Settling into to a tiny Morel Coma...the previous week filled with morels in EVERYTHING! From a creamy soup...sautéed...deep fried...and even as pizza topping.
Spring has officially sprung!
Punctuated by the rumbling of engines (both Harley and Hemi) and warm sudden rainshowers and blooms.
Baskets and pots either planted, or ready to be planted. Borders mulched and Boxwoods trimmed. Just relaxing on the patio with Tucker-Cat and a coffee mug watching the sunrise again is a treat!
And only
More days until our Spring Adventure, Idgy!
Can't wait!
(...now where did I put that flame-thrower for the candles...)
GIMY!
A moment of silence for another huge loss to the musical world last week with the death of BB King.
Bill and I were so fortunate to catch his last show in Indy with Eric Clapton together.
It was outstanding!
Tackling the last week of Spring Cleaning, here. Just one more sweep through each room to see what (if anything else) needs to be repaired, replaced, or just plain tossed.
These days it is all about de-cluttering and simplifying.
And along those lines...in 2016 we need to do some serious de-cluttering. Not only in our Indiana Governor's Office (...wave goodbye, Mr. Pence...) but also the House and Senate. If you aren't outraged by now...you haven't been paying attention. Unbelievable. Seriously.
Harlan Ellison termed it best:
Arrogant Stupidity.
And guess what people? They depend on you to be uninformed. They thrive on stupidity and apathy. They depend on those who are low information voters. They depend on those who don't bother to show up to the polls. They depend on you to vote against your own best interests. Take the time to know where your candidates stand. Don't just go on brand recognition or pulling an all encompassing lever.
The primaries are going to be interesting...already they are tumbling out of both parties like a Ringling Brother's Clown Car.
Pay Attention.
That is all I'm asking.
Oh....and VOTE.
So...anyway...my book-club buddy Ryan enlightened me to something maybe I would rather not have know...so obviously I felt compelled to share it with all of you.
We were discussing Ziti...which is made with Penne Pasta.
Penne...Ryan helpfully pointed out is Italian for...well...in polite company "the male member"...it's a dick, okay...it is Italian for Penis.
Who knew?
I mean except for Italian Guys, of course.
So now...when I make my Ziti...well it has gotten a little weird.
And for God's Sake...if ZITI means something horribly disgusting...please feel free NOT to share..okay???
And yes...they also do also make anatomically correct pasta...and no, I won't be using it in my casseroles...probably ever...thanks for the tip anyway, Barb.
But assuming you can get past the pasta name...here is my go-to recipe for baked Ziti.
Baked 4 Cheese Ziti with Italian Sausage, Portabellas and Zucchini Strips
This is a quick throw together and the results look and taste like you have been slaving away for hours.
2 cups cooked Penne Pasta. (...see...now you're doing it too...)
2 links cooked Italian Sausage sliced 1/4 inch pieces or chunked into bit sized pieces.
! small zucchini sliced lengthwise
1/2 chopped green pepper
1 1/2 cups red sauce
2 caps Portabella Mushroom sliced bite sized.
Equal amounts Shredded Mozzarella, Shredded Fresh Parm, Shredded Fresh Romano, and Shredded Provolone Cheese. To equal 1 1/2 cup cheese.
Spices Chopped Dried Onion
Basil
Garlic
Oregano
Mix pasta, red sauce, peppers, sausages, zucchini, mushrooms and 1/2 cup of the cheese blend together. Pour in baking dish. Top with leftover cup of cheese blend and sprinkle liberally with spices.
Bake together on 350 degrees until cheese is melted and barely starting to brown. Around 15 minutes.
Serve with good wine and bread...a salad and maybe fresh fruit for dessert.
Mangia!
