BlackBean Mango & Fresh Corn Salad

 I bought some fresh corn over the holiday and I couldn't help but make this salad.  Most people think of salad as iceberg lettuce, tomato, and cucumbers.  That's an OK salad but in my family there are too many salads to choose from and  this is such a favorite.  It's easy, quick, and healthy.  Sometime I eat it all alone as a meal.

1.    4 fresh ears of corn " slice off the cob "
2.  1 ripe mango  chopped
3. 2 cans of black beans - drained and rinsed
4. 1 lime zest it and save the juice
5. 1 small purple onion diced
6. 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil
7. 1 1/2s  of  teaspoon of cumin
8.  salt & pepper to taste
9. 1 cup minced fresh cilantro ... " they sell dried now and it works great! "

In a large bowl simply mix all the ingredients together and chill for an hour or so.  This keeps well for a couple of days and the taste just gets better!  Great for picnics since there is no mayonnaise.

Note:  I serve this with grilled Pork or grilled chicken but it honestly goes with everything!

                                                            Enjoy!

Chocolate Bread Pudding

 I think most people always have left over breads and don't know what do with it.  One of my favorite memories is being at my Grandfather's house and he would pull out a pan of warm bread pudding.
I have many bread pudding recipes but I am making a chocolate one today.

1. 6 large croissants
2. 1 loaf of raisin bread
3. 8 eggs
4. 2 cups of half  and half
5. 3 tablespoons brown sugar
6. 3 tablespoons white sugar
7. 1 teaspoon good cinnamon
8. 6 scrapes of fresh nutmeg
9. 1 1/2 cups of chocolate syrup
10. 1/2 teaspoon salt
11. 1 teaspoon vanilla

Now grease a large baking pan with butter.
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees
Break up you breads " tear " into your greased pan
In a large bowl combine all the rest of the ingredients.pour half
the mixture over the bread and push down on it with a spoon and
then pour over the rest pushing down so all the bread gets wet.

Bake it for 20 minutes at 425,  then turn the temp down to 350 and bake
another 20 minutes til the top is a bit crispy.

You can serve it warm with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

You can even make this a day or two ahead and bake it when ready.

Monday Monday

Pasta Pasta,  I've been away for awhile so I cleared most of my blogs but I am back now and will post more frequently,  so what better way to come back then with a favorite recipe. Fresh spinach and roasted tomato Penne Alfredo! My whole family loves this even the picky eater's!

 This takes no time at all,  especially if you prep meals in advance like I do.

Here is what you'll need.

1. 1 lb of Penne
2. 2 pints of grape or cherry tomato's
3. 2 cups of fresh baby spinach
4. small can of sliced black olives
5. 1/2 of a cup feta cheese
6. 1 jar of Bertolli Alfredo sauce

Now I preheat my oven to 400 degrees.    I put the salted water on for my pasta, and then put the tomatoes into a bowl and drizzle olive oil all over, add salt & pepper and sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.  Mix well and place on a large cookie sheet.  Don't pile them up or they will steam,  not roast.  I check on them in 20 mins to see if they split and soften up to my liking.  I personally keep them in a bit longer so they get a little charded.  I love the extra sweetness they get and the little burnt taste they end up having. Meanwhile your pasta should be cooking as well till it's aldente.

 Take a large skillet or pan of your choice and put the drained pasta in along with the fresh spinach, drained olives, and tomatoes.  The heat from the warm pasta will wilt the spinach perfectly.  Add the Alfredo sauce  and feta cheese and warm through a few minutes.  I serve it with  garlic oiled toasted baguettes,  I make this all year long but when the tomatoes are freshly picked it"s my favorite!

Live Simply ~~ Lori

To My Husband

 To my husband,
                                  you may not even read this but writing this makes me feel good.
You have always been there for me, whether I was happy, miserable, or ill.

You have been my source of inspiration and the reason I wanted to be a better wife.  And to pursue all my passions and hobbies in my life.

Sometimes we can be completely different in our way of thinking but,  most times we are on the same page.

You have taught me so much and opened many windows of interest.
Twenty Five years later I still get butterflies in my stomach when you kiss me or simply hold my hand.

So if it's OK with you,  I would still like to grow old with you and hold your hand till the day I die ~~ 

I love you,  Lori

Breads

Who doesn't like bread?  let alone warm from the oven!  Baking breads is one of my favorite things to do.  Some people think it's so much work but, I find it relaxing and rewarding.  So many friends ask me why I don't use a bread machine but, I love the feel of the dough in my hands.

One of my husbands and family favorite bread is Panettone!!  The real Panettone with the sweet dried fruit and buttery flavor.  Panetone is a very expensive bread to purchase,  especially if your buying the kind made with all the best and freshest ingredients.  One large loaf can cost you an excess 0f 14.00 or more depending where you buy it.  I found if you purchase the ingredients yourself,  you save a bundle, have more than one loaf, and have fun making it.  Panettone also makes the best toast and french toast you'll ever have.

Here's what you'll need:

3 tablespoons SAF yeast
1/3 cup luke warm water
1/4 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon good Vanilla
1teaspoon buttery extract
1 cup European dried fruit
3 large eggs beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
2 1/2- 3 cups sifted flour

In large bowl put yeast, salt, sugar, water,  and mix.  Add beaten eggs, vanilla, buttery extract, and lemon zest and mix well.
Add 1 cup of flour at a time  till you have a nice soft dough,  you can always add or use less flour where needed. If you are using a mixer you can add your dried fruit,  or put dough on floured board and knead in fruit.  Place in well greased bowl and let double in size, punch down , shape in a ball and put in well greased 2 qt baking dish, cover and let double.
Bake in a pre- heated 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes.  After 15 minutes if bread seems to brown too quickly, cover with foil.

Once you make this once, you'll find it's so easy to make.  It makes your kitchen smell like heaven!  Enjoy!