And by WE I mean you and I.
I purchased my domain from a site that blogger will not longer be able to recognize in a couple of months, so TQOC will be shutting down.
However, I'm not going anywhere!
After a bit of searching, I found a domain that I know will always be recognized with blogger, so we're just making a little jump to our new blog:
MODERN HOUSEWIFERY 101
Little by little over the next few weeks I'll be transferring posts. As I transfer them, they will either be deleted here, or I will add a link to the new blog at the top of the post.
So now for the sad news.. I'll no longer be posting on this blog. All new posts will be happening over there. In fact I already have a few (and I may have a brand new one today), so GO LOOK!
2013-02-24
2013-01-20
GUEST POST....International Shared Custody Gone Wrong
My guest poster today is Alissa Zagaris. Her story is different from most. Alissa had court ordered visitation established, and both parents had been following the scheduled visitation for 2 years prior to Leo's abduction.
In July 2000, Alissa and Nikos married after learning they were expecting a child. Alissa was an Indiana native, and Nikos was a Greek immigrant living in the states on a student visa. Nikos had overstayed his student visa and the Greek Military was demanding him home, but since he had officially married Alissa (an American born citizen) he ignored their demands, believing that it wasn't a problem. In January 2001, Alissa and Nikos welcomed Leonidas (Leo) Zagaris into the world. Nikos became jealous of Leo and started becoming aggressive toward Alissa and Leo. He wanted to have 2 other children, believing that it would solve his military troubles in Greece, since having 3 children will make you exempt from military duty. Nikos spent his life living as if her were single, providing money needed for bills and household items while having affairs with other women, his temper scared Alissa so she avoided confrontation as much as possible. In September 2007, Alissa filed an order of protection against Nikos. At the same time he was arrested by Immigration & Customs for his illegal status. When Nikos requested Alissa sponsor him, she refused and requested a divorce. January 3rd 2008, Nikos assaulted Alissa and was arrested again on domestic battery and felony strangulation charges. February 12, 2008, Nikos went to the Greek Consulate to explain the situation. They give him a boarding pass to flee the country to Greece. In 2009 when the divorce was finalized, Nikos was given 10 weeks of visitation each year.
I will have Alissa finish the explanations from here.
My story differs from most Left Behind Parents. (That's what we are called and labeled by our governments... "the Left Behinders" ). I
am one of the stupid ones that agreed to international child visitation
in my divorce. I am the "100% paperwork Mom" that put every single
safeguard reccommended by our State Department into place before I ever
allowed, my then 10 year old son, Leo to board a plane and visit his
father in Greece.
I felt so safe and secure in my decision. I remember thinking this kind of thing happens everyday. Lots of parents do this and have no problem. Plus I had the bonus of my ex husband being registered and banned from reentry into the US by ICE/DHS (check out my page for more details on that). I really believed that criminal prosecution would be the first option with my ex husband, not the last.
I read the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and thought I was informed and knew what I was getting myself into. I knew based on the articles of the treaty everything was overwhelmingly in my favor. Leo is a permanent resident of the USA, he was born and raised in Indiana. Leo has never lived anywhere but here in Hamilton County. Which is also the ONLY court with jurisdiction over matters concerning Leo. Hamilton County Courts and the prosecutor's office have made that very clear (Feb 2012). My American son was stolen during visitation and I have spent the past 18 months in an international battle to get that recognition from Greece.
18 months fighting a battle that should have never been.
6 months just to get my Hague application filed and the translated documents approved by Greece's Central Authority. I began the process in September 2011 but didn't get a hearing until April of 2012.
After the hearing it wasn't until September 28, 2012 when they finally ruled and ordered Leo be returned to the US. But is he home yet? NO. Why? Because the Hague gives the taking parent an opportunity to appeal the courts decision and will not enforce the order until that appeal has been denied. OK. FINE.
Well, we did that too.
December 13th 2012 I went to Greece to attend that hearing, expecting to leave with my son. I was with the Consular General of our Embassy in Athens and other staff. The Justice Dept and NCMEC were so confident that I would be returning with Leo that they approved funds for the rescue mission. I went over with partial funding from the Deptartment of Justice Victims of Crime Office. The Embassy, State Dept, NCMEC all believed I would be returning with Leo that day. We ALL thought this was the end of my American child's abduction. BUT NO!
The morning of the hearing the courts were striking again. Greece and Cyprus are not paying their government employees because of their economic crisis and the people are protesting and striking daily. We were lucky to even have our hearing that day. The courts are so different there than in the States. People just pack themselves in around the bench and scream to be heard. There is no rhyme or reason to anything.
I was not even allowed to speak or address the court. I had a translator with me yet still I was refused any right to even make a statement on my behalf. During our hearing the courts were evacuated for an hour due to a bomb threat. When we returned, we found out the judge would not rule on our case that day. He was making us wait until he reviewed the case.
Without his denial of the taking parents appeal, the Ministry of Justice could not enforce the return of Leo to my care. I was forced to leave Greece without my son.
On Friday January 4,2013 Peter Macon from the State Department's office of children's issues called me. Peter informed me that the judge had denied Nick's appeal and reordered Leo be return to the US.
YES! Finally we can get some enforcement! No more waiting, no more Hague restrictions on criminal charges. Finally the FBI can place Nick on the Red Notice with INTERPOL and we can treat this criminal as what he has been all along, a kidnapper, an international thug that thought he could use the civil system to bully his way back into the US.
BUT NO! NO! Not yet, we need to wait until the taking parents get served with the order first and Nick may get another chance to appeal. He has 30 days in which to file for his final appeal, this time with Greece's supreme court.
Well this time I say NO! No more waiting on this 80's treaty and a broken unmonitored civil process. After 18 months of this nightmare... I promise you there is NOTHING civil about this process.
My son has been stolen from me and everything he has ever loved. Leo is an American born and raised little Hoosier child. He is being held in a foreign land that has told us twice that we can have him back. So where is the enforcement? Why am I still here? Why aren't I with INTERPOL right now getting my little boy? And where is my country making sure that OUR CHILD comes home? I have been patient and more than understanding as I waited for "the process" to unfold.
There is nothing quick about this Hague process. And after 30 years, the Hague treaty has just become a way for taking parents to continue having the upper hand. The Hague does not protect our kids it just leaves them in the hands of their abductors. It has in effect created this problem for we modern parents. It protects the taking parents by discouraging criminal prosecution. And there is no recourse if the other country chooses not to comply. Thank God Greece is willing to give Leo back, others aren't so lucky. BUT Without enforcement, all the court orders of return mean nothing.It just makes me what I already was...the 100% paperwork mom; just with more papers. Hardly the Hague Success story, is it?
Alissa's page can be found here:
I felt so safe and secure in my decision. I remember thinking this kind of thing happens everyday. Lots of parents do this and have no problem. Plus I had the bonus of my ex husband being registered and banned from reentry into the US by ICE/DHS (check out my page for more details on that). I really believed that criminal prosecution would be the first option with my ex husband, not the last.
I read the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and thought I was informed and knew what I was getting myself into. I knew based on the articles of the treaty everything was overwhelmingly in my favor. Leo is a permanent resident of the USA, he was born and raised in Indiana. Leo has never lived anywhere but here in Hamilton County. Which is also the ONLY court with jurisdiction over matters concerning Leo. Hamilton County Courts and the prosecutor's office have made that very clear (Feb 2012). My American son was stolen during visitation and I have spent the past 18 months in an international battle to get that recognition from Greece.
18 months fighting a battle that should have never been.
6 months just to get my Hague application filed and the translated documents approved by Greece's Central Authority. I began the process in September 2011 but didn't get a hearing until April of 2012.
After the hearing it wasn't until September 28, 2012 when they finally ruled and ordered Leo be returned to the US. But is he home yet? NO. Why? Because the Hague gives the taking parent an opportunity to appeal the courts decision and will not enforce the order until that appeal has been denied. OK. FINE.
Well, we did that too.
December 13th 2012 I went to Greece to attend that hearing, expecting to leave with my son. I was with the Consular General of our Embassy in Athens and other staff. The Justice Dept and NCMEC were so confident that I would be returning with Leo that they approved funds for the rescue mission. I went over with partial funding from the Deptartment of Justice Victims of Crime Office. The Embassy, State Dept, NCMEC all believed I would be returning with Leo that day. We ALL thought this was the end of my American child's abduction. BUT NO!
The morning of the hearing the courts were striking again. Greece and Cyprus are not paying their government employees because of their economic crisis and the people are protesting and striking daily. We were lucky to even have our hearing that day. The courts are so different there than in the States. People just pack themselves in around the bench and scream to be heard. There is no rhyme or reason to anything.
I was not even allowed to speak or address the court. I had a translator with me yet still I was refused any right to even make a statement on my behalf. During our hearing the courts were evacuated for an hour due to a bomb threat. When we returned, we found out the judge would not rule on our case that day. He was making us wait until he reviewed the case.
Without his denial of the taking parents appeal, the Ministry of Justice could not enforce the return of Leo to my care. I was forced to leave Greece without my son.
On Friday January 4,2013 Peter Macon from the State Department's office of children's issues called me. Peter informed me that the judge had denied Nick's appeal and reordered Leo be return to the US.
YES! Finally we can get some enforcement! No more waiting, no more Hague restrictions on criminal charges. Finally the FBI can place Nick on the Red Notice with INTERPOL and we can treat this criminal as what he has been all along, a kidnapper, an international thug that thought he could use the civil system to bully his way back into the US.
BUT NO! NO! Not yet, we need to wait until the taking parents get served with the order first and Nick may get another chance to appeal. He has 30 days in which to file for his final appeal, this time with Greece's supreme court.
Well this time I say NO! No more waiting on this 80's treaty and a broken unmonitored civil process. After 18 months of this nightmare... I promise you there is NOTHING civil about this process.
My son has been stolen from me and everything he has ever loved. Leo is an American born and raised little Hoosier child. He is being held in a foreign land that has told us twice that we can have him back. So where is the enforcement? Why am I still here? Why aren't I with INTERPOL right now getting my little boy? And where is my country making sure that OUR CHILD comes home? I have been patient and more than understanding as I waited for "the process" to unfold.
There is nothing quick about this Hague process. And after 30 years, the Hague treaty has just become a way for taking parents to continue having the upper hand. The Hague does not protect our kids it just leaves them in the hands of their abductors. It has in effect created this problem for we modern parents. It protects the taking parents by discouraging criminal prosecution. And there is no recourse if the other country chooses not to comply. Thank God Greece is willing to give Leo back, others aren't so lucky. BUT Without enforcement, all the court orders of return mean nothing.It just makes me what I already was...the 100% paperwork mom; just with more papers. Hardly the Hague Success story, is it?
Alissa's page can be found here:
Leo Zagaris abducted by father in Marathon, Greece
Child abduction happens, even when you follow the legal route. And Alissa's story is proof of that. And while her case has gone faster than many others, it's still taken 18 months and counting. 18 months of being unable to see or hold your baby. 18 months of wondering where he is, and if he's okay. 18 months of living in fear that you will never see your child again.
And 18 months of our government doing very little, 18 months of our government PROTECTING a kidnapper and felon.
This is NOT how our government should work.
Alissa has started a petition with change.org to tell the government that they need to work harder to bring our babies home. Please take a few minutes to sign it: http://www.change.org/petitions/help-us-rescue-our-american-children-held-captive-worldwide?utm_campaign=friend_inviter_modal&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition&utm_term=permissions_dialog_true&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=url_share&utm_campaign=url_share_after_sign#
2013-01-12
UPDATE! (Guest Post) A Mothers Worst Nightmare - The Story of International Abduction
ALL UPDATES WILL BE POSTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST
Today I have had a guest write my blog post. Her name is Marla, and she is going through so much right now. And she needs your help. You see Marla lives here in my town, and her children live over 5000 miles across the world in Cyprus.
I first heard Marla's story when reading our local newspaper. As a mother myself I cannot imagine how heartwrenching it must be to know your kids are so far away from you and being mistreated and neglected. I've followed her updates during her trips to Cyprus and the times where her ex-husband has tried to hide her children, or have had people come after her to attack her. I've seen videos where you can tell that someone is feeding information to her children, teaching them to lash out at her and treat her horribly. I've heard the detailed descriptions of the living conditions these children face every day.
This is Marla's story, in her words. Below you will find links on how you can help her, a petition for the Cyprus court that she will take to them in a few short days, and links to the local newspaper articles that have also published her story. You will also find links for information related to spousal abuse, and how to get help if you are in a similar situation.
My name is Marla Theocharides and although I am divorced I
have decided to keep my last name to eventually make it easier on the kids for
the purpose of school teachers, school friends, and less explaining for my
children. I have a 7 year old daughter
named Katerina and my son Marcus is 3. I
married my long time boyfriend from Arizona State University in 2005. He was getting his Master’s Degree at the
time we met and had been living in the USA for 5 years. Charis was born and raised in a small country
called Cyprus, it is located in the Mediterranean Sea just below Turkey, next
to Israel and above Egypt.
Charis and I fell in love and had a strong relationship in
the beginning. Together we made the
decision to move to Indiana, where I was born and raised and where my entire
family resides. We got married in 2005
at St. Patrick Church in South Bend, Indiana.
We purchased our first home together and shortly after my daughter
Katerina was born. After we had Marcus,
my husband started complaining that he was having health problems. The doctors diagnosed him with anxiety and
gave him medication but he refused to take it.
Eventually he convinced me to go to Cyprus to spend some time with his
family and stay in the flat that we owned in Cyprus. The timing was good because Marcus was 6
months old and I really wanted to be able to stay home and spend more time with
my kids. So, I quit my job, packed our
belongings and off we went to Cyprus.
The first three months went smoothly. My only complaint was that I did not have a
car so I was stuck at home all of the time and this made it very difficult to
get groceries with two small children and no car. After 3 months had passed my husband decided
that we could get a car for me, so we did.
Things went downhill from that time on.
I later found evidence that Charis, my husband, and his mother knew that
after you were in the country of Cyprus for 3 months you were automatically
considered a full time resident. Then
the abuse started. Charis would speak
only Greek all of the time. I had no idea
what was going on so I enrolled in Greek lessons. Greek is a very difficult language to learn
but I was slowly learning. Charis would
yell and scream at me all the time, stating that I was not allowed to leave the
house and I was especially not allowed to talk to any men. He became jealous and very insecure. He started calling me names and spitting in
my face in front of the kids. Soon it
turned to physical violence.
The entire family had return plane tickets to go back to the
USA in June 2010. I tried to leave with
the children sooner because I was sleeping in the kids bedroom with the doors
locked and my cell phone in my hand. I
was living in fear. I asked my family to
help, I called the US Embassy. The
Embassy told me there was nothing they could do. Finally, I was allowed to leave with the kids
on our return ticket in June. Charis
would only allow me to leave if I promised that I was coming back to Cyprus, so
we had to buy return tickets to Cyprus in order to leave. Charis was supposed to come with us but he
refused.
When we got back in the USA, I filed for divorce and was
granted full custody of both my children.
In the meantime, Charis filed kidnapping charges against me and put a
Red Notice on Interpol through the Cyprus government. (Later I found out this was done
illegally) Charis threatened me that I
would be arrested in the USA and put in jail.
Charis and his mother came to the USA and took both kids back to
Cyprus. I went to court in Cyprus and
was told that my USA court order did not mean anything in Cyprus courts. I would have to start the custody process in
Cyprus because the kids had been there for 3 months. I filed right away for custody. Two years later and I still have not had any
court hearing in Cyprus, never allowed to present any evidence to court. I am told this is the normal process for
Cyprus courts.
My son was taken when he was just 19 months old and my
daughter was 5. I miss them every second
of every day. I send them mail every
week. I call and Skype according to
court orders but they rarely answer the calls and when they do they are full of
hate and anger. Their father has
brainwashed them to hate the USA and hate their mother.
The number one question people always ask me is, why don’t
you move to Cyprus? Well, this is a
complex question with a complex answer.
I don’t have a job there, the unemployment rate is 13% and I don’t speak
the language. The cost of living is
triple. I would have no friends and no
family. Most importantly, I cannot live
in Cyprus because I am not safe there.
When I go to visit I am assaulted and put in jail. My ex and his family are constantly filing
attempted kidnapping charges against me.
Of course, they are always dropped and I am released.
I have managed to stay positive throughout the process. I do yoga, go to the gym, take hot baths,
listen to music and go to counseling. I
do everything in my power to stay focused and continue my fight to get my
children home. I work full time to pay
my attorney bills and child support. I
know at the end of every day that I am doing everything in my power to bring my
children home to a safe environment. Through all the chaos I have faith that my
children will be home with me soon. I am
supposed to have a final hearing next month in Cyprus. All prayers are appreciated. In the meantime I am saving money on my
groceries with Crystal’s coupon tips!
Keep it up girl…you rock! J
This process has cost me over $100,000.00 in attorney and
travel expenses. If you wish to
contribute you can make donations on the following site:
If you are not able to make a financial contribution you can
still help this great cause by simply signing this petition. It will only take a minute of your time.
Here you can find the newspaper articles sharing Marla's story - http://www.southbendtribune.com/news/specialreports/sbt-marla-theocharides-fights-for-her-kids-20120312,0,2491800.special
If you are being abused or if you think you are in an abusive situation, please visit this website and call this number. They will provide you with more information to help you get to a safe place - http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/am-i-being-abused-2/
Thank you Marla for sharing your story with us today. Your strength and your courage are admirable and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that our hearts and our prayers are with you in this fight.
UPDATE: Marla's foundation now has a full website, as well as the facebook page. You can find her website here http://marlasfoundation.com/
Thank you to all who have signed the petition so far, it is so very much appreciated.
UPDATE 1/28/13: On 1/25 Marla received news that the welfare department in Cyprus has ruled to the courts that the children should continue to remain in Cyprus with Charis.
Directly from Marla's update is the email from her attorney:
"(1) today Gewrgia deposited her report to the Court which was not positive for us - she suggested the kids to stay in Cyprus and that the father should work so as to ensure your communication with the kids (which she suggested to be the most possible)
(2) She gave as reasons for this the following: the kids are fully adjusted in Cyprus/they receive adequate care in Cyprus and she does not suggest any change of environment for the kids at the present.
(3) The Court set the case for hearing for the 6/7/8 of March - she said that Gewrgia is a witness of the Court and will testify at the end and that we (the lawyers) can review the report of Gewrgia on the 30/1/13 at 08:30 at her office - copies of the report will be given to us when Gewrgia testifies.
(4) I was asked to state our position for the issue of the jurisdiction and I said that I will make a statement before the main hearing."
What makes no sense in all of this is the fact that Marla has reported the hard evidence of abuse and neglect of her and her children to the courts. She has videos of him assaulting her, of her children telling her they want to kill her (remember these kids we basically babies when they were taken, at that age they only know what they are taught) and US custody orders giving Marla custody of the children. She also has proof that Charis has kept the kids from her, is not allowing her the unsupervised visits that the courts granted her, and is not allowing them to speak with her via phone or skype. Yet the welfare department still reccommends they stay in Cyprus with Charis.
Our government NEEDS to act on this and STOP abandoning our left behind parents. If you haven't yet, please sign Marla's petition above. She needs to be taken seriously.
2012-12-29
Homemade Butter
Ok so I suck. I know I promised to keep up with things, but it's literally been non-stop busy and sickness. Plus Emma's been having some medical issues that we've been concerned with taking care of.
Anyway, I found a bit of time tonight to try something fun, and although my counters (wall, face, sink, clean dishes, stove, etc..) paid for it, it was totally worth it.
Aside from some rolls and some cookies, I haven't had a real chance to play with my KitchenAid.
So I had some leftover whipping cream from the holidays and I decided to make some butter. No way right? Yeah that's what I said too.
But prepared to be amazed by my butterball (no not the turkey)
Awesome right?
Ok so it's not some wonder of amazement, it's just butter (and a crappy Iphone picture) but it's still awesome.
So enough rambling.
The butter recipe is super simple. For this ball it was one pint of heavy whipping cream and 1/2 tsp salt. I attached my whisk attachment, set the thing on 10, and let it go.
You will want a splatter guard. I used mine and it still went all over. It's going to be liquid, then it's going to turn into whip cream, and then, just when you feel like you've failed and all hope is lost, it will start to look like this curdled mass of yuck. A few more cycles and you'll hear it start sloshing, so you'll know its done. If you have some small handheld strainer it will come in handy here as it won't all be in one ball. Get out as much as possible and wrap it in a cheesecloth (or paper towel, I didn't have cheesecloth.). Squeeze it well to strain as much of the buttermilk out as possible. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Considering I just made this tonight, I don't know how long it lasts but I wouldn't suggest leaving it for more than 2 weeks.
Now there are some awesome things you can do with this. You can leave the salt out and use it for baked goods.
You can add herbs and spices for flavor. Some of my favorites are rosemary and garlic (good on rolls) and garlic and chive (awesome in or on mashed potatoes). Obviously we like garlic.
Another thing that I got out of this was a cup of buttermilk. Which I'm going to use in pancakes tomorrow morning.
So this works awesome with a KitchenAid, you can also do smaller fun things like this with your kids and mason jars. Just shake shake shake until it separates. The kids will have a blast (and you'll tone up those arms!). What I don't know is how it will do with a hand mixer.
So if you're willing to brave the mess ;) try out the hand mixer and let us know how it worked!
Anyway, I found a bit of time tonight to try something fun, and although my counters (wall, face, sink, clean dishes, stove, etc..) paid for it, it was totally worth it.
Aside from some rolls and some cookies, I haven't had a real chance to play with my KitchenAid.
So I had some leftover whipping cream from the holidays and I decided to make some butter. No way right? Yeah that's what I said too.
But prepared to be amazed by my butterball (no not the turkey)
Awesome right?
Ok so it's not some wonder of amazement, it's just butter (and a crappy Iphone picture) but it's still awesome.
So enough rambling.
The butter recipe is super simple. For this ball it was one pint of heavy whipping cream and 1/2 tsp salt. I attached my whisk attachment, set the thing on 10, and let it go.
You will want a splatter guard. I used mine and it still went all over. It's going to be liquid, then it's going to turn into whip cream, and then, just when you feel like you've failed and all hope is lost, it will start to look like this curdled mass of yuck. A few more cycles and you'll hear it start sloshing, so you'll know its done. If you have some small handheld strainer it will come in handy here as it won't all be in one ball. Get out as much as possible and wrap it in a cheesecloth (or paper towel, I didn't have cheesecloth.). Squeeze it well to strain as much of the buttermilk out as possible. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Considering I just made this tonight, I don't know how long it lasts but I wouldn't suggest leaving it for more than 2 weeks.
Now there are some awesome things you can do with this. You can leave the salt out and use it for baked goods.
You can add herbs and spices for flavor. Some of my favorites are rosemary and garlic (good on rolls) and garlic and chive (awesome in or on mashed potatoes). Obviously we like garlic.
Another thing that I got out of this was a cup of buttermilk. Which I'm going to use in pancakes tomorrow morning.
So this works awesome with a KitchenAid, you can also do smaller fun things like this with your kids and mason jars. Just shake shake shake until it separates. The kids will have a blast (and you'll tone up those arms!). What I don't know is how it will do with a hand mixer.
So if you're willing to brave the mess ;) try out the hand mixer and let us know how it worked!
2012-10-19
Pasta Sauce
There are no pictures with this recipe because the last time I actually needed to make this sauce was before I created this blog. However, since I shared my recent Crockpot Lasagna recipe, I decided to share my sauce recipe for those who wanted to make this with fresh sauce.
This is an all day recipe, so you need to be prepared to make this in advance. I usually make a very large batch and then can them so I have enough to last a couple of months.
Anyway, on to the recipe.
INGRDIENTS
5 Lg Tomatoes (I used beefsteak tomatoes. I will explain why soon)
10-15 Roma Tomatoes (They vary in size, the larger the tomato the less you need)
Fresh Basil, Thyme, Oregano, and 1 Bay leaf
1 Onion, chopped
4 Cloves of Garlic, minced
3 Carrots chopped
1 Green Bell Pepper chopped
1 Red Bell Pepper chopped
1/4 C Burgundy Wine
2 Stalks Celery
2 Tbs EVOO
3 Tbs tomato paste
DIRECTIONS
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Have a large bowl of ice water ready. Boil your tomatoes for about 1 minute. Not enough to fully cook, but enough to break the skin. Remove from the boiling water and plunge the tomatoes in the ice water to halt the cooking process.
When your tomatoes are cool enough to handle, peel the skin. Place the 5 beefsteak tomatoes and 5-8 Roma tomatoes into a blender or food processor and puree.
With the remaining Roma tomatoes, chop them and set them aside.
Remove the leaves of the basil, oregano, and thyme from the stems and finely chop them.
Heat your EVOO in a large pan. Add the onion, carrots, and peppers and cook until they soften. Add your garlic and cook for another minute until it is fragrant.
Move your sofrened vegetables to the crock pot and add the dices tomatoes, sauce, herbs, and wine. Add your whole bay leaf and whole celery stalks.
Start your slow cooker on high for about 2 hours, until the is a nice bubble going, add the tomato paste, and then drop it down to low for another 4 hours. Stir your sauce occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
Oil will likely form at the top of your sauce. Remove as much of this as you can to keep the sauce thick.
At the end of your cooking time remove the bay leaf and the celery.
***Now my husband is not a soft vegetable eater. He hates cooked vegetables. So at this point I take a hand blender and puree the entire pot of sauce. He knows there are vegetables in there, but if he cant get the texture of them, he really doesn't care. If you have issues with kids (or spouses) who dislike vegetables, you can puree your sauce before serving it.***
You can serve this with pasta, use it in lasagna, when I'm feeling especially lazy I even use it in chili lol. You can can or freeze the extra. It will only last a few days in the fridge, so whatever you do with it I suggest it is stored within 3 days to prevent molding.
Anyway, I hope you love this sauce as much as we do. Happy Eating!
This is an all day recipe, so you need to be prepared to make this in advance. I usually make a very large batch and then can them so I have enough to last a couple of months.
Anyway, on to the recipe.
INGRDIENTS
5 Lg Tomatoes (I used beefsteak tomatoes. I will explain why soon)
10-15 Roma Tomatoes (They vary in size, the larger the tomato the less you need)
Fresh Basil, Thyme, Oregano, and 1 Bay leaf
1 Onion, chopped
4 Cloves of Garlic, minced
3 Carrots chopped
1 Green Bell Pepper chopped
1 Red Bell Pepper chopped
1/4 C Burgundy Wine
2 Stalks Celery
2 Tbs EVOO
3 Tbs tomato paste
DIRECTIONS
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Have a large bowl of ice water ready. Boil your tomatoes for about 1 minute. Not enough to fully cook, but enough to break the skin. Remove from the boiling water and plunge the tomatoes in the ice water to halt the cooking process.
When your tomatoes are cool enough to handle, peel the skin. Place the 5 beefsteak tomatoes and 5-8 Roma tomatoes into a blender or food processor and puree.
With the remaining Roma tomatoes, chop them and set them aside.
Remove the leaves of the basil, oregano, and thyme from the stems and finely chop them.
Heat your EVOO in a large pan. Add the onion, carrots, and peppers and cook until they soften. Add your garlic and cook for another minute until it is fragrant.
Move your sofrened vegetables to the crock pot and add the dices tomatoes, sauce, herbs, and wine. Add your whole bay leaf and whole celery stalks.
Start your slow cooker on high for about 2 hours, until the is a nice bubble going, add the tomato paste, and then drop it down to low for another 4 hours. Stir your sauce occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
Oil will likely form at the top of your sauce. Remove as much of this as you can to keep the sauce thick.
At the end of your cooking time remove the bay leaf and the celery.
***Now my husband is not a soft vegetable eater. He hates cooked vegetables. So at this point I take a hand blender and puree the entire pot of sauce. He knows there are vegetables in there, but if he cant get the texture of them, he really doesn't care. If you have issues with kids (or spouses) who dislike vegetables, you can puree your sauce before serving it.***
You can serve this with pasta, use it in lasagna, when I'm feeling especially lazy I even use it in chili lol. You can can or freeze the extra. It will only last a few days in the fridge, so whatever you do with it I suggest it is stored within 3 days to prevent molding.
Anyway, I hope you love this sauce as much as we do. Happy Eating!
Crockpot Lasagna
So I honestly didn't think about blogging this recipe until I tasted it. Then I changed my mind and took a photo halfway through eating it.
I found a crock pot lasagna recipe on pinterest, and it seemed like a pretty good idea. The only issue with this recipe is there would be no FLAVOR. There were no seasonings, no herbs, no GARLIC?!
My initial thought was No Way! There was no possible way this would be a hit with my family. First of all, we are a family of garlic lovers. Second of all, any type of tomato sauce that, heaven forbid, TASTES like tomato sauce (um duh?) my husband won't eat unless I force him, and third I hate to use processed foods. Which is what this recipe used quite a bit.
So I decided to think about my lasagna, which is basically my moms lasagna, which is basically my grandmas lasagna...ok you get the point.
My lasagna takes about 2 days to make. Why? Because I make my own tomato sauce of course. What kind of partial Italian would I be if I used canned sauce?! My long lost Italian ancestor would be rolling over in their grave at the thought! (Uh, yeah, so I'm sure with as little Italian as I have in me, they didn't even have canned sauce in those days, but oh well.)
Anyway, I didn't have two days. It was 11am and I had 7 hours.
BUT I did have fresh sauce that I had canned at the beginning of the season! With fresh herbs already added! So I got to work. I browned some ground beef, mixed it into the sauce that I had reheated, and started layering the sauce, noodles, and cheese into the crock pot.
Really this is a simple recipe, you can add or subtract or even change whatever you'd like. So, without further ado, I bring you
CROCKPOT LASAGNA
INGREDIENTS
1 box of lasagna noodles (no pre-cooking necessary)
1 large jar of pasta sauce (You can find my homemade recipe HERE) If you're using cans, I would say about 2 28oz cans of sauce and your favorite pasta herbs.
1-1 1/2 Lbs ground beef/turkey/chicken
1 Lb sausage *optional*
4 cloves garlic
1/2 Onion
2 Tbs EVOO
1 24 oz container ricotta cheese
1 bag shredded mozzarella
1 Lb fresh mozzarella
Fresh grated parmesan
DIRECTIONS
Mince your garlic and slice your onion.
Heat 2 Tbs EVOO in a large skillet on med-high heat. Add your onion and saute until it begins to soften. Add your minced garlic and saute for another minute. Just until the garlic begins to release an aroma. Then add your ground meat and sausage. Brown the meat completely. Add your pasta sauce and make sure it is heated thouroghly.
When your sauce is hot, take 1/4 of the sauce and put it in the bottom of your crockpot. Layer your first layer of noodles on top. For my oval 7qt, which looks like this:
It was about 4-5 noodles per layer.
On top of the noodles add about dollops of ricotta cheese. On top of each dollop place a slice of fresh mozzarella. Add more shredded mozzarella if you want more cheese and then grate about 2 palm fulls of fresh Parmesan.
Do this two more times, so you have 3 layers of each. Top the final layer with your remaining sauce and add a little extra cheese if you would like.
Turn the crock on low and let it cook for 4-5 hours. Turn off your pot and allow it to sit uncovered for about 15 minutes, given the sauce and cheese some time to set.
Serve it with some garlic bread and a good glass of wine.
Amazing!
2012-10-09
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies
Who loves Pumpkin Spice Lattes? I loves Pumpkin Spice Lattes!
Unfortunately my husband isn't thrilled with me spending $5 a day on a cup of coffee, even if it is only for a couple of months a year.
So I had to learn to adjust.
For those of you who have been reading for a while, you know my business Cookies N' Cocoa was set to launch into the online sales world Oct. 1 2012. Launch, I am thrilled to say, went off without a hitch.
I decided to add my personal love for pumpkin spice lattes to my list of seasonal cookies.
Fall deliciousness anyone?
I decided I'm going to do something rare today, and share with you my Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookie Recipe. I've fallen madly in love with this cookie (sorry B!) and I hope you will too!
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies
2 C. Flour
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
3/4 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
1/2 tsp. Salt
3 tsp. Instant Coffee Granules
1 box of instant vanilla pudding mix
1 C. Butter
1/2 C. White Sugar
1/2 C. Brown Sugar
1 C. Pumpkin Puree (not pie filling)
1 Egg
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Sift together Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Salt, Coffee, and Pudding Mix in a bowl and set it aside.
In a separate bowl cream together your butter, brown sugar, and white sugar.
Add your pumpkin, egg, and vanilla and beat well.
Then add your dry ingredients and mix well.
Scoop Tablespoon sized balls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet and place into your preheated oven for 11-13 minutes.
I forgot to take photos of the cookies when they were frosted, but I did take one of my cookie and my homemade pumpkin spice latte the next morning. These are fantastic as is, but that frosting adds a little something more.
Frosting
3 Tbs. Butter
1/4 C Milk
3/4 C Brown Sugar
3 tsp. Instant Coffee Granules
1 C. Powdered Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
2 Tbs. Heavy Cream
Melt you butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add milk, brown sugar, and coffee and let it come to a low boil on medium heat. Once boiling cook for two minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
When your mixture is cool add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream and mix well. Dip the tops of the cookies into the frosting or drizzle the frosting over top. To keep it from running to much, immediately put the cookies in the freezer for no more than five minutes.
Try not to eat them all at one time! These made close to 3 dozen and they were gone in 3 days!
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