Christmas Pizelle

My Italian grandfather always had licorice flavored candies of some description around, and every so often a batch of pretty pizelle cookies from the Italian bakery. Love 'em or hate'em, that's usually the case. And guess what? I love pizelle! Some people are turned off by the traditional anise (licorice) flavor, but I enjoy their light texture and that zingy flavor. Although they are a cookie, they're not terribly sweet, and compliment the Christmas sugar overload nicely. They're delicious with coffee or hot chocolate too!

I was perusing the Crate and Barrel sale section and this CucinaPro pizelle maker jumped out*. I liked the idea of making my own fancy cookies, because I'm historically not great with baking cookies, so this will be foolproof, right?! Reviews told me this model is well-made, and easy to use. Tonight I tried it out with high hopes of becoming a pizelle making machine, maybe it will be a Christmas miracle...

Thanksgivingworthy Apple Pie

Apple pie is a Thanksgiving staple in my book. Although I'm an expert at eating them, I'm not an expert at baking them, yet. Emily was with me on Saturday night and walked me through this recipe because she clearly possesses superior baking skills and she's also admitted to making mini versions of this for herself from time to time, check it out here. Why did we make an apple pie a whole week before Thanksgiving? Because we can, that's why.

Professor Sibyll Trelawney Costume

I love Halloween. Dressing up in homemade costumes is so much fun for me and I kinda wish I had an excuse do it more often. So I usually jump at any opportunity where it's socially acceptable to get my geek on. This get-up was for a Harry Potter weekend in Chestnut Hill.  If you already own a lot of bangles, you're half-way to a decent Professor Trelawney costume!  I chose to imitate Emma Thompson's version of the character in film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. You don't have to be spot on, but there are a few must-haves to convey the look of the looney Divination teacher... or be mistaken for a new-age ceramics instructor living in Tucson*.

Homemade Halloween Candy

As a kid it was a cardinal Trick-or-Treating rule to not eat any homemade or opened items. Which is a shame now because I love the idea of making my own Halloween candy. But who says you have to make it for the Trick-or-Treaters? Instead, be a hit in the office or at a party. Here's a few recipes for better-than-store-bought-candy. Although I've only attempted the peanut butter cups (my favorite) I hope to be indulging my sweet tooth in the next week, and maybe getting a stomachache or two.

October Playlist

Whether you're hosting a Halloween Party or not, get yourself in a spooky mood with this playlist; Photo source

Bring Out Your Grills!

The past few days in Philly have felt like summer, muggy temperatures in the 80's. And it also happens to be Memorial Day Weekend, the time to respectfully remember those who died in military service. And like all American holidays it's also centralized around food, fine by me. It's time to bring out the grill if you haven't already. Hot dogs and hamburgers are the favorite, I know, but my favorite is America's "other white meat", pork. So tender and juicy, it's hard to mess it up. The other day, I grilled a pork loin and some vegetables. We've also been holding onto a bottle of homemade beet wine from our friend, and Chris's bandmate, Preston. I thought it would compliment our meal nicely.

For Perfectly Grilled Pork loin:

For the Pork loin, I marinated it in some Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce, always a winner. I fired up the gas grill and let it get to about 450°. I seared both sides of the pork, about 5 minutes on each side, then placed the pork over indirect heat and lowered the temperature to 400°. At this time close the grill and prepare the veggies.

For the Veggies:

I sliced two yellow squash in to quarter inch rounds, as well as some mixed radishes, an onion, and threw in some garlic bulbs. I also added a rosemary branch, and liberally doused it all with olive oil, salt and cracked pepper. I've never used the grill basket before so I was a little unsure how they were going to cook...

The grill basket turned out the be a superstar. I didn't lose anything down the grates! The all cooked safely inside the basket. I put the veggies on 15 minutes in over the flame, and then grilled everything another 15 with the pork. I tossed them only a few times to get them a little charred. This was also the first time grilling radishes, and they turned out to be a fantastic addition with the squash. After about a half hour I took the pork off and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing it up. While the meat was resting, I got out some crusty homemade bread, drizzled it with a basil infused olive oil and grilled it. A grilled feast!

Preston's wine was also delicious! I'd say it had a close flavor to a rosé, with a hint of beet in the aftertaste. We were jokingly calling it "Shrute's Choice". I'll have to learn how to make it, or at least make sure to get a steady supply for him. A lovely meal for a muggy evening.

So go grill something, and enjoy the three day weekend!

Thanks, Mom!

During a conversation about Mother's Day plans my mom said something to the effect of, "Don't get me anything! Mothers going un-celebrated is part of the job..." Typical mom. Well, too bad, I'm celebrating you anyway!

Teenage Joanne (1970's)

At my baptism (1984)

At the shore (1987)

You wouldn't believe her when she says that she used to be an introvert and "uncool" growing up. You might not even believe her when she tells you her age. My mother is the friendliest, most vivacious and active person I know. She is constantly doing something. Cooking, gardening, entertaining, singing, volunteering. She's the person who stands in the grocery line and makes two new friends. Mary Poppins and Martha Stewart in one, she has finger puppets in her bag, "in case she comes across antsy children" and dog treats "for making doggie friends!".

Growing up I had amazing handmade costumes, not only for Halloween, but just for fun. My favorite "everyday" costume was a jaguar jumpsuit that had a hood with ears. As a stay at home mom, she completely spoiled me, although I might not have realized it at the time. Breakfast was hot, and my lunches were usually Tupperwared leftovers. And as a kid I longed for Lunchables, Dunkaroos, and Capri Suns. Or even a crustless whitebread PB&J. Instead I got Beef Stroganoff or Chicken Pot Pie. Or sandwiches that you needed to strategize how to eat, they were so large. For better or worse, my mom let me dress myself and "do" my own hair from age 5 on. During elementary school she must have cringed every morning I stepped out the door with my dandelion mop and crazy ensembles, oh fashions of the early 90's.

She never pressured me in school, but somehow instilled a need to succeed within myself. As a little one I made drawings all. the. time. So my mom had to be selective on the fridge. It would make me try to create something better with each drawing so that it could replace an older one. I still carry that competitive nature against myself today. She also let me learn tough lessons on my own. She was smart enough to know early on that no matter what she warned or advised, I had to try it out for myself. There were a few times as a teenager, and my adult life too, that she really worried about some of my decisions, but instead of telling me so, let me figure it out on my own. Well, she must have done something right, because I'm a pretty normal adult, and now, I consider her one of my best friends. Our newest tradition is to take a mini weekend getaway together in the fall. It's fun to be together just the two of us and I feel like I get to know her even more, I mean I didn't know her for 29 years of her life...

So thanks, mom. I have always felt loved and supported throughout my life, and I have nothing but heartfelt gratitude and admiration for you today, and everyday!

At my wedding (2011)

It's a Good Friday

I'm lucky enough to have off from work today, unlike many of my friends and family. The prospect of a free weekday by myself is daunting. How will I fill my free time, there's so much I could do! Before I overthought myself into a tizzy of errands and house chores, I decided to have some fun and dye eggs for Easter, something I haven't done since I've been a kid. I was so excited to get to the fun part I almost forgot that I had to hard boil the eggs first.

Cardboard egg cartons can be reused into fun jewelry drawer organizers. I spray painted my gold, 'cause I'm a classy lady.

It certainly has been a good Friday, making a mess in the kitchen. Now onto more responsible ways to spend my time. Sigh.

A Spring Encounter

Get this free "Garden" font, here.

A Patty's Day Blessing

I love stouts in general, but in my heart, and in my belly, there is always a place for a Guinness. In 2006 my travel companion and I actually survived our hosteling excursion in Dublin practically on Guinness alone when we had little money left. We figured the Guinness would sustain us because of all it's vitamins... I've been to the mecca of Guinness twice on two different trips, arguably the only "must see" of Dublin, The Guinness Storehouse. It's like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, for adults. Although having a pint from the source is far better than what's distributed outside the Emerald Isle, I still drink it here all the same. Happy Saint Patrick's Day; enjoy it however you celebrate!

* Looks like today I'll be enjoying some Irish Carbomb Cupcakes that Emily from Growing Wild Ginger made, mmm.

Tokens of Ireland

Saint Patrick's Day is this Sunday! March is flying by, and holidays are fleeting too, so here are some items that can remind you of the Emerald Isle all year long...

All the items shown can be found on Etsy.

1. European Travel Destination Poster featuring Dublin from Loose Petals

2. Tiny Celtic Knot Earrings Handcrafted streling silver by Cook on Strike

3. Miniature Irish Cottage from hand painted paper clay by Homespun Ireland

4. Beer Soap Collection including: Murphy's Stout &Vanilla, Irish Stout and Charcoal, and Man Soap, from Dr K Soap Company

5. Antique Ireland Map from The Old Map Shop

6. Ireland Photography from Green Goose Gallery

7. Irish Linen Thread, 100 yards from In a Bind Supplies

8. Large Coptic Journal handsewn, featuring a 1954 Gulliver's Travels book cover from Amy L Burns