Have an Appetizing Weekend.

Whether you're hosting a Super Bowl party this weekend or cuddling up on the couch alone, these little treats are fantastic!  I found the recipe in this book.

Pizzette with fontina, tomato, basil and prosciutto

Ingredients:

1 - 13.8 oz. package refrigerated pizza dough

3/4 cup Fontina cheese (about 3 ounces)

8 cherry tomatoes, quartered

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh basil

1 1/2 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, coarsely torn into strips

1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees.

2. Sprinkle rimmed baking sheet with flour.

3. Roll out pizza dough 1/4 inch think on lightly floured surface.

4. Using a 2 1/2" diameter cookie cutter, cut 16 dough rounds.

5. Arrange rounds on prepared baking sheet.

6. Sprinkle rounds with Fontina cheese, dividing equally.

7. Place 2 tomato quarters on each round, pressing gently into dough.

8. Sprinkle tomatoes with grated Parmesan cheese.

9. Bake pizzettes until golden brown, about 12 minutes.

10. Drizzle pizzette with olive oil, then top with basil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.

11. Drape prosciutto strips over.

12. Arrange on platter and sere immediately.

13. Enjoy!

And as a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan, I cannot believe I'm about to say this but Go Steelers!  I was trying to find a silver lining in either team and while Arizona is definitely the Cinderella team, I couldn't help but think of my Great Uncle Eddie.  He is in his 80's now and has LOVED the Pittsburgh Steelers his entire life.  So if they were to win, I know he'd be happy which in turn warms my heart.  So I'm putting my reputation on the line here, for his sake of course, and cheering for the Squeelers.

We're off to watch Marquette play Georgetown...busy sports weekend indeed.

A Little Friday Inspiration!

Andrew B II

So my Andrew wanted to see this Andrew when he came to Chicago.  Tickets sold out within minutes and we were left empty-handed.  Essentially, popularity flexed its middle finger at us via a "sold out" message on the Ticketmaster website and said, "not this time."

Here's to the next tour!

Monday, Monday

There is nothing better in life than a great laugh, especially on a Monday. And when you feel that little desire to tinkle because you're laughing so hard, perhaps you should pick up a pair of these.

While it is many years old, that SNL commercial never gets old.

Happy Monday!

Have an Active Weekend

As Andy and I find ourselves in the midst of the winter lull, cooped up indoors, we decided to make an active date this weekend.  Tomorrow at 10 a.m. sharp we plan to meet on the racquetball court and I would encourage you to do the same.    

If you've never tried racquetball before, give it a go.  It's a great winter sport and a good way to get your heart rate pumping.  While you're at it you might even get to have some fun with your significant other....that is if he doesn't hit you square in the face like mine.

Here are the official rules for racquetball.  

Cheers to an active weekend!  

Sweet Nothings.

Andy: "My stomach is really hurting tonight."

Kim: "Why don't you lay down and I'll keep an eye on the puppy."

... 30 minutes later...

Andy: "You know, if we ever move to another place, we'd better seriously reconsider Cleveland."

Kim: "Why's that?"

Andy: "If we ever have children, I'm going to need a lot of help."

Kim: "It's certainly a life adjustment, like getting a puppy but much larger and we'll figure it out."

Andy: "No, I mean I'm going to need help handling pregnancy."

Kim: "OHHHHHhhhhh, you're going to need the help, huh?"

Andy: "I imagine that pregnancy feels 100x's worse than my stomach ache right now. I'm going to need all the help I can get to deal with you."

President Obama

Wow, wow, wow....that's about all I can say about the historic events of the day. Here's one of my favorite excerpts from President Obama's speech:

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics."

Dr. Martin Luther King

I couldn't bare the thought of going to bed without posting something small about Dr. Martin Luther King, today, on his day.  His contributions were vast and he left this world far too early because of them.

Since I was off for the day, I spent a good deal of time in the car running errands which allowed me to tune into NPR for most of the day.  I heard piece after piece about how the civil rights movement played out and was overwhelmed with a great sense of appreciation for being right here, right now, in this historic moment.  

I've attached two clips that I needed to include:

• "I Have a Dream."
• BBC Martin Luther King's prediction.  

It is amazing that many of Dr. King's words are still relevant today.  As a country and world we need to look beyond gender, race, sexual preferences, class, age and focus on being a positive force in the human race.  After all, that is the one thing we all have in common with one another.

An Eight Year Itch

pictured attributed to break.com

I consider myself to be mildly lucky that I made it through the 2000 election without so much as a punch in the face.  I spouted off to most everyone who would listen (and even to some that wouldn't) over that election for a long time, it just felt wrong on so many levels.  It was also the first time I was able to cast my vote in a presidential election and I was a bit naive.

When 2004 came around, I followed the election closely.  I stayed up all night long determined to be awake to hear that John Kerry would be my next president.  It was a very long night and I'll never forget the feeling of disappointment when it was all over.  It was like nothing I had ever experienced before and it plain sucked.  

And here I sit, at my computer, on the eve of an inauguration so meaningful it's hard to comprehend.   My emotions are mixed but most of all I am relieved that tomorrow begins a new chapter in this great country's history.

The last eight years have felt like nothing more than a really bad itch to me and at times, it really festered out of control.  I'll be glad to see this itch go.  The reports of torture ("itch"), Katrina and the storm's aftermath ("itch"), a war started under false pretenses ("itch") and the list goes on.  We are all well aware of this administration's shortcomings so I'll leave well enough alone.

My largest "itch" of all is that this president and his administration failed to capitalize on the post-9/11 American spirit.  In the first few months that followed, we were a different country and had we risen to the occasion as a nation and carried that spirit forward, guided by our leader, I have no doubt we would find ourselves in a different place today.  

And so it is with much excitement and anticipation that I w"itch" you a fond farewell, George.  I will say it is because of you and the actions of your administration that I started paying close attention to politics and caring so much about the delicate balance of democracy.  For that, I am forever grateful.

Have a Delicious Weekend

Okay, first the title...admittiedly, I fell in love with A Cup of Jo's weekend sign-off and decided to use the headline.  Great idea, Jo!

Second, we hosted some friends recently for dessert and games.  I tried an Apple Crisp and everyone really enjoyed it.  Jenny went so far as to request a copy of the recipe from me.  So Jenny this one's for you....

Apple Crisp Dessert

Filling Ingredients:

5 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1" pieces

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Contents of 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, freshly grated worked best.

1/4 kosher salt

Streusel Topping Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup rolled oats or quick cooking oats

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Prepare filling: combine apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt in an 8" square baking dish and mix well.  Set aside when complete.

3. Make topping: melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir in brown sugar and salt.  Add the flour and oatmeal and stir until just incorporated.  Do not overwork.

4. Crumble the topping mixture evenly over the apple filling.

5. Bake 50 to 60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

6. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

7. Enjoy!

Do Ahead: Prepare apple filling and the topping 6 to 8 hours in advance but do not crumble the topping over the filling until you are ready to bake.

This is the perfect warm dessert for a cozy night by the fire with a good friend or loved one.  Enjoy your weekend, particularly if you have a long one ahead!

Sweet Nothings.

Kim: When I'm old and rely on a walker to get around, you'll wipe my ass, right?

Andy: Hell no.

MMMMmmm..Mom's Meatloaf

Alright, the word "meatloaf" itself isn't exactly the most appealing word on any menu, unless you grew up in my household. To the Wroblewski family, "meatloaf" meant melt in your mouth, comfort food greatness...in a loaf. Here is a fantastic recipe, derived from my Mom's kitchen.

Ingredients:
2 lbs. ground beef chuck
3 - 4 cups bread crumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 eggs
3 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 - 8 oz. can tomato sauce
2 Tablespoons vinegar
6 Tablespoons brown sugar
4 heaping tsp. prepared mustard
4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1. Mix ground chuck, bread crumbs, 1 tomato sauce can, onion, egg, salt and pepper together in bowl.
2. Form into loaf and put in shallow "bread loaf" pan.
3. Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes into the meat. This allows the sauce to run into the meat mixture, helping to remain moist while baking.
4. Combine remaining ingredients, beginning with second can of tomato sauce, to create sauce.
5. Pour sauce over the top of your meatloaf.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Please note if using a glass pan, temperature should be 325.
7. Enjoy with a side of your favorite mashed potatoes!

This dish is one of Andy's favorites, in fact, this may be the only reason he kept me around....I owe you one, Mom!

Measured in Flakes

As I turned our Christmas tree lights off late Saturday evening and peered out our window to the snow covered scene below, I got to thinking if a person could be measured up by the sheer way in which they deal with a significant snowfall.

For instance, our neighbors, presumably in their mid to late 60's were out first thing Saturday morning shoveling and salting their sidewalk, parking spots and back alleyway. Overachievers?Perhaps.

Our landlord skipped his way out our front door through the 8"+ of snow and right into his large SUV without looking back. Lazy? Perhaps.

While we made a small attempt to dig our cars out in the morning, it wasn't until we decided to catch the Marquette game at a local pub that we decided we needed to really dig ourselves out. Functional, "live for the moment" types? Perhaps.

Now what about the owner of the large conversion van that sits down the street from us? The one that stands about 15' high due to its thick blanket of snow. My guess is that the owner is really tall or dead. Perhaps.

Snow-cago

We awoke this morning to quite the snowfall.  I never mind it because it often reminds me of Cleveland and the good old "lake effect snow machine."  I love all four seasons to their fullest and I can't imagine myself ever wanting to give up winter...at least until I step in a pile of dog poo that was nicely disguised by freshly fallen snow.  But that's life, isn't it?  And it's my (our) life...

If you glance back at the beginning of this thing, it was to be written by both Andy and I.  Well he divorced the idea and moved onto his own ... and left me with my own blog that includes his name.  Wonder if I could garner support out of him for it, perhaps laundry duty?

At any rate, here's a video of Maebe playing in the backyard this morning.  Enjoy!

2008 Reflection

It goes without saying that 2008 will definitely go down in the history books for many reasons. While the world has seen and felt much turmoil this past year, I still feel very gratitude for the life, perhaps even more so this past year.

My Husband: I am thankful to have Andy in my life. He is my best friend and the one person in this world who knows me like no other; my best qualities as well as my worst. I feel very fortunate to wake up next to him and bid him farewell at night. Thank you for your unconditional love, Andy. xoxo

My Family: I am thankful to have my family. They are the foundation on which I stand each and every day of my life. The morals, values and upbringing that I was afforded is all because of them and for that I am eternally indebted.

Andy's Family: I am thankful to have Andy's family. They welcomed me into their lives with open arms, accepting me for me without question. They've shown me that each family is unique and I am fortunate to be a part of theirs.

My Relationships: I am thankful for all of the wonderful relationships that I have. Whether it be friends or co-workers, my life is better because you are in it.

Necessities: I am thankful for my job, health, home and general well-being.

So as we close 2008, I remain focused on all the good things that life has to offer. 2009 will bring its own triumphs and challenges and to that I say...."bring it on!"

And as for resolutions, well I have one note; I will NEVER write a "wrap-up" post again. I resolve to keep my blog current...and learn how to re-adjust the pictures so they are "grouped."

2008 Wrap-up

Now that I have officially announced this blog to the outside world I guess that means I have to do a better job of keeping it up.

I have to admit my timing was a little off, I picked this hobby up right as we hit a very busy season. There were a number of happenings that I wanted to post and I'm sure I'll think of more as time rolls on but here's a snapshot of some of the big events in 2008.

April was our first chance to meet our new niece, Sophia. Paul and Shaunna traveled with her to Cleveland from Boston and we had a wonderful time visiting with the entire Basta clan. While we don't get to see the Bostonians often, they are never far from our thoughts. Thanks for visiting Paul, Shaunna and Sophia! Luke was also especially smiley that weekend too.

Ben graduated from Marquette in May 2008. The big event happen to fall on the same day that our beloved Cleveland Cavaliers played the Boston Celtics in game seven of the 2008 NBC semi-finals. We altered dinner plans to catch the game and let's just say Ben was the only highlight of the day...which was fine by us!



















































In July we had the great opportunity to head to Colorado for the first time. It was doubly exciting because we got to see my college friends, Nicole, who grew up in that area. Nicole was a great 50/50 tour guide and we were thankful to have time with her. It was a wonderful vacation and will be the subject of a future post all to itself.

In August, Nate and Annie got hitched! Nate is a second cousin of mine and we were grateful to make it home to Ohio to see him marry his wonderful bride. Congratulations!

Andy's Aunt Amy and Uncle Jerry visited us here in Chicago in September. We had a wonderful time with them and were glad they were able to come out.

We celebrated our first wedding anniversary with a short trip to Northern Michigan. We took in some local wineries, the national parks and a few other points of interest. Fall was a beautiful time to travel to this part of the country and we really enjoyed our time away.

Later in October, we made another trip back to Ohio to watch my high school friend marry the love of her life, Jeremy. Charlene and I have known each other since our freshman year of high school and it was very exciting to watch her walk down the aisle and catch up with old friends. Congratulations!

Also in October, what a busy month, I was sent out to Los Angeles for the High School Musical 3 red carpet premiere. It was an exciting professional opportunity and also an ideal destination. While in town, I was able to see my old college roommate, Jenny. She and I are like two Polish peas in a pod and we had a wonderful time visiting. Here are some shots from around L.A. and Santa Monica.

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Here are a few pictures that Shaunna sent of Sophia...Happy Halloween! She was definitely the cutest pumpkin on the East coast, that's for sure.

We spent Thanksgiving in the Smoky Mountains with the Wroblewski clan. Thanks to my sister, Bev, for planning the trip and just telling us where to send the money. We had a great time taking in the area as a family.

We had a very blessed Christmas season in Cleveland. We visited our relatives and felt fortunate to have extra time off to fit as many visits in as we possibly could. However, we still left feeling like we could have used a few more days to continue our journeys, catching every last person. Here are a few shots from the holiday season, beginning with our Christmas tree.

To end 2008, I was asked to be a bridesmaid in Tarah's wedding. She is a dear college friend of mine and it's safe to say my Marquette experience would not have been complete without her. So Tarah --- here's to you and Clay! OH and based on the picture below, are you SURE you want me?

Happy New Year!!!