Our Annual Holiday Letter

Press play for a special Holiday Message....

I hope this letter finds you and your family well.  The past year has been a whirlwind. Seems like yesterday that I was sitting down to write last year's holiday letter.

Well, this biggest change in our family has been that Luciana decided that she wanted to attend Cushing Academy.

She started in September and absolutely loves boarding school. Academically, the small class sizes have been a perfect fit. Socially, she has made a whole new group of great friends from all over the world. During the first weekend at school, athe students, faculty and staff climbed Mt. Monadnock. This is a picture of Luciana at the summit.

I think the hardest transition was for me!

She performed with the Cushing Dance troupe in the fall. She also made the varsity basketball team. So far they are undefeated, recently winning the Lawrence Academy Holiday Tournament. She's the first person off of the bench and in one game, she played all 5 positions. The coach is incredibly knowledgeable (she's a former Division 1 player) and very intense. Luciana is working hard and learning a lot. She wants to play basketball in college, and her experience at Cushing is going to prepare her, both athletically and academically.

Luciana and I had the opportunity to coach the local 7th Grade girls travel team. I know that someday, she will work with children.. she just has that gift. Here is a picture of all of us when we took our team to see the BC Woman's game. I returned to coach them in the 8th Grade and both the girls and I really miss Luciana's presence on the sideline.

In May, my friend Deb and I spent four days in the Dominican Republic. If you have never been to an all inclusive resort, I highly recommend it. It was such a relaxing vacation for both of us.

This was the first year that I did not do the Pan Mass Challenge. I needed a break and considering the current economic crises, I didn't feel right asking for money from folks. Also, riding the Harley up hills was a lot easier......I will return to cycling again in 2010, and have already signed up to do the Great Mass Getaway for the MS Society in June.

Luciana and I took a wonderful summer trip to Italy. We spent three weeks touring Northern and Central Italy. We got to see my 95 year old grandmother and to take my Mom to the Amalfi Coast. As you know, most of the roads in the Amalfi Coast are cut into the sides of mountains. Our hotel parking lot overlooked a 100 foot drop. My Mom was in the back seat of our car and I was getting in. The car next to us was backing out and since my Mom couldn't see the driver, she thought that our car was rolling forward down the ravine. She screamed and tried to get out....that proved to be difficult as the car that we rented, for three of us and our luggage, for 3,200 km throughout Italy was a ..................Mini Cooper. And yes, I have photo proof..that's me sitting in the car.

Luciana and I had the opportunity to take a lot of great pictures that are included in the slide show. One of my favorites is the self portrait she took in the car mirror...


In October, I traveled to New Orleans with my friends from DC and New York. It was a great weekend that included bowling at the new Rock n Bowl. We listened to New Orleans favorite Anders Osborne and bowled (or tried to anyway!) I also got to see one of my all time favorite bands, Tower of Power.

Well, this was the year that I decided to reignite my passion for Rotary. To better accommodate my work schedule, I decided to change clubs and join the Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club. I have many old friends in this club and the first few weeks as a member have been very enjoyable. I have been asked to be service director, where I will identify local and international opportunities for our club members to serve. Serving others has always been a great passion of mine, and I am so thrilled that the members in my new club also share this passion.

My family is all well. My nieces and nephews continue to grow. Ryan is a junior in college, John is a 4th grader and Liana is 3 and mobile.... My Mom is busier than ever. Whenever I call her and she's not in I always leave a message "As usual , your out and about , call me when you have a free moment and can squeeze me in." (Of course, she always calls right back...being the Italian mother and all.)  We're all thankful for our good health.

We had our 12th Annual Holiday Party for Toys for Tots. It was extra special this year as my good friend Billy Gordon came up from North Carolina. The snow didn't deter anyone. My friends Steve and Marianne came up from the Cape, and a dear friend of mine from college, Liz, made the trip up from Hanover. We broke the party up at 4AM. We collected over 60 toys and Luciana and I made the trip in to Toys for Tots to drop them off.

For me, Christmas always begins when we drop those toys off...not when the first sales start. This year, more than ever, those less fortunate need our help.  I hope that, after all of the holiday madness has passed, you and your family can try to make a difference in someone's life. Volunteer your time, be a big brother or sister, help out at your church.  Everywhere around you there are opportunities to serve others.  Margaret Meade, the great philanthropist, once said "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.  In fact it is the only thing that ever has."

Here's hoping you can change your small corner of the world in the next year.  Peace.

Christmas Vigil Seafood Risotto

Seafood Stock
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 lb cod, halibut or haddock steaks
6 oz shrimp in the shell or scallops
1 celery stalk, cut in half
2 thick slices yellow onion
1 cup fruity Italian white wine
6 cups cold water
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
8 fresh parsley stems
DIRECTIONS
In a deep saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the fish and shrimp or scallops and sauté until opaque, 2-3 minutes.

Add the celery, onion and wine. Bring to a boil over high heat and boil for 1 minute. Add the water and return to a boil. Using a large spoon, skim any scum from the surface. Add the bay leaf, thyme and parsley stems. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 18-20 minutes; do not overcook.

Strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (muslin) into a clean container. Use immediately, or let cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours or freeze for up to 2 weeks.

Seafood Risotto
Ingredients
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 cup chopped onions
* Salt
* Freshly ground white pepper
* Freshly ground black pepper
* 6 cups seafood stock
* 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
* 1 pound (2 cups) Arborio rice
* 2 pounds assorted Mediterranean shellfish and seafood
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1/4 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
* 3 tablespoons chopped green onions, green part only
* 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
Preparation

In a large saute pan, over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onions. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring. Saute until the onions are slightly soft, about 3 minutes. Add the stock and garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for about 6 minutes. Add the rice and simmer for 12 minutes, stirring constantly. Clean, trim and dice the shellfish and seafood. Season the seafood with salt and pepper. Continue to cook for 6 minutes. Stir in the butter, cream, cheese, green onions, and . Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Spoon the risotto in the center of each shallow bowl. Garnish with parsley.

Happy Holidays

Luciana and I finished decorating our tree. Its a beautiful Douglas fir that we got at Mahoneys. We dim the lights and are admiring it from the couch, the twinkling lights, sparkling ornaments and the beautiful white angel at the top. She says..." Isn't it ironic. she supposed to be an angel, but she has something stuck inside her...."

Strawberry WIne Cooler

• 2 cups strawberries (about 1 pint), trimmed
• 1/3 cup sugar
• a 750-ml. bottle Sauvignon Blanc or other dry white wine, chilled

Preparation

In a bowl gently toss together strawberries and sugar and let stand 10 minutes. In a blender purée strawberry mixture with wine until smooth and pour through a fine sieve into a pitcher. Wine cooler may be made 4 hours ahead and chilled.
Serve wine cooler chilled over ice.

V. Girls' Basketball vs. Holderness: CA 39, Holderness 28 12/15/2009

Overcoming some poor early season shooting, the Lady Penguins were able to dig in on the defensive end and come away with a 39 – 28 victory over Holderness. Kara Garland was finally able to get Cushing on the board just over 3 and a half minutes into play with a nice baseline jump shot. This basket would prove to be one of only four that the Lady Penguins would make in the entire first half. Nevertheless, the girls did not let their shooting woes get them down. Instead, they ramped up their pressure defensively and collected 9 steals in the half. In particular, Ali Lorden and D’Ana Rolle’s relentless ball pressure made it difficult for the Holderness team to get into their offense, and Meg Barry did a great job reading passing lanes and had multiple tips that lead to Holderness turnovers. Despite going 4 – 27 from the floor, the CA girls actually found themselves up at the half with a score of 14-9. It was one of the best defensive team efforts given in quite some time, and the girls should be proud of the intensity they brought to the floor. 

Other highlights from the first half include a nice elbow jumpshot made by Luciana Fionda – her first varsity basket as a Penguin, and some solid rebounding by Mackenzie Davis. The second half proved to be a very different game with both sides shooting and running the floor better. The Penguins came out on fire, and led by two quick baskets by Akwar Abula and a nice jump shot by Ali Lorden, were able to push their lead to 13 points. Holderness never gave in though, and with just over 5 minutes to play, they were able to cut Cushing’s lead to five. At that point, Ali Lorden hit a key jump shot to push the lead back to 7, and the girls were never really in jeopardy of losing again. Deserving of particular praise on the night were D’Ana Rolle and Akwar Abula. D’Ana finished the game with five steals, six assists and harassed the Holderness point guard all night long. In addition, despite some physical play, she protected the ball well and only had two turnovers on the night. Akwar owned the paint, inside, finishing with a double-double of 11 points and 14 rebounds. Other scorers were as follows: Kara Garland (11 points), Ali Lorden (7 points), Meg Barry (7 points), Luciana Fionda (2 points), D’Ana Rolle (1 point).

Not Your Average Joe's Mustard-Crusted Chicken Breast with Spinach-Garlic Mashed Potatoes

For the marinade
1/2 cup grainy mustard (such as Pommery)
1/2 teaspoon roasted, ground mustard seeds
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

For the chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (5 ounces each)
1/4 cup olive oil
Panko (Japanese-style) bread crumbs, as needed
8 ounces green beans, washed and trimmed
1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups spinach-garlic mashed potatoes (from recipe)
2 tablespoons scallions, sliced diagonally (for garnish)
2 lemon wedges

Spinach-Garlic Mashed Potatoes

For the potatoes
2 pounds potatoes
2 teaspoons pureed garlic
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup half-and-half
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon white pepper

For the spinach
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup (packed) spinach, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

To make the marinade: Mix the ingredients together in a bowl. Whip well to combine. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate. Let marinate overnight before using.

To make the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a sauté pan. Dredge the marinated chicken breasts in the panko crumbs until coated on all sides. Place in the pan and sauté until golden brown on one side, approximately 4 minutes. Turn over and place the chicken breast in a 350' oven for another 4 minutes, or until cooked through.

In another sauté pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the green beans, garlic, salt and pepper. Sauté until the beans are soft but not limp.

To serve: Place 3/4 cup mashed potatoes on one side of a serving plate. Lay one chicken breast on top. Fill the rest of the plate with green beans. Sprinkle with chopped scallions; place the lemon wedge between the chicken and beans. Repeat to make a second plate. Serve immediately.

Spinach-Garlic Mashed Potatoes

To make the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a pot, with cold water to cover. Bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and drain well.

Meanwhile, heat the garlic, butter and half-and-half in a saucepan. Warm over low heat, but do not let boil.

Place the drained potatoes in a bowl. With an electric mixer, whip the potatoes on low speed, gradually adding the heated half-and-half mixture. Whip until well incorporated. Add salt and pepper to taste.

To add the spinach: Heat a sauté pan. When very hot, add the olive oil. Immediately add the spinach and garlic. Remove the pan from the stove, stir the spinach and garlic quickly and well. Season with salt and pepper. Stir this mixture into the mashed potatoes.

Servings: 2

Riccota Pie

Blend by hand

2 lbs Ricotta Cheese
2 tbs Flour
1/2 Pint Heavy Cream
1 Cup Sugar
4 Beaten Egg Yolks
1 tsp vanilla

Beat 4 Egg Whits and fold in

Pour into graham cracker crust (2)

Bake 1 hr at 350
Turn off oven and let set for one hour

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing...Abraham Lincoln

Finish strong today...
Love, Dad

They can conquer who believe they can...Virgil

Believe in Yourself...
Love,
Dad

The Dark Side....

Daddy,

HELP! ME!

I love my Chem teacher but he's turning me into a republican! Quick! Go get Billy Gordon and save me from the Republican Politics!

Looove,
Luciana

Sweet Potato Gnocci

Ingredients
For the Gnocchi:

* 2 pounds sweet potatoes
* 2/3 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1/3 cup for the work surface

For the Maple Cinnamon Sage Brown Butter:

* 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
* 20 fresh sage leaves
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 2 tablespoons maple syrup
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

For the Gnocchi: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Pierce the sweet potato with a fork. Bake the sweet potatoes until tender and fully cooked, between 40 to 55 minutes depending on size. Let them cool to room temperature. Cut in half and scoop the flesh into a large bowl. Mash the sweet potatoes and transfer to a large measuring cup to make sure the sweet potatoes measure about 2 cups. Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes back to the large bowl. Add the ricotta cheese, salt, cinnamon, and pepper and blend until well mixed. Add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time until a soft dough forms. Lightly flour a work surface and place the dough in a ball on the work surface. Divide the dough into 6 equal balls. Roll out each ball into a 1-inch wide rope. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. Roll the gnocchi over the tines of a fork. Transfer the formed gnocchi to a large baking sheet. Continue with the remaining gnocchi.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the gnocchi in 3 batches and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the gnocchi using a slotted spoon onto a baking sheet. Tent with foil to keep warm and continue with the remaining gnocchi.

For the Brown Butter sauce: While the gnocchi are cooking melt the butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. When the butter has melted add the sage leaves. Continue to cook, swirling the butter occasionally, until the foam subsides and the milk solids begin to brown. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cinnamon, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Careful, the mixture will bubble up. Gently stir the mixture. When the bubbles subside, toss the cooked gnocchi in the brown butter. Transfer the gnocchi to a serving dish and serve immediately.

Cioppino

Ingredients

2 Onions
1 Whole Red Snapper bones filleted into 2 inch pieces head reserved
1 1 Whole Black Sea Bass ( same)
1 Celery Stalk
2 Bay Leaves
1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 White Wine Vinegar
1 15oz can San Marzano Tomatoes in Juice
1 lb cleaned squid cut into 1" pieces
1/2 lb sole or flounder
1/2 lb of red mullet fillets with skin
1/4 cup parsely
12 Slices Rustic Bread Slightly Toasted

Fish Stock
In a heavy pot, quarter 1 onion, add head and bones celery bay leaves 2 quarts of water. Cook 30 minutes and skim off foam

Heat Olive Oil on High
Reduce Heat to Medium and Cook 1 thin sliced onion - 10 mins
Add Vinegar - Cook 2 mins more
Add tomatoes, pinch salt, pepper and pinch of sugar
Reduce Heat and Simmer Covered for 15 minutes
Strain Fish Stock
Add 6 cups fish stock plus squid
Cook covered for 15 minutes
Add Remaining Fish and Parsely and Cook 30 minutes
Serve with Toasted Rustic Bread

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween

I know like I sound like I’m writing from war, but how’s the home front? Dad, how is Nonna doing? Is she okay? How about Liana & John? I know how Ryan is (thank you Facebook.) How about the rest of the family? Mom, how’s Grandma and Grandpa? What about the McDowell clan, how are they? Just to let both of you know I need the following people’s addresses: The Blinn’s & Grandma and Grampa’s. If you could give those to me, that would be great.


Luciana (:

Soup Nazi Chicken Chili

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast fillet (4 fillets)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups water
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 potato, peeled & chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 carrot, sliced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 cup canned diced tomato
• 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans, plus liquid
• 1/4 cup diced canned pimiento
• 1 jalapeno, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 dash cayenne pepper
• 1 dash basil
• 1 dash oregano

On the side

• sour cream
• 1 pinch chopped Italian parsley
• grated cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Sauté the chicken breasts in the olive oil in a large pot over medium/high heat.
   
2. Cook the chicken on both side until done-- about 7-10 minutes per side.
   
3. Cool the chicken until it can be handled.
   
4. Do not rinse the pot.
   
5. Shred the chicken by hand into bite-sizes pieces and place the pieces back into the pot.
   
6. Add the remaining ingredients to the pot and turn heat to high.
   
7. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4-5 hours.
   
8. Stir mixture often so that many of the chicken pieces shred into much smaller bits.
   
9. Chili should reduce substantially to thicken and darken (less orange, more brown) when done.
   
10. Combine some chopped Italian parsley with sour cream and serve it on the side for topping the chili, if desired.
    

Neiman Marcus Cookies

1/2 c unslated butter softened
1 c brown sugar
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp instant expresso powder , slightly crushed
8 oz semi sweet chocolate chips

Cream Butter and sugars until fluffy
Beat in egg and vanilla
Combine dry ingredients and beat into butter mixture
Drop large spoonfools onto greased cookie sheet Bake at 375 for 8 - 10 minutes
Makes 12-15 large cookies

Mrs Fields Cookies

Divide into two equal bowls with half in each

2 cups butter softened
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
4 cups flour
5 cups oatmeal, (put small amounts in a blender until it turns to powder)
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
24 oz chocolate chips
1 8z Hershey Bar, grated
3 cups chopped nuts

Combine dry ingredients and add butter and eggs and mix slowly with paddle until combined and make gold ball sized cookies places 2 inches apart. Bake at 375 degress for 6 - 10 minutes
Makes 9 dozen cookies

Mama Morellos Olives

1. Smash Olives with a Piece of Wood and Pit
2. Put Pitted Olives in a Big Pot and Filled with Hot Water for 5 Minutes. The fill pot with cold water and changed twice daily for 6 - 10 days, until olives are no longer bitter
3. In a large mason jar, put 1/2 tbsp sea salt,  2- 3 garlic cloves ( cut in quarters)  in the bottom and top of the jar and stuff pitted olives into jar ( really stuff them in)
   
4. Add 3 oz vingar and 9oz vegetable oil.  ( 3:1 Ratio and fill jar to top,
   
5. Put cap on mason jar and turn upside down for one day
6. Turn olives right side up and store in a cool dark place
7. Olive should be ready on 30 days

Makes 6 Quart and 6 pint jars

Is it the$12,000 Expresso Machine?

Sorry to disappoint you dad. I mean the new library/ cafe....

The New Cafeteria / Library ( No Books and It Serves Food!)

Parental Units

After discussion with my fellow classmates, I am told that usually the maximum amount of people that attend Parents Weekend is two. So, thay being said, would it be possible if it could just be you and nonna Dad? And for you Mom, it could be you and Laura, or Grandma? I know we're the big loving, everyone in everyone's business Italian family and we would be fitting our stereotype perfectly by bringing the whole clan HOWEVER it would be a lot easier, and much LESS STRESS for me if we just did the four family members (:

Love,
Luciana

P.S. The new cafeteria is amazing. And THANK YOU to the parent that gave me a boost on my penguin points! (I was a victim of marketing for a sweatshirt)

Thanks for a Great Weekend

Luciana,

It was really great to see you this weekend. I'm glad we got to spend some time together and thrilled that the Apple Crisp was such a hit!
Next time we go shopping, I'll make sure to call forward the home phone to my cell to save on stress....;-0


Love

Dad

Luciana's Weekend Home

Sunday, we all got together for dinner. I made a whole batch of Nonna's sauce with meatballs and Nonna brought a board filled with beautiful home made pasta.

Luciana and John went to the store to buy magazines. I gave her $20 and she came home with a stack of magazines for school.  I asked her what did you buy John?  " I got him a couple of cookies"  Which ones ?  " The free ones from the bakery"

Anna came, even with her broken ankle. We waited on her hand and foot ( no pun intended) for a change. She is always waiting on us and we really appreciated her coming.

We had a cake for Ryan and shared some limoncello.  It was a great family evening.

Dave's Apple Crisp

Preheat over to 350 degrees
Peel and Core 10 Cups Apples
Sprinkle with Juice of 1/4 Lemon to Avoid Browning
Put in 9 x 12 Pan
Combine 1 cup white sugar, 1 tbsp flour 1 tsp ground cinnamon and sprinkle generously over apples
Take 2 cups old fashioned oats, sprinkle with water and microwave 2 minutes
In a bowl combine oats, 2 cups flour, 2 cups packed brown sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp baking soda with a wire wisk until all wet
Melt 2 sticks (1 cup) butter and pour over dry mixture. Combine until crumbly
Pour mixture over apples and bake for 45 minutes until edges bubble
Serve with fresh whipped cream with vanilla and sugar added.

Nonna Meatballs

2 lb Ground Beef and Pork
Add  1 1/2 Cups Breadcrumbs
Add 1/2 Cup Cheese
4 tbsp Chopped Parsley
1 Medium Onion Chopped Fine
2 Cloves Garlic Finely Chopped
3 Eggs
3 Tbsp ketchup

Combine and Roll into Meatball
Roll in Breadcrumbs
Drop Meatballs in Sauce

Cook for One Hour

Sore Feet?

Only sore feet? I have my own thanks. I’m taking moleskin when I get home.

Luciana

Looking Forward to this Weekend

Luciana

Of course I am excited to see you when you get home....

and of course I will shower you with love.......

Dad

The only thing I brought back from New Orleans was sore feet from all of the walking we did......you're more than welcome to help yourself.... ;-)

Is it Christmas Already?

Parental Units,

What are you guys up to? Are you excited to see me when I get home? If you guys wanna talk to me, e-mail me at my Yahoo.

So, I know it's October, but Cushing has taught me to stay organized and keep on top of things: so I've already started making my Christmas List (;

Haha: just kidding... or am I?

Anyways: I hope you guys are dong well, and I love you both so much! I'll see you in a few days where you can shower me with love (and presents from New Orleans... TOTALLY KIDDING DAD!)

Love, Love, Love: xoxox

Luciana

Nonna's Eggplant Parmesan

3 Large Eggplants

Frying
6 Eggs
Italian Flavored Breadcrumbs
3 TBSP Grated Parmesan Cheese
Zest of ½ Lemon
1 cup vegetable oil

For the Sauce
½ Onion Small Dice
½ cup Olive Oil
15 Basil Leaves
1 Bunch Curly Parsley
1 sprig of Thyme
1 Clove Garlic
Salt and Pepper
2 Cans Kitchen Ready Tomatoes
Sale and Pepper
Pinch of Baking Soda
Dash Oregano

Assembly
4 TBS Melted Butter
Romano / Parmegiano Cheese
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Peel and Fry Eggplants
Slice on Diagonal ¼” thick
In a Large Bowl Arrange in Layers with Paper Towels
Cover with an Upside Down Plate and Press with a Heavy Object
Let stand for a couple of hours
Combine all Ingredients
Add Bread Crumbs to a Plate
Preheat Skillet to 350 and Add Cup of Oil
Dip Each Side of Eggplant in Egg Mixture and Lightly coat with Breadcrumbs
Cook Each Eggplant a minute or two on each side, until Golden Brown
Shake off Excess Oil as you remove them and drain on Paper Plates

Make the Sauce
Heat Sauce Pan on High
Add Oil, Onion, Parsley and Basil, Garlic and Thyme and Saute for 2 – 3 Minutes until Fragrant
Remove Garlic Clove, Reduce to Medium High and Add Tomatoes, Rinsing Can with 2 tbs Water
Add Salt and Dash Oregano
Cook for 1-0 – 15 Minutes
Add End, Add Dash of Baking Soda

Assemble
Coat Bottom of Aluminum Pan with Melted Butter
Add Thin Layer of Sauce
Add This Sprinkle of Grated Parmesan
Fill all spaces with Eggplant, Cut if Needed
Add this Layer of Sauce with a Small Spoon
Add Mozzarella, and then Parmesan Cheese
Repeat with second and third layers, depending on size of pan
Press Eggplant in on Last Layer
Final Layer, Add Sauce Mozzarella and Grated Cheese
Bake at 350 for about an hour until middle is bubbly
Enjoy!

Climbing Mountains

Luciana,

Thanks for your call last night. It was nice to hear from you.

I'm so proud of you that you climbed Mt Monadnock. I haven't climbed a mountain in years, but I remember that its such an incredible feeling when you make it to the top. Congratulations!

Drop me a note and let me know what your plans are for next weekend.

PS Nice picture!

Love

Dad

What a Serious Student Needs,,,,

Dad,

Seriously, when i saw the apple crisp gone, I thought everything else would be too. But apparently, someone was just famished...

And as a student, this is one of the few things that is expensive that I actually do require!

Love you,
Luciana

Special Delivery

Luciana,

No worries about the pan. On the bright side...I don't have to wash it when it comes back. Just be careful now with your valuables...( although who knew that homemade apple crisp is more valuable then say an ipod???)

Will be happy to make more for the coffee house...as long as it doesn't change my "tough guy on a Harley" reputation....

The calculator is on its way from Amazon...should arrive by Thursday

Why is it that e mails that involve money are in caps? ;-)

Love ,

Dad

How Many TI Calculators Does it Take for Chemistry? (3)

Madre and Padre,

I need a graphing calculator for pre calc and chemistry. And yes, I mean the expensive ones ): I need one by next week, so a Texas Instrument one would be nice. HELP! AIUTARMI!

Love, Love, Love,

Luciana (:

They Even Ate the Pan!

Daddy Dearest,

Laughing my butt off. Okay, so you're not going to be happy when you hear this but: the apple crisp & the pan were stolen. When the girls and I returned with only a small square of your amazing Apple Crisp left in it, i went to the bathroom, Felicia to our friends room down the hall, leaving the door unlocked., I came back and it was gone ):

While an unfortunate event, it say a lot about your cooking dad. I already have requests for you to make some for the "Coffee House"which is the Cushing Musicians performance I believe.

Love youuu (:

Crisp Delivery

Luciana

It was great to see you yesterday and meet some of your friends.

I'm really glad that you're adjusting well to Cushing......

I suspect that the Apple Crisp didn't make it out of the dance room....

See you in a couple of weeks...

Love

Dad

( See, I went a whole message without advice, nagging or a parable...the twelve step program must be working!)

Chemistry Proof

So, I know you’re going to yell at me for doing this during Chemistry, buuut I got an A- on my first Chem quiz! And I even took a picture via Skype as proof!

See you in two weekends. Maybe I can see Sarah and Alex on that weekend (ask Laura ASAP please.) Love you both, now I gotta go be studios (snicker. Snicker.)
Luciana (:

You Can't Trust the Post Office

Luciana

Seriously, what I want to send over to you cant be delivered by the Post Office.... it will get ruined.

I wanted to take a motorcycle ride this afternoon while the weather is still nice.

I called the school and they said I can leave it at the front desk and they will get it to your room.

Or if you want, we can say a quick hello...what ever works better for you...

As far as your date..don't worry...I wont intimidate him...I trust that you will continue to make good choices in the boys you want to date....

Call me on my cell and let me know what you want me to do...

All my love

Dad

Special Delivery Options

Dad! You have to call campus and tell them your coming! And, I love you very much, but trust the post office because, tomorrow I might have a date (: And I don't want you to intimidate the crap out of him Daddy! Have fun in New Orleans! I LOVE YOUUUU

Special Delivery :

Hey...what do you think I would just be sitting around?   ( wink wink) ;-)

Of course I miss you too......

As far as that care package, you may be getting a delivery around 2PM today......God knows you cant trust the post office any more....besides I haven't sent anything with the US Mail since college.  Do they even know where Ashburnham is?????

Do you want a personal delivery or do you want the delivery man ( wink wink) to leave it at the front desk?

Love,

Dad

Leaving Me to Go Party?

Wow! Hasn't been two weeks and already you're leaving me to go party Dad (:

I miss you a lot. So... about the care packages.. hint hint. Wink wink (;

Ma Dukes & Pa Dukes, Mommy & Daddy, Mah! Dad!,

Hey guys (:

I thought I'd drop you a note, I don't want you freakin' out and calling every authoritative person to check up on me since I haven't spoken to you in a dignified manor in a while (so sorry for that.) School is going pretty well, the work isn't too fairly too hard.

Already there is massive amounts of drama, but hey, with 400 teenagers trapped in one place, what do you expect. I have no lack of friends, and no lack of guys either, (sorry Dad; but the bright side is your appearance at school has already intimidated the crap out of them.) Anyways, that's about all for now.

I decided to come home next weekend, since we're all going on a trip to see Fame! this weekend with the theater department. So anyways, there's this little thing called "MAIL" (and I do not speak of e -mail) and back in the day people used to send packages of candy, goodies and such to their kids (hint. hint. wink. wink. Dad you can even send parables if you want.) That's about it. I'll e-mail you guys soon (:

Love,
Luciana.

I 'm seriously behind on parables.....

Well, not that I am keeping count, but I owe you at least 10 parables......

Figuring that that would get old rather quickly, I decided to share some interesting quotes with you.

I really admire Steve Jobs, because every step of the way, whether it was creating the first computer for the masses (Apple II) the first graphical user interface ( The Mac) , the Ipod and iPhone, he had detractors in the industry and even in his own company telling him that none of these innovations would work... Guess he proved them wrong....

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."

Love

Dad