New Year's Eve Munching...

Hi Everyone!  I'm wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!  May you go into 2013 with an open heart and an open mind!

So, I'm putting together a few things for my guests and I to munch on throughout the evening...and like my favorite Chef, Ina Garten's show, "Barefoot Contessa", I'll talk about dessert first!

I made dark-chocolate-dipped strawberries, which I then dipped in confetti-colored sprinkles!  They're in the fridge right now getting nice and cold!

The tops of the strawberries were a bit white, but who cares!
The best part of them are with the chocolate and sprinkles!

I also made Pigs in a Blankie!  I used the "reduced fat" Hebrew National hot dogs and Pilsbury Crescent Dough.

Each hot dog was cut into 3 pieces.

Each pig was wrapped in blanket and ready to go into oven.

Yum!  They came out awesome!  Woof, Woof!

Next up, I threw together a simple Shrimp Scampi...

Shrimp, peeled and cleaned, fresh parsley, garlic...

Nothing better than a pan of shrimp simmering in garlic,
butter, lemon and parsley!  Yum!
Served over rice or pasta!

Ciao!  See you all in 2013!

Gina D.

My Simple Christmas Meal

Hello Everyone and Merry Christmas!  

Well this is my simple meal plan for today...Roast pork shoulder which has been marinating since last night - It's now in the oven... and for the first time, I've wrapped the roast in banana leaves!

Also, I found Baby Dutch Yellow Potatoes in my local supermarket, and in this photo, the potatoes have been rinsed, dried, and tossed with olive oil, oregano, salt, fresh-ground black pepper, and some Mrs. Dash.  They're ready to go into the oven as well.  Later on, I'll be making some Asparagus with a lemon sauce!

1:25PM...

Potatoes are done!  Nice and brown on the outside, soft and creamy inside!

Meanwhile, I'm washing and trimming the asparagus, which will be poached, then dressed with a simple Lemon/Olive-Oil emulsion!

Taking a peek at the banana-leaf-wrapped pork roast, still in the oven!

2:20PM...

Everything came together swimmingly!  The pork came out so soft, it was falling apart!  Thanks Banana Leaves! 

Merry Christmas and Happy Eating!

Love, Gina and Shadow

For the CT School Shooting Victims...

Emile Parker, 6

Madeleine Hsu, 6

Catherine Hubbard, 6

Grace McDonnell, 7

Caroline Previdi, 6

Avielle Richman, 6

Allison Wyatt, 6

Ana Marquez-Greene, 6

Josephine Gay, 7

Olivia Rose Engel, 6

Charlotte, Bacon, 6

Jessica Rekos, 6

Mary Sherlach, 56

Anne Marie Murphy, 52

Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, 47

Lauren Rousseau, 30

Rachel Davino, 29

Victoria Soto, 27

Daniel Borden, 7

Dylan Hockley, 6

Jesse Lewis, 6

Chase Kowalski, 7

James Mattioli, 6

Jack Pinto, 6

Noah Pozner, 6

Benjamin Wheeler, 6

Gone Before We Knew It

A gift for such a little while,
your loss just seems so wrong,
you should not have left before us,
it’s with loved ones you belong.

No farewell words were spoken,

No time to say goodbye, you were
gone before we knew it, and only
God knows why.

Author - Unknown -

What's For Din-Din Tonight

Colorful and Delicious Roasted Veggies!

Probably all my readers have made Roasted Vegetables before!  I love to roast veggies, as roasting them intensifies their flavors, brings out their natural sugars and turns them into sweet, healthy treats!  The broccoli florets turned out especially yummy!

In case you've never tried to roast veggies, or if they never turn out quite right, here's a great link all about roasting veggies.   It explains exactly what to do and what not to do! 

I also made some tri-color Quinoa!

QUINOA  is just so healthy!  (Pronounced KEEN-WA)

Hey, I'm so HAPPY that today wasn't the end of the world after all!  Although I heard on the news that we had a "close call" with a falling Asteroid!  Yup...it came within 4.3 million miles of earth!  LOL!

Panko-Crusted Asian Pork Cutlets with Asian Slaw

Very Crunchy!

  

Asian Slaw!

Both the cutlets and the slaw came out very delicious!

If you would like the recipe(s), please feel free to e-mail me!

HAPPY EATING!

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #13

I would like to thank everyone who has been reading my "MaryJane" posts!  Looking through old letters, photos, and other correspondence between MaryJane and I, has really been therapeutic, as it brought back memories of the good times I shared with MaryJane.  

I'll especially miss the times we spent just sitting on a park bench in the summertime, drinking an ice-cold coffee or tea, and talking about everything under the sun...from politics to how to pickle cucumbers!  

"When it comes time for me, I am going to set sail in a canoe and row out to sea like my Indian ancestors. Bring a lot of peanut butter sandwiches, some bottles of Rothschild Merlot 1962, a couple of racy novels, and as my beloved old mother used to say, The Devil Take the Hindmost. Which was her polite way of saying - Kiss My Royal Ass" ....By MaryJane, 2/16/10, in one of her letters to me.

Sail on, MaryJane, Sail Free.

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #12

IT WAS AS IF NATURE PAUSED 

TO TAKE A MOMENT OF SILENCE, 

SOFTLY WISHING FOR PEACE ON EARTH

Christmas Card received from MaryJane, 2007.

"Finbar" was her Gold Fish, and 

she drew the picture of him.

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #11

For the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who passed away last month.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html



"To say that I love you all seems merely rhetoric, but oh my goodness I get a good feeling around the heart when I think of you.

I have basked in the beauty of your tulips for three days and I thank you sincerely for something so lovely.

I have been reading the biography and the autobiography of Joan Of Arc.  The fourteenth century had Joan of Arc...and we have Heather Spears.

Thank God for you or I would despair of the human race."

Love, MJ

***Excerpt of a Letter written to me, by MaryJane, dated April 29, 2008.  I gave MaryJane a bunch of Tulips for her birthday, a few days before she wrote me this note.  I believe she meant to write "Britney Spears", instead of "Heather" Spears...lol.  Miss you MaryJane.***

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #10

For the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who recently passed away.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html


"Tiger Lilly,

Oh, that wretched woman.  I can't tell you the times I've watched in utter horror as she dragged that poor little dog a foot off the ground.  I think she is a mental case and I don't like her one damned little bit.

Poor little pooch.  I hope to God she never gets another one.  I can find no redeeming qualities in her and if I never had to see her again I would not miss her.

It was good to see you.  Yes, it was."

                                                                               Love, MJ

MaryJane Shields

***Letter written to me, by MaryJane, dated August 3, 2010.  The "woman" MaryJane mentions in this letter was named Ruth and used to reside in our building.  This was written after we found out Ruth's dog had died.  Ruth's dog was often seen limping, losing hair, or coughing, and Ruth would chalk it up to "he's putting on an act", or some other ridiculous excuse.  That woman really rubbed us the wrong way!***

Happy Thanksgiving!

When I was little, Thanksgiving meant heating up a few of these in the oven!  

I never felt I was missing out on anything, though...as long as I was eating my t.v. dinner, laughing and having a good time with my grandmother and brother!

Wishing you and yours, a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!

GD

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #9

For the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who recently passed away.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html



Happier times with good friends, out for lunch one wintry day several years ago...

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #8

For the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who recently passed away.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html



I received MaryJane's Mass Cards today from the person who took care of MaryJane's final affairs...

Beautiful photo of MaryJane when she was young.

A beautiful quote from MaryJane is written on the back of one of the cards...

TOGETHERNESS

Remember me with kindness and friendship.  Whatever we were to each other that we still are.

Play, smile, think of me.  Pray for me.  All is well, nothing is lost.

One brief moment and all will be as it was before.

M.J.

MaryJane Shields

Front of card.

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #7

For the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who recently passed away.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html



Sitting on a park bench with MaryJane, one gorgeous summer day several years ago, I noticed and admired a lady-bug ring she was wearing.  I thought it was very cute and told her so!

Now, this wasn't any kind of precious metal, or expensive ring of any kind, just three little lady-bugs sitting on the ring.  A red one, a blue one, and a yellow one!

About one week later, there was a small plastic bag hanging on the doorknob of my apartment door.  There inside the bag was my very own lady-bug ring which MaryJane had ordered for me just because I liked hers so much!

MaryJane Shields

LOU RISPOLI MURDERED.

There will be a one-night break on the MaryJane letters tonight.  Please read the following.  

http://www.artsjournal.com/slippeddisc/2012/10/murdered-lou-rispoli-a-heartfelt-tribute-by-tim-page.html

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #6

Every evening, for the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who recently passed away.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html



"In one of William Shakespeare's plays a character is called upon to say "Now there was a man!"

And now all of us who knew him and there were many of us who loved him, can say with Shakespeare "Now there was a dog!"

Well done, Mu-Mu.  When I get to where I am going, I sure wouldn't mind seeing you again.

Today, with a sad heart, but with much love,

MaryJane."

***Excerpt from a letter written to me by MaryJane, dated April 28, 2006 on the passing of my beloved dog, MooMoo.  I truly hope she really is frolicking around up there with MooMoo.***

My son, Angelo, with MooMoo   2000

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #5

Every evening, for the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who recently passed away.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html



This is a painting I did for MaryJane for her little Chihuahua, Sancho, a/k/a Angus, who passed away August 31, 2006.  He was around 20 years old!  MaryJane didn't raise Sancho from a pup, rather, a friend of hers, named Tina, had asked MaryJane if she could take care of Sancho for a while, while she (Tina) found a new apartment.

One week turned into two, and two weeks turned into almost one year that MaryJane took care of Sancho, without so much as a phone call from Tina to see how Sancho was doing.  So basically, Sancho became MaryJane's dog.

"Sancho"  14 x 18  Water Colors

MaryJane told a sad, yet charming story of Sancho's demise...as she explained it...He (Sancho) woke up, stretched out, and trotted across the living room, so happy to get ready to eat his breakfast.  Mid-trot he just collapsed and never got back up.  

I think Sancho was the luckiest little dog in the world to have spent his last days of life being taken care of by a wonderful person like MaryJane!

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #4

Every evening, for the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who recently passed away.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html


"Dear Gina,

                   et al

I saw our beloved Knute this morning on Channel 2.  He was frolicking and frisking and gamboling in his lovely confines at the Berlin Zoo.

He seemed very interested and curious in everything around him and was enjoying his life immensely.  And why not?  Everyone loves him and he is a joy to behold.

He has grown into a fine big boy.

Love, MJ  &  Finbar"

***Letter written to me by MaryJane, dated 5/18/08.  "Knut" was the little Polar Bear who was abandoned by his mother at the Berlin Zoo and subsequently raised by zookeepers.  Unfortunately, Knut only lived 4 years, as he passed  away from encephalitis.  Needless to say, MaryJane and I were very distraught with the news of Knut's death.***

Little Knut in happier days...

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #3

Every evening, for the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who recently passed away.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html


"Dear Tiger Lilly.

Thanks for all the good things.  I was going to get you a little pumpkin.

Finbar said he is sick and tired of my caterwauling and, indeed, if he hears as much as another whimper from me he is going to jump out of his tank and try to make it to your house.

My arm is much much better and I have stopped taking ibuprophen.  When I finish this note I think I might take another.

After this I am always going to put my toys away, you betcha!

Of course I'll be all right for the luncheon.  I have never missed a meal.  Is Thursday all right.  Fine by me.

Betty Ann gets back today.

Haven't seen Elizabeth.

Have not seen you either, but I know you are there.

Love,  MJ"

***Letter written to me by MaryJane, dated 10/11/08.  MaryJane often called me "Tiger Lilly".  In Buddhism, a Tiger Lilly flower is presented as a flower of mercy and compassion.
Finbar was a Gold Fish she had, which grew to be enormous!  LOL.  Betty Ann is a neighbor of ours in the building.  Elizabeth was a neighbor directly across from MaryJane.***