Happy Mother's Day

Today was a wonderful day in the Brandi household. We had dinner today with my brother and sister-n-law, home from Ohio and my sister and nephew over also. I didn't get a chance to take pictures of dinner, I will let you know what our menu was.... BBQ grilled chicken breasts and thighs, spaghetti salad ( posted the pic yesterday ) garlic toast and bar cheese, beanie weinies and raspberry cake for dessert, oh and brownies. My mom had phone calls from everyone today wishing her a happy mothers day and I truely believe this is one of the best ones ever!~

Happy Mother's Day to the best mother in the world!~

~K

Jack's Spaghetti Salad

Jack, who is my father is famous for his "spaghetti salad" but he uses rotini noodles instead of spaghetti. My dad cuts each veggie up so perfect. This salad is well known around the city, everyone loves it. His secret? He does not use McCormick's seasoning.... So there are only a few chosen ones that actually have his "secret spice ingredients."

Bow Tie Salad

I made this today for Mary Lynn's Mother's Day dinner......This recipe was given to me by Janet Young . It is so yummy, I had to add some red pepper for some color though JY.... It is still yummy.

TRUFFLES-

Luscious Truffles. These little guys will surprise you and your taste buds.

Comes in the following flavors; Banana, White, Chocolate, Cherry Chip and Yellow.

Need 48 hour notice for orders, Cost: $10 for bakers dozen!

Summer Food Safety Tips

As the weather gets warmer and friends and family gather for picnics and reunions you do not really think about food safety... Follow these precautions:

1) When packing a cooler or picnic basket, wrap raw meat and fish separately from cooked foods in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags!

2) It is a good idea to have 2 sets of cutting boards, grilling utensils and platters, one for cooked food and one for uncooked foods.

3) Wash your fruit or veggies before you transport them.

4) Pack extra saran wrap or foil and baggies and containers for leftovers.

5) If you do not have access to soap and water bring moist towelettes and antibacterial soap that does not require water to wash dishes or work areas.

6) HOT FOODS should be eaten in 2 hours of being made!

7) Remove cold foods from the cooler right before serving.

8) Foods should not stay out longer than an hour...1 hour on days that are 85* or higher

9) Promptly store hot and cold left-overs in an iced filled cooler. If no ice remains in the cooler when you get home, play it safe and discard the food!

Lemon Cake

This Lemon Cake is sooo refreshing, the perfect Spring/Summertime dessert! What a treat this is. Please take this to a potluck and everyone want the recipe. Give it to them if you choose, or keep it as your speciality. This is so easy to do you will want to make it all the time!

1 pkg. lemon cake mix

4 eggs

1 box lemon instant pudding (prepare to pkg directions)

1 pkg. 3 oz. cream cheese

1/2 c. butter, softened

2 c. powdered sugar

1 1/2 t. vanilla extract

In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, eggs until well blended. Fold in pudding. Mix.

Fold into a 15 x 10 inch pan. Bake at 350*18-20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.In a small bowl mix the cream cheese, butter sugar and vanilla, stir until smooth. spread over cooled cake. store in refrigerator.

Mangia~

Italian Soup

This soup my mom found in a cookbook, and it is wonderful. The flavor that this soup has makes you want more. Has all the flavor of garlic, and tomato along with the Italian sausage makes it yummy. Had this yesterday when I hurt my leg and it made me smile ;0). Please try it is really good!

Italian Soup

1 lb. Italian sausage, castings removed and sliced

2 medium onions, chopped

6 cloves garlic, chopped

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped

2 cans white kidney beans, drained

2 cans chicken broth

2 cans diced tomatoes

1 t. dried basil

1 t. oregano

6 c. fresh spinach leaves, chopped

shredded Parmesan cheese

In a dutch oven, cook sausage and onions over medium until no longer pink. Add garlic cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Add Chicken, cook and stir until no longer pink.

Stir in beans, broth, tomatoes, basil and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Add the spinach and heat just until wilted. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

Mangia~