bruschetta

A friend of mine recently requested my recipe for Bruschetta. I should use the term "mine" loosely - it's an adaption from Kraft Foods. Darn my addiction. But, this is a super easy and yummy appetizer.

Bruschetta
1 loaf of French bread cut into slices
1/2 cup Italian dressing
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
2 large tomatoes, chopped

Preheat broiler. Place bread slices on pan, broil 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Meanwhile, mix dressing and cheese. Reserve 1/4 of dressing mixture. Spread remaining mixture on one side of the sliced bread. Broil, dressing side up, an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Until golden brown. Meanwhile, toss tomatoes with remaining dressing mixture. Spoon evenly over broiled bread slices. Serve!












Recipe adapted from www.kraftfoods.com

shoes!

I've been wanting some new flats all winter but just haven't had luck in finding any. I turned to Piperlime, hoping there would be something that caught my eye! Nothing. No good. On to DSW...

There are a few I might like. I might have to make a trek there.

Looks like I might be taking a drive to shop for shoes!

walk of art

We took a little field trip today and checked out a gem in the city we have not yet visited together: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Mitch loved the Restoration Exhibit. I think he described it as solitary. Good word.

http://www.nelson-atkins.org/art/Exhibitions.cfm?id=51

As always I was drawn to the ceramics, specifically the different sized and colored bowls. I'm also a fan of the minimalist work. I'd like to think I live my life fairly simply and minimally! This painting was especially interesting.

http://www.nelson-atkins.org/art/ModernContemporary.cfm

We didn't make it through the entire museum...leaves us to a little exploring during our next visit!

my recipe addiction

I admit it. I am addicted to kraftfoods.com. I love to look through all the recipes, make shopping lists, scour their magazine. I would say about 99% or the things I cook come from there. Their recipes are so easy and the ingredients are very accessible. I know, I need to start stepping out of the box. There are so many different recipe resources out there and I'm even beginning to find some fun blogs on food. Heck, I even own The Joy of Cooking and haven't had much joy with it yet. I think one of my goals for this year is to branch out and try some new recipes from some new places. But, to pay homage to Kraft Foods, I did make are really great dinner from there tonight. I often do a little tweaking to the recipe (can't always follow them exactly!) and it turned out great!

Garlic and Thyme Pork Tenderloin

1 lb. pork tenderloin

1/2 tsp. each of garlic salt, thyme, paprika, Italian seasoning

Place pork in baking dish. Rub with mixed garlic, thyme, paprika, & Italian seasoning. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes. Slice and serve.

Picture & recipe from http://www.kraftfoods.com/

Rice, Broccoli & Cheese Cups

1 cup minute rice (brown), uncooked

1 cup chicken broth

1 1/2 cups broccoli, chopped

1/4 cup ranch dressing

1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 eggs, lightly beaten

Prepare rice as directed on package, using chicken broth instead of water. Place cooked rice in a bowl to cool. Add eggs, broccoli, dressing, and cheese. Mix well. Spoon mixture into 8 greased muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.

Picture & recipe from http://www.kraftfoods.com/

and the winner is...

The LG Envy. The Blackberry seemed much too confusing and involved for me. I think I can handle the LG. I've spent some time setting it up and I think I'm ready to go!

which one is calling?

It is time for a new phone! Normally, I wouldn't care what kind of phone I get but for some reason, this time I'm finding I'm a little picky. My old phone was a stinker and I want something that will work and I'll want to use for the next 2 years. Some options are...

I've heard LG phones are pretty reliable. And, it flips up for easy texting...

This phone is actually cheaper with my plan than the one above. But...don't think I'm ready for Internet access on the phone yet (I know, HUGE dork). It looks pretty...

I'm not sure what I'll choose. I think I'll wait until I'm in the store and see which one calls to me!

a few good books...

So, I'm very proud of myself. I have now read the books chosen by my book club two months in a row! I think I've turned a new leaf. I find once I get into the book, I want to read and read until I'm done (if it's good!). The last two I have read are, in my opinion, pretty good.


The first was Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay. This book, which bounces back between the past (World War 2) and the present had me hooked from the beginning. It is a heart-breaking tale of a young girl, taken from her home, imprisoned in a concentration camp by French police abetting to the Nazi regime, and her undying vow to return to her brother, whom she has locked in a cupboard for safety. Flash forward to present time as an American woman, a reporter for a French-American newspaper is assigned to uncover the Vel d Hiv roundup. I was captivated, reading intently to find out the fate of the two women who ultimately, were connected. A must read!

I also finished The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain. In a twisting story of lies, love, and loss I was swept up in the story of man accused for the kidnapping and murder of a woman and her baby, only to find out that another woman, CeeCee Wilkes, is the only person who knows the truth and can prove the man's innocence in the case. There are a few hokey moments but really, a good read that kept my attention and desire to figure out the truth. If you enjoy trying to figure out the twists and turns of a story, this is a decent read.

My next quest: Twilight. We'll see how it goes!