After a long, dreary winter, the kickoff of summer is a sacred event for those who live in the North. Bicycle wheels begin whipping through the streets. Walkers and joggers pick up their gait. People crack open their winter shells, and show some skin! The only thing left to the official kickoff, is the Memorial Day Barbecue!
Holiday weekends in the Melisi household were generally celebrated with family. But over the years, the clan spread out, and at times it was impossible to bring the family together. When this was the case, Mama Melisi would invite her neighbors, friends, and acquaintances to the gatherings.
One of the most eclectic groups who crashed her Memorial Day Barbecue consisted of the Medical Doctor, the Lesbian, and her friend, the Visiting Priest!
You might think that such a diverse group wouldn't have too much in common...but as the Chianti flowed, so did the conversation!
The first table topic was about travel. The MD was disappointed that she couldn't do much travel due to her hectic medical practice. The Priest shared his experience about his journey to the Holy Land. The Lesbian discussed the trials and tribulations of finding gay friendly hotels!
The chatter shifted to proper attire! The MD noted how doctors used to greet you in those starched, white lab coats. Now, it's perfectly acceptable to wear a golf shirt! The Lesbian stated how she just loved golf shirts. The Priest agreed, as he preferred golf shirts any day to his priestly frock!
The group debated over MDs marrying their practice instead of their spouse; legalizing gay marriage; priests being allowed to get married! The topics around the grill were endless!
At some point, the splendid evening took a turn. Mama Melisi could be spotted in the corner staring at her guests, who were now toasting marshmallows. The Lesbian was sobbing to the Priest that she never met the right woman. The Priest was praying, "Please, God, don't let me meet the right woman. The MD was taking their blood pressure and monitoring their heart rate!
The evening droned on, until a merciful miracle occurred, and the guests went home! It's no wonder why each Memorial Day Weekend, Mama Melisi now says she's coming to Florida!
In honor of the varied group of Memorial Day guests, we offer you a choice of three salad recipes...each unique and delicious in their own way!
We offer this to you with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
Italian Potato Salad
Ingredients:
2 lbs new potatoes
1 Spanish red onion
3 Stalks of celery - peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 Cup Greek pitted olives sliced in half (optional)
1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil (more if needed)
Italian wine vinegar (amount used is per your taste)
1 Tablespoon garlic salt
1/2 Teaspoon black pepper
1 Teaspoon oregano
Preparation:
Place the potatoes in a good sized pot and cover with cold water
Cook for 15-20 minutes and test (Cooking time depends on size; do not overcook)
Run cold water over the potatoes in a colander and let cool thoroughly
Meanwhile, peel and thinly slice the red onion and place in a bowl
Add the sliced celery and olives
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into the above bowl
Add all the condiments as listed and toss ingredients together
Taste the mixture and add more of any condiment if needed
String Bean and Tomato Salad
Ingredients:
1 lb Fresh string beans
2 Good sized red, ripe tomatoes
1 Small sized red Spanish onion
Garlic salt
Black pepper
1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon Italian wine vinegar
Preparation:
Steam the string beans in a steamer basket for 10-15 minutes. (Do not overcook)
Check to see if they are done
Strain the string beans and place in a bowl
Cut up the tomatoes
Thinly slice the red onion
Add these ingredients to the string beans
Add the condiments
Season according to your taste buds!
Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
1 lb tri-colored pasta
1 Small jar marinated artichoke hearts
3 Stalks celery - peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 Cup Greek pitted olives cut in half
1/2 Spanish red onion thinly sliced
Fresh tomatoes of your liking - cherry, grape, or plum tomatoes
1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil - more if needed
1/4 Cup Italian wine vinegar
Preparation:
Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients and place into a bowl
Drain the pasta and run under cold water
Drain pasta again very well and add to the bowl
Mix well and taste to check the flavors (Pasta absorbs the liquids; that's why you check flavors)
You can sprinkle with some garlic powder if you wish
ENJOY!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
The Catholic Kid Caper
Along with growing up Catholic, comes numerous obligations and ritualistic traditions. Some are formal, such as making First Holy Communion or Confirmation. Some are mere expectations, such as going to mass every Sunday.
Being a devoted Sacred Heart School Girl, I consciously fulfilled my Catholic responsibilities. Not only was I in attendance at Mass each week, but the entire SHS class could be found in church each and every Holy Day. Proudly cloaked in our maroon and gray uniforms, we were poised and serious...until something funny happened, and we would have to hold in our hysteria until we were about to bust!
I think the most embarrassing occurrence was when my friend and I remained standing during mass, eyes planted on the altar, while the rest of the congregation sat down in their pews! Actually, the two of us should have been commended for our straight heads, and reverent stance...even if we did look like two church idiots!
Maybe it was that embarrassing moment that led me to stray from my religious obligations...especially once we knew how to drive!
I think back to that warm Sunday morning. There was a husky breeze in the summer air, and the cicadas buzzed steadily in the background. My good friend, just bought a new car. It was a velvety maroon Pontiac Sunbird, with a creamy tan interior. Boy was that car sharp! We planned to drive to 10:00 mass. Wouldn't it be nice to stretch that Sunbird's wings onto the Garden State Parkway, instead of sitting in a subdued church for a long, dreary mass!
There's something amazing about how friends can read each other's minds! No sooner did I slip into the front seat, before that vehicle turned south, straight for the Jersey Shore! Having calculated our secret escapade to last four hours maximum, we made sure we stated that we were going to Saddle Brook Diner after mass for a hefty breakfast!
The ride was a snap! Most of the traffic was on the north side of the highway. Upon arrival, we quickly headed for Seaside Heights Boardwalk. I loved the expansive wooden slats that hugged the white shoreline for miles. The salt-soaked breeze gently caressed our faces as we walked among the crowd.
The playful booths began taunting us to dish out some cash. My temptation was the Coin Toss. In the past, I broke many a dollar bill for countless quarters, tossed onto glass plates, only to bounce on the ground. Although I never had success, I still managed to love this challenging game.
That infamous day, I had one quarter in my pocket...what the heck. I maneuvered myself to the front of the booth, leaned over, took aim, and tossed the coin in the air. Oddly, it had a slight backward pitch, and floated upward ever so gently. I watched the coin in slow motion as it plopped perfectly down onto the center of one of those glass plates!
I stood there stunned, as the little man behind the booth waived his arm toward a slew of dangling, life-sized, stuffed animals. "Take your pick", I heard as my eyes landed on the biggest, cutest stuffed raccoon. Proudly, I waddled away with my arms wrapped around my prized possession, until my heart sank. I was supposed to be praying...not tossing coins!
For those of you who are not Catholic, making confession is another component of our holy duties. Mama Melisi actually smiled as I confessed our sin. Rocky the Raccoon was hoisted in the corner of my bedroom...and to this day, I laugh at how we blundered the Catholic Kid Caper!
We offer, however, a wonderful Haddock Fish recipe with a delicious caper topping. It's quick and easy...and we guarantee you will pull this one off! Again, we offer this recipe to you with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
Haddock Fish with a Tomato Caper Topping
Ingredients:
1 lb Haddock
1 Fresh tomato chopped
1 Tablespoon capers (rinsed well)
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
Lemon Pepper
Garlic Powder
1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Cooking Directions:
Rinse the haddock and pat dry
Cut into serving pieces and sprinkle both sides with lemon pepper
Place on a dish and set aside
Soak the capers in cold water for approx 10 minutes because they are salty
Prepare the topping - chop a tomato and place in a small bowl
Add the chopped parsley garlic powder and capers
Add about 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
Mix well
Spray a baking dish with pam
Place the fish fillets in the dish and spoon the tomato mixture on the top of the fish
Place in a preheated 350 degree oven
Bake from 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish
Being a devoted Sacred Heart School Girl, I consciously fulfilled my Catholic responsibilities. Not only was I in attendance at Mass each week, but the entire SHS class could be found in church each and every Holy Day. Proudly cloaked in our maroon and gray uniforms, we were poised and serious...until something funny happened, and we would have to hold in our hysteria until we were about to bust!
I think the most embarrassing occurrence was when my friend and I remained standing during mass, eyes planted on the altar, while the rest of the congregation sat down in their pews! Actually, the two of us should have been commended for our straight heads, and reverent stance...even if we did look like two church idiots!
Maybe it was that embarrassing moment that led me to stray from my religious obligations...especially once we knew how to drive!
I think back to that warm Sunday morning. There was a husky breeze in the summer air, and the cicadas buzzed steadily in the background. My good friend, just bought a new car. It was a velvety maroon Pontiac Sunbird, with a creamy tan interior. Boy was that car sharp! We planned to drive to 10:00 mass. Wouldn't it be nice to stretch that Sunbird's wings onto the Garden State Parkway, instead of sitting in a subdued church for a long, dreary mass!
There's something amazing about how friends can read each other's minds! No sooner did I slip into the front seat, before that vehicle turned south, straight for the Jersey Shore! Having calculated our secret escapade to last four hours maximum, we made sure we stated that we were going to Saddle Brook Diner after mass for a hefty breakfast!
The ride was a snap! Most of the traffic was on the north side of the highway. Upon arrival, we quickly headed for Seaside Heights Boardwalk. I loved the expansive wooden slats that hugged the white shoreline for miles. The salt-soaked breeze gently caressed our faces as we walked among the crowd.
The playful booths began taunting us to dish out some cash. My temptation was the Coin Toss. In the past, I broke many a dollar bill for countless quarters, tossed onto glass plates, only to bounce on the ground. Although I never had success, I still managed to love this challenging game.
That infamous day, I had one quarter in my pocket...what the heck. I maneuvered myself to the front of the booth, leaned over, took aim, and tossed the coin in the air. Oddly, it had a slight backward pitch, and floated upward ever so gently. I watched the coin in slow motion as it plopped perfectly down onto the center of one of those glass plates!
I stood there stunned, as the little man behind the booth waived his arm toward a slew of dangling, life-sized, stuffed animals. "Take your pick", I heard as my eyes landed on the biggest, cutest stuffed raccoon. Proudly, I waddled away with my arms wrapped around my prized possession, until my heart sank. I was supposed to be praying...not tossing coins!
For those of you who are not Catholic, making confession is another component of our holy duties. Mama Melisi actually smiled as I confessed our sin. Rocky the Raccoon was hoisted in the corner of my bedroom...and to this day, I laugh at how we blundered the Catholic Kid Caper!
We offer, however, a wonderful Haddock Fish recipe with a delicious caper topping. It's quick and easy...and we guarantee you will pull this one off! Again, we offer this recipe to you with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
Haddock Fish with a Tomato Caper Topping
Ingredients:
1 lb Haddock
1 Fresh tomato chopped
1 Tablespoon capers (rinsed well)
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
Lemon Pepper
Garlic Powder
1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Cooking Directions:
Rinse the haddock and pat dry
Cut into serving pieces and sprinkle both sides with lemon pepper
Place on a dish and set aside
Soak the capers in cold water for approx 10 minutes because they are salty
Prepare the topping - chop a tomato and place in a small bowl
Add the chopped parsley garlic powder and capers
Add about 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
Mix well
Spray a baking dish with pam
Place the fish fillets in the dish and spoon the tomato mixture on the top of the fish
Place in a preheated 350 degree oven
Bake from 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Secrets at the Drive-In Movie
In the era of DVDs, DVRs, and On-Demand TV, going to the movies is becoming an infrequent event! I guess this has its pluses. After all, watching a good flick at home, can be more comfortable and quiet! However, before the technology takeover, movie night was special. And, going to the drive-in movies had yet a more unique flair!
There was a certain amount of preparation for the drive-in experience...at least when Mama Melisi was involved! Our family of five wouldn't head off empty-handed! I vaguely remember first packing our most comfortable pillows, and cozy blankets! When it came to food...let's just say dinner would be eaten in the car!
Drive-In movie food, for us, wasn't popcorn or sweet tarts! Mama Melisi would make her famous chicken cutlet sandwiches! And there was never any variation to this! We would pack-up, head out, and feast on breaded chicken cutlet sandwiches while we were watching the latest movie in our roomy Chevrolet!
And that wasn't all! The secret for my dad to have a really relaxing movie night, was to also pack a mason jar of Manhattan Cocktails! Family...good food...classic movie great...cocktails...if you ask me, we should revive the drive-in movie experience now!
Truthfully, my last recollection of a night at the drive-in was the debut of the 1968 movie, "Planet of the Apes"! I remember that scratchy speaker hooked onto the window of our car. And I also vaguely recall hearing, "Take your hands off me, you damn, dirty ape!" NO...that wasn't Mama Melisi talking to my dad...it was Charlton Heston yelling at his ape captors! (I still want to know...was that really Planet Earth???)
In memory of all the secrets at the drive-in movies, we offer you Mama Melisi's Chicken Cutlet Sandwich recipe...and the formula for a Classic Manhattan Cocktail! Once again, we offer it to you with love...
From Mama Melisi and Me
Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Ingredients:
6 slices thinly sliced chicken cutlets (use a kitchen mallet to pound cutlets - it tenderizes them)
1 cup skim milk or milk of your choice
1 cup Italian flavored bread crumbs
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons Italian grating cheese (optional)
Cooking Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray with pam
Take the cutlets which have been soaking in milk and dip them into bread crumbs
(If you're using cheese, add the cheese to the bread crumbs first)
Place cutlets on cookie sheet and drizzle olive oil over each cutlet
Place on an oven rack which is in the middle of the oven
Bake for 15 minutes, then turn and bake for another 15 minutes (or until crumbs are golden)
Serve on a heated platter with fresh lemon slices
*For Drive-In Movie Sandwiches, place finished cutlets on the bread of your choice!
Manhattan Cocktail
Ingredients:
2 oz rye whiskey
1/2 oz sweet (Italian) vermouth
maraschino cherry for garnish
Preparation:
Pour ingredients into a mixing glass with ice
Stir well
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass (mason jar)
Garnish with a cherry
REMEMBER - BE SAFE - DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!
There was a certain amount of preparation for the drive-in experience...at least when Mama Melisi was involved! Our family of five wouldn't head off empty-handed! I vaguely remember first packing our most comfortable pillows, and cozy blankets! When it came to food...let's just say dinner would be eaten in the car!
Drive-In movie food, for us, wasn't popcorn or sweet tarts! Mama Melisi would make her famous chicken cutlet sandwiches! And there was never any variation to this! We would pack-up, head out, and feast on breaded chicken cutlet sandwiches while we were watching the latest movie in our roomy Chevrolet!
And that wasn't all! The secret for my dad to have a really relaxing movie night, was to also pack a mason jar of Manhattan Cocktails! Family...good food...classic movie great...cocktails...if you ask me, we should revive the drive-in movie experience now!
Truthfully, my last recollection of a night at the drive-in was the debut of the 1968 movie, "Planet of the Apes"! I remember that scratchy speaker hooked onto the window of our car. And I also vaguely recall hearing, "Take your hands off me, you damn, dirty ape!" NO...that wasn't Mama Melisi talking to my dad...it was Charlton Heston yelling at his ape captors! (I still want to know...was that really Planet Earth???)
In memory of all the secrets at the drive-in movies, we offer you Mama Melisi's Chicken Cutlet Sandwich recipe...and the formula for a Classic Manhattan Cocktail! Once again, we offer it to you with love...
From Mama Melisi and Me
Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Ingredients:
6 slices thinly sliced chicken cutlets (use a kitchen mallet to pound cutlets - it tenderizes them)
1 cup skim milk or milk of your choice
1 cup Italian flavored bread crumbs
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons Italian grating cheese (optional)
Cooking Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray with pam
Take the cutlets which have been soaking in milk and dip them into bread crumbs
(If you're using cheese, add the cheese to the bread crumbs first)
Place cutlets on cookie sheet and drizzle olive oil over each cutlet
Place on an oven rack which is in the middle of the oven
Bake for 15 minutes, then turn and bake for another 15 minutes (or until crumbs are golden)
Serve on a heated platter with fresh lemon slices
*For Drive-In Movie Sandwiches, place finished cutlets on the bread of your choice!
Manhattan Cocktail
Ingredients:
2 oz rye whiskey
1/2 oz sweet (Italian) vermouth
maraschino cherry for garnish
Preparation:
Pour ingredients into a mixing glass with ice
Stir well
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass (mason jar)
Garnish with a cherry
REMEMBER - BE SAFE - DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
The Poacher
Once in a while, I have the fortunate experience of babysitting for my friend's little boy. At six year's old, he has a head full of dirty blond hair, and round blue eyes that radiate with honesty. He's also blessed with a keen, analytical mind, and a kind little soul. There are some kids that you just love being around!
During my babysitting stint, we played an active outdoor game of airplane. Dollar Store, styrofoam airplanes catch the wind just right! Afterward, we settled onto the couch to watch one of our favorite shows..."Animal Planet".
The segment, already in session, flashed a scene of a baby rhinoceros, visibly injured and limping painfully through the woods. Unexpectedly, the footage became graphic, showing how an evil poacher laid a round, wire trap. When the baby rhino stepped into that wicked contraption, the wire tightened around the rhino's ankle, and cut his leg clear to the bone!
We both became saturated with horror. At first, he froze...then he lowered his head and slumped his shoulders. There was despair in the eyes of a six year old boy from the stark sight of animal cruelty. It was as bad as a physical blow!
I quickly outstretched my arms, and the child plunged into them...burying his head as if to erase the image from his mind. All he could say was, "If people don't want animals to hurt them, why would people hurt animals?" Having no answer, all I could do was hug him. Sometimes, there are no answers to life's sad realities.
We have a responsibility to our children to teach them to take care of one another...as well as the earth and the animals. We must be role models so that our little people never grow up to be poachers...laying wicked traps...practicing evil. Let's work together, to teach our children well.
If you're going to be a poacher, make sure you're poaching eggs! Get up, talk to your kids...make breakfast for them. Start with Mama Melisi's Poached Eggs! It's truly an art the way she cooks them!
Again, we offer this to you with love,
From Mama Melisi and Me
Poached Eggs
Spray the bottom of a shallow sauce pan with Pam
Fill 3/4 of the way with cold water
Bring to a gentle boil
Crack an egg open into the boiling water
Let simmer for 3 minutes for a medium poached, juicy egg
If you like it a bit drier, give it a few more seconds
Use a slotted spatula to ease the egg out of the water
Place onto the buttered toast of your liking
Other suggestions: Can put the poached egg over a pancake!
Can also be served with home fries made with thinly sliced boiled potatoes sauteed in canola oil, sprinkled with onion powder, salt and pepper. Saute until golden brown!
During my babysitting stint, we played an active outdoor game of airplane. Dollar Store, styrofoam airplanes catch the wind just right! Afterward, we settled onto the couch to watch one of our favorite shows..."Animal Planet".
The segment, already in session, flashed a scene of a baby rhinoceros, visibly injured and limping painfully through the woods. Unexpectedly, the footage became graphic, showing how an evil poacher laid a round, wire trap. When the baby rhino stepped into that wicked contraption, the wire tightened around the rhino's ankle, and cut his leg clear to the bone!
We both became saturated with horror. At first, he froze...then he lowered his head and slumped his shoulders. There was despair in the eyes of a six year old boy from the stark sight of animal cruelty. It was as bad as a physical blow!
I quickly outstretched my arms, and the child plunged into them...burying his head as if to erase the image from his mind. All he could say was, "If people don't want animals to hurt them, why would people hurt animals?" Having no answer, all I could do was hug him. Sometimes, there are no answers to life's sad realities.
We have a responsibility to our children to teach them to take care of one another...as well as the earth and the animals. We must be role models so that our little people never grow up to be poachers...laying wicked traps...practicing evil. Let's work together, to teach our children well.
If you're going to be a poacher, make sure you're poaching eggs! Get up, talk to your kids...make breakfast for them. Start with Mama Melisi's Poached Eggs! It's truly an art the way she cooks them!
Again, we offer this to you with love,
From Mama Melisi and Me
Poached Eggs
Spray the bottom of a shallow sauce pan with Pam
Fill 3/4 of the way with cold water
Bring to a gentle boil
Crack an egg open into the boiling water
Let simmer for 3 minutes for a medium poached, juicy egg
If you like it a bit drier, give it a few more seconds
Use a slotted spatula to ease the egg out of the water
Place onto the buttered toast of your liking
Other suggestions: Can put the poached egg over a pancake!
Can also be served with home fries made with thinly sliced boiled potatoes sauteed in canola oil, sprinkled with onion powder, salt and pepper. Saute until golden brown!
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