Today is kind of a hard day – today I’m thinking of Dad. It’s been eight years since my dad passed, and his loss left a hole in my life that hasn’t quite closed. Perhaps it never will. Certainly, it’s not as hard to be without him after all this time, but I miss him all the same. And so does my mom. And my sisters and their kids.

My kids are a different story. Our two oldest are my husband’s kids from his first marriage. They met my dad but didn’t have much of a chance to get to know him. My little one … well, I got pregnant eight years ago at almost the exact moment that my dad died. At least that’s the way I like to think of it. Thinking of Dad being somehow connected to my son makes sense to me. Like a part of him is in my kid, so he’ll always be with us.

Although they’ll never know each other in this world, somehow I think they know each other. First, in my entire family, there are nothing but girls. My boy is the first and only boy child in the family. I know I could explain this through a simple look at X and Y chromosomes and how chance determined the gender of my child. But I think it was my dad. How he would have loved having a little boy in the family!

From my son’s earliest days, I would show him pictures of family members who lived far away, including my mom and sisters and nieces and brothers-in-law. I wanted him to know them, especially since he didn’t have the chance to see them very often. My dad’s picture was in there, too, and from the very start, while he would guess at who the others were, he always knew my dad. Somehow, without being taught, he even called him by the Chinese word for grandpa. I didn’t even know he was doing this until I was talking to my mom on the phone one night and told her what he called him (because I thought it was cute), and, without missing a beat, she told me what it meant.

We don’t have a ton of pictures of my dad around the house, but he’s here. My little guy asks about him frequently. He wants to know what he liked to do, what his favorite foods were and what I remember about him. We talk about him like a close and familiar friend, not like a mysterious stranger who lurks about in books and pictures. That’s what amazes me. I never knew either of my grandpas, and they always seemed mysterious to me. To my son, Grandpa is just Grandpa, as if he’s known him all his life. He even asks me when was the last time we saw him. Because, in his seven-year-old mind, he knows that he’s seen him.

I see my dad in my kid all the time. Sometimes it’s an expression on his face or a simple gesture that’s just like him. Sometimes I’ll post a picture and one of my sisters will comment that “he looks just like Dad” in this one. Sometimes, he throws his head back when he laughs, with mouth open and eyes full of mischief, just like my dad. He’s smart and likes a good joke just as much as he is particular about how he wants things exactly the way he left them. Just like Dad.

As we were talking last night before bed, I told my son that we were coming up on eight years since Grandpa died. I asked him, if he could hear you, what would you want to tell him? Here’s what he said …

I’m sorry you died, Grandpa. I hope that it wasn’t painful. I’m sad that I never got to meet you, but Mom tells me about you. I hope you’re having a good life now and that you can be happy and not sick anymore. I miss you, and I love you.

So, yes, today I’m thinking of Dad. There’s so much more that I could say, but I think I’ll just leave it at that.

 

 

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Fancy fruit trays may not be one of life’s priorities, but when you’re entertaining, knowing how to make pineapple boats can give your party an extra special flair. A fruit tray brings color and vibrancy to a table and can be appropriate for breakfast, lunch, dinner or brunch. And if you can find a whole pineapple, you can make these beautiful boats that will be the centerpiece of your food display.

I first learned how to make these while I was the co-advisor to the Hawaii Club at the university where I worked. The Hawaiian students had a luau every year, and fresh pineapples were flown in from the islands. Since then, I’ve used this technique to make pretty pineapple boats on my fruit trays for family gatherings, and potlucks. This week, I made this tray for a school function, and everyone loved it. It looks more complicated than it is, so let me show you how to do it.

 

First, be sure your pineapple is ripe. Look for a body that is slightly golden, and take a whiff. If the fruit is fragrant and sweet, it’s probably ready. Take it home and throw away the little card with instructions on how to cut a pineapple! Do this instead.

Leave the crown on the pineapple and cut it in half from top to bottom, including the crown. This is actually a little easier if you start in the middle and cut down through the bottom, then up through the top. When you get to the crown, be firm yet gentle while cutting it all the way through. You want to split it in half without pulling it off the top of the pineapple or damaging it too much.

 

Then, cut those halves in half again. You now have four pineapple quarters.

 

Next, slide a sharp knife under the core – that lighter section in the middle of the pineapple – and carefully cut down the core and around the sides and bottom, leaving the pineapple intact at the top and bottom. Be gentle, so you don’t break the core at the corners.

 

You should now have a pineapple boat with a bar (that’s the core) across the top. And you’ll have a big hunk of pineapple that you can slide out of the body of the boat.

 

Slide it out and slice it up.

 

Then, slide it back in. If you’re not going to serve right away, leave it like this. I’ll show you how to store your pineapple boats it in a minute.

Now do the same thing with the other 3 quarters of your pineapple.

 

If you’re preparing this ahead of time, you’ll want to store it until it’s time to serve. Simply put the pineapple back together and secure the pieces with a couple of rubber bands. Then stick it in a plastic bag and put it in the fridge. Be sure your bag doesn’t have any holes or leaks or you’ll have a sticky mess in the refrigerator!

 

Once you’re ready to serve your fruit, take each quarter of the pineapple and carefully slide the slices out about halfway, alternating direction each time. This will allow your guests to grab hold of a juicy piece of pineapple and slip it out of the pineapple boat. You can also stick toothpicks in each one to make serving colorful and easy.

 

See how simple that was! Place the pineapple boats directly on the table as a tropical appetizer or add some other colorful and tasty fruit to a tray and you’re done. Now you know how to make beautiful pineapple boats that will leave the impression that you are a fruit artist. Even the most accomplished hostesses will want to know your secret.

Will you try this at home? Let me know if you do or leave me a comment & tell me what you think of this idea!

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Being a mom means you have to be flexible. I had plans for today – drop kids off at school, go to volunteer gig , attend weekly luncheon with my friend, run home for a quick email check, then back to school to pick the kids up. My Mondays are usually packed.

But this morning, kid #3 woke up with icky, red eyes. If I had sent him to school, I would bet almost anything they would have sent him right back home. Pink eye is frowned upon, even if it’s only the suspicion of pink eye. Sometimes, being a mom means having to make executive decisions.

Rather than chance it, we re-grouped. Here’s how the day went instead.

1. Call the doctor to see if we can get an appointment this morning. They’re not open yet, so leave a message to have them call me back.
2. Call the school where I volunteer to let them know I can’t make it today.
3. Email school to let them know my kid will not be there.
4. Feed and entertain said child to keep him from rubbing his eyes.
5. Answer doctor’s phone call & schedule appointment.
6. Quick potty break because … you know … mom’s gotta go.
7. Rush to get out the door because now we’re late for the doctor’s.
8. Wait and wait at the doctor’s office. Of course, we rushed to get out the door, so neither of us has anything to occupy the waiting time except for my phone. Child gets the phone; mom stares at baby formula brochures in the waiting area.
9. Go into the exam room and wait some more.
10. Doctor arrives, takes a look and let’s us know that it’s NOT pink eye (yay!) but it is likely some sort of viral infection (boo!) based on other symptoms.
11. Check out of the doctor’s & head home.
12. Check medicine cabinet to see if we have over-the-counter eye drops I was sure we had. We don’t.
13. Leave kid with husband (thank goodness he’s home) and run to drugstore to buy eye drops.
14. Come home, get drops in kid’s eyes (much easier said than done), make coffee & settle in to get some writing done while kid is watching TV (don’t judge).
15. Manage to write 2 sentences before kid announces that he’s hungry. Hold him off to write one more sentence and respond to a quick email before he informs me that he’s starving and can’t go on any longer without lunch.
16. Make kid lunch, then try to get a little more work done. Get distracted watching funny animal videos my sister posted to Facebook.
17. Give up and make myself lunch.
18. Sit down to eat while kids watches more TV.
19. Go back to my computer only to hear my kid announce, every 5 seconds, that I need to watch him as he wields his Power Ranger sword like a real Power Ranger. If I glance down, he screams, “Mom, you’re not watching! Watch me, and KEEP watching!”
20. Watch him be a Power Ranger for, like, a gajillion times because he didn’t do it just right.
21. Realize I’m not really going to get anything done & give up to do something with this kid of mine. Try to do something enjoyable but realize I now have a headache.
22. Sit down to watch a movie with my awesome kid (I know – more TV, but I’m desperate!). Catch myself dozing, but realize he doesn’t care because he’s happy I’m sitting with him.
23. Finally send him off to play with his siblings, who are home from school, and spend a little time with Daddy.
24. Sit down to write this post.

When you’re a mom, it’s the little things that occupy your time throughout the day. I think that’s why so many people just don’t get it. I realize I’m not having critical meetings about pressing world issues or solving crisis after crisis at the office. But watching a budding Power Ranger takes focus and time and energy, and saying just the right thing to encourage his Power Ranger-ness without actually encouraging it takes finesse and tact and diplomacy.

Being a mom takes high level skill in addition to a lot of love and devotion. It’s hard work to raise good humans, and I don’t think enough people appreciate that publicly. To give your attention to someone or something so fully that the illusion of multi-tasking is impossible could challenge even the most attentive among us. And there is no better task master than a child who craves that attention.

So here it is … I appreciate all you moms out there who are doing all you can to love, nurture and care for your kids in the best ways you know how. I’m exhausted from being a mom today, but my kid needed me, and I’m glad I could be here doing what I do, as imperfectly as I do it. In his eyes, I encompass his whole world and I can’t think of anything more important than that.

Are you a mom who can relate to any of this? Leave me a comment – I’d love to hear your story!

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Today is April Fools Day – a day to prank your hearts out without getting in (too much) trouble. Pranking my kids has gotten harder over the years because they’re just too darn crafty and, frankly, I’ve become a tired mama, with barely enough energy to make sure they’re wearing shoes to school.

But before the little one was born, when the two big ones were small, I had a little fun with them on April Fools Day. They still talk about it today as one of the best pranks ever.

Here’s what I did …

Every morning, we make it a priority to make sure the kids sit down to breakfast. It may be a simple meal, but it’s still a time to sit down at the table and get ready for the day. We still do this, but back then, it was a little easier to make sure the table was set and milk was poured before the kids came out to eat.

So, the night before, I took their milk cups (plastic, that you can’t see through), poured in some milk and stuck them in the freezer. Then in the morning, I took out the frozen cups and let them sit on the counter for a few minutes to get rid of that fresh-out-of-the-freezer look. Then I added just enough fresh milk to the top – just a sip or two – to make it look like a normal cup of milk and served it up.

The kids, in their normal sleepy, groggy morning state, grabbed their cups to take a big refreshing swig of milk, and they only got a little sip. Their perplexed looks were priceless, and when they figured it out, they admitted they’d been had by a joke well done.

Harmless Fun

It’s fun to joke around sometimes, especially when everyone can enjoy it. With just a little bit of set-up time, this prank made us all laugh. Also, nobody got their feelings hurt, nobody felt embarrassed or stupid, and no harm was done – either physically or emotionally. I’ll call that a win!

Would you try this prank? Do you have other April Fools stories to share? Leave me a comment – I’d love to hear from you!

Today’s post comes courtesy of the daily writing prompt from the BlogHer Writing Lab. I’m trying this out, so look for more posts based on writing prompts in the near future.

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Delicious, quick and easy, this meal screams flavor and has become one of my favorites to make and eat. Just a few ingredients and 30 minutes in the kitchen and you can be eating a healthy dinner in a flash. I originally pinned this recipe from Adam Roberts at the Amateur Gourmet. When I went to make it the first time, I played around a bit with the ingredients because I wasn’t sure my kids would like the spice combination. Taking tips from his Best Broccoli of Your Life post for the broccoli, I decided to keep it simple and adjust the ingredient amounts to fit my family’s needs.

Roasting the broccoli brings out an earthy, sweet flavor that you don’t get if you steam it or sautee it.  Personally, I like my roasted broccoli a little charred around the edges, but if you want all the flavor without it looking haggard, just leave it in until it’s golden brown. My kids even love the broccoli this way. Add a little grated parmesan over the top once it’s out of the oven, and you’ve got a whole new flavor profile.

The shrimp cooks up so fast and tastes so great that the kids put this recipe into the “make again” category right away. I like to remove the shells and tails because it makes it easier for my kids to eat without wrestling with the tail shell. But if you like to leave your tails on, go right ahead. The touch of lemon is fresh on your tongue and oh so satisfying when combined with the smoky flavor of the broccoli.

Cook up a big pot of rice, dish it up, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal on the table quick enough for even the busiest days.

Here’s how to make it …

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:2]

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This Spring Break, my family and I decided to visit the Universal Orlando Resort theme parks. While I love theme parks and the ability to lose myself in a world of fun and adventure, I want to be able to enjoy the escape from reality as much as possible and NOT have my trip ruined by the nauseating feelings that come with motion sickness. But alas, I am one of those unfortunate creatures who suffers from this condition. Boats turn me green, planes require thoughtful Zen meditation, and cars can even turn me queasy depending on who’s driving and what the conditions are like.

Of all the websites I visited while researching Universal Orlando, I found very few that addressed the motion sickness potential of the rides, so I decided to err on the side of caution and start each day with some motion sickness medicine to try to pre-empt any nausea that may arrive, uninvited, to the party. For the most part, this worked, but I thought I would write about my experiences for others out there who are prone to the dizzying, tummy-turning, head-spinning hell that is motion sickness. (For another good guide to Universal Orlando with some motion sickness advice and other great tips, see Theme Park Insider.)

What to Know About the Rides

As expected from a film production company, the rides at the Universal Orlando theme parks feature stunning film action that creates a “live” effect for guests. In other words, the films will surround you and you will feel like you’re in the middle of the action. The effect is amazing when combined with the motion of the rides themselves. But it can feel a bit unsteady, especially when the film scenes flash by quickly and have you falling or swinging or tumbling or swooping. In most cases, closing your eyes can help dispel the discomfort. You’ll miss part of the action, but your brain will be able to “recover” for a few seconds.

If you know where I’m coming from, you’ll understand why you won’t see the more extreme rides on here – the giant roller coasters that turn you upside down and drop you from ridiculous heights. I couldn’t look at them without feeling mildly ill, but I’ll do my best to describe those I did experience, either from riding them myself or sending my brave family members (usually my husband and our fearless 7-year-old daredevil). So, without further ado, here is my guide to rides at Universal Orlando’s two theme parks – Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure.

Universal Studios

Enter Universal Orlando’s Universal Studios park, and you’ll be immediately enchanted by the animated favorites every kid loves. Head straight into the park and get in line!

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

This is a motion-based ride, but in an auditorium-style setting. Your row of seats will move as you go through simulated minion training. The 3-D effects and surrounding film action will make you feel like you’re actually running, jumping & tumbling with the adorable minions. It’s quick and mildly jerky, but it won’t turn your stomach. If you DO start to feel a little woozy, just look at the other rows of seats, you’ll see the other people moving and won’t feel like you’re in the film action so much. This ride encompasses all the charm of the minions and is super fun!

Shrek 4-D

Another auditorium-style experience, this ride starts with a story then takes you on a journey with Shrek. The seats move and you’ll feel effects like wind, sprinkles of water and other fun 4-D elements. This one is super mild as far a motion goes. The story is delightful, as you would expect from Shrek and Donkey. You’ll be laughing and smiling throughout. Everyone should be able to enjoy this ride with no problem.

Transformers: The Ride 3-D

Definitely an immersive film-ride experience, this simulated adventure ride is loud, full of action and complete with cool special effects. In a ride car, you’ll be conveyed into the experience on a track, then be engulfed by sets and combined film-motion sequences and feel like you’re on an adventure with the Transformers. It can be jerky and fast with a few pitching and spinning elements. This one is a little more intense but totally manageable. Remember, close your eyes if you need to.

Men in Black™ Alien Attack™

No loose articles are allowed on this ride, so that tells you that it’s fast enough that they don’t want random things flying out of your car. If you’ve been to Disney and ridden the Buzz Lightyear ride, you’ll be familiar with the concept of Men in Black. You travel through the city shooting aliens. All the while, your car is moving and spinning, and if the car on the opposite side of the track shoots at you, you spin faster. If you don’t like spinning, this might not be for you. But I didn’t find it uncomfortable because I could see everything around me and it didn’t feel claustrophobic. It also combines the spinning with forward action and lots of stationary elements to focus your attention on.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this ride is a must for the complete Wizarding World of Harry Potter experience (stay tuned for another post exclusively on the Wizarding World that resides in both of the Universal Orlando parks). You will be transported into the depths of Gringotts bank in a ride car with full motion and 3-D film effects. There is one roller-coaster-style drop at the beginning, but it’s not too steep and most motion sensitive folks should be able to handle it well. The film elements and sets are absolutely amazing but they flash by quickly as your car moves through the vaults under the bank. The car will pitch, spin and take some shallow dives, so take care if these motions bother you. I handled it well, partly because I was so immersed in the story, which you won’t find in any of the Harry Potter books, partly because it was surprising and fun enough that the motion didn’t bother me.

Hogwarts™ Express

Make sure you have a park-to-park ticket to ride this attraction, then enter the Hogwarts Express through King’s Cross Station outside of Diagon Alley. You’ll immediately feel like you’re in the London tube station. Take in your surroundings, and don’t forget to notice the entrance to Platform 9 ¾ where you’ll see your fellow passengers passing through the barrier. The train ride, itself, is totally mild, and you’ll feel like you’re riding through the English landscape on your way to Hogwarts Castle. The ride is pleasant enough for even the most sensitive.

 

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

If you ride the Hogwarts Express from King’s Cross Station in Universal Studios, you end up in Hogsmeade Village – the other side of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – in Islands of Adventure. Once you enjoy all that this park has to offer, be sure to ride the Hogwarts Express back to Diagon Alley – it’s a totally different experience and well worth the return trip.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™

Another must-do for Harry Potter fans, this attraction takes you through Hogwarts Castle as you wait for the ride to begin. Be sure to take in all the fantastic details they put into making the castle truly magical (and look for my other post, coming soon, for more on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter). On the ride, itself, you’ll be transported on an adventure with Harry and friends that will involve soaring on a broomstick over the Quidditch pitch and escaping a fire-breathing dragon. Once again, the film effects in combination with the ride motion make you feel like you’re really flying. But, for me, the motion elements of flipping upside down and back again, being tossed back and forth and zigzagging in and out of the castle were a little too much for my motion-challenged self. While I loved the new and exciting story, and I wouldn’t have missed the ride for the world, I did find myself wishing the ride would end. When it finally did, I stumbled out of the castle to find a cool drink and a place to sit down. While I didn’t lose my lunch – which I do NOT recommend eating right before this ride – I did feel quite unsteady for a while after the ride was over. Would I do this one again? Yes, because the effects were amazing and I’m a crazy HP fan, but I would definitely take another preventative Bonine before doing it. If you don’t want to risk it, you also have the option of just touring the castle through the line for the ride, then hop out of the line before everyone boards the ride cars and exit the castle.

Flight of the Hippogriff™

This kid-friendly roller coaster zooms around Hagrid’s cabin just outside of Hogwarts Castle and, while fast, is relatively mild for the motion sensitive. It is a traditional roller coaster, so you can expect a couple of drops and quick tilting, curving stretches. If you don’t do well on a regular roller coaster, you may want to sit this one out, but your kids will want to ride it, and it’s a short ride, so most should be able to manage it well. I really enjoyed this one.

Jurassic Park River Adventure®

Ready to get wet? This ride will take you into the world of Jurassic Park, right through the front gates and into the dinosaur habitats from the movie. It’s a mild river raft tour right up to the very end, where your raft will drop you down the waterfall. The drop will make your stomach travel a little further up your torso, but not quite all the way up to your throat. My family did this one twice. The first time everyone stayed relatively dry with only a few splashes to cool everyone down. The second time was significantly wetter. We were pretty soggy from shoulder to knee, but a little afternoon sun took care of that quite comfortably. The journey back into the prehistoric was worth it, and the single drop was just a small blip on the motion sickness meter.

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls®

Bring a change of clothes for this one because you will get soaked. I changed my son into his swimsuit for the water rides, and after this one, I was very glad I did. This log ride moves pretty quickly with water sloshing in and out of the log boat throughout. The twists and turns through the ride come with a few ups and downs, but nothing to be too concerned about until the climactic drop at the end. The logs get launched down a water chute at high speed, and while that’s the worst of it, and it comes at the very end, it will make you gasp as your stomach leaps into your throat. Beware if that sensation makes you queasy. If you can handle the single, dramatic drop along with a quick pace – and aren’t afraid of a good drenching – go ahead and try this one.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®

Like the Transformers ride in Universal Studios, this ride puts you in the middle of the action as Spider-Man tracks down villains and saves the city. Your car will move along a track as you travel through amazing sets amid the 3-D film adventure. The cars spin, dive and soar as if you’re part of the battle between good and evil. It’s a fast-paced ride with breathtaking effects – literally, some of the moves will take your breath away. Close your eyes if you need to, but you won’t want to miss this one, especially if you have any Spidey fans among you. The spinning and jerking will mess with your head a little, but not enough to bring on full-on motion sickness. We did this one twice with no problems.

Storm Force Accelatron®

Similar to the teacups at Disney, you control how fast your pod spins as it circles around the track. My husband and two youngest kids did this one twice and had a blast. I knew the pure spinning action of this one would definitely make me dizzy, so I sat this one out, but if you can handle the round-and-round, it’s a fun one.

Rides I Didn’t Get to But Definitely Will Next Time

Inevitably, there were a few things we didn’t get to do since we chose to go to Universal Orlando over Spring Break when the crowds are crazy. Our Express Passes (totally worth it) got us past many of the long lines, but there were some things that we just didn’t make it on. Here’s the rundown of our must-do’s for next time we’re in Orlando.

Pteranodon Flyers®

I hope my little one is still little enough to ride this the next time we make it to Universal Orlando. For this ride, a child who is between 36 and 56 inches tall must accompany all adults taller than 56 inches. It soars quietly above the Jurassic Park section of Islands of Adventure and looks like a peaceful yet exciting flying experience.

The Simpsons Ride™

Universal Studios has a whole Simpson’s world, and this ride is supposed to be fantastic. Again, with the combination of film and full motion, this carnival adventure with one of America’s favorite animated families gets great reviews and appears to be as motion-friendly as Spider-Man and Transformers.

Universal Orlando – Well Worth the Trip

So, there you have it! My incomplete, but hopefully helpful, guide to the rides at the Universal Orlando theme parks for the motion impaired visitor. As you can see, I rode a lot, didn’t get sick and enjoyed my trip immensely. There’s nothing worse than feeling ill to ruin a vacation, especially one where there’s so much to do and see and so little time. I hope this guide will help make your planning a little easier so you can enjoy a trip to this fabulous family destination as well.

If you use this guide, let me know how it goes. I’d love to hear if these tips hit the mark for you. And if you’ve been to Universal Orlando, I’d love your thoughts on this, too!

 

 

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Another weeknight means another crazy dinnertime at my house. It’s a good thing that there are some meals that are quick and easy to prepare, and that everyone will eat.

The original recipe comes from Danelle at Let’s Dish, and she makes it a spicy version with some cayenne and red pepper flakes added in. Although my husband and I would love that, our kids don’t do spicy, so I leave those out. The first time I made it, I followed her instructions fully and put it in the oven, casserole style. But my family prefers it unbaked, so I just serve it right out of the pot. This saves me a little time but doesn’t sacrifice any of the flavor.

If you’ve read my previous post, you know that my garden is abundant with lettuce, so it made sense for us to have a nice salad with this meal. But we’re all busy, so just do what’s easiest for you.  In my house, sometimes that means throwing some sliced apples on a plate for everyone to share, just so I can say I served a fruit or vegetable with dinner.

This dinner also works for my vegetarian son. He’s not a strict vegetarian, so the chicken broth doesn’t pose a problem for us, but feel free to substitute vegetable broth if you need to. I just dish out some of the cheesy pasta for him before stirring in the sausage at the end. So not only is this recipe fantastic and yummy, it’s flexible, too. This also reheats beautifully, so leftovers are no problem.

When all is said and done, this dish can’t be beat for a fabulous weeknight meal that you can make in 30 minutes or less.

Here’s how to make my version …

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:1]

 

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