Ingredients
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/2 cup chopped apple
2 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon Italian-style dried bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
1. Combine apple, cheese, and bread crumbs. Set aside.
2. Flatten chicken breasts between sheets of waxed paper to 1/4 inch thickness. Divide apple mixture between chicken breasts, and roll up each breast. Secure with toothpicks.
3. Melt butter or margarine in a 7 inch skillet over medium heat. Brown stuffed chicken breasts. Add wine and 1/4 cup water. Cover. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink.
4. Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Combine 1 tablespoon water and cornstarch; stir into juices in pan. Cook and stir until thickened. Pour gravy over chicken, and garnish with parsley. Serve.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 139 | Total Fat: 5.1g | Cholesterol: 46mg

My favorite holiday is just around the corner. Halloween is the best, what more can you ask for; awesome decorations for outside and inside your home, ridiculous costumes, and an excuse to eat your favorite candy. I love driving home this time of year and seeing the houses in the Halloween Spirit. Front doors decorated and Jack-O-Lanterns out on the steps, the spookier the better!

I have been seriously slacking in the scary decoration department the last couple years. I feel like Halloween is not done up the way I remember it being as a kid. I remember my very first Halloween trick or treating with my family, I was a Ballerina. The first house that we went to was a monstrous Victorian house. It was all dark and there were candles in the windows. My sisters and I held onto each other as we tiptoed up to the door, looking all around in case something were to jump out at us, and the only noises you could hear was howling sounds and the scary music playing in the background. It was always an issue of which one of us going to ring the doorbell, and of course I was always chosen because I am the youngest. We could hear each others chests pounding as we waited for that door to open and have no idea what to expect or what was going to answer it. And when it did Trick or Treat!!! We were going to get candy! And as we walked across the lawn on to the next house we weren’t as scared as we were before. I miss those days and being able to trick or treat, why did I ever stop?

Lets all get into the Halloween Spirit this year and make this one better than the last. Whether you dress up and go to a Halloween Party, or hand out candy or even stay in and watch a scary movie, have a fun with it. That is what this holiday is all about!!!

As many of you know, I just recently got engaged this week! We are so excited but overwhelmed at the same time. There is so much that goes into planning a wedding and trying to keep the stress levels down. Here are some great pointers that I’ve already put to great use.

-Budget for everything! Sticking to a budget might be the hardest thing to do when you want a lavish wedding. But once everything is said and done, you won’t be stressing over wedding debt.
-Plan a longer engagement. We are planning for a 2014 wedding which gives us plenty of time to explore our options and do a lot of DIY to cut costs.
-It’s all about who you know. If you want to cut costs, hire a friend or family member that specializes in photography or a DJ.

Remember that in the end you love each other and this day is about love not stress!

The Boston Globe recently published an article about Salem, MA. It was titled <a href=”http://bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/travel/2012/09/01/salem-without-its-masks/tYWxAg1dSlF4OLGYDJqsZL/comments.html”>”Salem without its masks, Night and day, city offers sights, scenes, arts, history, and food.”</a> We often think of visiting Salem in October given the amount of Autumn festivities and Halloween events offered in the “Witch City”. But the Globe correspondent, Steve Holt points out the many attractions offered in Salem year round! There are even a number of self guided walking tours throughout the city, available for download here: <a href=”http://www.nps.gov/sama/index.htm”>Salem Walking Tours</a>

<strong>Top 10 Highlights from the Boston Globe article:</strong>

1. Strolling For Snacks – check out Mike and Honey Green Grocer at 32 Church Street, a local favorite!
2. Secondhand Salem – stop into Witch City Consignment and Thrift at 301 Essex Street, known to many locals as “Jerry’s Army-Navy Store”.
3. Kids’ Corner – Enjoy toys and games at Mud Puddle Toys at 221 Essex Street for kids of all ages.
4. Treat Yourself – Beverage break! Enjoy coffee or a pint of craft beer at The Gulu Gulu Cafe at 247 Essex Street.
5. Dinner time – In the mood for dark wood and plush chairs? Check out the warm and cozy Tavern on the Green at 18 Washington Square for a historic and tasty meal.
6. Stay the Night – Sleep over at the family-owned Salem Inn, 7 Summer Street originally built in 1834.
7. Revolutionary Brunch – On the outside, it’s a late-18th century coffeehouse, on the inside it’s Red’s Sandwich Shop, 15 Central Street.
8. Cultural Shop – Salem’s cultural and artistic jewel, the Peabody Essex Museum is a must see located at East India Square.
9. Still Hungry? – Enjoy your second brunch at the Scratch Kitchen, 245 Derby Street for a casual and fun atmosphere, frisbee-sized pancakes or a North Shore beer.
10. Historic Endings – Before you head home, take the time to walk down Derby Street which showcases the Custom House, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, House of Seven Gables and many more of the city’s first homes.

Enjoy your visit to fun and historic Salem, MA!!

Although it’s not officially fall, it is September, so I’ve already started celebrating! Other than countless fall activities (like apple picking, pumpkin picking, the Topsfield Fair, hay mazes etc.), my favorite fall things are actually food – SURPRISE SURPRISE 😉

As for a beverage, it’s a toss up between DD’s pumpkin spice coffee and Shipyard’s Pumpkin Ale. The Shipyard Pumpkin Ale tastes amazing on its own, but lends itself to countless possibilities. You could add vanilla vodka, whipped cream vodka, spiced rum, or even Southern Comfort. The Shipyard website actually posts all of these recipes!
<img src=”{filedir_2}pumpkinhead.jpg” alt=”” height=”279″ width=”353″ />

For food, I LOVE fall comfort dishes – baked mac n’ cheese, butternut squash soup, apple cider doughnuts….
My next recipe to try, a Fall Salad seen below, comes from pintrest (of course!)

Ingredients
Candied pecans:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup raw pecans

Maple-balsamic dressing:
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 head endive, separated leaves
• 1 cup mixed greens
• 1 apple, sliced
• 2 tbsp crasins
• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan

Directions
To make the candied pecans, set a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the butter and sugar and once it has melted toss in the pecans and continue to toss to coat and cook evenly, about 1 minute. Transfer to a sheet tray lined with waxed paper (use 2 forks to separate pecans) while you prepare the salad.

Make the dressing by combining the diced onion, Dijon and balsamic vinegar in a large mixing bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while you whisk to emulsify. Add the maple syrup and season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Assemble salad by tossing greens, crasins and apple slices in a large mixing bowl with maple-balsamic dressing. Top with shaved Parmesan and candied pecans.
<img src=”{filedir_2}TU0409_Fall_Salad_lg.jpg” alt=”” height=”262″ width=”416″ />

We’re pretty fortunate to live in an area like New England; it seems like every corner you turn will put you in a place that’s rich in history. Princeton Green Apartments is located in Marlborough, MA, and is no exception to that unwritten rule. Just a 5-minute drive on Route 20 East (also known as Boston Post Road) is the <a href=”http://www.waysidecountrystore.com/”>Wayside Country Store</a>. The store opened in Sudbury center in 1790 and was moved to Marlborough in 1929 when Henry Ford (yes, <em>that</em> Henry Ford) purchased it and moved it to its current location. Entering the store makes you instantly feel like you’re time-travelling! Once inside, though, you’re jolted back to the present with an impressive selection of unique gifts to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a historical map of the town you grew up in or a beautifully hand-carved walking stick, they’ve got something for everyone and it’s easy to get lost in the merchandise. Once you’ve made your selections in the Country Store, you can head over to the <a href=”http://www.waysidecountrystore.com/candystore.htm”>Olde Tyme Candy Store</a> – and I challenge you to leave this store without making a purchase! Any kind of candy you can think of, they’ve got fully stocked and deliciously displayed – and there’s always someone to personally assist you with your selections. You just don’t find service like that anymore, I tell you.

Whether it’s a planned outing or you just happen to be driving by, it’s absolutely worth it to stop into the Wayside Country Store complex. From the history to the candy, the gifts, the baked goods, and beyond, there really is something for everyone. Check them out!

Ingredients
• 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (16 ounce) box penne pasta
• 6 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 4 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) jar pesto sauce
• 1 1/2 cups milk
Directions
1.Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a small bowl until evenly moistened; set aside.
2.Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the penne, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
3.Meanwhile, combine the chicken in a bowl with the Italian cheese blend, spinach, tomatoes, alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, and milk. Stir in the pasta once done, and scoop into the prepared baking dish. Top with the bread crumb mixture.
4.Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown on top, 40 to 45 minutes.

Today is August 31, 2012….really?

Are we really on the cusp of another fall season?

I absolutely LOVE the fall, it is my favorite time of year. The mornings are crisp, the night air is perfect for sleeping, schools are back in session, the fall colors start to emerge, Football Season begins, there’s apple picking and haunted hayrides, Hockey Season begins, Halloween happens, we survive all of that eating on Thanksgiving and then, in my family, we work it all off with standing in lines at 10pm that night for Black Friday doorbusters! (AND my birthday falls between Halloween and Thanksgiving! :-p) What is not to love?

Fall to me has always represented new beginnings, even though it is really the end of a cycle. I feel like the fall has so much more to offer than all of the other seasons. There is color and life even as the leaves are technically dying. Pumpkins, scarecrows, harvest. The smells of fall. Oh, man, if you close your eyes and think of a cool Sunday afternoon with an apple pie or apple crisp baking in the oven. Or something slow-cooking all day in the crockpot. The aromas touch our senses and remind us of the comforts of home. Warm baked bread to go with mom’s slow-cooked beef stew. And while it’s sad that now we have to go back to the supermarket for our “fresh” vegetables, our tastes turn to things with a little more substance, like mashed potatoes and gravy, pot roast, meatloaf and turkey dinners with all of the fixings! Mmmmmm.

I love to curl up when it is just cool enough to need a blanket and grab a hot cup of tea and maybe a freshly baked muffin or coffee cake made with the apples we picked from the orchard (I’m starting to notice a pattern here about food! haha). The bottom line is that the fall holds so many special memories for me that I can’t help but just submerge myself in it! Seriously, if there was a giant pile of leaves in front of me right now, I would run and jump in it!

There aren’t many times of the year that I get this excited for. What can I say? I’m a sucker for fall. I just fall for it every time….

Okay so cold weather will be approaching soon and on those long dark days you need creative things to do and what better than to get creative with projects around the house! I know, you are probaly thinking I’m crazy but I personally get motivated to clean and get organized when fun projects are involved! Was trying to organize the clutter in my house the other day and was wondering what would be a creative way to store jewlery other than piled in a box or getting tangled hanging from a hanger in the closet and I happened to run across a really creative idea on Pinterest that I couldn’t wait to try! The project seemed perfect! it was neat and organized and would add to the room and could be designed to match the color theme you needed not to mention it was simple looking to design and build and overall the materials needed didn’t seem that expensive. So the next day I was out the door with my supplies list ready to go! I bought a few picture frames at Homegoods, a few yards of material at JOANNs Fabric ( you can choose any pattern or color of your choice) Then headed to Home Depot where I got cork board for backing and pretty cystal knobs to hang the jewlery from and it didn’t hurt my wallet.

After the shopping was done I was home to spray paint the frames the color of my choice and of course I chose classic white but you can do any color your heart desires! I saw a few pictures online of green ones, pink ones, etc but I decided to stick with simple white. Stapled the material around the cork and stuck in the frame, then added knobs and hooks and done! Hung on the wall and organized my jewlery and was relieved to have the clutter gone, my room look pretty and actually be able to find what I was looking for a whole lot easier! This was just one project I resently did but I have built other ideas to organize and store many things in my house and you too can get creative and enjoy doing a project to help elimanate any excess clutter and give you a simple project to do on a dreary weekend. Hope my idea gets you thinking of ways to store anything you need to and definatly check out online for other great storage ideas!

Wow, this summer has gone by fast. I looked at my calendar and realized, yikes, I have not been to Gloucester this summer! I still have a chance to enjoy ‘The Gloucester Schooner Festival.’ It’s this weekend, August 31- September 2, 2012. http://www.capeannvacations.com/schooner

Don’t you just love Cape Ann? Do you have any favorite places to go? I do! Here are a few of my favorites!

-Halibut Point State Park www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/halb.htm

– Latitude 43 http://latfortythree.com

-Sugar Magnolia’s http://www.northshoredish.com/category/restaurant/sugar-magnolias

-Rockport music anyone? Shalin Liu Performance Center http://www.rcmf.org/newperformance.html

Enjoy!!!