A Few Of My Favorite Things~

~ A Childhood Favorite~

Growing up my favorite book was and still is "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott. I guess I could relate to growing up with three sisters, which by the way, we all saw ourselves as  Meg , Jo, Beth or Amy, one way or another.Louisa May Alcott really spoke to me in a way know other could. I was thinking awhile back on writing a post on this subject, after actually going to New England and seeing where Lousia May Alcott spent the last years of her life in Boston I was even more inspired. She grew up in Concord MA. at a beautiful home named Orchard House. My sister brought to my attention recently, that  in December on PBS they have a very exciting Documentary called The Woman Behind "Little Women"  from American Masters -  it tells about the life and amazing experiences of Louisa May Alcott, there is also a book under the same name by author Harriet Reisen. Louisa May Alcott was a women ahead of her time, not only was she a brillant writer, she wrote hundreds of works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and she helped to support her family with her writings, she was a nurse in the civil war and was a strong beliver in antislavery, women's education and women's suffrage, very progressive for her time. She never married and after her sister May's death she adopted her daughter and supported and loved her until her death. She was also great friends with Our( Daniel and I) writing hero's, Ralph Waldo Emerson and  Henry David Thoreau. She  learned botany from Henry David Thoreau and for a time tutored Ellen Emerson, Ralph Waldo Emerson's daughter. She also associated with Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Louisa May Alcott is someone I so look up to, not only for her being so strong minded and courageous. But also her humor, charm,  talent , passion , and drive. Her strong love of family and her amazing creativity. She truly was and is an inspiration. 

Louisa May Alcott -Born  November 29, 1832 - Died  March 6, 1888

Louisa May Alcott Quotes -

• I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship.
• Love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go, and it makes the end so easy.
• If it were not for the blessed fact that everything has it's comic as well as tragic side, I should have lost my wits long ago.

American Masters -  The Women Behind Little Women -  December 28th on PBS. or go to the link above (PBS.org for more information on show listings.)

Happy Thanksgiving ~

Baking Holiday Favorites, for Thanksgiving

 We love Thanksgiving so much in my family. Cooking and baking during the holiday season is so fun! It's the only holiday that is purely centered around family and a meal. Not bad! Tis the season for baking and eating. So delicious, Happy Thanksgiving!

 Here are some of my favorite things to bake for Thanksgiving , Enjoy!

Butterscotch Peanut Fudge-
1 can(14 0unces) sweetened condensed milk
1 package (12 ounces) butterscotch chips
1-1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
2/3 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped salted peanuts


In a microwave-safe bowl ,combine the milk , butterscotch chips and marshmallows.
Microwave, uncovered, at 80% power for 3 minutes or until the chips and marshmallows
are melted , stirring frequently. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla until combined.Fold in peanuts. Pour into an 11-in.x7 in- pan coated with cooking spray.Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Cut into squares. Store in the refrigerator.

Turtle Pumpkin Pie-
1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp.caramel ice cream topping, divided
1 Honey Maid Graham Pie Crust (6 oz)
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp. chopped Planters pecans, divided
2 pkg.(3,4. each) Jello Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1 cup cold milk
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip Whipped Topping thawed, divided


Pour 1/4 cup caramel topping into crust; sprinkle with 1/2 nuts
Beat pudding mixes, milk, pumpkin and spices with whisk until
blended.Stir in 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip. Spoon into crust.
Refrigerate 1 hour. Top with remaining Cool Whip, caramel topping and nuts
just before serving. I just made this pie, it was so yummy and rich!

Magic Mousse-
1 (6 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding
3 cups milk
1/2 cup powdered sugar
3 cups fresh whipped cream or frozen whipped topping(thawed), divided
Grated chocolate
toasted nuts (optional)

Make pudding according to package directions, using the 3 cups milk.
Let set in refrigerator about 15 minutes.Stir powdered sugar into chilled pudding.
Fold 2 cups of the whipped cream into chilled pudding.Place in individual dessert cups/glasses. Top each with a dollop of remaining whipped cream, grated chocolate, toasted nuts, if desired. Makes 6 servings. This mousse is so easy. I 've made  chocolate mousse the french style, which is out of this world, however it takes a long time to make.This recipe is a snap to make and so decadent!

Gingerbread Cake-
 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, plus more for pan
1 cup boiling water
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon ground  ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon  ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2/3 cup packed dark-brown sugar
1 cup unsulfured molasses
2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting


Preheat the oven to 350' F. With a rack in the center. Butter and flour a 9x13 inch pan,tapping out excess;set aside. In a bowl, combine the boiling water and baking soda; set aside. In a bowl, sift together the flour,ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder;set aside.  In a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment,cream butter on medium  until light. Beat in brown sugar until fluffy, 3 minutes. On low, beat in molasses, baking-soda mixture and flour mixture.  Beat in eggs, one at a time. Pour batter into pan; bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean,30 to 40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.Gingerbread will keep at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap, several days.
 I dream of this cake the first start of fall!

White Chocolate Pretzel Snack-
1/2 cup pretzel sticks
1/2 cup salted peanuts
1/2 cup crisp rice cereal
4 squares (1 ounce each) white baking chocolate
1 teaspoon shortening


In a large bowl, combine the pretzels, peanuts and cereal. In a microwave, melt chocolate
and shortening, stir until smooth. Pour over pretzel mixture; toss to coat evenly. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper; cool.

Our Trip to New England and Las Vegas Nov 09'

Just a few days ago we returned from a trip of a lifetime. It has always been my dream to experience New England in the fall. Daniel lived in Boston for a couple of years to go to the Berklee School of Music, so he was very excited to go back to his old stomping grounds. The plan was, stop and see as much as we could of Boston, Salem and then off to Las Vegas to have an early Thanksgiving  celebration with some of the family. I have to say we were extremely pleased with the trip.
First off, when we arrived in Boston I was taken how elegant and soulful the city was.It was a big surprise and a real pleasure. Daniel felt so comfortable that we took the "T" (Train) straight from the airport, to the theatre district where we were  staying. We didn't waste any time, we dropped all the luggage off and we were out the door, on to the exploring of (art, architecture, history, food etc.). Yes we did order New England Clam Chowder first thing.We walked and walked and then walked some more. It was amazing seeing so much history and beauty, as well as enjoying the personalities of the locals. Before the trip Daniel  reconnected with his buddy Tim from the early band days,we had an amazing dinner with him, where Daniel and he remembered all the fun and wild days in Boston. We saw all the sites from  Copley Square to NewBury Street, Boston Public Garden, Boston Commons, The Prudential Tower, Faneuil Hall, The Public Library, The Old North Church and even stopped by to see and tour Harvard. We spent sometime on a trolley tour just so we could fit everything in. we ended up using the "T" the whole time (the blue, green, red, orange lines , it's a blur..WoW!!). 
Then it was off to Salem, which I have always been interested in from all the history of the witch trails and also having such mystery and beauty of an old historic city. Tim was nice enough to drive us down with his family and of course,  it was pouring rain. It was perfect for our arrival in Salem. We had a lovely dinner on the harbor then we walked the beautiful yet a little creepy streets of Salem. It was so much fun!. At the end of the night we said our farewell's to Tim and his wonderful family, got warm and cozy at the Salem Inn, It was the perfect choice. Next day we walked the cobblestone streets and had many adventures, then took the Commuter train back to Logan airport.
Then we were off to Las Vegas to spend some real quality time with my family. I've been a little home sick-It was wonderful seeing my folks who we miss dearly, my sister Erinn with her husband John and the most beautiful little boys, Truman and the newest to join our family Conley. Adorable!! It was a real treat seeing them. I also met up with one of my dearest friends Shannan , for some much needed girl talk.

We were sad for it to come to an end and it did fly by. However we had such a wonderful time, with amazing memories.Of course we took lots of photo's as we always do, so many in fact it was so hard to choose which ones to post, Hope you enjoy!

~ Mini Spa Day~

More at home spa treats to help rejuvenate and  pamper.

Homemade masks and scrubs with ingredients right out of the pantry.Having a spa day from home is relaxing, fun and  so heathly,not to mention affordable.Enjoy and  be blissful with these spa recipes.

Honey Oatmeal Facial-

1/4 cup oatmeal

1 tablespoon honey

3 tablespoons plain yogurt

Preparation-

Finely grind the oatmeal in a blender or food processor.In a small bowl, combine the honey

and yogurt.Stir in the oatmeal and mix well.Smooth over the face and neck.Let sit 10 -15 minutes.

Rinse with warm water.Follow with moisturizer.

*Oatmeal: Is an antiflammatory and anti itch, acts as a skin soother.

* Honey: rejuvenates and nourishes skin and fights fine lines and wrinkles.

Chocolate Body Scrub-

3 Tablespoons of cocoa powder

1 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon of vanilla oil or( extract will work)

olive oil as needed

Preparation-

mix all ingredients except olive oil,start adding olive oil ,gradually until mixture looks like a paste.

It should be applied on moist clean skin.Best time after a shower.Use in a circular motion and

massage gently using finger tips.Rinse off with warm water.It smells and feels wonderful!

Moisturizing Avocado Facial Mask-

1 avocado

1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar

1 egg white

3 teaspoons of olive oil

Preparation-

Peel and mash avocado and start adding the rest of the ingredients in  a small bowl.Egg white should be beaten before you add to bowl.Apply  mask and leave on face for about 20 minutes.This mask gives great moisture to the skin.

* Avocado: contains collagen building properties that help with fine lines and wrinkles,and helps repair

rough, dry skin.

*Apple Cider Vinegar: rich in alpha-hydroxy acids,and gives softer,smoother skin and scalp.

Cucumber Cooling Mask-

1 tablespoon witch hazel

1/2 cucumber, chopped

1/4 cup aloe vera gel

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 cucumber sliced

Preparation-

Mix witch hazel, chopped cucumber,and aloe vera in a blender or food processor.add cornstarch

to thicken.Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour.Smooth over face and neck and place cucumber slices over eyes.

Let sit 10 -15 minutes.Rinse and pat dry.Follow with moisturizer.

*Cucumber: acts as a cooling agent, and reduces eye puffiness.

                                                              

                                                                    
                                     
  Refreshing Orange Scrub-                                
  1/2 of a orange

4 teaspoons cornmeal

Preparation-

Squeeze orange juice and pulp into a bowl and add the cornmeal.Mix into a paste.Apply onto freshly washed face and body.Scrub gently for 2- 3 minutes.Rinse ,Tone, Moisturize.

Shiny Hair Rinse-

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1 quart water

Preparation-

Combine vinegar and water in a pitcher or jar.Shampoo and rinse.Pour mixture onto hair,massaging

into hair and scalp.Rinse thoroughly and condition as usual.

Lavender Hand and Foot Wash-

1/2 cup dried lavender flowers

1/2 cup finely chopped sage

2 cups of water

8 drops of lavender oil

Preparation-

In a saucepan, combine lavender flowers,sage and water.Simmer covered , on low heat about 20 minutes.

Strain mixture and retain mixture.Add lavender oil, shake and emulsify and then apply with soft wash cloths.

Leave on for  5- 10 minutes , then rinse off .

*Use this wash to relieve red and inflamed hands or feet or to just soothe and relax tired feet.

Tips-

Stainless steel,enamel,and glass are the best materials to use.

Avoid use of reactive metals such as silver,copper,aluminum,teflon,or cast iron.

Start your spa experience with a shower to remove any lotions, perfumes, makeup,or surface dirt.

 Also have plenty of extra towels on hand.

Play relaxing music in the background to give a wonderful addition to the spa experience.

Treat yourself right with a little pampering from home! Healthy living.

~ Soups to Savor ~

One of my favorite things to cook is soup.It's so nice cooking something that's so hearty, healthy and  delicious. During the cooler months I love to make a big pot of soup or stew. It tastes so good and makes our home smell wonderful. Lately I've been making soup, at least a couple times a week.It seems were always watching what we eat and it's a great way to enjoy beautiful veggies, pastas, and herbs(my all time favorite thing to cook with, Fresh Herbs). These soup recipes are so good.I hope you try them and add them to your favorite recipes! Healthy eating, Soups to Savor.Get cozy and soothe your taste buds! Soups On -

Chicken,Spinach and Cannellini Soup-

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, fat trimmed
2 (32 ounces) boxes chicken broth
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 bag fresh spinach
2 cans cannellini beans rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

In a large dutch oven, bring chicken and broth to a boil over high heat.Reduce heat to a simmer
and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes,or until chicken is cooked.Remove chicken from broth and shred. Strain broth, reserve.In the same dutch oven,combine olive oil,onion,and garlic and cook over medium heat about 4 minutes,or until onion is soft.Increase heat to medium-high heat and add reserved broth,shredded chicken,spinach.cannellini, salt, and pepper.Simmer for 5 minutes.Serve immediately.I just made this soup again a couple of days ago, It's our favorite and it's super easy to make. packed with flavor.* I also sometimes add extra wide egg noodles the last 5-7 minutes of cooking,  Note: Soup can be made ahead and frozen for up to 1 month.Thaw in refrigerator before reheating.

Cream of Fresh Tomato Soup-
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped red onions(2 onions)
2 carrots,unpeeled and chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic( 3 cloves)
5 large vine-ripened tomatoes,coarsely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 cup packed chopped fresh basil leaves
3 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup heavy cream
julienned fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy bottom pot over medium low heat.Add onions and carrots and saute' for about 10 minutes, until very tender.Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.Add the tomatoes, sugar, tomato paste, basil, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and stir well.Bring the soup to a boil, lower the heat,and simmer uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes,until the tomatoes are very tender.Add cream to the soup and put in a blender till nice and smooth.reheat soup over low heat just until hot and serve with julienned basil leaves on top. Simply Delish!

Pasta and Vegetable Chowder-
2 1/2 cups rainbow- colored rotini
6 slices bacon,cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup 1 inch celery pieces
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
6 cups chicken broth,divided
3 cups zucchini (2 cups shredded,1 diced)
3/4 cup sliced carrots
1 cup skim milk
1/4 cup celery leaves
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cook pasta according to directions; drain
Cook bacon in a large saucepan until crisp.Remove bacon from saucepan;drain all but 1 tablespoon bacon drippings from saucepan.Add onions and celery to saucepan;cook and stir until crisp-tender.Add flour to 1 cup chicken broth in a small bowl; mix until smooth. Add to ingredients in saucepan.Gradually stir in remaining
broth; bring to a boil. Add shredded zucchini and carrots; return to a boil. Reduce heat to low: simmer 10 minutes.Add diced zucchini; simmer until vegetables are tender, about 12 minutes. Add cooked pasta, milk, celery leaves and pepper;bring to a boil and serve. Super good-

Crispie Cheese Twists-

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
3/4 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned pepper
1/2 teaspoon Lawry's Garlic powder with parsley
1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg white, lighty beaten

Preheat oven to 350'F. In a small bowl, combine parmesan cheese,seasoned pepper
and garlic powder with parsley.Unfold pastry sheets onto cutting board.Brush pastry lightly
with egg white; sprinkle each sheet with 1/4 of the cheese mixture.Lightly press into pastry; turn over and repeat. Cut each sheet into 12 (1 inch-wide) strips;twist. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes
or until golden brown. Great for dunking in soup.