Easter Sunday {A Simple Celebration}

He is Risen! This year's Easter Sunday celebration was nothing short of surreal. Watching Sunday Mass from the comfort of our own home for the fourth Sunday in a row was sad. We missed our family and our Church. 

Our celebration wasn't our usual but we still celebrated nonetheless. We watched a beautiful Mass from the Cathedral in downtown Columbus - we got to share that it was the same place their Nana and Grandpa were married many decades ago - and dressed in our Sunday best. Well, maybe not our Sunday best but we did make an effort to get out of our pajamas and the athletic wear we don most days. 

We took advantage of the day and not needing to rush from here to there or feel obligated to do some home improvement project. We enjoyed time together, relaxed, and reflected on the true meaning of Easter Sunday. I cooked a full Easter dinner like I do each year and set the table with our china and silver (which I forgot to get a picture of!). We worked on a puzzle, listened to music, played games and ended the day with The Sound of Music. 

For the first time in years, we did our egg hunt from home. We usually spend Easter Saturday at the BLYC with an Easter Egg hunt, activities and lunch. The kids were excited to head out after breakfast to fill their baskets! 

I took advantage of our extra time to start a tradition I had as a child. My Grandma used to make an Easter cake every year decorated with Easter candy and coconut "grass". Every year I run out of time and think next year. The kids loved decorating and eating their creation. 

We were talking about Ash Wednesday and how long ago it seems - these 40 days seemed to last a lifetime! Lent truly came in like a lion and out like a lamb. On Ash Wednesday we scrambled to get to three different Masses so that every child and adult could receive our ashes in between chaotic schedules - flights out of town, sporting events, work, school. 

So, our Easter Sunday isn't what we intended when we started Lent but it was just what we needed during these challenging times. I hope you and your family enjoyed a lovely celebration! 

 

"Super Bowl" Sunday Supper: Sausage & Peppers

Our favorite Steelers aren't playing in the Super Bowl this year but we are enjoying a Pittsburgh-style, Dodd family favorite for dinner. Ten years ago for Super Bowl 43, the Steelers were playing and I insisted on making a themed-meal so I tried out this recipe for Sausage & Peppers. We aren't from Pittsburgh so it's possible this isn't really even a thing. I have no idea nor where I got the recipe but I wrote it down on a recipe card and have made it every year since! In fact, every year I wonder why I don't make it more often. It's that good! This one definitely goes in the cookbook I am writing (more on that later!). 

Sausage & Peppers

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large onions
• 2 green bell peppers
• 2 red bell peppers
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 lbs Italian sausage (mild and/or hot)
• 1 jar marinara
• 1 14 oz. can of diced tomatoes
• parsley, basil, salt & pepper
• Hoagie buns

1. Heat a dutch oven over medium heat, brown sausage links and remove.

2. Add oil and butter to the oven to melt followed by onions, peppers and garlic. Cook until onions get soft (5-7 minutes). 

3. Return sausage to oven and add in marinara, tomatoes, and parsley/basil. (I used fresh basil I had on hand and Italian seasoning.)

4. Cover dutch oven and lower heat to medium-low. 

5. Simmer for one hour.

6. Serve in a hoagie bun with or without cheese on top. 

We always have plenty leftover so I will serve the leftovers with rigatoni later in the week. 

Hope everyone is enjoying the game or the commercials! 

Happy New Year & My "Famous" Sauerkraut Balls

Happy 2016! 

We made many great memories in 2015 but I am excited for the beginning of a new year. Honestly, 2015 was exhausting - maybe that comes with the fun! 

In our home, every January 1st is met with a big batch of Sauerkraut Balls. My recipe is always a winner so I thought I would share for all to enjoy!

// Sauerkraut Balls //

Ground sausage - 1 lb., we prefer hot

Onion - 1/4 c. chopped

Sauerkraut - 14 oz. drained (I prefer Vlasic)

Cream cheese - 3 oz. softened

Bread crumbs - 1/2 c. plus more for rolling

Yellow mustard - 1 tsp. 

Garlic powder - 1/2 tsp. 

Black pepper - 1/8 tsp. 

Flour - enough to roll balls in

Egg/milk mixture - enough to roll balls in

Bread crumbs - enough to roll balls in

Directions:

- Cook sausage and onion. Drain excess grease and let cool. 

- Combine sauerkraut, breadcrumbs, cream cheese, mustard, garlic powder and pepper in separate bowl. 

- Add cooled sausage mixture and combine. 

- Chill mixture. 

- Roll into 3/4 inch balls (I use a cookie scoop). 

- Coat in flour then egg/milk then breadcrumbs. 

- Cook in hot oil (350 degrees) until golden brown. 

- Serve with stone ground mustard. Enjoy! 

I hope you enjoy these as much as our family! Happy New Year and cheers to an amazing 2016! And in the words of a friend "I love amazing!" 

PS - Diet/healthy eating resolutions begin on January 2nd! Although, I did hit a barre class this morning. Excited for it to finally exist at my gym. 

xo,

Stephanie 

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