A Sunday Pop-in

Hi everyone!

Sorry I have been MIA the last few days - I had promised myself that I would complete the first draft of my second book before the end of September and so I have been locked in that little room I've shared with you working away like a beaver.  Thankfully, and happily, it is now complete and I am putting it aside for a month before I begin the first edit.  Lest you think that means I will slow down, well - nope.  I have a big October planned, putting together my new website, writing the backstory for my next novel and doing some edits of other work.  Oh yeah - I will also continue to send out the first one as well and I am looking at taking some courses.  There is no rest for the wicked! or is that for the optimistic?

Thanks so much for all your comments on home economics and cleaning.  It is so interesting to hear about everyone's experiences!

I wanted to share a special experience that Barry and I had last week.

On Thursday night, Barry and I had tickets for a fundraiser for our local theatre company, Theatre New Brunswick.  For four nights, The Last 5 Years was performed by Fredericton natives Natalie Roy and Tony LePage, two wonderfully talented performers who now live and work in NYC, pursuing their dreams of being successful working actors.  They are on their way.  Tony (who is the son of a friend of mine) is a featured performer in Rock of Ages on Broadway, Natalie has done a number of roles and will be featured in an upcoming episode of Kevin Bacon's The Following.

To say that these two are talented would be too grossly under-describe their talent.  For 80 minutes straight they performed the play, which is basically non-stop singing and chronicles the courtship and subsequent breakup of a married couple.

They are a beautiful, talented couple and I am convinced that it is only a matter of time before they make it big - they have the talent and the drive and most importantly, the charisma, to achieve their dreams.  We were lucky to get to see something special performed by individuals whom I think are the cusp of big things and I think everyone in the audience knew what a special treat it was.

Bravo Tony and Natalie and best of luck!  And if you are going to NYC, go see Tony in Rock of Ages!


Last night we went to a Thai dinner party, hosted by good friends of ours.  It was great fun and the food was wonderful.  The highlight for me, besides the good food and company, was lying down on my friend's Tempurpedic mattress!  I am starting to think about buying a new mattress in the next couple of years, so it was a great chance to try it out! 

What's up for today?  Well it is a gloriously sunny and warm fall day so we go for a drive this afternoon and then pick some apples.  Hmmmm... I love freshly picked apples!  And then I may make spaghetti and meatballs, using my favourite recipe by Ina Garten.  I may have shared this before, but it is worth sharing again!

Spicy Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti

2010, Barefoot Contessa How Easy is That?, All Rights Reserved

Serves: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 3 cups (1-inch diced) bread cubes from a round rustic bread, crusts removed
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 2 pounds ground turkey (85-percent to 92-percent lean)
• 1/2 pound sweet Italian pork sausage, casings removed
• 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, finely chopped
• 1 cup freshly grated aged Asiago cheese
• 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons good olive oil, plus extra for brushing the meatballs
• 2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 (24-ounce) jars good marinara sauce, such as Rao's
• 2 pounds dried spaghetti, such as De Cecco
• Freshly grated Parmesan (or Asiago) cheese, for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.

Place the bread in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Process until the bread is in medium crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a small bowl and add the milk. Set aside for 5 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey, sausage, prosciutto, bread mixture, Asiago, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Lightly combine the ingredients with your hands. Add the 3 tablespoons of olive oil and the eggs, and stir lightly with a fork to combine.

With your hands, lightly roll the mixture into 2-inch-round meatballs and place them on the prepared sheet pans. Brush the meatballs with olive oil. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the tops are browned and the centers are completely cooked.

Pour the marinara sauce in a large, low pot, add the meatballs, and bring to a simmer.
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the directions on the package. Drain and place the spaghetti in individual bowls, and top with 3 meatballs and lots of sauce. Serve with Parmesan cheese on the side.

I hope you have a wonderful day - see you tomorrow!  And stay safe out there!