Nov 13, 2012

Response to States' Petitions to Secede from the United States

Dear friends,
I wanted to let you know about a new petition I created on We the People, a new feature on WhiteHouse.gov, and ask for your support. Will you add your name to mine? If this petition gets 25,000 signatures by December 13, 2012, the White House will review it and respond!
We the People allows anyone to create and sign petitions asking the Obama Administration to take action on a range of issues. If a petition gets enough support, the Obama Administration will issue an official response.
You can view and sign the petition here:
http://wh.gov/9JTJ
Here's some more information about this petition:
Disregard ALL state petitions of secession as we agree to stand as ONE COUNTRY in support of our leaders and our troops.
WE THE PEOPLE who represent citizens of the United States of America and it's territories stand as ONE NATION, in committed support of our government and servicemen who have fought, died and continue to protect our rights to Freedom here and abroad. We are both ashamed and embarrassed by the recent petition filings on behalf of many US states to secede from this country whose liberties we work hard for and enjoy on a daily basis, and submit with resounding voice, our support for our country. We are comprised of citizens who have despite any disagreement with government policies, appreciate this country and all that it stands for. We will NOT allow ourselves to be represented by states that have filed secession petitions without having our voices heard.

Oct 28, 2012

Braciole Mashup by JMarie

Braciole Mashup by JMarie

Twitsty Italian

LOT'S OF WORK, BUT WORTH EVERY MINUTE!

While Braciole is typically served with a rich red sauce here's my twist on the classic Italian dish. This dish is GUARANTEED to leave no leftovers.
The Beef can easily be substituted with Chicken Breast, Veal, Lamb just about any meat you can think of.
The sauce can also be substituted with a classic marinara either way your family will LOVE IT.

Cook Time

Prep time:
Cook time:
Ready in:
Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 Cup Pancetta, finely diced (bacon may be used as a substitute)
  • 2 large Onions, diced
  • Kosher Salt
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2 Cups Day Old Italian or French Bread, crusts removed, cut into 1 inch chunks
  • 1 Cup Milk
  • 4 Cloves Garlic, smashed & finely chopped
  • 1/2 Lb. Button mushrooms, diced
  • 1/2 Cup Provolone or Smoked Gouda, Grated
  • 1/2 Cup Parmigiano-Reggiano or Swiss, grated
  • 2 lbs. Top Round/Veal Cutlets/Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices (about 12)
  • 3 Cups Alfredo Sauce
  • 1 Cup White Wine for Alfredo
  • 1 package Frozen Spinach, squeezed & chopped.
  • Toothpicks, To hold rolls together
  • JMarie's Seasoning Blend
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 tsp. onion powder
  • 2 tsp. creole seasoning or all purpose seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

For the Stuffing

  1. In a large bowl combine the bread & the milk use your hands to get it all squishy. Set aside to allow the bread to soak up the milk while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Coat a large saute' pan with olive oil, add the pancetta and bring the pan to a medium heat. Cook the pancetta until it gets brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Add 1/2 the onions & a pinch of crushed pepper. Toss to incorporate with the pancetta. Cook until the onions are soft about 7-8 minutes.
  3. Add 1/2 the garlic to the pan with the pancetta and onion & saute' for 2-3 minutes. Next add the mushrooms, season w/kosher salt & crushed pepper to taste and cook until mushrooms are soft & moist, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Remove mixture from heat and stir in the spinach. Add the spinach/onion mixture to the bread & stir to combine. Add 3/4 of your cheeses & reserve the other 1/4 of a cup for your sauce. Taste to make sure the mixture is seasoned to your liking. If it isn't, add 1/4 tsp. of Jmarie's seasoning mix. Set the stuffing in the fridge while you prepare your meat.
  5. For The Meat
  6. Lay the beef/chicken between 2 pieces of plastic wrap, lightly season the sides that will face down with JMarie's seasoning mix, & gently pound with a mallet to flatten and even out the slices.
  7. Put about 1/4 cup of filling on one end of each of the slices and roll up. Secure the rolls with the toothpicks. Repeat this process for all the slices.
  8. Coat a large, wide pot with olive oil and put over medium high heat. brown each roll on both sides. Once reserved, remove rolls from pot & set aside.
  9. For The Sauce
  10. To the same pan you just browned the rolls in, add the other half of the onions and garlic & cook for 5 minutes. Next add 1 cup of white wine and loosen any bits of meat/seasoning that may have stuck to the pan from the rolls.
  11. Next add either jarred or homemade alfredo sauce to the pan. Season with JMaries seasoning mix to taste. Simmer the sauce for about 3 minutes then stir in the remaining cheese. If the sauce is too rich add 1/4 cup of water but make sure the sauce is still seasoned to taste.
  12. Once cheese is incorporated return the rolls to the sauce. Fit them as snuggly into the sauce as possible. Bring the sauce to a boil then reduce to a simmer until beef is flavorful (about 2-2 1/2 hours for beef to be fork tender.) for chicken (about 1 hour.)
  13. To serve DON'T FORGET TO REMOVE THE TOOTHPICKS...cut the rolls in half on a diagnol to expose the stuffing & ladle some sauce over the top. Serve with your choice of pasta coated with the remaining sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and ENJOY!