Progression

 This is what I like to call....................Progression.

I've really been having a hard time with blogger lately, anyone else?  I can't format and it's hard just to type a post and have it lined up right.  Then to highlight some words is a beast in and of itself.  

I'm going to get this sorted out, and when I do I have a wonderful oatmeal raisin chew recipe for you.  Even non Oatmeal raisin cookie lovers enjoy this cookie!

Charleston

Last week I was in the mood to go out and take some pictures with the nikon.  I have never taken any classes or lessons or even read a manual on taking photos.  I don't change the settings on the camera and all I know how to do is zoom in/zoom out!!  AND forget photoshop.  And so now I share a few untouched unsophisticated shots from around my city!

Pasta Aglio E Olio

 

Pasta Aglio E Olio

recipe from food.com

• 1 lb spaghetti, pasta (uncooked)
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 7 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 tablespoons fresh minced garlic, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• salt and black pepper

Directions:

Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins

1. Bring about 5 quarts of water to a boil with 3 teaspoons salt; add in the spaghetti and cook only until firm-tender; drain but RESERVE 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Start this when you are boiling the pasta; Heat about 4 tablespoons olive oil over medium-low heat in a skillet.
3. Add in 3 tablespoons garlic and about 1/2 teaspoon salt with black pepper to taste; saute stirring often until the garlic is light brown (about 6-8 minutes) remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, parsley, lemon juice and about 2 tablespoons of pasta cooking water; mix to combine.
4. Transfer the drained pasta to a large serving bowl; toss with remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and the remaining reserved cooking water.
5. Add in the garlic mixture; toss well to combine.
6. Season with more black pepper and salt to taste if desired.
7. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese.

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/pasta-with-garlic-and-oil-aglio-e-olio-159894#ixzz1ReIdfoTk

I'm having one heck of a time with blogger, I think it's rebelling against me because of too much time off!

Pasta Aglio E Olio - with garlic and oil.  So simple yet I searched high and low for the perfect recipe.  This one from food.com maybe the winner!  I enjoy the addition of the lemon juice and red pepper flakes - gives it a really nice kick.

Independence Day

I hope everyone has a fun, safe 4th of July!

Beach Tablescape

I was just "gently reminded" that I forgot to post pictures of my tablescape that I blogged about a short while ago.  Sorry!  The heat, and blah blah excuses excuses!

I was going with a beach theme, and buying the deocrations from afar, here in Charleston, and the party was in Indiana.  Clearly, I didn't think that one through well enough, because I had to bring all those breakables and bulk on the plane with me.  I've never been much of a bag checker when traveling, but I was forced to because I had to bring 2 bags to carry everything.  I didn't want the bottles to break, so my decorations were carry on and my clothes went to the depths of the plane somewhere...and luckily arrived safely with me in Chicago.

One thing about buying decorations from afar, I didn't realize how big the table was.  It ended up being much much muchier than I imagined, so everything got spread out on the table and it didn't turn out like I thought it would in my head...but it still turned out pretty good I'd say.

I bought a fishing net, sand colored tablecloth, along with some marshall's finds - the blue bottles, near the sea sign and sand dollar.  A little Target representing in the flowers, and then got the sea glass and shells from a craft store.  (I'll have to do an update later on where I got the fishing net and little anchor decorations, because I'm blanking right now!)