Words for Wednesday

Sleeping Bear Dunes, October 2011

A lot has changed for me since I last blogged. I lost someone who I was very close to in January and it changed everything. Nothing has been the same since and I expect it never will be quite the same. I saw this quote on a sympathy card years ago and have kept it in my quotes book since then. Not much brings comfort these days, but the one thing I rely on is knowing that he is "home". I struggle with why he had to go and what the reason was for all this, but I guess God needed him to carry out a higher purpose from up above. I know I am not alone in my struggle, so many blogs I read have been through hard times like this too. It's been a source of comfort to know that other people have dealt with great loss and found ways to overcome it. If they can do it, then I know I can too. Sometimes I get in a mood where I think how did this happen to me? Why me? I have it harder than other people, etc. etc. It helps to take the focus off of myself and realize that millions of people are suffering in different ways everyday. We ALL go through things and it lessens the pain just a little bit when I remember that. I hope this quote rings as true for some of you as it does for me. This life is a fragile thing, I know that for sure. And I don't want to take any of it for granted. I want to learn and grow and love as much as I possibly can before I return home.

Words for Wednesday

Grateful...

Via Shannanigans and Pinterest.

In the Kitchen: Orzo Dill Pasta w/ olives, feta & sun dried tomatoes

Hi guys! It's been AWHILE since I last really blogged, sorry for the absence. I was starting to miss you guys! I definitely took the Christmas break thing seriously. My office is closed between Christmas and New Year's so I was relaxing in Michigan for a nice, looong break just hanging out with family and friends. I brought my laptop home with me and literally never opened it. Kind of refreshing! Although, I was on my smartphone quite a bit :) Anyway, hope everyone is having a great start to 2012!

I made this pasta the other week and it turned out so delicious! I was inspired by a cold pasta salad sold at Treasure Island, a European style market in the Chicago area and one of my favorite places to grocery shop! I served this warm, but it was equally delicious the next day as a cold pasta salad.

Ingredients:
- Orzo pasta, about half of a 1lb package
- Fresh dill to taste, chopped
- 1/4-1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, cut into small pieces
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, I used domestic cow's milk feta
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, cut in halves or thirds
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- Note: All amounts can be done to your preference, I didn't measure exact amounts of anything, just threw in as many tomatoes, olives, etc. as tasted good and believe me, it does taste good!

I have the WORST kitchen lighting for pictures ever! It doesn't help that it's always pitch dark out when I'm cooking after work...sigh. Please excuse this picture quality.

Preparation:
Begin by bringing water to a boil for the pasta. While you wait for it to boil, cut and chop all the ingredients. Cook pasta until al dente. I just LOVE Orzo pasta! My family has always used it in our traditional Italian chicken soup recipe, but lately I've been using it for all sorts of pasta recipes.

Once the pasta is done things get pretty easy, just throw all the ingredients together and mix! The reason I liked serving this warm was because the feta cheese started melting and added a creaminess to the pasta that was delicious. The feta I used was domestic and made from cow's milk, whereas a lot of the fetas I normally buy are imported and have a slightly stronger taste. This type tasted milder and ended up working perfectly in the recipe.

Words for Wednesday

Via Quotable Cards

Eleanor Roosevelt sure was full of good words! How true this one is.

Been busy, busy over here with work, gym time, birthday celebrations! and life in general, but hope to be back with more updates soon!

Made in America Christmas

It's the last week of the Made in America Christmas gift list my sister and I have been doing. I can't believe Christmas is only a few days away! Luckily my shopping is done....the wrapping is another story! Some of the suggestions these week probably wouldn't make it to you by Christmas, but I think it's great to support American Made products all year long. Be sure to check out 33 Shades of Green for her list this week.

Personalized Pet Art, Grandin Road $69

We ordered one of these for my brother who has a pug that he adores. We thought they were cute, but couldn't believe that it was made in the USA! The art work came to us and right on the back it said "Hand laminated, 100% of the materials used in manufacturing are Eco friendly. Manufactured 100% in Vermont USA." They have a ton of dog breeds, and even a few cats to choose from and then you can get your pet's name printed. It is a great looking piece, really sturdy and ready to hang right from the box. What a great gift! And unexpected Made in the USA source!

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Kentucky Cutting Boards, Prices vary
I was doing some research on cutting boards while I did my Christmas shopping and was really happy to find many different brands all made right here in the USA! I love the designs from the Kentucky Cutting Board company. All their cutting boards are hand-crafted in their wood shop in Louisville, Kentucky.

Appalachian Maple Cutting Board with “Louisville style” Fleur de lis inlay, $78

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Pyrex Bakeware, prices vary 

It's good to know a great, American classic is still made in the USA, Pyrex glassware! I love Pyrex glass products and bakeware and have come to think of it as the gold standard for those type of products. I love how you can cook, heat and bake all in one dish. Not to mention, Pyrex holds up over time! I have some old pieces from Grandma and they are in great shape and still looking good. It's easy to find Pyrex products at most kitchen stores, big and small.

Here's what Pyrex, owned by World Kitchen had to say on their website: "World Kitchen has always manufactured Pyrex glass bakeware in the U.S. and our packaging proudly displays the American flag and the “made in the USA” label." Gotta love that. 

I have a lot of the Pyrex basics, but they have some great sets for kitchen "beginners"! What's a kitchen without a Pyrex pie plate after all? And what great prices too.

Pyrex Easy Grab 19 pc bake set, $48.99

I would love a simple casserole dish like this for casseroles or mac & cheese! 2-qt casserole, $12.99

Happy Holidays everyone! Hope you have a great Christmas, Hanukkah and Happy New Year!