My Dunedin, FL Journey!

A Painting by my Cousin, Andrea

Sorry I've been remiss on posting to my blog, readers!  

Last weekend I flew down to Tampa, Florida, with my son, Angelo.  We went so I could finally meet my Aunt Josephine and my Cousin, Andrea, who live in Dunedin, Florida.  (Angelo's great-aunt and second cousin)...Aunt Josephine is a sister of my mom's, and since she moved from the lower east side (New York City) probably before I was even born, we lost contact over the years.

Arrived in Dunedin, FL

The time just flew by!  Not only the weekend spent in Florida, but even the days this week after I came back.  Exactly this time, last Saturday, I was in the plane, all excited and getting ready to land...now it's Saturday again and I'm wishing I was back in Florida spending some more time with my cousin and aunt.  We had a blast and it was so much fun to reminisce about the old days.

Saturday night, after we landed and rested up a while, we all went out for dinner at Bon Appetite in Dunedin.  The food was excellent and everyone enjoyed what they ordered.  After dinner we took a walk along the docks, talked, took some photos and shared laughs.  Then we all went back to my cousin and aunt's house for Key Lime Pie, fresh fruit and coffee...Yum!  Everything was delicious.  We looked at old photos and talked about the old days.  My aunt and I laughed and laughed as we both shared stories about our squawking Cockatiels...LOL

Aunt Jo, Me, Cousin Andrea

My cousin Andrea works at a V.A. Hospital with our injured soldiers, helping them to recover from awful injuries.  She is an amazing person to do this.  Andrea is also an artist and her home is filled with her beautiful paintings.  I finally got to meet their adorable cats, Picasso and Muse.  They were quite shy to approach, but did pop in and out and show themselves.    

Sunday morning we went to a New York-like Greek Diner for breakfast.  Then it was off to Tarpon Springs to visit the Sponge Docks!  We ventured into several Sea Sponge gift shops and even watched a short film about the history of sea sponges at:  Spongeorama.  The weather was good and warm and I enjoyed spending this time with my aunt, cousin and my son.    We took a break after walking and shopping and went for Greek food for lunch.  I loved the Saganaki, which was presented to the table aflame.  Before heading back for a rest, we stopped at the beautiful beach at Honeymoon Island State Park.  

We all loved it there!  We saw flying Pelicans, picked up shells, and tested the water, which was quite warm and very clean!

Sea Sponges for Sale

The Sponge Docks at Tarpon Springs

Seagulls on the Beach

Sunday night, our last night, we all went out for great pasta at Macaroni Grill.  
Angelo and I flew back to New York Monday morning.  I miss my Cousin, Andrea and my Aunt Jo and I'm already contemplating the next trip to see them!    

Love You Aunt Jo and Cousin Andrea!

Quick, Delicious, Chicken & Pasta

This is one of my favorite "go to" recipes...I recommend using chicken breast pieces that have been marinated over-night.  It enriches the flavor of the entire dish.  I marinate mine in olive oil, chopped garlic, fresh black pepper, and some red pepper flakes.  You can use any herbs and spices you like, of course.  

Marinated Chicken Breast Pieces

I heat up some olive oil and saute the chicken in it over medium heat.  Brown lightly on one side then turn.  When the pieces are brown-side up, I add half a cut-up red bell pepper, one scallion, and quarter diced vidalia onion (because I had it already diced and in the fridge from a previous recipe...lol)  I also added some cilantro because, again, that's what I had on hand.


(Boil up some pasta of your choice while or before all of the above...lol)  I used thin linguine.  This recipe is also great over rice.  The choice is always yours.


While all this is simmering away nicely, I added one packet Herb-ox Chicken Bouillon which I first dissolved in some of the pasta water and then added to the simmering chicken.  I used the regular one, not the low-sodium one...why?  Well, I didn't add any salt to the marinade, or the pasta water, or anywhere else, and this recipe feeds around 3 people, so it'll be o.k.


Keep simmering on low heat now for around 10 or 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and soft to your liking.


Instead of draining the pasta and adding it to the chicken medley, I use a pasta fork to transfer the pasta.  Also, I add the pasta to the chicken when the pasta is still a bit under-cooked.  That way, not only will it continue to cook (under low heat) along with the chicken, but the pasta will absorb all of the great flavors of the chicken and everything else in the pan.

Chicken Medley simmering with Pasta

You will see, after you add the pasta, if it seems to0 dry or not.  If it seems too dry, add more of the pasta water as you go.  Keep simmering on low until the pasta is cooked to your liking.  In this particular dish, I like the pasta cooked all the way.


The last thing you have to do is Eat!  The first bites taken right out of the pan when it's  just about done are the best!  Don't burn your tongue like I did...LOL.  


I welcome any questions or comments...If you made this dish or anything similar to it, I'd love to read about it!