10.31.2010

Get Stuffed on Stuffed Shells

Here is another Pioneer Woman recipe that I just couldn't resist. You would think after a trip to Italy, Chad and I would want a break from Italian food. Nope, no way. I think we eat Italian 4 out of 7 days of the week. This dish turned out great and it made ALOT. We ate stuffed shells for breakfast lunch and dinner. Here is the recipe (I made a few changes).

Three Cheese-Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce
Ingredients
- Large box of Jumbo Pasta Shells
- 30 oz. Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
- 8 oz. Parmesan Cheese grates
- 1 cup grated Romano Cheese
- 1 egg
- 12 basil leaves (chopped)
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- Medium onion, chopped
- minced garlic
- 1 pound Italian Sausage
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 28oz can of crushed tomatoes (look for tomatoes grown and canned in Italy)
- 1 15oz. can of crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of sugar

Directions

- Start by preheating your oven to 350. Cook pasta for 1/2 of the time directed on the box. Drain and set aside.

- In a large skillet heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once heated, add chopped onion and garlic. Let cook for 2 minutes. Then add your sausage (break it up and cook until browned). Pour in red wine and cook for a couple of minutes. Next, add your cans of tomatoes, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil, then turn down heat and let it cook for 30-45 minutes (stir occasionally).

-In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, 1/2 of the Parmesan, all of the Romano, 1 egg, basil, and salt and pepper.

-Alright, we are ready to assemble. Coat the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with the meat sauce. Fill each shell with the cheese mixture. Place the shells seam down in the sauce. Top shells with remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with the rest of the Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

Wedding Sneak Peak

The oh so talented Candice Elaine was nice enough to give me a sneak peek of the wedding pictures. Just like the engagement photos, the pictures turned out amazing. We can't wait to share the rest with you all!
We turned this photo into "Thank You" cards to send out for all the wonderful gifts we received.
I love this photo!
We had so much fun shooting in downtown Princeton, WV. There was an autumn fest going on and it made for a great background. Also love how we are all rocking the shades.
I will let you know when all the photos are ready so check back later.

The Adventures of Marley

When Marley was a puppy I thought he would never calm down. He had so00 much energy and was into EVERYTHING. Well now....he has no energy and is into NOTHING. His days consist of laying on every piece of furniture, eating, and pooping.
Here he is lounging on one chair in the living room
and here he is lounging on the other chair in the living room

Here he is king of the bed laying right in the middle.

10.18.2010

DIY Backsplash

What did you do all weekend? I installed a kitchen backsplash.
When Chad and I purchased the townhouse we opted for no backsplash and decided we would save money and install our own. Well this weekend we tackled that job and a job it was. Whew, I'm exhausted, my neck is sore, Chad's hands are sore, and my kitchen was a wreck for days.

Prepping for the job (I really struggled with the mess and lack of organization in the house. My OCD was really beginning to show by Saturday afternoon)
Chad carefully reading the instructions to the wet saw. Glad to say that no fingers were lost in the process of tile cutting :)
First tiles to go up
Finished product
No more grease splatter and stains on the wall. Now lets just hope the tiles don't start popping out and falling down. Fingers crossed.

10.10.2010

Bongiorno

Hi! Did you miss me? I hope so. Well lets see whats new...oh yeah I'M MARRIED!
Just wanted to share some highlights from our honeymoon in Italy. We had sooo much amazing food and I ate my weight in gelato. We are already planning a return trip!