The Munch

Who doesn’t like spaghetti & meatballs? I know… it’s so, um… kiddie. Well, yeah, it is (!) and that makes it a perfect meal in my household. I usually make this dish with store bought turkey meatballs and sauce out of the jar (so easy, but kinda expensive). Now that I have a little more time on my hands, I decided to try the classic dish from scratch. Man… if I could kiss myself, I would. WORD.

I am amazed at how quickly this dish came together (it tasted like I slaved over this all day.) See how a few ingredients turned a regular Tuesday night dinner into something special.

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Today’s breakfast was simple: eggs, bacon, toast, fruit & juice. Other than cereal or Toaster Streudels, this meal is a sure bet in my family. I’m working on my eggs and they’re getting better ;). Nothing special to this dish other than baking the bacon, but that is so easy, it’s really not worth a corresponding photo.

I think I really wanted to post this is because I have to acknowledge the family for being supportive of my cooking obsession. They clear the table and wait to eat, just so mommy can get a shot for her blog. They also try almost everything I put before them. Very cool. And I’m extra blessed for having such a talented husband - he captures all of my work! Click for photos! (more…)

Ok, I have been on a pancake kick this month. I honestly think its because Probe is enjoying them so much. This last batch I made were a combination of Probe’s favorite flavors (for pancakes at least), so by special request, the blueberry banana pancake was born. As usual, (more…)

Even though I was dying to get in the kitchen, I had no idea what to make. I asked Probe what he felt like eating and he said a sandwich. I’m always thrown off by sandwiches - it’s just not food that I tend to crave. So, happy to have some direction, I head to the grocery store.

I of course baked my bacon and prepared my veggies. I toasted the bread slices, trimmed the edges and seasoned the mayo. I served it with a side salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, croutons and the raspberry dressing from the other night. I don’t want to waste anything - I’ve developed this habit of using as much of the food that I buy and not waste anything.

I called it the Christie Club because my friend Christie loved it, but it really could have been named the Kia Club or the Probe Club or the Haze Club. We all really enjoyed it!

There is this pizza spot that Probe loves in the Williamsburg/Greenpoint section in Brooklyn (Anna Maria/179 Bedford Avenue/BK) He’s been talking about it for years. Every time we visit friends or have to be in the neighborhood, we MUST get a slice. As luck would have it, we found ourselves in Billyburg one late-Saturday-night/early-Sunday-morning and ended up at Anna Maria’s.

I know I don’t look too happy, but really I was. It was a long day. I was content. I ate and drank every bit. I also don’t know what happened, but I’m now a convert. This is the best pizza ever. I think I’ve crossed over and am now part of the cult. If you’re in NYC and want a good slice - even at like, 4 am… this is the joint.

Here’s a shot of today’s breakfast, banana pancakes w/chopped walnuts and a side of bacon. This was Probe’s plate.

While I love seeing the food on the plate, it’s a much better sight when the plate is completely empty. I love it that Probe “can’t” eat plain pancakes anymore. He must have a flavor, confectioners sugar and all…

Every now and then something happens to restore your faith. Faith in everything - God, spirit, love, friends, everything. I absolutely LOVE those days. I can deal with disappointment, but when it starts to trend, I tend to lose faith. I know… less than stellar, but it’s the truth. Anyway, today I am acknowledging that the pendulum swings back. There are those moments in time when your faith is renewed and things seem manageable again. So, I guess the point of this one is to just hold tight. Push on and push hard.

Love songs. Remember those things? When you would lose yourself in the musical expression of love for someone else, whether it be a lover, child or mother? To be honest, I forgot about them. Seriously. I realized that when I was listening to “Give Me the Night” (George Benson) on Equilibrium Radio (WHCR 90.3 FM).

I thought to myself these are cool lyrics! Seconds later Probe nudged me and said, “they’re playing your song.” (This was one of the first records my mother bought me when I got my first record player. My other record was Billy Joel’s ”Uptown Girl”)

I then thought about a comment I heard from Mary J. Blige recently. She said something like Drake’s “You the Best” is the best song we’ve (meaning us ladies) have had in a long time; a song where we are being hailed and loved. I sat there just smh and thinking, this is so sad. So so sad.  Love Sex songs have taken over and it’s a pity. NO one will know how to communicate in a relationship.  

I ended up having a very interesting chat with my friend. Peep it. Quite entertaining.

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If I didn’t have a husband and two kids to tote around, I might give this a whirl!!