tasty tuesday ~ cheese tortellini w/roasted veggies & balsamic dressing

a little Italian side dish full of flavor...

This recipe was created out of necessity. I had fresh veggies that needed to be used before going bad and a freezer that needed to be emptied. As I was staring at the ingredients on the kitchen counter, I remembered one of Jerry's favorite summer salads made with penne pasta, olives, artichokes and other tasty vittles. So I decided to make a variation of it. I roasted the veggies I had on hand, sliced some salami, added the cheese tortellini and tossed it with balsamic dressing. 

It was so, so good. I paired it with grilled steak and some grilled asparagus. It was the hands down winner that evening at dinner. I love it when a new recipe rise from the ashes of my fridge. Score!! 

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

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 This weeks recipe is being shared with A Wise Woman Build's Her Home, Tuesday's Tasty Tidbits, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam , Domestically Divine Homemaking Link Up, Full Plate @ Miz Helen's Country Cottage, Raising Homemakers , Delicious Dishes, Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday, The King's Court IV, This Chic Cooks, Tuesdays at the Table, 33 Shades of Green as well as the Hearth and Soul Blog Tour @ A Moderate Life. Head on over to their blogs and check out other fabulous recipes.

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this is a great pairing with steak or a fabulous hamburger...

Cheese Tortellini w/Roasted Veggies & Balsamic Dressing

recipe by Mary Lenaburg

Ingredients:

1 pound frozen or fresh (multi-colored or regular) cheese tortellini (cooked to package instructions)

selection of roasted veggies (I used zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, red and yellow peppers)
about 3/4 cup of salami or summer sausage thinly sliced

Balsamic dressing (You can make your own or use your favorite bottled brand) 

Here is a recipe that I use often.

Roasting Instructions:

Cut the veggies, place on a cookie sheet, toss with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes then turn the veggies over. Bake another 15 minutes. 

Place all the ingredients in a bowl and toss with dressing. You can serve cold or at room temperature.

multitude monday ~ memorial day

Miss Court and I at my fathers graveside this weekend in Arlington National Cemetery.

As I have written before, this year marks the 10th anniversary of my father's death from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He fought bravely for nine years and never once gave in or gave up. So I thought it was proper on this Memorial Day to honor him and those who have served this great nation, especially those who gave their all. 

I am Blessed and Grateful for ~

#326 - all those service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation

#327 - my husband and his dedication and devotion to God and country

#328 - fireworks, a celebration of color and light

#329 - friends and family celebrating the lives of those who have gone before with love and laughter

#330 - my Grandfather Green and Godfather Roy who served during WWII

#331 - 10 different versions of potato salad

#332 - newly made napkins that are pretty summer colors

#333 - charcoal burning 

#334 - hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, veggies being grilled...the smells of summer

#335 - a hug from a smiling face as we enter church

#336 - a wall of family photos that remind me of who I am and where I come from

#337 - a field of flags and stone where honor is laid to rest

#338 - my Daddy who believed that life was marathon and to never give up along the way.

Please join Ann Voskamp @ A Holy Experience to celebrate the little gifts given each day by the ONE who loves us most!

mary's book basket ~ "a killer among us" by lynette eason

"A Killer Among Us" by Lynette Eason is a thriller. The third book in Eason's Women of Justice Series. I love a good mystery and Eason provides quite the puzzle to unravel.

Description:

Kit Kenyon is a first-rate hostage negotiator. Noah Lambert is a good detective with excellent instincts. The new partners have hardly had time to get used to each other when they are thrown into a grisly murder case. As evidence mounts up and more victims are found, Kit and Noah realize they are on the hunt for a serial killer. The problem is, he's hunting one of them too.
With nail-biting suspense, clever plot twists, and a hint of sweet romance, A Killer Among Us is the latest thriller from Lynette Eason. It will keep readers up late as they race to discover the killer--and whether Kit and Noah will live to tell about it.


Eason does a fabulous keeping the pace in the suspense filled novel. She hits the right beats with emotion giving the reader a break now and again using dialogue and levity between secondary characters to lighten things up before taking the reader on a darker journey. I enjoyed this book and these characters very much. If your looking for a thrilling beach read, don't look any further than "A Killer Among Us". 

5 minute friday...on forgetting

This is my first 5 Minute Friday post. Thanks Gypsy Mama for hosting this little exercise each week. I have been intrigued and inspired over the past few weeks as I have read several other bloggers musings written with a timer in five minutes. So, I thought I would give it a whirl...here we go...today's topic is on...

Forgetting:
As I type this one of my very dear friends is sitting in the bleachers at the US Naval Academy watching her eldest son graduate and be sworn in as a 2ndLT in the Marine Core. It's a moment she won't ever forget. It's a moment I have never forgotten watching my soon to be hubby do the same thing 24 years ago, although he was becoming an Ensign in the Navy.

I have forgotten many things over the years:
the pain of childbirth, location of my keys on a daily basis, how to be patient with my son or husband, taking my vitamins, the name(s) of my neighbor(s), etc.

However there are things I cherish deep in my heart and pray I never forget:
*the sound of my Father's voice and the strength of his hands
*the smell of a newborn after their first bath
*the sound of my daughter's laughter
*the feel of her soft blond curls newly washed and shining
*the feel of my husbands hand in mine or his kiss upon my lips
*the smell of lasagna in the oven or fresh basil picked from my own garden
*the sound of my son reading "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" to his sister with ALL the voices
*the wisdom of my mother
*the excitement over learning something new
*the feeling of my heart beating or my palms sweating before I speak in public...it means every things going to be fine
*the sweetness of the first strawberry of the season

OH...times up! What's on your "Never Forget" list?

{pretty. happy. funny. real} - #7

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

{pretty}

This is my Mama. She's beautiful. 
At 70 she has more energy than I do at 43.
I love her so, so much!

{happy}

There was a sale at the grocery on my very favorite brand of cooking chocolate.
It made me very, very happy!!

{funny}

Miss Courtney thought something was funny and I actually got a smile on film.
The day was as bright and sunny as her smile. 

{real}

It's Prom season once again and my machine is humming and hemming.
Thank God for the rolled hem foot!

personal shopping giveaway...

Just a little note here on a Wednesday to head on over to Betty Beguiles for the launch of her new on-line business. I am so looking forward to seeing where this takes her. I love her sense of fashion and fun. Yea Betty!! Good Luck and Happy Shopping!!

ten years...ten lessons...

(1968) Trying to walk...always with my Dad supporting me...
He is still with me, holding me up.
It has been ten years since God took my father home to Him. Ten years since I heard his booming voice or his raucous laughter. Ten years since I have held his hand or bowed my head with his in prayer. It has been ten years since I have watched him sit with one of his grandchildren and read them a story or teach them how to play chess. It's been ten years since I have seen him blow a bubble with his Mr. Bubble bubblegum.

Ten years and yet it feels like it was yesterday.

I have written about my father's love of laughter and  of his faith and love of country and family. I have written about my fathers hands and how much I miss him. My mother tells me all the time that of any of her eight children, I resemble him and his personality the most. I think of that often. It is something that motivates me to get up and act even on my worst day.

You see most people would ask "What would Jesus do?" in my house it's "What would Daddy do?" No disrespect to Our Father in heaven at all. It's just easier for me to actually hear the answer to the question in my Dad's voice than in God's.

You never forget your Daddy's voice, especially when he used all THREE names at once!

As I was contemplating this day, I got to thinking about lessons my Father taught me. There were so many that it was difficult to narrow them down. So I said a prayer asking him what he thought were the most important ones and these are what came to my heart.

My First Communion...May 1975...
Mom was pregnant with #8, my sister M. 

Life According to Joe "Red" Green:

1. Never lose faith.

Believe with firm assurance that God exists and He loves you with everything He's got. Even when you doubt God knows your name, He is with you encouraging you to feel His loving arms supporting you. "God chose this time and place for you, so make the most of it." was said often in our home. I think of it everyday. 

2. Whenever you have a question, go to Mother Mary. She will know.

My father had an incredibly strong devotion to the Blessed Mother. He prayed the Rosary daily and we always prayed it as a family on Sundays after supper. Whenever I had a big decision to make and I would seek his counsel, Dad would point me toward Our Lady. "I don't know a thing," he would say. "She has the ear of God. She'll know what you need." Thank you Daddy for one of the most profound lessons of my life.

3. LOVE with all your heart. 

I remember when I was getting married, my Dad sat me down and told me to never hold back in my marriage. He encouraged me to trust my husband with my heart fully and completely. "Love with all you've got and he will love you the same in return". He told me that with God's guidance, my husband would always love and protect me as well as lead our family with honor and integrity. Twenty-three years later, he could not have been more right.

4. Expect the unexpected. 

"Life is one surprise after another, so expect the unexpected, and you'll never really be surprised" he would say. I laugh when I think of this now. My life has been filled with surprises, most of them of the "unexpected" variety. I don't get as wrapped up in the drama of each one as I used to. I guess practice makes perfect. LOL!

5. Stand tall and speak the truth. 

I had issues with lying when I was younger. They landed me in a lot of hot water and I spent many hours in confession due to my fantastical storytelling. Every time I was caught not telling the truth my father would hang his head and tell me how each lie made me appear "smaller" to people. Each lie would chip away at my character and integrity, making it harder for people to trust me. If I would just stand tall and speak the truth then life would be so much easier for me. No truer words were spoken and I pray I am the woman of honor today he wanted me to be.

6. LAUGH...often. 

"Life is hard and filled with many sorrows,"he would say. "So laugh whenever you can." He encouraged me to smile everyday and keep joy in my heart. It will see you through all the bad stuff. This is my favorite memory of my Dad...his loud raucous laugh. Oh do I miss this glorious sound. He was right. I makes most days bearable. 

7. Fake it 'til you make it. 

Confidence was something my father had in spades. However it wasn't always that way. He struggled when he was younger and had many heart to hearts with his own mother about confidence and courage in any situation. Over time he came to believe it and it was something he hammered into us as young people. "You might not be the smartest person in the room, but if you smile and remain humble than you can accomplish anything you set your mind to and garner the respect of those around you. God gave you talent and it's up to you to use every bit of it whether you think you can or not. Fake it 'til you make it."

8. Smile like a donkey eating thistles. Never let them see you sweat.
"Life is not meant to be easy, " he would say. "But if we keep a positive attitude throughout any situation, no matter how difficult, you will get through it." I can hear his voice right now saying this. He faced many difficult things in his life. He survived Vietnam only to battle cancer for nine years that was caused from exposure to Agent Orange during the conflict. My father was a fighter who saw life as a series of battles in a great war. Sometimes you won, sometime you lost but there was a lesson in everything. So smile baby smile and eventually this too shall pass. I'm smiling Daddy...cam you see me?

9. You are who you surround yourself with. 

My Dad was blessed with many friends in his life, his best friend being my mother. He was always conscious of who we spent time with. He would say "If you spend time with people who don't believe in God you'll either be a saint or an atheist" or "If you spend time with people who drink and do drugs then you'll either be a saint or a user." I am happy to say that I'm an neither an atheist nor a user. I am still working on sainthood. Thanks Dad!

1988 - My wedding day and his 23 wedding anniversary

10. DON'T QUIT! EVER! 

"No Green quits. EVER!" How many times did I hear this growing up? Two hundred gazillion bajillion...every flippin day. You play to win. You leave everything you have on that field and when the contest is over and the score is not in your favor, it doesn't matter because you gave your all. "You give your all everyday and life will never disappoint you." Whether it was basketball practice or math homework, you don't quit. You persevere.

Yes sir! I promise Daddy, now and always.

tasty tuesday ~ roasted peppers w/sherry garlic vinaigrette & goat cheese

These are fabulous as a meal or an appetizer...pair them with a lovely chardonnay...sweet!

This weeks recipe was a bit out of the box for me as far as risk vs. end result. I know that I am a good cook but I don't always try new things that will challenge my palate. I tend to cook what I know. Recently I have fallen in love with goat cheese. It has a creamy texture with a slightly tangy taste that just makes whatever it is paired with pop. So now it is my personal mission to see how many different recipes I can find and make using this lovely cheese.

These peppers were made as a side dish to my lovely Mother's Day dinner. They were a lovely compliment to the flank steak and Grilled Broccolini my hubby made. The boys however were not the biggest fans so we had leftovers. The next night was a busy one with everyone running in a different direction. So I declared a leftover night with everyone on their own diving through the fridge. You guessed it, I was left with a baguette and the roasted peppers. So I checked the cheese drawer and struck gold with a smidge of goat cheese left from another dish. I sliced and toasted off my baguette, spread a little goat cheese on it and laid a pepper on top. It was sublime. I made one for my hubby and all of a sudden these roasted pepper things weren't so bad. Score one for MOM!!

I think these peppers would be great in a pasta salad, or mixed with other roasted veggies to kick the flavor profile up a notch. Give them a whirl. You won't be disappointed!

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

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 This weeks recipe is being shared with A Wise Woman Build's Her Home, Tuesday's Tasty Tidbits, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam , Domestically Divine Homemaking Link Up, Full Plate @ Miz Helen's Country Cottage, Raising Homemakers , Delicious Dishes, Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday, The King's Court IV, This Chic Cooks, Tuesdays at the Table, 33 Shades of Green as well as Frugality and Crunchiness w/ Christy! Head on over to their blogs and check out other fabulous recipes.

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tangy, crunchy sweet goodness!

Roasted Peppers w/ Sherry-Garlic Vinaigrette and Goat Cheese

from the June 2011 issue of Cuisine at Home

Roast:

6 bell peppers, assorted colors

Whisk:

3 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil

3 TBSP sherry vinegar

1 TBSP minced fresh mint

2 TBSP minced garlic

salt and pepper to taste

goat cheese an a baguette

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Roast peppers on a baking sheet until softened and skins darken, turning occasionally, 1-1 1/4 hours. Remove peppers from the oven. Let them rest until cool to the touch.

Remove and discard pepper stems and skins, being careful not to tear flesh. Cut peppers into quarters: discard seeds and membranes. Transfer peppers to a bowl.

Whisk together oil, vinegar, mint and garlic in a small bowl: season with salt and pepper. Pour vinaigrette over peppers, cover and let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight. Bring peppers to room temperature before serving.  

Slice a baguette and toast slightly on a baking sheet in the oven. Spread with goat cheese and place pepper slice on bread. 

Enjoy!!

{pretty. happy. funny. real} - #6

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

{pretty}

This is from my "Julia Child" rose bush in the front yard.
It is my favorite and so stunningly beautiful!

{happy}

Anytime I can get my Courtney to smile is a happy day for me!
They are a precious commodity.

{funny} #1

Daddy is trying to convince Miss Courtney that it is time for bed.
She is having none of it. I always laugh when Court uses 
this expression with us. It's like she's saying 
"I don't think so Daddy."

{funny} #2

They always make up after a quarrel. LOL! Courtney will do anything
for Daddy's kisses...even go to bed!

{real}

I slipped away for an hour or two the other day to do some writing/editing.
In order to concentrate a blueberry muffin and latte are required! 

tasty tuesday ~ cza cza's crisp spring salad...

the sweet pineapple and melon combined with the tart balsamic and 

the creamyblue cheese makes this salad a tasty winner.

Last month I had a wonderful visit from my friend Cza Cza. We spent the day visiting Old Town Occaquan exploring it's antique shops and historical sights all while enjoying beautiful weather. We decided to try a local seafood restaurant for lunch and that is where I discovered this absolutely sublime salad. It's a house specialty.

I admit I was intrigued with the flavor combinations when the waitress suggested it. The ingredients are simple but they provide such a punch of flavor it's rather surprising. I knew I could duplicate it and of course I had name it for my favorite lunch companion. Pineapples and cantaloupe are in season now so take advantage of it. Combined with the blue cheese, balsamic dressing and crisp romaine lettuce bring Spring right to your table. So enjoy!!

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

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 This weeks recipe is being shared with A Wise Woman Build's Her Home, Mom's Crazy Cooking, Tuesday's Tasty Tidbits, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam , Domestically Divine Homemaking Link Up, Full Plate @ Miz Helen's Country Cottage, Raising Homemakers , Delicious Dishes, Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday, The King's Court IV, Tuesdays at the Table, 33 Shades of Green as well as Frugality and Crunchiness w/ Christy! Head on over to their blogs and check out other fabulous recipes.

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simple loveliness...

Cza Cza'a Crispy Spring Salad w/Pineapple and Cantaloupe

recipe by Mary Lenaburg

Ingredients:

I head Romaine lettuce, washed and torn

1 1/2 cups thinly sliced fresh pineapple 

1 cup thinly sliced fresh cantaloupe

1 1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

4 oz crumbled blue cheese

Balsamic Dressing:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

*Whisk ingredients for dressing together in a bowl. Toss with salad ingredients and enjoy!

the rhythm of home ~ getting back into the swing of things...

Outside My Window ~

My husband created a natural trellis from a fallen
tree branch for these purple beauties. So beautiful!

I am Listening To ~

The coffee is percolating promising me the most lovely cup of java...I can't wait. The washing machine is humming and the dryer along side it. There are letters to write and homemaking to accomplish. It will be a busy day here at Casa Lenaburg.

I am Wearing ~

Denim capris, a sky blue cotton tunic, a pink canvas work apron and flip flops. Tis the season for flip flops and I love it!

I am Blessed and Grateful For ~

#270 ~ #300:

*God's bounty that comes forth from the earth.

*modern medicine that allows my daughter to live as seizure free as possible

*thanksgiving for my son's summer employment

*cold iced tea on a warm spring day

*corkscrew curls on a humid rainy day

*HGTV on a rainy day that inspires a few new homemaking projects

*a sewing machine that charges through a prom dress and capri pants

*roses that bloom on the very day you need a little peace of beauty to make all things right once more.

*hot sudsy water that aids the cleaning of my kitchen floors leaving behind the scent of lemons and verbena.

*a delicate china cup that delivers lemon and hot Earl Grey tea on a rainy afternoon

*late night movie dates in my own living room

*beautiful cotton fabrics that feels as soft as a babies cheek

*the sunshine, oh how I have missed the feeling of sun on my face

*story time with my favorite daughter

*corn chips, tacos and a cold beer shard with the man I love

*big fluffy pillows on a freshly made bed

*newly framed pictures of relatives lost but never forgotten

*hope for a new day

*friends who come to your rescue

*quiet time spent pondering God's word

*blue taffeta and lace stockings

*hot coffee cake fresh from the oven and friends to share it with

*freshly squeezed lemonade served with cookies and lots of smiles

*sweat and hard work digging in the dirt, coaxing the earth to cooperate

*a wonderful read on a Sunday afternoon

*clean socks...never underestimate the power of clean socks

*looking down the row at church and seeing the three most important people in my life. It's makes my heart sing every time.

*laughter

*clothing neatly folded and actually put away where they belong

*the challenge of new recipes in the kitchen

I am Pondering ~

"Not the goods of the world, but God. Not riches, but God. Not honors, but God. Not distinction, but God. Not dignities, but God. Not advancement, but God. God always and in everything."

 -- St. Vincent Pallotti

"To keep a lamp burning we have to keep putting oil in it." 

-- Mother Teresa

"Charity may be a very short word, but with its tremendous meaning of pure love, it sums up man's entire relation to God and to his neighbor." 

-- St Aelred of Rievaulx

I am Reading ~

Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly

A Killer Among Us by Lynette Eason

Mary and the Christian Life: Scriptural Reflections on the First Disciple by Amy Welborn

I am Creating Something of Beauty with My Hands ~

I am taking inventory of Miss Courtney's closet. She needs a few new pairs of capri pants and maybe a blouse or two. The goal will be to make them and NOT go to the fabric store but rather use what I have on hand. Looking below that shouldn't be a problem. LOL!

Ta-dah! The famous fabric stash.

On My iPod ~

I am loving Chris Sligh's 2010 CD "The Anatomy of Broken". His lyrics are honest and hit home every time. His songs One and Scars are my favorite. I can listen to them and instantly feel the presence of the One who loves me no matter what. 

I have also deleted several songs that after listening to just didn't sit right with me and my mother's ears. I instantly felt better. If I don't feel comfortable listening to it around my young nieces and nephews than  it goes. 

I am Writing ~

...still plugging away on the memoir. Structure is the name of the game and I am struggling a bit with it.   Won't give up though...never give up. I am also writing some more posts for this week. It's nice to find a rhythm with this blog once more. 

Towards Rhythm and Beauty in my Home this Week ~

I spent the weekend cleaning and except for one room I am feeling fairly good about the state of the house. It is amazing how quickly things can spiral out of control. Those darn dust bunnies are relentless. 

Living the Liturgy Daily ~

Since this is the month of Mary, I am concentrating on the rosary - saying it and learning more about it. It is also still Easter Season, so finding little things along the way to celebrate. I love my faith and the traditions it holds. 

I am Hoping and Praying for ~

*for the NFP class Jerry and I are teaching. May God guide our words and open the hearts of our students to God's plan for their future families.

*for perseverance with my new weight loss regimen...for patience with myself and my learning curve.

* for a return to civility with the political discourse in this country. Words have power and people need to be personally responsible for the words and deeds. "Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness." Mother Teresa

* for my cousin Anne and our friends son Mark, who are deployed to Afghanistan as well as our family friend Gerard a newly minted Marine and my cousin Eamon at Marine Boot Camp in San Diego. May God protect all those who serve this wonderful nation.

* for my sister-in-law Nancy who is expecting my new NEPHEW in September. That God may protect both Momma and little one. 

*for Caleb and his Momma and Daddy. That they may feel hope once more in the midst of great sacrifice. 

* for Elizabeth

"Pray, Hope and Don't Worry" ~ Padre Pio 

In the Garden ~

It looks like a flower unfolding but it's really romaine
lettuce in my garden. I can't wait to taste it!

There is so much happening in the garden. The tomato plants are growing, the pepper plants are right behind them. The kitchen herb garden gets greener by the day. All the recent rain has helped tremendously. I now have to schedule time each day to take a turn through everything for weeds but I don't mind in the least. This is my first big garden and I am excited to see the results in the next month or so. 

In the Kitchen ~

Things have been a little slow in the kitchen but this week I have a few new recipes I want to try. Our weekly CSA begins at the end of the month so that will really challenge my culinary creativity. Nothing like a box filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables to inspire. It's the not knowing what they will be each week that is freaking me out a bit. We are going to travel this journey together my friends. It will be one tasty trip!

Courtney's World ~

Miss Courtney has been struggling a bit of late. She has lost more weight (how? I have no freakin clue) and is now back under 100 pounds. This is NOT good at all and so I ask for your prayers. We have two weeks to see if we can turn things around to avoid further medical intervention. Because she has lost weight, she is seizing more often due to the differing med levels. Her care requires such balance. If one thing changes, then it rolls down hill and changes everything else! So keep praying...we need them all!

A Picture Thought ~

This is the feast that my honey made for me on Mother's Day!
I can't wait to share some of the recipes with you.

I love this man, especially when he cooks for me!
Mother's Day was so lovely...I can't thank him enough!
(Don't ya love the look? He makes me laugh)

Please join Ann Voskamp @ A Holy Experience to celebrate the little gifts given each day by the ONE who loves us most!