Read Widely, Read Often


Sunday, July 11, 2010

Belonging

Appetizer- Crushed Cheeseballs w/ Hazelnuts

Main Dish - Pesto Parmesan Cheese Pasta w/ Grilled Chicken & Summer Salad

Beverage - Raspberry Lemonade

Spoonful rating - 5 spoons

Dessert - Double Chocolate Mousse Pie

What a powerful and beautiful story of family and belonging!

Interestingly, one may think that belonging is reserved for one's family, and yet, one can become apart of another family, a special bond, that is not one's own and truly belong, finding unconditional friendship has no boundaries.

How special indeed it is to belong --- be loved, cared for, and mostly, share your innermost self --- impartial --- despite different cultures and upbringing. "Little Bee," by Chris Cleave catapults the reader from the shores of Africa to the bells chiming in England on a shoestring of faith, hope, and unconditional desire to live instead of merely existing. The young heroine journeys between two worlds, in separate but powerful time periods, and captures the heart and soul of one who answers the question, "What would you do in this situation?" exquisitely and with wit.

The moving epic of such detail can only be made into a movie, and I await to see the cast. It would be a shame for this symphony of poetic words and beautiful language not to grace the Big Screen.


Bon Appetit!

Pesto Parmesan Cheese Pasta w/ Grilled Chicken & Summer Salad

1 tbsp. of Pesto paste
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
1/4 tbsp. melted unsalted butter
1/3 cup 2% milk (or cream of your choice)
Dash of salt
Dash of course pepper
Dash of oregano
1 bay leaf
1 bag of Grilled Chicken Strips (Trader Joe's Preferred)
1 box of favorite Pasta

1 Romaine Lettuce Heart (chopped)
3-5 Sweet sm-med. Spanish tomatoes
1 avocado (sliced)
1-2 strips of bacon (Turkey preferred)
Feta Cheese
Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing


Heat med. saucepan with melted unsalted butter, adding milk, pesto paste and stir for consistency ( no lumps). Add bay leaf and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Top with dash of salt/pepper/ oregano and stir until sauce is smooth.

Prepare pasta as directed on box or al dente (approximately 9-11 minutes). Drain excess water. Mix pasta and sauce together. Garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Prepare ingredients for Summer Salad as listed in order. Toss as desired. Serve chilled w/ dressing. Optional delights include topping salad with fresh summer fruit --- raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, walnuts, craisins, etc.

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