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! 

 

St. Patrick's Day Celebration

One of my favorite things is celebrating a holiday with food. We always celebrate our Irish heritage with some go-to favorites. I purchased my parents 23 and me test kits the year before last and it's been so fun to learn more about ourselves. My parents and grandparents always said we were Catholic German-Irish just like most families where I grew up! So, it was interesting to learn about the other nationalities that make up our DNA. A little bit of this and a little bit of that but still heavy on the German and Irish. 

I treated the kids to "lucky" breakfast to start our day and the beginning of at-home school. During these difficult times I want to add a bit of normalcy when I can and a bit of extra special from time to time. 

I want to make sure they are getting plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. They enjoyed starting their day with a rainbow of colors. It was magically delicious! 

We ended the day with Guiness Beef Stew and Irish Soda Bread made from scratch. A benefit of being home all day! I forgot to snap a photo before we dug in but both were so good. The Irish Soda Bread was Ina Garten. 

Sunday night we enjoyed Cottage Pie which is always a hit! 

I wish I had a recipe to share but over the years I've adapted and often times used what was on hand. It really is that easy to make! Saute ground beef (which is what makes it Cottage Pie vs. Shepard's Pie which is ground lamb), add diced onion, carrots and celery. I add tomato paste, thyme, flour and beef broth or stock, and frozen peas. Simmer until it thickens then scoop into a pie pan or square dish. Top with mashed potatoes and bake until heated through and golden on top. 

One of my favorite grocery store hacks is Bob Evans mashed potatoes. If you haven't tried them, you must! They are so good and not expensive. I may never make my own mashed potatoes again! 

On the side, I often serve a sauteed cabbage. So easy, inexpensive and delicious! I like to saute in a butter/EVOO combo until tender and slightly brown on the edges. Stir in S&P and you have an amazing side dish! 

I hope you all enjoyed your St. Patrick's Day too! 

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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Holiday Organization!

We are already in week 2 of the holiday season! The house is decorated, tree is up and our holiday cards arrived today! 

I am busy making lists and checking them twice. So many lists...baking lists, menus, shopping lists, gift lists. For me, the more organized I am, the more I enjoy the season and the magic it brings. This year I am using a few amazing printables to keep me on task and ahead of the chaos. 

I am a huge fan of Whitney English and the Day Designer products. I am on my third DD planner - yes, I use a paper planner along with an online calendar. I am a visual person so seeing my to-do, meeting, schedule, etc written down works. 

The team at Day Designer created some fun and useful printables that I am loving this holiday season! Here are a few that are making life a little easier and a lot more organized!

Holiday Gift Ideas

Entertaining Checklist

Make a List, Check it Twice

If you are looking for a gift idea for yourself or somebody else, be sure to check out the amazing products Whitney and Day Designer have to offer! You won't be disappointed

I will be sharing favorite holiday recipes, menu ideas and more throughout the month! 

xoxo,

Stephanie