August 2017 Newsletter

August 2017 Newsletter

Food for Thought...

The Year was 1684...

The year was 1684...the ship was filled with immigrants and Puritans traveling to the "New" America...passengers
seeking a new life, a land to prosper, marry and build a life for their families. Young men filled with vigorous
dreams...beautiful young women that captured the young men's fancy. Mothers and fathers, grandmothers
and grandfathers all ready to become a part of this new land, this "New" America.  English, Scottish,
Dutch, French and other descents could be found among the passengers.
The young Englishman, Richard had become captivated by the young vixen, Paula...there was an
attraction that he couldn't describe...sneaking glances, brief moments with one another...yet, the moment
they looked into one another's eyes, they knew. Fate had brought them together, this was meant
to be. They would risk all to be together...this was not infatuation, this was love.
The journey being long...people talked...as people do. What was it about this young woman? Something
they couldn't quite put their finger on...yet, they knew there was an oddity, a vixen spirit. Soon word
spread that she was a "witch"...Richard's family was devastated when they heard this...they wanted
only the best for their son. This young man that had so much ahead of him, so much to offer, any
woman would be proud to walk with him. Yet, Richard, was also a stubborn young man; he knew what
he wanted and knew this young vixen spirit would be his...it was meant to be. The captivating look she
gave him each time they met...the light sparkling in her eyes, the golden hues of her hair...Richard
was enthralled...she "must" be his!!! Stories continued to spread among the passengers, what could
they do? what should they do? Can the Captain isolate this woman to protect the other passengers?
Something has to be done. A "Witch" ...something had to be done!!!Richard had already made up his mind,
he knew his heart...he approached the Captain of his intent.
Late that night, Richard stopped by Paula's cabin and told her of the animosity stirring among the
ship's passengers. She was frightened that so many had learned her secret...surely they would seal
her fate and death would come. Richard took her into his arms, declaring his love...his protection. "You
will be safe, my Angel, you will never have to worry...I will always love and protect you."
Their lips met and sealed their future...revealing that hidden love, those hidden desires, an inkling
of what was to come. They scurried to the Captain's quarters, declaring their love and intent to
marry. The Full Moon and array of Twinkling Stars set the stage for their ceremony...on the deck
of the ship that night, the Captain performed the ceremony. Richard and Paula exchanged their
vows, becoming one...ready to continue this venture to the "New" America  as husband and wife,
One.
The next morning, the news traveled fast...the young Englishman, Richard, had taken the young vixen,
Paula,  to be his wife. His reputation, education, and worldly stature brought an abrupt end to the stories that had
surfaced regarding Paula. Surely this astute young man would not marry a witch, he was a man of
wealthy stature, education and highly admired by the majority of the passengers.  Days of sailing
passed...some still questioned the reasoning behind  Richard's decision ...yet, Richard and Paula knew...
fate had brought them together...each day brought new awakenings of their love. They were filled with
love, passion...this was what they both wanted, a love that was expressed with no remorse,
given freely and fully to one another. Nothing would match the passion they shared. They were meant
to be, this was a match made in Heaven.
Soon, they would be arriving in this "New" America...Richard and Paula anticipated a "new" chance
for happiness in this "New" America. Richard would become a great businessman...they
wanted for nothing monetarily. There was nothing lacking in their fairy tale life of romance.
His knowledge and expertise preceded him and they became one of the first affluent couples in
"New" America...they wanted for nothing. Their love, their passion, his business ethics gave them
the life many only dreamed about.
But, alas, sometimes dreams are short lived...Richard and Paula lived a full life...a successful life.
Unfortunately, Paula became ill...this magical love, fairy tale romance would only last for a short
time...yet each day overflowed with love and passion that few people ever know or realize. That
cold December morning, Richard came home from the office and found Paula snuggled under the
covers. He crawled in the bed beside her, taking her in his arms. "You're safe, My Love...just rest your head
upon my shoulder" ...Paula snuggled into his embrace, feeling the warmth and safety of his love.
Her breathing became shallow, although she was warmed by his love...she found herself struggling
for breath. She snuggled against him, felt his breath on her, his kiss that confirmed his love. Breathing
became more difficult, more shallow. "Richard", she whispered faintly, " we have shared something
many will never know in their lifetime; we have known love, we have known passion...we have been
truly loved" she whispered as she took her last dying breaths...
Richard's heart was breaking..."Don't leave me, My Angel Baby" ...."Don't leave me!"
Paula's eyes were growing weak, her breath more shallow...her last look was directly into Richard's
eyes...an all-knowing look..."YOU are my love, YOU are my life, I will never forsake you, nor leave
you. As eternity goes on, we will meet again, My Love...we will continue our love...we will know love
when we are old, we will recognize one another and Know...this is only a continuance of our love...
and once again, I will be your wife in another lifetime..."

Centuries of time passed...1950 & 1951 brings the birth of babies in different parts of America. A baby boy
named Richard comes into this world...in another part of the country a baby named Paula is born.
Their lives are blessed through the years, each of them marries...have children and go about their lives.

2001 brings sadness to both...each of them losing their respective spouse.
Richard continues with his work, he is highly respected in his profession. Children are grown and
moved away and he knows there is a part of life missing...he wants to know love and share his life with
another. Paula, who now lives in North Alabama also goes on with her life...she continues writing and
works as a chef (fulfilling her passion of cooking). Children are grown and moved away, yet, there is a
void; although she is a basically happy person...she needs more...desires more. Having known love,
she wants to fill that void and know love again...share her days and nights with another.

2008, Richard has seen a few women in the past several years...but nothing has "clicked"...he knows
what he wants in life. Paula also has seen a few men...again, nothing has "clicked". Fate is guiding
both of them, although they are unaware of what will be. Computer age opens a new chapter in
their lives. Richard comes across a profile on a dating site...e-mails a note to Paula asking would she
like to meet. Paula responds and they talk several times...making plans to meet.
2009, a couple meets...Richard and Paula "know" this is what they have been searching for...numerous
happenings and obstacles come into the picture; yet, they "know". Time has brought them to this
place, this meeting...and opportunity to renew their love, their passion, their lives.
"Years have passed, Sweetie...but once again, we have been given this opportunity to love and be
loved...a continuance of our love. We won't let this opportunity escape us, I love you, Richard."
"I know, Angel Baby, this is our second chance...we have known this love in another lifetime. Come here,
My Angel, let me hold you...You are safe, You are loved...I love you, Paula."

................................

Another Cannoli Dip

 Ingredients 

10 servings

 2 cups ricotta cheese

 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Beat ricotta cheese and cream cheese together in a bowl until smooth; add sugar and vanilla. Continue to stir mixture until sugar is completely incorporated. Fold chocolate chips through the cheese mixture.

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, at least 10 minutes.

Serve with waffle cones broken into chip size pieces, Cinnamon graham 

Crackers or Pita chips. 

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Brownstone's Bloody Mary Mix

Posted by CaptainBasil

Since I recently wet everyone's appetite for a Bloody Mary, I thought I would share the recipe that we use.   


Brownstone's "Bad Ass" Bloody Mary

For the Mix:32 oz Tomato Juice
1 oz. Worcestershire Sauce
1 1/2 oz. A1 Steak Sauce (We just use a store brand)
1/2 TBS Jerk Seasoning (I recommend googling a recipe and making your own.)
1 tsp. Celery Salt
1 tsp. to 1 TBS Prepared Horseradish (We go heavy because we love it.)
1/2 oz. Tabasco
1/2 oz. Cholula Hot Sauce (Frank's Redhot works great too)
1 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice 

For the Bloody Mary:1 1/2 oz Vodka
5 oz. Bloody Mary Mix
Garnish as you please. 
(I suggest a tooth pick with 2 or 3 olives and a slice of Hot Italian Soppressata.)Other garnishes... celery stalks, lemon or Lime wedges, skewered veggies.

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These would be great for a Heavy Appetizer/Hors d'Oeuvres Dinner/Cocktail Party...Italian Meatball Buns, Antipasti Platter, Fruit & Cheese platter, Roasted Vegetable Skewers, Cannoli Dip with Cinnamon Pita Chips...Sparkling French  Lemonade (a new found favorite) , Wine & Beer.  

Italian Meatball Buns

• 12 frozen bread dough dinner rolls
• 1 package (12 ounces) frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs, thawed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup minced fresh basil
• 1-1/2 cups marinara sauce, warmed

DIRECTIONS

Let dough stand at room temperature 25-30 minutes or until softened.

Cut each roll in half. Wrap each portion around a meatball, enclosing meatball completely; pinch dough firmly to seal. Place on greased baking sheets, seam side down. Cover with kitchen towels; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°. Bake buns 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Brush tops with oil; sprinkle with cheese and basil. Serve with marinara sauce. Yield: 2 dozen.

Commanders Palace Garlic Bread

1 14-inch loaf of French bread
1/2 pound of butter
8 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons dry dill
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. In a small saucepan, heat the butter with the minced garlic. While the butter is melting, cut the French bread lengthwise and place on a baking sheet. When the butter has melted continue to heat until the garlic becomes fragrant. Add the dill to the garlic butter.

Brush the garlic butter onto the bread, this is your first layer. Sprinkle the cheese onto the bread. Dot the remaining garlic butter onto the bread.

Place the bread in the oven cook the bread for 15 to 18 minutes or until the bread begins to brown. Slice the bread and serve immediately.

Gnocchi with Zucchini Ribbons & Parsley Brown Butter

Recipe By: EatingWell Test Kitchen

“For this recipe, convenient store-bought potato gnocchi are tossed with delicate ribbons of zucchini, shallots and cherry tomatoes that have all been sautéed in nutty browned butter.”

Ingredients

• • 1 pound fresh or frozen gnocchi
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 medium shallots, chopped
  • 1 pound zucchini, (about 3 small), very thinly sliced lengthwise (see Tip)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

• 1Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Cook gnocchi until they float, 3 to 5 minutes or according to package directions. Drain.
• 2Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the butter is beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. Add shallots and zucchini and cook, stirring often, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, salt, nutmeg and pepper and continue cooking, stirring often, until the tomatoes are just starting to break down, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and parsley. Add the gnocchi and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

• Tip: To make “ribbon-thin” zucchini, slice lengthwise with a vegetable peeler or a mandoline slicer.