Author: Carrie

Celtic Spirals

Carrie1 Comment

Yesterday I went to an art workshop at St. Paul’s in Princeton, NJ.  We learned all about celtic spirals and how it symbolizes the ebb and flow of life.  How everything eventually comes full circle.  From life on earth, to death, to new life after death.  Even if you do not share the same religious beliefs I do, you can still find beauty in the underlying spirituality of a celtic circle.  As we gilded the gold leaf onto our piece, you had to breathe deeply onto the piece to warm up the medium that the gold leaf adheres to.  As you take in breath you receive and as you release your breath you give back.  There was something comforting and meditative about the tedious work involved in creating this piece.  It allowed me to reflect on life and how I affect people and how I am affected by them.  Take time to reflect on your own life and find out what you can do to make yourself the greatest version of you.

Atlantic City’s Newest Gem: The Revel

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Last Tuesday, I had the opportunity of checking out the Revel in Atlantic City.  Here’s a tip if you plan on checking out this new destination…plan on staying at another casino and take advantage of the cheaper room rates.  I happened to have a comped room at Harrah’s which allowed me to save money on the room and gamble it away instead.  I took a taxi over to Revel so I could take advantage of the complimentary drinks while playing the slots and table games.

When walking in the door of the Revel, here’s what you see.

 

This crazy escalator is only the first set of three escalators spanning the floors of entertainment that await you.  The first floor is the casino floor as seen in the picture below.
There are extravagant light fixtures and furniture everywhere.  This is the preview to the grand opening over Memorial Day weekend so not everything is open and fully functioning.  There is a band that performs every night off to the side of the casino in what I’d like to call a mini auditorium.  I am looking forward to going to the burlesque club in the fall.  It was not open when I was there last week but the sign said that it was opening over Easter weekend.  If it is anything like what I’ve seen so far, I’m sure it is every bit as extravagant as the lounge in the movie Burlesque.  Who knows? Maybe Christina will perform there some day.
Those are the bathrooms!  It’s so pretty I had to take a picture.
Beyonce is performing three nights over Memorial Day weekend for the grand opening.  The tickets start at $95 and go up to $500.  Better save up if you plan on attending that concert.  I think I’ll just wait until September and take advantage of the off-season…Sorry Sasha Fierce!

 

Italian Easter Pie

Carrie2 Comments

A few years ago, I made an Easter pie or what the Italian’s call a pizzagaina. It was a lot of work but well worth it in the end. I do not have any Italian in me but I would like to make this a tradition for my family in the future. It is a great dish to add to your brunch menu on Easter. Think about giving it a try next year and let me know if you have a different recipe for one worth trying. I must admit that I am not an expert when it comes to Italian cooking but I sure do appreciate it!

Ingredients
2 1/2 lbs ham (sliced thick from deli-counter or cubed pieces of boiled ham)
1/4 lb prosciutto
1/4 lb pepper ham
1/4 lb capicola
1/2 lb salami
1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese
1 lb mozzarella cheese (1 entire brick of whole milk mozzarella, cubed)
1 lb Farmer’s cheese
3 lbs ricotta cheese
1 stick pepperoni (sliced)
3 tablespoons parmesan cheese
15 eggs
4 lbs pizza dough

Directions:

Cube ham meat. Cut sliced meat by rolling & slicing or cutting with scissors. Cube mozzarella. In very large bowl, add ricotta & farmer’s cheese. Add 15 eggs. Stir with whisk. Add 3 heaping tablespoons Grated cheese. Stir in the cubed meat and cheese.

Brush pan with oil then melted butter. Roll out & lay dough. Add cheese/meat mixture. Add top layer of dough and pinch bottom & top dough seams together tightly.

Brush top with oil then egg. Sprinkle with grated cheese.

Bake 350 for about 90 minutes. To check if it is done, stick a knife in the center and see if it comes out hot.

Remove from oven. Brush top with melted butter. Cool 2-3 hours and then refrigerate. Serve on Easter.