amy's chicken caesar pitas...

This is one of my best friends, Amy.
Now granted, today, she's all grown up... well, sort of.
I mean, she's a grown woman now. Not a little stinker,
hanging upside down on the monkey bars.
Although, I'm pretty positive that the "hanging-
upside-down-little-stinker" is still around in spirit on a daily basis.
I've witnessed it.

We've been friends since 1991... that's 19 years man! Oh wow!
It just doesn't seem possible that that much time has gone by.

Amy and I talk on a daily basis... sometimes, on any given day,
we've been known to have multiple phone conversations. For real.
We talk about everything.
Food, kids, husbands, food, photography, world events, food,
trendy clothes, what's on sale, food, home decorating,
food, exercise, food, and good ol' food... oh, and just life in general.
But food... now that's usually on the top of the list for me.

I love trying new recipes, and my gal, Amy, is the
queen of just making one up. I envy that about her.
I, on the other hand, must have a recipe to follow...
although, I will say, I'm getting better at making up my own.
It makes me nervous, but I've had some success lately.
But now, Amy, she'll make one up, serve it to her family
and it's a huge hit... she's fabulous like that.

Here's one of her very own that she's been serving to her family
for a while now. I finally got around to trying it out on my homies...
and guess what? It was a huge hit!

So, with Summer fast approaching, I just had to share it with y'all.

*Amy's Chicken Caesar Pita's*

Here's what you'll need...

1 grocery bought rotisserie chicken, shredded
Hearts of Romaine, chopped
Grape or Cherry Tomatoes, quartered
Italian Cheeses, shredded
Caesar Dressing... fat free is ok.
Croutons
Pita Bread, halved and toasted

Toss everything together, except the pita bread, in a bowl.
Stuff each pita and top with more cheese, dressing
and/or croutons if you'd like.

Serve to your family on a lazy weekend
for lunch, or on a busy weeknight for dinner,
with chips fruit and tea or lemonade.

Enjoy!

Thanks Amy!
Love ya forever!
rolo

14 and her favorite pasta...

My baby girl turned 14 the other day.
Oh boy.
Oh boy, does time fly.

I can still see her twirling around in her tutu,
on stage at the Majestic, pointing to the other little
preschoolers to where they should be standing.
She was so bossy.
Still is.

Yep, that's my baby girl.

I still see her as my baby girl...
with her ear buds tucked in her ears,
applying mascara and straightening her hair,
with a social calendar fuller than the President's...
no joke!

Yep, she'll always be my baby girl.

And I hope all her wishes come true.

At the birthday girls request, I made a yummy dinner
and surprised her with her favorite pasta.

It's really simple and there is no recipe to follow.
Just throw some of this stuff in a bowl and chill it... then enjoy.

Here's what I used...

1 box bow tie pasta, cooked, drained and cooled.
Several Roma tomatoes, chopped
Fresh Basil, chopped
Mozzarella Cheese, cubed
Asiago Cheese, shredded
Olive Oil
Red Wine Vinegar
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
Fresh Spinach

And here's what I did...

~Cook, drain and cool the pasta.
~Toss in a bowl.
~Throw in the tomatoes, basil and cheeses.
~Mix in the olive oil and red wine vinegar.

~Sprinkle in the garlic and onion powder.
~Add the salt and pepper.
~Give it a nice stir... or two, or three.
~Toss in the spinach.
~Stir again.
~Taste.
~Make adjustments.
~Taste again.
~Chill.
~Enjoy!

xo
Rolo

photoshop love...

I love photography.
Some of you know that about me.
I love taking photos of my family,
my friends, little ones and pets...
Oh, and of course food!

But... what I love just as much as taking
the photo, is editing the photo.
It's like art class to me... SO fun!

I got a new lens the other day. Yippie!
This was the first photo I took with it.
It's of my baby girl... She turns fourteen in a few days!
She has not requested a strawberry cake this year... whew!

This photo is SOOTC (straight out of the camera).
My camera tends to shoot a little on the dark side.


There, that's better... I lightened it a little in Photoshop.


I thought it needed a little something more,
so I gave the color a little boost.
That's even better.

And here's something I almost always do to my photos...
run a black and white "action" on them.
Ahhh, even better!
I've always been a fan of black and whites...

And of "Bobby YaYa"!

xo
Rolo

happy mother's day...

It's Mother's Day.
I was up sipping coffee this morning while my family slept in.
Yep! They slept in! Ha!
But it was ok... it gave me a little time to do one of my
favorite things... blog.

I came across several poems that I thought I'd share.
Some remind me of my own life, and some I can
see some of my closest friends in.

Here's one for ALL of us mommas...

Super Mom
Mom, you're a wonderful mother,
so gentle, yet so strong.
The many ways you show you care
Always make me feel I belong.

You're patient when I'm foolish;
You give guidance when I ask;
It seems you can do most
anything;
You're the master of every task.

You're a dependable source of comfort;
You're my cushion when I fall.
You help in times of trouble;
You support me whenever I call.

I love you more than you know;
You have my total respect.
If I had my choice of mothers,
You'd be the one I'd select!



Here's one for those of us who have daughters that have become mothers...

Daughter of My Heart
You turned out even better
Than I often dreamed you'd be;
You're more than I had hoped for;
You're a sweet reward to me.

You grew up to be a mother
Full of wisdom, warmth and love,

A good and fine role model,
A blessing from above.

I couldn't be any prouder

Than I am of you today;
You're my daughter and my friend,
And a wonderful person too.

You have my love forever;

I adored you from the start;
It's a privilege to be your mother,
Dear daughter of my heart.



For those of us who have sons...

Best Mom Award
For all the things I didn't say,
About how I felt along the way--
For the love you gave and the work you've done,
Here's appreciation from your admiring son.

You cared for me as a little tot,
When all I did was cry a lot,
And as I grew your work did too--
I ran and fell and got black and blue.

I grew some more and it didn't stop;
Now you had to become a cop,
To worry about mistakes I'd make;
You kept me in line for my own sake.

I got older, and the story repeated;
You were always there whenever I needed.
You guided me and wished me the best,
I became wiser and knew I was blessed.

So, for all the times I didn't say,
The love I felt for you each day,
Mom, read this so you can always see

Just how much you mean to me.

Mom, Thanks for everything!



This one is dedicated to the grandmothers that raised us...

Wonderful Grandmother
Grandma, you're so wonderful,
On Mother's Day I think of you--
The unconditional love you give
The sweet and generous things you do.

You've made a difference in my life;
I love you more than I can say.
That's why I give this poem to you,
To wish you "Happy Mother's Day!"


And we couldn't possibly forget the stepmothers we love...

Stepmother Poem
I'm so blessed that you're my stepmom;
Let me tell you how I feel:
The deep affection I have for you
Is honest, true and real.

On Mother's Day, I'm really glad
I'm able to convey
How glad I am you're in my life;
Happy Mother's Day!



Here's one for how I feel some days...

I want to be locked up
I want to be locked up
Away from everything

Free from all the craziness
A mother's day can bring.

No planning, shopping, cooking
Three healthy meals a day,
Served up with love to finicky kids
Who throw most of it away.

No constant interruptions,
Dirty laundry on the floor,
Driving everyone every place,
Sibling rivalry (It's war!)

No asking me to do things
Getting mad if I forget,
Me giving up my very self-
I'm the family marionette.

Prison sometimes looks appealing
(Or maybe the loony bin),
I get free time and three square meals;
With nothing to do, I win!

I want to be locked up
For freedom, time and such,
There's just one obstacle for me:
I love my kids too much!


And finally, one for all my dear friends...

Mother's Day Poem For A Friend
I'm proud to have you as my friend,
A wonderful friend for me;
You're also a great mother, too;
I watch you admiringly.

Observing you, I often think
How blessed the world is now
To have you in it, friend and mom,
Happy Mother's Day; take a bow!


Yes indeed! If you're a mother, take a bow!
And enjoy the day.

Love,

Ralonda

spinach & tomato blue cheese pasta...

THIS is some good stuff... let me tell you. Oh. MY.
If you're a blue cheese lover, a tomato lover, and
a spinach lover, then THIS is the dish for you.

It's really simple to make, however, I didn't take photos
of each step. I was too hungry man, and had to concentrate
on getting it done.

The only thing I will do different the next time I make
it, is add about 1/2 cup of white wine.
But, if you're not a wine drinker, you can totally leave it out.

You'll need...
~1-1/2 pound Pasta... angel hair is best.
~2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
~3 cloves Garlic, minced... I used 4. I'm a garlic lover too.
~1 28 oz. can Diced Tomatoes, drained
~Dash of Sugar
~Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
~Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, to taste
~3/4 cup Crumbled Blue Cheese
~3/4 cup Heavy Cream
~4 cups Baby Spinach

~1/2 cup White Wine... optional

Cook pasta according to package directions.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
When hot, add minced garlic.
Pour in drained tomatoes.
Add sugar, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper to taste.
and cook for a minute.
Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to low and stir in crumbled blue cheese.
*This is where I would add the white wine.*
Add cream, stir and cook for about a minute or two,
tasting and adding more seasonings (more pepper) as needed.
At the very, very, very last minute, toss in the spinach and turn off the heat.
Immediately toss in the cooked and drained pasta.
Serve and devour!

And if you want some meat to go with your delicious pasta dish...
It goes nicely with some Oven Roasted Chicken Breasts.

Oh. MY!

Enjoy.
In Blue Cheese Heaven,
Rolo

tarragon chicken salad...

Are you a chicken salad lover?
I am.
I love chicken salad... especially homemade chicken salad.
Especially for lunch
Yum.


I actually made it two ways...
Well, I made it *one* way, then divided it, and added
a couple of more things to one half.
The one on the right has Dijon mustard and onions
added to it.
They we're both equally delicious... yum.


A "certain someone" followed me out on the deck
and stalked my lunch.


Seriously Buzz?
Don't be givin' me the stink eye.
You're not getting any of my chicken salad.
Shoo!


It's super easy to make.
Here's what you'll need.

~2 cooked chicken breasts, chopped... I used a rotisserie chicken
~1/2 cup Mayonnaise
~1/3 cup sour cream
~1 Tablespoon Dried Tarragon
~1/2 teaspoon salt
~1/2 teaspoon pepper
~2 stalks celery, chopped
~1/2 cup red grapes, halved

~1/4 cup onion, chopped... optional
~1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard... optional
~1/4 cup chopped pecans... optional

Whisk the mayo, sour cream, dried tarragon, salt, and pepper
(and Dijon mustard, if you're adding it) together in a bowl.
In another bowl, stir together the chicken, celery,
(onions & pecans,if adding them) and grapes.
Pour the mayo mixture over the chicken and mix well.
Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.
This will allow the Tarragon flavor to intensify.
Yum. Yum. Yum.

Serve on top of your favorite whole wheat toast or salad.


Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to go fight a
"certain someone" for my lunch.

Peace out.
Rolo

dr. pepper chocolate cake...

Ooooooo... you're gonna loooooove this.



It's got some really good stuff in it.


It practically melts in your mouth, it's so moist.

It's super easy to make too... I didn't even use my hand mixer.
I just used a little good old fashioned elbow grease.

Make it today... you won't regret it. Promise.

For the cake you'll need...

~1 1/2 cups Dr. Pepper Soda
~1/2 cup vegetable oil
~1 stick butter, salted
~4 Tablespoons Dark Cocoa Powder
~2 cups sugar
~2 cups All-Purpose Flour
~1 teaspoon baking soda
~2 whole eggs
~1/2 cup buttermilk

For the frosting...

~1 stick butter, salted
~4 Tablespoon Dark Cocoa Powder
~8 Tablespoon Milk
~4 cups confectioner's sugar (powdered sugar)

To make the cake...

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease or spray a 13 x 9 baking pan.
Combine the Dr. Pepper, oil, butter, and cocoa powder in a saucepan
over medium heat. When it comes to a simmer, mix well and turn off the heat.

Mix the sugar, flour, and baking soda in a medium to large bowl.
Stir in the chocolate mixture from the saucepan into the flour mixture.
*Don't over mix.*

In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the eggs and buttermilk together,
then add them to the chocolate flour mixture.
Stir just until blended. *Be careful not to over mix.*

Pour into your greased baking pan and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes or until
a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. *Be careful not to over bake.*

While the cake cools make the frosting...

In a saucepan, combine butter, cocoa powder, and milk over medium
heat, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth.

Add in the powdered sugar one cup at a time, stirring until combined after
each addition until smooth.

Pour over warm cake.

You can enjoy this cake anytime of the day... it goes well with your morning
coffee, or with a big glass of milk as an afternoon snack. It also pairs nicely
with a glass of red for dessert.

Enjoy.
xo
Rolo

caramelized onion & blue cheese sauce...

Now that Old Man Winter has finally left the building and
grill season is in full swing, you've got to give this sauce a try
next time you're grilling burgers or steaks.
I mean, you've got to.
You simply must.
No excuses.
You'll be glad you did.
And your taste buds will sing and thank you.
Your thighs... um, well, maybe not so much.
But what they don't know won't hurt them... right?

OK, lets make this wonderful goodness...

You're gonna need an onion (yellow is best), cream, and blue cheese.

Slice your onion... not too thin, not too thick.
Heat up a little olive oil and about a pat of butter in your pan.
Throw in your onions with a little salt and pepper.
Caramelize the onions... I don't know about you, but I could
just devour these right now! They smell soooooo good!

After they look about right, turn your heat to low.

Add in the cream... I'd say about 1/2 to 3/4 cup.

Then, the blue cheese... about 1/4 cup.
Give it a little stir.

Add a little more fresh ground pepper if you have it
and let it simmer for just a minute or two.
Just until most of the cheese melts nicely.

Now go ahead and put a spoonful on your plate and top
with your burger, then add more on top.
I skipped the bun... but that doesn't mean you have too.

Oh my word. Groovy man. Like totally. For sure.

Give it a try!
Just don't tell your thighs.

Peace.
Rolo

Oh, and in case you've been wondering why I've been signing off
as "Rolo" lately... well, that's my nickname. It's been my nickname
since I was like 12. I'll be sharing more on that with you soon.

tilapia & mushrooms in a mustard cream sauce...

I've been on a mustard kick lately.
Dijon Mustard... oh yes!
Have you ever just eaten french bread dipped in Dijon Mustard?
No? Well, then I'm here to tell you you're missing out!
Just try it, that's all I'm saying.

Ok, so, yesterday I was saying to myself, "what's for dinner".
I went searching and came across this delightful recipe
(which I changed up a bit to my likin')... and... OH. MY.
Was it ever delicious.
If you're a tilapia lover, a mushroom lover and a mustard lover
then, you'll love THIS too!

Here's what you'll need...

~4 to 6 Tilapia fillets
~Thyme
~Salt
~Fresh Ground Pepper
~Chicken broth
~White wine (optional)
~8 oz. thinly sliced mushrooms
~Cream
~Dijon Mustard

Start with 4 (if big) to 6 (if on the smaller side) Tilapia.
Coat them generously with Thyme, salt and pepper...


On both sides.


Warm up a little olive oil in your pan.
Check out my pan... I'd say it's been used a time or two wouldn't you?

Cook on both side for about a minute.

Now... pour in about 3/4 cup chicken broth... or about 1 1/4 cup
if you're not using wine.

However, if you're a wine drinker and love to cook with it, like me,
then here's where you'd pour in a generous 3/4 cup of white wine.
OR, you could skip the chicken broth altogether and just use the white wine!
Oh yeah, baby!
Then, bring to a boil.

After it comes to a boil, add the mushrooms.

About 2 to 3 tablespoons cream.

And finally, about 2 to 3 heaping tablespoons of Dijon Mustard.
YUM.

Give a little stir so everyone can play nicely together.
Bring back to a boil and simmer a couple of minutes.

Serve with rice or risotto and roasted asparagus.

Yum, yum, yum.

So good.
So easy.
So light.

What more could you want?

Enjoy!

Much Love,

Rolo

amy's slow cooker chicken tacos...

Good Monday morning!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Happy Easter.

If you're like me, you woke up this morning after a day
of baking, cooking, visiting, egg hunting and just plain ol' celebrating,
to what looks like a tornado just plowed through your house.
Well, if you did, that's just a sign that your holiday was a great one!

However, waking up to that kind of madness, on a Monday
morning no less, is no fun.
It makes me want to have a slice of leftover carrot cake with
my coffee and go back to bed.

But I can't. I must forge ahead.
And "ahead" also means thinking about what's for dinner.
*Insert scratching head and squinting eyes*... hmmmmmm,
who wants to think about THAT right now?!

With a quick look in the freezer, I discovered I had some
frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts... hmmm
With a quick glance in the pantry, I found a can of diced
tomatoes, a can of green chilies and some taco seasoning!
Voila! I can make Amy's Slow Cooker Chicken Taco's!
Problem solved! Amen!

That's all you'll need for the main stuff...
toppings like, lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream and
maybe a side of rice and/or black beans are optional.

Just throw the chicken (yes, even frozen!), tomatoes, green
chilies and taco seasoning (mixed with 3/4 c. of water of course)
in your slow cooker. Set it on low, put the lid on and walk away!

Super easy! And super yummy!

The chicken literally just falls apart.


Here's mine topped with the good stuff!
Yum!

Enjoy!

Hope you glide through your Monday!
Rolo