Dessert First!

This past week we, meaning my husband and son and I, indulged in a relaxing, rejuvenating five days in sunny Florida.

It was long over due.

On Thursday, I spent the day with my dear friend, Deb. She was in Bradenton visiting her in-laws for spring break and we just happened (well, maybe it was planned that way!) to be in Florida at the very same time!

I picked her up in time to visit a café on the beach in Bradenton called the Gulf Drive Café. We sat outside and enjoyed a delicious lunch. The thing is you never know whom you might meet! Enjoying the same lunch as me was this gal from Chicago.

(Of course when her other half learned I was from Wisconsin and an avid Packer fan, she closed her eyes…not wanting the world to see she was with a Bear’s fan!)

All kidding aside, we both indulged in this house salad that was topped with Grouper. I had the house dressing: creamy dill. I only had two complaints. One, I asked for no olives and I ended up picking them off my salad and for a pretty happening place, I would think greens would be a better fit than iceberg lettuce. Just my opinion.

Wouldn’t you know after I gobbled up my salad I passed this lady who was eating her salad topped with scallops. I was so jealous!

After spending the afternoon frolicking in the ocean at the number one beach in the United States, Siesta Key, we headed to St. Armand Circle and ate dessert first. Yep, we had gelato at Le Macaron-French Pastries before supper. Why? Because we could! I had a Double Chocolate and Dulce de Leche mixed. Deb had the chocolate. It was quite yummy.

But, what had me jumping at the bit to try my hand at baking was the macarons. I had never seen such a delightful little cookie.

There were so many different flavors, such as Gingerbread, Belgium Chocolate, Pistachio, Crème Brule, Black Vanilla from Madagascar and Black Currant (which happened to be the one I sampled).

I have already researched the recipe and will post my results…if they turn out that is!

After dessert we were really hungry so we stopped at La Malinche and sampled “fine” Mexican cuisine. It was…okay. First, we never were given chips and salsa. At first I thought they must not be complimentary, unlike most Mexican restaurants. Then, after reading some reviews, I see they are supposed to be. I am not sure if this was on purpose seeing as we ordered water to drink rather than their $8.75-14.75 dollar margaritas. Our meals were tasty. A bit pricy, but tasty. Deb ordered Tostadas Con Ceviche de Camaron…aka shrimp cocktail on crunchy corn tortillas…which she said was delicious.

I had the fish tacos. The fish tacos were pretty good. I really liked the flavor of the rice. It was distinct. I haven’t figured it out yet, but when I do, you’ll be the first to know.

We had an awesome day of playing and eating. It was relaxing! I have decided I am going to eat dessert first more often!

Orlando, Day One!

This is a just for fun week. We spent Sunday traveling. It was a long day in the van with mediocre air conditioning. I’m glad it wasn’t too hot! Sunny and 83.

I am finding service in the southern regions to be less than stellar. After a couple of hours on the road, we stopped for some gas and a bite to eat. We ended up leaving Subway because the ovens were not on and we were waiting for some time to have our breakfast sandwiches toasted. When my husband inquired about how long the ovens would take, he received “I don’t know” as an answer. We ended up at McDonalds. Yeah, I know, not quite a healthy choice but it was a quick and easy choice.

All day all I wanted was a milk shake. No can do. No matter where I stopped, the milk shake machine was broke, or they were out…etc. etc. Ugh!

We ate a late lunch of an Arby’s roast beef on the road. It was light and good. I like Arbys!

Here is a funny. My husband pulled into get gas and gave the attendant the wrong pump number when he pre-paid. He couldn’t get the pump to work and was having a hard time figuring it out when it dawned on him what he had done. We had to hurry and pull the van around to the right pump before someone hopped in and stole our gas.

We were on the Ronald Reagan turnpike when my son says: “Mom, Look! A taxi! I’ve never seen one before. This is my first one.”

I cracked up. Of course it doesn’t surprise me that he would be excited about seeing something so mundane. We have lived a pretty simple life. I can only remember riding in a taxicab once myself. He is going to be surprised today as well…he’ll be riding in a bus for the first time in the shuttle to Disney.

We arrived at our hotel a little after 7pm Eastern Time. It’s definitely not the Ritz, but hey, we’re on a tight budget and this was cheap…I mean really cheap. We decided to go for a swim. The hot tub should have been called the warm tub.

The pool however was very big and warm like bathwater. We chatted with a guy from New York who was sitting by the pool watching his son swim. It is interesting and somewhat sad watching what people do to their children. Let’s just say we used this child’s behavior to show Jeremiah what not to do.

After swimming we ordered pizza from Papa Johns. Jeremiah has wanted to try their pizza. He didn’t like it and ate only one piece. I ordered two pizzas. Darn. My guys love pizza! I’m having cold pizza for breakfast! We have lots of leftovers so maybe I’ll have it for a late supper too! We had to stack the pizza 3 deep and fold the box in half to fit it in the little fridge. Double darn.

The part I loved the most about today? Being with my family. Knowing we are in God’s will and at the center of his favor. Yes, we are on a budget, but we are also fulfilling a dream of Jeremiah’s by going to Disney. It makes my heart sing knowing we are making him happy. I love my family.

It’s 7:30am. We’ll be leaving for Disney soon. I need to clean out my purse and make plenty of room for my camera and extra batteries. I’ll share more later. Have a great day!

Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana

I love Olive Garden’s soup, Zuppa Toscana. I especially love the kale. My husband loves the sausage and my son loves the potatoes. My daughter loves all of it and is bugging me so I will make more.

Here is the recipe I use. It’s delish. It is perfect for a cold spring day. It is the soup of hoarders. Jeanna, I promise I won’t tell your dad you ate his lunch for breakfast. That would not be nice!

Ok…here is the soup that turns grown women into…soup whores! (I call myself a scrapbook paper whore…so, it’s all good!)

Start off with some good Italian sausage. Don’t skimp. You won’t get the full flavor of the soup if you do.

Next, you will want some red skinned potatoes, chicken stock, onions, kale, garlic, and heavy whipping cream. You’ll notice I use a good portion of sausage…and potatoes…and kale…cause we all make sure our bowls are full of our favorite ingredients.

Chop a large onion. Add to a Dutch oven with a bit of olive oil. Sauté until onions start to become translucent.

Add minced garlic and sauté for a couple more minutes.

(sorry for the blur...the garlic was not cooperating!)

Add sausage (I actually used 3 pounds. My husband loves me so much!). Cook sausage until it is no longer pink.

Add 2 large cans of chicken stock.

Peel and cube 3 pounds of red potatoes. Add to pot and cook until potatoes are tender. (sorry...I forgot to take a pic of the potatoes. I'm glad you already know what they look like!)

Rinse kale and tear leaves from stalks. Add to soup. Stir. Add cream and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Serve sprinkled with parmesan cheese in large bowls. A good chunk of bread on the side is nice too! Enjoy!

Recipe:

3 lbs Italian sausage
3 lbs red potatoes
2 49oz cans chicken broth
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 large bunches of kale
2 garlic cloves
1 large onion
Olive oil
Grated parmesan cheese

Chop large onion. In dutch oven heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion. Sauté until tender. Add minced garlic. Sauté for two more minutes. Add sausage. Cook until meat is no longer pink. Add chicken stock. Peel and chop potatoes. Add to soup and cook on medium high for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add whipping cream and kale. Heat through and serve with grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!