Monthly Archives: July 2011

A Beautiful Thing

Posted on by Run DMT
17

PhotobucketI’ve expressed my love for all things Italian on this blog many times before so it should come as no surprise that hubby took me for an Italian meal for my birthday.

At Bella’s Italian Café, we enjoyed a delicious three course meal starting with Bella’s Famous Chopped Salad, a finely chopped chicken breast, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, red cabbage, gorgonzola, ditalini pasta and romaine all tossed in a dijon vinaigrette.

Although we should have split our entree, we each ordered the Salciccia Al Forno , Italian sausage tossed with penne pasta, mushrooms and ricotta in a creamy tomato sauce, then topped with mozzarella and baked.

 

Of course, we made sure to leave room for dessert and selected Tiramisu (a classic Italian dessert with layers of lady fingers, zabaglione – Marsala flavored custard, espresso whipped cream and mascarpone topped with whipped cream and warmed chocolate sauce) to top it off.  Much like restaurant’s name, our meal was simply beautiful.

 

Whereas others would be tired of eating Italian food, this past week we’ve been piling on the cheesy pasta dishes.  Per my request, Iron Chef Allan concocted a baked penne casserole and it was better than I hoped for!  This stringy cheesy layered mess really satisfied my craving.

Iron Chef Allan’s Baked Penne

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 onion

5 cloves garlic, minced

2 cartons of Pomi chopped tomatoes

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 cup fresh basil , finely chopped

1 tsp dried oregano

Kosher salt

Ground black pepper

1 lb pasta

1 lb shredded part skim mozzarella

3 cups whole milk ricotta

1/4 cup grated parmesean

1 egg

Directions

Prepare penne according to al dente directions on box.

In a saucepan, soften onions in olive oil for about 10 minutes.  Add garlic to onions and cook for about 1 minute.  Add tomatoes, 1 Tbsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, red pepper flakes, basil and oregano.  Simmer for about ten minutes or until warmed through.

In a large bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, egg, parmesean, 1/2 tsp salt and black pepper with half the tomato sauce.  Pour mixture into a 9 x 11 baking pan.  Top with remaining sauce, mozzerella and parmesean cheese.  Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown at 350 degrees.

 

Now link up and see what If I Could Escape and Gone Bananas are serving for this week’s Friday Food Fight.


*Also submitted at*

PhotoStory FridayI am a Food RENEGADE!friday potluck guest host girlichef

Random Thoughts about being 40 and Pinkalicious

Posted on by Run DMT
4

For this week’s RTT, I wanted to do a vlog.  Why not?  I don’t believe there are any rules about that.  Besides, it’s my birthday tomorrow and I am turning 40, therefore I get to make the rules.  So, I decided to make a vlog and poke a little fun at myself.  All while wearing a pink tiara, of course.  If you’re wondering about the whole “KICK…STRETCH…KICK” bit, it’s a reference to a SNL sketch starring Molly Shannon as Sally O’Malley.

 

 

And to keep in the true spirit of a RunDMT RTT post, I’m sharing my latest running stats.  God Lord.  It’s been so ridiculously hot out lately.  I’ve even tried starting at 5:00 a.m. to beat the heat, but there’s no escaping it.  Running in July is just not fun.  Hopefully, my pace will improve once the weather cools.

 

July 22

6.10 miles

1:10:47

Ave Pace 11:37

Max Pace 8:14

 

July 23

3.10 miles

Time 32:17

Ave Pace 10:26

Max Pace 8:32

 

July 25

10 miles

Time 2:07:35

Ave Pace 12:46

Max Pace 8:54

 

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Edge of Glory of My Golden Years

Posted on by Run DMT
10

I turn 40 on Wednesday.

My younger friends keep asking me, “So how does it feel to be 40?”  Given that I’ve been trying to pull off 29 for eleven years, I don’t feel like I’ve aged 11 years overnight.  I still feel the same.

I’m in the prime of my life.  I loved my thirties and I can only expect the same or better of my forties.  I’m where I want to be emotionally, spiritually and physically.  I just feel all around good these days and I couldn’t be healthier or happier.

It feels good to be me at 40, like I’m on the edge of glory of my golden years.

 

 

 

Visit Amanda, Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.

Join the VCA Pawfect Twitter Party!

Posted on by Run DMT
2

VCA Animal HospitalI swore off owning pets for years.  Then we rescued a lost dog in our neighborhood and we found ourselves pet owners when our girls begged us with their own puppy dog eyes to get a dog.

For weeks, I hunted rescue sites, called the local animal shelters and then searched through Craigslist until we found our Lucy, a black Pomeranian.  When we adopted Lucy, she was a fluffy disaster with dandruff, knotted fur and a scruffy coat.  We changed her diet and within a week, she had sheen to her coat and a spring in her step.  Of course, being responsible pet owners, we had her chipped, spayed and groomed.

These days, our filthy Craigslist outcast looks like a completely different dog.  All due in part to the quality care and love she received.

My belief about feeding our pet the best quality food and providing her with best possible care is no secret. I only feed my family the best foods and give them the best care therefore, our pet ( an extension of our family) should only receive the same treatment.

In fact, my strong opinions on the matter are what prompted Stiletto Media to contact me to participate in their first Twitter Party.

Latina on a Mission in part with VCA Animal Hospital will be hosting a Twitter Party on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.

As stated on the VCA homepage, their mission is the same as mine with regards to my pet: “Where your pet’s health is our top priority and excellent service is our goal.”  More about VCA Animal Hospitals:

VCA operates more than 540 animal hospitals in 41 states across the nation. These hospitals are staffed by more than 1,800 fully qualified, dedicated and compassionate veterinarians to give your pet the very best in medical care. Over 200 are board-certified specialists. Our hospitals provide a full range of general medical and surgical services as well as specialized treatments.

Visit VCA Animal Hospital to learn more about their services and to find a location near you.

As for the VCA Pawfect Twitter Party, pounce on Latina on a Mission  to RSVP and enter to win some pawfect prizes.  Then, be sure to follow yours truly, @denisermt , our party panelist, @VCApethealth and…

Also, “like” VCA Animal Hospitals on Facebook.

Need the VCA Pawfect Twitter Party details again?

VCA Pawfect Twitter Party
Date: Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. EST

Required Hashtag:  #VCApets
Language:  ENGLISH and SPANISH
Follow via TweetGrid:  http://bit.ly/VCApets

VCA Pawfect Twitter Party Prizes include:

Capturing Summer Fun with Your Pet (Grand Prize)
• $100 Amex gift card
• Digital Picture Frame
• VCA branded gifts for your pet

Beach Safety Kit
• $50 Amex gift card
• Beach cooler and towel
• VCA branded gifts for your pet

Pet Travel Pack
• $50 gas card
• Pet traveler’s seat for your vehicle
• VCA branded gifts for your pet

Cat Wellness Kit
• $50 Amex gift card
• Cat shampoo, vitamins, and feline dental chews
• VCA branded gifts for your cat

Dog Wellness Kit
• $50 Amex gift card
• dog shampoo, vitamins, and doggie dental chews
• VCA branded gifts for your dog

Winners will be chosen with random.org from those who RSVP and are answering Twitter Party questions, while using the #VCApets hashtag. 

*Disclosure: This is a paid campaign created in collaboration with Stiletto Media and VCA Animal Hospitals.*

Crowd-Pleasing Chicken Cutlets

Posted on by Run DMT
13

PhotobucketI must being returning to my roots these days, because I keep creating some unbelievably tasty Italian dishes, like these chicken cutlets.  I should leave a check on the table at the end of dinner to start earning some tips for all my hard labor.  Actually, I pride myself in making some really simple yummy dishes, so honestly there’s no real hard labor involved.  But I should probably throw flour on my face like the old Rice Krispies commercial so it looks troublesome.

These chicken cutlets taste delicious blanketed by either of the sauces I shared here or here.  A side of your favorite pasta makes a nice companion to this dish too.  Lay a slice of fresh mozzarella on these bad boys and you’ve got yourself some fancy schmancy restaurant-style chicken parmesan like mama used to make.

Italian-Style Chicken Cutlets

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken breasts

¼ cup of olive oil

1 cup all purpose flour

2 eggs

1 cups plain bread crumbs

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp thyme

¼ tsp red pepper flakes

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

 

Directions

Using the flat side of a meat mallet, pound the chicken cutlets to ¼- ½ inch thick.  Warm a ¼ cup of olive oil in a griddle set to 350 degrees.

Pour flour into one bowl, prepare an egg wash in another bowl and then combine the bread crumbs and spices in another bowl.  Lay each breast in the flour covering both sides of the fillet.  Then, lay the flour breast in the egg wash and wipe off excess egg.  Then, cover both sides of chicken breast with the bread crumb mixture and lay in heated olive oil.  Sauté until golden brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes for each side).

Serve smothered with your favorite tomato sauce and a side of pasta.

 

Even though Karen is back in the States, we’re continuing to fling foods at one another. Link up and see what If I Could Escape and Gone Bananas are serving for this week’s Friday Food Fight.



*Also submitted at*

I am a Food RENEGADE!friday potluck guest host girlichef

Just Wild About Harry

Posted on by Run DMT
5

A set of Harry Potter hardcover books sit on my bookcase like trophies on a mantel, my pride possessions.  Back in my teaching days, I read the series to my students.

When Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone hit the big screen, Allana was an infant, only a couple weeks old and we dragged her along to see it.  By doing so, we created her Harry Potter obsession at a very early age.

A few years ago, Allan began reading the books to Allana.  I believe Allan enjoyed having an excuse to read children’s books.  Of course, they loved them as much as my students and I did.  Allana loved the books so much that she began rereading them again to herself once she was capable of reading the books on her own.

Then, a couple of years ago, she dressed as Hermoine for Halloween, which also happened to be the same year she requested a Harry Potter birthday party.

Of course, being huge Harry Potter fans, we had to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 on opening weekend.  Allana wore her Gryffindor robe to celebrate the occasion.

Before The Deathly Hallows: Part 2, The Sorcerer’s Stone had always been my favorite movie because I loved watching the magic of Harry Potter come to life.  However, this weekend, The Deathly Hallows became my favorite Harry Potter movie.  Perhaps it was the action or the many great lines which I kept quoting afterwards but more likely I enjoyed witnessing the closure for a great epic hero.

On screen, we’ve had ten years of Harry Potter, the same age as Allana.  She was a fan from the start.  I should have named her Lily Hermoine.

Come on, Tom! Let’s finish the way we started… together! –Harry Potter

Random Thoughts About 40 Points and 40 Miles

Posted on by Run DMT
5

Last month, I visited my doctor for a third time this year for another round of blood tests to check my cholesterol again. yay.  Only I had forgotten about the appointment and I ate so poorly week prior to my appointment.

The week before my doctor’s appointment, it was as though my body craved fattening greasy fried food.  I ate a McDonald’s country chicken sandwich meal with fries.  Then, a few days later, I had a hamburger and fries at Prime Bar’s $5 burger night.  I believe some Hooters wings were thrown into the mix and then there was a big bad-for-you breakfast on Father’s Day.  And not to mention, I ate my way across Sanibel and Captiva the week before my doctor visit.

So after a really bad week of fatty foods, I was completely blown away when my doctor said my cholesterol dropped 40 points and I lost 2 pounds.  I wondered had eaten better if my cholesterol level would have been even lower.  No matter.  I’m off the hook for now and I won’t have to go back to my doctor until January for my annual physical.  WOOHOO!

My weight is still holding strong at 135 pounds.  I would still like to drop another 10 pounds, but I’m not going to stress about it.  It will come off.  It’s nothing some Spanx can’t fix.

Although I didn’t reach my desired weight goal of 40 pounds before my 40th birthday (which is next Wednesday hint…hint), I completed my goal of 40 miles before my 40th birthday.  I finished 3 half marathons (Gasparilla, Pasco Challenge and Iron Girl), a  5 mile race (Miles for Moffit) and three 5Ks (Crazy Sombrero, Oldsmar Tap House Run and Rap River Run) for a grand total of 53.6 miles.

Now, I’m training for my third marathon: Space Coast Marathon and a handful of races in between, but it has been hard to get motivated to do the big miles in the heat of summer.  I know it will get easier when the weather cools down and I’ll be faster too.  Race season will be here before you know it!

Speaking of my training, I’ve been so lazy since the Fourth of July and I’m finding it difficult to get back into a running routine.  I don’t know if it’s the summer heat, dehydration or a vitamin deficiency or too much fatty foods, but I’ve exhausted lately.   Between our vacation, Fourth of July and entertaining guests due to all the July birthdays this month in our family, it’s as though my motivation fizzed with the fireworks.  But I’ve got to get serious about running again because there’s only 18 weeks until the Space Coast Marathon.

For my marathon training, I’m putting my faith in good ol’ Hal Higdon again, however, I’m following a hybrid plan combining Hal’s Novice 2, Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 plans.  I ran 8 miles yesterday and now this weekend I’m planning to go for 10 miles.  We’ll see.  Wish me luck.

As for my runs, like I said, they’ve been few and far between, but I’m back on track now.

July 2

3.1 miles

Time 31:24

Ave Pace 10:08

Max Pace 7:54

 

July 11

4 miles

Time 42:45

Ave Pace 10:42

Max 8:17

 

July 14

4 miles

Time 42:00

Ave Pace 10:31

Max Pace 8:25

 

July 18

8 miles

Time 1:28:08

Ave Pace 11:01

Max Pace 8:20

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Loving You for Your First Birthday

Posted on by Run DMT
13

This Saturday, our Little Lion Man will turn one.  Where did the year go?  How did we get from here…

…to here so quickly?

It makes me melancholy when I think how fast his first year flew by, but I’m grateful for every minute and how I can freeze frame moments like this in my mind and cherish them forever.

Happy 1st Birthday to my funny, beautiful, clever Little Lion Man, Liam!

Visit Amanda, Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.

Mia Bella Pasta

Posted on by Run DMT
13

Bella’s Italian Café is one of our favorite Tampa restaurants.  I dream of their homemade pastas and specialty sauces, especially Bella’s Roasted Tomato Cream Sauce.  But eating out every time I get a craving simply doesn’t fit into our budget not to mention what wouldn’t fit into my pants!  So when I spotted the Monterey Pasta Company Raviolis on sale at our local supermarket, I decided to create my own little Bella’s dinner at home.

 

We’ve tried several varieties of these Monterey raviolis and they are all delicious, but for my Bella-like dish, I selected the smoke mozzarella and artichoke.

Then, I let my creativity juices flow (with the help of Iron Chef Allan).  I dabbled with a little of this and a lot of that and VOILÀ!  A beautiful Bella-like dish emerged!  The smoked mozzarella raviolis and this sage sauce were a perfectly delicious combination!

Run DMT’s Sage and Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped finely

4 garlic cloves, minced

26 oz chopped tomatoes (Pomi Chopped Tomatoes or Muir Glen Fire Roasted Tomatoes for a smokier flavor)

4-5 pieces of sundried tomatoes chopped finely

1 tsp dried sage

1 tsp salt

½ tsp ground black pepper

¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

On a low heat, sauté the onions in olive oil until translucent.  Add garlic and cook until soft.  Stir in tomatoes and spices and cook for about 5 minutes.  Then, slowly stir in cream until well combined and warmed through sauce.  Remove from heat and serve over your favorite pasta.  I recommend the thicker chunkier pastas such as rigatoni or penne.

Photobucket

Even though Karen is back in the States, we’re continuing to fling foods at one another. Link up and see what If I Could Escape and Gone Bananas are serving for this week’s Friday Food Fight.

*Also submitted at*

I am a Food RENEGADE!friday potluck guest host girlichef