Winter Warmers

The winter time makes me want to stay inside in warm pajamas and also eat (the staying inside part = not so good for getting to the gym). It's no wonder I was craving some classic winter time foods so I decided to do some cooking last Sunday and make two recipes that have served each of our Mothers quite well over the years.

First Up - Chicken Noodle Soup - From the Kitchen of Mom V
Who doesn't like some chicken noodle soup on a cold winter day? I attempted this simple recipe of my Mother-in-Laws for the second time. The first time I def did not have a pot that was big enough to put the chicken and the broth, this time that dilemma was solved since I have my huge pasta pot. Having a pot that was large enough made this process so much easier, the hardest part was straining the chicken out of the huge pot. When it was done it got Mike's seal of approval!

Next Up - Chili - From the Kitchen of my Mom
Granted I haven't explored too many different chili variations, why fix it if it ain't broken, this chili has always been delicious when my mom has made it. It's a pretty simple recipe put out by Bush's themselves so you can't go wrong with that. The most time consuming part is cutting up the vegetables for it that cook in with the chop meat. I always let it simmer for longer too! This one also seemed to go over well with Mike, he particularly enjoyed dipping tostito chips in the chili (until there were no more in the house). Since I haven't shared the recipe for my Mom's chili before, here it is:

Bush's All-American Chili 

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup green pepper, chopped
2 (15 ounce) cans BUSH'S® BEST Chili Beans
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
Shredded Cheddar cheese

In large pan, cook beef, onion and green pepper until meat is browned. Drain excess grease. Stir in remaining ingredients, except cheese. Bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Garnish with Cheddar cheese.

Wedding Slideshow Video

*All Photographs by John Arcara Photography*

And we were blogged about on John's Blog - Check it Out Here

I Love Coconut

I love almond joy bars, mounds bars, there is only one type of donut I can never pass up, toasted coconut, I think you get the picture, I love anything with coconut. On our honeymoon there was coconut butter for the waffles, and even coconut pancakes! I was in heaven. After seeing a picture of what looked to be delicious macaroons in a magazine recently I was inspired to make this delicious treat for our little holiday gathering at the house tonight, and if no one else has the same love and affection for coconut that I do I'm sure I will have no problem eating the whole tray myself. I looked at a couple of recipes and ending up trying Ina Garten's version, everything she always makes seems to come out great. Here is her recipe.

Update: These cookies are super easy to make and taste delicious! They came out perfectly. Two things to note though, one is that they got stuck to my wax paper after they cooled off, so I'll be eating macaroons and wax paper, and two this was probably a bad idea to make these since I am likely to eat the entire batch. They've only been out of the oven for a little over an hour now and I've already eaten three, each time I walk in the kitchen I grab another one....


Coconut Macaroons
Ingredients
14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 extra-large egg whites, at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Combine the coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. Whip the egg whites and salt on high speed in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until they make medium-firm peaks. Carefully fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture. Drop the batter onto sheet pans lined with parchment paper using either a 1 3/4-inch diameter ice cream scoop, or 2 teaspoons. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. Cool and serve.

Holiday Entertaining

I love entertaining, aside from the obvious fact that it's great together with friends and family and often ones you haven't seen in a while, I love the idea of entertaining cleaning up the house and making lots of food for the occasion. Maybe it was a result of growing up my Mom always loved to have all her friends over and would put out a great spread, and I know Mike grew up in the same fashion. So tonight we are having our neighbors over for drinks and appetizers. Here's what I have planned for the menu, let's see how it actually turns out:

• Holiday Baked Brie en Croute 
• Spinach Cheese Swirls
• Spinach Pie (from Costco) 
• Shrimp Cocktail
• Possibly my sweet and sour meatballs
• I might put our pigs in a blanket I make myself with crescent rolls  
• And I think I am going to attempt macaroons, I absolutely love coconut
• And a veggie plate with dip

Christmas' in NY's Past

There is one time of year that Mike looks forward to going into the city, which is kind of ironic since it is so crowded, jam packed with people (which Mike doesn't usually do well with). But every year Mike looks forward to our annual trip to the city to do  all things "Christmasy."We start the day out at Macy's in Herald Square where we wait in line to take our picture with Santa and make our Christmas wishes. After Santa we head further uptown to see the magnificent tree, taking pictures here is my favorite, I think Mike prefers to take pictures with the big guy. Sometimes we'll throw in some other NY attractions like the Empire State Building (if its not too cold) and take a walk by Radio City and the giant Christmas Balls across the street before we catch a bite to eat with our friends. It's become an annual tradition for us and one we look forward to every year that I'm sure we'll be continuing for years to come. Here's a glimpse back at our Christmas' past in most recent order (2008, 2007, 2006, and 2005)

A New Picture!

I was very excited when I randomly saw that our photographer posted one new picture of us from our wedding on his website. Here's one more teaser....

Post Wedding Chop

 Not the best picture in the world but you get the idea (Mike wouldn't cooperate to take a picture for me, he was playing his video games so I took it myself on my phone).  I cut off several inches of my hair earlier today for my post wedding chop hair cut. I had been growing my hair long for over two years now without cutting any significant length off of it. I'd been growing it from before I was even engaged since I knew one day I would want my hair long for my wedding.

I got a cute little bob hair cut right above my shoulders. It's a big change from how my hair had been, it's nice to have a change. When I got home Mike def noticed my haircut this time, his initial reaction was a big wow, he couldn't believe it but he told me he really loved it, there were a few wow's and it took him a few minutes to get used to it. I think its cute, nice to have some length gone so it's more manageable. So this is the new married Rachel hairstyle.

Rainy Wednesdays

I was born on a rainy Wednesday so it was fitting that it was raining again on a Wednesday for my birthday. Had to believe another year has come and  gone so quickly. I can remember 2 years ago for my birthday Mike and I weren't even engaged yet and now here we are married already. My first birthday as married woman. It's funny my Father-in-Law and I share the same birthday, funny how it worked out that way, I was the only December baby in my family, my entire immediate family all have July birthdays and now I have a birthday twin, only he's got quite a few years on me as he celebrated the big 6-0 this year. (Above is a picture of me from my first christmas, not quite my first day old but close enough)

Tis the Season

I was inspired by watching the tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center on tv that afterwards I went downstairs and decorated our Christmas tree. I love listening to christmas songs on a cold evening with the fireplace going while I decorate our tree. I can't wait for our new stockings to come in the mail, I got monogrammed christmas stockings on sale from Pottery Barn for Mike and I, can't wait to put them up on the mantle. Next year maybe I'll get to get one for our puppy we'll have by then!

What Goes Up

Must come down? Isn't that the law of gravity? Well I tried something tonight that gave new meaning to the word  gravity. Mondays aren't typically my favorite day at the gym, none of my favorite classes are offered and there's nothing good in what I consider the prime time slot of the evening. I got to the gym and walked upstairs looking to hop on one the treadmill machines when one of the personal trainers approached me and asked if I had ever tried a gravity class? I said no and he quickly explained it was a 45 minute total body workout, I was sold right then and there. I love group exercise classes at my gym and even better this was something new to try and get me going.

I walked into the small room and saw these machines which I had no idea how they worked but we quickly got started, I loved the class from the first minute. "This is a multi-plane angular resistance workout and promotes weight-loss, strength, endurance, flexibility and it’s for all fitness levels. You will feel the difference in your body after one workout." I can only compare it to leg squat bench where you slide the resistance up and down only this was total body, there were all kinds of different exercises to do on this sliding bench. It covered everything, arms, legs, abs. I was loving every minute of the class, even though it was so tough it gave you that extra push to keep going and knowing I could feel the burn. I survived the class and with a smile on my face. I know my muscles are going to be sore on Wednesday but it was so worth it, I can't wait to try it again!

Shrimp & Asparagus Risotto

In my efforts to be more domestic and do better in the kitchen I'd like to make more of an effort to cook more often. We're always so busy and looking for quick dinners after work that I've gotten away from cooking. It could also be that Mike is completely content with just eating whatever random snacks he finds in the pantry at whatever hour of the day. Now that we don't have the long commute to work anymore (since the basement is as far as we have to go) I have more time even on a week night to cook more often and less time on the weekends taken up by wedding stuff.  My goal is to make one new recipe (hopefully) once a week or at least once every other week and post it on my blog.

I started my new quest last night with shrimp and asparagus risotto. It was pretty simple to make and wasn't overly labor intensive or take too long. Of course while it was cooking my charming husband decided to make himself pizza bagels to eat instead of waiting for my nice dinner, sometimes I'm not sure why I bother with cooking a nice meal. It turned out well though and I enjoyed it with a nice glass of white wine. 

Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto
Source: A Cookaholic Wife Original

Ingredients:
1/2 lb. shrimp, peeled and de-veined
1 bunch asparagus
1 box chicken stock
1 3/4 cup arborio rice
1/2 onion, diced
2 tbs. garlic
1/3 cup white wine
4 tbs. butter, divided
1 tbs. olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper

In a small pot heat the chicken stock over low heat. In a large skillet, add the olive oil. Add onion and cook for 3-5 minutes or until onion is soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add the rice to the skillet and stir well until the rice is coated and transparent. Pour in the white wine and stir occasionally until the rice has absorbed it. Pour the chicken stock into the rice 1/2 cup at a time. Stir well. Once the rice has absorbed the first portion of the chicken stock, add the next 1/2 cup. While the rice is cooking, preheat the oven to 450. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Break the ends off of the asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil and roll asparagus around on cookie sheet until coated. Season with salt and pepper. Put the asparagus in the oven approximately 10 minutes before the risotto will be done. Right before you add your last 1/2 cup of chicken stock to the rice, melt 2 tbs. of butter in a medium sized skillet. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes or until the shrimp becomes pink. Flip each shrimp over and cook for 1-2 minutes more. Remove the shrimp from the skillet onto a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm. Once the rice has absorbed all of the chicken stock, add the remaining two tbs. of butter, Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese and butter are melted. Remove from heat. Add risotto to the plate, top with shrimp and asparagus. [RR Note: I mixed in the shrimp and asparagus into the risotto instead of adding on top at the end]  

The Big Day - Part VI

The After Party....

Placeholder

The Big Day - Part V

Party Time... The Reception....

It was finally time to let loose and relax and enjoy the big party with all of our friends and family. We started the evening off with cocktail hour. They let Mike and I into the room first, it was amazing to see it all set up,it looks beautiful! Then came ALL the food and there was a ton of it. Unfortunately I feel like I didn't get to taste all of it but did manage to get a few bites in here and there while saying hello to everyone. Thanks to the help in part of my amazing bridesmaids I did manage to get in a glass from the martini mashed potato bar, it was awesome, I wish I could have some more of that right now!

We did all our introductions, the bridal party came out to Justin Timberlake, Sexy Back, and Mike got to have his fun and pick our song to come out for. I don't think anyone saw him do it, he made the baseball signal for a pitcher change before we came out to "Enter Sandman" by Metallica, which also represents the song played at Yankee Stadium (when the greatest baseball closer of all time) Marino Rivera comes into the game.

The only thing left to get through at this point was our first dance. For our first dance we chose the song "Only You Can Love Me This Way" by Keith Urban. We practiced our dance for weeks but I was so nervous about it, Mike knew our dance much better than I did, it seemed to go by so slowly and I was so nervous about the steps, the dance floor felt so much smaller than it had in practice with everyone crowding around watching us. Of course they don't know what steps we missed or didn't do, I was glad when it was over and we could just relax, Mike even ended the dance with a kiss!

We had tons of good food to eat the entire night, although I don't remember much of it. I only got to have one of my mushroom ravioli's I had requested. I did however order two dinners, I wanted to try them all, I even took the leftovers home with me. I can't even remember how the cake tasted, but we had fun feeding each other, I guess we'll find out next October when we defrost the top of the cake, such a strange tradition to eat year old cake, I wonder how it will dance.

And of course there was LOTS of dancing. I don't think I have ever seen so many people on the dance floor for so long and dancing to everyone. There was dancing to old songs and new songs and a whole mess of people on the dance floor the whole time. The DJs did a fantastic job mixing the music. The end cap of the night was Sweet Caroline with everyone in a huge circle around the dance floor.....

So many happy memories and such a fun party! I couldn't believe how quickly it was over, just like that, the whole reception had flown by. It was def everything I imagined it would be and then more. I had the most fun in my entire life and just starting my life together with Mike.

The Big Day - Part IV

Post Ceremony & Pre-Reception.....

We did it, we were officially Mr. & Mrs. we got to walk down the aisle together, me with a grin from ear to ear. We quickly dodged to the back of the church in the corner so our guests didn't see us. We weren't doing the traditional Catholic Ceremony receiving line, mostly because we were afraid of running out of daylight hours for our pictures all too quickly. As the guests poured out of the church, the hardest part was reigning in the parents from chatting it up with everyone right in the back of the church so we could get the show on the road with our pictures. We got to walk out of the church while our guests tossed flower petals at us (a last minute detail I indulged in). Then it was time to celebrate with a champagne toast on the red carpet in front of the limo. I loved this small little touch for a little something extra!

After that we very quickly jumped in the limo ready to speed away for pictures. We headed just down the block to the town of South Orange, NJ to take some pictures near the train tracks. Mike and I got to walk around the town a little bit while we walked over to meet up with the photographer, that was fun, all the random people on the street coming up to us and saying congratulations. We took a couple on some benches in the town and in the street with the pretty background behind us, there was also a great mural under the train tracks on the side of an old diner that made for some awesome pictures too.

Then it was off to our final destination of the night, The Manor. Known for their beautiful grounds we were sure to get some good pictures there. We headed right to the back for the gardens, unfortunately we were not the only bridal party heading back there. There was a Jewish ceremony that was about to start back there right at sunset. This was not something we were expecting to find, of course we knew we probably weren't going to be the only wedding party there, it did limit us from getting a few of the quintessential Manor shots, I'm sure we got a ton of other good pictures back there so it shouldn't matter but still slightly disappointing we couldn't access all the grounds. We did get some of my favorite picture spots back there though. We quickly took our group shots with the bridal party and then off to get some romantic pictures of the Groom & I before it was time to break loose for the party!

The Big Day - Part III

The Ceremony....

We waited for the limo to arrive, time seemed to tick by so slowly at this point as we stood in the house waiting and watching. We finally saw the limo round the corner and we quickly piled out to meet him. No time for anything fancy we rushed to get into the limo and head to the church, we had less than 40 minutes till the church ceremony was set to start and I was anxious to get in. Once we were in, we passed around some celebratory champagne, for the beginning part of the ride I didn't seem to mind what time it was but it felt like it was taking forever to get there and then I started to get worried and asked what time it was. I knew it couldn't start without me and whenever we got there we would start but I wanted to get there already. The last few blocks off the parkway, I can remember sitting at lights, I knew we were so close yet so far it felt like. I was worried about the ceremony starting late and then not having enough time after to take pictures outside. As soon as we got there the girls piled out so quickly and ran inside the church to line up, and then it was time for me to go inside.

I remember being very anxious outside the church as I rushed to get inside, it felt like everything was starting and I couldn't catch up. I don't remember seeing or saying hi to any of the guys at the back of the church as they walked the girls down the aisle. I can remember standing there in the back, and all of a sudden I felt so nervous and overwhelmed with emotion, even just writing this I can remember the moment in the back of the church as I watched everyone else walk in and then they were gone, I don't remember seeing any of them as they faded away from the back walking down the aisle, I was just feeling so nervous and overwhelmed.

I don't remember the doors actually opening or what was around me, I saw just one thing and it was Mike. I had my eyes set on him so clearly, that was the ONLY thing I looked at, I had no idea how many people or who was there watching me or taking pictures of me walking down, I only remember looking at Mike. I remember being so nervous and being so emotional, I was trying SO HARD not to cry, I was fighting back the tears, I was so happy walking down that aisle and I could see him at the other side, that was the only thing that mattered to me in the entire world. I don't remember thinking anything about the scenery or Mike in his tux, but I remember his smile and him looking back at me. It was the most emotional moment of the day for me. I was so happy when I reached him on the other side and could hold his hand and him looking at me and telling me how beautiful I looked. And that is how I will remember how our ceremony beginning.

 It felt like the shortest mass of my life, but it was beautiful. It was so personal having Father Andrzej there to marry us, he gave us a beautiful mass, and he kept saying, "this beautiful couple." Our friends and family, Anna, Emily & Nick all took part in readings in the ceremony. I can't remember all of the details of the mass, but I do remember our vows. I thought for sure I would cry but I didn't I just remember smiling and being so happy as I said those words to Mike and he to me. After that we were officially husband and wife, we did it, now we could relax and party all night long!

The Big Day - Part II

Getting Ready..... 

We arrived back at the house to get ready for the main event. It was a little quiet when we got back to the house, I think we needed some naps (not me though), good thing Dad came through with some coffee. We had tons of food to put out for snacks. The best part was Andrea taking us through her Matron of Honor Survival kit, and boy there was nothing she wasn't prepared for in there!!! She had pins, bobbie pins, tissues, lip gloss for everyone, combs deodorant, mouth wash, tampons, you name it she had it, she was one prepared cookie for everything and for that I am very grateful for! She kept us all well organized and prepared.

The flowers arrived, I was so excited to see them, they were exactly as I had pictured they would be, they were beautiful, they were just what I wanted. We did have one weird incident with the florists assistant who delivered the flowers. She brought all the girls flowers in, and then asked us (and I quote) "How well do you know your neighbors? Because I had your mom's flowers and dad's boutonnière when I got here but I left the truck open and someone must have taken them." So strange, no one took the flowers. Andrea VERY quickly stepped in and resolved the situation, sent her on her way and called up the florist owner and demanded a resolution of how she was going to fix this. Needless to say Andrea made sure our flowers arrived to where they needed to be and they did and made sure I had nothing to worry about.  

In the meantime I waited (patiently?) for our photographers arrival while the girls went and got their dresses on. I was so excited when the photographers arrived, it meant the show was ready to go on, time to get dressed in my beautiful gown and start taking pictures. I remember looking out the door and seeing them in the parking lot and was so excited standing outside the front door for them. With the arrival of the photographers they wasted no time and went right to work, a few quick impromptu  shots of me and the girls downstairs and then they headed right up to the bedroom where I had everything waiting and lined up. Bridget and I had hung my dress up on the picture window. It looked so pretty just hanging there. I had all of my accessories out that they took pictures of, my earrings, necklace, garter, shoes with my blue I Do stickers on the bottom, even my blue I do underwear. 

After they quickly got a ton of (great) shots it was finally time to put on my wedding gown. From the moment I stepped into it I knew it was my gown, it was beautiful and so perfect. My Mom and Bridget helped zipper me into my beautiful dress and it was time to take some pictures. I couldn't stop smiling the entire time, even when I was asked to take serious pictures, I couldn't stop smiling, I was just so happy. The photographer told me I was the happiest bride he had ever seen. We headed outside with all the girls to take pictures out there. We got these amazing pictures in the street right in front of the house with the georgeous backdrop of the trees behind us with all these amazing fall colors, you couldn't have picked a better canvas. After we had a blast hanging out in the street taking fun pictures, the photographers headed off to the church and we waited for the limo to arrive to take us to the ceremony.

The Big Day - Part I

Early Morning.... Hair & Make Up

Where do I begin to write about the biggest, most important, and best day of my life. I can't believe that as of tomorrow a month will have gone by already since our wedding day. I want to remember every detail and every feeling of that day from the minute I woke up to the minute I went to bed. Some of it is already a blur but other moments I can remember so clearly. So many great memories and feelings to cherish and remember forever.

 The day began for me at 6:15, I woke up a little earlier than the alarm clock but at least I slept the night before. I remember the morning, getting a few things done around the house, making my bed and making sure my room was nice and tidy for the pictures I would take in there. Bridget and Hope stayed over the house with me. After showers for the girls and getting dressed we were off to hang up the decorations my mom got for us to put outside the house. It was a very crisp fall morning, just a little brisk. Bridget helped get on the step stool to hang up the decorations over the door and the bells from the tree. While I went to work on tying balloons to the stone wall in the driveway, I had some trouble with the ribbon, Bridget enjoyed taking pictures of this. After we were done with our decorations and had everything securely taped and tied, we packed up our bags of goodies (snacks, coffee and the veil) we were off to the hair salon to get there for our 8:00 appointments. We were meeting the rest of the girls there. There were some minor direction problems for the other girls but they made it there with no big worries.

All 8 of us piled into the salon to get all dolled up with hair and makeup. I got all my big rollers set in my hair and sat under the dryer enjoying some snacks and a mimosa. The girls all commented I was such a calm bride I might add. The rest of the girls got beautiful hair dos, they were looking quite gorgeous. We were all enjoying our morning there relaxing and snacking. Then it was time for me to get my hair done, I think I had my biggest panic moment of the day, although I didn't actually say anything, apparently it was written on my face that I was nervous about my hair but the girls quickly stepped in and calmed me down and reassured me everything was ok. Once I realized it was what I wanted everything was ok and we finished up there and then it was onto makeup. I can remember while I was getting my make up done the make up artist asked me, "do you want false eyelashes?", I had no idea if I did I looked at the girls and they responded with an assured and firm "yes." They were kind of strange to wear and felt really weird but they looked great, I'm happy they said yes for me.

We were almost all finished at the salon, all that was left was getting my veil in. It didn't go in too easily, I remember shoving it down in there, I was pretty sure there was no way it was going to move for the rest of the day (although I think it ultimately started to come out later at the reception). Once I had my veil on, we were ready to go and all 8 of us piled into the car and headed back home.

Wedding Teasers