Hey! It’s Summertime!!!!

Good Morning world!!

What a beautiful weekend on Long Island. So much to celebrate and explore. It is my Birthday Weekend! My Hubby and 2 kids had plenty of surprises and gifts instore for me! I was dreading this milestone…seriously! Who wants to acknowledge HALF a century as my very good friend reminded it was! I will admit, I was alil melancholy about the number changing. I prewarned the family….NO PARTIES! Well, guess what! I made it! Honestly, it wasn’t even as painful as I had predicted! I must say my beautiful family put alot of thought and care into making my day really special. I had alot of quiet “im so lucky” moments, privately filled with love and gratitude for all I have in my life.  My husband and I set off early to visit a few organic farmers markets and shop for little treasures. We drove down to Northport Harbor, sentimental and magical, it’s where our Love “bloomed”, and we spent many days and evenings together over the 30 years. We took a long scenic drive along the shore and had a scrumptious lunch outdoors at a new restaurant in the town we both grew up in. I had a couple of very “summery” cocktails, enjoying the mellow buzz of my yummy coconut rum drinks, the entire day was Heaven. After 34 years, I don’t say this enough at all honey…Thank you, Michael, for trying your best, taking care of all of us, and never leaving my side. For putting up with me for 30 Birthdays +, truly I know I am blessed and loved. I have been travelling for the last few weeks. Our annual trek up to New Hampshire to the Lake Houses has become a tradition for my husband’s family for the last 10 years. They host a 4th of July reunion yearly and relatives and friends gather for a long weekend. The lake is always beautiful, serene, and warm. The family boats and the kids kayak and paddle boat around and swim. The bonfire at night is warm and glowing and they all reminesce about days gone by….The Fireworks display over Canobi Amusement Park is spectacular! It’s a good time to reconnect and reflect on all the blessings we have today. I snuck back there last weekend for a “girls” weekend, we had so much silly fun and laughs. The lake was sparkling fresh and we even did alil Spa pampering treatment. It’s truly healing to reconnect with the ones you love & trust. It’s good food for the soul. As the world knows, this weekend was filled with sadness in Aurora, Colorado. We all watch in horror, terrified, bewildered as another massacre unfolds. None of us understand or can resolve how a human snaps and becomes a monster. We all pray for the victims and their families and thank God for giving us another day.

Cookie, Candy, Brownie Cupcakes

3 basic steps and you're there!

These cupcakes are such a breeze. It’s semi homeade and all you need to do is whip up box brownie mix assemble 1, 2, 3! Note* I highly recommend using the paper/foil lined cupcake holders. The cupcake sets up perfectly and prevents it sticking to pan. I used reeses peanut butter cups, milky way bars and oreo’s for variation. Enjoy! Happy Baking

Preheat oven to 350; smoosh 1.5 squares of break-apart refrigerated cookie dough into the bottom of each well.  Place Reese cup upside down on top of cookie dough (or an Oreo!).  Top with prepared box brownie mix, filling 3/4 full.  Bake for 18 minutes!  HEAVEN!

 

Great Mama’s Meatballs

2 lbs Ground Beef 80-85% lean

1 lb Ground Pork

2 Large Eggs

1 Cup Breadcrumbs

1/4 cup Fresh Italian Parsley chopped

2 Teaspoons salt

1 Teaspoon pepper

3 cloves finely chopped garlic

One medium grated onion

2 Tablespoons Olive oil for frying

I make a large pot of homemade tomato sauce and simmer these fried meatballs in the pot of sauce for 40 mins or longer.

In a large bowl combine meats and add 2 eggs beaten. Add salt & pepper, garlic, grated onion and parsley. Mix in 1 cup breadcrumbs till mixture is well combined. Form into round balls about 3-4″ around each.   In a non stick skillet on Medium/High heat add olive oil. Place 10 meatballs in skillet and brown on all sides. This should take about 20 mins. Transfer meatballs onto tray lined with paper towels and drain. Add the meatballs to simmering sauce and simmer low for 40 mins.

 

I’m determined to figure this out!

Happy 4th of July Everyone! It’s a scorcher in New York, it is quite a change for all of us Northerners. We had 3 months or so of steady 70 degree weather. Reality check! It’s July! Summer is in full swing, and so are the temps! I was abit overwhelmed after my first post. I am sorta “winging it”, using this new software. I can’t find the “delete” button yet. I may be able to type 100 wpm, but I am old school…to all this new stuff .Afterall, I learned on a selectric!  So I accidentally posted my blog twice. I am determined to stick with this! I had to ask my daughter to help me edit my blog, and in mock speed she made a few changes, she flew through the program and edits so fast,  I was left dizzy! Then she flew out the door! Patience is a virtue, or so I’ve been told. I am sure with practice and focus and alil praying , this blog will come together someday. I believe if you are open to learning, anything is possible. Now back to reality! We just returned from my husbands annual family reunion in New Hampshire.  His family lives on lake Canobi in Salem New Hampshire. It’s a beautiful place. Peaceful and breezy, the moment you arrive, the glistening calm lake, the boats and cool breezes make you instantly relaxed. I felt completely sedated, it is quite magical. Everyone is gracious and welcoming. All the neighbors stop over and they have the most magnificient fireworks display on the lake.  The world seems perfect when we vacation there. No stress, no work, no worries, just making lifelong memories. This year my sisterinlaw suggested  a “potluck” supper for one night. So I was busy planning a great dish when my husband said….”meatballs” please. I said Meatballs AGAIN!!! So…it’ssorta became a tradition. Each year I cook up an entire roasting pan of homemade italian meatballs and sauce. They request it, laugh about it, but they all love it so I am happy to do it. I will blog the recipe for anyone who is interested. I also made a special dessert. My husband’s neice recently got engaged. I found a great recipe on Pinterest and decided to try it. They were a huge hit. I wasn’t too surprised. Chocolate chip cookie bottom, with Reeses peanut buttercup/ or Oreo cookie in the middle and a brownie topping. So easy! I will post that recipe for you too! I guess this is enough for today. I have some dishes to prepare for the 4th. I can’t wait for the Fireworks tonight. Stay cool and enjoy this independence day!  ~ leelee