Thursday, February 26, 2015

This ‘n That, Movies.

As you know, I have been sick, I am still not bouncing with health, but things are improving I am glad to say. Today, Wednesday, I went to my exercise class but could not do more than a few minutes. Monday I didn’t even try bowling. During the last 10 days I have thought of half a dozen things to blog about all of which would have been frantically interesting except I forgot what they all were. I suppose I should have written them down, but… I don’t think I will be back full time yet awhile though.

I was somewhat annoyed that on top of all my problems I discovered Mrs. Mopmy cleaner wasn’t coming in, ever again. I wish she had let us know before as the place has had more or less no attention for close on 6 weeks now, for various reasons. Neither Matt nor I are really fit enough to clean house unfortunately. So now I am scrambling trying to find someone to come and clean.

A week or two ago, I ordered a copy of the movie The Theory of Everything. This is the story of the incredible journey and struggle faced by Professor Stephen Hawking and his family. In 1964 he was told he would have 2 years to live because he has what, these days, is known as Lou Hawkings RedmayneGehrig’s disease or ALS, this was 52 years ago. Thanks in great part to his first wife, Jane, he is still with us today and has proved to be one of the most brilliant minds of our time. I only just got round to seeing the movie as, having been ill, I just couldn’t concentrate on movies or anything much else, but finally, on Monday night, I watched it, particularly having heard that Eddie Redmayne got the Oscar for best actor portraying Stephen Hawking. What a brilliant film, I loved it from start to finish. It was a wonderful portrayal of a terrible disease and what it can do. It was also a beautiful love story between Jane and Stephen. If you get half a chance, you really should see it. Even if you don’t understand all the science/cosmology involved, you should certainly see the film. The Professor sent Redmayne a congratulatory message on Facebook after his win. Apparently he is a newbie to FB.

I now want to get the movie Imitation Game about Alan Turing, another brilliant man and his contribution to the war effort in the 40’s and of course I want a copy of Paddington Bear.

I caught sight of this pie and thought it looked both unusual and delicious.

Sky-High Brunch Bake



Kraft Kitchens

Sky-High Brunch Bake


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What You Need

1 pkg.  (17.3 oz.) frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
6 eggs, beaten
1 cup  POLLY-O Original Ricotta Cheese
Dash  hot pepper sauce
2 pkg.  (10 oz. each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained
4 slices  OSCAR MAYER Bacon, cooked, chopped
1-1/2 cups  KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup  chopped red peppers

Make It

HEAT oven to 400°F.
UNFOLD pastry sheets. Roll out 1 sheet to 11-inch square; set aside. Roll out remaining sheet to 12-inch square; use to line bottom and side of 9-inch springform pan sprayed with cooking spray.
RESERVE 1 Tbsp. eggs. Mix remaining eggs with ricotta, pepper sauce and spinach. Layer half each of the bacon, cheddar, ricotta mixture and peppers in crust. Repeat layers.
COVER with remaining pastry sheet; fold under edges of pastry, then tuck inside pan. Brush pastry with reserved egg. Cut slits in top crust.
BAKE 45 to 55 min. or until golden brown. Cool 10 min. Run small knife around edge of pan to loosen crust before removing rim.

Kraft Kitchens Tips

Size Wise
Your family will know it is the festive season when this special morning dish is served. Remember to balance your food choices throughout the day so you can enjoy a serving of this indulgent dish.
Make Ahead
Assemble and bake pie as directed. Refrigerate several hours or overnight. When ready to serve, bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 30 to 40 min. or until heated through.
Variation
If you don't have a springform pan, this recipe can be baked in a 13x9-inch baking dish instead. Roll out bottom and top pastry to fit dish. For ease in serving, line empty baking dish with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Spray with cooking spray. Prepare crust and fill with ingredients as directed. Bake at 350ºF for 35 to 40 min. or until golden brown. Let stand 10 min. Use foil handles to lift pie from dish before cutting to serve.
Have a great day
Jo_thumb[2]

20 comments:

  1. Sorry you're still sick and that your cleaning lady isn't going to be back. Hope you turn the corner on this illness soon!

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    1. Thanks JoJo. I was thinking about what you said about Mercury Retrograde. The effects seem to have gone on much longer for me. Maybe. Certainly not been a good year for us so far.

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  2. Pity about the cleaning lady. The last thing you need when you've both been struggling health wise.

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    1. You are so right Helen. One thing after another so far this year.

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  3. Bummer your cleaning lady quit. Hope you find another one soon.

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    1. Thanks Alex, you are so right, it is a bummer.

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  4. Oh man, on the cleaning lady. Good luck in your search for a new one. So glad you're feeling a bit better, yay! Good for you trying to exercise and not pushing that too far. I've copied your recipe down. Can't wait to try it!

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    1. It is a nuisance isn't it? I decided to try bowling this aft. Was wiped at the end but I managed it. I want to try this soon too.

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  5. Imitation Game is a good movie - I hope you like it.
    I must try this brunch bake - thank you, and feel better soon.

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    1. Gotta wait a bit before I get to see it unfortunately.

      Enjoy it Dixie and thanks.

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  6. Hi Jo - sorry you're feeling not too good still .. but at least improving. Though your cleaner story isn't helpful. That recipe looks very good ...

    I've seen the Turing one - it's good .. but I suspect Hawkings' is better ... but they're both worth seeing - I have to catch the Redmayne one ... now I can get out and about a bit ...

    Take care and I hope things sort themselves out soon .. cheers Hilary

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    1. Still got 6 antibiotics to take LOL. Am a lot better but still somewhat weak.

      I loved the Hawking's story, so sad but wonderful how long he has lasted after being given only 2 years.

      Thanks.

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  7. It's very difficult to find a good cleaner. I was very disappointed last time I had one in. She did nothing and had insisted on being paid upfront. I'd paid for a spring clean which was $270 and she did absolutely nothing except wipe the kitchen counters down (badly). I think Eddie utterly deserved the Oscar. He was brilliant in the film. Good to hear you're on the mend :)

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    1. What a horror story. I hope I find one soon.

      I agree he was brilliant, excellent acting.

      Yes, at long last Pinky. Seems like months to me.

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  8. I just hate when I think of a good blog idea (or three) and then forget them all. Why, if it's so interesting, do I always forget?

    I hope you feel 100% better soon! At least you had a good movie to keep you company. I'm thoroughly looking forward to seeing both The Imitation Game and The Theory of Everything, hopefully some time soon.

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    1. Frustrating isn't it? Of course one is supposed to write it down, but not always possible.

      Thanks, I'm on my way to good health I think. I want to see The Imitation Game soon

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  9. Gosh I hate that too, if I'm ill nothing gets done, and then as soon as I feel better I'm overwhelmed by the clean up. So glad you're feeling better, though, and I do hope you find the right person to do the cleaning. Sounds like a good movie!

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    1. Trouble is I physically can't cope with it Yolanda. It will get sorted eventually.

      It was a good movie.

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  10. I hope you're feeling better. I'd also like to see The Theory of Everything. The Imitation Game was another great movie, and I hope you see it soon.

    Julie

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    1. Beginning to get back to normal thanks Julie. I recommend the movie and definitely plan to see The Imitation Game ASAP

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