Monday, January 31, 2011

Delicious Distractions...

Photobucket

"Eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably."

~C.S. Lewis


A new year has begun, and life rambles on…or does it?


Anthony and I both feel changed in more ways than we know how to describe. Paradigms have shifted within as we swim in a sea of thoughts about the world changing around us. Fresh perspective has influenced how we ponder life, love and the pursuit of happiness. We are being stretched gloriously.


Anthony continues to pray and discover as his next chapter unfolds… and I am continuing to delight in being romanced by the lavishness of simple pleasures.


And so here I sit, the blackness of night has unfolded like a velvet cloak, a pile of books and blankets by my side, ready to cozy up for the next few days while the cold weather sweeps on through my corner of the world, and I am filled with gratitude.


Thankful for home. For warmth. For comfort. For the sound of children's playful laughter rising in the air. And, for the luxury of participating in relaxation while other parts of the world are in a state of unrest. Grateful for a tank full of gas, a fridge full of food, and a closet full of clothing. For the conveniences that we often take for granted, and the freedom to enjoy all of the above without fear.


So.Very.Grateful.


Stay cozy Sweet Bellas…and if you're looking for a few delicious distractions to snuggle up with these next few days, may I suggest a plate full of my favorite pasta *recipe below* alongside "The Sacred Romance" by John Eldredge … indeed "two pleasures that combine admirably"

Photobucket

Ditalini Pomodoro with Fresh Mozzarella

This is the epitome of comfort food for me, sort of like an italian version of mac n cheese. Simply sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic with 1/4 cup of olive oil for about a minute over medium heat, add appx. 4-6 large diced roma tomatoes (or you may use halfed cherry or grape tomatoes, appx. a pound) along with salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste. Toss appx. 6 oz. of cooked ditalini (al dente)and remove from heat. You may also substitute any short pasta or even penne :)Toss in a handful of slivered fresh basil with appx. 6 oz. of fresh cubed mozzarella.

Mangia!

23 comments:

  1. Yes! A plate full of your Ditalini Pomodoro with fresh mozzarella and The Sacred Romance! Mmmm! Nothing could satisfy the appetite (tummy,heart,and soul) better than this perfect combination of ingredients! The sacred romance is even better than food...but to enjoy it along with your comforting dish sounds like a recipe for complete satisfaction! C.S. Lewis was gifted with tremendous wisdom, wasn't he? And you are gifted with a gracious & beautiful communication style as well as heart of gold! Enjoy being cozy!
    Love, Lorraine xo

    ReplyDelete
  2. So simply said and such a nice simple dish to top off your post ... this HAS been a week for counting blessings and hoping for the best for people in the midst of great change ...

    ReplyDelete
  3. we do take so much for granted, we have so much to be thankful for, so many blessings....I hate to admit I haven't read any CS Lewis although I am familiar with some of his work...it should go on my to read list, now that I am spending all this time on the treadmill, I have been burning thru books! Your pasta dish is perfect, easy to make and delicious to eat...
    I have missed you, I don't know what happened but I am glad to have found my way back to your blog...
    stay warm and have a good night
    Dennis

    ReplyDelete
  4. That is my idea of comfort food as well...I love pasta dishes with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, plus you know I am crazed for garlic :)
    Your post has lovely sentiment, it is so true...often forgetting to be grateful for what we have.
    Hoping all is well my sweet lady, stay warm and cozy :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I will be in prayer for Anthony's situation. I didn't mention it in my post, but my Hubby lost his job three years ago now. If not for our little IT business, we'd have lost the house by now. God has provided exactly what we need when we need it. We get daily mana; which has taught us to look to Him for everything. It is a blessing; but it is so, so hard. I miss.....comfort. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great quote. I love the pasta, I am not too crazy for mac and cheese, but what you have prepared is a delicacy.

    Sending you rays of sunshine from Dominican Republic :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your recipe sounds positively wonderful, and I was definitely swept up in the eloquence and beauty of your words!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ciao Bella-I love your awesome, and delicious ditalini, with fresh tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, and I'm in heaven!

    I just wanted to remind you to please stop back to my blog, and skip back a few posts. Your name is on the list of the award that I'm paying forward, just grab the award...and join the Sisterhood of the World Blogger!
    No rules applied!

    ReplyDelete
  9. That pasta look so yummy! Perfect comfort food for these chilly days. Hope you enjoy some quality relaxation time with your books! :D

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yum! And what a great quote. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. A beautiful plate of pasta with minimal good ingredients to compliment it has to be quintessential Italian comfort food.

    Anna's Table

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a lovely quote to start off an even lovelier post. Isn't C.S. Lewis amazing? I can just imagine you curling up with a good book...your face beams with joy and contentment. You are an inspiration to me, and your words have a way of soothing my soul, time and time again. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and this delicious distraction, sweet friend. May your Sunday be one of peace and love.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow, I love your site so far...haven't explored too much but as I'm just after you on Sharefest (Blogfrog) I thought I'd stop by and check you out!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love the quote Jaime! And I love the looks of this recipe, may have to give it a shot tonight!
    Bernice

    ReplyDelete
  15. My breakfast landed in a snow bank and my lunch is unappealing. COuld you send me some of this dish?

    Thanks again for popping by my blog on my SITS day.

    LisaDay

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello! I'm visiting from SITS! Love your blog...that pasta dish looks DE-LISH!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Yum...your pasta dish really looks yummy. Yes, nothing beats staying in and relax with your favorite food and reads. :)

    Amy
    http://utry.it

    ReplyDelete
  18. Your pasta dish looks so delightful and I love the C.S. Lewis quote... I'm so sorry for ANthony but I know from my own crazy life that things happen coz they are meant to be and I hope that asap the great fantastic plan will reveal for him. So I keep my fingers crossed :) So lovely meeting you :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. There is no better food for the soul than gratitude. (And love of course!)

    ReplyDelete
  20. P.S. the recipe sounds like something my family would love.

    ReplyDelete
  21. This looks like such a comforting food!

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a great post. And the pasta looks amazing (not to mention, comforting).

    Thanks for the kind words on Chef Dennis' blog today!

    ReplyDelete

AddThis

Share |
Related Posts with Thumbnails