Giacobbe's Famous Tomato Sauce

I married into an Italian family which was quite interesting at times.  Italian's use there hands a lot when they talk and are VERY EXPRESSIVE.  You find out on the very first time you meet the family if they "LIKE" you or not.  NO "LIKE" button's here... you find out vocally...TRUST ME... they let you know!  Luckily, his mother REALLY liked me and I was brought into the kitchen to learn her Italian cooking first hand.  Her sister Valentina also helped me with the Italian cooking advice and years ago after Norma passed away, Valentina helped me when I decided to put together a cookbook together in Norma's Memory.  Unfortunately, a month after I finished a very ruff version of the cookbook, Valentina passed away.   So, now years have gone by and I have decided to look back at these wonderful recipes and see if they fit the healthy life style and cooking I make now.   The hard part, I have found, is reading these recipes in Italian and then add in that she wrote in short hand....UGH!   I'll take my SWEDISH any day.   Here is the Giacobbe Family Tomato Sauce I have fed the kids for years and it's a keeper because it freezes well.

  Giacobbe's Famous Tomato Sauce

Cover bottom of pot with Olive Oil

1/4 onion coarsely chopped

1/2 clove of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of fennel

1 can whole chopped tomatoes

2 6oz. can's Tomato Paste

1-2 cups water

1 Tablespoon salt

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon Oregano, ground

Cook for 3 hours ~NO BOIL~ Just occasional bubble.  Last hour add Oregano )1 teaspoon), and 2 bay leaves.  I always make a double batch or even a triple batch and freeze in containers for quick meals for the boys.  I always use the Jovial Wheat Free pasta... but be creative and find something you enjoy!

OPTIONAL

Place 1lb sausage in pan in oven for 1/2 hour at 350.  Puncture to release fat.  Then add to sauce.  (Veal is good as well)

Valentina & My son Graham

Norma on her Honeymoon before any kids:)  She would have liked that I used this picture:)

Boys Cowboy Meal

My oldest had a Birthday last week and I had text messaged him while he was at school and asked him what he wanted me to make him for dinner.  I had a one word response, which is typical of boys/men in general.  He texted me the word "MEAT"!  I'm still laughing because he gets plenty of meat, but I secretly knew he wanted a steak and/or ribs!  So, off to the store to make him a special meal and make it "MAN" style for the 17 year old!  I decided last minute to make it a cowboy meal for him!  Here's what I did, but first I had to show you this picture...It's SO cute!

He likes different cakes so I did two separate cakes and put them together!  17 candles REALLY make a cake light up:)

   HOMEMADE COWBOY STEAK RUB

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1/2 teaspoon Chipotle

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried garlic

Place all ingredients in a coffee grinder that you only use for herbs (Or make sure it's REALLY clean).  Mix well and you are ready to use on beef, chicken, salmon, roasted potatoes...or anything your little heart desires! I used this rub on both the ribs and steak.  I also, incorporated a little of it in the roasted potatoes with fresh rosemary.

For the Steak:

I seasoned each rib steak with the above rub then wrapped a piece of bacon to make it extra special boy style before I placed it on the grill.

For the Ribs:

I covered the ribs in a little olive oil and then used the remainder steak rub, when the ribs were just about ready to come off the grill I put a little barbecue sauce on both sides. 

For the Potatoes:

I diced the potatoes and wrapped them in foil.  I drizzled a little olive oil, placed fresh diced up rosemary, salt, pepper and a little of the rub.

All of it went on the grill for easy clean up for me:)  Ha, Ha  After all, I had to "dude" up the table for the birthday boy:)

I even made him a strawberry protein drink and bought his favorite A1 sauce I NEVER buy:)

He ate almost the whole rack of ribs...PIG!

The potatoes were my favorite part:)

    

My Families Garlic Salad Dressing

My niece visited us last week and after I made this simple salad dressing one night she asked for it every night for dinner.  I promised her I would blog the recipe.  So here it is...  ENJOY:)

My Family Garlic Salad Recipe

1/4 cup vegetable oil 

(I use women's oil or a mix of flax oil and olive oil)

2 cloves garlic minced

1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 1/2 tablespoons Raw Parmesan Grated

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Mix all ingredients together and poor dressing over spinach or a mix of spinach and romaine lettuce, mix really well.  Sometimes, I sprinkle tomatoes and toasted pine nuts in for some prettiness (You all know how much I LOVE PRETTY FOOD:)!  This is absolutely wonderful and very healthy!  My staple dressing for sure!

Destini Molitor's Skincare Routine

My latest endeavor is a series of interviews of Inspirational Women.  In my very first interview, I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to interview my friend Destini regarding her skincare routine!  I hope you enjoy!  I know I learned a lot. 

   
Destini Molitor

Destini Molitor

My long time friend and Minnesota neighbor Destini Molitor is a true inspiration in many ways.  She always looks stunning even with the many demands she has on her time.  Destini’s latest volunteering with her husband Paul who is a former baseball player and Hall of Fame Member, and currently is a coach for the Minnesota Twin’s, was with the Starkey Hearing Foundation.  Starkey Hearing fits individuals with hearing aids locally and around the world.  This latest volunteering event was in the Dominican Republic; so of course this added more travel to an already busy schedule.  But, she seemed to be able to handle it all and at the same time keep up with her two grade school kids!  So, how does this busy Mom manage to take care of her skin with a demanding travel schedule?  I decided to ask and see if she would reveal her skin secrets and let me blog about her secrets… surprisingly she agreed!

1)  What does your morning routine look like?

My morning routine kind of changes depending on what products I have used in the nighttime.    But, basically I DO NOT wash my face EVER in the morning, unless I used makeup remover cloths after a late night. Washing my face in the am with my skin type can lead to dryness especially in Minnesota's winter months.  Instead, I use a toner to cleanse away any residue. Currently I’m using Rodan & Fields pore minimizer toner from their REDEFINE Line. My toner goes hand in hand with Rodan and Fields Lip Renewing serum, so it's dry when time to apply lipstick.  After a clean face and moisturized lips I start with my favorite serum's of the moment. They are both from Le Mieux's line.  First I apply TFG – B Booster followed by their Collagen Peptide Serum.  Then, I apply a daily face cream; I rotate using Rodan& Fields Anti-Triple Defense cream, Le Mieux Bio Cell Rejuvenating Cream, or Phytomer's XMF Perfection Youth Cream.  Finally, I always use an eye cream, currently Le Mieux Eye Wrinkle Corrector or from Rodan and Fields the multi function eye cream.  Phew, seems like a lot, but really this only takes about 3-5 minutes depending on who's in my bathroom, lol. 

I like to apply vitamin C also whether in a serum or cream.

 I have added pictures of some of the products Destini uses.  I hope this is helpful.  I also have added a tab in the "Tiffany's Therapy Store" labeled "Destini's Skincare" Where you can purchase some of the product if you are interested.

  

2)   What does your Night-time routine look like?

WASHING:  I wash my face every night. My nighttime routine is more intense with cleansing and exfoliation based on my skins needs. I like to use Rodan and Fields Daily Cleansing Mask from their REDEFINE line or Glymed plus Gentle Facial Wash (oddly enough Paul uses the same stuff).  2 times a week I incorporate Rodan and Fields Micro-Dermabrasion paste, that leaves your skin feeling like butter!  I follow with their Night Time Renewing Serum, apply the PM Overnight Restorative cream along with the lip renewing serum and I'm good to go.   Every Sunday night I use the Redifine Macro Exfoliator a hand held exfoliation tool that sweeps away dead skin cells, followed by a cooling serum (then repeat night time routine minus the cleansing).  It's amazing what lurks in the filter after you clean it out, thousands of dead cells, yuck. 

3)   What is the ONE thing you would always do if you could only do ONE?

Hmmmm, that's a tough one.  Kind of like choosing concealer over mascara :)  But I would say the one thing that ties all the products I use together would be (I try) a monthly Restoration Micro-peel (45 min) that Includes Dermaplaning (my favorite, no need for waxing lips, and the blade takes care of all peach fuzz) an AHA Peel, and a Treatment Mask all done at Niki Robison's brow and skin Studio found at www.nikirobison.com  in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.     

Destini

  

4)   Is your travel skin care routine different than your regular routine?

Yes, Funny you should ask.  The night before I travel I apply a Hydracontinue Relaxing Moisturizing Mask from Phytomer.   Then the morning of, I use Rodan and Fields Soothing Mask. Or I apply the Phytomer mask as a base if traveling in the am.  I daily use Dr. T’s Supergoop, SPF 35 Daily Correct CC Cream-Light/Medium as my foundation and then lightly brush on Glo- Minerals Pressed Base mineral make up with a favorite MAC brush (187 Duo Fibre Brush) that creates a finished look.  But as we know travel dehydrates the skin. So, I spray Revive Hydration Mist from Glo-Minerals throughout the flight that refreshes and sets your skin a glow.  I actually do this every am as well to set my make-up, and carry it in my purse.  This works great at the pool also; I like Mario Badescu's facial spray that contains Aloe, Herb and Rosewater, etc (Not expensive, but nice to stay Hydrated, and keep in your beach bag.)

 

5)   What Beauty advice would you give?

 What you put into your body you will receive back.  Be kind to yourself.  DON’T FORGET your NECK, CHEST and HANDS.  They should be treated as part of the face.  Keep a hand cream in your car with your cuticle oil for those long stoplights. I like Supergoop called “Forever Young Hand Cream with Sea Buckthorn SPF 40…It’s great! WATER WATER WATER…  SLEEP SLEEP SLEEP.

6) Do you take any vitamins for your skin?

Yes, Borage oil particularly for skin with many to follow that benefits body and skin.   

7) Are there certain foods that you feel benefit your skin? Why? 

I'm a huge believer in Greens/certain veggies/fruit.  I'm trying to eat 70% raw Greens/veggies/fruit, the rest protein.  I could right about this for a long time! I'm addicted to Truce Juice in Uptown (drinktruce.com)!  My Uncle Andrew Lonnquist is a chiropractor in Minnetonka (Lifesouce Chiropractic) and I remember walking into his office one day and saying, "Wow, you look so tan, where did you go?"  He gave me a puzzled look and explained it was probably from all of the raw carrots he was eating all week.  He really had a mystic like tan.. My skin and body looks and feel healthy when doing this. My body craves the greens when I'm not drinking/eating them. 

8) What is your favorite sunscreen? Why?

 I use the Sunscreens that are built into the product I use 35-40SPF.  Otherwise, I have relied on the Skinceuticals line, especially the sport UV Defense SPF 50, for longer days in the sun.  It has held up well against other SPF's I have tried for long days in the sun.  My husband applies this religiously when on the field.   

9) Do you have any other little skin care treats?

Well, every 2-3 weeks I apply a deep hydration mask from It Works, I love the way my skin feels and lifts afterwards.  My absolute favorite for events if there is no time for anything else is from SK-II, their facial treatment mask accompanied by their signs eye mask, leaves you looking red carpet ready!  Sleep on your back and if you must sleep on your side, sleep with a silk pillowcase for your skin and hair :)!  I personally always end up on my side. 

Destini

  Again… Many Thanks Destini for revealing this skin regimen to me and my blog followers; I truly believe we all need to help each other out and I know you believe in that too!  I had SO much fun talking with you... it makes me miss Minnesota more.   I hope everyone can see your true humor through this interview (i.e.  “Who’s in the bathroom with you?”  I have a feeling I know which two kiddos are in there)!   Miss you guys a ton and hope to see you all soon!  Also...thanks for humoring me by sending me extra photos, I always think pictures say more than all the words I type!!!

Swedish Girls Skinny Vegetable Soup

  If you think about it you don't see a lot of overweight Swedish women! I remember in my twenties people always asked how I stayed so thin.  I would always respond, "Calories in, Calories out"!  But, when I think about it, I also crave a vegetable soup when I'm feeling bloated or just icky.  Sometimes, I would detox if the soup didn't make me feel better.  But, I always would try to make this soup first and if I didn't feel any better after eating the soup for three days then, I'd dive into a detox (which usually means I get cranky, but that's just because the toxins are moving all around in my body).
The key to this is for three days you eat maybe a piece of Ezekiel bread with jam in the morning with your usual vitamins, skip the coffee.  Lunch, have a bowl of this soup again with another piece of Ezekiel bread (only if you don't feel full)!  And in the evening... yep you guessed it, another bowl of the soup with some raw vegetables.  I would do this for three days and usually I would start feeling better or I'd dive into the detox and get a move on.  On another note: This soup is truly a nice fall dinner as well and it doesn't feel like a detox meal! But, technically that's because it's not!  So, make some and enjoy it.

    2 Tablespoons Olive oil

2 onions cut into chunks

2 stalks celery cut into chunks

2 leeks cut into chunks

2 carrots cut into chunks

2 potatoes peeled and cut into small chunks

3/4 cup fresh parsley

1 box of good quality organic chicken broth 

Heat a large pot on the stove and add the olive oil, place the onions, leeks, celery and carrots.  Saute until vegetables are a little soft. Add the potatoes and continue to saute for a few minutes.  Then add the parsley and chicken stock, cover and allow to simmer for at least 30 minutes.  Place all ingredients into a high speed blender or Vita mix and blend on high.  Serve!  Place the remainder in a container in refrigerator for the next couple of days.

For specialty ingredients and kitchen supplies you can visit Tiffany's Therapy STORE. 

 

Jovial Wheat Free Pasta with Honey Dill Salmon Sauce

Oh... yet another dinner to bring to the table.  I don't know about you but, sometimes  I only have two salmon fillets left in the freezer, but I'm so hungry for a little fish.  So,  I decided to make-up a recipe using my favorite Pasta!  Jovial brand wheat free pasta is the best in my opinion and really lends itself well to accepting the flavors of a sauce.  This sauce is sweet yet has a little heat due to the acidity of the mustard.  It's kid friendly, at least for my boys but, I'll admit they are a tad spoiled with meals.  Enjoy!!  This recipe can feed around 4 people. 

2 salmon fillets

3 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon Salt and Pepper

1 tsp. dill

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 sweet onion, chopped

1/2 cup dry vermouth

3 teaspoons grainy Swedish Style Dijon mustard (purchase in Tiffany's Therapy Store )

1/2  cup whole milk or vanilla almond milk, heavy cream could be used as well

1 Tablespoons parsley and parsley flowers to top (if you have it)

1 pound jovial brown rice capellini (purchase in  Tiffany's Therapy Store

add a little olive oil if pasta seems dry

Method

   Heat the oven to 425.  Place the salmon fillets next to each other on a small roasting pan skin side down.  Evenly divide 1 1/2 tablespoons of the honey on each fillet then top with dill, salt and pepper.

Bake until barely done, about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

  In a saucepan, place coconut oil and chopped onion, saute until translucent and then add the dry vermouth, allow to cook down to about 1 tablespoon and then add the milk, mustard, salt and pepper to taste.  Again allow to slowly simmer down.  At this time add the Salmon from the oven.

  In a separate saucepan boil water for the capellini (Purchase in: Tiffany's Therapy Store) and boil according to directions on box.

  Next, divide pasta among bowls and top with evenly divided sauce, add parsley and a little olive oil if pasta seems dry, and top with a decorative edible flower (if you have it)!  And serve!

 

Grass Fed Beef Burritos...Boy Style!

My boys are the typical boys.  They want to eat like a boy..."Bring On The Beef"!  So after having Grass Feed Beef Steak and Potatoes the night before we had a filet left and some of the potatoes leftover.  So, knowing this couldn't feed the two of them I decided to make them a meal using these...Burritos, Boy Style.   Here it is:

    1 Grass Fed Beef Filet, grilled (can be leftovers), thinly sliced

1 cup baked diced potatoes (Leftovers as well, don't worry about seasoning)

1 cup shredded cheese (your choice)

2 Spelt, flour or corn soft tortilla

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1/4 cup cilantro, (I used what I had in the garden)

1 tsp.  Cumin

1/2 tsp. lime juice

1 Tbs. olive oil

Method:

  Take the leftover potatoes and dice them if not already diced.  Place in a bowl and toss with onions, cilantro, cumin, lime juice and olive oil.  Lay out the soft tortilla of your choice on a piece of foil and place potato mixture, evenly distributed between the two.  Next, slice the beef thinly and place on each.  Then top with cheese and wrap up.  Place in 425 degree oven for 10 minutes or cheese is melted.  Top with whatever you like.  My boys like, sour cream, salsa, sliced avocado, and lettuce.  I always make a fresh little dressing on the lettuce for them using olive oil and lime juice, and a little salt and pepper.  This just adds a ton of fresh flavor to the topping.  Hope your able to enjoy this one as a leftover staple.