No cook Pasta Sauce

So I haven't been on this blog in awhile, I'm getting better I swear. I actually can remember the password for this one! I will be teaching a cooking class on the 24th of November. One of the recipes I will be teaching them is an easy no cook pasta sauce. I will first give you the basic sauce then I will leave you with some add ins to use the sauce in various ways. One thing I have found about this sauce is that it can be changed with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Basic Sauce

1. 4 ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped roughly- if you can do a fine dice fine, if not do what you can.

(Tip to seed tomatoes cut them in half and roll the tomato cut side down between your palms the seeds will fall out)
2. 3 cloves garlic smashed to a paste, or use jarred garlic paste

3. salt to taste

4. pepper to taste

5. 1/4 -1/2 olive oil

Add ins:

1. Kalmata olives, feta cheese, and 1/2 basil -- family favorite with pasta, use more of less
olives and cheese to your taste.

2. Juice of 1 lemon, rind of 1 lemons, 2 t. capers, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 cup parsley ---
perfect for fish, fried, poached or baked

3. cilantro,1 seeded and chopped jalapeno whole garbanzos, lemon zest, 2 T lemon juice and 1 teaspoon cumin. perfect for
pita chips.

Whenever I can find great tomatoes I make these dishes for my family. Experiement with your own combos and post them here.

Lifestyle Gourmet

Create your lifestyle approach to all things gourmet and swankified. What do I mean by a lifestyle approach to gourmet? Well, we all want the gourmet lifestyle but time, relationships and finances often dictate what our approach looks like....so let the lifestyle dictate the approach! So let me show you how to swnakify even the leanest budgets, cheapest cuts of meat and seemingly most innocuous vegetables. Let me start with a story....Last week was co-op day, I received about 20lbs of seasonal vegetables and as part of my order I had about 5lbs of the most beautiful tomatoes you have ever seen. Folks, real tomatoes are red, they don't need to sit or be dressed up to disguise their anemia. So what does one do with 5lbs of Romas? Well, if you are like me you start with tomato sandwiches, a hearty roll, homemade mayo, choice tomato slices and a sprinkle of kosher salt. Whew, that takes care of 1/8 of a pound, now what?

Roasted Tomato Soup

Preheat oven to 425
Ingredients:

• 1/4 c olive oil

• 2 red onions, sliced thinly

• 12 -18 cloves garlic

• 3lbs tomatoes halved and seeded

• handful of cilantro

• Salt

• pepper

• 2 t. sugar

• 6 ounces ricotta, drained

Preparation:
In a large roaster placed on stove top, saute onions and garlic in 1/2 the olive oil for 5- 8 minutes. Add tomatoes and saute an additional 5 minutes. Place entire roaster in oven uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and puree. Adjust seasoning to taste and divide among six bowls, garnish with cheese, cilantro and final drizzle of olive oil. Serve with a crusty bread, homemade or store bought. Hey a girls gotta save time!

Pumpkin Bisque....I'm a baaaad mommy, lol!

So the other day I did something well.....some would say it was a bit cruel, I say it was delicious! My husband purchased a pumpkin for my children for Halloween, my 5 year old very excitedly said, "Heah are we going to carve that?" My immediate response was "No, we're going to cook it!" Yes, I know the stuff nightmares are made of. At any rate I had been saving a recipe for baked pumpkin for a long time, but because I live in a home with squash haters, I needed to take it up a notch, i.e, they were not going to eat baked squash. First, I cut the top of the approx. 3 lb gourd off and cleaned the inside. I then added, 1 quart of cream, I used fat free but full fat would have definitely been better, I then added about 4 tablespoons of butter, 3 cloves garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, all to my tastes scant 1/4 cup of brown sugar. I then popped the top back on placed it in a baking dish and roasted the recovering jack-o-lantern for 2.5- 3 hours on 375.

After baking I removed the gourd, and added the liquid and the flesh to a blender and blended till smooth. I adjusted the seasoning with salt, cayenne and nutmeg to my taste, delicious.....I don't think the children will hold it against me. By the way if I wasn't on a diet, I would have garnished with just a dollop of creme fraiche and a sprig of thyme.

Bon Appetit!

Ingredients
1 2-3 pound pumpkin
1 quart cream or half and half
3 cloves garlic
4 Tablespoons garlic
salt
pepper
thyme
nutmeg
cayenne

I am tired of this whole mess......

Two viewpoints on the election, i love them both and agree with parts of both of them. I think we should all be able to say just about whatever we believe....even if its stupid.

y NanceGreggs (<---- This is the author! I'm not Nance Greggs-- I just love her work!)
Oct 23rd 2008

With all the vitriol I’ve been hearing from the right-wingers of late, I can’t help but recognize myself as the target of their obsessive hatred. So I thought I’d take this opportunity to out myself, just so they know who it is they’re spending so much time talking about.

Yes, I’m that American-hating broad who believes in life, liberty and equality for all Americans, not just those of a “socially acceptable” color, religion, address, pay scale or political affiliation.

I’m that baby-killer who thinks that every child should be a wanted child, and that the ultimate decision to give birth is the domain of the woman whose body is involved. I also believe that people who really care about saving babies might want to think about the ones who are already born – especially the ones born in places our government is currently blowing off the map, or might plan to in future.

I’m that godless whore who believes that if the government wants a say in how I conduct myself in my own bedroom, they’d better be prepared to lay down a lot of cold, hard cash – because if I’m going to screw according to someone else’s specifications, it’s only right that I be paid handsomely for satisfying the john.

I’m that infamous anti-Christian who actually believes that I am my Brother’s Keeper – and that includes supporting social safety-nets that provide food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, care for the sick – you know, all that yadda-yadda stuff that Christ used to preach about back when people who called themselves Christians had a passing familiarity with his teachings. I also believe that just because Christ was tortured to death doesn’t mean he was promoting the idea as something we are free to do with his approval.

I’m that unscrupulous libertine, apparently devoid of any morals whatsoever, who has deluded myself into thinking that if the gay couple down the street get married, they’re not going to destroy every heterosexual marriage in the neighborhood – and by the way, I’ve yet to hear a coherent argument as to how that would happen if they did.

I’m that unpatriotic bitch who thinks that sporting a flag pin in your lapel doesn’t mean shit if you’re wearing it while supporting pay-cuts for the troops, or budget cuts to veterans’ care – or, for that matter, calling anyone and everyone who disagrees with you “unpatriotic” because you really have nothing of substance to say, but just love the sound of your own meaningless rhetoric blasted over the airwaves.

I’m that blatant sexist who thinks that if someone like Sarah Palin has nothing more to offer than a pair of tits while seeking the office of the vice presidency, she’d damned well better have something more in her training bra than a wad of Kleenex – like actual knowledge of the responsibilities of the job, for starters.

I’m that socialist commie who thinks people should reap the financial rewards of their own hard work while the CEOs of the corporations they toil for share the resulting profits, rather than pocket them all while throwing crumbs to those whose labor created those profits in the first place. Yup, that’s me - another anti-capitalist, spouting my big mouth off when oil companies earning record profits get tax subsidies, as though they don’t deserve them.

I'm that big city chick, who couldn't possibly share the same values of the kid from the suburbs, or the mid-western farmer, or the small-town librarian - or anyone who, unlike me, was raised in the right pocket of Americana - wherever that may be.

I’m that no-good Bush-basher who had the gall to notice that an idiot who couldn’t string two words together without getting both of them wrong would inevitably lead this country into an unwinnable war (or two), financial ruin, complete moral failure, and global disgrace.

And while I’m at it, I may as well come completely clean – because, let’s face it, you’ve got me dead-to-rights: I’m also a tree-huggin’ environmentalist who believes in such outrageous ideas as upholding the Constitution, equal treatment under the law, and civil rights – and the hypocrisy of you people who call ME un-American makes me want to retch.

So now that you know who I am, please feel free to rant about me all you want. I’m proud of who I am, what I believe in, and what I stand for – a feeling you’ll never know.

But don’t be embarrassed by not recognizing me in a crowd – you see, there are tens of millions like me, and you know what they say: All those damned anti-Americans look alike. And we’re all about to vote alike – which means voting your asses out of office.

See ya around, chumps. And the next time you think about calling me or anyone like me anti-American, you might want to look back at what this election has been all about - and who the REAL Americans truly are.

Tags: nance greggs, election, real american

I’m the one you’re talking about – A reply from a gal who used to be liberal, but turned conservative.

With the angry liberal talking points of “war monger,” “bigot,” “self righteous.” I think I now is the time to out myself so they know who they are talking about.

Yep, I’m that proud-to-be-an-American broad who believes in life, liberty, and equality for all Americans, not just those of a minority, color, religion, address, pay scale or political affiliation.

I’m that Anti-choice woman-hater who thinks that for a woman who use abortion as a form of birth-control (as opposed to the under 5% who use it for cases of rape or serious health issues), “pro-choice” is a misnomer. I believe a woman who has actively chosen to have sex, has already chosen what to do with her uterus. I see that even foster kids, kids raised in poverty, etc are still glad they were born.

I’m that Christian wack-job who believes that modesty is a virtue and who is concerned with the double standards in protected free speech. Apparently I should be shut-up if I dare to say “God” or “Merry Christmas,” because I might offend someone, but when I find pervasive pornography offensive, I’m an enemy of free-speech.

I’m that selfish capitalist who thinks caring for one another is great, but the government frankly stinks at actually pulling it off. I prefer helping the needy through organizations that I know for sure will give 90-100% of my contributions to the needy.

I’m that redneck that “clings to my guns,” because shooting pop-cans is surprisingly fun, and I do crazy things like take the constitution seriously.

I’m that earth-hater who will cut down a tree if it means lighting a fire to warm a cold human.

I’m too old fashioned and outdated in that I’m worried about how our country is disregarding the basic family unit. I’m concerned about the high divorce rate, how any style family is great, how family dinner-time is disappearing, and how parents are wrong for not letting their kids “experiment” with liquor.

I’m that girl that grew up in a small town, and liked high school football games. And while I thought the cowboys kind of dressed funny, I loved how when they’d come into the little candy shop where I worked, they tipped their hats and called me “ma’am.”

I’m that woman who must be a “racist” since I won’t be voting for Obama because I don’t think his smooth-talking is really going to help this country much, and I don’t agree with his stance on the issues.

And while I’m at it, I’ll admit that I’m that woman who’s submitted to “male oppression” by choosing to be a stay-at-home mom. And I’ve never felt more free in my life than I do now that my efforts are focused on what I love most.

And finally, I am that person in the lower-class income bracket who doesn’t feel hopelessly stuck. I would personally benefit from “spreading the wealth,” but I want freedom to succeed more.

And yes, you can rant, and call me names. I won’t cuss back, I’ll respect your political speech, and I won’t ever refer to a politician’s body parts in discussion about their qualifications.

I am proud of what I believe in and what I stand for, and I will happily call any citizen who loves this country a “real American,” even if your beliefs are different from mine.

Peanut Pie

My father is from the south, Georgia to be exact. A place where three things are king when it comes to food, watermelon, rice and peanuts. I love watermelon and rice, I hate peanuts. Two out of three ain't bad. But because I know peanuts are relatively cheap I made sure my kids would love the ground nut. Today I will provide you with a recipe I have kept in my head for years. Let me say this recipe would be delicious with some dark chocolate ice cream, do not try to watch your weight with this one.

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 peanut butter
  
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 1/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 1 unbaked 9" deep dish pie shell

Preheat oven to 375º F, beat eggs, vanilla, sugar & salt. Add, peanut butter & syrup & mix in peanuts. Bake 40-45 minutes in pie shell.

Serve warm with chocolate ice cream.

SALE!

Advanced orders for Christmas are now on sale at my two websites, http://www.donotdisturb.etsy.com and http://www.tutusuite.etsy.com see websites for details.

Husband wanted

Okay, so I used to find it charming that my husband had NOOOOO clue how to fix anything. But now I just find it really frustrating. I mean he knows how to hang dry wall, better than most professionals, and he can fix the fiberglass on his surfboard...but that is the extent of his "man knowledge". My father had no clue either but he would try, after 37 years of marriage he can do just about anything, but Jefferson, what can I say, if something breaks he will just walk out of the room, he won't even tell me until I encounter the offending object myself, WHAAAT?

So the toilet in his bathroom broke....the bathroom I remodeled....it hasn't flushed right for 2 weeks. I won't call a plumber because Jefferson spent $800 on playoff tickets. I REFUSE to pay a plumber. So what does he do????NOTHING, he didn't even plunge the toilet, I did. He wouldn't snake it I did. When nothing worked he just came back to my bathroom. The plumber told me the next time this happened it would cost me $400, because he would remove the toilet. WHAT!!!! $350 to remove the toilet, haha, for 3 screws really? So I went to the bathroom and remove the toilet screws then I had to wait for him to come pick up the toilet, then he asked me to help!!!! UGHHH can you tell how frustrated I am/was. Then he gets mad at me because Iwas testy, and abrupt, does he not understand that yes, I am/was a tomboy, I had 2 bothers, no sisters and I have had to fight others my entire life so yes there is this masculine side of me....but I am SICK of being the one to fix everything.....I have a running joke that every time something in my home breaks that I strap on my "member" and get to work (Don't be alarmed I have the sense God gave me to keep this to myself)!

WANTED: Husband that isn't afraid to try to fix something, anything, including dinner! Will jump right in when a child cries in the middle of the night, comes up with great solutions for night waking, sleep walking, and puberty!
Doesn't think dishwater is battery acid, willing to grocery shop and STAY IN THE BUDGET, if fact must know that his budget allows him to shop at Ralph's and Albertson's, not Wholefoods and Gelson's. Knows which end of the toilet brush goes into the toilet, in fact must know what goes in the toilet and what goes around it! AND just like the current model must LOVE laundry, but unlike the current model must be able to put it away!

Necessary qualifications: MUST BE MUTE!
This position does not include sex, no benefits at all!
Cheri

A little about me

This is from my other blog, it might help you to understand me better. Yesterday I was really feeling the need to run away. I have been major stressed, working on a publication, dealing with serious PMS ( I experience some serious irritability to the point that if I was my client I might medicate or hospitalize ; ) and just having some doubts....For those of you who are Christian, I have been under serious spiritual attack, for those who are not life has sucked a bit in the last few days. At any rate I did run away sort of, I went to visit a girlfriend who herself is going through some stuff, it really put things into perspective for me. she has absolutely no support right now, going through a divorce, opening a new business, etc. It helped to be alone with her (I like to think it helped us both). It helps to talk to someone who doesn't think that motherhood is the greatest thing she will ever accomplish. Certainly motherhood, and marriage are some of the greatest gifts God has ever brought me, but sometimes it helps to be able to spill the beans that this is probably the WORST job I have ever had. I swear if I worked on the open market and there was this much whining and complaining, and CRAP to clean up I would quit! This is not the first blog I have written that tells it like it is but it is the first one I have put my name on, LOL. Certainly for me anyway, the fruits of my labor are some of the most talented, self-assured, loving and empathetic individuals you would ever meet, the level of communication in our house surpasses that of many households (hence the whining and complaining, where else can you feel that safe!). But good God sometimes I want to scream. At any rate, I can feel my hormone level dropping and today I am less likely to beat you up if you tick me off, so I wanted to leave you with this......Don't ever feel guilty if you don't seem to enjoy the job as much as everyone else, I'm good at it, I just don't always care for it. It is okay to enjoy your own company, and to say it out loud! It is okay to enjoy the company of others and if it helps to pretend to be somebody else. My relationship with God puts it all into perspective.....I know he loves my but I bet sometimes he gets sick of me too (and my whining and complaining, LOL).

Swankified!

For those of you who have seen the musical wicked, you must know that word. swankified is what Carter did ti my dining living room area. Shear genius that talented group of carpenters, I love it, and them. I can't post pictures here but I will say it is wonderful. You will have to tune in to the show to see the handywork..

Mixed Messages

The title is the only thing I could think of to describe my perspective. I love to cook, sew, craft and create. I love to read to write to travel and to eat. I also love all of those things to be different, unique and luxurious baby! So what better way to describe my crazy mixed up style but to call it mixed messages. Check out my Etsy store, http://www.donotdisturb.etsy.com an Eclectic collection of luxury items, I am currently having a Sale on holiday pre-orders. My kids also have a sister store, http://www.tutusuite.etsy.com, I guess they have caught the designing and creativity bug from mama!
Today I am getting ready to redesign my living room. A popular television show is redesigning it for me I should say. They are dropping off the paint this afternoon and I am scared to death! What if they do the room in purple, I hate purple. What if its royal blue....Lord what have I done????? Well I will post before and after pictures here for all to see and critique also stayed tuned as to when the show airs on HGTV.
See you tomorrow with a great no - cook pasta sauce recipe !