Momma Explains

Momma on Sick Leave

2010-03-07T18:53:00.002-05:00

Momma has been having some medical problems. I am still undergoing tests and will take a 2 week hiatus from my blog. The family has been making quite a few jokes as these medical issues surfaced after I gave up wine for Lent. Anyway, I would appreciate your prayers and hope you are all enjoying good health.
Ciao,
Momma

One gift wonder

2010-02-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

An Act of Charity

"O my God, I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen."

Momma has a quick suggestion for Lent.

Momma Explains: During Lent, I sometimes feel called to do as many things as possible. It is a desire to improve myself so that after Easter Sunday, I have somehow become a super Christian. As if through a multitude of Lenten activities, I could suddenly transform into a Saint. I need a lot of work for that to happen. Yet, it is good to have goals that will improve us spiritually and hopefully benevolently affect others. So if you seem to aim for an extravagant improvement do not be daunted. Start small, start with just one act of charity. I find acts of charity allow me to look beyond myself and toward the needs of others. It can be any action that aids your fellow man. Sometimes, you write a check for a financial need, make a meal for a family who is pinched, help an elderly neighbor or just drop off extra donations at your church food bank. When you do this act of giving, you can add a small prayer for the recipient. It really is amazing how little time it takes to help someone, and yet would not the world be an amazing place if we all were working that charitably?
Have a joyous Lent.

My family is taste challenged

2010-02-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

Momma likes to try different ethnic recipes, sometimes and present the novel experience to her family but it is not always a hit.

Momma Explains: I was given a crock pot recipe from someone I trust. Now this person is not a cook that loves to cook but I have had some nice fixings at her house so when she suggested a recipe for salsa chicken that you make in the crock pot, well, I thought I would break out of macaroni mold and go for it. I rarely use the crock pot as it seems impossible to make a full meal in one itty bitty pot. As it was cooking, the chicken smelled tasty and I am a big fan of salsa so I was eager to try the recipe. I even served it on tortilla chips and a nice wedge of lettuce. It had all the visuals of one of those chain restaurant menu items. Gees...what a flop and my guys were dismayed ,I knew it was a bomb when Poppa went to the fridge, took out the salami and provolone and proceeded to eat over a pound. The others just pushed some of the food around, ate some chips and made popcorn. What a disappointment. Even I have to admit, the chicken was tougher than I like and the salsa was flimsy. It tasted more like an appetizer than a meal. I have learned that those shared recipes should first be administered to Momma, maybe I would change some aspect to fit our taste palate better but at least this time ,the fridge had salami and provolone. Speaking of that I better run out to the store and buy more. You never know when I may feel multicultural again. Oh, anybody want to try salsa chicken? I have extra.

Lenten Practices

2010-02-18T06:00:00.002-05:00

Momma would dread the start of Lent for many years until recently when I saw it as an opportunity for growth.

Momma Explains: As a child, Lent meant that I needed to give up something and try to be nicer to my brothers and sisters. Since I was the oldest and very bossy, this was painful and dreaded. I still am a person who loathes self-sacrifice. I like my comforts and the gifts of the earth. Lent used to mean that I resentfully needed to sacrifice many of my favorite things. Now however, I have been blessed to have been given some insight by a priest and several Christian authors. This insight has allowed me to approach Lent with a smile. I still try to make a physical sacrifice, basically restrict certain foods or beverages but I also try to improve a part of my life and increase my prayer rituals. Rather than looking at these as sacrifices, I now see it as empowerment. I am empowering my spiritual side by turning off my dependence on material things. I am becoming a stronger spiritual person, and the spirit needs to be strong. It has become my custom during Lent to find a new daily prayer to add to my litany. Sometimes it is a very short prayer but I enjoy finding prayers and new recipients for those prayers. I am growing and strengthening the spirit, the part of me that is easily forgotten with the demands of the day. Lent is a wonderful reminder for us all to look to the inside, the internal, and the spiritual. Feed those components and be a Lenten pilgrim. You will be better for the journey.

Lenten Doughnuts

2010-02-16T06:00:00.001-05:00

Momma tries to sacrifice during Lent, but the day before Ash Wednesday, I do enjoy a BIG helping of my sweets.
Momma Explains: It has always been beneficial for me to try and make sacrifices during Lent. For me a sacrifice is to refrain from certain foods, desserts and wine. Before I attempt this kind of self control, I do feast on my favorites and I am not talking about brussel sprouts. One Christian tradition involves having doughnuts on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The following recipe is a short cut doughnut recipe. You can adapt this to your tastes. It is fun for children to see how simple doughnuts are to make and even better to eat.

Short Cut Lenten Doughnuts

Take frozen bread dough, purchased at a local supermarket and follow directions to defrost. Let the bread rise according to directions and after the first rising, break into golf ball size pieces. Stretch out the dough and roll into a log that you then form into a doughnut. Do not make the dough too thick or it will not cook properly. You may need to use less dough or more so a few experimental ones will be best. After the doughnuts are shaped, let them rise. They should almost double their size. Then fry in hot fat, shortening or vegetable oil. If you have a deep fryer, that is the best but a deep pot works also. Be careful when working with hot fat and lower the dougnuts into the oil with a slotted spoon. Fry for about 5 minutes, turning once. Remove with the slotted spoon and place on paper towel. Then roll in confectionary sugar or brown sugar and cinnamon. Now make some coffee or tea and dunk away.

Graciousness, a welcome attribute

2010-02-11T06:00:00.005-05:00

Momma made many mistakes in her life but will always be grateful to those who overlooked her faults and treated her with gracious courtesy.

Momma Explains: Gracious courtesy is abysmally lacking in much of today's society. Good manners, polite conversation, modesty, humility and kindness have been replaced with boorish behavior, rude interjections, wardrobe failures, conceit and selfishness. What are we doing ?

We have forgotten an earmark of civilized behavior. That earmark is graciousness. I think it is important to look at the word graciousness, it has the same root base ( gratia) as the word grace. Both words speak to us of harmony, compassion and theologically of God's love to man. I think we could all use a little more grace and graciousness. Without intent, many of us have forgotten to be gentle with each other. We are so goal driven, and self absorbed that we overlook the beauty of our humanity and each other. Being courteous and gracious does have merit and welcome effects. If you speak to anyone with civility and gentility, they will be more comfortable and compassionate. If you on the other hand attack them verbally, they instinctively respond defensively. People on the defense protect themselves. They cannot share or compromise because they are in the fight or flight mode. However, if we approach all situations with serenity and gracious concern, we demonstrate our respect for people and their reaction is more open and positive. Is it really so difficult to treat each other with dignity and courtesy? Be gracious, be graceful, be understanding. It is far more relaxing and the benefits are gratifying.

Pork and Finocchio

2010-02-09T06:00:00.005-05:00

Momma does not mind all the snow in the East as long as I have some comfort dinners to accompany a BIG glass of vino.

Momma Explains: If you know the snow is coming, do not worry about milk and bread. You just head out and buy some nice comfort foods, especially a nice piece of meat and a good bottle of wine. Let the snow fall, you are warm all over with this recipe. It is pork chops with finocchio, which is simply fennel or anise. If you go into the store and ask for finocchio they may call security and accuse you of profanity, so ask for fennel as it is safer. Now, momma loves fennel, cooked or raw. In this recipe it is cooked, which softens the slight licorice taste, but it is still there. When you make these pork chops, use a red wine that is described as fruity with a licorice spice. The wine that you use in the recipe should be the same wine that you serve to accompany the pork chops. In the wine stores you should have several wines that list their flavor description, and that makes combining recipes and wine easier.

Pork and Finnochio

4 pork loin chops, medium thickness

olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper( less if you do not like pepper)

1 cup red wine

2 whole cloves garlic, split

1 bunch fennel, cut into 1/2 inch slices

Flour for dredging

Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper and dredge in flour. Heat olive oil to fry pork, add pork and cook on medium heat, browning on both sides. It should take about 20 minutes per side depending on thickness. Pork needs to be cooked thoroughly, if it is getting too brown, lower your heat. When cooked, remove pork chops and place on a dish.

Add butter to pan with drippings and drop in garlic cloves, after about one minute of cooking, add chopped fennel. After fennel softens, add red wine, let reduce and place pork chops in wine sauce to simmer for 5 minutes or until they have absorbed some of the sauce. Do not overcook or they toughen.

Pour your wine and let it snow!

Tuna Stuffed Tomatoes

2010-02-02T06:00:00.003-05:00

Momma likes to have salads but needs some substance in them.

Momma Explains: Salads are great for your health and diet but just lettuce does not have the staying power I need to get through the day. I have found that by adding a protein and varied elements, you can have a healthy and filling salad. These also make a very nice presentation. If you can manage a little wine with this, try a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Tuna Stuffed Tomatoes

Cut off tops of 4 tomatoes, whatever the supermarket has that looks ripe. I often get Roma or Plum. Remove the seeds and liquid. In a bowl mix one can of tuna( again, it is your preference) with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, one tablespoon of vidalia dressing, 1/4 teaspoon celery salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, chopped celery and (optional) some small diced onion . If you are a big mayo fan then you can add more mayo, I prefer to add more vidalia dressing if I add anything more. Mix all ingredients and stuff the tomatoes. I will also boil eggs and place the sliced hard boiled eggs either on top of the tomato or as a plate garnish. If you place the tomatoes on a bed of lettuce, it really looks like a feast.

Family Photo Fun

2010-01-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

Momma has tons of old photos just hidden away but they need to be seen.

Momma Explains: We all have a need to preserve happy times by capturing those moments in photography. Since most are blessed to have multiple opportunities to photograph, we all are deluged with pictures. These pictures may be loaded onto CD's, jammed into shoe boxes, placed in albums or still sit on memory sticks. These memories all share a common location; they are all invisible to most visitors. We take these beautiful pictures and happy remembrances yet they fall into the cavern of forgotten moments. Sadly, we all drag them out for a funeral or event when we want to bring back memories of the past. Why not start bringing those magic moments back now. Years ago, it was popular to make photo collages and hang them on the wall. The challenge was finding the picture that would fit into the predesignated cut out. Now, we have so many scrap booking and cropping tools available as well as materials that would allow you to design our own schematic and display your pictures.
I love it when people come into our house and gaze at the wall that holds out collection. I have a collage for each child. As the grand children visit, we look at the resemblance to other family members.
I have not made a collage in awhile but it is time to start again. How about you, display those happy memories. You will never tire of looking at them. There are even sites that allow you to make a custom collage. I have included one for you to peruse. http://www.customphotocollage.com/samples.aspx

Prosciutto Wrapped Vegetables

2010-01-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

Momma likes to dress up her vegetables but what wrap should they wear?

Momma Explains: Prosciutto is a great wrap for many vegetables. I often use this delicious ham to liven the standard vegetable fare. I especially like prosciutto with asparagus or string beans. Always use fresh asparagus and preferably fresh string beans but the frozen, whole, organic will do in a pinch. Cook the vegetables in slightly salted water, do not over salt, and place in cold water to stop cooking. They should be still a bit crisp. I love to have this with an Italian white wine, they are getting easier to find especially the Sicilian whites or Umbrian whites. Serve the wine chilled and enjoy this treat.

Prosciutto Wrapped Vegetables

You will need one slice of prosciutto for every three string beans or three asparagus. Remember that skinny asparagus and string beans are the most tender. Fatter vegetables are often tough.( Just like Momma)

Cook the vegetables in slightly salted water and rinse in cold water to stop cooking, keep the vegetables on the firm side. Brush a baking dish with olive oil. Wrap the vegetables with the prosciutto, three per slice of prosciutto and place in the baking dish. Drizzle some olive oil over the top of the veggie wrap and then sprinkle with good Parmesan cheese. Bake at 400 F for only about 5- 7 minutes. Keep an eye on the cheese as it browns quickly. Sometimes I broil them but you need to watch the pan VERY carefully. This is a great side dish to chicken. I have even just had vegetables and crusty bread for dinner but of course, I also had wine.

The Generous Heart of America

2010-01-21T06:00:00.003-05:00

Momma knows our country may not be perfect but we sure step up when people are in need.

Momma Explains: The recent devastating earthquake and aftershocks have left the people of Haiti in truly heart breaking conditions. Their losses are incredible and their need is great. Many countries have offered support but not one comes close the The United States of America. In our stores , in our churches, in our communities and our schools, in each one of these locations, there are relief efforts and opportunities. I personally know physicians who are trying to get to Haiti to offer their services. There are donation locations around every bend and the money is coming in. People are opening up their wallets even when our economic climate is not good. The reason is quite simple; the people of America have the biggest hearts in the world. We are a country blessed with many freedoms and we do not hesitate to share our successes with others. That heart, that generosity, those freedoms are what makes America so great. So the next time some foreign dignitary complains about American capitalism, American influences or American self-assurance, I ask him, " Hey, who do want to have YOUR back when disaster strikes? " Yeah, that's what I thought, the USA wins every time.

Quick Salmon Bake

2010-01-19T06:00:00.003-05:00

Momma likes to make a fish dinner but I like it to be moist.

Momma Explains: Cooking fish is always a challenge for me, it really dries out quickly and I can't tell if it is done by using a meat thermometer. Some fish will flake easily( such as salmon) when cooked but others such as Chilean sea bass produce another texture when finished cooking. I only have a few solid fish recipes. This is my salmon bake recipe, I have cooked it on the grill but this recipe is done in the oven at 400F. Try a nice chardonnay with Salmon, I like unoaked chardonnay. Do not be afraid to buy whites, they can be the perfect beverage for a fish or light fare dish. If Chardonnay is too heavy, I just always like Riesling, on the dry side of course. Arugula salad and Asian noodles are great sides with this dish.

Salmon Bake

Preheat oven to 400

Place some 6 oz salmon fillets on aluminum foil, each fillet should go in one foil packet. Then brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil. Sprinkle with some sea salt and pepper. Squeeze some lemon juice on top of fillets. Just a little on each. Then place one large pat of butter on top of the fillets and some chopped chives. I like a lot of chives but it is up to you. Slice a sweet onion and top each fillet with a slice or two of THINLY sliced onion. Fold aluminum foil around salmon so it makes a packet and bake for 15 minutes. Take packets out and let sit in foil for about 5 minutes. While the salmon is cooking make a salad with mixed greens and arugula, then cook up some quick cooking Asian noodles. The lighter noodles cook faster than you can get the bowl out.

A nice healthy dinner, ready very quickly. Sounds good to me!

Fairy Wings; The Perfect Accessory

2010-01-14T06:45:00.002-05:00

Momma: has two grand daughters that love to play dress up but one could give us all a lesson in fashion fun.
Momma Explains: My grand daughters watch the many children fantasy movies that are available and of course, emulate the main characters. Sometimes they are fairies, princesses, wicked witches or queens. They are ready to embrace their role and their wands. It is so much fun to watch them delve into a cushioned world of imagination and magic. I wish we could do the same with the more caustic components of life. Well, my youngest grand daughter has attempted to transcend the imaginary into the rational. ( I think they tried to do that in math theory as well) Anyway, the two year old loves her fairy wings and wears them everywhere. She has been told that she does not have flying capability but wears them none the less. Her three year old sister was very disappointed to discover that the wings were not aviator quality and dismissed them. Luckily her empirical experiment involved jumping off her bed and when she did not soar into the air, she returned the offending wings to her mother stating, " These do NOT work!" Of course there followed a lecture on the fact that all dress ups and their accessories were PRETEND and did not defy the laws of physics. The three year old left the lecture disappointed but the two year old smiled and put on her wings, grabbed her wand and fairy skirt ( okay I spoil them rotten) and she pranced around changing chairs into horses and leaping about the room. She still loves her wings and now has taken to wearing them outside the house, in public. At first my daughter tried to discourage this new fashion but the two year old was so adamant that they let her don her wings on outings. The presence of the wings is truly the perfect accessory. People look and smile, other children approach because they recognize a true spirit of fun and everyone who meets a youngster with wings is taken back to those magic moments in childhood when the world was so full of our imagination and adventure. I love those wings, in fact I am thinking about getting myself a pair. I bet they would wait on me first in those long check out lines because if they didn't I would whip out my wand !!!

Italian String Beans

2010-01-12T06:00:00.003-05:00

Momma likes vegetables but they need a little jolt to awaken their flavor.

Momma Explains: Vegetables are an important part of our diet but cooked vegetables lose a little flavor in the cooking process. That is why raw vegetables seem to be tastier. However, cooked vegetables can have some zing if you do two important things.
First: Always cook the vegetables to just done, in other words, they still have crunch but enough give to taste cooked. The cooking time will vary for each vegetable so just like pasta, you will need to taste them every few minutes to determine when they are done. Start with boiling water, then add the vegetable, if you are boiling. If braising or grilling, always get your pan/grill up to temperature prior to adding vegetables.
Second: Use good quality fresh or frozen vegetables and some appropriate spice combination. Garlic or onion or tomato are very vegetable friendly. You can play around with different seasonings. Sometimes, I use the same seasonings on my vegetables as I do in my meat or meat marinade.
Here is one of my favorite string bean recipes, my mother-in-law taught me this . It was a favorite in little italy. Try a nice Sicilian red or one from Puglia. I have found several bargains from Italy lately., so check with your local wine merchant.

Josephine's Italian String Beans
Fry up a pound of thin sliced bacon, drain off most of the fat but save about three tablespoons .Put the three tablespoons of bacon fat into a large pot.Cut bacon slices in half and set aside.
In the three tablespoons of fat , slowly cook one small chopped onion. When cooked add 1 to 1 and 1/2 pounds cleaned fresh or frozen, whole green beans to the onion,and the cut, cooked bacon, stir so all the string beans get coated. After coating let simmer a couple of minutes, stir often. Then add one jar of your favorite tomato sauce or about three cups of your homemade sauce. Add some salt and pepper, but not much as the bacon has salt. You can check the flavor after about 5 minutes and add more salt then if necessary. Let the string beans simmer till just past crunchy. Taste and add salt or pepper. Turn off stove,then let sit in hot gravy and they will cook more. Serve with a simple steak or pot roast.

ake about 1 and 1/2 pounds cleaned fresh or frozen green beans.

New Years Resolutions

2010-01-07T06:00:00.002-05:00

Momma always has a New Years Resolution and that is a good personal introspective goal but there is one we can all share and use to help us attain other goals.
Momma Explains: Every year I realize there is an area or areas that need improvement in my life, body or attitude. I am human, not perfect, a work in progress at all times. It is therefore common to seek to find a better me. One of the best pieces of advice that I ever received came from a priest. It was a piece of advice that seemed at first both self centered and demanding yet upon reflection it made sense and sensibility. I asked the priest what prayer he said to begin each day. He responded, " I pray for myself first each day." My immediate response was to think that we should pray for others first and then ourselves but he had a good point. If we pray for ourselves in a selfless manner, requesting guidance toward our interactions with others, then we begin each day perfecting ourselves FOR others. It is an interesting way of looking at prayer and I do try to begin each day praying for myself and my actions on behalf of others. Perhaps a good New Years Resolution would be to try to improve our prayer life as well as ourselves. Pray for yourself, I do.

Beef Stew with a zing

2010-01-05T06:00:00.004-05:00

Momma loves winter meals that warm you through and through but they do not need to be bland.
Momma Explains: Perhaps, no time more than winter does the family savor sitting together for a comfort meal together. These meals are often old time recipes that bring back memories and a sense of warmth. My family loves stew but Momma's version has wine and tomato sauce. ( You expected brown gravy??) I serve this with crusty bread, and a rich wine such as a Rhone wine. The 2005's are drinking fine and if a Rhone is not available try something from Chile or Argentina. Check the wine rating and recommended food pairing. You want a rich hearty wine with this dish.Whatever wine you choose, use it in the recipe as well as the glass, and have a few sips yourself while cooking. Remember, if the cook is happy then everybody is happy.

Momma's Beef Stew with Zing
I make this in my Nesco roaster but a very large non stick pot or a La Creuset type casserole is fine as well. You need to stir this several times.

3 lbs beef round or top round cut into 2 by 1 inch cubes( or close enough)
3 teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning plus some kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper ( less if you do not like pepper)
olive oil, enough to coat pan
1/2 large onion chopped finely
3 cloves minced garlic
3 stalks of celery
2 large white potatoes cut into one inch cubes
Frozen bags of vegetables( I use string beans and peas)
1 heaping cup fresh peeled baby carrots
( you can play around with the types of vegetables based on family preference)

1 jar tomato sauce ( buy a good one) plus 1/2 jar water( minimum)
1 cup red wine

Coat bottom of pan with olive oil, heat up the oil. Add the chopped onion, garlic and celery and sprinkle with some kosher salt, allow to soften .
Coat the cubed beef with the Montreal Steak seasoning. (If you do not have this seasoning, mix Kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper together but the balance is tricky.) I find the steak seasoning very useful in my spice rack.
Drop the meat into the oil and be careful not to splatter. Keep the heat low enough so as to avoid burning and spitting. Let meat brown on each side, turning till all sides are browned. Because the onion mixture is in there, the browning will be minimized. When browned add the tomato sauce, water, wine and pepper. Stir the mixture. Let meat simmer for about 1 and 1/2 hours, stir on occasion, then add the carrots, peas, string beans and potatoes. If the juice is getting low add more water. the potato starch will thicken it so check it if you can. You want the juice to dip the bread. Let simmer again for at least one hour. I will put this on and let it go for 4 hours but I can control my roaster temperature easily. You want to make sure that the potatoes and carrots are cooked through. You will need to taste your broth as it may need more salt and pepper. I like a saltier stew than most and add more salt than in the recipe, so adjust according to your own taste. Hope you have that bread ready and the wine poured. This is so good.

Why can't lettuce taste like chocolate

2009-12-31T06:00:00.005-05:00

Momma knows she should lose weight and momma should also exercise but I have several hurdles to get over first.
Momma Explains: Lettuce. broccoli, and carrots just don't taste like chocolate. When you are in the midst of a bad day, you don't comfort yourself with the thought " This is a bad day but I will feel better when I get home and have a carrot smoothie." EWWWW YUCK, That would depress me even more, but if I said to myself. "This day is the pits but when I get home I am going to open that nice bottle of wine I have and eat a POUND of chocolate cake." Now, that is a happy thought! The kind of happy thought which gets you through a lousy day. I can't imagine thinking that a high fiber protein shake could offer the same comfort as a Cosmo and chips. When you are exhausted from the demands of the job, no one ever started to smile at the thought of some nice fluffy egg whites for dinner, but you dream up a thick and rare slab of prime rib, now I am grinning. The food industry really needs to pursue growing vegetables that taste like candy, fiber that taste like salt and chips and egg whites that taste like 2 pounds of prime beef, with mushrooms and garlic potatoes.

How am I ever to be thin and svelte when all the good stuff tastes so darn good and is just attached to me. Everyone likes to live with momma. I eat pasta and sausage and it takes up residence on my hips. The only way to combat this is through the evil exercise regimen of sweat, hard work and physical activity. What an incredible waste of time, I could be home baking a chocolate cake to prepare for a bad day at work but instead I have to go to some smelly( and it is not garlic) gym, look at everyone who actually thinks working out is more fun than chocolates and wine and then pretend I know how to work the machines. Then, I must disinfect the horrid equipment because people drip really gross things all over those machines, I use tons of hand sanitizer on the knobs and handles alone. If people were considerate and did not sweat all over the machines then we would not have to clean them before using.To make the whole experience even more humiliating, I usually spend more time fixing my towel and reading the instructions than actually exercising. One time, I actually got stuck on a weight machine and they had to pry me off, some man almost fell off the treadmill because he was laughing so hard. Maybe I should just spend more time hounding the food manufacturers about that chocolate lettuce idea. Waiting on hold for the customer service representative that I can understand, can be exhausting, I might even need some cake.

Lemon spinach soup

2009-12-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Momma loves soup in the winter but time can be short so you might need to take some short cuts without losing flavor.
Momma Explains: Soup is a classic comfort food and with all the flu and cold demons attacking, you had better always be ready to put a pot of soup on to combat the villains. Since you may not always have a fresh chicken handy to brew some stock, then it is worthwhile to keep some items on hand. I keep store bought chicken broth and an organic chicken stock in my pantry. All good Italian mommas have pastina or some small macaroni on hand and of course fresh garlic. I freeze herbs from my summer garden and they are always available then after the frost. The soup I make is simple but this version has a neat flavor twist that is especially good for colds. Take the ingredients I list and add salt and pepper to your taste. I like a decent amount of salt in soup as I feel it helps fight the germs, as does the garlic and herbs. All have been shown to have therapeutic value. Have fun with this but try it, you will feel the comfort.
Momma's Lemon Soup
For every 32 ounces broth use the following ratio
Chicken broth, organic or your favorite brand
one clove of garlic chopped
1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme
scant zest of a lemon
sea salt and dash of pepper
small macaroni such as orecchiette
small package of chopped spinach, drained and heated in the microwave
Bring broth to a boil and add all ingredients except pasta, check salt flavor and adjust as needed. When ready to serve, add pasta to boiling broth, let cook about 7-8 minutes . Add grated cheese to each bowl.
Enjoy the comfort !

Advent Reflection

2009-12-24T06:00:00.002-05:00

Momma wishes you all a warm and Christ filled Christmas. In the bustle of our lives, take a moment to thank the infant who was born to suffer for our sins and save us so that we might share eternity with Him. I am often amazed at the humility of the Christ child, how I wish I could be more like Him.

EWTN has a beautiful reflection for today, I am enclosing their link.

http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/Advent/24.htm

Peace Joy and Christ be yours

Momma's Italian Butter Cookies

2009-12-22T06:00:00.003-05:00

Momma loves her Italian cookies, sure hope you do too.
Momma Explains: Every cook makes her recipe for these a bit differently. I made this one as easy as possible because as much as I like to cook, I like to eat more. Try this recipe with the kids, they especially love to dip the cookies into chocolate and sprinkles.

Italian Butter Cookies
4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 and 1/2 tsp grated orange rind
1 tbsp. rum
4 egg yolks beaten
1 and 1/2 cups unsalted butter cut into pieces
1 egg white beaten

Combine and mix together the flour, sugar and orange rind. Add rum and egg yolks in fourths, mixing thoroughly after each addition.Cut butter into flour mix with a pastry blender, sometimes my fingers work best. Get the dough crumbly ,Then knead into a dough.
Roll dough on board about 1/4 inch thick and cut into shapes. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly grease your cookie sheet. Brush cookies with egg white and bake at 350 F for about 15 minutes. When cool, dip tips in melted chocolate and then in sprinkles or decorative candies. They taste as good as they look.
PEACE AND JOY TO ALL

The neighborhood light show

2009-12-17T06:00:00.003-05:00

Momma loves looking at Christmas lights and the yearly tour our family takes has become a Christmas Eve tradition.

Momma Explains: Each family seems to develop its own set of traditions. Many of these traditions originate with the holidays or a personal celebration. This individualized heritage is special to each family. Some traditions such as the feast of the 7 fishes is an ethnic tradition that Italian families enjoy on Christmas Eve. Legend states that the 7 fishes represent the 7 sacraments and 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit. As with many traditions, the feast is associated with a religious holiday. Our family does celebrate many of these ethnic traditions but we also started a few of our own. One of our favorites is to drive around some time after dark, on Christmas Eve, with a radio or a CD playing Christmas music, and we slowly enjoy the myriad of light displays. It is a joyous experience and we each have our particular display favorites. What ever our preference, the time we get to spend together, even if only 30 minutes or so, is a time which emphasizes the joy and magic of Christ's birth. This year, I encourage everyone to find some magic moments for your family to share. Moments free of gift giving and just share a song, a light display or a prayer as a family.
May you be blessed with the light of the world and lots of Christmas cookies !

Snow Pearls

2009-12-16T18:00:00.000-05:00

SNOW PEARLS ****************************************************************************************************

Momma promised some simple cookie recipes, these are one of my son's favorites. They go great with a sweet white wine like muscadet.
Momma explains: Cookies go with Christmas, and a mug of cocoa or glass of sweet wine is a wonderful pairing. Don't forget to try cookie swaps or exchanges just don't make the number of participants too large.

Snow Pearls

3/4 cup butter 1 and 1/2 cups sifted all purpose flour

1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/8 tsp salt

1/3 cup sugar

Cream butter with extract, then add sugar slowly and beat till fluffy

Mix flour and salt in bowl and add in fourths to butter mixture, blending well.

Chill dough about an hour or until you can easily roll into balls.

Roll dough into 1 inch balls and press gently onto an ungreased cookie sheet. The balls look a bit flattened.

Bake at 325 F for 20 minutes. Look for a light brown ring to form on outer edge and bottom of cookie shouls also hahve golden tone.

Remove from oven, wait a couple of minutes and when still warm, drop into a bag filled 1/2 way with confectionery sugar. Gently move bag around to coat cookies. Place on plate and guard your snow pearl, these are jewels that the kids love to steal.

Happy Happy Holidays and Blessings to ALL

G Men Cookies

2009-12-08T06:00:00.003-05:00

Momma loves Christmas and having some homemade cookies available for guests, but Momma likes simple and fast recipes that deliver on taste.
Momma Explains: Over the years a few cookie recipes have become a necessary -must have during the Holidays. I will try to share a few of them with you over the next few weeks. I do not make a huge variety of cookies nor are the recipes complicated, just yummy and of course they taste great with coffee, tea or eggnog. Feel free to enhance the flavor of your beverages with rum, whiskey or anisette.

Momma's Gingerbread Men:
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp ginger
2tsp cloves and 2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
Bring the above ingredients to a slow boil, stir and remove from heat as soon as the sugar dissolves. ( This is pretty fast so keep guard over the pot)
POUR hot mixture over one cup of butter, that you cut into chunks, use a heat resistant Pyrex type bowl. Stir mix until the butter melts then let cool to room temperature.
After cooling, stir in 4 cups flour which has been combined with 1/2 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp. baking powder.
Stir well, when evenly mixed, place in plastic wrap and chill for a couple of hours. Take out chilled dough and roll onto a surface dusted with flour and powdered sugar. ( Some people use only flour but I prefer the mix) Then roll out into 1/4 inch depth and cut with your favorite cookie cutters. Bake at 350 F for about 10 minutes. Cool and remove from pan, after thoroughly cooling we use a butter cream icing to decorate the G Men. They look delicious and festive.
Kids love to help with these and there are no raw eggs in the batter so if they sneak some dough you do not need to call Poison Control. There are moms who have so do not laugh...my kids are always stealing raw dough and pappa is the worst.

Keep Christ in Christmas and enjoy your families

Married to Clark Griswold

2009-12-03T06:00:00.002-05:00

Momma loves the beautiful lighted landscapes that abound during the Christmas season, however Momma's house does not meet that description.
Momma Explains: For every momma in the world there is a pappa and pappa has a serious obsession with lights. Momma loves theme scapes, that is you choose a color scheme then neatly and symmetrically decorate your property. Pappa has only one theme, to place as many lights as possible on any and all growing greens in our yard. Even dead bushes are illuminated. Color compliments matter not, it is quantity not quality. It is blazing beacons of misfit lighting arrangements that fill the neighbors with horror and awe. . The children of the neighborhood love the glittering candyland that is my front yard. Pappa has even encroached his lighting display to bushes that belong to the neighbors but face our house. There are a multitude of LED lights, colored lights, standard lights, half-lit lights. There was a time when large and small lights lived together on our shrubs but an unfortunate accident with Momma, an electric clipper and those bushes terminated that display. To this day I just can't understand what prompted me to trim the bushes in winter when the lights were in place. Oh, well too much egg nog, I guess. That little accident just made pappa more determined to use every available wattage, volt and amp that he could plug in the circuits. So if you are flying over the east coast and notice an erratic behemoth of lights which penetrate the farthest regions of outer space, land nearby and stop in, I will make you a little antipasto, while we bask in electric glow.

Buying Wines For the Holidays

2009-12-01T06:00:00.005-05:00

Momma loves to have company and my company loves to have wine. How do you meet the vino lovers needs without breaking your budget?

Momma Explains: Wine served per person is more expensive than the average beer cost. That is not including imported or high end beers. However, despite the fact that wine costs more, it has a higher alcohol content and people will drink less. Hopefully all your guests will drink responsibly and have a wonderful time at your festive gathering.
Now, since the economy is tight, there are actually great opportunities to make some awesome wine purchases for less. In many locales you can have the wine merchant email you their specials for the month and the sales are well worth checking out. In Pennsylvania , I know the State controls the sales of wine, however they also have some exceptional buys because they purchase in great quantity. If you go into any wine store, the fastest way to find the deals is to ask a knowledgeable employee. Your question is simply" Could you please show me the wines that are rated a 90 or better that are less than $15.00?" They do exist and they will be good. You will need to purchase both white and red for a party. Riesling, Vouvray or a sweet Muscadet are good whites. Shiraz or Syrah and Cabernet blends make good red choices. I am particularly fond of Spanish and Chilean wines which are made from grapes that you may not have encountered but are quite good. They are often steals too. I would easily purchase a case of red and white for my entertaining needs, especially if the price is right. Buy a case with a mix of wines and regions, you should still get a discount and it offers fun variety. I always try to bring a bottle of wine when invited to dine at some one's house and people enjoy trying new regions or vintners.
The trick to purchasing good wine at good prices is to know the ratings and the most reliable rating tasters. I am usually very comfortable with the ratings by the Wine Advocate and the Wine Spectator. While other reliable wine rating individuals exist, I have found these two the best and the most reliable.
You can find inexpensive wines that will make your guests feel very spoiled, shop early, shop wisely, use the store staff and the rating system and in vino veritas.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I AM ENJOYING MY TIME WITH MY FAMILY, MAY YOU ALL BE WITH LOVED ONES AND MAY YOU ENJOY ABUNDANT BLESSINGS

MOMMA

Momma's super stuffing

2009-11-24T06:00:00.002-05:00

Momma makes stuffing the way her grandmother did, the grandmother from Italy.

Momma Explains: Remember, every culture adapts recipes based on their traditions and what ingredients are available. For my Italian side, sausage and eggs were in abundance, hence their prevalence in this recipe. I stuff my turkey with this and it is always a hit. I do not measure but have set out my general guidelines. The key to a great stuffing is a moist stuffing prior to placing it in the turkey. You are going to love this one.

Momma's Super Stuffing: First, cook a pound of regular sausage with out the casing, Bob Evans or similar. Break it up as it cooks so it is crumbled. Let cool. In a large saute pan place a whole stick of butter. ( Yes a whole stick, there is a reason it is called stuffing!) , chop a medium sweet onion and about 6 celery stalks. I use the interior celery as it is more tender. Soften the celery and onion in the butter on low to medium heat. Add some salt for flavor. Let cool and prepare the bread mixture. Take a whole loaf of white bread, none of that healthy grain bread, remember it is STUFFING. Cube the bread, crust and all and place in a large bowl. Add 12 eggs that you have beaten well, mixed with about 1/4 to 1/2 cup water. Add about 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the onion and celery and the sausage, and mix well. It even looks good raw but wait till you have it in turkey.

You all have a Happy and Holy Thanksgiving, we all are Blessed. Thank you Lord, for family, friends and feast.

Villains and Fairies of Fashion Merchandising

2009-11-19T06:00:00.005-05:00

Momma was out shopping at her favorite Department store but was dismayed to fall victim to fashion merchandising.

Momma Explains: I was happily one of the first people to open the local department store for their ONE DAY SALE. Of course there are going to be a lot of one day sales but I wanted first peek at the low costs. I piled myself with Christmas gifts, used my coupons, my % off discounts, my card for extra savings and was about to leave. Then, it happened, I passed the children's department. Standing in the end cap were gorgeous dresses for the holidays. Velvet sleeves, sparkles, tulle, satin, moire, every fabric imaginable. In short, they were a little girl's fairy princess dream. I was smitten since I have grand daughters. The end cap display featured the older girl's sizes, 7 - 16. To my surprise the dresses were 60% off the original price of $48.00, and I was awed. These were prom dress quality at an incredible price and then with a 60% off. I ran, literally, probably took out a couple of mannequins, but made it to the toddler department. The exact same dresses were on display only in the smaller sizes. I quickly perused the rack, picked out the most luscious dresses to make a little girl gush, then sped to the check out. As I stood in line I noticed the price tag on the toddler size dresses- $ 85.00, whoa, there must be a mistake. The size 16 was only $48.00 and it was three times the material. This had to be wrong, but alas, the fairy princess has met the evil villain, fashion merchandiser !! Yes, we can easily get our little , toddler girls to wear fairy princess gowns. In fact every other grand mom was out buying the same thing and was willing to overlook the ridiculous price for a 2T, but we cannot easily convince a 12 year old that velvet and tulle are in, not when their idea of dressing up is to wear jeans with out holes in them. So I sadly had to leave the magic shopping arena, and gaze at the large assortment of size 7 -16 dresses, a steal at a final cost of $20.00, I really considered buying them anyway, after all fairy princesses wear a lot of slips. Maybe someday, 12 year olds will want to be a fairy princess again.

Beaujolais Nouveau

2009-11-17T06:00:00.009-05:00

Momma likes a good fruity wine that is reasonable and they can even be imported.

Momma Explains: Beaujolais is a wine area in France, it is part of the Burgundy Region. Beaujolais wine is made from the Gamay grape, it is a mild wine that shows fruit and flavor. It is best chilled. The best part though is that it is reasonably priced.

Beaujolais Nouveau is meant to be drunk young as in ASAP . It is a wine that a few weeks ago was sitting on the vine. It is very fresh and released on the third Thursday of November amidst a lot of fanfare and excitement. Despite the price, it is usually a great find and an interesting preview into the more expensive wines that will be made from the same Burgundy Region.

Beaujolais Nouveau is meant to be purchased and consumed immediately. What a great Holiday treat. It is best chilled because that brings out the fruit flavor. Look for the Noveau wines to be in your stores soon. There are actually people who fly out to France to be the " first" to taste the new wine when it is released. So if your jet is busy this week, not to worry. You can get a bottle soon, put it on ice and enjoy. Wine should be fun, flavorful and affordable. Beaujolais hits the mark on all three counts.

Bargains Galore

2009-11-12T06:00:00.003-05:00

85% OFF
PLUS 10%
ADDITIONAL

Momma loves to shop, in fact I consider it an art form and investigative skill.

Momma Explains: While the economy struggles to rise, we all are tightening our belts but if we are, then so are the retailers. In a way, since we have less to spend, demand is less and therefore prices fall. Now, I am not the economic whiz that some people are but I can calculate a percent off sale faster than a calculator. Tell me the percent off and I can figure what it will cost in seconds, yes seconds. Hey, when you are shopping against the other professional savers, math counts, as does long arms and quick grabs. Now with the current sales conditions, I have noticed an increase in sales and coupons. My favorite is the free shipping option that Landsend has been offering and many other merchants are offering free shipping as well. Beware the fine print on some of the online gimmicks, their free shipping only applies to certain items.
As the Holidays draw near, I think the merchants will be ready to unload their products at significant savings. After all ,they can only make money if YOU buy something. Keep an eye on an item that you want to purchase. In this economic clime, cashmere is not beyond your grasp. I shop the finer retail stores clearance racks, and I ask the sales personnel if there are any other markdowns which are not out. They are more than happy to clear out the back room. Many people think that to save money then you must shop the discount chains, well I can tell you that I have paid 10% of the original cost of quality merchandise by shopping clearance and multiple sale discount racks. Maybe I am robo-shopper but all the people who receive my gifts are glad that I am. Now, check out the newspaper, cut your coupons and do the math. Shopping is an art form and my idea of competition.

Veal and Prosciutto

2009-11-10T06:00:00.002-05:00

Momma loves to have a little veal dinner now and then, it is expensive but such a treat.

Momma Explains: Veal is an expensive meat but you actually use a lot less, the weight amount of veal is a smaller amount than beef. I love veal dishes with some Italian accents and a light Italian Pinot Grigio is awesome to sip with your treat. Make sure your side dishes do not overwhelm the veal, a pasta with some olive oil and Parmesan cheese or a simple salad and crusty bread are all you need.

Momma's Veal and Prosciutto: Use thin sliced veal cutlets, you can pound or flatten them with a meat mallet to tenderize. Sprinkle with a small amount of salt and pepper and a little garlic powder on each side of the cutlets. Take a slice of prosciutto and place on each veal strip, then place a thin slice of provolone on too. Fold veal cutlet so that the prosciutto and provolone are tucked inside. I use toothpicks to hold these cutlets together. I then dredge them in a little flour to coat them lightly. Put some butter and some olive oil in a skillet and heat on medium heat. Place the secured cutlets in the oil/butter mix and cook for a few minutes then turn and cook on the other side. This takes only a very short time as veal cooks quickly. Once the veal is cooked, remove from pan and place on a dish. Then lower the heat and add some white wine to the pan to deglaze. Follow the wine with a half cup or so of chicken stock or broth, cook for 5 minutes, and use the reduction sauce to pour over the veal. If you like spinach then cook some spinach with salt and butter and place the veal packets on top before serving. I am getting hungry just talking about this.

Allergies

2009-11-05T06:00:00.002-05:00

Momma can't believe how many people now have allergies, including many in her own family. How did the allergy epidemic emerge?

Momma Explains: Have we suddenly become a nation of hypochondriacs, overly sensitive to every allergen and contaminate? I do not think the evolutionary curve has suddenly turned exponential. I do believe we have better detection abilities and more research has uncovered allergic conditions that were idiopathic illnesses in the past. I think many lives have been saved due to better evaluations and medications. However, I also believe we are a community of chemicals. We have so much exposure to chemical agents and processed foods that we are missing the benefits to fresh foods and whole foods. This does create a need for better food supplies without chemical additives and pesticides. In some aspects we have created allergic conditions wile trying to avoid natural products and normal processes. My dad always teased me that my children did not eat enough dirt, because I was always trying to kill germs and sanitize. In some ways he was correct, my children have allergies. I do not remember any of my siblings having allergies and I think we did eat dirt.

Perhaps in our efforts to keep our children safe from the many bacteria and viral agents we have not allowed them to build up an efficient immune system. If this is true, then we have conundrum. Just how do we expose our children to germs without exposing them to danger? I do not have a concrete answer but I do know that I do need to find a balance. The kids who had the continual runny noses as children seem to be very healthy now and allergy free. I guess they got just enough dirt. If anyone has any comments on this challenge, I would love to hear about your thoughts and experience. We are very blessed to have the medical expertise and knowledge in today's world but I hope we still have common sense and natural instincts. There has got to be a better answer to allergies than concstant medication.

Simple Chicken in marinade

2009-11-03T06:00:00.002-05:00

Momma likes to have chicken but it is bland unless you can release those hidden flavors.

Momma Explains: Chicken is a meat that is best juicy but the trick is cooking it until it is safely done with out drying it out. A meat thermometer is essential when cooking any meat but especially chicken and pork which can make you seriously ill if under done. I like to marinate chicken for several minutes or an hour if I have the time. Since most of my family prefers white meat, I make this recipe with breasts. Breasts that have the bone in and skin on will stay more moist. If you use boneless and skinless cook them just until done and check them often. This chicken dish is great with a Riesling from Germany, especially a 2006, it was a good year.

Momma's Chicken in Marinade: This recipe may be adapted for any chicken amount, it is all about coverage. So if you are only cooking two chicken breasts then use less of everything, if you are cooking more than 4, use more. I place the bone in, skin on, breasts in a plastic seal able bag, add enough orange juice mixed equally with Italian dressing to cover the chicken. You should premix the OJ and Italian dressing in a bowl or pitcher and then dump in the bag. I add about 1/4 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp oregano to the mixture as well. Let marinate for about 30 minutes if possible. After the chicken marinates, coat a roasting pan with olive oil, there should be a layer of olive oil in the bottom of the pan, just enough to cover the very bottom of the chicken. Take the chicken out of the marinade and place in the olive oil. I spoon some of the marinade onto the top of the chicken and then grate orange rind to sprinkle on the top as well. Just a sprinkling will do. Bake the chicken at about 350 F for 40 minutes. ( Boneless breasts may take a shorter amount of time) Your oven cooking speed and chicken breast size will vary so check the chicken, it may be done sooner or later. Use that meat thermometer. Some people find that cooking the chicken at a lower temp helps retain the moisture. You know how your oven functions, so adjust the temperature accordingly. Side dishes often include rice and steamed veggies or a salad. Enjoy this simply refreshing chicken dish.

Aging Parents

2009-10-29T06:00:00.005-04:00

Momma knows how difficult it is to be caught in the sandwich generation, the one that cares for both parents and children.

Momma Explains: Over the last few years, it has been more prevalent to see friends and family adjust their lives to care for an aging relative. It may not be the easiest situation but it is the right choice.
Elderly relatives often degenerate slowly so we are not aware of their limitations, needs or frailty until a situation occurs which raises concern. If we are not prepared to handle the situation, then often we are left with little choice for the care of our loved ones. It is imperative that the family discusses options and preferences in care prior to an emergency. This discussion is proactive to avoid the often upsetting consequences to a reactive response. Not only physical care and medical care but financial care and directives need to be brought to the table.
Family discussions should, when possible, include the elderly and all responsible family members. One family member is not to be the sole care giver. Everyone needs to play a part in taking care of our aging family members. They still have great worth to God and it is our gift to offer ourselves to them. This may require sacrifice and labor but it is a labor of love, one that will not have cause for future regrets. I am not saying it is easy, but love often is a challenge.
If it is decided that you will take in a family member to join your household, please look into the many available community services. Some are dependent on need but others are free for the asking. Planing for the future is essential as is open family discussion. We are all called to "Honor your father and mother" and we can do so more effectively if we are ready.

Pasta and Stir Fry

2009-10-27T06:00:00.004-04:00

Momma knows the winter months do not offer the better prices on most vegetables, so how to add nutrition to a dinner but still have it affordable?

Momma Explains: Frozen vegetables have come a long way and the new options of organic frozen veggies are awesome. My children did not like vegetables so I had to find creative ways to incorporate them in a meal. This is still a family favorite, only now we can all have wine with it. I like a Marquis Phillips white such as Holly's Blend.

Momma's Pasta and Stir Fry: Start by heating up your pasta water and adding a good toss of salt. While the pasta water is heating, take a one pound bag of stir fry or Normandy blend vegetables. In a very large skillet , coat the bottom with olive oil so the oil is about 1/4 inch deep in the pan. Chop a small onion and saute in the oil, when the onion is opaque, add three minced garlic cloves and 4 tablespoons of butter, heat for a few minutes. Then add one can of chicken broth( about 14.5 ounces), and salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the sea salt and stir, then taste-without burning yourself-and add more salt as needed. I also put out a bowl of grated Romano cheese for people to bulk up the flavor. After you have cooked the vegetables in the broth and oil mix, making sure they still have some firmness, shut off the stove and cook your pound of pasta. When the pasta is cooked, drain it and toss into the skillet, if large enough, otherwise use a large bowl. Mix all your ingredients and serve. Don't forget the Romano cheese.

Standing up for the little guy

2009-10-22T06:00:00.002-04:00

Momma has had her share of challenges but she always tries to remember to treat others the way you wish to be treated. This is especially true when dealing with the little guy. Who is the little guy?

Momma Explains: The little guy is the one who struggles, the one who in an equal match will lose, the one with less money, or looks or talent. He is the one who lacks self confidence. Simply, the little guy is the one who needs your help. In this world the louder you are the more you are heard, the tougher you are, the more some people respect you, the more money or skill you have, the more people applaud you. Yet, is that the way God measures our worth? Are only the successful worthy, or are we all responsible for each others care, needs and self worth? When you take care of the little guy, you even the playing field, you establish their self worth as a child of God and your brother. You say to everyone, "we are all created equal in God's eyes, it is man who differentiates. " So as you go about your day, help that person in the grocery store, wait patiently while a coworkers sifts slowly through some information, offer to explain a concept to someone who learns more slowly. Stop gossip, avoid mocking others, offer help rather than criticism. Do all these things with a smile and the knowledge that compared to God, we are all the little guys.

Chicken and Pasta Alfredo

2009-10-20T06:00:00.004-04:00

Momma likes to have some meals that are quick but satisfying. You can start from scratch or use some prepared items such as a rotisserie chicken.
Momma Explains: Store prepared rotisserie chickens are packed with tender juices and flavors. They are the real thing, not processed, only you get the advantage of no prep time. So, Momma will often pick up a chicken and make some quick meals. If you do not want to buy a precooked chicken, then by all means, just cook the chicken breasts in advance. Pull the meat from the frame and use the recipe. This Alfredo sauce cooks up quickly so put your pasta water on first. Make sure that you have removed the chicken from the frame and cut or broken into chunks. Then start your pasta water, lots of salt remember. While your pasta water heats up, you may put together the Alfredo sauce.

Momma's Chicken and Pasta Alfredo: While your pasta water is heating, take a large pot and add 1/2 stick of butter, melt the butter and add one quart of heavy whipping cream. Stir together the butter and cream, cooking on low heat. Add garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. Go light on the salt until you add the Romano. Romano is salty and you do not want to over salt the dish. You can add more salt after you add the Romano, if it needs more. Let the sauce heat up and add one small bag of frozen peas. This will drop your temp so get it back up to a simmer by slowly increasing the heat. This happens quickly so stay by the stove and stir occasionally. As soon a s the mixture begins to boil or pop, add a cup of Romano grated cheese. Stir often and lower heat. The cheese will stick to the pan if you do not keep the sauce moving, add your chicken chunks and simmer on low just to allow the sauce to meld with the chicken. This whole process actually takes less than 30 minutes. When you have cooked your( one pound ) pasta al dente, dump the drained pasta into the pot and stir for a minute. Let it rest while you set the table and make a sald from iceberg lettuce. Just wash and quarter the lettuce. Leave in a big wedge and put your favorite dressing on top. Serve this with Simi Chardonnay.

Gaining info when away from home

2009-10-15T06:00:00.004-04:00

Momma knows that we all take trips away from our home and or area. When we are away, it can be frustrating finding a restaurant, shopping mall, service or hospital. So what is the best way to get information when you are the stranger?

Momma Explains: In my many years of traveling, some planned and some unplanned I have found one reliable source of information. That source has always been an individual or individuals that seem to be on your wavelength and are familiar with the locale or would have a need to know the same information. That may seem daunting but it is not as difficult as it sounds. I often strike up a conversation on a plane and inquire if the other person is familiar with the destination. With a short conversation, you can determine whether this individual has similar taste as yourself and in turn decide whether you will glean information about restaurants etc. from them.
One time, I went to a wedding in an unfamiliar city and needed to have my hair done. Since I am not always sure if the desk personnel at the hotel will be informed, I find the nearest Talbots or other higher end women's store, I then ask the clerk at the store where their clients get their hair done. Once you find a nice salon, you can find a nail salon, a mall and more. If you find a good restaurant, ask the hostess or chef where the best wine store is located, ask at the wine store, where the best restaurant is located. If you need to find a gift for someone or a park or nice theater find people who would probably be familiar with those settings. So if you want to find a nice park for the children, stroll up to the mom with the double stroller and the 4 year old tagging along. I guarantee she will know of a good park or at least a McDonald's play land. Hey, when all else fails, just single out someone with a Gucci purse and ask for advice, I am sure they will know.

Ginger Sauce

2009-10-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

Momma makes different meats as her main dish and a variety of vegetables but there are a few sauces that I employ for either meats or vegetables.

Momma Explains: Sauces are a great way to spice up a familiar dish or enhance some leftovers. I have a few that seem to be versatile so that I can use them with beef, pork or chicken and even vegetables. These sauces have an Asian edge so choose your wine accordingly. I find a Riesling goes well with these, especially if it presents some fruit upfront.

Momma's Ginger Sauce: Add ingredients to a pan and gently whisk until mixed, bring to a soft boil. You may use immediately or save for later.
Ingredients for Ginger Sauce
1 cup beef or chicken stock ( depending on your meat)
1 cup orange juice( no pulp)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp granulated garlic
1 tsp low sodium soy sauce
1/4 tsp black pepper

Fall, A time to Enjoy

2009-10-08T06:00:00.003-04:00

Momma loves the fall, but it is not so much as one particular thing but a feeling that arrives with the season.

Momma Explains: Fall is a season marked in the East, with crisp air, apples, pumpkins, and a gorgeous myriad of color. There is something special about Fall and I think it is an attitude adjustment that occurs. First, the beauty of nature is so visually resplendent, and secondly, we are anticipating the upcoming holidays. Autumn signals the beginning of family oriented holidays and many of us look forward to the sights, smells, conversation, and gatherings that will occur. Fall reminds us of the harvest, the results of our hard work and God's gifts. Fall is a time for apple picking and pumpkin decorating, a time to walk outdoors in clean, fresh air and just gaze at nature's paintings. Maybe, the most important thing about fall is that it takes our focus off ourselves and on to the gifts around us, whether they be family, friends or the earth's bounty. Enjoy this time, and thank the Lord for these blessings around us.

Momma's Pasta Fagioli ( Pasta and Beans)

2009-10-06T06:00:00.001-04:00

Momma remembers some recipes that were a combination of two regions of Italy and they are truly tummy warmers.

Momma Explains: As my relatives settled in America, they adapted many recipes to the ingredients available here rather than in their country of origin. Also, people who had originally emigrated from different regions of Italy found themselves sharing and exchanging traditional recipes. As a result there are several versions to the same recipe. Here is the pasta fagioli recipe that I remember my grandmother making. It is inexpensive but just so hearty and a real tummy warmer. This is meatless and I prefer it that way.

Momma's Pasta Fagioli: Take your favorite large sauce pan, add some olive oil - enough to thoroughly cover the bottom of the pan and saute a medium, finely chopped onion, when opaque add three cloves minced garlic, and 1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley. If I have fresh thyme, I add some for more herbal flavor. Let cook a few minutes and add two cups chopped escarole, or spinach. Cook until soft, it should only be tender not mush. Then dump in two cans of cannellini beans( water and all) . Stir and add three cans of College Inn chicken broth. Then salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer while you cook the pasta. In a large pot, boil your water for one pound of ditalini. (It is a small macaroni and kids love it) Make sure you add a good toss of salt to the water when it boils and then cook your pasta till al dente, drain and add to the bean gravy. Simmer a few minutes and serve. I enjoy Bovo, Chardonnay Inzolia from Sicily with this hearty pasta dish.

Reading a Book, the real comfort food

2009-10-01T06:00:00.004-04:00

Momma has great appreciation for the internet and other media communication but there are some downsides.

Momma Explains: The mass availability of eternal and often, unregulated information is astronomical The speed at which we can access anything from airline tickets to pictures of a pyramid, not to mention those great blogs with food and family advice, is really amazing. It allows us the opportunity to gain knowledge on medical conditions that before the Internet, would have been information known only to those who studied medicine. This rapid communication device presents us with instant messaging, chat rooms and similar. Student's papers are quickly researched, and typed, and printed without leaving your home. That is very convenient but there are concerns. First, there is the unfortunate availability of predators, misinformation, viruses, inaccurate medical facts, cheat sheets, and so many bytes of damaging exposure. Careful parental regulation is important as well as recognition that many sites could easily be publishing inaccurate or false information. Secondly, we have all become far lazier when researching and rarely go to the original source of published information, a book, I mean the actual book with binding and pages, and print. There is something cathartic when we read a book and discern information with our own thought process, books are journeys and they are a longer, well organized, well edited cohesive compilation of research, insight and facts. Thirdly, I worry that we are limiting our knowledge and experience to the Internet only. The Internet only contains what someone has chosen to put there, maybe there is something in a library or book store that will serve your needs better. Keep a book in mind nest time you need to sail through Internet information,maybe you should try a luxury cruise instead, with a book.

Sweet stir fry

2009-09-29T06:00:00.004-04:00

Momma has to fix quck meals sometimes but they must make everyone happy.

Momma Explains: Most meals need more prep time or cooking time, especially if meats are involved. So the secret to cutting down on the cooking time when you still want a meat, is to use small or thin slices of your favorite meat. In this recipe I take a couple of pounds of beef tenderloin or sirloin and I cook it quickly then make a sweet orange marmalade and onion sauce with red peppers and broccoli. Feel free to change up the vegetables, the peppers and broccoli are just the two I like in this dish. It all cooks in one pot. I suggest that you also make some quick eggnoodles, they cook in very little time or another fast cooking starch. Have a fruity Reisling by Rolf Binder with this dish.
Now get that WOK or frying pan out and we can cook.

Sweet Stir Fry: Cut up your beef into thin 1/2 inch strips. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper. In a frying pan or wok, heat up some olive oil, use enough to generously coat the bottom of the pan. Add a thinly sliced sweet onion and sprinkle that with some sea salt, as the onion turns opaque, add the beef strips and cook for a few minutes, turning often. Add the sliced red peppers, cook a few minutes and add the following ingredients, stirring gently but thoroughly after each addition:
1 cup beef stock, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1cup orange marmalade, 1/2 cup brown sugar( you can add more later if you want it sweeter), 1/2 tsp ginger, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp low sodium soy sauce. Mix all ingredients together and bring to a simmer, after a few minutes add your broccoli florets. I only cook the broccoli a short time as it is better firmer and takes on some bitterness if cooked too long. Now wok and lol !!

Bullies are not the victims

2009-09-24T06:00:00.007-04:00

Momma knows that bullies exist, and they need help to overcome their actions but let us not forget who really suffers.

Momma Explains: Bullies choose their victims and the people they pick on are victims. Victims are the ones being abused and I get very angry when the psych babble starts directing a correction toward the victim. Without bullies there would be no bullied victims. That is the fact, the victim is not guilty and there is no law against being a victim. There is however a law against being abusive. I do not want you to think that I am unaware of the probable causes of bullying, I am adamant however that the bully must be stopped not the victim. Once, one of my children was being physically hit by an older child, who was himself abused. This child had suffered and vented his frustration the only way that he knew, he hit and hurt someone else. Now, while I did have empathy toward the child's anger , I did not condone his abuse of other children. My son was smaller and younger and was frightened and ashamed that he could not "handle" the bully as so many adults seem to expect. What is wrong with our society that we expect children to fight, to defend themselves against abusers, and if they cannot, we blame the victim. One of the administrators actually advised me to have my son learn karate so he felt more secure. The problem with that kind of thinking lies in its philosophy. A child is taught a skill to defend himself, and at the same time, he is taught that the physically superior will win. It is this kind of thinking that drives a victim to seek refuge in a weapon and then use that weapon on their abuser. After all, we encouraged them to become superior so they could "take" the abuser. The real challenge in this situation comes down to using common sense. Unfortunately, all children do need some self defense skills, but they also need to know that authority exists to bring order and justice. The bully cannot be allowed to bully, the victim has equal rights and one of those rights is his own safety. We all need to recognize that superior strength does not live outside the law. Children who are bullies need counseling but their victims need to be protected and counseled as well.

Lauren's Chicken

2009-09-22T06:00:00.005-04:00

Momma is asked for recipes all the time, especially by the young people who are starting to really enjoy cooking. The problem is that Momma rarely measures, so to offer a recipe, I must try it while measuring. The things I do for my children and their friends.

Momma Explains: This recipe is for Lauren, my extra daughter. She is eager to try her culinary skills as she has already mastered cake decorating. It is a two pot recipe, one skillet for the chicken and one sauce pan for the brown rice. It is dependent on the cooking time for the rice as the chicken only takes 30 minutes, so plan your prep time according to the time your particular brown rice needs. Pair it with a fruit forward Shiraz such as Marquis Phillips.

Lauren's Chicken: First, choose a brown rice and prepare according to package directions. Add grated orange peel to the rice as it is cooking to give it a citrus edge, this also enhances the Shiraz fruit flavor. So you have to have some wine with dinner. While the rice is cooking, add olive oil to a pan and cook one sweet onion which has been chopped. While the onion cooks, add some sea salt to the onion. When the onion is opaque add some very thin chicken breasts that you have seasoned with salt and pepper, brown chicken on both sides and when brown, lower heat and add five whole garlic cloves. As soon as the garlic starts to cook, add one can of cranberry sauce, one cup of orange marmalade and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Stir them in the pan carefully and continue to simmer. As it cooks the gelatin will break down and you will be able to blend the sauce better. If you like a sweetened sauce , add about 1/4 cup of sugar and mix evenly into sauce. My family likes it sweetened but it is your call. Cook until the chicken is done but it will depend upon the thickness of the chicken breasts. I usually use very thin breasts about 6-8 but then I have HUGE MOMMA PANS to cook in, it only takes about 30 minutes tops to cook the thin breasts. AND THAT IS COOKING AT A SIMMER. Serve the chicken and rice with a nice crunchy salad. Make extra and take it for lunch the next day, it is good the second time around as well.

Alternative Therapies

2009-09-17T06:00:00.002-04:00

Momma recognizes the benefits of traditional M.D. medicine and treatments but over the years, time and experience have opened a new approach that should not be disregarded.

Momma Explains: Since my undergraduate studies were in Science, I started off as a very method oriented person, who almost always followed standardized treatment and popular medical opinion. However, by personal experience, I have found this approach sometimes mistaken and far too limiting.

The first thing we must realize is that everyone, whether a licensed medical professional, masseuse, acupuncturist, herbalist, neurologist or educator, everyone is a human being. Being human is a gift but it also means we will make mistakes. Over the years I have learned that the New England Journal of Medicine is not a god, that doctors can only diagnose and prescribe what they have learned and that not all alternative therapies are safe or effective. Which has led me to the conclusion that you must be your own advocate and research technician. Any time you have a condition, or concern, it is wise to see a professional in that field, it is also wise to use the wonderful resource of the Internet to do research, as well as, ask friends and family what information or experience they may have. For surgeries or intense treatments, a second opinion is always wise. Alternative treatments can be used in conjunction with standard practice. Try a massage for tension relief before a pill, herbal supplements have come a long way, there could be a good one available for your condition. With a reliable supplier you may avoid dependent drug therapy. It is truly your responsibility and you must evaluate your options. Do not be too eager to try the newest treatment, vaccine or medicine. Evaluate, research, and consider all possible alternatives.
At least get a great massage before you make any decisions, it is amazing what an hour massage can do for your perspective. Relax and think about it!

Chris' Clams and Linguine

2009-09-15T06:00:00.006-04:00

Momma has an unusual situation in her family, food allergies to shell fish. Now what is an Italian momma to do?

Momma Explains: Okay, now it happens in all families, food allergies. The Italian solution is to still make the food with an alternative. In my family there are a few members who are allergic to shellfish. Does this mean I do not make clams and linguine? Of course not, but you make all the pasta at once and have different sauces available. I always put some pasta aside for children or adults. I add the simple combination of butter and freshly ground Locatelli, maybe a little oregano. This is simplicity at its best and always enjoyed. Then I make my Chris, his clams and linguine. I serve a little white such as Luna or Holly's Blend. It is delicious and so simple.
Chris' Clams and Linguine: I purchase clams in a can, chopped clams not minced. I use 3 cans per pound of pasta but you can always use less pasta. Do not skimp on the clams. Boil your pasta water and add loads of salt. Have a good brand of linguine ready. In a saucepan coat the entire bottom with olive oil, and add about 3 tablespoons of butter, heat . Then using a garlic press, press into the oil mix 5 cloves of garlic, some salt and pepper and a bunch of chives or parsley minced. I prefer chives while my daughter prefers parsley, hey , it is up to you. Then open your clams and add ONLY the juice to the oil mixture. Let this cook about 20 minutes or so on medium heat. Meanwhile, add your pasta to the pasta water and cook till al dente. Then quickly add your clams to your sauce and cook only 5 minutes till heated. If you over cook clams, it makes them rubbery. Drain your pasta and toss into the sauce pan. Heat about 1-2 minutes and serve, garnish with fresh lemon wedges. Many people add grated cheese. It is a personal preference. This is Italian cooking in its simple yet delicious finest. Use the freshest ingredients possible and serve with love.

Remembering our freedom is not free

2009-09-10T06:00:00.006-04:00

Momma has great respect for all the military personnel who make daily sacrifices to preserve the constitution and freedoms of the U.S. However, there are other unsung heroes who are often unrecognized, they deserve our thanks, our support, and our prayers.

Momma Explains: While most of us are familiar with the incredible sacrifices that our various military units make on our behalf, I wonder how many of us really understand the tremendous sacrifices that are asked of the families of those deployed or serving actively. The families live a restricted life, have limited incomes, demanding schedules and live with the fear of dangerous deployment. Momma has seen first hand the long months of separation, the demands of single parenting, the lonely holidays and burden that is borne by the families of our military. I have watched families wave goodbye to their dads, moms, sons and daughters, and their lives have been changed by this sacrifice. There are many brave parents, spouses, and children who face each day alone because their loved one is preserving our freedom. So as we start another school year and prepare for the consecutive upcoming holidays, keep in mind and prayer, all the families of our men and women serving to keep our freedom. Many of these families will enjoy the holidays without their loved one, children will perform in concerts and plays with only one parent attending and spouses will try to keep joy despite their own concerns. Freedom is not free and we need to thank and remember all those who ensure our liberty.

Here is a link for a video that shows one wounded warrior and his family, who have continued to help others even when they have their own demanding challenges. It is commendable and I urge you to view.

<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiX5tE22_ZU>

Simple Marinara

2009-09-08T06:00:00.011-04:00

Momma needs to fix quick meals sometimes, but I always want them to taste great, and I always want people to ask for seconds.

Momma Explains: Simple meals require few ingredients but always use fresh ingredients. Serve simple dishes with a nice wine that compliments the meal and creates harmony at the table. If it is a simple meal, I often am able to put it together quickly so there is minimal cooking time. One of my favorite quick fix meals is macaroni and marinara sauce. I always serve marinara with chianti, such as Ruffino Chianti Classico. Add a Romaine salad, some crusty bread, some nice olive oil and you can feel the LOVE !

Momma's Marinara: You MUST use San Marzano tomatoes or it will not be full of the love, and natural sweet flavor that is unique to only San Marzano tomatoes. Take a big sauce pan or large skillet, add about 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, then, to the hot oil ( cook on medium heat) add one chopped sweet onion, a big onion is fine, sprinkle with salt and cook till opaque. Then add your San Marzano tomatoes. They are more expensive but worth every penny. The can of San Marzano is usually about 28 oz., you can use more tomatoes if you wish. This is for one pound of pasta and the sauce is minimal so if you want a wetter dish, add two cans of tomatoes. Add three cloves of minced garlic, salt and pepper to taste and three sprigs of basil. I do not detach the leaves from the stem, and of course, I just cut them off my plant. If you do not grow your own herbs, get a basil plant in water from the market and use sprigs from there. Now the fun part, you can leave the sauce to these simple elements or add some leftovers. The other night I added pork medallions but spicy cappicola or ham would be tasty too. If you want to use up some left over meats, it is awesome flavor or just keep it fresh and simple. I always start my water when I start this sauce. As the water reaches a boil, add your salt, I use about a tablespoon of sea salt. Then pick your favorite pasta/macaroni. I like penne for this but you choose. The sauce is cooked in about 10 minutes, so as soon as the pasta is done al dente, dump it into the sauce and simmer briefly before serving. Freshly grated pepper and Romano cheese are a nice option. Now pour the wine and grab a plate, a big one, and enjoy.

Never Quit on Your Kids

2009-09-03T06:00:00.008-04:00

Momma has had her share of educational battles on behalf of her children and other children who needed an advocate. How far do you go on behalf of the children?

Momma Explains: You go as far as it takes. Sometimes, you need to fight the bureaucracy of the education system, at other times, it is a poor evaluation, poor teacher, abusive bully, misguided parent or inadequate curriculum. Your first duty as a parent is for your child's welfare: spiritual, academic, and physical. When you suspect your child is ill, you take them to the doctors and so it should also be that way in other areas of child development. You need to monitor and administrate your child's educational health as well as you monitor their physical health. Thanks to the Internet, many parents are able to research different medical conditions, terms, treatments and symptoms. By expanding our medical knowledge, we are better able to make a medical decision with the physician. I have found, however, that the world is a lot slower to accept parental input on education. Now that is a double edged sword. I have seen many parents who insist that their child is capable of taking a class beyond their abilities or a parent who is adamant that their child does NOT have a learning disability when indeed the child does. Yet, for every one of these parents, I have also seen a parent who instinctively knows what their child needs and often the education system is ignoring that need. So many kids fall under the radar because they are borderline. Well, you can cross the border very easily and few would notice. That is why it is important that parents remain diligent in their supervision and awareness of their child's education. Know what is going on in the classroom, make friends with another parent and bounce information off each other. Read the school's policies and handbook. Ask for help if you or your child is in need. Ask for a child advocate in situations that are more serious. Ask for an evaluation in writing: the school must respond to written requests. We are our children's first line of defense, first teacher, first advisor, first prayer partner. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and arm yourself with knowledge, advice , prayer and always LOVE.

Labor Day Wine and Cheese

2009-09-01T06:00:00.009-04:00

Momma loves to sit with friends and family and enjoy some simple pleasures. So what makes me happy and is quickly served, but is delicious?

Momma Explains: As the summer vacations draw to a close, we often gather for one last hurrah. I love getting together with loved ones to eat, drink and be very merry. It is not necessary to prepare elaborate meals all the time, instead try a few of my favorite simple snacks which can fill you up as well as a meal. Take time to experiment with a few sensational whites that mimic the fruit and flavor in your snacks. I recently discovered an awesome Gewurztraminer which MUST BE SERVED VERY CHILLED but is delicious with cheese and melon. Try Vin D'Alsace Helfrich Gewurztraminer 2007 with ripe cantaloupe or local melon, add a goat cheese and some herb crackers. Chill the wine and you will be smiling while snacking. Very simple combinations of wine, fruit, cheese and crackers are always a welcome feast. Some of my favorites are listed below.

Momma's Favorite Combos:

Fresh strawberries, pinot grigio and a baked brie cheese. Put some raspberry preserves on the brie and bake on about 350 for 20 minutes.

Aged Provolone, herb Italian bread, grapes, and Chianti Classico

Melon, Gewurztraminer and goat cheese with multi grain crackers

Basil or Rosemary flat bread, a Shiraz wine, Bing cherries, and Gouda cheese.

Now who needs a main course after that?

The Autistic Child

2009-08-27T06:00:00.001-04:00

Momma salutes the parents of children with disabilities, whether emotional or cognitive, these disabilities are a challenge.

Momma Explains: The child with disabilities faces challenges on a daily basis and supportive parents face parallel challenges as well. As a parent, educator, and scientist, I have been involved with many children who qualified in varied degrees as LD or ED. In my experience, one of the most complex situations involves the autistic child. I use the term autistic in the broad sense. Under this umbrella there exists other categories but generally many of the symptoms are similar . The average parent of an autistic child has had little background in autism and struggles understanding both their child and his/her needs. Frustration, confusion and exhaustion are responses that I have encountered in the autistic child as well as their parents. Luckily, there has been a raising of the collective consciousness in regards to autism. There are resources available online, in schools, and libraries. There are blog sites, forums, and pamphlets accessible to most. This allows more opportunities for a sharing of information as well as support. Two sites that I have found which have large coverage are : www. autism-society.org and www. autismspeaks.org/. From an empirical view, the children that have had behavioral therapy, both at home and outside the home, have shown very positive response and social improvement. A family member, who has a child with autism, often helps improve her child's emotional understanding by using the question, " How would you feel if...happened to you?" In this way the autistic child is better able to understand the emotional point of view. Autistic children have trouble "reading" the body language of those around them. Our autistic family member never allowed a normal distance between themselves and the person with whom they would communicate. The more the other person pulled back, the closer the autistic child pressed. At times it resulted in the neuro-normal child merely running away. This action, of course, did not teach the autistic child not to get too close to someones space. Instead, the autistic child gave chase. How difficult for both children, neither understood the intent of the other. In a situation such as this, it is crucial that a parent or behaviorist explains to both children the appropriate response or behavior. As much as there have been improvements in the understanding of autism, I have yet to see a system that teaches the neuro-normal child or adult the best way to respond to an inappropriate behavior exhibited by an autistic child or even adult. It is a shame there is not a system in place to do that. Even in the immersion classroom, the autistic child is isolated by his peers. Children need to be given the tools to communicate with each other, they need to be able to express emotions and understand the actions of their classmates. Children need to understand differences and disabilities, we all have them, some are just more challenging.

Using Wine Resources

2009-08-25T06:00:00.007-04:00

Momma is still learning about wine but I do have some favorite sources of information.

Momma Explains: There truly are very few wine experts who know everything about wines. Simply because there are too many wines from too many countries and too many offerings of varieties. Each year, each season is different and the grapes must be harvested, pressed, fermented, blended and wine produced. Some wines are aged and some sit for a time in barrels and/or are bottled. An example of a quick release wine is Beaujolais Nouveau or "new wine". This wine is released the third Thursday in November and was still clinging to the vine about a month before the release. The wine experts cannot possible race to every vineyard to try every wine in such a short amount of time. They do try many but not all. So what is a consumer to do, especially as the average consumer is not erudite when it comes to wines.
First, if you have the time, read a magazine such as Wine Spectator or Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. These magazines are quick reads and have great recommendations on wines for everyone from the collector to the average guy who needs a bottle, tonight. They often have a best buy type section that lists wines which are readily available. You can find something decent to drink this way. Also, get to know your wine merchant. Depending on your location and local regulations, you may have a greater product mix or a limited product mix. A good store manager knows his products and will be happy to help you find the wine bargains and deals. It is a wonderful feeling to spend less than $10.00 on a wine that is rated 90 points. Wow, you feel very proud of your little steal and it makes the drinking so enjoyable that you did not over pay. Don't forget your best resource which is your own taste buds. Drink what you like and try new things, jot down the name of a bottle you like and bring it to your wine store.
There is help available to the average guy who just wants a bottle to have with his dinner, so ask the experts, check ratings online and tap into local merchants. You will be sipping a nice glass tonight.

Over Scheduling

2009-08-20T06:00:00.003-04:00

Momma knows we all try to do everything for everybody but that can actually have negative results

Momma Explains: Super Parenting, Super Jobs, Super Schedules, Super Busy and of course, Super Tired are not the things happy lives are made of ! Leave the impossible for Superman and you be the very best mom or dad that you can with out overextending and exhausting yourself. There is a limit to the hours in a day and the tasks that we can undertake in those hours. If you try to attend every sporting event, every meeting, every fundraiser etc. , eventually you will miss the ones that really matter. Just as we often need to tell our children to prioritize and balance their lives, we too, need to moderate our own schedules. I think many of us almost feel guilty if we do not push ourselves to be everywhere we can. Now why is that? When did we parents for get to take care of ourselves so we could continue being good parents. I try to attend events for my family, yet there are times when something demands my attention and though I might disappoint someone, I just can't attend. And you know what, everyone survives and often forgets that I was not there. It is a very fleeting dismay. However if I had attended and not accomplished the necessary task, I would have been miserable and there would have been negative repercussions. We need to allow ourselves the time to accomplish the demands of our lives with out guilt and without exhaustion. That way, when we can go to a basketball game or play, we are relaxed and enjoy the experience. You are not Superman but you are Super to that family who loves you. Take care of yourself and it is okay to say. " Sorry, I won't be able to make that but I love you ."

German Style Ground Meat on a Budget

2009-08-18T06:00:00.007-04:00

Momma knows what it is like to feed a family while on a budget, so she has a few recipes from her grandmother and mother that will help stretch those dollars while providing nutrition.

Momma Explains: Meals need to be nutritious but not necessarily expensive. My Grandmother was of German descent and boy did she know how to stretch a dollar and use every item from a meat purchase, even the fat. ( They kept melted fat to use for frying and hard fat was wrapped in bread and cooked) Okay maybe that was not heart healthy but you get the idea of true frugal means. My grandmom often would make a very simple but tasty dish that we call " German Style Chop Meat". Most people refer to this meat as ground meat and you can use whatever type of ground meat that you prefer. It is usually labelled by percent lean so 80% lean meat would be 20% fat. This is actually a good combination and very tasty. This dish really tastes best with a beer, sorry to my wine lovers but some things just call for a beer. Light or dark beer is fine, you choose. This meal is fast to make so it is great when time is short.

German Style Ground Meat : In a large skillet or stockpot pour a small amount of olive oil and add one chopped onion, minced or finely chopped is best. Soften the onion and add some salt to the onion. When the onion is thoroughly cooked add two cloves of chopped garlic and saute for about one minute then add your ground meat. Use about 2-3 pounds per onion and garlic. Salt and pepper the meat and stir in pot to get the onion mixed in then add some water to steam the meat and release the fat. I add at least a cup and more if the meat starts to dry out. Stir the eat often and keep an eye on it so it does not burn or stick to the pan. This only takes a short time to cook but make sure the meat is not running red, and that all the juices are clear. Drain the water if it is excessive or if you prefer to remove the fat but it should be fine to have some as a juice base. Then taste your meat and add salt and pepper to your preference. I also like to add chopped basil or chives but it is up to you. This dish can be served with rice, pasta or bread. I always make string beans as the vegetable, it just matches up well. If you are making rice or pasta then cook it at the same time as the meat so that they are ready simultaneously. Now sit back and have a simple, old fashioned, budget wise , mouth happy meal.

Taking Time To Relax

2009-08-13T06:00:00.006-04:00

Momma likes to be active but she also finds time each summer to chill out because we all need to recharge and refresh.

Momma Explains: Sometimes we get so caught up in everything we must do that we forget what we need to do. In order to accomplish our many tasks we need the energy, the spirit, and the determination to complete our responsibilities. Staying focused is not something we can do if we keep an incessant pace without relaxation. This is not just a simple respite such as an hour break to watch TV or to go for a short walk. Small breaks are necessary on a daily basis but more time is needed to truly recharge. In the current economy, it might not be possible for people to rent a house for a week at the shore or a lake, they may not be able to stay in a fancy hotel or at an all inclusive. It is possible, however, to take several days and just pamper yourself. Even if you don't leave home, you can pretend you are away and do things that bring you joy. Our human condition requires rest and relaxation. We are not wired to work relentlessly. We are wired for joy, rest, and work. But none of those things to the exclusion of the others. Before the summer ends, try to find a good rest. You need the nourishment of relaxation just as you need food, and Momma knows about food. Be your own advocate, take a break, go see the museum near your home, go hiking, go out to dinner, take a very long walk and bring a picnic. Reconnect with the part of yourself that likes leisure, you've earned it.

Filet Mignon Roast

2009-08-11T06:00:00.008-04:00

Momma: loves a good steak but making individual steaks can be time consuming and grill space is limited. So how to have a large number of guests and still serve succulent beef?

Momma Explains: A great cut of beef is filet mignon and you can purchase it as a loin or large roast. I usually go to our butcher or I have purchased them from the big club stores such as Costco. I pay about $7.99 a pound. Now, that is a lot, but do you realize that you pay about $3.99 per bag of chips? Think how ridiculous that is, $ 3.99 for junk food and we balk at a good piece of pure protein? Get the beef, baby! I cook my beef at 325F for about an hour, depending on the size of loin. I rub it with a simple spice rub and let it fly. Make sure that you check the beef temperature at 1/2 hour and then every 15 minutes after that. Take the meat out when it reaches the temperature and stage at which you like to enjoy it. I like mine rare so I remove the loin as soon as it hits 140 degrees. Then let the loin SIT for about 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to settle. If you slice it when you take it out of the oven it will lose the juices. Just slap anyone's hand who reaches for a knife early, Poppa knows better now. Try Razors Edge Shiraz or your favorite Cabernet to swirl over your palate as you savor the filet cooked in my spicey rub.

Spicey Rub for Filet Mignon. Mix Together equal parts sea salt or Kosher salt and ground garlic powder ( Do not use garlic salt) . You may use minced garlic but it is harder to mix with salt as it is wet. Then, add some ground pepper, depending on your love for pepper. After the ingredients are mixed, rub the loin completely with the rub and place fresh oregano leaves over the rub. Allow the loin to sit out for about 1/2 hour and place in a 350F oven, then turn the oven down to 325 and cook. The slow cooking allows even cooking and luscious juice distribution. Fix a big multi green salad and get that knife and fork ready.

I Didn't Need to See That !

2009-08-06T06:00:00.008-04:00

Momma was watching TV the other day and what she saw, well she did not want to see that.

Momma Explains: Now, Momma knows she is a bit old fashioned and that not everyone may agree with her but have you all watched TV lately? Profanity, semi nudity, violence, graphic horror, it all is on television and I am not talking about the premium channels. Heck, the commercials are sexual and barely contain clothes sometimes. You talk about a wardrobe malfunction, I think we've had a decency malfunction. What kind of example and values are being provided for our children if they intentionally or accidentally view some of these shows and commercials. There is such a lack of moral behavior, a lack of parental respect, a lack of spiritual affirmation that I wonder just what do we "get" out of most television programs. Plot lines follow the most bizarre scenarios. Since when do we need to take camera's into the MEN'S room to follow men as they converse. ( UGH ) The script could not have had all pertinent dialogue take place in more acceptable rooms? What is the need to portray an exchange over the urinal, what is wrong with the water cooler? I do not know about you other girls but there is a reason the MEN'S room door stays closed to public eyes and I am glad it is closed. Such scenes, though, are common on television as is promiscuity, abuse, and cheating. I hope we are not a reflection of what we watch because too many shows emphasize a serious lack of morals, ethics and respect. I think I know why so many people have chosen to watch sports, at least in sports, there are rules for the game and for conduct and thankfully, everyone has their clothes on.

Sausage, peppers and onions

2009-08-04T06:00:00.005-04:00

Momma loves to cook and have guests over to enjoy the meal. What do I make that seems to please everyone?

Momma Explains: One of my favorite standby meals is sausage with friend peppers and onions, served on crusty Italian bread and dripping in juices and goodness. You can use sweet or hot sausage or a combination. If you use a combination of sweet and hot, cook the sausage separately as the spices from the hot links will overflow into the sweet. I normally make extra sausage as my family tends to wander back into the kitchen long after dinner is over just looking for a snack, and what a glorious snack. The sweetness from the onions and peppers, sauteed in olive oil just coats the sausage. A medium bodied Chianti Classico goes well, stay away from heavily oaked or woodsy wines. Ruffino makes awesome chianti and I have always liked Antinori as a solid chianti producer. Price ranges vary but both these producers are trustworthy.

Fried peppers and Onions with Sausage : This is a popular dish so I count on 1/4 to 1/2 pound per person, so what if you have leftovers!! You can either fry your sausage in a pan with some olive oil, do this on medium heat and cook according to package directions. If you are having a large crowd, I take my giant roasting pan, fill it with sausage and cover the sausage 3/4 of the way with water. Pierce the sausage a few times to allow some of the fat to escape. The water keeps most of the sausage moist and the tops brown where exposed. Try cooking it on 350 F for about 50 minutes. Oven temperature and cooking times vary so use your knowledge of your own kitchen. While the sausage is cooking, take out your BIGGEST frying pan and thoroughly coat the bottom with a good amount of olive oil. I always use extra virgin olive oil in a ll my dishes. There should be about 1/4 inch of oil in the bottom of the pan, better too much than too little. Next, slice sweet onions and place in pan after oil has been heated, sprinkle onions with some salt as it helps the caramelizing. When onions are opaque in color add your green and red pepper slices and fry on medium heat until they are softened and the whole house smells so awesome that when people walk in the front door, they drool. Set the cooked peppers and onions to the side and add your sausage when cooked. Simmer on low heat together for about 20 minutes so the juices can blend and the flavors dance together. Slice the nice crusty rolls, and let guests help themselves to a truly big bite of comfort food.

Tell Them That You LOVE Them

2009-07-31T06:19:00.001-04:00

Momma was talking on the phone with one of her daughters about a stressfull situation, when we were ready to end the call, Momma said," I LOVE you, you are a great kid!" My daughter paused and I could hear the joy in her voice when she said, "Thanks, I love you too."

Momma Explains: As parents we may not be able to solve every problem our children have or advise on each situations. We may not be able to bail them out of financial difficulties or heal all their wounds BUT we can and should always offer them our unconditional LOVE. That does not mean there will not be times when we are at odds or angry with one another. but the LOVE, it just keeps on giving and rising above a situation. There have been many occasions when I had to suffer the limits of my own humanity and watch my children plow through pain or stress, but it is true that those tough times can really make you resourceful and stronger. Most importantly at difficult times in anyone's life, offer prayer and love. That is a very powerful combination.
We also need to remember to tell people that WE LOVE THEM. Do you really ever get tired of hearing about being loved? I hope each of you will turn to someone today, smile and say, " Hey, I love you, you are great !" Then see how much joy and positive self esteem you produced with such a simple act of love.

Lyme time, a threat to all

2009-07-30T06:00:00.004-04:00

Momma noticed a bulls eye rash on her arm. What caused this?

Momma Explains: It seems Lyme disease is the culprit and it is very debilitating. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected black legged ticks( also known as deer ticks). Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.Poppa has already had Lyme disease twice so this is a problem in out community. I do not know how I received the tick bite as I do not wander into the woods near our house nor do I do yard work. We do however, have a herd of deer that enter our yard and roam the neighborhood. Bambi is NOT my friend and I am convinced that the board of health needs to address the growing, unchecked deer population in our area. Neighbors have put up fences, as high as 6 feet but the deer nimbly leap over them. Most sprays to discourage deer are noxious to other animals and pets so their use is a concern. Any spray to destroy ticks also contains a chemical that must be treated with caution. The human population is at the mercy of the wild and I have objections to that situation. I believe there are multiple communities that have been invaded by increasing deer population, they destroy plants, vegetables and pose a health risk. The deer have no natural predator unless you count cars . The rapid expansion of the deer families in our neighborhood is very obvious and I worry what will happen if left to continue. It is time the wild life control took action and at least removed the deer from developments and neighborhoods. If I caught Lyme disease without engaging in the activities that are at risk, then any one could be bitten and infected. Since the disease symptoms mimics other disease symptoms, it is often misdiagnosed and serious complications occur. Momma was lucky that she presented with the rash otherwise I would never have thought I had Lyme. Please be cautious in your excursions. Use insect repellent and be vigilant for ticks on yourself and pets. This is not to be taken lightly.

Cilantro Chicken

2009-07-28T06:00:00.006-04:00

Momma knows chosing wine and food recipes can be daunting so she has a little tip to ease your cares.

Momma Explains: Wine is an agricultural product, a gift from the grape and each grape reflects the Terroir, or agricultural site on which it was grown. The same grape will taste differently depending on the place it is grown. There is a difference between a cabernet from the Bordeaux region of France versus the Napa Valley of California. Produce reflects the climate, soil and conditions in which it is grown. So what has that got to do with food and wine pairing? Ah, think, you are in Italy at that Villa with the lemon trees in the front yard. There are olive groves further back behind the house and on the mountain slope, there is the vineyard. In the back yard are the tomatoes, basil and peppers. You are making a simple marinara sauce for dinner with some roated peppers and cheese. You sqeeze some lemons and heat their juice with sugar and water to form a simple syrup which you freeze after whipping to be enjoyed as an iced dessert. The lemons, the tomatoes, the peppers, the grapes all are indigenous to the nearby land. Now, what will you serve with your macaroni, some local sausage? Yes, of course but then would you serve a New Zealand white with dinner?? What are you nuts, stupido ? The meal has a perfect accompaniment in that the same land that produced a delicious marinara will also offer a great red to enhance the meal.
There are many other ways to find the perfect wine with your food but in a pinch, if you are making Mexican serve a Spanish wine, Italian pasta serve an Italian wine and so on. It is a quick way to use the land as your guide. Which is why I use a Spanish red, to enhance my cilantro chicken.

Cilantro Chicken: Take 6 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless will work if you use lots of olive oil. Otherwise you can use breasts with the skin and bone intact. I used boneless breasts and poured olive oil over all of them so that 3/4 the breast was covered in olive oil. I then sprinkled sea salt, black pepper, paprika and granulated garlic on each side. I topped the chicken with several bunches of Cilantro. (Momma grows her own herbs, it saves time , money and tastes great. You should buy some potted herbs and use them all summer. ) A sprinkle of lemon zest and about 1/2 the juice of a lemon will completes the dressing. Then bake till cooked. I usually bake about 50 minutes at 350 but you need to check them for doneness. I served this with Mercedes Eguren 2005 or 2006 Shyraz/ Tempranillo. ( Yes they spelled Shiraz that way), boy did the whole meal just melt into a delicious fiesta. We drank all the wine too!

Prayer for those seeking employment

2009-07-23T06:00:00.004-04:00

Momma has many requests for prayers, some are for healing, some for wisdom, some for comfort but lately, many are for employment.

Momma Explains and Prays: I am a big believer in prayer, a small prayer, a long prayer , in community or in solitude, prayer is my way of reaching out of myself and toward a higher plain. It is a comfort and solace, an invitation and celebration. Prayer is our communication with the God who made us.

Lately, many friends, family and acquaintances have asked for prayers to aid in their search for a job. I add each one to my requests. Since the economy is very challenging at this time and many are frightened and concerned for their future, I offer the following prayer from Catholic Prayers. It really speaks to all hearts no matter their church affiliation. I hope it will bring comfort to many of you who are suffering in this economic clime. God's peace and direction be yours.

Prayer for Job Seeker
Gracious and loving God, you know our need for meaningful work. Send your Holy Spirit to guide those who are searching for employment. Help them to recognize the gifts and talents you have given them.
Deepen their desire to follow your will. Inspire them as they contact potential employers. Give them patience as they wait for responses. Shelter them from feelings of rejection. Protect them from discouragement. Give them courage to overcome fear.
Shower on them the graces they need to persevere. Let this time of searching become an opportunity to grow in faith, to cultivate the virtue of hope, and to experience your healing love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Momma's Tenderloin Marinade

2009-07-21T06:00:00.019-04:00

Momma loves a good steak and she usually marinates all cuts, even the expensive ones. They just need a lot less time.

Momma Explains: The better the cut of meat, the less time you need to tenderize it. However most beef benefits from some marinating and here is one of my favorite methods. It works for most beef steaks and I serve the delicious Greg Norman, Cabernet Merlot, 2006, Limestone Coast. It is a great, well balanced wine, but needs a bit of time to open up. That means you chill the wine then pour it off into glasses about 20 minutes before serving. It really lets the fruit and spice flavors out by sitting awhile in the glass. My marinade is very simple.
Momma's Beef Marinade: You will need to cover most of the meat so use the following ratio as needed for most of the steaks to be covered 4/5 of the way. In a large bowl pour about 1/2 cup good red wine. I often use the wine I will be serving. Add three cans of Coca Cola ( Less wine, coke and spices if you do not have a large amount of meat) . Then add 4-5 gloves of garlic minced or pressed. ( I prefer pressed) , add about 1 teaspoon of salt and one tablespoon of oregano. The better quality meats only need a short period of time,( 30 minutes), the tougher cuts need more time and you can soak then for up to 24 hours. If you want to marinate longer, add equal parts wine and coke as the wine will preserve the meat. Stir marinade and drop in meat. The meat should be covered, if it is not, add more coca cola. I use the name brand Coca Cola, don't cheat with the less expensive soda, it changes the chemistry. When you are ready to grill or cook in the broiler, take the meat out of the marinade and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, and a bit of garlic powder or minced garlic. I discard the marinade. Then, cook to your personal preference. Enjoy, and have some of that Cabernet , you earned it.

A sense of Humor always Helps

2009-07-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

Momma has watched many families including her own go through good times and bad. How do they do it and still keep going?

Momma explains : Life is not going to be easy all the time but you can always find a way. You do this with the support of friends and family, a lot of prayer and a sense of humor. Being able to laugh at our own idiosyncrasies and mistakes is key. It also helps to be able to see the lighter side of most situations. In ancient times, philosophers divided the body into four main body fluids that the philosophers believed influenced health and temperament based on the amount of each in the body. In a way they were correct, people who are humorous have a better temperament and medical research has indicated that a positive attitude contributes significantly to our health. In fact, those who maintain a more cheerful disposition recover faster from illness. I believe God gave us a sense of humor to not only laugh at the absurd but at our own frailties also. We are not perfect and will make mistakes but we can overcome them, especially if we smile. Even Momma needs a sense of humor, recently I wrote a blog about the marvels of our own hand. I noted that we all should be grateful for this magnificent part of our body. Shortly after I wrote that piece, I tore a tendon on my left hand and I am now wearing a splint. This will be on for 8 weeks and I am so challenged with many tasks. I truly appreciate the use of all my digits and look forward to the healing of my finger. Yet, I truly must chuckle as I walk around with my splint and think about my injury occurring after I had written the blog. I mean quite clearly, God has a sense of Humor too.

Grilled Vegetables

2009-07-14T06:00:00.002-04:00

Momma likes to grill in the summer time, mainly because that allows Poppa to do the grilling and Momma does the chilling ! Most of us grill our meats but veggies too can be grilled and they taste great with wine.

Momma Explains: Grilled vegetables are easy but you must understand the grilling time and preparation is key. You can grill almost any vegetable but there are some that really jump out after grilling. My favorites are; Onions, peppers, eggplants, zucchini, tomatoes and mushrooms. Make sure you clean all your vegetables and brush them with olive oil. I like serving grilled vegetables with a Cotes Du Rhone such as Domaine de la Chesnay, 2007

Momma's Grilled Vegetables: Start by peeling your eggplant. After peeling, I slice it into about 1/4 inch rounds and spread the slices on a triple thick paper towel, salt both sides of the slices with Kosher or sea salt. Then let it sit until you are ready to grill ( it needs about 20 minutes to do that). You will be brushing all your vegetables with olive oil and I use a silicone pastry brush for that. Salt and pepper all your vegetables after brushing with olive oil. I slice most of the vegetables into 1/2 inch rounds, except for the onions and eggplant. I slice them slightly thinner. I use large portabello mushrooms and remove the stems before brushing with olive oil. I will cook the flat side of the mushroom first, flip, then sprinkle with blue cheese or parmigiano cheese. Do not use too much cheese or it will run off the mushroom. The onions, mushroom and eggplant take the longest to cook. You will need to press on them or just taste it to determine if they are done. You want a firm but thoroughly cooked vegetable. I find that each grill varies and some can cook more evenly and quickly, our old grill takes about 10 minutes to grill most vegetables, 20 for the eggplant but you will need to experiment a bit. You can always taste one and throw them back on if underdone. The tomatoes cook quickly and tend to drip their juices so watch them, the zucchini and peppers cook about the same amount of time. After the vegetables have finished cooking, place on a large platter, and drizzle with a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar . Use the expensive Italian version, it is rich and flavorful so a little goes a long way. Remember to chill your Cotes Du Rhone a bit before serving. You could make a meal out of just the vegetables!

The Black Marble Test

2009-07-09T06:00:00.009-04:00

Momma remembers the first time Poppa was voted into the Family.

Momma Explains: In our very loud Italian household, any date, any boyfriend was fair game for my families wit, humor and teasing. This was true for all of my many siblings and we all brought fiances home for the inevitable " Black Marble Test". Once over, the a fore mentioned victim was allowed equality with every member of the Family, but first they had to show their acceptance of our sardonic sense of humor. In the Black Marble Test, the fiance is brought into the dining room. It must be the dining room because that is where the Italian men all sit waiting for the multitude of courses. The poor intended is led into the dining room and given a seat next to the largest two men at the table. Then, they are shown a large bowl that contains both white marbles and black marbles. It is explained that in order to be accepted into the family they must be voted on by the male members of the family. ( The women have equal rights in our house they just let the guys run this particular joke) Okay, so the fiance looks down at the bowl full of black and white marbles and is told that the fiance must have all white marbles in the bowl after the vote. A white marble signifies acceptance while a black is a rejection. They are warned that only once has a person been allowed into the family that did not have all white marbles, but that individual is not with us any longer. All the men then look very seriously at the bowl and then scrutinize the hopeful, fearful candidate. The candidate is asked to leave the room and the Patrono start slapping each other and laughing and passing out cigars under the table as they down some wine. When the fidanzato or fidanzata has squirmed for awhile, they are brought back into the room, to gaze at the bowl which is now covered. The counsel pronounces the outcome has been tallied and the cover is whisked off to reveal a bowl full of black marbles. The fiance gazes awkwardly as the table erupts into laughter , wine is poured and enjoyed and cigars are shared. The dazed candidate is now a welcome member of the Family, because if you love one of ours enough to offer a commitment of life-long love, then you are most welcome. Our family wants you to be a part of our traditions and love but most of all our meals and humorous tales. As my one brother-in-law looked down at the bowl full of black marbles, he grinned and said' " Hey at least one person likes me, there is ONE WHITE marble there!" " No," came my father's reply" We just ran out of Black Marbles!" Welcome to our loud but very funny Family. We got your back !

Chicken Salad with an Umbrian White Wine

2009-07-07T06:00:00.006-04:00

Momma loves summer, it is a time to relax even when preparing a meal. What to fix for a summer luncheon you might ask ?

Momma Explains: Summer should be easy, picnics and light fare are best in the summer heat. I love simple meals which deliver on fresh flavor made with fresh ingredients. Chicken salad is a great meal to serve to 2 people or 200 people. The secret lies in the cooking of the chicken and the use of exceptional breads. To make chicken salad you must first cook the chicken, in order to do this you should boil the chicken at a medium heat so it boils slowly. Ripping the heat up to high and boiling the chicken in a wild bubble bath results in tough chicken. Use fresh breasts with bone and skins intact and cook in a lightly salted water bath. It should not take more than about 45 minutes. Temperature of the internal breast is about 175-180 F.
As for exceptional breads, unless you make your own, your best bet is to find a great bread bakery. Once you have a reliable source, buy your bread the day you need to use it. I love crusty breads and they are the secret to a delicious sandwich. Pre-packaged rolls are a detraction to a good sandwich. You are taking the time to prepare a meal, go buy fresh rolls or breads.

Momma's Chicken Salad : After boiling the chicken breasts, remove from water and let cool , you should remove the meat from the bones and discard the bones and skin. You may keep the water as it is a very light broth and could be used in gravies for another chicken dish. Chop or shred the meat and place in a bowl, lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss. In another bowl you will be adding the extras. You can use all of them or some of them depending on your preferences. I like a chicken salad with lots of extras but you choose. Chop celery and add to bowl, add green and red grapes as long as they are sweet, some craisins and chopped walnuts or almonds. Then combine the bowls. In the empty bowl, mix mayonnaise and Poppy seed dressing. ( I use Briannas) . You will need to decide how sweet you want the dressing, the amount of Poppy seed dressing will determine the sweetness. Whisk mayo and dressing together and add to chicken and extras . Toss well and chill. Slice your rolls shortly before serving. Complete the meal with a lovely white wine from Umbria, the acidity in the wine is a good foil for the sweetness of the dressing. I really like 2007 Campogrande, Orvieto Classico. Enjoy a light but great sandwich with your wine and remember to prop your feet up and sit outside to really dine "Alfresco"

Letting them GO, Letting them GROW

2009-07-02T06:00:00.013-04:00

Momma wants you to know that we all struggle with parenting. One question that often arises is
" How do I know when to let them go, even if it means they may fall?"

Momma Explains: Simply, as you let go, let them grow. If your child wants to do something that causes you concern, first examine the motivation for their request and the reasons for your concern. Although it is difficult to remain clinical, an unemotional approach is beneficial in analyzing the situation. When a child wants to try something new such as riding a bike, they often instinctively know that they are ready. While you may need to bandage a scraped knee or two, the child with the proper precautions, will learn to ride that bike. A bandaged knee does not keep a child from growing. Letting them try to ride that bike is a step toward their independence and self sufficiency, it is not a step toward self-destruction. When a child wishes to try something that you believe may be leading toward self-destruction, then you say " No !". Determining whether your fear is justified is a challenge which is why I do advocate using both literary sources and peer sources. Other mothers and fathers who share your value system are a wonderful source of advice. Good child development and parenting books are a worthwhile investment. We really do enter parenthood with little expertise or experience, which is why we are always learning along with our children. We do, however, have an obligation to prepare ourselves for the challenges of parenthood by reading, consulting and praying. Lord knows, we all need to pray our way through parenting.
As my children continue to grow, I watch them enter their own phases of parenting and I am touched when they seek my advice. Grandparents are a sound advisory board and they have that wonderful thing called experience on their side. Not all experiences are good but we can learn from failure as well as success. So as you continue down the road of child rearing, use your own instincts, sound judgment, outside literature, clinicians, friends and family but most of all use a prayer every night that you will guide your children to Grow as they Go.

Sage and Rosemary Shrimp and an Italian White

2009-06-30T06:00:00.017-04:00

Momma was asked for suggestions for white wines regarding summer food recipes .

Momma Explains: Many summer chefs have limited knowledge concerning the varied possibilities involving white wines especially the offerings from Italy or Spain, since most people only look for reds from these regions. Italy and Spain both offer unique varietals and I hope you will leave your comfort zone and try them. Remember to read any information either at the store or on the wine label which would indicate possible meal accompaniments or flavors that the wine offers. I found a delightful Italian white, Campo Al Mare, Vermentino Di Toscana 2006, which makes a perfect enhancement for my simple but delicious, Sage and Rosemary Shrimp. You may serve the shrimp over pasta or as an hors d'oeuvre. If you do serve it over pasta make sure you prepare enough shrimp in rosemary and butter to properly coat the pasta. ( Only al dente pasta will do )

Momma's Shrimp with Sage and Rosemary: Melt 1/4 pound butter, or one stick of butter and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in large fry pan. Do this on a medium temperature then stir together as butter melts, add two minced cloves of garlic and one pound of shelled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle the cleaned shrimp with some sea salt and pepper to taste. The shrimp is best fresh but if you use already cooked you MUST shorten your cooking time or the shrimp will be tough. As the shrimp turns pink, flip over and add about one tablespoon of roughly chopped sage and one small sprig of Rosemary. Rosemary is a strong herb so you do not want it to overpower the dish. As soon as the flipped side of the shrimp is pink, then the shrimp is done. Remove the Rosemary sprig and discard, squeeze one lemon wedge into mixture and stir, turn off heat. Check and make sure your shrimp is pink on both sides. This literally cooks in minutes so don't go putting on a load of wash while this simmers. Toss your shrimp, oil & butter dish so all shrimp have been coated with the varied elements. You can just gently stir with a big spoon too. Now you are ready to pour your chilled wine, which has been sitting out after refrigeration for awhile. Remember, whites are not served directly from the fridge but they are served chilled. Grab a big loaf of crusty bread and enjoy !
If you will be serving this with pasta, make sure you start the pasta BEFORE the shrimp as the pasta will need to be ready at the same time. I usually double the shrimp recipe for one pound of pasta. Garnish the dish with extra lemon wedges and some sprigs of Rosemary for those who want a more pungent mouthful.

Children at a Funeral

2009-06-25T12:22:00.008-04:00

Momma knows that at sometime we all must deal with the passing of a loved one. How do we handle the whole funeral setting with children?

Momma Explains: When I was nine, my dearest grandmother died and I was devastated. I did not really understand death nor its ramifications but I knew I loved her desperately and wanted her back. My parents, in an effort to shield the children, did not allow us to attend the wake nor the mass and burial. To this day, I still wish that I had attended. I needed to be allowed to mourn.
Not every child can handle the images and experiences of a wake and/ or funeral service. The viewing is far more difficult for a child and you must reflect on each child's maturity when deciding on their presence at the wake. Some children want to be part of this mourning process, while others stay as far from the casket and mourners as possible. You and your child should think that out and decide. Now, while the wake or viewing is an individual decision, I believe that the service part of the funeral should be a family affair. As a family we support and participate in family life together, and death is a part of the life process. Children need to learn that we have a process to death and a way to provide comfort to ourselves and others. Children need to mourn and be loved during a loss, they should not be shut out. Talking things out with your children will provide them with an opportunity to share their feelings and concerns. Often young children are frightened that their parents will die soon too, or that they themselves will die. There are good books available to help you approach the topic and I would have one available for the sad time when you need it. Do not forget the children as the adults organize and collate the funeral service. Let the children help make the scrap book or collage, if they wish. Let the support, the prayer and love embrace all ages as you mourn. Death is a part of life and we need to be parents that bring their children full circle in life's experiences so they are prepared for all that they will face in life and in death.

Youth give me Inspiration

2009-06-25T06:00:00.002-04:00

Momma was asked to help a friend's daughter who had car trouble after driving about 800 miles. Momma expected to find a very frustrated and depressed young lady but that was not the case.

Momma Explains: Cross country trips can be daunting, but for the young recent college graduate, who have limited funds and unlimited energy, it is an adventure. A young lady, I know came east to attend a wedding and drove the long trip alone, happy to be a part of her friends joy. Once near her destination her car ( which she has only owned for less than 6 months) began to experience gear malfunction and transmission problems. She did not panic but went on to the wedding and then after the festivities called her parents for guidance. Her parents, of course are about 700 miles away. They asked some questions and decided to call the local road side assistance and then dialed me to see if I could give her some advice. I drove over to where she was diligently and patiently waiting for her tow truck, it took about an hour. Here she was, just having driven hundreds of miles, attended a wedding dressed in a beautiful yellow dress and sitting serenely waiting for help. When the mechanic did a quick observation, he indicated she probably had transmission problems which would be expensive to repair and also that she would not be able to return to the mid-west until the repairs were completed. To further complicate and exasperate the story the young lady had just landed a job and was expected to start immediately. At this point I was ready to pull out my hankie and start wondering what the heck this poor kid was to do, the little rise of panic was setting in for me. Luckily, this girl was made of better stuff, she was made of faith and spirit. She called her dad to explain the situation and when he asked her what she would do she replied' Well, I guess I will pray about it and let the Lord take it from there." WOW, talk about having her head on straight and more importantly her incredible belief that God will somehow manage to unburden us when we need it. In all situations, good and bad, the Lord is there for those who ask. Kelly thanked me for my help but it is I who owe her. She reaffirmed my belief in the wonderful youth who are coming of age, she reminded me that God can do ALL things, she redirected my thoughts to a bigger picture and outcome and most of all she made me smile to see her sitting in her lovely yellow dress just happy to be a part of this glorious gift we have been given, called LIFE. Thank you Kelly, get home safely.

Cherry Raspberry Reduction Sauce

2009-06-23T06:00:00.013-04:00

Momma had a great conversation with Cynthia from the Bottle Shop of Spring Lake. What did we discuss?

Momma Explains: Why, we discussed wine and food pairing and our own personal preferences that make our cooking unique.
The Bottle Shop ( bottleshop.com) is one of my favorite wine stores, it offers a distinctive array of wines and spirits as well as a warm and friendly atmosphere. Each of the Murray clan are knowledgeable and helpful and make the entire wine buying experience a joy. I always learn some new wine tidbit, taste a superb cheese or catch a great buy from the many advantageous sales available.
Recently I tried Domaine Notre Dame de Cousignac, Syrah-Grenache , Recolte 2007. This gem just danced when combined with my cherry-raspberry reduction sauce. You can pour this sauce over either pork or chicken. I chose pork.
Mommas Cherry -Raspberry Reduction Sauce
Chop 2 shallots and simmer in one stick of butter till softened, add 1 cup chicken stock, add salt and pepper to taste, add about a tablespoon of fresh thyme if available. If you do not have fresh thyme just skip it, dried will not do, and let mixture simmer. Mixture should have a nice flavor so a pinch of salt is not enough but add to your salt preference.
In another pot add one cup of the Syrah-Grenache, 2 cups pitted cherries (sweetened canned are fine), one small package of frozen raspberries ( about 10 oz. )and 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir while cooking and reduce till syrup like, this will take at least 20 minutes so start the cherry sauce first . After it is thickened then combine with the chicken stock mixture. While the syrup is reducing fry your pork chops or thin chicken cutlets. Now, either add your cooked chicken or pork to the sauce and let simmer about 7 minutes or so. Do not let it burn.
I use thin pork chops, batter dip and fry in olive oil first. They cook very quickly but use a meat thermometer if you prefer. The cherry flavor in this wine explodes when accompanied by the reduction sauce. I would get two bottles of this Domaine Notre Dame, it is so good.

College Kids Return Home

2009-06-18T06:00:00.005-04:00

Momma spoke with many other parents who have College students now returning home. What was an anticipated reunion has become an INVASION !

Momma Explains: Before our children left for college we diligently loaded them up with new supplies necessary for their survival in the academic circus and dorm jungle. From aspirin to sheets, small refrigerators to popcorn cases, we shopped it all. We sent then off fully armed to face LIFE ON THEIR OWN. What we forgot is that they would be returning with ALL their newly acquired paraphernalia and any other items they managed to salvage during their stay at school. These items now are scattered, literally, through out the house. Hampers, Boxes, Microwaves, Clothes, Bedding, Books ( yes they did actually purchase some) , a multitude of stuff including the moldy refrigerator that must now only be used for the benefit of science. This collection has managed to invade hallways, garages, rooms, kitchens and any unused crevice available. It is the clutter of chaos decorative theme, and you must now navigate normalcy out of this. Short of torching it all in a big pork roast for the neighborhood, I really think each parent should be provided a SANITY SHED from the college. After all, those schools are charging quite a sum to house and educate the child, they do not provide the extemporaneous necessities so we do, but for goodness sakes, let them house them in a school provided SHED. What a great way to stimulate the economy, we need SHED makers, and SHED shippers, we could rent the SHEDS for a nominal fee. This is SHED housing, right on campus. Then, when the student returns to school all the mold, germs, and articles will have been safely housed at their school. Okay, now what parents are going to support this idea, lets get the economy off to a great start. SHED-mania for our sanity.

Wine Serving Temperature

2009-06-16T06:00:00.014-04:00

Momma was asked what someone should do with wine that they had put on the kitchen counter in bright sunlight, it had sat there for a long time.
Momma Explains: Take that wine and go christen a boat, you do not want to be drinking that !

Wine is a fairly complex potion and it is affected by sunlight, heat, low and high temperatures plus many other internal and external components. Each grape, each wine is best served at a temperature which will enhance not mask its qualities, or in the case of the sun drenched kitchen
" COOK" the wine into nothingness.
Serving white wine straight out of the refrigerator makes them taste like water. Wine is aromatic, it involves not only the sense of taste but the sense of smell. Your refrigerator is set at between 35 - 40 degrees F. The only wine that you would serve close to that temperature is ice wine , served at about 43-44 degrees F. Okay now don't panic and think you need to go buy a chemistry thermometer. Most whites can be served fairly safely at 45 -55 degrees. Chardonnay is served at the 55 end while Champagne is best at about 45. There is room for discrepancy but don't over chill your whites. Just let them stand out at room temp for awhile. So doing my mental math ( I won't bore you with the formula for degree rate of increased temperature) Take your white wine out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving. Wine will warm up in the glass, in the room and in the hands. In Momma's family it does not spend much time in the glass or hand.

Red Wine is the most abused wine around. Red wine is often complex and higher in alcohol than white so if you serve it at room temperature, ( given room temperature which is really about 70 degrees F.), then let it sit in a glass and then wait a bit, UGH, it is ruining the whole bouquet, complexity and flavor. The wine is not meant to be served at room temperature. That whole idea originated prior to insulation and controlled heat. Years ago people actually had cellars, cold, damp places that were about 55 degrees and they stored their wine and some root vegetables there. In those earlier times a home was cool compared to our homes. So room temperature as the term originated was really closer to 60 degrees F. Now, I know most of you buy your wine the day of your party, that is fine . Just cool your red wine down before serving by putting it in a basin with ice and water ( water helps the cooling process) but I will not be giving a lecture on thermodynamics at this time. Just stick your bottle of red in an ice/water bath for about 30 minutes, especially if it has been sitting around your 70 degree home all day or in a store. There are charts available to tell you ideal serving temperatures for red wine, and though there is disagreement among connoisseurs, this is a quick version of consensus. Beaujolais, Port, and Chianti at about 55-59 F. Rioja, Pinot, Bordeaux and Shiraz at about 61- 65. This is a rough chart but it will give you a general idea as to the potential that temperature can have on your wine experience. You could even experiment on your own with friends and start with the wine at a lower temp then let in warm up as it sits out and try it again, eventually as you manage to drink the entire bottle of wine you will realize there was a point at which the wine was more enjoyable. Personally, I do like my Chianti cool as it rounds the acid but locks in the flavor to accompany my favorite Italian dishes.
Just remember, Whites do not get served directly from the fridge and Reds do not get served directly from the counter. Wines have so much flavor to offer, serve them at the right temperature and for goodness sakes, go out and buy the large size wine glasses. Those pathetic shot glasses with a stem that they serve at many a wedding are not going to help you appreciate all a wine's nuances.
My favorite glasses are Riedel but the large stores like Sams or Costco sell a cheap alternative that will do just fine. If you are drinking wine then you deserve to be enjoying all the aspects that make wine so delicious. Remember " Sorrow can be alleviated by a good sleep, a bath and a glass of good wine ", Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Remembering to give Thanks

2009-06-11T06:00:00.006-04:00

Momma knows we do not wake up each day just full of energy and excitement but we can wake up to joy.

Momma Explains: One year I decided to get up each morning and thank God for something in my life. I would do this each day with out any repeats. At first I thought it would actually be a challenge to find that many things to be grateful to have BUT was I surprised as the list grew. First, we need to start by recognizing the small things in our lives that have made us happier, or our lives easier. Sometimes it is something as simple as the clouds in the sky, which give us beauty and rain and a great game of imagination if you watch them. Friends, family, food, birds, flowers, herbs, trains, computers, all took on a different light as I saw gratitude in their presence. I suddenly found that I was noticing things and people around me, noticing their value and my thanks. I offered thanks for the drivers who take my garbage each week, bless them. I offered thanks for pencils, really, pencils. Imagine when all they had was ink and quills? Our lives are so full of people, moments, items, and luxuries that we take for granted. Often the most minute items are the ones that we would be distraught if we had to live without them. For example, how would you do with out matches? Man did discover fire quite awhile ago, but every time we need to light the candles on our table, in the bathroom or more importantly on a birthday cake, have you ever been thankful. You should be, my icing would be running off the cake if we had to wait for me to rub flint and sticks to strike a spark. It is actually a joyous experience when you begin to realize all that you have for which to thank the Lord. Suddenly we are far richer than we knew. Try this THANKS game for a week, have the children participate. See what they discern as gifts and feel yourself responding to the joy of knowing that we are loved for we are so blessed, just look at the clouds.

Sizzling Sandwiches

2009-06-09T06:00:00.006-04:00

Momma has a friend who calls because her son is bringing home some college friends for lunch before they go to a game and she does not know what to make, what will they eat and drink ?

( they all must be 21 to be served any alcoholic beverage and be responsible as to intake.)

Momma Explains: If college age or mid twenty something boys are coming over just take your refrigerator and dump the contents on the table. No, Momma is kidding but those boys like to eat and they like to eat hearty, meaty food. They like to drink too, beer and believe it or not wine is now very popular amongst the younger set. They will wash all of it down with water and/or soda. I try to keep a supply of water and soda but you can always ask them to pick it up on the way over. Hey, you never go anywhere empty handed !
I like to serve a red wine with these meat sandwiches, a very well balanced, great buy is one from Chile. Fundo Los Naranjos, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007. This wine can be shipped to order too.

Sizzling Sandwiches
These are my version of a panino, an Italian grilled sandwich. (Panini is plural) You MUST use a grill pan , if you lay these flat in a regular frying pan they will soak up all the olive oil and be too greasy. Go to the bakery or a good market that has the large hard crusted loaves of Italian bread. The loaves look like footballs or domes. The bread is sliced to your desired thickness and brushed with olive oil. Place greased bread, greased side down on some wax paper or similar and load with meat, veggie, and cheese combos. Listed are two of my families favorites.
Panino Prosciutti Place a large slice of good mozzarella to fill 2/3 of bread, layer a few slices of Prosciutti, roasted red pepper and a large basil leaf or two. Put the panino together and follow the instructions on your grill. Panini grills are available or use a grill pan and put a heavy pot to press down on sandwich. Oil your grill pan as well as your bread.

Panino Meatball( okay you need to have meat balls in the house, for Italians that's like having eggs in the refrigerator, but you could make a batch and freeze some for such a case.) Slice meat balls into 1/2 inch slices, I make meat boulders so mine go pretty far when sliced. Then layer with sliced provolone and spinach leaves, you can spread some red sauce on top and cover with remaining sandwich half. Grill as instructed.

The guests often love to create their own sandwiches but if you are feeding several big boys, I would make these in advance and keep them covered and warm in the oven. If you start out with your ingredients at Room Temperature, they will grill quickly so you can make several sandwiches in a short time. Try the wine I recommended from Chile and remember to serve it at
about 60 degrees. If you need to put it in the fridge for a half hour or an ice/water bucket, do that. I am going to speak to wine temperatures in my next Wine and Food Harmony blog.

Discovering the wonders we have

2009-06-04T06:00:00.003-04:00

Momma sees us all rushing from one thing to the other.We all seem so tired of the over scheduled lifestyle and stressed from its demands. What is the answer to finding some peace and balance?

Momma Explains : In order to meet our expectations of super parenting,we have tried to be excessively supportive for so many of our children' s interests and activities. So much so that every element, every sport, every lesson, and every activity has become a priority. It is a misplaced concept because everything secondary has become a priority. Family functions now take a back seat to sporting events. Church attendance must be squeezed in if possible with our activity schedules. As for service work, well, can't someone else volunteer for that. The funny part is that we have done this to ourselves. So for a vacation, we then actively seek an escape that is a retreat of sorts, a non active, vacation. Yet, we are escaping the hectic life we created. We should not need a retreat from life but a treat from life.

What happened to those slow days of summer when you could join a neighbor for a chat while the kids played, take a drive just to see the changing leaves of fall, or just sit down in our own yard and enjoy the peace that surround us. When did life become so busy we forgot to see the beauty around us and the gifts given to us but instead pushed ourselves to keep an agenda that simply wears us all out. To me the most perfect example of the beauty and inquisitive nature of man is when a young baby first recognizes his or her hand. They marvel at this treat they have found. They hold their precious little hand directly in front of their eyes and slowly pivot the palm first one way then the other. This infant continues to repeat this same awesome task over and over again. The child recognizes with awe the wonder he has been given, and I am sure begins to think about the possibilities this discovery now affords. There is no need for an agenda for the infant, he just enjoys the moment of discovery.

When is the last time you took the time to look at the wonder of your own hand? It is a tool designed by a master craftsman. A tool that allows us the freedom to dress, eat, play, create, love and discover. It is a gift we sorely miss if it is injured and yet when have you said a quiet thank you to the master craftsman for His gift and all the good you do with that hand. So, momma wishes us all to find one day this week to take a look at our hands and all the wonders around us, slow down, just this one day, do something good and fun with your hands. Take the same joy that the infant experiences when he first discovers his hand and share your hand. Maybe you could even hold someone's hand as you take the time to see the wonder around you, bake a cake, go for a walk or examine a flower. Time is swift, our days are bound by time, so take the time to pivot your hand in wonder and smile and think about the possibilities and treats.
Momma Thanks : A very gifted photographer, Meghan Callen, who shared some of her "discovery" shots with momma. To see more of her fabulous work please check out meghancallenphotography.com

Cheese steak ravioli with basil

2009-06-02T06:00:00.011-04:00

Momma had a some additions to her dinner count and she had not even expected to cook that evening as she had been out all day. Did Momma panic?

Momma Explains: I never panic as long as I have pasta of some sort in the house. Since necessity truly is often the mother of invention, when I learned that I had unexpected guests to dinner, I just started opening my pantry, fridge and freezer. The result was a new dish for our family that was quite filling and quite a hit. I served it with Castano 2007 Monastrell which enhanced the basil portion of this dish. My new hit is called Cheese steak ravioli with basil, it is a creamy sauce and very filling so a simple salad or raw veggie platter is all you need to complete the meal.

Cheese Steak Ravioli with Basil

You will need about 4 pounds of ravioli, I use the four cheese ravioli bag from Costco.

Heat about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a pan, when hot add 7 frozen chopped steaks
( I used frozen chopped steak from Costco), salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with about 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Cook steaks thoroughly, chopping with spatula as they cook until they are fairly shredded. As they cook, drizzle about 1/4 cup more olive oil and 8 tablespoons of butter, stir and keep cooking on medium heat. When the butter and oil have been blended add 1 cup finely chopped basil ( I used fresh basil) if you do not have fresh basil convert the prepared basil accordingly. I would approximate it to be about 2-3 tablespoons prepared basil paste. Mix ingredients and add 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream, stir and add 1/2 cup red tomato sauce or 2 tablespoons tomato paste in 1/2 cup water. You should stir all ingredients and taste, it may need more salt and pepper. Meanwhile boil a large pot of water and add plenty of salt to the water, I prefer Kosher salt and do a palm-full. Cook raviolis as directed, they cook quickly so get that table set fast. I spoon my ravioli out by hand with a large mesh strainer to prevent breakage. Then I pour the steak sauce mixture over the ravioli and toss very gently. as we were eating we sipped the Castano and enjoyed our hearty and impromptu dinner. This is not a very wet sauce, it just coats that large bowl of ravioli. If you want a wetter sauce just cut down on the amount of ravioli.

Summer Woes, Summer Routine

2009-05-28T06:00:00.003-04:00

Momma hears the happy jabbering "Ah, Summer is approaching and now we parents can relax and take it easy, no schedules, no homework, no nagging." No Way !

Momma Explains
Summer is a great time to refocus and refresh, it is also a time when we can let time slip away and be used inefficiently. First, Momma is a beach-a-holic. I love the beach, love the ocean and the sun. I spent many a summer on the beach for a good part of the day. My children went with me and we had fun. Summers should be fun, loads of fun. Summers should include activities that everyone will remember with joy. Summers also are a wonderful learning opportunity. Spending every day in idleness is not exactly fun, in fact it becomes BORING. Now, how many times have you heard your children say that they were bored about half way through the summer. Does that mean another job for you, do you need to organize a million different activities and outings? Absolutely not, but you should have some scheduled activities such as work book page time or reading time or even a " how things work" research agenda.
For the child still too young to have summer employment a short time each day or every other day spent reviewing and reinforcing curriculum subjects is a great way to keep your child at least on level with his grade knowledge. The human brain is most efficient when it is kept active. If the summer is spent without any brain stimulating activities then the adjustment back to the rigors of school is torturous. There are several wonderful catalogs available to meet your requirements. My two FAVORITE catalogs are Educators Publishing Service (www. epsbooks.com) and a popular cognitive series, The Critical Thinking Co. ( www.CriticalThinking.com). These both offer a multitude of workbooks, test preparation and reinforcement books as well as cognitive skill series. As much as the kids enjoy the lack of structure the summer affords, they often become easily bored especially when they are up early and looking to amuse themselves. You cannot spend 12 hours exposed to UV rays nor in front of the television. And, while I wish we could all afford t o spend the summer traveling to ancient Rome or Greece , we must live within the limits of our budget, jobs and schedules. Whether you are a working parent or remain home, it is a smart move to have some of these workbooks ordered from the mentioned catalogs to keep the children amused and sharp. My kids often bucked me as I introduced the workbooks but when they actually started to see the benefits or fun elements they initiated the workbook time themselves. I strongly urge parents to purchase a few books whether as prep books for SAT, HSPT, ACT, Terra Nova etc or just a series such as Red Herring( cognitive skills that play as a mystery game). Knowledge must be reinforced in most students, so why waste the entire summer in stagnancy, go on some trips, laze around a pool, play in the yard and make some time to exercise the mind as well as the body. Have a happy, safe and erudite summer!

Sausage Ragu and Mollydooker

2009-05-26T06:05:00.015-04:00

Momma was asked for a food and wine combination that was WOW worthy, with the wine being about $25.00. You think this cannot be done? Yes, it can !

Mollydooker 2007 Two Left Feet South Australia Red Wine, with a rating of 93 from Parker
Momma Explains
Great wine does not have to cost you a great price but it does have to deliver flavor and balance. Somehow Sarah and Sparky Marquis are able to do just that. I especially like their 2007 Two Left Feet with my sausage ragu, but be warned, there are decent alcohol levels in this wine so go easy on the red pepper flakes. I also am a big fan of their Boxer wine but I actually like that one with a slab of cheese, and just a good conversation. I call the Boxer, my thinking wine. Two Left Feet is my dining wine. The Boxer is a big mouthful of flavor and I prefer to enjoy it practically sans food. Two Left Feet is a great blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It makes a perfect foil for my sausage ragu poured over rigatoni cooked, how else, al dente.

Momma's Sausage Ragu
Cook 3 pounds of sweet Italian sausage in a pan covered 2/3 of the way with water. Pierce casing to allow some fat to escape. Cook until done and set aside. I even cook it in a roasting pan in the oven with the water covering it at about 350 for an hour.

This recipe also calls for pork as the starting braise. Place 4 boneless pork chops on a plate and sprinkle both sides with Kosher salt and pepper-to your taste. Pour some good extra virgin olive oil in a pan and heat the oil, then cook 4 boneless pork chops ( about 1/2 inch each) for about 4 minutes a side. Give it just enough time to sear in the flavor then remove the chops and set aside. In the pan add more olive oil if necessary and cook one small onion sliced thin. Sprinkle the onion with some salt to caramelize. When the onion has softened add 6 minced cloves of garlic, cook for a minute ( garlic burns easily and gets bitter), turn off heat. Now, get out your big sauce pan, I use a non stick 8 or 10 quart pot because this cooks so long it can easily burn.You will need to stir it often. Pour the onion and olive oil mixture in the large pot and add the pork chops and sausage, ( You can cut the sausage into chunks if you prefer, I do ) You will need four cans 28 oz. each of SAN MARZANO tomatoes....if you use anything other than San Marzano..Momma will not be happy. My family does not like chunky sauce so I blend the peeled tomatoes from the can in my blender, then I add them to the BIG pot. I fill one of the empty cans about 2/3 full of water and rinse out the other cans by pouring one into the other, then I add that rinse water to the sauce pot. Since this cooks a long time it will thicken and you may need to add a little water to keep it moveable. I add about 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. I also add fresh oregano leaves (or dried if that is what you have) and some basil leaves as well. The spices are very individualized so let the sauce cook for an hour before you taste it, then if you want to add more salt or pepper you may but the sausage and pork will continue to add flavor so be careful with the salt etc... This sauce should be cooked at low heat for about 3 hours , just so it simmers, you know that slow boil where the flavors radiate throughout the house. Stir occasionally and as you stir the pork should start to break into chunks about 2 hours into the cooking.
When you are ready to eat, follow package directions for cooking your pasta of choice (ALWAYS add salt to the water, a small palm-full). I use about one pound of Barilla Rigatoni. When the pasta finishes cooking- al dente , drain well and dump it into the pot of ragu sausage and mix together. Then call the family in, have a salad as a side and open that bottle of Two Left Feet. Remember red wine should NOT be served at room temperature, I will address temperature in another blog, just make sure you serve Two left Feet at about 60 degrees, 65 degrees at the warmest, even if that means popping it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before serving. Ah, I am hungry just writing about this.

Teenagers invent new clothes carousel

2009-05-21T06:00:00.003-04:00

Teenagers and that even more confusing age group the "tweeners" have invented a new clothes carousel. What is a clothes carousel?

Momma Explains
Most families start out with an odd assortment of furniture, kindly donated from relatives or purchased at close out sales or thrift stores. Few couples have the ability to start out their marriage with a large excess of available funds. So if you are lucky enough to purchase a home then the matching furniture sets must wait. Eventually though you may be able to start acquiring your own look and the furniture that goes with your decorating style. Then you might even decide to purchase a lovely matching and coordinated bedroom set for your 10 year old. They are thrilled and carefully put all their wonderful possessions away in drawers, dressers and shelves. They even use that desk you stretched to buy to complete the perfect bedroom. Little did you know that furniture euphoria was so short lived. Within 2 years the clothes carousel has taken over their room. The dresser, the drawers, the shelves and desk all house empty space. The floor has become a living breathing entity of clothing. The clothing carousel is a careful arrangement of

Clothes that just dropped off their bodies.
Clothes that they considered putting on their bodies.
Clothes they will never put on their bodies but have yet informed you no longer fit.
Clothes that have been washed and placed by mom in the room in a basket( mom's are slow learners)
Clothes with tags still attached waiting to be outgrown.
Clothes that are wet because they dry better on the rug and cover the other laundry baskets that mom is still seeking.
Clothes left there by a friend who has yet to remember to retrieve them but it is okay as your child has left clothing at their house so the laws of conservation of matter are still in effect.
Clothes that were accidentally sent to the child's room which do not belong to them and therefore are now part of the dead laundry pile and will never see the owner again.

Surprisingly any teenager or tweener will know if you enter the carousel and disturb this precisely organized arrangement. Look on the bright side, come Spring, you can have a garage sale with the following sign " FOR SALE -Lovely matching bedroom set, hardly used, in excellent condition. Then you can use the profits to buy a rug cleaner!

Momma's Potatoes and Riesling

2009-05-19T06:28:00.003-04:00

Momma was asked by a friend in the mid-west, " What is a good potato recipe to use as a side dish?"

Momma Explains : Although I do not make many potato dishes, this is one of our favorites and a great side dish with grilled
ham steak and peaches. If you cannot find fresh peaches, try canned in lite syrup as a replacement. The entire meal is a quick fix and the Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Kabinett
( 2006 or 2007 ) is a perfect chilled accompaniment. If you will be grilling ham steaks, start with 3 fully cooked 1/2 inch thick steaks and brush with oil and some peach juice. Use some of the light syrup from the canned peaches. Then grill them for a short period of time on med/low just to warm them up and capture some grille flavor. If not grilled then start with a frying pan and about 4 tablespoons of butter, heat ham in butter on med and add some peach juice at the end of heating. Make a quick salad as a side and you can have this meal finished in record time. Keep the wine cold as it really helps to bring out the wine's natural fruit flavor. You will make the potatoes first as they will require the most time.

Momma's Potato Alfredo
Use small red potatoes, about 4 pounds for this recipe. Wash and peel off any blemishes but leave some of the skin on. Cover potatoes with salted water ( about 1 Teaspoon Kosher salt) and boil until fork tender. Drain water( but leave just a little in the pot) and return pot to stove on medium heat, add 1 pint heavy cream and 1 stick of butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon salt ( sea salt if available) , add pepper to taste, probably about 1/4 teaspoon. Chop fresh chives and add 2 tablespoons chives to pot, stirring gently but frequently to allow butter to melt and mix all ingredients. It does not need to boil but allow it to be well heated and all flavors mixed thoroughly. This does not take long. Once the mixture is heated, grill your steaks for a quick sear and toss your salad. Then put potatoes in large bowl and sprinkle some more chopped chives on top along with a cup of parmigiano shavings. ( I use a potato peeler and my family always adds more parmigiano because they love that flavor, they also add more salt and pepper but you need to match your taste.) Now pour out the Riesling and enjoy !
I purchased this from The Bottle Shop, I have included their coverage of this incredibly reasonable wine which is great with many summer dishes. I served this wine at a party and one of the guests was a German citizen, he was so thrilled to have this wine which he said was very popular in his country.

Michel Schneider Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Kabinett 2007

BN#238195

Price on 05/14/09: $11.99

URL: http://www.bottleshop.com/238195

Bottle Shop of Spring Lake Notes

One of our top selling fruity Rieslings. This is clean and refreshing with juicy yellow peach and apricot flavors. A perfect picnic, brunch or sushi wine.

I Will Not Let You Fail

2009-05-14T06:00:00.011-04:00

It is the end of the school year and as many look forward to the free time over the summer, we may have to deal with poor grades, a struggling student, confused teenager or even an anxious bride. As parents, everyday is a challenge and an experience. So Momma offers the following blog to hopefully encourage and embrace that which we are called to accept as parents.

"I will not let you fail !" sounds like an impossible task when it comes to our children but Momma has a different interpretation of "LET" and what it means to us as a parent.

Momma Explains: According to most dictionaries the word " let " means to allow, permit or to grant and while as parents we do not possess super human abilities despite what our children believe,( they still think I have supernatural hearing) , we are asked to do almost supernatural tasks. And so as parents, devoted parents, we put our child's needs before our own. We are called to instruct, correct, console and encourage. We are called to direct our children away from the things that will cause them to FAIL and toward the things they need to succeed physically, emotionally and spiritually. So by the bold statement " I will not let you fail" Momma means that I will not let you do things that cause you harm, I will not walk away from you when you make a mistake, I will support you when you succeed and will pick you up when you fall. I may not be able to prevent you from making poor choices or failing at something but I will not LET you stand alone. I will accept a discipline that you have earned but I will support you through the difficulty. I will take away the computer game if it keeps you from your homework obligations, I will be the ONLY parent who does not allow their child to go to the underage drinking party!
( I always respond to the statement " But you are the ONLY ONE who won't LET me" with my favorite rebuttal ," Good I LOVE being NUMBER ONE !) Letting our children do things that are irresponsible is letting them fail. Of course it is always harder to be tough on them than to LET them have their way. Directing them is not easy, discouraging poor choices is time consuming, bucking the popular opinion is daunting but FAILING is not an option. Loving them is so easy when they are babies because they rely on and trust in us for all decisions. It is not easy to convince our child that our decisions are in their best interest when they think otherwise. It takes much fortitude when we have to pick up the child who was suspended or stand next to them at a hearing or stay up trying to encourage them to finish some blasted project ( especially when we are missing the one and only TV show all week that we take the time to watch ) - That is what Momma means when she says, " I will not let you fail ." And do not be discouraged if you can't be perfect , I mean even God our Father had to get tough and throw his kids out...Naked...and not even a meatball sandwich to take with them. However, Our Father stayed with them when they erred, corrected them, encouraged them and finally sent His Only Son to suffer and die to " Let" them Not Fail. You can remain steadfast and even when tired and down you can still press on, and your children will always know that despite all trials, in great times and scary ones, they have a foundation to stand on, one that keeps saying, I love you and
" I will not let you fail."

Graduation Party Menu Ideas

2009-05-12T07:25:00.000-04:00

Momma received a question from a family member who is having a high school graduation party soon.
" What do I serve, how do I plan this menu since it is an open house and what wine should I buy? Am I expected to have a party that serves the best?"

Momma Explains: First, your party responsibility is not that you need to have a party that serves the BEST but a party that serves the GUEST !

Look at your attendees, most graduation parties really run a wide range of ages. You want the 2 year old and the 92 year old to be comfortable and well fed. You should plan a menu that can be placed on warming trays, sterno units or electric roasters. The food needs to be kept moist and appetizing over a fairly long period of time. Momma suggests some of her favorite large party menu ideas. I always make too much food, otherwise I could not send all my relatives home with goodies. Some people give out party favors, Momma sends you home with snackings!

Menu Ideas

Italian meatballs in red sauce or gravy as my South Philly guys call it.

Sausage and onions with fried red and green peppers

A crock pot of hot dogs..don't laugh ..remember the 2 year old and the 92 year old, both can eat that. Having it in a steaming water bath is perfect. Loads of toppings make a hot dog bar and the teenagers can be as creative as they wish. Get several bags of hot dog rolls.

Platters of Italian antipasto or just an American cold meat and cheese platter* note *-You should make up several small platters and take them out periodically as they are diminished. Have small rolls available for finger sandwiches.

Trays of easy finger fruit such as strawberries and red and green grapes. Just rinse and spread out over a platter.

A large green salad with a simple dressing. Leave extra pre-washed lettuce in bags in the refrigerator and extra dressing available too. Just refill the salad bowl as needed.

A pasta dish such as extra cheesy baked ziti or tortellini Alfredo. Both can sit for awhile without totally offending al dente sensibilities.

Desserts should be easy to pick up such as small brownies and cookies. You can always have a graduation cake as well.

A huge box of squeeze ice pops...remember the two year old, remember the teenagers..they like them and make wonderful ice packs when the two year old takes a spill while mom and dad are trying to gulp down food or drink.

As far as beverages, you will need alcoholic and non alcoholic. Try water, ice tea and lemonade or soda if you wish for the non-alcoholic.

Alcoholic beverages can be more challenging. A punch made with orange juice, sherbet and prosecco (An Italian sparkling type wine that can be far more reasonably priced than champagne) makes an Italian version of the mimosa and is awesome over ice. Wine is my beverage of choice, always, so I really want you to pay attention. If you do not know what wine to buy DO NOT just walk into the grocery store and grab some bottles. You need to go to a wine store and ask the personnel, " What are your highest rated wines at bargain prices?" There are several wine rating magazines etc. that have smart buys and bargain buys and the wine stores should have a few. Keep your wine choice simple. This is not a dinner party, try a medium bodied red such as Panarroz Jumilla Red and a simple white such as Cantus Sauvignon Blanc. These are inexpensive wines that give great value. However, your best resource is your wine merchant and of course your own taste preferences.
I will normally have a recipe along with a wine suggestion but for this post I will only include my antipasto recipe, if you need other recipes for my recommendations go to the Food Network site and get the recipes from the Italian chefs, or use a reliable Italian cookbook or site. When you cook an ethnic cuisine, use that ethnic source. Thinking you can go outside for those recipes has resulted in aberrations such as cottage cheese being used in place of ricotta which for Momma is gastronomical torture.

MOMMA'S ANTIPASTO.

I buy good quality meats at the best prices. Check your local paper for their specials.
Place cleaned Romaine lettuce leaves on a tray. Follow with layers of hard and Genoa salamis, sopressato, capicola, prosciutti, mozzarella, provolone (use the sliced version for this if you wish), peel and quarter hard boiled eggs then add mixed olives, roasted peppers drizzled in extra virgin olive oil, pepperoncini peppers, and artichoke hearts. I also place out some good dipping olive oil and crusty bread slices. There are guests who make their entire meal out of my antipasto, but who cares, I want my guests to eat what they like. Now, normally I would have a Chianti or nice Sicilian wine with this but they can be a bit pricier, although there has been a string of great Italian wines at great prices lately. ( Sipavola Rosso Di Sicilia 2006 or Salice Salentino La Corte 2006 as pictured above) But if you can't find ones in your general budget, maybe you keep a few bottles on the side for your "special" guests.

Momma gets a Gift

2009-05-08T23:14:00.000-04:00

Having programmers as offspring has its benefits, this is my Mother's Day Gift from my son. So now the whole Internet gets to have Momma Explain !

As an avid cook and wine aficionado I have been enjoying wine and food for quite a long time but only recently really put the time and research into using both my food recipes and wine knowledge together so as to harmonize during our meals. Being of Italian descent, you must understand that the meal is the family unifier and good food and wine complete the experience and enhance the joy.

Tuesdays I will be bringing my latest wine finds (Oh, I am a bargain shopper with high expectations!), along with the recipes I find best compliment that dish.

Thursdays will be my mercurial summaries of my vast brood, extended family and experiences. Sometimes filled with humor, sarcasm and pathos, but it will be what Momma knows and explains.