Valentine's Wrap Up

We normally don't do much for Valentine's Day, other than flowers which Chris has always sent since we first started dating.  This year, Chris had a couple of ideas up his sleeve (that stem from my 30 before 30 list) that I can't wait to share with you tomorrow!

My mom on the other hand loves Valentine's Day and decided to host a little dinner for our family and a couple of my cousins on Sunday night.  I let her borrow my flowers from Chris to use as her centerpiece.

Her meal started off with a seafood Caesar salad and some fresh french bread, then moved onto the main course of surf and turf with asparagus, broccoli and baked potato.

We all love seafood, some more than others (Dennis opted for some seared scallops instead of the lobster) and this was my first time to ever work with a whole lobster.  It was a little bit of work, but so delicious with the drawn butter.  I'm excited to have it again on our cruise in April, which is usually the only time I get the chance to have lobster.

Did you eat anything tasty for Valentine's Day?

Travelin' Tuesday: Philly

Isn't it funny how people tend to take for granted tourist areas where they live?  

I grew up in a suburb outside of Philadelphia and can not remember ever going to see the Liberty bell.  Because of this, a trip to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell center was needed for Chris' first trip back to my home state.

Dad pointing out our ancestor William Still who was famous for his work with the underground railroad.

We hopped on the trolley to take a quick tour of the home of Betsy Ross and the famed Elfreth's Alley.

And we finished off our day in the city with some cheesesteaks.  

We only had one day in the city before we headed to New Jersey for our family reunion, but I think we did a good job of hitting some of the top spots.  Hopefully we'll be back and really get to take in Philly.

Have you been to the top tourist area's of your town?

Five For Friday

1. You sent a text to clear my schedule for Saturday.  Can't wait to see what you have planned!
2. You're doing much better keeping receipts so I can keep track with our monthly budget.
3. You keep me up to date on the maintenance of my car.
4. You seemed excited about the silverware I picked up.  I know you really don't care, but thanks for sharing in my excitement.
5. After a mention of my craving for sour patch kids, you brought some home with you.

Baked Mozzarella

This Pinterest inspired recipe from Skinny Taste came just in time for the Super Bowl this past weekend, and I must say were quite a hit!

The best part was that we had all of these ingredients already in the house.  I changed the recipe a little bit because we made more sticks.

Ingredients:

-20 sticks of Mozzarella Cheese  (I used Weight Watchers)

-2 large Eggs, beaten (Started with one and realized that it wasn't going to be enough)

-3 Tbsp Flour

-6 Tbsp Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs

-6 Tbsp Panko Bread Crumbs

-3 Tsp Parmesan Cheese (I may have added a little more than that)

-2 Tbsp Parsley Flakes

-Olive Oil Spray

You will need to start this recipe a day or so earlier than you plan on eating it because once the cheese sticks are cut in half, they have to spend some time in the freezer until frozen.

Combine your breadcrumbs, panko crumbs, parsley and paremsan cheese into one bowl, whisked egg in another (I had to upgrade to a larger bowl once we added the second egg), and place the flour on a plate for easy rolling.

An assembly line was the best course of action for us, Chris dealt with rolling the sticks in flour and then dipping in the egg.  I was responsible for coating in the breadcrumb mixture and then placing them on non stick foil.

Into the oven at 400 degrees for 4-5 minutes before taking them out to lightly spray with oil and turn over.  Another 4-5 minutes and you should be good to go.

Look at the cheesy goodness!

We served it with a little warm marinara sauce for dipping.

The original recipe calls for another period in the freezer after coating the sticks if you are not going to bake them right away.  We did go straight to the oven, but had a couple sticks melt out during the last 4-5 minute period.  They were still good enough to eat, but be warned that all of the sticks may not make it.

Did you make any snacks for the Super Bowl this past weekend? What was your favorite commercial?  Some of my favs were the brown shelled M&M, the Doritos commercial with the dog bribing the owner to stay quiet and the sketchers dog race.

Travelin' Tuesday: Vegas

Vegas seems to be a second home for my family, I've lost count on the amount of times I have been.  In 2008 Chris joined us for his first venture to Vegas.

It's always interesting going to a destination that you have been to before, but experiencing it with a first timer.  We hit up all of the free shows, including the water show at Bellagio.  In all of my trips, I have never once stopped at the Vegas sign to take a picture.  You have to run across some traffic, but it was worth it.

Walking up and down the strip was a great workout, and perfect for photos.

When we're out in Vegas, we normally stick to the buffets but we made it a point to venture a little off the strip for Hard Rock.

Of course, no trip would be complete without a little casino action.

Chris planned a little date night while we were there that included a ride in the gondola at the Venetian and watching the improv of Second City. 

Have you ever been to Sin City?

Five For Friday

1. Although you like to call her my dog, you're always so sweet to let Gypsy up in the recliner with you.
2. You push the cart when we go food shopping (that thing gets heavy when we only shop big once a month).
3. You helped dad clean the garage.
4. You picked up dinner when I didn't feel like cooking.
5. You schooled me with your knife skills in the kitchen.

ICE at the Gaylord 2007

Pesto Rolls

 With all of the recipes online calling for the use of crescent rolls, I was so happy to see that they are now selling it in a seamless dough sheet.  Pair that with my favorite pesto basil spread and you have all you need for rolls with a little pick me up.

I simply rolled out the dough, spread on the pesto and rolled it back up length wise.

For a similar pin I have on Pinterest, I heard that it helps to put the log into the freezer for 20 mins to firm up.   I tried the fridge but that didn't really help, so next recipe I'll go for the freezer to see if it works.  If the roll is firmer it's easier to cut without crushing it.  I sliced the best I could and then placed them into a pie pan.

15 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees.  

I have to admit I liked the ones on the outer ring more the the inside because they browned a little better.