Book Review ~~ House Rules By: Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult places us in the life of a boy with Asperger's syndrome which is often considered a high functioning form of Autism. People with this syndrome often have trouble functioning socially, repeat behaviors, get fixated on certain subjects and are quite intelligent.  It may be difficult for them to choose a topic of conversation, their body language may be off, and it also may be difficult for them to recognize that the other person has lost interest in the topic of conversation. They have a tendency to speak in monotone, and may not respond to other people's comments or emotions. They may have difficulty understanding sarcasm or humor. In this novel we can see the painful effects that Asperger's has on a family. Jacob Hunt who is one of the narrators in this book is affected by this condition and is fixated on forsenic crime scenes; creating them and sovling them.  Think CSI...

His Mother Emma is a single parent of two sons and their Father has not been in the picture since Theo was an infant. She is struggling to keep a roof over their head and to raise two teenage boys.

Theo, her youngest, is striving to be a "normal" child with a "normal" family in a home that is anything but "normal." He realizes that he is supposed to make exceptions for Jacob; it's one of their unwritten house rules. The Hunt family actually has their own set of rules all based on respecting Jacob’s special needs and keeping things as normal as they possibly can.

Jess, a college student who is Jacob's social tutor, is murdered and the drama ensues. All the evidence, a string of unrelated events and facts, seems to point clearly to Jacob - or to his brother Theo who has a habit of breaking into houses. The chief of police, who is forming a relationship with Jacob's mother, believes he did it and arrests him, but does make allowances for his "quirks."

Picoult, as she always does, creates a very realistic world for her characters. The exposition draws the reader into their lives, making them by various degrees sympathy or not. She imbues them with life and gets the reader invested in the outcome. Layer by layer Picoult builds the tension, and the answer to who committed the crime hangs in the balance.

I loved reading this book, even though it can be heavy going at times with such complex issues being played out. The ending though left me feeling a little bereft. To me, it initially felt a little sudden – with a lot left unsaid.

Available at Amazon

Zeus

Zeus

Zeus is a beautiful Walmeraner that instantly came into my new family when I married Bubby. He was about 4 years old at the time and I have never in  my life owned a big dog. I am truly a Yorkie kind of girl. Actually, the biggest dog that I have ever owned was a Cocker Spaniel.

Trixie

I instantly had my reservations on having this big creature in my house that weighs more than me! After about 4 months of this dog in my house I had enough. So I came up with a plan......When I would go visit my Dad at Thanksgiving, I would leave him there. You see, my Dad has a beautiful ranch that is located 30 miles south of San Antonio. It has approximately 375 acres. He lives there alone except for the caretaker and many different species of animals. This would be perfect for him! He could have some company and Zeus would have a place to roam and make new friends. My Dad has always pretended that he doesn't like dogs. But you would catch him playing with them, giving them treats and buying them $100.00 beds (the bed I bought Zeus was $18.00 from Sam's).

Zeus stayed at the ranch for about 2 years, He had many experiences while living there. For one, he got bitten by a rattle snake. He has a scar to prove it! He got kicked by dohl sheep, chased by antelope, chased after bass in the pond. Let's put it this way....DOG HEAVEN!!

Dohl Sheep at Pop's Ranch

There came a day when the kids missed him so and  my Dad was ready to get rid of his new found friend.

So another journey began....when we packed up the car to go home Zeus came with us! I knew instantly he was mine until "death do us part!"

After being home for awhile, he would put his paws on the chair I was sitting on and start "dog talking" in my ear. When Bubby wasn't home and I was in bed alone; he would join me. After a few minutes I would always kick him out. He started to sleep by my side of the bed and sit next to me in the den!

One day I decided that I had to let my barriers down.....now my life will never be the same without Zeus in it! 

Love you man!

Coming soon.....Zeus's Moods.

Chain versus Local Restaurants

Since McDonald’s was established in the 1940's; hundreds of different chain restaurants have appeared to compete with it.  In this day and age there are chain restaurants popping up everywhere. Especially, off of the Interstate at "popular exits". They quickly became popular because of their cheap food price, greasy food and quick service. Even though chain restaurants are popular, most of their foods are unhealthy. Although, there are some chain restaurants that are starting to add more healthy foods in their menus.

 Some of the most popular chain restaurants according to the LA WEEKLY are as follows:

     1. The Cheesecake Factory
     2. Texas Roadhouse
     3. Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
     4. Olive Garden
     5. Ruby Tuesday
     6. Red Lobster
     7. P.F. Chang's China Bistro
     8. Longhorn Steakhouse
     9. Outback Steakhouse
    10. Cracker Barrel

I can not fathom why people would dine at these establishments when you can dine at local restaurants and support your local economy. Small businesses is what  makes this country great! Especially, in the restaurant business.  They come from all walks of life. You have your Italian owner who can speak Italian fluently and serves the most divine pastas. The Chinese owner who serves Moo Gai Pan that out of this world! The local guy who serves the most fantastic pizza. I can't count how many seafood restaurants are on top of this world?

You also have the family owned and operated ones that everyone has some kind of job to full fill. Prices range from the dirt cheap to elaborate fine dining. You can find anything that you are in the mood for or your pocket book can afford.

So instead of running to your local chain restaurant, why don't you give some of the local guys a chance? They work extremely hard, support their families (might be trying to send Junior to college) and it creates tax revenue to the community. I can not stress this more....eat locally.

These are my top 10 "Local Places" to eat, no specific order. They range in all price ranges, therefore you can not say your not giving one of these a try.

   1.  Tommy's Cusine - www.tommyscuisine.com
   2.  Juniper Restaurant - www.juniperrestaurant.net
   3.  Sal's Seafood - Belle Chasse, LA
  4.  Drago's......char broiled oysters - www.dragosrestaurant.com
  5.  Bear's (po-boys)....try the roast beef - http://www.bearsgrillandspirits.com/
  6.  Coffee Rani (salads)....Jamacian Jerk and the Bluesy Chicken Salad - www.cofferani.com
  7.  Rock-n-Sake Cafe - www.rocknsake.com
  8.  Sal and Judy's - http://www.salandjudys.com/
  9. Camilla Grill - http://www.camelliagrill.net/home.htm
 10. Commander's Palace - www.commanderspalace.com

I have to add one more because I couldn't think of which one to take off the list:

    11. El Portal - http://local.yahoo.com/info-36347749-el-portal-covington

While in the process of writing this blog I ventured out and went to a new Italian Restaurant called The Old Italian House. It was wonderful! So I will add a number twelve to my list.

This is the review I wrote about this particular establishment on www.urbanspoon.com:

"I just recently moved back to Covington after a 3 year hiatus. I have passed this place several times in the last few months and wanted to give it a try. I called for takeout and ordered the Italian Egg Rolls and the Veal Parmesan. The Italian Egg Rolls were very good, but had a little to much anise in it for me. The Veal Parmesan was outstanding!! I haven't had this good Veal Parmesan since Bertucci's closed in Harvey many years ago. They had a singer singing old Sinatra songs. It was quite romantic, but they could have dimmed the lights just a tad. The prices are phenomenal for what you are getting! Overall, I will definitely will be going back and can not wait to bring my husband and dine in this establishment."     

I did bring my husband back as well as my son Justin. They were blown away by the meal, the owners and the service. I can't wait to bring my mom when she comes to visit me.

These are some of my favorite links that I use as resources to find out about dining establishments.

www.nomenu.com ~ Our Local Food Critic Tom Fitzmorris
http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/food-and-drink/Section?oid=1222777 ~ Gambit Magazine
http://dining.neworleans.com/ ~ Local Website Company

www.urbanspoon.com ~ Restaurants and reviews from critics, food bloggers and friends from all over the world...On this website you can follow your friends and see what and where they are eating. (kind of like a facebook but for restaurants) If you like it, please follow me! http://www.urbanspoon.com/u/profile/1198780/K-Yeager.html


So next time you and your family or friends decide to go out to dinner,  go local. You will totally forget "The Chains". As well as, gain new culinary experiences.

Bon Apetite!
Kelly

Braciole

In New Orleans it is Mardi Gras. Being that my husband has to work this weekend and the kids are with their Dad; I decided to take it easy and fix a comforting meal. After two hours scouring through cookbooks, I came up with Braciole (pronounced Brah-shol). 


Braciole is a traditional Italian beef dish that is prepared in the Rollatini style, as in rolled up like a jelly roll, and stuffed with bread crumbs, cheeses, and seasonings.

It's moist, rich, and very flavorful and it is actually easy to make, although not quick. In order to make this cut of meat moist and flavorful, it needs a great amount of time cooking on the stove. It is perfect for a Sunday meal.

Every Italian family has its own version and this is what I finally put together.

Red Sauce

2 tablespoon Olive oil

1 onion, chopped 

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves or 1 1/2 teaspoon dried

1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes

1 (15 ounce) of tomato paste

3/4 cup Merlot wine

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground pepper

2 teaspoons dries oregano

1/4 white sugar

Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven oer medium-high heat, and cook. Stir the onion and garlic until translucent but not browned, 6 to 7 minutes.

Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes, and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring and chopping the tomatoes with a wooden spoon. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thicken and bubbling, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.

Stir the tomato paste into the sauce, and fill the empty tomato paste can with Merlot wine. Pour into the sauce and stir well to combine. Bring the sauce back to a simmer, and stir in the salt, pepper, dried oregano, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer until the seasonings are blended about 30 minutes.

Braciole
.
2/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano Cheese
1/3 cup grated Italian Style Cheese (Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, Romano, Fontina & Asiago cheese)
1/2 cup dried Italian-styled bread crumbs (I use Progresso)
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons chopped onions
5 cloves of garlic, minced
1 flank steak
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper


In a medium bowl, stir the cheeses,bread crumbs, parsley, onions, garlic, to blend. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, and set aside. 


The main objective is to use pieces of steak that are pounded down to between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch thick. You do this by placing the meat between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound it down with a meat mallet. This also helps to tenderize the meat. 


Now that your ingredients are ready, lay the meat down on a clean work surface. Sprinkle the meat with 1/2 teaspoon of each salt and pepper then spread the bread crumb stuffing evenly over the steak. Keep the stuffing away from the edges so that it won't cook out. Start at the narrowest end and roll up the meat like a jelly roll. Seal the rolls with butcher's twine. Sprinkle the braciole with the remaining salt and pepper.

Brown the braciole on all sides in the remaining olive oil. Add to the red sauce and cook over medium low heat about 2 hours or until meat is tender. Remove the twine before serving and serve with your favorite choice of pasta. I used penne rigate.

After eating this dish, you will be a Braciolist for life!! Hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

~ Kelly ~

The Prince of Tides an Over View

The Prince of Tides



Around 10 years ago, my cousin Heather came to visit me. She also brought a box full of books. She told me that she no longer needed them and to enjoy!

Over the years, I have read about 70% of the books.

One day I was getting ready to help my Dad get back to Texas and was looking to bring an extra book (in case I finished the one that I was reading). I picked up The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy on a whim.

I have seen this movie several time over the years and throughly enjoyed it. Usually, I don't see a movie then read the book. I read the book then see the movie to see how bad they tore up the novel.

I'm glad I did because it is one of the most wonderful books I have EVER read. Pat Conroy has never been on my bucket list of books to read. After reading this book, I am sold on his novels and looking forward to reading Beach Music (which I bought at Borders that is closing in Metairie) and his other books in the future.Tom Wingo is the son of a dysfunctional family from the South Carolina low country. His father is abusive and his mother lays the guilt heavily over her three children. Things aren’t looking good for Tom as he loses his school coaching job and his wife informs him she is in love with another man. Life takes another horrible turn as his mother arrives and tells him his beloved twin sister, Savannah, has been institutionalized in New York City for attempting suicide.

Tom rushes to his sister’s side, but her psychiatrist, Susan Lowenstein, refuses to allow Tom to see Savannah. Dr. Lowenstein fears his presence will make Savannah retreat even further into despair. So Tom gives the doctor a full history behind the Wingo family in the hopes that it will explain what lies behind Savannah’s mental illness.

It doesn’t take long for Tom and Susan to grow close and fall in love, but Tom is still attached to his wife and daughters. It’s not an easy bond to break.

Conroy chose stagnant Tom to be the backward looking one, the family historian. He was the most grounded character in a story that is beautifully surreal and downright bizarre at times. He was the anchor that kept the whole tale from spinning out of control. At first I questioned his likeability, but as he began to tell the story of Savannah, Luke and himself, as well as their parents, he was never more likable than when he was with Lowenstein. She gave him a role: initially adversary, she also provided him with an opportunity to play the hero; a rescuer, in a way, of ‘the top one percent’. Conroy is a beautiful writer.  He writes in a way that draws you in: a child's love of place, their island, jumping into the water, the streets of the town, and the idyllic ideas of home. As well as, confusion, life and relationships:

"One of the things I love about you, tom, is you're the kind of man who'll always go back to his family. But goddamn her anyway. Goddamn Sallie for loving you before I did." (p.669)

Beautiful!

The story of parental abuse, class discrimination, Savannah's mental illness, Luke's fight with the federal government and Tom's desperate attempt to save Savannah while re-examining his own life with Savannah's therapist made for a gripping narrative that I won't forget for a long time.

I'll most definitely read this book again after enough time passes. If you have not read this book, it needs to be on your "bucket list".

***********************************************************************
Did anyone else enjoy this book as much as I did? Please share your thoughts.

Link to Amazon if you are interested in purchasing this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Prince-Tides-Novel-Pat-Conroy/dp/0553381547/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1299201134&sr=1-1

Flexing My "Mussels"

One of my favorite and most relaxing things to do is trying new restaurants and cooking with family and friends.

I have been lucky enough in my life that my parents have introduced me to many types of cuisine. This includes anything from fine dining to hole in the walls. Both of these venues are mouth watering in so many different ways. So one would think that I am  not reluctant to try a new dish.

Well.....

When I started dating my husband Bubby a few years back, he introduced me to mussels. I have never tried them. They just  never appealed to me. I don't know why? Because I am a big fan of oysters! It was love at first bite!

So last night, it was just me and Bubby watching the Cotton Bowl with no kids.

And this past week I have been craving mussels.

So I thought I would give it a try!

Come to find out it was a rather simple recipe. The mussels are quickly steamed in an aromatic wine broth, and in minutes they were ready to enjoy. I served it with french bread and salad with a creole french vinaigrette.

Drunken Mussels

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons of butter
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1/4 cup of diced sweet onion
• 1/4 cup of Italian parsley
• 1/2 tablespoon of lemon zest
• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• 3 pounds of fresh mussels, scrubbed and rinsed

Preparation:

Add the butter to a large stockpot (one with a tight-fitting lid).  Melt it over medium heat, and add the garlic and onion; cook for one minute, or until the butter begins to foam.

Add the wine, parsley, lemon zest, and pepper flake. Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the mussels and cover quickly. Cook for 3 minutes, give the pot a little shake back and forth, and cook for another 2-4 minutes, or until the mussels have opened.

As soon as the shells open, sere immediately.

NOTE: the mussels will shrivel up to nothing if left to simmer in the hot liquid.

Serve with bread for dipping.

Enjoy!

My New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year!

I want to wish you all a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR, one that is full of every blessing that life can bestow upon you and your family!

Bringing on the New Year always has been a time for looking back at the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on changes we want in our life (or need) to make and resolve and follow through on these changes.

These are my top New Year's Resolutions. Whether I'd adhere to them or not, these are things that I want to accomplish this upcoming year as a modern Mom.

1. Indulge myself - Raising children many women put this on the back burner. I want to get pedicures a few times a year, massages (haven't had one in three years), nails done, relax in the tub after a stressful day with candles reading a good book and wine. This would entail no kids pounding on the door the entire time.

2. Take a vacation without the kids -  Even if it is just for a long weekend.......

3. Get organized - File taxes on time, get my house, calendar and finances in order.

4. Tell Bubby what help looks like - He can't read my mind and he tries hard, but the load needs to be rebalanced (FYI ~ he is mopping right now because the Father In Law is coming in tomorrow and I'm writing this blog)

5. Create a "New Family Tradition"

6. Entertain more - Open my home to family, old and new friends.

7. Career Change - Find a rewarding career that matches my skills, level of education and can still be there for my kids.

8. Loose 20 pounds - being that my New Year's Resolution two years ago was to quit smoking for the 2nd time, I've gained a scary 20 pounds since then.....another story.

9. Read more 

10. Redraft my Mission Statement in Life

So what are your resolutions? Thoughts, comments....