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Month: April 2021

Reinvention Queen- Mushroom Lemon Herb Angel Hair Pasta to Spaghetti with Meatballs

REINVENTION QUEEN TRANSFORMS THE MUSHROOM LEMON HERB ANGEL HAIR PASTA INTO MEATBALL MUSHROOM SPAGHETTI:

This is how you will see me reinvent a leftover into a fresh new dish. See below for instructions.
Here is the ready to simmer Meatball Mushroom Fresh Herb Spaghetti.
Touch of Parmesan Cheese and Wallah!
I did bake fresh garlic bread but after a spin in a colander the angel hair pasta looked as fresh as when it was freshly made.

REINVENTING THE SAUCE INTO FRESH SPAGHETTI SAUCE:

  • Removing the lemon herb mushroom sauce that was leftover and placing it into a bowl with 2 jars of good quality Spaghetti sauce, 1 small can of tomato paste, 2 small cans of v-8 juice, with 1 jar of filtered water and mix well.
  • In a large pot, add 1 pkg of frozen or thawed meatballs.
  • Add the combined sauces to the meatballs and stir.
  • Add some seasonings like oregano, basil, dry Italian seasoning, garlic herb seasoning, minced onions, and whatever you like in homemade spaghetti sauce.
  • Top with fresh herbs for enhanced freshness (this is the difference by adding that fresh pop—also you can cube fresh garden tomatoes toward the end of the cooking with enough time for them to cook but maintain a fresh taste.
  • Take a look at the photos above and you will see the amount of herbs which can be adjusted to individual tastes.
  • I will top the angel hair pasta with a wet paper towel in the microwave for 60 seconds and it freshens up nicely.

This is the way I do it. I don’t want to spend my Saturday cooking from scratch for dinner. Add a salad and bread if you desire for a meal that usually takes a long prep time. Enjoy and please comment if you like the reinvention idea.

This is the original post for the Mushroom Lemon Herb Angel Hair Pasta.

My husband is a carnivore and loves his meats at a meal. Some time ago, I began doing some lighter pasta dishes and he hasn’t missed his meat for the meat. I don’t add any bread and serve the pasta with fresh grown herbs and we have enjoyed this lunch as a very tasty dish.

Thai Basil and Rosemary growing on our deck.

You see the title Reinvention Queen and may wonder what this dish has to do with that subject but already, my mind is working on what I can do with the leftovers to provide a fresh meal with new flavors. Keep this in mind as you will see how i got that title soon.

This meal was easy but it tastes as if I stayed in the kitchen for hours and in reality, I was only in the kitchen about 15 minutes. Now, for full transparency, I had onions cut up, I had the herbs minced, lemons out for zesting and juicing. Once I started composing the dish, it was easy to complete in the amount of time the angel hair pasta required cooking.

Pineapple Mint, Dill Weed, and Sweet Basil

Here is the recipe I came up with today. I wish I could tell you I go by certain amounts and/or ingredients but I am a cook/chef that makes it up as I go. A lot is determined by what I find in my pantry. It is as follows:

Reinvention Queen Mushroom Lemon Herb Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Angel Hair Pasta (1/2 pkg) cooked and drained

Fresh Herbs (variety of your preference chopped) 1/8 – ¼ cup

2 Lemons (zested with lemon zest saved) squeezed into bowl

½ onion chopped or thinly sliced

1 pkg fresh mushrooms (can use preferred type)

1 stick butter (softened)

1 8 oz cream cheese (softened)

¼ cup sour cream

3 to 4 garlic cloves (or use equivalent amount of minced garlic)

1T minced ginger

Seasonings:

Charlie’s Choice Seasoning 1tsp.

Lane’s BBQ Garlic Herb Seasoning ½ tsp.

Onion Salt Sprinkle of ½ tsp.

Red wine vinegar 1 T.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2 T.

Splash Low Sodium Soy Sauce (optional)

Sea Salt & Fresh Ground Black Peppercorns (Use preferred amount)

Watch Video for step by step instructions using the ingredients listed.

  • My tips shared on the video:
  • I use my grater to zest lemons and/or oranges
  • I clip my fresh herbs and allow them to semi dry on a paper plate. Once they are not moist, I mince them and place in a zip loc bag. I use one bag and make a combo of several herbs. I will separate others that I allow them to completely dry.
  • If I am in a hurry and if I need softened cream cheese or butter, I place in a paper bowl and place in microwave for thirty (30) seconds. Instant softening.
  • I keep fresh garlic and it is the best way to cook but if I am in a hurry, I keep a jar of minced garlic and I keep minced ginger in a jar too.
  • This is not my idea or tip but one I saw that works when cooking pasta on high temperature is to lay a wooden spoon on top of the pot to prevent boil overs.

I am sure I have more tips and will introduce you to them. Use what you want, discard those you would never do. It’s your kitchen, do what you will when you are in your own kitchen. Limit yourself to your particular taste buds and eating style.

Happy Meals to You Until We Cook Again…..Reinvention Queen, Arline Miller

(C) Copyright 2012-2021 Arline Miller of Sipping Cups of Inspiration with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material if origination is known, is sourced for credit reference.

ReInvention Queen – Homemade Pimento Cheese

I can make a Pimento Cheese Sandwich from the deli type and enjoy it but nothing is better than a portion of homemade pimento cheese on a buttery cracker or some toasted bread splashed with the “real stuff” as I like to call it. I will walk you through my simple method of how I make this dish that if properly stored will last a long time in the refrigerator….but I never have to worry about it staying around very long. Tasty!

For a tasty snack my pimento cheese adorned with smoked almonds.
My Personal recipe for Awesome Pimento Cheese
How delicious and fresh!

I am not creating a video until I make this dish and then I will include the way I make a grilled pimento cheese on Rye bread and White Bread in the Air Fryer Oven to demonstrate how crispy and crunchy it makes the sandwich.

Here are some tips I use while making the pimento cheese:

  • I use my small chopper and place any of my ingredients that require grating. It is a lot easier, less mess, and I can see how much I am creating in volume.
  • Pimentos can be chopped using this method in a few seconds and you avoid having large pieces in the pimento cheese mixture. The juice also blends into the mixture adding more flavor.
  • Using a variety of cheeses makes this dish an incredible blend and all of the cheese blend together creating a mixture of delightful flavors. Pimento cheese can be made with any one of these cheeses but combining all of them makes this cheese unique.
  • I use a combo of Hot Spicy Paprika and Smoked Paprika. Either will work but I love both so I half the flavors.
  • Pimento Cheese can be made with mayo or yogurt only, but for the best blend, use all three, sour cream, mayo, and yogurt and you will notice the difference.
  • Don’t forget the sugar, but if you are watching sugar, try Stevia or another sugar substitute. I use regular sugar and I love the small amount of sweetness with all of the seasonings but you can avoid putting any sugar into this dish.

I hope you will try my Pimento Cheese Recipe and send me feedback with any changes and/or additions you like in your Pimento Cheese. I have seen nuts, peppers, other cheeses, so I would love to hear from all of the fine cooks out there. Kitchens are great therapy sessions and stirring and mixing are good spurts of energy.

Happy Meals to You until We Cook Again…..Reinvention Queen, Arline Miller

(C) Copyright 2012-2021 Arline Miller of Sipping Cups of Inspiration with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material, if source is known, will be stated for credit reference.

ReInvention Queen-Dried Beans and Onion Cornbread

Today is an experiment as there is nothing professional about my composing a video and especially with no written script. I am trying this one out and will be posting better ones as I improve (hopefully). Bear with me, visit with me, and we will learn together.

Today, I wanted to share how you don’t have to overnight soak dried beans. The 10 minute blanch process makes beans a possibility instead of a chore. You will hear a couple of tips as I move through my first awkward cooking video. I have posted many of my original recipes on my Facebook page but they have mounted up to a level that is unmanageable and for all of my non-cooking friends who are subconsciously applauding this move to my blog.

I will include the dish or process in the title. The reason for the title of ReInvention Queen as one of my dear friends created is I love using leftovers or combination dinners often. The example is using the Boston Smoked Butt broth as the base ingredient in this dish. I will appreciate comments (constructive not destructive) as i move forward. Below find the video which is not edited so you are getting all of my blunders as well. Also, you will see a couple of photos showing the final dish.

I like to add some humor as my daughter asked me what was on the top of the baby lima beans in the bowl. I messaged her I was honoring my Dad who taught me to use ketchup on dried beans. I can’t tell you how many times I have been kidded about adding ketchup to any kind of beans. I clearly give you the go ahead to try it or by all means you can leave it off. How many of you do this?

Onion Cornbread (To be featured in a future post

I will work on a few glitches and see you in the kitchen soon. Arline Miller

Coming Soon, Reinvention Queen Cooks for You

For several years, I have posted as many dishes I created or reinvented on my Facebook page as Inspirational Posts. I have been doing some thinking (that could be dangerous, LOL) but I am going to combine my blog to include my inspirational posts and cooking experiences with you without having to post on different tabs or pages. If the post contains a recipe, I will begin the post with Reinvention Queen.

There will be veggie dishes, some my originals or reinvented dishes.
There will be tips for meat dishes or reinvented dishes from leftovers.
This is a reinvented dish from leftovers. I will show you how in a featured post.
I love baking desserts and will share many recipes with you in future blog messages.
I was baking long before biscuit making became popular but I am never too old to learn a new trick.
Let’s bake cakes, cookies and pies. Watch for future posts for exciting recipes and how to tips.
Prepping is my secret since I work full time so early to prep, earlier and smarter to eat.

Salads can be as beautiful as healthy so watch out as I love to plate beautiful dishes. Here are a few to see on future blogs.

Relax, learn, and find out how beautiful your foods can be with a little visionary help.

I look forward to seeing you in my kitchen soon. I am getting my photos and recipes together and putting on my apron soon. You may see guest chefs and young and old adding their ideas here. Here is to Good Prep to Keep Us in Step!

(C) Copyright 2012-2021 Arline Miller of Sipping Cups of Inspiration/Reinvention Queen with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material will be sourced, if known, to original author and location.

COLOR MY WORLD

IMAGE OF RAINBOW ON GOOGLE SEARCH
My original quote on Rainbow’s Relevance to Our World
My Morning Thoughts of How to Use Colors in Our World.

(C) Copyright 2012-2021 Arline Miller of Sipping Cups of Inspiration with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party sourced information is given credit reference to origination if known.

A SUNRISE LIKE NO OTHER (revisited)


PHOTO COURTESY OF MISSY HAAS, SUNRISE IN THE HEART

I woke up this morning with a thought in my mind when He Is Risen resonated. I stopped and had a moment in prayer thanking Jesus for His Sacrifice for us and through my soul, this came through. Jesus has Risen in My Heart! With Our Savior Resurrected and He Lives in Heaven, it is so important that He Is Risen in Our Hearts.

Sometimes, a blog post I write is worthy of repeating or is especially meaningful to me. As we celebrate Easter, I am always aware of the sunrise on Easter morn. I also remember our Mother saying Thank You Jesus every morning when she rose. Let’s keep the love and sacrifice alive all year round. Happy Easter and Thank You Jesus!

TODAY THE WORDS are A SUNRISE LIKE NO OTHER. Throughout our lives, we have witnessed many sunrises, some more outstanding than others. Some of us may have, as on this special occasion attended sunrise ceremonies, to see how miraculous each sunrise is and how unique the sun can alter its magnificent appearance. We take photographs of the first peek of the sun rising above the land, lake, mountain or ocean and expressions of excitement or a quite, reverent sigh comes out of our mouths. I have been known to hug when it bursts from the bottom and starts its powerful climb into the sky. Sunrises are awesome but this morning as so many Easter mornings, my heart goes to the sunrise like no other which I want to believe had to occur when Jesus rose from the tomb. As humbly as Jesus lived, even His resurrection and appearance to Mary Madeline was quiet and demure. However, I believe God was beyond happy, beyond excited, and beyond control of being quiet and was bursting with pride as a Father would be and had to “show out” with the most brilliant, most illustrious sunrise. The clouds from the gloomy Good Friday were pushed back and the skies had to be that blue which only God can produce and allow God’s creative sunrise to shine through. It makes me think this special sunrise almost would hurt the viewer’s eyes but it had to be so incredible, the viewer could also not turn away. I would think people who were awake might even give the other person with them a hug. Something special about this day would be on their minds, but for my deeper thought….Were they aware of how special and how their lives would be forever changed by this sunrise and the events which had taken place? Do we, as people realize that no matter how people who try to change the truth of the real meaning of Easter, fail in the final attempt?

Easter hope
As each sunrise occurs, the same glory God felt on that first Easter is present today and what changed with that sunrise that was like no other is present today. When you have seen a beautiful sunrise, and your heart feels it is like no other; I think it may be God reminding us of His Son’s Resurrection and pathway for our salvation. Enjoy Easter; enjoy each sunrise and sunset; and recognize God’s beauty in all of these things. Side note from the blogger on the morning before Easter morning: I woke this morning with a heavier heart than usual. More than not, during the Easter season, it is placed on my heart how we as humans fail to live up to the life of Christ and we allow distrust, anger, frustration, and confusion about all of the worldly events going on. I felt this morning a sense of a need for a special display of love. I had written a poem about a week ago and thought I would share it for this Easter season.


The Tiny Crosses on the Pines
From my humble vantage from below
I look up and see the lofty crosses flow
In the wind, they bend and show
What we realize is a sign for us to know.
Jesus you left us with a reminder to agree
The crosses on the pines at Easter will be.
You died on a wooden cross to set us free.
Each year, they will grow and we will see.
My Dear Lord, You could have left us alone.
To live with Your Father on His throne.
But you chose a human form with bone.
For redemption from our sins we’ve sown.
I will reverently cherish those tiny statues
Heavenly Father carved them for our views.
May we bow and pray with reverence in pews.
Jesus, we thank You for those wooden hues.
Easter will be a day for us to reflect on You
Your life, sacrifice, death and resurrection too.
As those tiny crosses point the way to You.
We will worship and fill our spirits anew.


Happy Easter with love and reverence to Our Lord
written by Arline Miller

(C) Copyright 2012-2021 Arline Miller, blogger and author, with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material is sourced if known to original location for credit reference. Photos are not necessarily the exclusive property of Sipping Cups of Inspiration.

THE TIME IN BETWEEN (revisited)

Happy Easter to All! What a blessed time this day is, THE TIME IN BETWEEN. Sunday is coming! A friend who his wife has had the miracle of life and healing and they have the faith it takes to see God come through. His post this morning is applicable to my post I usually reference to each year on this special Saturday with the knowledge, Jesus has been the truth, Jesus is the truth, and Jesus will always be the truth. Because He Lives, I can face tomorrow. Thanks Jeff Martin for your post and especially for your faith.

This is a repost from 2014 but I found it to be appropriate as we move into Good Friday. TODAY THE WORDS are THE TIME IN BETWEEN. We have obligations, appointments, meetings, scheduled events, etc. which have specific times set aside throughout our days, weeks, and months. We write them down and plan to be on time and sometimes we schedule several places to be on the same day to make the most of our time. While doing this, we have some unavoidable down time or some time in between. We find ourselves with a half hour, an hour or sometimes two with nothing to do. What do we do with our time in between two events? Some of us bring our iPads, books, puzzles, etc. and fill our time either wisely or just idling with very little productivity. This made me have a deeper thought about this Easter holiday. When the events occurred on Good Friday and with the promise from Jesus to His followers He would rise on the third day; how did they fill the time in between? Did they sit around and mourn Jesus’s death as we do today when one of our loved ones die? The tomb was sealed so they could only visit the outside. Did they stay watchful or did they have the confidence to wait the days out? How did the conversation go between all of the disciples? Did they fear their safety knowing others had seen the Lord’s strength during his torturous death? Did they reminisce about His miracles Jesus had performed? How did they fill the time in between?

Easter cross
All of us may know what happened on Easter Sunday with all of the celebration and miraculous resurrection; but my mind has been directed to the time in between and here is what I feel. Our lives are actually time in between. We are born into this world and then we die. All of our life is this time between birth and death and what we do is important to prepare for our resurrection into Eternity. How do we fill our time in between or in other words, what do we do with our lives? Do we fill our time with productivity and good works or do we idly fill our time with nonsense and useless activities? Do we learn, earn, live, and love? Do we reach out to help others find their way? We are taught about Good Friday and Easter, but I think we need to spend some of our time understanding how important the time in between was. Life is here for us and while we show reverence and love for Jesus’s sacrifice for us; let us use our time in between wisely. Happy Easter to all and a Happy In Between Time to fill with goodness.


For positive affirmation with “the power of positive thinking” I am including a short article for you to read: The Power of Positive Thinking

“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”

Did you know that some of the world’s most successful people – including professional athletes, actors, business-people, artists, and spiritual leaders, attribute their success to one thing, above all else?

Its called “the power of positive thinking,” and more and more regular people are harnessing this incredible force to achieve happiness, personal success and abundance in their lives.

If you want to successfully change your attitude, it is important to know that, just like a magnet, your thoughts, expectations, and beliefs attract everyone and everything that enters into your life, both positive and negative.

How To Be Happy
Does anger, worry, fear, anxiety, and/or depression lead your emotional state and thought patterns?

If so, then experiences validating these thoughts are exactly what you will attract into your life. Good thing for you, there is a very effective solution.

What is the secret to making the power of positive thinking work for me?

Meditation. In order to manifest positive experiences into your life, you must change your thoughts, which must be done from the root: the subconscious layers of your mind.

Once meditation melts all of the layers of worry, anxiety, depression, and fear clogging up your thought processes, your new-found mind-mastery, with crystal clear thinking, and positive mental attitude allows you easy manifestation of anything you want, whether it be love, good health, wealth, more friends, or success.

Easter hope
Scripture Excerpt from The Bible:

John 20:16-18 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
positive thoughts

(c) copyright 2012-2021 Arline Lott Miller. The material here copyrighted, with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material/photos are sourced when known to original location for credit reference.

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