Top Picks - Dried Mango

And the winner is... Safeway Brand dried Philippine mango!  It was soft, sweet, and as an extra bonus, the cheapest of the bunch!

If you can read...

then you can cook.  At least, that's what my mom always told me.  As a result, I've never been intimidated by a recipe, or afraid to try something new in the kitchen.  Gaining that mindset is one of the best things that could've happened for me growing up; I love to read cookbooks, try new recipes, cook special meals for my husband, and have dinner parties and events for my friends.

I'll start posting recipes that I've cooked, give a little review of the result, and try to show a picture of the meal as well.  Sadly, my pictures of my food never look as great as the meal does in "real life."  Ah well... you'll get the idea, and hopefully forgive my novice photography skills!  (Perhaps I should next read a book on photography...)

This is orechiette with broccoli rabe and spicy sausage.  It's featured in Giada de Laurentiis' "Everyday Italian" cookbook, and was pretty tasty!  I used a mild Italian sausage; I wish that I had used one with a bit more heat, because against the starch of the pasta and broccoli the mild sausage flavor got lost.  It's a meal that I would repeat, however.  Served with a nice green salad with a sweet vinaigrette and some crusty bread - great dinner!
 

"Orechiette with Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Rabe"
Salt
2 bunches of broccoli rabe
12 oz. orechiette pasta, or other small shaped pasta
3 T olive oil
1 lb spicy pork sausage, casings removed
3 garlic cloves, minced
pinch of dried crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 C freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 t freshly ground black pepper

In a pot of salted, boiling water, cook the broccoli rabe until crisp tender (about 1 min).  Strain the broccoli, reserving all cooking liquid.  Return to boil and cook the pasta to al dente, about 8 minutes.  Drain pasta, and reserve one cup of cooking liquid.

In a large heavy skillet, heat oil over med-low flame.  Add sausage, break up, and cook until brown, about 8 minutes.  Add garlic and red pepper flakes and saute until fragrant.  Add broccoli rabe and toss to coat.  Add the pasta and enough of the reserved cooking liquid, 1/4 cup/time to moisten.  Stir in the parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste.  (This yields about 4 main course servings.)

When I Grow Up

... I want to be this couple!  There's just no way that you can watch this and not smile and be happy!

Top Picks - Fast Food Milkshake

I've been brainstorming for quite a while about my favorite this and my favorite that... not that I think you care too much about what I like, but on the off chance that you're looking to try to something new, I'm going to occasionally blog on "Top Picks."

So - today's Top Pick - Best Fast Food Milkshake.  And the winner is Jack in the Box, small chocolate shake.  They hand-dip, which means that the shake is made to order from real ice cream - not out of a machine.  I had one for lunch yesterday and it was just fabulous.  Such a great mid-week treat!  I have to be honest, not much else on this restaurant's menu intrigues me, but I'll go out of my way once every couple of weeks to swing by for their chocolate milkshake.  Indulge yourself.  It's worth it!

http://www.jackinthebox.com/menu/

Pairs Skating

I'm watching the Olympics tonight... and I have to admit, indulging in my favorite event... pairs figure skating!  It's so romantic... what girl doesn't want to be twirled and lifted and held by a big strong man whilst spinning across a sheet of ice in coordinating outfits to beautiful music?  Really.  What could be better?  I always make up love stories for the couples on the ice, and replay the love story of Ekaterina Gordeeva and her husband/skating partner Sergei Grinkov.  Their story was magical, and watching them skate was just wonderful.  Sigh.  Guess I'll put on some socks and go slide across my hardwood floors. :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

I should also wish a Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year... it's been a while since my last post!  I have lots of ideas for posts this year, and am going to make an effort to sit down and send them out to you with more regularity.  But for now, please enjoy one of my favorite love songs...

Just Imagine

Wee Small Hours... (and new haircut!)

You've Got a Friend

My first "request" to honor! Keep 'em coming! I love this song... James Taylor/Carol King... how can you go wrong? I hope I don't go wrong in my interpretation... enjoy!

Over the Rainbow

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JprsSGD6us

Indulge me... I know I'm not Judy Garland, but I love to sing and play this song! Be nice...