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I LOVE cooking from recipes, and making up meals, I LOVE spending time with my boys (all three) and entertaining my family and friends, I LOVE bargain shopping (vintage stores included), I LOVE flipping through fashion and design mags, I LOVE the smell of libraries and how often I could get lost there, I LOVE scanning realty websites, I LOVE Trader Joes and LUSH, I LOVE fresh flowers and all four seasons, I LOVE Cincinnati and am always ready to travel, I LOVE stationary and stamps, I LOVE diamonds and pearls, tulle and lace, I LOVE smelling coffee and drinking tea, I love marshmallows and chocolate, I LOVE cozy sheets and morning sunshine, I LOVE me and I love GOD!

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Showing posts with label Cooking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cooking. Show all posts

Monday, November 11, 2013

For my mothers, sisters, aunties and friends...postive things coming our way...


 
 
 
Take a moment to soak in this lovely video promoting a site I absolutely can't wait until it launches. Positive energy is what I'm all about and this my sisters I just can't wait to experience.
 
I have singed up to be a part of the community and I encourage you to do the same, Living Ma'at, which means living your purpose. It will inspire you to do a little everyday towards living the life you deserve. Also take a look at the tour, here.
 
xoxo,
Ronita
 


Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Slowly saying goodbye to summer

I walked out the door this morning and was hit with an instant feeling that summer is slowly leaving making room for fall. The chill in the air and the cool breeze got me thinking about all the things I need to do to get ready for fall. Prepare the house for back to school, switch out clothes to allow for more layering and all the fun things I can't wait to do!
 
Here is collection of my goodbye summer hello fall musings...
 
 
 
goodbye summer
 
1. Thinking of doing a big hair transformation, cut and color 2. celebrating my 30th birthday with fun festivities  3. candles, candles, candles
4. preserving the flavors of summer
5. dark and plumy nails 6. busting out the boots 6. healing soaks in the bath
 
I'm sad to see summer pass bye but I know she will return.
 
xoxo,
Ronita

 

Sunday, November 25, 2012

{foodie blog highlight and Christmas dessert}




Quirky. Colorful.Creative.

Raiza Costsa is Brazilian born blogger living in NYC and I love love love her cooking show/blog. I can't wait to try the below recipe this Christmas (which is exactly one month away). I am already planning my menu and this "praline like" cheesecake will fit perfectly in my New Orleans themed menu!!!



Check out her blog and try her recipes.
I know I will.

xoxo,
Ronita

Monday, November 12, 2012

{COOKBOOK: to add to my collection}


Brown Betty Bakery Cookbook from Blossom Productions on Vimeo.

This will be on my Christmas wishlist.
What a great story.

One of these days I'm going to get some family recipes together and compile a cookbook.

It's coming!

xoxo,
Ronita

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

{my mushroom and crab ravioli recipe with garlic cream sauce}

Step 1: Make pasta dough
Mix in standmixer with paddle attachment
2 3/4 cup all purpose flour
3 eggs
1tbsp of olive oil
pink of salt
*I had to add about 1/8 cup of water to moisten the dry mixture*

Once incorporated switch to dough hook and knead for 6 minutes.
Cover with kitchen towel and let rest for 30 minutes.

Cut the dough into 4ths
Using my mixer, I switched to the pasta roller attachment and rolled out 4 pasta bands


Step 2: make ravioli filling
Saute in a skillet
1 cup of finely chopped shitake mushrooms
1/2 small red onion
1 cup of crab meat
sage
basil
garlic
*take off heat and let cool for 5 minutes*

In a separate bowl mix
1 egg
1 cup of ricotta cheese
salt
pepper

Mix the cheese mixture with the saute mixture


Step 3:
Spoon filling onto pasta roll and cover with another pasta roll

Step 4: I used a ravioli stamp I purchased from William Sonoma

Stamp out ravioli and place on well floured plate. Let rest for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Boil salted water and add ravioli. Boil 3-5 minutes.


While the ravioli was resting I prepared a basic cream sauce.

Step 6: Saute 1 tbsp of butter with garlic, sage, onion, basil add 1 cup of heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes.

Plate and enjoy!

xoxo,
Ronita

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

{Recipe: Ina Garten's Italian Wedding Soup}

Last week I wanted to try a "warm weather" soup that was delicious and nutritious. The Barefoot Contessa's Italian Wedding Soup recipe is just that. With lean meat, organic chicken broth, spinach and other veggies, it was a crowd pleaser. I plan on making some big batches during the fall and freezing for a perfect sick day soup.

I found the recipe here, on Recipe Girl's blog.



I would make these meatballs by themselves. So good and perfect right out of the oven.






This is going to be a perfect dish for our 3rd anniversary dinner party.
07.02.12

xoxo,
Ronita

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

what I am loving NOW!!!

nomnom...this local gelato is divine..perfect for spring!

My new seeds...I think I have a new obsession, collecting seeds...lettuce, pumpkin, rainbow chard and basil

fresh picked flowers

cookbooks from the library

Trader Joe's Crimsom Blossom green tea
our rain boots and all this rain...perfect for my seedlings

Happy Tuesday
xoxo,
Ronita

Friday, March 23, 2012

Weekend Cooking


Think I will be trying some of the recipes off my new favorite food blog bell'alimento this weekend.

Can't wait to get in my kitchen and sip on a cold glass of wine.

Here's to the weekend.

xoxo,
Ronita

Friday, February 10, 2012

Healthy Soulfood...Say What Say What?



          

               
     I LOVE these ladies.
Healthy soul food and a little history lesson.
Perfect way to start my Friday.
Maybe I will try one of their recipes this weekend.

HAPPY FRIDAY
xoxo,
Ronita

Friday, November 11, 2011

Meeting The Neelys!!!




Oh we had a ball!!! Tre' was just as amazed to meet them as I was. Tre' loves to cook and be in the kitchen with me so we always joke that he is Pat and I'm Gina. He makes sure I know when they are coming on so I don't miss the show! These two were just as sweet and genuine as what you see on TV. I know you can just as easily print off recipes online, or get them on your iPad...but nothing beats a book that you can feel, see the beautiful pictures and read the family stories!!!

One day I'll have to get to Memphis to try their food!!!




Just a little snippet of them signing my book and me letting her know how much we love her red velvet recipe!!!


In the new cookbook it looks like there are some amazing recipes to celebrate everyday life!
I can't wait to try them all!!

First Up: Memphis Style Popcorn....for a relaxing movie night tonight with my boys. It's been a long week. Time to relax and unwind.


xoxo,
Ronita

Monday, November 7, 2011

OMG Not Another Neely's Cookbook--Thrilled!!!

I want I want!!

I love cooking, I love cookbooks, I love recipes, I love entertaining and I love The Neely's!!

I know a lot of people hate on the Neely's but I love them. I think they are amazing together and honestly their food is delicious! I got their first cookbook a couple years ago and can't wait to get this one. I'm sure it's chocked full of amazing recipes and family stories--just what I would expect from them!!

Maybe a Christmas gift...wink wink

xoxo,
Ronita

Thursday, October 13, 2011

These ladies are FIERCE!!!! Must Watch series!!!





They inspire me! I love when I come in contact with like minded individuals!! Episode 3 talks about CSAs, which I talked about in a previous post this week.
If you missed it click here.

Go ladies! To learn more about them check out their website: http://www.foodheavenmadeeasy.com/

Happy. Healthy Cooking
xoxo,
Ronita

apple pie..no, apple fritters, no...applesauce!!!

Since I am doing a "No Junk Food Challenge" with some ladies from work, I realized instead of making that apple pie I have been meaning to make with all the apples we have, why not make something healthy the kids will love and that is perfect for my challenge.

Applesauce

(via)

4 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. Cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. Allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher
(via)

I may even eat it warm with some yummy oatmeal.

Simple.Delicious

xoxo,
Ronita



Saturday, October 1, 2011

Fall Recipes: Corn, Mushrooms, Pumpkin


Over the past week I have tried some really yummy fall inspired recipes. I went to my favorite produce store here in Cincinnati  and lucked out on some yummy marked down aka "eat it as soon as you can " produce. Everytime I take a trip there I head straight to the marked down rack. 
This time I found some really yummy treats.

Portabella mushrooms (which I have never cooked before). Corn on the Cob. Apples. Basil and Plantains

Here are 3 recipes I found on allrecipes.com that I tried and love...

Perfect for fall.

APPETIZER


Easy Portabella Mushroom Sautee
Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic flavored olive oil
1/4 onion, cut into chunks
2 portobello mushroom caps, sliced
salt and black pepper to taste
freshly grated Parmesan
freshly grated Asiago cheese

Directions
1.Warm 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic flavored olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onions and mushrooms; reduce heat to low, and cook until the mushrooms are soft and blackened and the onions are black around the edges. (Add additional olive oil as needed.) Turn the heat off, drizzle with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan and Asiago cheeses.

MAIN COURSE

Corn and Crab Bisque
Ingredients

1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup onion, chopped
3 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
3 cloves garlic
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
4 ears corn, kernels cut from cob
1/2 cup half-and-half
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
16 ounces fresh lump crabmeat

Directions
1.Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in onion; cook until soft and translucent. Pour in chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Stir in garlic, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir corn into boiling broth. Simmer about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium low.
2.Remove 1 cup of soup, and set aside to cool slightly. Then pour into a food processor. Pour in half-and-half. Puree for 30 to 45 seconds, and set aside.
3.In a small bowl, stir together flour and milk. Slowly stir into simmering soup. Stirring constantly, simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. Then stir in pureed mixture.
4.Reduce heat to low, stir in crab meat, and cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes.



DESSERT
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients

1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions
1.Combine pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and egg. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Dissolve the baking soda with the milk and stir in. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and mix well.
2.Add vanilla, chocolate chips and nuts.
3.Drop by spoonful on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly brown and firm.

Check out some of my other favorite recipes here.


What are some of your favorite fall recipes? Comfort food, desserts?

xoxo,
Ronita

Friday, September 23, 2011

HAPPY FALL

Here's to...

festive decorations...


fall fashion...


baking pies (and other delectables)...


burning candles...(these are my favorite Bath and Body Works -have you smelled the new bake shop line?)

experiencing nature at one of it's best times (in my opinion)...

Cincinnati is such a great place to experience fall.
My favorite time of year!!!

HAPPY 1st Day of Fall

xoxo,
Ronita



Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Cook Decorating Class I

Last night I took an amazing Basic Cake Decorating Class at Cincinnati Cake and Candy Supply. My hubby got this for me for Mother's Day and I signed up for their September class. It’s a 4 week class that covers how to properly ice and border a cake, how to torte a cake with fruit fillings, basic flowers including a rose and rosebud, chocolate molding, writing, basketweave, simple figure piping including a clown, lacework and use of colors. How exciting!!

Although this is not on my 30 before 30 I am adding it to the list because, wel,l it's something I've always wanted to do and I am accomplishing it!!
Below are some quick snaps from class last night. We learned about baking at various temps, the proper way to ice a cake, filling a cake with fruit, and making a buttercream icing.

My fun apron I brought to class! Just in time for Fall.


My goodie box of supplies: tips, couplers, spatula, reusable bags, flower stand...fun!

Practicing my technique using the different tips.
My final product: I practiced transferring an image using piping gel, I outlined and practiced my stars to fill in this cute little piggy!

Stay tuned for pictures of next week's class.

HAPPY Tuesday

xoxo,
Ronita


Monday, September 5, 2011

Labor Day Weekend Recap: FOOD EDITION: I probably gained 5lbs!!!

I started the weekend off with a date night with the hubby.
The boys went to the UNIVERSOUL Circus and we used one of our Groupons (I'm obsessed with Groupon) to go to an absolutely soul stirring restaurant

Local 127 where their motto is "Local 127 is a New American Eatery with an emphasis on Farm to Table Dining. Quality Local Sourcing provides only the Freshest Ingredients, prepared with a Respect for Tradition using the Innovative Tools of Today"

We enjoyed this meal so much!

The Bourbon Flip

Appetizer: Chicken Confit Wings and Chile

My dinner: Chicken Two Ways

Scott's Dinner: NY Strip with Potatoes 3 Ways 

***

Saturday morning we woke up and traveled to my little nephew's 1st birthday party!! Boy what a blast! We had so much fun and can't believe it's already been a year!

Her mom is the best baker in Columbus! You have seen her work in a previous post of our wedding.
She made our groom's cake. The birthday cake had a layer of lemon, peanut butter cup, and the bottom layer was red velvet and vanilla.




Before we left Columbus, I made the hubby stop at the world famous Jeni's Ice Cream and I finally got to taste...ooooooooh my I loved it!!!




I got the STUDY which is 4 scoops (of course) of any of the ice creams. I chose: Ugandan Vanilla Bean, Salted Caramel, Rockmill Golden Ale &Apricots, and the Sweet Corn and Berries
It was so good and well worth the trip!!!

Sunday we celebrated my mom's 60th birthday. I made a delicious homemade red velvet cake using the Neely's recipe.


Cream Cheese frosting

I even had enough cake batter left for a dozen cupcakes!



We added a bit of relaxing, cleaning the house, folding clothes (switching our clothese over from summer to fall) and catching up on some reality TV!!

It was a perfect weekend.

How was yours?

xoxo,
Ronita