Friday, January 4, 2013

Unplug + a super yummy recipe

Our trip to Jamaica reminded me of one very important thing... time is precious! We were completely unplugged on our trip, and it was heaven. Honest to goodness I didnt miss the constant stream of technology.

Now don't get me wrong #Ilovesocialmedia. What I realized though was that I dont have to have my phone ipad laptop glued to me. I need to unplug throughout the day and really be PRESENT in those moments.

My daughter is only this small once. We will only get to experience the Firsts, once. My husband and I only get so much one on one time. There is only so much quiet and peace in every day.

So I made a new family rule. From 5-8pm every day we are unplugged. No social media. No texting. No phone calls.

We will cook and snuggle and talk and truly enjoy eachothers company. We will do bath time and story time and bed time routines together. Then the hubby and I will snuggle and spend some quality time together. It definitely is going to be an adjustment, I'm "trained" to keep checking in with technology. But I definitely think this is going to be huge for my family. Plus, we need to start setting an example for BK. I dont want BK sitting at the dinner table or in the car glued to her ipod or iphone. I want her to grow up with dinners at the table, a family that talks and interacts. We started last night, and if last nights meal was any indication as to how things will go then Hot.damn. we're in for a treat!

I thought I'd share this recipe because it is delicious!

Ricotta Stuffed Shells w/ Lemon Champagne Sauce

Ingredients:
1     box jumbo stuffed shells
1     tablespoon minced garlic
1     15oz container ricotta cheese
2     lemons (juice and zest)
1/4  cup chopped dill or basil
1/2  pint heavy cream
1     bag mixed italian cheese
1     bunch fresh spinach, chopped
1     stick butter + 1 tablespoon
3/4  cup of Champagne

Directions:
1. Mix ricotta, juice of one lemon, zest of both lemons, garlic, and dill (or basil). Sit to the side.
2. Cook shells according to package until al dente. Strain and let cool.
3. While noodles cook/cool, melt butter over medium heat. Add in heavy cream, 1/2 bag of cheese, champagne, and juice from second lemon. Let simmer for about 10 minutes. Add or subtract champagne for thickness.
4. Melt tablespoon of butter. Add spinach in batches until all is cooked. Set to the side.
5. Fill shells with ricotta mixture. I found about a teaspoon per shell was a good ratio.
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6. Sprinkle with half of leftover cheese. Spread spinach over shells.
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7. Pour champagne sauce over shells and cover with remaining cheese.
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8. Bake for 15 minutes at 350.

9. Let settle for 3 minutes & enjoy!
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9 comments:

  1. We totally need to follow in your footsteps and "unplug" every once in awhile. I'm as big a technology fan as anyone but at times I feel like it's gotten a bit out of hand 'round these parts!

    And that recipe looks DELICIOUS!!!

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  2. I totally agree that it is good to unplug. I remember a time when the internet and phones were not the center of the universe. I think it was a happier time and people were way more active. I can't say I am not guilty of being caught up in it and checking it constantly, but going off the grid for some time is healthy.

    That recipe looks fantastic!

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  3. I love the idea and the recipe!

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  4. I'm going to miss your texts!! :P

    This recipe looks delightful

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  5. Looks delicious! ...and love the point you made at the beginning of the post! ;)

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  6. This looks delish love. What is the thing on top in the last pic? Also...are you interested in swapping buttons?

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  7. love this idea. so much. I may be following in your footsteps!

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