Apparently, I'm an idiot

I just read this in the NorthBay Biz and had to share it with you.

I know I'm not the only idiot.

Six Truths of Life

1. You cannot touch all of your teeth with your tongue.
2. All idiots, after reading the first "Truth," will try it.
3. The first truth is a lie.
4. You are smiling now because you're an idiot.
5. You will soon share this with another idiot.
6. There is still a stupid smile on your face.

I did everything this thing said. In order.

I'm an idiot, and proud of it!

(ps. So is Don!)


Source: www.laughitout.com

Caesar Salad with Crunchy Parmesan Croutons

Marzetti "Simply Dressed" Salad Dressing

Caesar Salad is Elli's favorite salad. She is quite fond of the version at Pizza Antica. She loves the garlicky dressing and super crunchy croutons.

So, when I was chosen to review a new Marzetti salad dressing I knew I had to try the Caesar to see if my girl Elli liked it.

So I set out to make a salad. I grabbed the dressing and tried to open it. It wouldn't open. I turned it every which way. It wouldn't budge. I grabbed my handy jar opener. Nuthin. I tapped it on the counter, followed by whining and stomping while whispering obscentities.

Aaaaaaaaargh.

I finally got a bottle opener and pried it open which caused the lid to split in three pieces. I have no idea why it wouldn't open. It goes on fine now. Of course it is only half a lid.

Thank goodness a Caesar salad is simple to make.

I grabbed the Romaine, and proceeded to made a big salad with yummy home-made croutons, and fresh shredded Parmesan cheese.

And the verdict? She liked it!

It's a little more tart than she prefers, but she didn't have any trouble polishing off her salad. Don thought it was a little bland. hmmm. And me? I thought it was pretty good. It had a nice balance of flavors, it wasn't too garlicky, and had a nice zing to it.

Don't forget the croutons.  They're really easy to make. All you need is some good bread, olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Make extra because everyone will steal them out of the pan. Trust me on that one.

Salty Parmesan Croutons

Ingredients:

Loaf of good bread
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Parmesan Cheese

Preheat oven to 450º

1. Grab a good loaf of bread. Ciabatta, French, Sourdough. It doesn't matter. Good bread is a must. It can be fresh. But stale bread works great too.
2. Shave really, really thin slices. Then break them up into 1" pieces
3. Set the bread pieces on a cookie sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil. Toss bread around in pan to coat.
5. Grate Parmesan cheese over bread.
6. Grind sea salt over cheese.
7. Bake in 450º oven for 5-10 minutes until lightly brown and crispy.

To make salad: Toss the dressing with the salad, add fresh shaved Parmesan and divide onto plates. Top with crunchy croutons.

Did I mention I was kidnapped by clowns?

I was one of the bloggers selected by T. Marzetti Company and Clever Girls Collective to host a Marzetti Simply Dressed review. They provided me with product to test myself and compensation for my time. However, my opinions are entirely my own.

Raspberry Buckle

I had a serious craving for Blueberry Boy Bait the other day but we didn't have any blueberries. We had Raspberries. So I made this Raspberry Buckle instead.

It was good.

I guess I could have made the Boy Bait with Raspberries. But I liked the idea of trying something new.

The recipe called for 2 containers of raspberries. I only had one. So it was a little light on the fruit. The good news is the cake is moist and delicious so it tasted just fine with one container. Two would be nice. I'll wait for the raspberries to go on sale and I'll make this again.

You could definitely substitute blackberries or blueberries.

And the best part? It's great with a cup of coffee in the morning, as an afternoon snack, or served as dessert. I tried it in all three day parts and give it two thumbs up.

Yes, I did. They were all just little nibbles from the pan. But yeah, probably didn't need to eat it three times in one day.

Did I just admit that out loud to everyone? Yes, I did.

Sprinkle raspberries on the batter

Cool 20 minutes

Dust with powdered sugar

Top with a dollop of whipped cream

Raspberry Buckle
(from Everyday Food '07)

Serves 6

Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 container of raspberries (double for a fruitier dessert)
Confectioners sugar for dusting
Whipped cream, optional

Preheat oven to 350º

Directions
1. Butter a 2-quart oval baking dish using the wrapper from the butter.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy. This may take 5-10 minutes.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition to combine.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder; with mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture until incorporated.
5. Spread batter in the baking dish. Scatter raspberries on top.
6. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean and top is golden brown, 25-30 minutes.
7. Let cool 20 minutes.
8. Dust with confectioners sugar, if desired.
9. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream (optional.)

Enjoy!

Bloody Mary Pitcher

Happy New Year!!!!!

Did everyone have fun ringing in the new year? We did.

We hung out with some old friends, and made some new friends. It was a great time. We laughed and laughed and laughed.

Not sure the Bocce Ball place completely appreciated us bringing in hats and noisemakers for our extra large group. Oh well, it was their first New Years Eve. They'll ask more questions next time before booking a group of 20.

I'm making black eyed peas for us today. We didn't make any last year and boy do we regret that. I don't care if they taste like dirt. We're eating them. We're starting this year off right.

We'll wash them down with a Bloody Mary. There is nothing like the peppery tomato juice paired with vodka and yummy garnishes. I like a cocktail that is also a snack.

Bloody Mary Pitcher
makes 4-6 cocktails

1 32oz bottle of Bloody Mary Mix (Zing Zang or Big Daddy's)
1 1/2 cups Vodka

Garnishes: Celery, olives, beans, lime, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, mini pickles

Combine Bloody Mary mix and vodka in a pitcher with ice. Set out glasses, ice and garnishes in bowls or cups. Let your guests make their own.

Have a great day everyone!