The Beast of the East

We were hit with yet another snowstorm yesterday and today. It is starting to get to me a little bit by now. Philadelphia has now gotten 78.5 inches of snow so far this winter, and we are not done yet. I hear there is something brewing for Wednesday. Not sure what the normal is, but I think around 19 inches a season. They underestimated our area a little bit and the storm moved North, so I feel sorry for N.Y. and anyone else north http://lifewithdogs.blogspot.com/of here.

I'm really getting tired of shoveling. It seems like no matter how much you shovel, it just keeps coming down.



I do have to admit, it really is beautiful though!
But enough is enough.
I'm really, really, ready for Springtime!!

XOXO

Thirsty Thursday

To me, this drink just screams summertime! Although it is very refreshing anytime.

Lemon Drop Cocktail

ingredients:
1-1/2 to 2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce Cointreau....you could use, in a dire emergency, Triple Sec or Grand Marnier, but you really do want this to be as good as it can be, don't you? I thought so!
1 teaspoon simple syrup...to make simple syrup mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. When cool you are good to go.
1 ounce freshly-squeezed lemon juice
Ice cubes
Superfine (or regular) sugar for dipping the rim
Lemon peel twist for garnish
method:
Mix the vodka, orange liqueur, sugar, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice; shake well for 20 to 30 seconds. Pour strained liquor into sugar-rimmed martini glass and garnish with lemon twist.
**note: to get a nice sugar rim that sticks to the glass, use the leftover lemon rind from juicing to wet the rim of your martini glass before dipping it into the sugar.

Enjoy!

XOXO

Newest Arrival

The hospital had these heart announcements on the windows for all of the new babies. Notice they had the wrong year? It should say 2010!

HELLO WORLD!!




I would like to introduce you to my beautiful grand-niece, Peyton Marie O'Malley.

This is my other beautiful niece, Megan, holding her niece! Megan's sister Kelli is the proud mother to Peyton.

Just look at this beautiful, sweet first smile. She is the most precious thing I have seen in a long time!

XOXO

Somebunnie's Anniversary

This week someone is having an Anniversary, and to celebrate, is having a cookie giveaway. That someone is Pink Martinis and Pearls. If you have never seen her cookies, they are amazing! How cute are these bunnies? They have Spring iced all over them!

So hop on over and wish her a Happy Anniversary, and check our her beautiful blog.

And while your there, check out some of her cookies. She is very creative, has lots of style, and knows her way around with a piping bag! Aren't these champagne flute cookies just wonderful??

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MARILYN!!

XOXO

New Technology

This is a picture of my great-niece, Peyton. (Is that what I would call her?)
My niece Kelli is in labor as we speak. This is an ultra sound of Peyton. Maybe I am just out of the loop, but I don't remember ultra sounds ever looking this clear! There was another cute one of her sucking her thumb. When I saw this, I just thought how technology has gotten so much better. Maybe this normal to everyone. But like I said, I have been out of the loop for a long time!

This is Kelli and Cody at the hospital this morning. She is a week overdue. They admitted her last night to induce labor. Peyton is being suborn, so they just broke her water about an hour ago. This is my sister Susie's daughter, who lives in Kansas City. I will be going for a visit in a few months to meet Peyton!
I'll keep you up to date. I can't believe my sister is going to be a grandma! The first for us siblings. So exciting!

Have a great day!
XOXO

Creamy Crab Bisque

I made this soup last night, and let me tell you....it was DELICIOUS! I wanted something a little special for Valentine's Day. I had it along with Filet Mignon, with a herb butter sauce and mushrooms. We celebrated a day early.

Makes: 2 servings
Total time: about 30 minutes

1/2 cup diced leeks

1/4 cup diced carrot

1/4 cup diced celery

1 clove garlic, minced

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1/4 cup dry white wine

3/4 cups heavy cream

3/4 cups whole milk

1/2 cup clam juice

Salt, pepper, and Tabasco to taste

1/2 cup pasteurized lump crab meat, divided (about 1/4 lb.)

Minced fresh chives

~Sweat leeks, carrot, celery, and garlic in oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat until carrot is soft, about 8 minutes. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.

~De glaze with wine, simmer until nearly evaporated, then stir in cream, milk, and clam juice. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then season with salt, pepper, and Tabasco. Off heat, puree' mixture with a hand blender or whatever you have. Ladle soup into bowls.

~Top each serving with 1/4 cup crab meat; garnish with chives.

ENJOY!

(I doubled this recipe for us.)

XOXO

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

Just passing through to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day.

I hope you are spending this Sunday with your special Valentine today.

XOXO