to see so many trying to tear down society. Spewing hate filled rhetoric with the goal of brainwashing others into believing their lies. Outright attempts to dismiss anyone that is different and trying to make everyone see them as outcasts or second-class citizens. Our families are a melting pot of diverse people with different social and cultural characteristics. We speak many different languages, and do not always share the same religion, beliefs, values, or behaviors. These differences are what makes our world such an interesting place to live. Instead of spreading lies about those who are not like us or trying to paint c...

When I was a child there was a radio and television program called  Queen For A Day . It originated on the Mutual Radio Network in New York City on April 30, 1945, then moved to Los Angeles and ran until 1957. The four contestants told their stories of hardship, and the winner would be determined by the amount of applause they received from the audience. The applause was measured by a meter showing the levels that were reached for each contestant. The winner was then draped in a sable-trimmed robe with a jeweled crown placed on their head and were given a dozen long-stemmed roses as they sat on a velvet throne. She usually wept as they announced the list of prizes she had won. I'm sure this sounds very corny, but remember it was the 50's and at the time it provided a distraction and a dream to housewives everywhere. As I have been working to exhaustion over the past week or two shoveling snow every other day, this program came to mind. I thought to myself that being Queen would...

This recipe comes from https://skinnyms.com . These muffins are light, delicious and a perfect to go option for busy mornings. You will have to plan ahead as the oats and milk need to sit overnight in the refrigerator. They can be made as is in the recipe below, or you can adjust to suit your needs. I used regular milk and grapeseed oil for mine and they came out great. Filled with a perfect blend of cinnamon, blueberries and lemon, they are sure to be a family favorite. Flourless Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins Makes 12 Muffins 2-1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1-1/2 cups almond milk 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (or coconut sugar) 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1 cup fresh blueberries Combine oats and milk in a large mixing bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 375 ℉. Spray a muffin tin with non-stick spray or line with ...

Integrity: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. Not enough value is placed on integrity today. Those in a position of influence, who should be displaying this characteristic are choosing to behave in a manner that is amoral or unethical. It seems that each decade it has progressively gotten worse as nobody seems to be holding them accountable for their actions. When did we decide as a society that integrity doesn't matter? Somewhere along the way deceit, corruption, disgrace, and dishonor have become the norm for many. They have no problem bullying, chastising and mocking others in public, on television and also social media; calling it their "truth". The sad thing in all of this is that we have either become immune to, or beaten down, by this behavior. Our children deserve to have better role models, and we should demand it from those in a position to influence them. People of integrity do exist in our communities and we see ...

Perhaps it is seeing my children grown up, or watching the years pass quickly with my grandchildren, or maybe even turning 70, but I have been thinking a lot about my younger days lately. When I was a teenager and in my early 20's, and I believed that I would be young forever. We all do have that false sense of never getting older during those years. I'm not sure how men look at the passing of time, but I know what this one woman sees and feels. Remembering those times as a teenager, still feeling the excitement and joy of times with good friends. All the things we did and places we went that were new. Most of the time things turned out well, sometimes not so much, but it was certainly exhilarating, and I would not change a thing. The excitement of youth as they say. Over the years I have made some very good friends - some I have known almost my entire life. I find that since we tend to live far apart, and have full, busy lives with family or...

Recently I was in search of something to satisfy my sweet tooth and came across a recipe from years ago. I'm not even sure where it came from, but this is one that I used often when my kids were growing up. They are very easy to make and have always been a family favorite. It calls for chocolate chips, but I have mixed in peanut butter chips. I'm sure M&M's, mint chips and Reese's pieces would work great too! Blonde Brownies 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup butter 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar 2 eggs, slightly beaten 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup chocolate chips 1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional) 1. Mix flour, soda, baking powder and salt. 2. Melt butter in saucepan; add sugar. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing well. 3. Spread in a 13 x 9-inch pan. Sprinkle with chips and nuts. Bake at 350 degrees (325 for glass pan) for 30 minutes (until golden brown). Cool in pan. Cut in...

What if we were to look down on earth, from high above the clouds. When we gazed down on the suffering, would our hearts break from what we saw. Brutal wars scattered here and there, lives lost to the evil savagery of men. They tell lies to justify their deeds, but we know they have power hungry hearts. Jealousy fueling racism and hatred, pointing fingers at friend and foe. Claiming that what is wrong in our lives, is the fault of anyone but ourselves. We have used and abused our resources, wiping out all of the natural safeguards. When bigger catastrophic disasters arise, we struggle to bring them under control. Ultra wealthy making more and more, never thinking of anyone else. While so many in the world are suffering, they laugh and say it's all mine. Corporations making record profits, all the while cutting jobs without a care. Their gluttony and greed are disgusting, without any regard for their fellow man. In every country and corner of the earth, homelessness is growing every...

Winter does have its beauty, however, along with that come some very cold temperatures. On a bright sunny day, they seem tolerable as long as the north winds are not blowing. When the north winds hit us at 30 miles per hour or more, it is a brutal assault to our bodies.  As I sit in this nice warm house, filled with all the comforts of home, I realize how blessed I am. I will always be warm, have a good meal to eat, clothes on my back, and some luxuries to make my life easier. Even though I have to go out into the cold, I have a soft place to land. While I count my blessings, I am very aware that there are many people who do not have these comforts. So many who are homeless and out in the cold. If they are lucky, they may find a warm bed and a meal at a shelter; otherwise, they are left to suffer through the bitter cold. Struggling to find a spot sheltered from the bitter wind, or maybe even somewhere near a vent blowing heat to the outside. Anything to try and keep themselves from...

Life, and dinner, would be dull if we didn't try new things. This easy slow cooker recipe is delicious and has been added to my go to recipes for when mealtime gets a bit boring. For a little kick hot sauce can be added when served. Enjoy! Cuban Style Braised Steak and Peppers   1/2 cup dry white wine 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano salt and pepper 1 - 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes 1 medium onion, sliced 2 red peppers, sliced crosswise 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 Tablespoon capers, roughly chopped 1 pound flank steak, cut crosswise into 3-inch pieces (flank steak can be expensive - I used sirloin tips instead) 1 cup long grain white rice 1/4 cup pimento-stuffed olives, quartered, plus 1 Tablespoon olive brine Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving.   1. In a 5–6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the wine, cumin, oregano and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. 2. Stir in the tomatoes (and their juices), onion, peppers, garlic and capers. Nestle the steak amon...

I love the holiday season! The lights, music, and gatherings with family and friends make it a very warm and magical time of year. So many wonderful memories made to carry forward once the festivities come to an end. After taking some time to unwind and breathe, we look around and realize that it is time to undo all the Christmas magic we created so many weeks ago. Keepsakes to carefully wrap and store, trees that need to have decorations removed, candles to be taken from the windows, and cards to reread before parting with the warm sentiments they brought. So many mixed emotions come with this task. Slowly we begin to undo what it took so long to create. With each task, our home which seemed so warm and cozy for weeks, starts to transform. The tree that once filled the front window is put back into storage leaving a big empty void. The decorations once again go into hiding, staying safe and snug until the time arrives for them to shine once more.  We dust, vacuum, and clean throug...

In loving memory to our beloved Mr. Murphy who recently passed. Murphy is our Exotic Short Hair Persian Cat. If you have not had the pleasure of spending time with this breed, then you don't know what you are missing. They have a unique look and personality which grows on you quickly. When people meet him their first comment is always about his flat face. Where most cats have a longer nose the Persians is flat to their face. Once we got used to Murphy's unique look, all other cats appeared strange to us. Mr. Murphy - as many of our family and friends refer to him - has many funny habits that started when he was a kitten. The first was his insistence on drinking from the faucet. Not sure why he decided that is what he needed to do, but it is a habit we could never break. And when he is thirsty, he will sit at the sink and meow until you get up and turn on the faucet. When he is feeling especially indignant, he will walk away once you turn the water on, just ...

A one dish breakfast casserole is always great for brunch, or for an easy family breakfast on the weekends. This Sheepherder's Breakfast casserole is simple to make and serves ten so it's great for a large crowd, or even for camping. A flavorful blend of bacon, eggs, potato, onion and cheese - what's not to like? Sheepherder's Breakfast 3/4-pound bacon strips, finely chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 1 package (30 ounces) frozen shredded has brown potatoes, thawed 8 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese 1. In a large skillet, cook bacon and onion over medium heat until bacon is crisp. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup drippings in pan. 2. Stir in hash browns. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat 10 minutes or until bottom is golden brown; turn potatoes. With the back of a spoon, make eight evenly spaced wells into potato mixture. Break one egg into each well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. 3. Cook, covered, on low 10 minutes or unti...

Acceptance - The act of accepting something or someone; welcoming, embracing, tolerant. Growing up I was fortunate to have parents who accepted people for who they were, even if they had different views. We were taught respect for others, and often were told "treat others as you wish to be treated". Because of this it is difficult for me to understand how anyone can teach their children hate or disrespect. I find it alarming that there are so many who cannot, or choose not, to accept those who are different from them. Whether it is race, religion or politics, there is an enormous lack of tolerance today. Much of the blame for this can be assigned to some of the world's leaders whose egos fuel their desire for power. By spreading hatred, intolerance and fear they believe that they will convince the majority to follow their lead. It is irresponsible for them to perpetuate these lies, and I believe that most of the world's citizens are very aware of what they are trying ...