Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole 4

Today is MEATLESS MONDAY…But just let me just start this blog post today by saying… I miss my grandmother. My Grandmother Born in 1915,  daughter to Irish immigrants, She was a force to be reckoned with and an extraordinary woman. I’ve yet to meet her equal! Smart, ambitious, stylish,  strong and a giver to a fault. She passed away last November three months before she reached 100 years old. What a chic! Well… Dorothy Veronica Alexis O’ Flynn Kufczynski (If you can believe it!) absolutely loved my tuna noodle casserole, so making it brings her always into my heart. Linda and I would spend two weeks in the summer with grandma and she loved to introduce us to new things. Lassie on Broadway, the nasty subway, hot dogs and sauerkraut and alas, yoo- hoo. I remember her taking us Christmas shopping in July on Broadway, my first pair of designer jeans. Not sure if I took them off for a year. She bought each girl in the family their first piece of fine jewelry. Going back to college at 50 (wanting to know what all the fuss was about), she taught us that women didn’t have limits and that loving and respecting the men we loved was a beautiful thing.  Linda and I were both graced with spending a lot of time with her in her later years. Linda especially went out of her way to do for my grandmother what this priceless, stubborn and independent woman could no longer do for herself.  We miss you Grandma and we love you! So this is for you Dorothy…
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Pasta Ricotta

Pasta Ricotta

Today is MEATLESS MONDAY! Pasta is probably the easiest dish in the world to make, which is why everyone loves to make it. I was scanning the grocery aisle looking at all the different types of pasta and grabbed a box of Gemelli. Then from the cheese department, creamy fresh Ricotta con Latte was calling my name. Combined with crushed tomatoes and topped with mozzarella what could be more simple yet delicious? This was the perfect combination for a Meatless Monday dish… Continue reading

Italian Poached Eggs With Pesto & Roasted Pine Nuts

Italian Poached Eggs With Pesto & Roasted Pine Nuts

It’s MEATLESS MONDAY! Eggs are a great source of protein for Meatless Mondays. I was in the mood for Italian today, but didn’t want any pasta, so I decided to make eggs with an Italian theme. I served these eggs with broiled Asiago & garlic bread. The yoke mixed with the pesto really added something special to this dish. It was both filling and delicious… Continue reading

Spaghetti Squash & Fresh Tomato & Basil Sauté

Spaghetti Squash & Fresh Tomato & Basil Saute

Today is MEATLESS MONDAY! When I was in college many moons ago, I spent a period of time ‘being’ a vegetarian. I only lasted about a year when I started craving rare beef… I did however develop a love for vegetables and a true appreciation for meatless meals. Although I used to buy my spaghetti squash, now we grow our own… Continue reading

Broccoli Cheddar Chowder

Broccoli Cheddar Chowder

Today is MEATLESS MONDAY! We have 25 beautiful broccoli plants in the garden. After they make the initial broccoli head like the one in the grocery store, the plant starts producing little broccoli shoots. Well, I have many, many little broccoli shoots. Since my husband and I love soup, I decided to make a Broccoli Cheddar Chowder for lunch. I like to top mine with a little hot pepper oil from the best hot peppers I have ever had, Pap’s Peppers from Altoona, Pa, (Oh, So Good)! My son was visiting and he and my husband said it was the best broccoli soup they ever had. What a wonderful compliment… Continue reading