The boys first college football game

I took my kids to their first college football game. We only lasted the first half due to the fact it was about to pour down rain and the kids' attention span is actually only 20 minutes. They did so well. George didn't watch the game,he talked to the cheerleaders the whole time. That's my boy! When we left at just about half time Catholic U was tied with Randolph Macon 7-7. I am actually a big fan of Catholic U even though I didn't go there. I almost did. My brother, cousin and my best friend went though. That's good enough for me. I'm not a U Maryland, Georgetown or UVA fan. I went to GWU and we dont have a football team-so the CUA Cardinals are now my team and I will be taking the children to games from here on out.

Easy dinner-Stuffed shells

One of my favorite things to make is stuffed shells. Its pretty easy to make and I seem to go through periods when I make it about once a week and then don't make it for a few months. My wife and daughter love it-and its a sneaky way to get my daughter to eat spinach.
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1.Mix chopped spinach (drained-it has a lot of water in it) with ricotta cheese, a pinch of salt & pepper, and 1 beaten egg
2. Your large shells should be in the colander draining already
3. Spoon the cheese mixture into the shells
4. Cover the bottom of a casserole dish or whatever with a thin layer of sauce (I make my own with some hot Italian sausage)
5. Line the shells up in the dish and cover with sauce
6. Add some Parmesan and mozzarella
7. Bake it at 350 until the cheese is nice and melted
eat it

There is a new sheriff in town...

My first night alone this weekend with no wife. She is out having a good time at a wonderful hotel in DC, going out to dinner and drinks with friends, having a spa day with no kids or husband. The kids and I are going to party!

• Chips and BBQ sauce for dinner


• Bedtime? Whatever


• Breakfast tomorrow? Cookies


• Doobie Brothers on the radio (pretty loud)


• Honkey tonk piano


• Mayhem

I rule.

P.S. I'm free for baby sitting jobs anytime. Email me at dadcancook@gmail.com

She Just Doesn't Get It

You ever talk with your spouse and actually have 2 different conversations?

Here's the background: I married a VERY nice girl. Sometimes she shocks me. She just doesnt get how mens minds work most of the time. Think Martha Stewart-only much more serious and on Prozac.

Kate: Chris, when we can afford to replace the deck, I think we should go bigger.

Chris: You'd prefer a bigger deck?

Kate: Well - I mean, it would just be a few extra inches.

Chris: (totally laughing now) Just a few inches! Ha, ha! So you want a boyfriend?

Kate: Chris, what the hell are you talking about?

Kate, I am sorry honey. This was just toooooo good not to write about.

Road Trip-The Revenge of Road Trip!

Once again I am piling the travelling circus into the Expedition and taking a road trip to see family. This time its to Cleveland from DC for my cousins wedding in the middle of October.

Any suggestions for the PA portion of I-70/76? I am guessing that area is about mid-way there. Possibly somewhere around Pittsburgh?

The picture is from National Geographic.

OK, fine! I love Rachael Ray!

So, on the subway to work today I was reading my Rachael Ray mag. My wife got it for me, OK!


I saw this recipe for Minestra (I guess Minestrone) with Sweet Sausage. I checked the website and it isn't up. I'm sorry Rachael but I want to make this- it looks fantastic!


Minestra With Sweet Sausage


2Tbs Sweet Sausage

1Lb Sweet Sausage (really? No hot?)

1 Onion Chopped 3 Cloves Garlic, chopped

1 15.5 oz can cannellini beans

2 Bunches escaraole-coarsley shredded

S&P

Nutmeg

4 Cups Chicken Stock

3/4 Cup whole wheat penne or ditalini

2 Tsp grated lemon peel Grated Pecorino Romano/Parmesan


1. In a soup pot, heat EVOO, 2 turns of pan, over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes, the stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the beans and escaraole; season with S&P and a little nutmeg. Add the chicken stock and 2 cups of agua, cover and bring to a boil.


2. Uncover the pot, stir in the pasta, lower the heat and cook until the pasta is al dente, 6-7 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon peel. Load on the cheez!


OK, so this is my dinner on Friday. Let me know if you try it first.


Also, I totally stole this picture from Perez Hilton and the recipe from HER magazine.

Smokey Joe's

I have all this great video from the trip so I have to use it. Great BBQ in Darien, GA.