XOXO

Sooooooo, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. 

Aaaaaand my husband’s team lost the Superbowl.

Aaaaaand I got the worst stomach virus of my life. 

Is this month still redeemable?

I daresay yes, yes it is.

Sweet Bellas, do I have a treat for you…or should I say treat(s).

This month shall be action packed chock full of goodness to the last drop.

I mustn’t spoil all the surprises….but to kick things off,

I have invited four guest bloggers to share something glorious with you

each Monday, for the month of February.

After all, the spirit of Mangiabella is about 

tasting the beauty of life, 

and sharing it with you...

It was almost four years ago, that I entered a recipe contest. And through that recipe contest, a community of kindred spirits began to form. And within that community, a certain thread was birthed. And within that thread, friendships emerged. And through those friendships, one particular friendship became a sisterhood.

It is my great pleasure to introduce the very Multi-Dimensional Lorraine Brown, Actress, Writer, Poet & Lyricist, Former NFL Chicago Bears Cheerleader (The Honeybears), Co-Founder of the Chicago Bulls Cheerleaders (The Luv-A-Bulls), Decorator, Cook (with recent appearance on the Live Well Network's “My Family Recipe Rocks” hosted by Joey Fatone), and so much more...

She will inspire you with incredible meals, poignant poetry, and her heart of gold. Beauty drips from her fingertips and her words....truly....are a GIFT.

Please take a moment to stop by her blog, you’ll be so very glad you did. 

Take it away Lorraine…

When my beautiful friend and soul sister asked me to write a guest post, I didn’t hesitate to say...  

 “Chyeahhhh”!

Jaime, to step inside your blog is to step inside a fresh spring meadow ~

     the presence of a loving spirit washes over us as you invite us to feast on life!

From the very first day I visited, the beauty and eloquence of your words drew me in – as if there was something greater here than keystrokes – I felt the sincerity of a heart overflowing with love!
In you I’ve found a sister and my life is rich because of your friendship... 
~

"Sweet Bella Jaime"

You bring warmth to a cold winter’s day
By the light you shine so brightly our way,
You inspire us with phrases which danced across your keys,
Your ambition is to share His love, to encourage and to please...
You challenge us so gently as you give us thoughts to ponder,
And cheer us on when weaker moments tempt our souls to wander...
Your hunger for the best in life whets our appetite
As you combine ingredients to comfort and delight...
You blend the truth together with the goodness from above,
Mix it in with tenderness and serve it up with love...
You pour a glass to cheer us on
And celebrate the day,
Then prepare for us a hearty feast
And send us on our way...
Your recipes for food and life
Leave us wanting more...
Yes, just another bite
Of the flavors we adore...
Satisfied, yet stirred
To reach the highest height...
Savoring each morsel ~
Tasting ALL of Life!

~ (Love, Lorraine) ~

Sweet Jaime... In keeping with the delicious theme of your blog I’d like to finish with a recipe... and...

Since February is the month of LOVE ~ Let’s celebrate the best way I know how....with....

CHOCOLATE! 

Lovely Lava Cake:

Ingredients:

4 Tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature) – plus extra for ramekins.
1/3 cup all purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (melted)
3 large eggs

¼ tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

Dutch Cocoa (sifted) for dusting inside of ramekins

Confectioner’s sugar (sifted) for dusting finished cakes

Steps: 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Lightly butter 6 small (3/4 cup) ramekins (or 6 muffin tins). Dust with sifted cocoa and tap out excess...
place on cookie sheet and set aside. 

In bowl of electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy; Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; Reduce mixer speed to low and beat in flour and salt just until combined
then add melted chocolate until just combined.

Pour batter into the six ramekins (or tins) and keeping them on the cookie sheet, place in 400 degree oven. Bake approx. 8 – 12 minutes until tops of cakes are puffed and cracked
(the insides of the cracks will appear wet).

Remove from oven and either serve immediately inside the ramekins or let the cakes stand for 10 minutes,
then run a knife around the inside of ramekins to loosen and turn them out (bottom sides up) on to individual plates.
Dust with sifted confectioner’s sugar.

Serve with ice cream (vanilla is our favorite) – or whipped cream
  - or both if desired...    We Desire ;)

(adapted from various recipes, including Martha Stewart and Williams Sonoma)



Too Many Tabs...and Tortilla Soup

There I was...in the zone.

The kids were asleep, the washing machine was working overtime,

the pup was incessantly licking his favorite paw.

I was cozied up in my cushiony arm chair,  MacBook fully charged, 

steaming cup of earl grey to my side.

It had been six months since I had sat down to write a Mangiabella post.

As thoughts and expressions formed words in my mind and began to flow through my fingertips,

The door burst open.

My husband came home spilling over from a sublime encounter.

There was a distinct thrill in his voice as he began vividly recalling the fascinating details.

Without breaking eye contact, I slowly lowered my screen to closing position.

He had my undivided attention.

Each word that fell from his lips manifested in palpable exhilaration,

and I breathed it in until I could literally feel 

the texture, weight and thickness of each morsel as though it were my own.

I was completely intrigued & invested, hanging on every tidbit of the play by play.

Three quarters of the way into this gripping narrative,

I felt compelled to document what he was saying. 

I suppose that’s the writer in me, but I didn’t want to risk either one of us

forgetting such a captivating occurrence. 

As I lifted my laptop screen, and began to chronicle the events, 

something happened…

I was picturing in mind’s eye what he was telling me with precision,

vigorously typing shorthand phrases & notes to reflect on later,

while simultaneously reminding myself of what I had to get at the store the next day,

while opening another draft to put down a few phrases for that post I intended to write,

while making a mental note not to forget to put my daughter’s library book in her backpack,

while silently telling myself to switch the clothing from washer to dryer before bedtime... 

until he said “Babe! Are you still listening to me?”

I totally was!

But I was subconsciously multi-tasking at the same time.

Sigh. Too many tabs open.

I’m guilty of this more often than I’d like to admit, 

but I AM learning that another part of tasting the beauty of life

is reprogramming myself to slow down enough 

to savor ONE moment at a time by

mentally and emotionally committing to the experience at hand.

While I can laugh at the humorous e-card above,

I do believe we have control over our multi-tasking abilities.

And while I believe that without question, 

there’s a legitimate time & purpose for multi-tasking, 

there’s also a time for hitting the pause (or stop) button & switching gears.

Whenever I make a conscious effort to close down the other “tabs”

when the people in my life are front and center stage,

(however valiant, noble or important those tabs may be),

my "operating system" undoubtedly functions at optimal level,

and I find myself drawing more satisfaction out of these fleeting moments.

So does this mean I will resist the urge to Pinterest while watching tv with the hubs?

Baby steps, Bellas. Baby steps. haha.

But seriously, I acknowledge that people do feel disconnected

 when you’re only half present with divided interests,

so yes, I plan to be much more discerning 

as to when and where I get my Pinterest fix.

On a separate note, my husband has been known to be a picky eater have a selective palate.

However, this year, he has declared to be more adventurous and try anything I cook.

Whaaaaaat?

Did he say anything?

Indeed he did.

And an adventure it shall be.

To infinity and beyond!

Yesterday I made Tortilla Soup. 

I know, doesn’t seem like much of a leap from what he might normally eat. 

Baby steps, Bellas. Baby steps.

While he might eat what’s on top of the broth without hesitation,

what’s below the broth is not his usual cup of tea.

I’ve only had Tortilla Soup once, and it’s been years.

I didn’t want to search for any recipes,

I just wanted to throw together flavors that I imagined would bring this dish to life.

I made just enough for one serving size to experiment. 

We both shared one bowl and agreed it was superb!

Definitely one to keep for the repertoire.

Tortilla Soup

Ingredients for single serving:

2 Tbsp oil (I used safflower, but can use olive, canola, etc)

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 of one green onion, chopped, starting with the white part

pinch of salt

1/4 of small yellow squash, diced

1/4 of small zucchini, diced

1 Roma Tomato, diced

1/4 of  Orange Bell Pepper, diced

1/4 cup of frozen corn

1 1/2 cup of chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 teaspoon cumin

2 oz. of shredded chicken, cooked

1 corn tortilla, crisped in oil, cut into slivers

1/2 an avocado, sliced

1/4 cup sharp cheddar, shredded

pinch of fresh cilantro, chopped

dash of pepper

dollop of sour cream (if desired)

Directions:

In a small saucepan, sautee garlic & onion in oil with salt over medium/low heat

As soon as the garlic is fragrant, add squash, zucchini, 1/2 of the roma tomato, and bell pepper.

Cook for just a minute, add corn. Cook veggies down for just a few minutes

Add crushed red pepper and cumin and another generous pinch of salt, stir well. 

Add chicken broth cooked chicken

Cook for a few minutes.

Meanwhile, crisp your corn tortilla by using a tablespoon of oil,

letting the oil saturate both sides by flipping, allow tortilla to bubble, flip sides again. 

Allow tortilla to crisp to desired crispness.

set aside, cut into slivers (I used a pizza cutter).

You also could pre-slice tortilla before crisping, whatever is easiest for you.

Remove soup from heat, pour into bowl.

Garnish with sliced avocado, the rest of the roma tomato, cilantro, cheddar cheese, tortilla strips, and sour cream (if desired).

Mangia!

And as always…Keep Shining Sweet Bellas!

Orange Almond Scones & Beef Wellington

It’s been too much fun giggling with my girlfriends

over the new season of Downton Abbey.

Sharing jokes back and forth.

Making little treats to spoil ourselves.

Like these Orange Almond Scones with a spot of tea (recipe below):

And my lil twist on Beef Wellington (recipe below):

One must dine in style for Masterpiece Classic, dahhhlings.

Likewise, it makes me smile to see my husband get ready for the playoffs.

Setting the stage for maximum comfort...beverage, snacks, & remote in arm’s reach.

Pillows fluffed just right, ottoman in place, pre-game banter.

Today I spoiled him with a quick brunch before kick off:

Baked Croissant Sandwich Casserole

click here for recipe

Sweet Bellas, part of tasting the beauty of life is allowing yourself to fully engage in the moment.

To draw joy out of the experience, and cultivate the kind of atmosphere 

that awakens your sensibilities.

As with anything in life, it’s the little details that make the ordinary special.

My friend Shannon likes to say, 

“Us grown ups need our treats too” ;)

haha. 

Indeed.

What about you, any pre-show/pre-game/pre-event/ or pre-"get in the zone" rituals?

Enjoy the recipes, and as always:

Keep Shining Sweet Bellas!

Orange Almond Scones

Ingredients:

2 1/4 Cups  flour

1/3 Cup granulated sugar

1 Tbsp baking powder

11 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1 Cup Half and Half

1 tsp of Almond Extract

handful of slivered almonds

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 F. 

Whisk together flour, granulated sugar and baking powder in a large bowl until well combined.

Add butter.  Using a mixer (or pastry blender), blend butter into dry ingredients until mixture is the consistency of coarse meal. 

Add half and half & almond extract; stir just until blended

Turn out onto lightly floured surface and knead lightly until a smooth dough is formed.  

Pat into a square about 1-inch thick. 

Cut dough into 16 triangles (cut into 4 squares first, then cut each square into fourths diagonally). 

Arrange 1 inch apart on a parchment lined baking sheet

Bake until lightly browened 15 to 20 minutes. Cool slightly before icing. 

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tsp orange zest

2 Tbsp water

Put the sugar in a bowl, add water a little at a time to achieve drizzle consistency. 

Add orange zest, mix through. 

Drizzle over warm scones. top with slivered almonds.

Quick Beef Wellington

In my quick version, the beef is pre-cooked, combined with cheeses and a type of duxelles, 

all wrapped in puff pastry, and baked to perfection.

Ingredients:

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed

6 oz. of cooked beef, shredded or diced

10 cremini mushrooms, rinsed, de-stemmed, and diced

1/2 small yellow onion

1/2 cup white wine

1 clove of garlic, minced

2 Tbsp of olive oil

salt & pepper to taste

6 oz of cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup of pepper jack cheese, shredded

1 egg

splash of water

Directions:

1)Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet out to a 12 x 8 inch rectangle. Cut into six 4 x 4 inch squares.

2) Spread cream cheese (appx 1 oz.) in the center of each square.

3)Meanwhile, in a small frying pan over medium heat, saute olive oil, garlic clove onion salt and pepper for one minute, add cremini mushrooms and cook until onions are translucent. Add wine, cook down a few minutes. Turn off heat.

4) top each square with 1 oz. of cooked beef.

5)Spoon 1 Tbsp of mushroom/onion saute mixture on top of beef on each square

6) Top each square with a good pinch of pepper jack cheese.

7) Beat the egg and water in a small bowl with a fork or whisk to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the pastry squares with the egg wash. Fold the corners of the pastry squares to the center over the stuffing mixture and press to seal. Place the filled pastries seam-side down onto a baking sheet. Brush the pastries with the egg wash.

8)Bake @ 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serves 6.

Annus Mirabilis...

I love the start of a new year!

New possibilities... New adventures...

A time of great contemplation for so many.

I was reflecting this morning on the past few years of resolutions,

what it is I had intended to purpose in my heart to focus on for that year,

and as I look back, I can’t help but smile.

In 2009, I had reached a pivotal point in my life journey,

one that demanded a deeper kind of growth and development from me.

And since then, I can see that an intricate little network of building blocks has begun to form!

The ground work was being laid for the next step in my path.

2009 was about letting go, surrender, giving up attachment to results.

2010 saying “no,” and not taking on more than my capacity.

2011 making time for more “time,” being very intentional with my time.

2012 being more gracious, to those I know and those I don’t.

2013 was all about “more,” engaging more deeply.

And this year, 2014, I intend to speak life. Both in my own life, and the lives of those around me.

What does this mean? Well I hope you stick around to find out.

I have great expectations for this year, and look forward to seeing the fruits emerge.

Each new year, a threshold is crossed.

A gateway leading you to the next step on YOUR life journey.

One that is part of an intricate network of building blocks...

What kind of groundwork will you be laying this year?

Keep Shining Sweet Bellas!

Christmas Morning, I Couldn't Help But Think...

"Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated…” Hebrews 13:3

Christmas morning.

Hands wrapped around my steaming, oversized mug of peppermint mocha.

Sitting on my soft, comfortable chaise lounge.

Reclined and relaxed against fluffy pillows in my warm, cozy living room. 

Snuggling next to my smiling husband,

watching eager children unwrap presents wrapped with love,

taking in the joy and laughter of those sweet memories in the making.

Yet amidst the crescendo of this undeniably jubilant atmosphere, 

I couldn’t help but think of the worsening plight 

of U.S. Citizen Saeed Abedini, and his wrongful imprisonment in Iran.

I couldn’t help but think of the mental and physical torment that he has endured

while being held captive in Evin Prison, Tehran, and even worse,

what he’s suffered in Rajai Shahr Prison, Karaj, which,

Jordan Sekulow describes as being "known in 

the international human rights community as the prison 

where prisoners of conscience are sent to disappear,”

the prison in which he was abruptly transferred to without explanation.

I couldn’t help but think about Saeed’s wife, Naghemeh,

and the incomprehensible pain of being separated 

from her husband for yet another Christmas,

with no clear understanding of whether or not

she will ever see her beloved again.

I couldn’t help but think about Saeed’s children,

frightened and in despair, longing for their father’s 

embrace, protection, and presence.

And I couldn’t help but think that if it were my husband,

how I could only hope that all of you, family, friends and citizens alike,

would help amplify my voice to fight for his freedom.

That if he were visiting a foreign country in an effort to help orphaned children,

and was seized without cause, thrown into prison unjustly, tortured and abused,

that you would not let him be forgotten.

Under no circumstance should a U.S. citizen be allowed 

to be imprisoned in a foreign country without cause.

Please consider joining the growing number of people globally fighting for Saeed’s release

by continuing to flood the social media pipeline with a call to action.

Sign the petitions, reach out for your congressmen, the white house, the news stations,

celebrities, athletes, and anyone you can think of who will help cry out for justice.

http://beheardproject.com/saeed#sign

https://www.facebook.com/freesaeed

#freesaeed #savesaeed

Keep Shining Sweet Bellas!

This Christmas...

"The only currency that will heal every culture is ceaseless love.” 

~Heidi Baker

For the first time in 20 years, I didn’t get my Christmas cards out this year!!!

Oh I made them alright, designed them on Shutterfly Thanksgiving weekend…

I was definitely on the ball and into the Christmas spirit. 

Cutest pic of the kids ever!

3 weeks into December, I can’t figure out why they haven’t arrived yet...

Apparently I made them, but never ORDERED them.

Oooooooops.

For the first time in 20 years I didn’t bake Christmas goodies for friends and family.

I visualized myself making them many times over, but somehow, it just never happened.

And now here we are, the eve of Christmas…How did these weeks fly by so quickly?

I loved seeing all of the notes that were floating around the web over the past few weeks

reminding us that there are many struggling this time of year,

and how important it is to make an extra effort to be tenderhearted.  

But really, this should be the standard every day of the year.

Somehow, in this ever expanding world of social media,

everybody seems to be quite consumed

with what everybody thinks 

about EVERYTHINGGGGG!

It’s exhausting.

Why should someone else’s opinion

be a factor in how you treat them?

It shouldn’t.

What they think is between them and God.

How you treat them is between you and God.

I’m convinced that authentic “Christianity” looks

very different than what most “Christians” think, 

and I can testify that demonstration goes a lot further than lip service.

“Do everything without grumbling, arguing, so that you may

become blameless and pure…

Then you will shine among them like the stars” (Phil 2:14, 15b)

"You don't have to purpose to see the stars. 

You don't have to convince someone that there are stars. 

In the darkness of night, they stand out as points of light. 

Religion is like that, always trying to convince people that there are stars. 

People don't need to see religion. They need to see light. “ (Gary Keeseee)

Anyone who claims to be a “believer”

but isn’t walking in love, compassion, & grace,

isn’t really walking the walk.

Sadly, that’s often these days.

The collateral damage is exponential…

It’s leaving a trail of destruction,

and the walking wounded are everywhere as a result.

It’s heartbreaking to see, 

yet all the more reason to shine my light even brighter,

And I’m determined to be a part of the “clean up crew."

Sweet Bellas, my one wish for all of you this Christmas,

and every day thereafter,

is that you will love one another.

Fiercely. Without pretense, and without hesitation.

If you err in doing so, better to err on the side of love & grace, every time.

Merry Christmas, and my most heartfelt and sincere wishes 

for a very happy, healthy & blessed New Year.

Keep Shining Sweet Bellas!