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....