Happy Pi Day!

A few years ago my oldest son bounded through the front door and said, "Happy Pi Day!" By the look on my face he knew I was puzzled.  He then asked me the date.  After gathering my thoughts I said, "March 14th" to which he said, "Get it? It's Pi Day not Pie Day". He went on to tell me that the ratio of a circle's circumference to it's diameter is 3.14 and during math class that day the teacher had brought in Moon Pies for them to measure (and eat) along with cookies and other round items.  Somewhere in the cobwebs of my brain I remembered that number, but didn't remember it's significance.  Oh well, it didn't matter because I knew exactly what we'd be having for dinner that night. Homemade Pizza Pi!

Pizza is one of my all time favorite foods.  Since I was born and raised in southeastern Pennsylvnia, just outside of Philadelphia, I am very partial and grateful to the wonderful Pizzerias around my old neighborhood for authentic Italian pizza.  Many of the owners of these shops were first and second generation Italian immigrants. From tasty calzones, stromboli and fettucini alfredo to delicious canoli's eating in any of these places was always a treat.  My two sisters who still live in my hometown continue to frequent Via Veneto's on Markley Street.  When I lived in North Carolina my other sister and I fell in love with Lorenzo's Pizza which took us way back home to our childhood.

So tonight in honor of Pi Day why not make a homemade pizza?  I sometimes buy premade pizza dough from the grocery store when I don't have time to make the dough myself.  I also have a bread maker which works beautifully.  You probably have some of the ingredients in your pantry and frig already. Just add some candle light, pull out your Frank Sinatra, Andrea Bocelli or Pavarotti CD's and mama mia! That's Amore!

Basic Pizza Dough (Makes 2 12 inch crusts)
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water.  Let stand for 10 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and olive oil.  Stir in yeast mixture.  When the dough pulls togeter, turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic for about 8 minutes.  Put dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turn to coat in oil.  Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. (About 45 minutes)

3.  Divide the doubled dough in half and either hand press or roll out and place on a pizza stone or pan.

4. Cover with sauce then add favorite toppings.

5. Bake @ 400 degrees for twenty minutes.

Over Fifty Years Of Friendship

My father turned eighty years old recently and we celebrated his birthday with friends and family at his favorite Chinese restaurant.  It was a surprise and my father, who is NEVER speechless, was dumbfounded.  It only took him a nanosecond to put two and two together and make his way around the room hugging and thanking everyone for coming.  It was one of the most moving moments I've ever experienced.  Most of the people in attendance have known my parents since before my brother, sisters and I were born.  That's over fifty years!  It was also heartwarming to see individuals in attendance who were forty years my father's junior.

Several people had the opportunity to give remarks on how they'd met my father and shared some funny stories.  The common thread that ran through everything the guests said was how much of a friend my father had been to them.  They could always count on my dad whenever they needed help or a laugh.  I'm happy to say that every word is true.

In recent years my father has sat by the bedside of  several friends as they've drawn their last breath.  I believe what comforted them most is that they knew that my father would continue to be there for their loved ones.  He is a loyal, true friend.  It's no wonder that my friends and the friends of my siblings call my father "Dad" or "Pop Corley".

My father has a great sense of humor.  I believe that's part of the secret to his long life.  My good friend and fellow blogger Theda recently blogged about the importance of laughter on her blog Tuesday Talks, check it out.  Since my father has such a great sense of humor I could have loads of fun with the goody bags for his party.  The goody bags contained homemade bath salts scented with eucalyptus oil.  One of my sons and I designed a label to place on the goody bags that read: "Andy's Tired Old Butt Soaking Salts".  Attached to the soaking salts was a card that had phrases that my father is known for saying.  He and all of his friends got a kick out of the labels.  Needless to say it was an extraordinary experience.

Celebrate Friendship!

Why not plan a get together with friends on a regular basis?  Mark it on your calender even if its every few months.  We're all so busy nowadays so advanced planning for most people is a must.  Make it a priority and it will be a priority.

I have many fond memories from when I lived in North Carolina.  I hosted a party every few months with a group of girlfriends.  Each party had a theme.  The object was to have as much fun as possible.  We always played at least one interactive game that included a prize.  We'd also do a simple project to take home.

My first party was Mediterranean themed.  The menu included hot artichoke dip with toasted Italian bread slices, Greek salad and Chicken Caccitore over pasta.  I served Pomegranite punch, assorted Biscotti and Tiramisu. Yes, it was a lot of food, but I love to cook!  You do NOT have to prepare anything that elaborate.  An alternative menu could be a beautiful salad topped with sliced grilled chicken, dessert and punch.  Stay within your comfort zone.  The point is to get together with friends and celebrate!

After dinner while we were still gathered at the table and the dishes were cleared, my good friend Sue introduced us to a game called the "Right Left Game".  The game is similiar to musical chairs except you pass a wrapped prize around the table instead of walking around chairs.  Sue told a fantastical story and every time she said the word "right" the prize was passed to the right.  Every time she said the word "left" the prize was passed to the left.  Whoever was holding the prize at the end of the story got to keep it.  Big fun!

The make and take project was bath salts.  I researched the ingredients years ago on the internet.  My kids and I used to make fragrant bath salts for teacher gifts.  This is a super easy project.  I got all the ingredients from the Dollar Store and Michael's Craft Store.  Give it a try!

SOAK AWAY

Bath Salts
2 cups Epson Salt
1 cup Baking Soda
*Fragrant bath oils
Large Bowl
Wooden Spoon
Clear cellophane bags
Assorted ribbons
Labels

Directions:
1.  Pour salt and Baking Soda in bowl and mix with spoon.
2.  Squeeze 10-12 drops of oil into salt mixture. Use more if needed.
3.  Mix with spoon until fragrance is well distributed. Be patient this takes a little time.
4.  Scoop salts into bags and tie with ribbon.
5.  Label.

*Oils can be purchased in the soap section of Michael's Craft Store.  Be sure oils are safe for use on skin.

Tip: Provide several bowls and spoons so each guest can mix her own salts.
       All measurements are approximate.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here's to cards, here's to flowers, here's to candy, here's to LOVE!  Even though you may not receive a card or candy from a special Valentine you can still have a great day.  Treat yourself !  How about a warm mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings or toffee chips?  Speaking of whipped cream, why not make a super easy dessert filled with whipped cream?  Cream puffs!  I learned to make these when I worked for friends who owned a catering business.  We occassionally catered weddings and one day a bride from Lithuania came in and wanted a traditional french wedding cake.  WHAT? We had no idea what she was talking about, but we told her "sure, yeah, we can do that."  I went to town on the internet and found a wonderful recipe that I use when I want to make something extra special for dessert.  This recipe is from chef Gale Gand.  I taught my daughter how to make cream puffs when she had to take a dessert to a friend's house for a get together.  I hope you'll try these and enjoy them with friends and family. 

Cream Puffs
For the pate a choux pastry:
1 cup water
1 stick butter (unsalted)
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbs granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 to 4 eggs, plus 1 egg for egg wash

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  In a large saucepan, bring the water, butter, salt and sugar to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.  When it boils, immediately take the pan off the heat. Stirring with a wooden spoon, add all the flour at once and stir hard until all the flour is incorporated, 30 to 60 seconds.  Return the pan to the heat and cook, stirring, 30 seconds to evaporate some of the moisture.

Scrape the mixture into the bowl of a mixer and mix on medium speed.  Working one egg at a time add 3 of the eggs, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each egg addition.  Mix until dough is smooth and glossy and the eggs are completely incorporated.  The dough should fall slowly and steadily from the beaters when you lift them out of the bowl.  If the dough is still clinging to the beaters, add the remaining egg and mix until incorporated.

Using a pastry bag fitted with a large plain tip, pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper into 2 inch rounds.  Whisk the remaining egg with 1 1/2 tsp water and brush onto the rounds. (You may have egg wash left.)  Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375 degrees and bake until puffed up, and light golden brown, about 18-20 minutes more.  Try not to open the oven door too often during baking.  Let cool on baking sheet.

Filling
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla

To fill the cream puffs, use a wooden skewer to poke a hole in the bottom of each puff.  (Swirl the skewer around to make a big enough hole for pastry tip to fit.  Whip the heavy cream with the sugar and vanilla until stiff.  (Don't over whip or the cream will turn into butter!)  Pipe whipped cream into each cream puff and chill until ready to serve. Drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with roasted nuts.

Valentine's Day Isn't Just for Grown Ups!

In celebrating Valentine's Day I always made it a point to have little Valentine surprises for my three children from my husband and I.  The joy on their little faces when they came home from school and looked on their beds to find a card and a small gift was priceless.  I'd set the dinner table with a table cloth, linen napkins and china.  They felt so special.

We've continued the tradition even though they're all teenagers now and one is in college.  They still enjoy receiving a card with a chocolate bar or pair of  heart socks.  I still enjoy the looks on their faces.  It doesn't have to cost a small fortune to celebrate Valentine's Day.  If you want to spend a small fortune by all means go ahead!  The important thing is to let the special people in your life know they are loved.  Simply do what you learned in kindergarten, show and tell!

Regulation Overtime!!!

Super Bowl Parties do not consist of low calorie eats, but you already know that much.  That's why New Year's eating resolutions should start after the Super Bowl.  That being said, one dessert for this party just isn't enough so let's add another!

This recipe is easy, but the presentation makes it look harder than it really is.  I copied this recipe a few years ago while watching Paula Deen's Best Dishes.  It is, without a doubt, one of my family's top favorites.  Instead of a cookie wafer crust I make a cinnamon graham cracker, pecan crust.  Give it a try and you're sure to score extra points!

Cream Cheese Tarts
2 (8 oz) packeages of cream cheese (room temperature)
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
9 cinnamon graham crackers (1 pk)
6 tsp butter
1/4 cup toasted pecans
whipped cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place cupcake liners in muffin pan.

Crust:
Toast pecans in oven for 3-4 minutes.  Finely chop the pecans.  Melt butter in microwave oven in a microwave safe bowl.  Crush graham crackers in a large plastic bag by rolling it with a rolling pin.  Pour  graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl and mix with a spoon until mixture sticks together when you pinch it.

Beat cream cheese in mixer until fluffy.  Gradually add sugar.  Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition.  Put a rounded tablespoon of crust in bottom of each muffin cup and press down with your thumb.  Sprinkle a little of the pecans on top of crust.  Spoon a rounded tablespoon of cream cheese mixture on top of pecans.  Bake for 20 minutes.  Allow tarts to cool completely.  Top with whipped cream and fruit of your choice.  I usually stretch the cream cheese mixture to get 18 tarts so that I can add more whipped cream on each tart.

Two Minute Warning!!!

What would a Super Bowl Party be without dessert!  Super Bowl Forty-Five will take place at the Dallas Cowboys stadium in Arlington, Texas. Why not make cupcakes the size of Texas!  Simply take the classic Texas sheet cake recipe and turn it into a dozen, rich, chocolatey, moist, giant cupcakes of pure "happy mouth" pleasure.  Hide one for yourself because these are sure to disappear within two minutes!

I got this recipe years ago from my friend Lana when I lived in Georgia.  Family and friends have enjoyed this recipe many times over the years.  Making this recipe into cupcakes also shortens the clean up time after the party.  Eeeee Doggie!!

Texas Sheet Cake
2 cups sugar 
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup unsalted butter
6 T. cocoa
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs slightly beaten
1 tsp soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Line giant cupcake pans with paper liners.  Sift together into large mixing bowl sugar, flour, salt.  Into sauce pan put margarine, butter, cocoa, water and bring to a boil.  Pour this hot mixture over flour and stir well.  Add buttermilk, eggs, soda, vanilla and cinnamon.  Mix well.  Pour into cupcake pans about 2/3 full.  Bake for 18-20 minutes or toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven.

Icing:
1/2 cup butter
6 T. cocoa
6 T. milk
1 box powdered sugar sifted
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts

Put butter, cocoa and milk in pan.  Melt and bring to a boil stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and add powdered sugar, vanilla and nuts.  Blend well and spoon onto cupcakes while they are hot.