From One Generation to Another

I did something tonight that I've always wanted to do. It was fun. It made my husband say thank you." (which made it all the more worthwhile) I made a recipe that is a favorite of Mark's. And, although I always knew I could do it - I had been avoiding it for some crazy reason. And when it was all said and done, it was easy.

"Tomato Pineapple Relish" is a wonderful accompaniment to fish, pork roast, ham, and my favorite -- meatloaf. It was one of the first recipes that Mark's mom handed down to me after we got engaged. How silly is this?!?! We've been married 20 years -- we were engaged nearly 21 years ago -- and I'm just now attempting this recipe?!!?

Well, it won't be another 20 years. In fact, when these 3.5 jars are gone - I'll be making it again. It's that good.

And. . . because I love you? I'm going to share it with you.

Tomato Pineapple Relish

2 c. prepared tomatoes (see below)
1 1/2 c. crushed pineapple (drained)
2 t. Worcestershire sauce
2T vinegar
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. allspice
1/4 t. cloves
6 cups sugar
2 pouches Certo (1 box)

**If using fresh tomatoes, scald, peel, and chop tomatoes. Bring quickly to a boil. Simmer 10 minutes. Measure out 2 cups and put into large saucepan.

Once tomatoes are ready add pineapple, sugar, and seasonings to the pan. Bring to a hard boil (bubbling continues even when you stir it). Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat - stir in Certo. Skim off any foam and ladle into hot, sterilized jars.

Makes 4 (scant) pints.

Invert jars onto tea towel - let stand 5 minutes. Revert to upright status. Wrap (insulate) with 2 - 3 kitchen towels. The "pop" means they've sealed!!


According to my mother-in-law, it should make eight (8) jelly jars. I made pint jars - and got nearly four jars. The fourth (incomplete) jar will be put in our refrigerator -- because it needs to be used first.

I'm grateful I tried the recipe. I'm glad it worked. I rejoiced at the aroma in my kitchen. Between the cloves, allspice, and cinnamon -- it's a delicious aroma.

I encourage you -- nay, I challenge you -- to make this. It is delectable. It is delicious. It is unlike anything else I've ever tasted. And, you have to trust me on this, this relish will make you want to make meatloaf.

I'm serious. You will crave meatloaf from this point on.

Would I lie to you?

Heartwise. . . . .

Our pastor will finish a 3-week sermon series entitled "Heartwise" tomorrow morning. It has been a fun series to program. Songs about giving our whole heart . . . video clips about heart health and strength. . . and stories about open heart surgery.

This story, as you can imagine, has changed our lives forever.



Enjoy

More pics - as promised

I have to admit, this is being auto-posted by blogger on Friday. I will be busy pretty much from sun-up to sun-down. The final day of Fine Arts Camp -- getting 24 kids ready to perform songs, skits, and dances they didn't know on Monday morning. . . .getting them fitted for t-shirts, debating and deciding whether or not to print a program (97% of which will be thrown away)

Oh, and did I mention? Caroline will be participating in the program.

Yeah. It's gonna be a big day.

So, I'm auto-posting today. I'm hopeful that you will forgive -- because it is a few more pictures of my quilt weekend. I'm still fighting with my phone - trying to get a picture uploaded of the wall quilt. When that happens, I'll update. I promise. Until then, please enjoy these detailed pictures of the baby quilt in the previous post.

Yes, that would be me hiding behind the quilt. This is really a departure for me -- bright colors and more bold, geometric fabrics. But, I really like it.

Here's a closeup:


Not sure how I'm going to quilt the rows and sashes. We'll see in the days to come. I may get adventurous and use a colored thread for the sashes. That's pretty big for me. . . we'll see!

It was the best of pastas. . . it was the BEST of pastas!

Two nights ago, I wanted to make pasta. No real reason why, other than the fact that I love pasta. It's true. I know many of you are stunned by this shocking revelation. Sorry to be the bearer of such electrifying news!

Seriously - I wanted pasta.
Specifically - I wanted orzo.

I have made orzo a few times for my family, and sadly, they don't seem impressed. I really like orzo. It's small, compact, easy to mix with other ingredients. I like orzo. Family? Not so much.

So, I made a dish for them. . . and one for me.

Taking inspiration from my friend and my one-time hero (not so much any more) I made two pastas. But, I made them my way. (Note, my friend's link is the actual recipe that inspired me)

For the family, I made a Roasted Chicken Spaghetti with Peas. I made my own alfredo sauce, tossed the pasta with fresh chopped garlic, onions, peas, and part of a rotisserie chicken.

Note: I never buy rotisserie chickens. Let me rephrase that: I never used to buy them. I will be doing this again. . . soon.

Here's what I served the family:


Okay, now for my dish which was, by the way, the tastier of the two. (Okay, I probably made that part up -- but it was good!)

I made Martha Stewart's Orzo . . . .

Only, as you might imagine, I changed it up a bit. I served it warm, rather than at room temperature. I used dried basil instead of fresh. I added some rotisserie chicken. I doubled the garlic (yum!). And finally, I added some roasted red peppers for color. And it looked like this:


And, if I must say so -- I wasn't disappointed with either dish.

Or, to complete the quote circle I began. . .

"It is a far, far better pasta that I make, than I have ever made; it is a far, far better carbohydrate-induced sleep that I go to than I have ever known."

Way Too Much. . . .

I've got far too much on my plate this week (figuratively) to do a proper post about my weekend with Jean. But, she posted some pics on her blog, and I copied a few of them, and will add a few more of my own, a bit later on.

Fine Arts Camp this week - lots of stuff to do. Enjoy the pics. I'll write more later. I promise....

Me - sewing. Note the new reading glasses. I had to go from 1.25 to 1.5. I swear, I'm getting older by the minute!!

I finally got brave enough to attempt some half-square triangles. I actually put them to good use. (Will post later)

This was the first project I began - and finished - this weekend. It's a "Stacked Coins" baby quilt. The colors are pretty vibrant -- pink, yellow, blue, aqua, green! Fun!!

So, these don't do the weekend justice. Lots of fun. Loads of laughs. Great food. Deep, thoughtful conversation. Brunch at a German restaurant. Dinner at a Greek restaurant. Frozen Yogurt at a Hoity-Toity yogurt place -- YUM!

All the makings of a perfect weekend!

Thanks, Jean!!! You made it awesome......A

Up all Night

Seriously?!?!

I woke up sometime between 5 a.m. and 5:15 a.m. this morning. I NEVER WAKE UP THIS EARLY!!!

I suspect it's because I have a buh-jillion things on my mind. . .including going away for 4 days. This morning. That's right -- as soon as Edison gets home from football, Mark and I are hitting the road!

Where are we headed? Why, to the romance capital of the southeast. Birmingham, Alabama. What?! You'd not heard it was the "Vegas of the East?" Where have you been?

Seriously.

He's going to a baseball convention. I believe it has to do with Negro League baseball.

And no. . I don't know. . . :)

But, he's going to be in "Baseball Nirvana" for a few days, so I'm meeting up with my buddy Lois - I think I posted a picture a couple days ago - and we're planning to quilt, talk, laugh, and eat.

I'm also taking some work along with me. Before you say anything -- please note that I am directing a week of Fine Arts camp at church starting on Monday. Not to mention the fact that the Knoxville Buddy Walk is less than 3 months away, and I am the Chair of that committee again this year. (It will be my last for a couple years - mark my words)

So, I will have plenty to occupy my time while Mark is doing his baseball thing.

Just thought I'd say "hello" and "goodbye" for a few days. Oh, and to mention that Reason #673 that I love living near my family is that I can do something crazy like this -- and know that my kids will not only be safe and cared for -- but they'll have the time of their lives!

Ciao!