Easter... food, food, and more food

HAPPY EASTER!!

I realized mid-week that Easter was rapidly approaching. I considered doing something fun, like Easter baskets or coloring eggs, but never got to the point of actually buying the things necessary to do those. Despite our lack of fun Easter activities, we had an enjoyable day. After church, it was sunny and nice so we had a picnic... well kinda'. We put the kitchen table out on the deck and ate picnic fare - hot dogs, baked beans and potato salad. If only the potato salad had been Jack Manis' potato salad. He makes the best potato salad. (Sorry Jack, the secret is out now).


It felt good to get some sun, but we were both quickly reminded that we need to purchase sunglasses very soon. Blue Eyes + Sun = BAD! Our lunch ended abruptly when an unwanted visitor stopped by. I fled. Alex stayed to take some pics (he's more blog conscious these days, always looking for a photo opp.).


After lunch we watched the remainder of "The Secret Life of Bees" (how ironic). I've heard good things about the book. I thought the movie was just okay. Maybe partially because I was in the mood for something lighthearted and cheery. **By the way, I totally stayed home yesterday and did nothing but watch movies. It felt wonderful. My body's been going through some pregnancy blah-ness these past few days and desperately wanted some rest. So I gave in. After finishing up the movie we took a short nap and moved on to the main event of the day - a new dinner recipe! I wanted chicken and Alex is a Chicken Parmesan fan. I went with that. I was worried I might botch it up, but it turned out great (minus the first chicken breast, it was blackened in a bad way). It's always good when a meal goes above and beyond just being edible. Check it out - complete with Green Beans Sorrento and potatoes:


Now that I'm completely stuffed I think I might just call it a night.

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter!

P.S. The Chicken Parmesan recipe came from my new favorite cookbook - The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook. Everything I've made from this cookbook tastes great. The directions are explicit and east to follow, complete with pictures and extra tips to make things turn out just right. The best part is it gives your guests the illusion that you know how to cook - I love it!!