mashups... its whats for dinner

Mom & I are famous for taking pantry, fridge & freezer ingredients and mixing/mashing them up into a workable dinner. Doesn't always pan out the way you expect.

Tonight however was a good mashup. No meat, a touch high in sodium, but a very workable dinner in a pinch.

Butternut Stuffing "Soup"

1 box Stove Top Cranberry Stuffing
2 boxes V8 Butternut Squash Soup (4 cups)
1 cup frozen corn
1 1/2 cups frozen broccoli
1/3 cup broken pecans

Empty contents of stuffing box into casserole dish. Add contents of soup containers. Stir in vegetables and nuts.
Cook at 350 for 45 minutes till steaming. Spoon into bowls and enjoy!

Even have lunch for tomorrow.

Something Special

I have been working hard on a special gift for one of my BFFs. She & her hubs are expecting a beautiful baby in the first part of next year. (I hope near my birthday!)

I have decided to make part of her gift for the wee one, and last night I am happy to say I have finished part 2. I have one more thing that I want to attempt, but if it doesn't work out, I am ok with that. (not a ususal response for me)

I would love to share photos, but that will have to wait until everything is done- when mommy & the wee one have the gift.

If only I could get labels- Made with love by "Auntie Cathy" (just kidding)

Enough being vauge. Happy Friday

Newport - good eats

Last week I spent the week in Newport R.I. My family has a time share at Inn on the Harbor, right on Thames St. We had a harbor view, boat piers in front and other hotels on the side, not bad. Vacation was very relaxing and boy oh boy did I eat.

The great think about visiting after the season ends.... no crowds and great restaurant deals. Here are some of the places we went to last week.

The Red Parrot, Newport, RI

On Saturday night, we went across the st to Red Parrot. Had a window seat and laughed hysterically at some of the costumes we saw- togas, men in baby diapers, a crayon..... Had a really decent steak dinner and a drink called psychedelic iguana.

Sardella's, Newport RI

This Italian restaurant is much larger than it looks. Sardellas is a Newport staple and they have a deal 2 dinners + bottle of vino for $24. Meatballs w/ linguine, garlic bread, and Merlot... yummy!

Atlantic Beach Club, Newport/Middletown line, RI

Atlantic Beach Club is one of my favorites, we went twice this visit, we were lucky enough to hit restaurant week (started the day before we left). On wed night they have a special- all dinners (except lobsta) $12.95. Being a non-fish/seafood eater, of course I went for the fillet minion. SO tender, excellent dinner, and had key lime cheesecake for dessert. On Saturday afternoon, we went again (restaurant week) for lunch- this time 3 course lunch for $16- how can you go wrong? Cesar salad, Italian Steak Sandwich on chiabata bread, and pumpkin/chocolate bread pudding. I have a feeling, we'll be going next year too.

Ocean Cliff Hotel & Resort, Newport, RI

Ocean Cliff- Gorgeous hotel off of Ocean Drive that has a funky restaurant/bar called the Safari Room. Again had the $16 3 course lunch- NE clam chowder, roasted turkey/stuffing sandwich, and a truly excellent key lime pie. It may have been the best key lime I have had in a long time. The meal was not my favorite, but we had to go for the views and location.

The Grill at 41 North. Christie's Pier, Newport RI
This was by far the most expensive restaurant that we went to. I had a bit of sticker shock, steaks for $54 and the least expensive Merlot $74! Good thing for the restaurant week deal- 3 course dinner $30. (+$14 for a glass of wine). Had French onion soup (a bit of a disappointment), an amazing fillet minion with pumpkin mashed potatos, and a triple chocolate cup cake to round it out. The dining room was crazy elegant, this was my table (of course, no boats and at night) but a hell of a view. This restaurant was also the closest, right next door to the hotel. I heard rates at 41 north hotel go for $250-$1200 a night. Yeah, not in my budget!

After reading this, it should not come as a surprise I put on a couple of lbs (only 3) with all of these amazing meals. Now its time to take it back off.

I took some great photos of the crazy waves, I'll share more when I get them into the computer.