Vacation...ah.

I am going on a mini vacation tomorrow. My husband and I are going away. We're staying in a nice hotel and eating out for three days. I am insanely excited. I'm just so thankful for the chance to just get away and relax for a few days. : )
I meant to make several posts this week, but alas, The Strep got me. I was out for a couple days, and supper didn't get made, dishes didn't get done, and this blog certainly didn't get written. But, I will get back into it eventually! Until then...relaxation, here we come. Aaaah...

Good Ol' Pasghetti and Meatballs

Ok, so I really am not crazy about meatballs. I mean, I'd rather have my meat as ground beef than a solid meaty mass. And up until now, I really didn't like Spaghetti and Meatballs. I was into the whole ground beef in the sauce thing. That's how my mom always made it, and that's how I liked it. But, my husband was lamenting the last time we had spaghetti how he really missed the meatballs. Cuz that's how his mom used to make it. So, (to celebrate the last weekend of Wrestling Season Widowhood!) I surprised him with Spaghetti and Meatballs when he got home last Saturday night.


OH my.


Oh my, oh my, oh my.


Meatballs, where have you been all my life?


They were astounding. Life altering. DE-licious. And the smell. My house smelled amazing...simmering tomato and basil, parmesan, garlic, meatballs...groan. I don't think I can ever make normal spaghetti again. Don't get me wrong, it's still good, but this...this is priceless.

Check it out. Try it. Trust me, you will love it.
One small side note- I had to add quite a bit of extra salt to the sauce to get it to my taste, so just taste and season as you go. I also used basil instead of parsley, because I just love basil in my spaghetti, and left out the red pepper flakes.

The Pioneer Woman's Spaghetti and Meatballs

Wordless Weekend- Little Lily Bug

Today...

I am thankful.

I am not in my dream job at the moment. Lately it has been very challenging. I have been struggling to keep a positive attitude and a spirit of thankfulness.

So, today, I am thankful.

I am thankful for a temporary job that involves lots of dish washing that gives me time to memorize God's Word daily.

I am thankful for a job that involves working with young children that teaches me patience.

I am thankful for a job that involves challenges in working relationships that teaches me even more patience, and selflessness.

I am thankful for a job that provides us with extra money to save for the future.

I am thankful for Romans 12.

I am thankful for the strength to endure each day with the cheerful countenance that God requires.

I am thankful for the opportunity to witness through my actions.

I am thankful for the humility God is teaching me through my mistakes.

I am thankful for the lesson of perseverance.

I am thankful for the opportunity to find a dream job.

I am thankful for May, only three months away!

Creamy Homemade Rice Pudding

Yummy. Creamy. Warm. Comforting. Mmmm...
This homemade rice pudding is a perfect for a cold winter night. It's just so yummy, and creamy, and warm, and...comforting. ; ) It's delicious cold too. It makes a great dessert, but I also like the leftovers for a for a quick breakfast.


Creamy Homemade Rice Pudding

1 1/2 cups cooked white rice (I recommend short grain)
1 1/2 cups of whole milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 beaten egg
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix rice, milk, sugar and salt in a saucepan and stir over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until creamy. Add beaten egg and cream and vanilla. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is creamy and perfect. Serve warm with a sprinkling of cinnamon, or pumpkin pie spice. Store in the fridge, then it can be served cold or warmed up again.

Cajun Shrimp and Scallop Alfredo

Um, yummy. Seriously. Can you really imagine a better combination than succulent shrimp, spicy cajun seasoning, creamy alfredo, and a little extra depth from tender bay scallops? Nope, didn't think so. I've said it before, but there's not much more comforting than a warm bowl of pasta. Sigh.
Here's how to make it!




Cajun Shrimp and Scallop Alfredo

Shrimp
Bay Scallops
Butter
Cajun Seasoning
Garlic
Sea Salt
Parsley
Parmesan (the real, fresh stuff...trust me.)
Cream
Pasta (I used penne, but whatever you want would work)

Cook your pasta.
In a saucepan, melt one stick of butter. Once melted, add one cup of heavy cream. Stir over low heat until combined and allow the cream to warm slowly. Add one cup of grated/shredded (fresh!!) parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completly melted. Taste, add salt/more cheese as needed.
Melt 1-2 tbs of butter in a stainless steal skillet. Add some garlic. Space your shrimp and scallops evenly around the pan. Sprinkle with sea salt and cajun seasoning. Let sit (without stirring!) for approx. 30 seconds. The shrimp should get nice and seared on each side, but it won't take long at all to cook it. Once it's pink halfway through, it's done! Flip the shrimp to the other side and season again. Cook another 30 seconds. The small bay scallops should cook all the way through without flipping. As soon as the shrimp is done, turn the heat down to low and add your alfredo sauce and pasta. Add in a handful of parsley, for color! Stir until everything is combined.
Eat up and enjoy every tasty bite.

Side note: we discovered that this dish does NOT reheat well. It turns into a pool of butter. So, now you have a reason to eat seconds!

Relaxation Technique

I discovered something today. I was having a rough day, the kind of day that is so bad that it gets to the hysterically funny point and all you can do is laugh...really hard. Anyway, in the midst of this challenging day, I realized that I kept thinking about how much I wanted to go home and cook supper. And, specifically, how much I wanted to saute. Onions. Saute onions. It just sounded so soothing. I just kept imagining myself melting and stirring and frying and how utterly delicious it would be. So, the day finally ended, and I made it home to my safe, sweet little bungalow, and I melted some butter and sauteed some onions. Sigh. I think it just has something to do with the comfort of home. Of that beautiful, buttery smell, the gentle sizzle and pop, the methodical stirring. It's just nice. Or maybe it's just because the onions give you an excuse to cry. ; )
So, the next time you're having an awful day, go home and saute some onions. It will make you feel better, guaranteed.