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HAPPY THURSDAY SMACKERS!
Share a Spoon
Today's theme is...
PASTA
I didn't have a request today, so I actually chose the theme. I was hoping that we would get some fun new recipes. Pasta is one of the most versatile and universal ingredients. Almost every culture has their own version of a noodle or some sort of pasta.
I make all sorts of pasta dishes, most of them Italian in origin. Though we do enjoy a nice stroganoff and goulash on occasion. I love couscous and orzo salads. Chicken noodle soup is my husband's favorite.
Today I thought I would share an easy peasy pasta dish.
This is my Americanize version of Prociutto and Peas.
Easy "Peas"y Pasta Alfredo
Ingredients:
1 Box Penne pasta 1 large ham steak diced 1 bag of frozen peas 2-3 Tablespoons of fresh chopped Italian Flat Leaf Parsley
Alfredo Sauce: 2 cups heavy cream 1 stick butter 2 cups grated parmesan black pepper 1 clove garlic grated
Cut ham steak into bite size chunks. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to a skillet and brown the ham steak. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a sauce pan, over medium heat, melt butter and heavy cream together. Add the grated garlic and let simmer. Whisk in parmesan and pepper and simmer over low heat.
Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Salt the water liberally and boil pasta according to the directions. In the colander, open the frozen peas. When the pasta is done pour the hot water and pasta over the peas. Stir peas into the pasta.
Pour pasta and peas back into the pot the pasta was cooked in. Add the browned ham. Pour the alfredo sauce over and mix. Stir in the flat leaf parsley. Serve and Enjoy!
I made the rolls to go with this meal. They are super easy. Even if you don't have a stand up mixer. You only have to knead this dough for 6 minutes or so. It's a very soft light and fluffy dough. I promise, these are SOOOOOO worth the effort.
Ingredients:
1 package quick rise yeast 2 Tablespoons of sugar 1/2 cup warm water 2 cups warm milk 1/4 sugar 2 eggs 1 1/2 Tablespoons salt 2 cloves grated garlic 2 tablespoons dried oregano 1/2 cup olive oil 7-7 1/2 cups of flour
In a large bowl add yeast, warm water and 2 tablespoons sugar. Allow the yeast to bloom. Takes a couple of minutes. Warm the milk in the microwave while waiting for the yeast to bloom. Crack the eggs into a bowl. Once the yeast has bloomed add the warm milk, olive oil, eggs, sugar, garlic, oregano, salt and three cups of the flour to the bowl. Mix together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Slowly work in the remaining flour one cup at a time. Once all the flour is incorporated turn dough out onto a clean floured surface and knead the dough for 6-8 minutes. This is a soft and a little sticky dough.
Coat the bottom and sides of a large bowl with olive oil. Add dough to prepared bowl turning to make sure it is coated in the oil. Cover with a clean dish towel and set aside to rise. The dough should double in size in an hour. Punch the dough down and turn out onto a clean floured surface. Cut the dough into 4 equal parts. Cut the quarters into 6 equal sized pieces. 
Cover a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 24 rolls and place on the prepared cookie sheet.
Cover the rolls and let them rise until they double in size. Takes about 45 minutes.
Melt a stick of butter. Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter. Sprinkle with a little parmesan and flat leaf parsley.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes.
I promise you will LOVE LOVE LOVE these, and you will LOVE LOVE LOVE me for sharing them with you!!
O.k...I shared mine, it's your turn. Bring on the oodles of noodles! Link up, leave me some love, and let me know what you want to see here on Thursdays! Amare Dalla Casa di Romano!

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Make some Post-it Notes and Stick 'Em Up!
Then run over are link up with That One Mom.
Share a Spoon - Easy Peasy Pasta Alfredo
Thursday, September 30, 2010

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Share a Spoon
Bully
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
My boys walk home from the bus stop everyday. It's several houses down from where we live. So, Kooper calls me the moment he gets off the bus and we talk until I can physically "see" him and his brother.
Last week he called and he was in tears. He was crying so hard I could barely understand what he was saying. I had asked the same question I do every day, "How was your day?"
I got from the conversation that someone had been mean. I just couldn't really make out the details through the tears.
Once he got home I got the whole story. A kid in his class has been bullying him since school started this year. He has been calling my son "fat", "stupid" and making fun of him so that he has quit participating in football with the other boys at recess. He told him the only thing he(my son) could do was outweigh his(the bully) mom.
I was furious to say the least. I felt the sting of anger hit my eyes, and I fought back the tears with everything I had while I consoled my broken hearted son. I asked him several questions about the other child, and fought the urge to make disparaging comments about the bully. We discussed the situation. I told Kooper that the bully was just jealous.
Kooper retorted "He's not jealous of me mom, I don't have anything he wants, why would he be jealous?"
I said, "You do too son. You have friends, and family who love you. Do you know why people say hurtful things like that?"
"Yes Mom, I know that he does it to make himself feel better. It still doesn't make it any easier to take." he replied.
My heart skipped a beat. For a split second I was elated that the things I try to impart in my children are actually sinking in. Then the reality of his words hit my heart and the stinging in my eyes took over. I hugged my baby tightly and told him that I loved him. Told him he was perfect and that no one could take away his dignity unless he gave it to them. I wiped my tears before he could see them.
I told him that obviously this little boy was lacking something at home. Kooper argued that this boy claims how perfect his life is all the time. Boasts about it even. He has everything. He has perfect this, and perfect that. I asked Kooper if he really believed that. He sat and thought for a moment. "I guess not. He wouldn't have to tell everyone if that was true would he Mom?"
"No Koop, he wouldn't."
"He's kinda sad and pathetic huh?"
"Son, obviously he has some issues that we don't know about. Just remember that and try not to let the things he says get to you."
With that Kooper got up and went to play in his room.
I quickly made a break for my room where I no longer fought the anger or hurt and I let the tears fall from my face. How dare that child hurt my sweet tender hearted baby! After I let it out, I washed my face and composed myself.
I spoke to Kooper later and he asked me not to address the situation at school. He said his teacher had seen him crying after recess and that she assured him that she would correct the problem. I agreed that this time I would let it go as long as it was addressed by his teacher.
The next time? Momma Bear is going down to take care of it!
What would you do Smackers? Have any of you had similar issues with school bullies?
Last week he called and he was in tears. He was crying so hard I could barely understand what he was saying. I had asked the same question I do every day, "How was your day?"
I got from the conversation that someone had been mean. I just couldn't really make out the details through the tears.
Once he got home I got the whole story. A kid in his class has been bullying him since school started this year. He has been calling my son "fat", "stupid" and making fun of him so that he has quit participating in football with the other boys at recess. He told him the only thing he(my son) could do was outweigh his(the bully) mom.
I was furious to say the least. I felt the sting of anger hit my eyes, and I fought back the tears with everything I had while I consoled my broken hearted son. I asked him several questions about the other child, and fought the urge to make disparaging comments about the bully. We discussed the situation. I told Kooper that the bully was just jealous.
Kooper retorted "He's not jealous of me mom, I don't have anything he wants, why would he be jealous?"
I said, "You do too son. You have friends, and family who love you. Do you know why people say hurtful things like that?"
"Yes Mom, I know that he does it to make himself feel better. It still doesn't make it any easier to take." he replied.
My heart skipped a beat. For a split second I was elated that the things I try to impart in my children are actually sinking in. Then the reality of his words hit my heart and the stinging in my eyes took over. I hugged my baby tightly and told him that I loved him. Told him he was perfect and that no one could take away his dignity unless he gave it to them. I wiped my tears before he could see them.
I told him that obviously this little boy was lacking something at home. Kooper argued that this boy claims how perfect his life is all the time. Boasts about it even. He has everything. He has perfect this, and perfect that. I asked Kooper if he really believed that. He sat and thought for a moment. "I guess not. He wouldn't have to tell everyone if that was true would he Mom?"
"No Koop, he wouldn't."
"He's kinda sad and pathetic huh?"
"Son, obviously he has some issues that we don't know about. Just remember that and try not to let the things he says get to you."
With that Kooper got up and went to play in his room.
I quickly made a break for my room where I no longer fought the anger or hurt and I let the tears fall from my face. How dare that child hurt my sweet tender hearted baby! After I let it out, I washed my face and composed myself.
I spoke to Kooper later and he asked me not to address the situation at school. He said his teacher had seen him crying after recess and that she assured him that she would correct the problem. I agreed that this time I would let it go as long as it was addressed by his teacher.
The next time? Momma Bear is going down to take care of it!
What would you do Smackers? Have any of you had similar issues with school bullies?
PINT - Notes to Self
Tuesday, September 28, 2010

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PINT
Friends You Love Blog Hop - There are Toys in my Tank!
Monday, September 27, 2010
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Friends You Love Blog Hop
Anouncements!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
*DRUM ROLL PLEASE*
The winner of my Mabel's Label Mama Cards™ Giveaway is....
Congratulations!
A big round of applause and THANK YOU to our sponsor.
In other FYL news....
As September comes to a close, we want to thank everyone who made the Friends You Love event such a success. What a better way to say "Thank you!" than by throwing a party?!?!
Please join us
Thursday, September 30
from 8:00 - 9:30 p.m. CST
for the
Friends You Love Twitter Gala
sponsored by
To participate follow
hosts
and
as well as special guest
On the day of the party, we will provide you with a custom tweet grid to follow along!
RSVP in advance and be entered into a random drawing!

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