Cozumel dreams. . . .

Just a few photos of our upcoming vacay:
   1) our hotel: casita de maya
   2) San Miguel de Cozumel: "the town"
   3) the beach
   4) another shot of our hotel

Can't wait for some sunshine, an authentic margarita, my massage (already booked!), and my first snorkel adventure!

Recipe #8: Jalapeno Popper Mac 'n' Cheese

A quick week-night meal courtesy of Rachel Ray - spicy macaroni & cheese.  I got my lovely hubby to chop up all the peppers: 3 jalapenos, 2 serranos!  FYI: do NOT forget to season this recipe.  Evening with the spicies, salt free = flavor free.  Oops!

Had a lovely birthday this week.  Got some nice birthday cards with nice birthday cash inside, filled with some nice birthday wishes. Felipe took me to a delicious dinner at this hole-in-the-wall El Salvadorian place.  We ate carne asada until our bellies were overflowing.  Today, I plan on cashing in my free bday icecream at ColdStone Creamery - yums!

Recipe #7: Monster Cookies!

Normally, I make little cookies.  Just enough for a few bites so you can nibble on two or three and not feel too guilty.  Last night, however, I threw caution to the wind and made some monsters - peanut butter, oatmeal, and M&M's - dropped by 1/4 cupfuls, 6 to a sheet.  Yum!

Cozumel here I come!

Picked up Instant Immersion Spanish on our recent Costco shopping spree.  Just completed my first lesson!  Let's hope I keep it up.  Maybe I can even find a personal tutor?  Maybe even one who can be paid in "patatas fritas"?  So far, so good.  I just need to get a microphone b/c it comes with this great software that records my voice and lets me know what a horrible american accent I have:)  Cozumel here I come!

Recipe #6: Asian Noodle Bowls

This one was a HUGE hit with the hubby, and only took ~30minutes from prep to table.  I did saute in some fresh jalapeno for a bit of heat and had lots of sprinklies for the top (peanuts, cilantro, and scallions.)  I'm glad I didn't invite company, because the reported 4 servings made it into 2 tummies in no time flat.

In other Rosso news, I am slowly but surely making it through my resolution list.  We've started re-decorating the "man cave" and are both loving the results!  Stay tuned for final pics - we still need to pick up a dresser to complete the look. 


In February, felipe and I will be taking a late Valentine's/early anniversary trip to Cozumel!  This long winter has made us both long for some sunshine and beach time, not to mention a vacay away from the hospital.  We're staying at the Casita de Maya which has won all kinds of TripAdvisor awards.  It's time I learn to scuba and Cozumel is known for its clear waters.  Can't wait!!!!

recipe #5: Black Bean Soup

My first recipe blah of the year.  Yesterday early evening, I chopped veggies, rinsed the beans and got everything set up to plug in the crock pot this morning.  Didn't expect to be called in to delivery a baby (momma was only at 38 weeks and change.)  So after spending the night at the hospital, I went directly to the VA and the crockpot didn't get plugged in until I got home this afternoon.  Needless to say the beans did not get done in time for dinner.  Tomorrow I'll re-heat them for lunch and serve them with some goodies - cilantro, sour cream, and cheddar to be sprinkled on top with some nachos on the side.  Not all recipes = success.  I've had bad luck finding delish crock-pot recipes.  I'm down to my last of 3 cookbooks, the first 2 being donated to the thrifty after trying out so-so recipes.

Recipe #4: Proscuitto Wrapped Pork with Sweet Potatoes and Pears

The perfect fall recipe - roasted veggies, great color, fresh herbs.  I think this is the perfect twist on the traditional pork chop with apples.  Definitely looks like it took much more effort than it actually did and therefore would be perfect to amaze your guests at a dinner party.  Unfortunately Felipe isn't much of a sweet potato fan (no idea how that could even remotely be possible.)

Recipe #3: Whoopie Pies

Discovered the yumminess of whoopie pies on our recent trip to providence, and have been dreaming about them ever since.

recipe #2: flat iron steaks w/ homemade pub chips

After a rough start felipe and I turned out a delicious dinner - pan seared flat iron steaks with fresh-fried pub chips sprinkled with a vinegar reduction, sea salt, and chives.    I can't remember where I originally found the recipe, but its based on a dish served at the Custom House restaurant in the windy city.

whoa!

Recipe #1: Rachel Ray's Sausage Calzones

Rather quick, definitely delicious.  Rachel's Sausage Calzones.  I'll let you know how they reheat for lunch tomorrow.  Might make it into our regular rotation.  Best part is, according to the recipes I'm now an "intermediate" cook.  LOVE the local sausage I picked up from Price Chopper.

Things I Plan to Accomplish in 2010. . . . . . .

1. Find my signature scent.
2. Get a raise.
3. Go on a new travel adventure with my hubby.
4. Try 52 new recipes.
5. Run a 5k.
6. Become a red-head.
7. Redecorate "Felipe's" room.
8. Clean Daphne really, really good, and then keep her clean.
9. Grow my own herbs.
10. Finish my 10 continuity OB deliveries.
11. Complete a new sewing project.
12. Enjoy a romantic date with my hubby qweek.

New Years Quotes

From two of my fave movies:

I do think New Year's resolutions can't technically be expected to begin on New Year's Day, don't you? Since, because it's an extension of New Year's Eve, smokers are already on a smoking roll and cannot be expected to stop abruptly on the stroke of midnight with so much nicotine in the system. Also dieting on New Year's Day isn't a good idea as you can't eat rationally but really need to be free to consume whatever is necessary, moment by moment, in order to ease your hangover. I think it would be much more sensible if resolutions began generally on January the second.
~Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones's Diary

And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.
~Harry Burns, When Harry Met Sally

2009 Top 10

1.  FINALLY graduating medical school (5 years in the making), and having my family there to celebrate.  I am now officially Melissa Garber Rosso, MD/MPH, what a mouthful!

2.  New birthday luggage - and getting to use my luggage many, many, times. Trips to visit the fam, bed & breakfast weekends away, New York, Providence, Jamaica. . . . .

3.  Matching to my #1 choice residency, and surviving the first half of intern year (no easy feat.)

4.  Our first "married" vacation to Providence and New York - food, shopping, and visiting old friends.  Lots of great memories and great times.

5.  Making the newspaper. Supermodel for the afternoon:)

6.  Daphne. She's absolutely everything I dreamed she would be. 

7.  Hosting my first Thanksgiving.  A resounding success.  I don't think anyone left with an empty belly.  Delish!  Just might have to be a new Garber-Rosso tradition.

8.  Every girl's dream - having their wedding dress featured in Vogue.

9.  Felipe & I's gorgeous tropical wedding.  No worries, mon!  Can't wait to renew our vows.

10.  Adopting Jackson - an absolutely wonderful addition to our family.