Need to Eat

... at these places! Places in Pittsburgh that I haven't been to an need to visit. 

Bona Terra in Sharpsburg.

Spice Island Tea House in Oakland.

Soba in Shadyside.

Harris Grill in Shadyside, haven't been there since they reopened. 

That's it for now. I'll keep adding. 

So sleepy.

What is wrong with me? Oh so very many things. But mostly I am tired all the time. I never stop being tired. I could sleep forever and sometimes it feels like I do. Maybe I need to eat better and workout. That would probably help. I'l start that... tomorrow.

Shortbread from Smitten Kitchen

Made this delicious shortbread. So simple and perfect.

Shortbread from Smitten Kitchen.

Welcome 2009!

So I welcomed the new year with a puke bucket and Dick Clark. Yes I have the flu. I had the startings of a head cold on Tuesday but the last few hours have convinced me that it is indeed the stomach flu. It is one thing to be throwing up on New Year's because you drank too much but this is unfair. The worst of it was I had gone to bed early cause I didn't feel good, way before midnight kids, and when I woke up sick to my stomach at 11:30 my whole family was also already sound asleep in their beds. No joke- my whole family decided not to ring in the new year. It was like I moved into the old folks home. Watching Dick Clark didn't help. Seriously he is old, he has done a good job, Dick retire, spend your new years on a beach in the Bahamas sipping a Pina Colada you deserve it! I don't think Dick Clark reads my blog but that's my thought on that. So now it is ridiculously early in 2009 and I wish I could sleep but instead me and my puke bucket are watching an Alicia Silverstone marathon.

Maybe I'll think about my New Year's resolutions.

Tomato Bolognese as 2008 fades away.

It is New Year's Eve and I ended up with no plans. I have been in relaxation mode for a few days now and the thought of putting on a bra and mascara was more than I could handle. So I opted for a new year's meal with the people I love most. My parents, sister, and Baby Love.

I had never made my own sauce before but a clip on the Food Network made me willing to try it. My recipe is adapted from Anne Burrell.

Tomato Bolognese

Ingredients:

1 large onion roughly diced
2 large carrots, peeled, ½ inch dice
3 stalks of celery, 1 inch dice
4 cloves of garlic roughly chopped
olive oil
2 pounds ground beef
18 ounces tomato paste
1 ½ cups red wine (I used a strong shiraz)
water
1 bunch of thyme
1 large can crushed tomatoes
salt
pepper

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: At least 2 hours

Directions:

1. In a food processor puree onions, carrots, celery and garlic into a thick paste.
2. Heat 2 to 3 tbsp. of olive oil in a large stock pot at medium heat.
3. Add pureed vegetables, stirring frequently until moisture has evaporated and vegetables begin to brown, season generously with salt and a little pepper. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Once browned remove vegetables from the pan and add ground beef season generously with salt and garlic powder about ½ teaspoon. Again taking time to brown the meat, 15 to 20 minutes. After beef has cooked through about 15 minutes add vegetables and continue browning for another 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Add tomato paste, stirring and allow to cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Add red wine stirring the wine will be absorbed quickly allow to cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Add water into the pan until it is about an inch and a half above the meat. (More water can be added later if the sauce appears to become too thick, as water will evaporate.)
8. Bring to a simmer add crushed tomatoes and bunch of thyme. Let simmer on low heat stirring occasionally. Sample and season as needed. Let simmer for 1 to 2 hours. More if time allows. Adding water as needed.
9. Serve with pasta and enjoy!

My father is fairly picky about his sauce so his nose was in the pot tasting every few minutes. The project that started as mine quickly became ours and in the end turned out wonderfully. Well worth the time and effort. Plus you get and abundance of sauce which can easily be frozen and served later.

Happy New Year!

End of the semester

I think I have survived. The semester that is. I am quite proud of myself for my accomplishment. I really want to pop a bottle of champagne and celebrate with someone but I am just too tired or maybe too alone. 

It has been quite the semester:

• Starting with a topsy start to the school year at work, with difficulties with co-workers and space issues. 
  
• Then I was sick again and again, every week it was something, more doctor's visits and antibiotics in the last 12 weeks then the last 12 years of my life. 
  
• Let's not forget every weekend a blessed event of marriage to attend. 
  
• Or all the babies that needed to come into the world. 
  
• We probably shouldn't even begin to discuss that at the start of the semester I had a roommate and now I don't. Thankfully I know a little bit more about what divorce might feel like and why I never want to go through it. But I must admit that the whole experience did re-ignite some trust issues.
• We can't even discuss my love life. 

But somehow despite all of the craziness I think I may have pulled a 4.0 and actually learned something. I worked hard. I am proud of me. 

She's left on a jet plane.

... and she won't be back again for 2 whole months. my sister that is. She has gone to the United Arab Emirates to visit a boy. A boy who may possibly be taking her away from the United States for 2 years. I just don't know what I would do if that happens. So right now I am just hoping it's 2 months and not 2 years. This is not some mail order bride scheme, or my parents attempt to rid themselves of my sometimes worrisome middle sister. No this is my sister falling for a boy a few months before he was scheduled to leave on a government contract for 3 years. They have been apart for 6 months and now she is flying on a plane to be with him for the holidays. Him not us. 

If there is one lesson I have really learned in the last few years it is that my family will always be there for me. Lovers and friends come and go but my family is always there. I just really wish that "there" wasn't halfway across the world. I like to be able to pick up the phone and talk to my sister whenever I want. But I will have to get over it and be happy for the opportunity she has been given. It does make me wonder how much longer I will live in the steel city when my family is just too far away.

you say mice i say mouse

"Why are you limping?" I asked my student as we walked down the hall. 

"A mice bit me," he responded. 

"A what?" I asked. 

"A mice" he replied.

"Wait, did one mouse bite you or more than one?" I ask again. Now let's pause because even as I am having this conversation I am kind of like... huh, a mouse! But for some reason I first focused on a grammar lesson- I know call me crazy. 

"One but it was a baby so the small ones are called a mice." 

"No they aren't, if it's one it is a mouse."

"Nuh uh." 

"Ok let's not keep doing this... you got bit by a mouse? How?" 

"I don't know, it bit my foot. We have mice in my house."

"Did you tell your mom?"

"She said 'why did you let it bite you?'" 

"What did you say to her?"

"I said, I don't know mom the mice just bit me." 

"Are you gonna be able to walk on the field trip today?"

"Oh yeah, it's just a mice bite." 

Purpose

I wonder if others wonder about purpose...

It is my constant life perplexing question. 

It keeps me awake at night. 

It causes me to question every decision I make. 

It makes me want to leave school, my job and move to France, or Italy, or Buffalo, or somewhere, anywhere. 

It makes me want to stay in this town and never leave. 

It is circular, shades of gray and frustrating. 

Sometimes I wonder if the questions will haunt me my whole life. Or if some day I will find the answers. 

Sometimes I feel like I am in limbo waiting for my life to happen but somedays it feels like life is happening so fast that I am missing it. Or that it should be something more than what it is. 

On rainy days like today I can't help but be driven by these questions, in the solitude of my mind I am sent stumbling around searching for answers, longing for a more naive day when I believed life would just happen in the American Dream sort of way, now I know better. With my knowledge comes no answers just a continued pursuit of purpose. 

Sunday Blues

Perhaps it's because I have had bronchitis for 5 weeks and am heavily medicated, or perhaps it is just because this was my first weekend without a wedding in over a month or perhaps it's just cause I love my house so much but I barely left it. I cooked, I slept, I watched movies, I messed around on the internet, and I tried not to cough but most of all I stayed in, with the exception of a few hours I was a happy prisoner of my house all weekend long. And for once my former roommate didn't show up. It was bliss. Although I feel slightly guilty because I accomplished nothing, not guilty enough to get off the couch. And the best news- because I have now been sick for so long I have lost 5 pounds. And my mother called today to read me some research that states apparently dark chocolate cures coughing better than codeine. Which is why I just can't believe I am still sick since I have been sucking down cough medicine with codeine and dark chocolate for 2 days now. Anyways I am sad that the weekend is over. I am thankful that I have Tuesday off- thanks Veterans- at least I can get everything done on Tuesday that I should have gotten done this weekend. 

I did get out and take a few pictures, and got text messages from 2 men of my past. Hmm weird. Not even sure what that means. But MD text me yesterday asking if we can hang out next time I am home and my 'ex' and I actually had a brief text conversation after not communicating for a year and a half. So random. 

wedding soup

I am a big fan of wedding soup... it is something I actually never tasted until I dated an Italian a few years ago. A love of wedding soup is one good thing that came out of that relationship. But I had never tried to make it myself, until last night. I am now poor, since my roommate went psychotic and has flown the coop and I have been sick now for a month and therefore all my money goes to prescriptions and doctor visits. I went to the doctor again yesterday and as I picked up 4 prescriptions from the pharmacy counter the girl said, "have a nice evening." I wanted to say, "well i plan on sipping on this cough syrup with codeine all night so it should be a GREAT evening." But I just said "you too" and proceeded to the check-out. Now if you can explain this to me that would be fabulous - how does a single girl spend $106 at the food store. What did I buy? Stuff to make cheese cakes, chicken fingers, wedding soup and chili... and a colossal size box of soft pretzels. They are my new favorite late night snack. They are low fat and they quench my after class hunger pains. Back to wedding soup. I have been buying it by the pint from my local italian restaurant for a few weeks now but decided it's easy enough to make myself. 

Here is my recipe. 

12 cups chicken stock/ broth (I ended up with 2 containers of stock and 1 broth) 

1 pound of chopped escarole

2 cups mini meatballs (I was exhausted and since I use them more for flavoring than actually eating them I bought pre-made frozen meatballs, gasp!)

1 cup diced carrots

2 tbsp parsley 

3 large eggs 

3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)

1 cup acini di pepe (little ball pasta)

salt and pepper

Bring stock to a boil in a large pot. 

Bring water for pasta in a boil in a separate pot. When boiling add pasta and cook for 10 minutes. 

When stock is boiling add carrots and let simmer for 1 minute then add meatballs, and escarole. Let simmer until tender, about 9 minutes. 

Whisk egg and parmesan in a small bowl. Stir soup in a circular motion, add egg mixture slowly stirring soup with a fork to create strands of egg. Add pasta and parsley. Serve, top servings with parmesan cheese.

So good I had some this morning for breakfast. 

Where did September go?

So this month I went back to work and started grad school. Let me clarify that I started back to work full-time teaching and started grad school full-time. So basically Monday through Thursday I leave the house at 7am and return at 9pm. So that would be my excuse for not blogging. But even though I haven't been blogging I have still been eating and drinking, well sort of. So the brief rundown of the month. 

Bettis' Grille 36 - Went with the teaching staff for a work lunch, had a great chicken sandwich. Thanks Favorite Boss! They pay for lunch the whole week of inservice which is just really nice of them. 

I should stop and interject here that with my new schedule I have little time for cooking or baking and most of the time I have gone out this month is for happy hour. Not that my drinking has increased but my stress level has so the need to relax is definitely evident. 

McFadden's- for happy hour on Fashion G's 25th birthday. I spent my 25th birthday at McFadden's a year and a half ago and ended up in the ER. Met this cute attorney from the South Hills he bought me a few drinks (3 total)... was a good girl and went to the bar with him. But I looked away for a second and something must have been slipped into the shot cause I was done for. That's the only time I almost got arrested. I was so drugged I needed my friends to come into the restroom pick me up off the floor and carry me outside into a cab. Cops were everywhere and the bouncers were like get her out of here quick. The cab took me and my friends to AGH where I proceeded to fall out of the cab and out of the wheelchair in the waiting room. I have no recollection of any of it. Now I am by no means a lightweight and 2 and a half drinks has never put me over the edge so there was no way it was just alcohol. The guy called the next day and when I accused him he didn't even have a defense. Thank God for good friends who knows what he might have done to me otherwise. Thankfully Fashion G had a much safer night. 

Also went to Fox & Hound on McKnight Road in Ross Twp. which I had never been to before on a Saturday night a few weeks ago. We all got fun cocktails and scoped out the cute bartenders. It was a fun night and I was impressed by the size of the place. The waitress was a flake but the crowd was interesting. I would definitely go back again. 

Carson City and S Bar on Friday night. 1.50 shots of SoCo with B and Fashion G makes us all happy girls. The problem is by 11:00 on a Friday night I am exhausted because of my crazy schedule during the week. So I think I was out of the southside and on my way home by 11:30. Carson City is such a strange place, the girls working there have the strangest sense of style and the crowd isn't particularly friendly but they have decent drink specials so. I ended up there twice in the last month. 

Bar Louie - They have this hummus and tabbouleh and tzatziki dip with cucumbers and flatbread. It is so delicious AND their chicken fingers, hand breaded and just perfect. Fashion, Double D and I were all in need of a drink but because of our schedules we started early 4:00 we went from Bar Louie to the southside. 

Hit 1311 and then Carson City but was an early night once again and I was home by ten. 

Crepes Parisiennes- P&K with their new bundle of joy met me for crepes at their Oakland location. I love crepes! My parents have decided they should open a crepery and I am in full support. But P&K and I haven't seen each other in awhile. We planned on meeting in Shadyside but P found out my ex was on his way to the same location at the exact same time. Weird. Strangely we are still connected by some cosmic force. Too bad he is a cheater and a jerk. We spent the day strolling through Oakland then ran over to Whole Foods for some groceries. 

Went kayaking last Sunday once again. RADical Days is going on in Pittsburgh and they offer all sorts of free events. FH and I took advantage of the gorgeous weather on the last day of summer and hit the water. We kayaked for an hour it was his first time and we had great fun. Then we were hungry so we ate at Atria's in PNC Park. I know I said a couple of posts ago that I wouldn't go back because there service was so bad. But this time it was excellent. FH got the chicken parm and I had the steak salad. I was so happy to be outside and eating with such good company. FH is a new friend and I am kind of hoping he sticks around. 

Hit up Bistro-To-Go on East Ohio Street once again. Had their balsamic chicken, red potatoes and ho-ho cake. I was definitely having a GIVE ME CHOCOLATE AND NO ONE GETS HURT kind of day. Ho-ho cake definitely does the trick. 

Ok so that is the rundown of where I've been in a nutshell at least what I can remember. I'll try to update on what I have been cooking and baking cause I made these delicious veggie cookies. i know sounds weird but they are soft chewy and tasty. 

Pittsburgh Bottleshop Cafe

So Fashion G and I did a little back to school shopping for teacher stuff- nothing fun like clothes. Then decided to stop at this great place in Bridgeville for a late lunch. The Pittsburgh Bottleshop Cafe is your typical local bar. Clean and well decorated, nice bar and excellent choice on drinks. Menu was just right not overwhelming, with a good selection of bar food. Fashion G got the Veggie Wrap which had this really great hummus. I had the Chicken Salad with Buffalo style chicken. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't breaded. Food was delicious, service was good. Even though we were there in the afternoon I am sure they get a decent happy hour and weekend crowd. I'll visit again. 

The Pittsburgh Bottleshop Cafe

1597 Washington Pike

Bridgeville, PA 15017

Not ready to start back to work in a week. Just hoping to enjoy my last few days of vacation. 

Shish Kabobs

I haven't cooked for just me all summer long. But I was feeling a little hungover from Friday night and decided to make dinner. Friday night Queen Kittanning and her hubby were having a picnic and since she is 6 months prego I drove up to help with the food and hang out. I love their new house and being around them, definitely two of my favorite people in the world. So we had good food and drank way into the wee hours of the morning, well not prego but her husband and his coaching buddies.

But that's that. I figured my hangover meal should be shish kabobs. Picked up a nice hormone free round top steak and some rye bread from the market. 

Cube the steak 

Marinate for 45 minutes- I love Adolph's meat marinate but it's hard to find. 

Sliced into large chunks peppers and onions. 

Skewer and grill until cooked. 

With it brown rice, tablespoon of butter, 1/4 cup of chopped onion and organic chicken broth. 

Sat on the back porch and enjoyed. My neighbors I am sure can't figure us out. We have only lived here a month and a half but being summer we're rarely here and especially at the same time. I swear I felt their eyes upon me as I sat on my porch eating alone. Oh well, the night was nice and the food simple and filling.

Later went to Tilt in Gibsonia, crazy local bar with the roomies sis. Amusing to say the least.

Camping

Headed up to Breakneck Campgrounds in Portersville for a few days of wilderness fun with some girls from college. We did well despite some of the girls husbands believing we couldn't handle ourselves. The first night we cooked chicken marinated in italian dressing, on the fire and baked potatoes with onions, sour cream and cheddar cheese. A simple green salad and garlic bread completed the dinner. Smores for dessert. I love cooking on an open fire. Something about being in the woods, crouching low, avoiding the smoke and hoping that the flame stays consistent as you cook your food, just love it. We did eggs, hashbrowns and bagels for breakfast. Biking, swimming and a picnic lunch at Moraine State Park. Even Stacy 6 months pregnant got on the bike and did 6 miles. She probably did better than the rest of us. Hot dogs, green salad, and potato salad for dinner. I will only eat hot dogs when I can roast them over the fire on a stick. They just taste better that way. And once again smores for dessert! We did a cold breakfast of pop tarts, grapes and bagels before packing up camp and heading to McConnell Mills for a hike. 

It was nice just to reconnect with women who were such a big part of my life for four years. We supported each other through everything. Even though we now live far apart and our lives seem to be headed in different directions I appreciate the fact that we each made it a priority to be there. I love these girls and am so thankful for them. 

Kayak

I went kayaking today! It was so fun. Kayak Pittsburgh lets you rent kayaks for $15 for the first hour. We had a great time. I am hoping to go again soon. We did lunch at Atria's at PNC Park... seriously horrible service and food. I don't know if restaurants on the North Shore think that because of their location they can disregard service and quality of food. Really though they shouldn't. 

I also called 911 today and maybe saved someone's life or stopped a crime or something. I thought my new neighborhood was safe but now who knows. My roommate is gone for a few days. I decided not to go to the the beach because just about everyone backed out. Damn marrieds. And I ordered my books for grad school! I am starting to get excited about starting classes and nervous about the work. I know it will be a challenge and I am a bit crazy, I just hope I am strong enough to handle it. 

blueberries

My parents have had just a few blueberry bushes for as long as I can remember. Some years the crop was good and other years not so good. Some years my dad would create this crazy net contraption to keep the bird and deer away. For this the whole family would need to help in the yard. With the net thrown over us like trapped animals, waiting for my dad to secure it in place.

My dad is famous for his blueberry pancakes, growing up the neighbor kids always wanted to sleep over on the weekend, just so that they could be here for breakfast. Even as a teenager this was still true. We still have pancakes on a weekend morning but now babylove is old enough to have them and this morning I tried my hardest to out eat the baby of 19 lbs. I was only successful because her mother cut her off and we were able to tie at 3. But if she had her way I wouldn't have stood a chance. 

Independence Day

I like my independence. When I think about how I live my life as a 26 years old single female. I know I have more freedom than many women around the world or throughout history. I am thankful. 

East Aurora always does their fireworks the night before. My aunt and uncle have the perfect spot and we always know right where to find them. A bunch of the cousins were in from out of town so we started last night and continued the party today. It was good. 

Our picnic was a collaborative affair however my aunt and uncle carried most of it, wonderfully. My uncle did ribs- slow cooked, they were fall off the bone melt in your mouth delicious. I think I need to try making them, I never have. We played badminton, silly relay races and watched fireworks from the front yard. It was one of the best Independence Day's in a long time. 

grilled pizza

I have wanted to make grilled pizza for some time now and since I have been cooking so much this week it seemed like a good thing to try on the family. I did my research and felt ready, however my dad wasn't so sure, it took some convincing for him to follow my process but the results won him over. He might never make pizza in the oven again. 

Homemade Pizza Dough

1 1/2 packages of yeast

1 1/2 cup warm water plus more if needed

1 1/2 Tbsp. sugar

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 Tbsp. oil

4 1/2 to 5 cups flour 

Combine the first three ingredients and let set for 5 minutes. Mix with a whisk. Add oil, salt and flour. Mix with a wooden spoon, then knead with your hands until dough is soft and smooth. If dough is sticky, add a small amount of flour. Put dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel and put in a warm place for 45 minutes. 

While dough is rising. Prepare your toppings. I choose a variety. If you don't want to turn on the oven many of these can be done on the stove top or grill. 

Toppings List:

Mini sweet peppers - grille with a little salt, pepper and olive oil, just until they are soft and starting to blacken. Or roast in the oven with olive oil, salt and pepper until starting to blacken and become soft. 

Grape tomatoes and garlic - Separate garlic cloves, I used about 6, keep at least one layer of skin ~ this condenses the flavor but speeds the roasting process. Place in an oven safe container with grape tomatoes and cover with olive oil, salt and pepper. This can be placed in the oven or off direct flames on the grill. Tomatoes will burst and garlic will become soft. 

Onions - Slice onions and rub with olive oil, place on grill or in saute pan. 

Garlic infused olive oil - cloves of garlic, smashed with 1/2 cup olive oil, slowly heated. 

Browned Italian Sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, fontina cheese and parmesan cheese. 

Separate the dough into a small section about the size of a baseball. Roll and flatten the dough using a rolling pin or your hand on a lightly floured surface, turning and flipping the dough will help shape the dough and prevent it from sticking. Continue separate and rolling the dough stacking the flattened dough  on a baking pan. 

When finished, set out toppings, if possible put them out on a table near the grill. 

Have 2 baking pans ready, tongs and a brush along with the garlic olive oil. 

Grill should be warm on medium low heat. 

Take the first flattened dough and brush one side with olive oil and place on the grill oil side down. Close the lid and let sit for 1-2 minutes. Check to see that it is done, grill marks should form. Using the tongs and an upside down baking pan remove the pizza, sliding it onto the pan. Brush the top side with olive oil and flip. On the now cooked side place your choice in toppings, sauce and cheese.

Using the tongs place back in a low heat area on the grill for about 4 to 5 minutes. The bottom should be grilled and the cheese melting. Repeat the process, doing more than one at a time if possible. 

My favorite was when we took the garlic, remove the skins, tomatoes, the oil from the roasting, peppers, onions and cheese (no sauce) and made a pizza. My dad loved the onion, (I used purple onions by the way) sausage and pepperoni with sauce and cheese. 

Truly amazing. They were seriously delicious and I cannot wait to make them again!

Famous Chicken

Summer is so great. My day consisted of reading a book about writing- which is really inspiring me to write more, taking 2 walks, playing with squirt guns and sitting by the kiddie pool in the back yard. Pretty rough. 

So this is my famous chicken marinate. It could be called Western New York Chicken because there are a few ingredients that you can only get in Western/Central New York. I am still in New York and since I really have nothing else to do mom asked me to make dinner again, more specifically my chicken. 

Super simple... super delicious. The problem is I don't have any measurements for this. It's more about how you feel it should be. 

Ingredients:

Chicken breasts - bone in, skin on (This is a cheaper, juicier option.) 

Basting Oil from Wegman's (It is actually grapeseed oil with herbs.)

Olive Oil (I prefer Virgin and Organic) 

1-2 Lemons

Balsamic Vinegar from Four Chimney's on Seneca Lake (It's not balsamic by any means, its very much red wine vinegar- but works perfect.) 

salt and pepper

Garlic - smashed and rough slice whole cloves

Salt and pepper the chicken well. I find it easiest to do the marinate in a plastic zipper bag. Place in bag. Place in cloves of garlic (1 per breast), zest the lemon- place in bag, quarter lemons and squeeze into bag. Throw lemons in bag. Coat with vinegar, grapeseed oil and olive oil. Your ration to acids ( including lemon and vinegar) to oils should be 1 to 2. 

Let marinate in the fridge for an 30 minutes to 2 hours. Bake in the oven at 375 for 45 minutes. Then put on the grill or under the broiler to crisp the skin.