15 When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work. Nehemiah 4:14-1 Over the past two months I have been through the motions of receiving a Thyroid Cancer diagnosis. That sounds scary, parts of it are. But I just want say, I am fully aware that this not life threatening. So I don’t want anyone to take it that way, because I know people are walking through situations that are. So in a sense I sit in the boat again and I see the storm swirling. As I told the women at the She Lives Fearless Conference, I recognize this wind, these waves ,they threaten me, but I remember how he met me at the NICU. I recall how he pulled me from PPD, how he worked when I could not. Not only that, but the people he sends to minister to you. The army prayerful people I have in my life, the podcast that says the right words at the right time. The fact that I am reading through Nehemiah at this moment. The encouragement is not by accident my friends. So, I will hold on to those moments of victory, instead of dwelling on the moments of uncertainty in front of me. Because I know this storm, and I KNOW my God. Some appointments as I stare at the floor or the ceiling, waiting rooms, exam rooms and such, they are not easy. My thought is, if I can show you my valley, I can show you how he meets me there. If I show you my walk and the moments where he carries me. Maybe you too will find him, and ask him to meet you where you are at. I do not know all of my outcomes. I am grateful for a good prognosis because apparently thyroid cancer is one the “better” ones to have. I am unsettled at times by all the percentages of scenarios as I am presented with different options and decisions to make. However, I am 100% certain that not only is he with me, he has already written my story. So I do not have to worry, but I do have to do this out and follow through. What a blessing that I have him to rely on More below 👇
Easter 🐣 and everything in between To say I feel like I have whiplash is an understatement, haha. But highlights are having a new fav cocktail, dreaming of that cheeseburger pizza, seeing my book on a shelf next to Julia Child, and witnessing an epic sack race . Thanks for keeping up because we have more come. But just a reminder , it’s the life that happens in between the IG moments that often bring the most joy , I promise you !
Easter 🐣 and everything in between To say I feel like I have whiplash is an understatement, haha. But highlights are having a new fav cocktail, dreaming of that cheeseburger pizza, seeing my book on a shelf next to Julia Child, and witnessing an epic sack race . Thanks for keeping up because we have more come. But just a reminder , it’s the life that happens in between the IG moments that often bring the most joy , I promise you !
Easter 🐣 and everything in between To say I feel like I have whiplash is an understatement, haha. But highlights are having a new fav cocktail, dreaming of that cheeseburger pizza, seeing my book on a shelf next to Julia Child, and witnessing an epic sack race . Thanks for keeping up because we have more come. But just a reminder , it’s the life that happens in between the IG moments that often bring the most joy , I promise you !
Easter 🐣 and everything in between To say I feel like I have whiplash is an understatement, haha. But highlights are having a new fav cocktail, dreaming of that cheeseburger pizza, seeing my book on a shelf next to Julia Child, and witnessing an epic sack race . Thanks for keeping up because we have more come. But just a reminder , it’s the life that happens in between the IG moments that often bring the most joy , I promise you !
Easter 🐣 and everything in between To say I feel like I have whiplash is an understatement, haha. But highlights are having a new fav cocktail, dreaming of that cheeseburger pizza, seeing my book on a shelf next to Julia Child, and witnessing an epic sack race . Thanks for keeping up because we have more come. But just a reminder , it’s the life that happens in between the IG moments that often bring the most joy , I promise you !
Easter 🐣 and everything in between To say I feel like I have whiplash is an understatement, haha. But highlights are having a new fav cocktail, dreaming of that cheeseburger pizza, seeing my book on a shelf next to Julia Child, and witnessing an epic sack race . Thanks for keeping up because we have more come. But just a reminder , it’s the life that happens in between the IG moments that often bring the most joy , I promise you !
Easter 🐣 and everything in between To say I feel like I have whiplash is an understatement, haha. But highlights are having a new fav cocktail, dreaming of that cheeseburger pizza, seeing my book on a shelf next to Julia Child, and witnessing an epic sack race . Thanks for keeping up because we have more come. But just a reminder , it’s the life that happens in between the IG moments that often bring the most joy , I promise you !
Easter 🐣 and everything in between To say I feel like I have whiplash is an understatement, haha. But highlights are having a new fav cocktail, dreaming of that cheeseburger pizza, seeing my book on a shelf next to Julia Child, and witnessing an epic sack race . Thanks for keeping up because we have more come. But just a reminder , it’s the life that happens in between the IG moments that often bring the most joy , I promise you !
Easter 🐣 and everything in between To say I feel like I have whiplash is an understatement, haha. But highlights are having a new fav cocktail, dreaming of that cheeseburger pizza, seeing my book on a shelf next to Julia Child, and witnessing an epic sack race . Thanks for keeping up because we have more come. But just a reminder , it’s the life that happens in between the IG moments that often bring the most joy , I promise you !
Easter 🐣 and everything in between To say I feel like I have whiplash is an understatement, haha. But highlights are having a new fav cocktail, dreaming of that cheeseburger pizza, seeing my book on a shelf next to Julia Child, and witnessing an epic sack race . Thanks for keeping up because we have more come. But just a reminder , it’s the life that happens in between the IG moments that often bring the most joy , I promise you !
My dad has been making fresh mozz since I was little ! I know it’s super trendy now but to me it’s a special tradition. It’s simply curd and super hot water and some salt ! It’s warm and chewy, the most delicious thing ever ! What’s even better is mine my daughter stands by his side waiting for the first piece like I used to! Merry Christmas Eve !!!
Crab Fra Diavolo Dip is what you need for Christmas Eve and beyond. If you are Italian American you may be planning your Seven Fishes menu. Maybe you are like my family where you have one too many favorites. This is a great way to serve an old favorite in a new way! Keep in mind if you like things on the spicier side adjust the red pepper and hot sauce according to your tolerance! Buon Natale! Recipe below, share it like it, love it! Can’t wait to share more recipes and traditions over the next couple of days. Make sure to follow along with @dishitgirldina. And if you need a great recipe for Zuppa Di Clams, head over to dishitgirl.com! 1 tbsp olive oil 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped 3 tbsp finely chopped yellow onion 1 tsp red pepper flakes 1 cup crab claw meat 3 tbsp white wine 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp unsalted butter 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 8oz cream cheese 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese 1/4 cup mayo 2 tsp hot sauce I cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese fresh parsley for garnish Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat, add the garlic and onion, saute for 3 minutes until onions become translucent. Then add the crab, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you saute another 2 minutes, Then pour in the wine and lemon juice, let it simmer for another 4 minutes, then add the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, stir to incorporate. Let it saute gently for another 3 minutes, turn off the heat. In a large bowl add the cream cheese, mascarpone, mayo, and hot sauce. Using an electric mixer on a medium speed mix together until uniform and smooth. Fold in 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Then add the crab mixture and fold in gently until well combined. Pour the mixture into a 9 inch pie dish. Top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese, along with the parmesan. Place in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the top becomes bubbly and brown.
Last Minute Holiday Hosting with @jennaandfriends Then hopping over to the @onnewjersey network for more holiday fun with In the Mix! It is rare that I get to watch my own segments on the Today Show because they are usually live and in the moment. To be honest, watching yourself is a bit like nails on a chalkboard type vibe, haha! However, I am very grateful. In between throwing in laundry, dinner in the crockpot, and checking strep throat fever status, I was able to sit back and watch the results of some many years of work. Years Of showing up and making sure I am working hard and being kind. Never taking advantage even if I am being taken advantage of. Trying to honor relationships, even if they are not honored in return. To be honest, most days I am unsure, trying to not succumb to hustle or influencer culture. But to show up enough to encourage those who happen to cross my path. Let them know that perfect is not where it’s at, home is more than where the heart is, it’s your ministry. The foundation you are laying with your friends and family is worth so much more than any other “platform.” Some days I am on the TV screen, but most days I am in the carpool line, the grocery store, and complaining that I seem to be the ONLY person who can take anything up the stairs (why?!). Most of the time I am not quite sure what I am doing besides walking through a door I am praying God has opened. I do not know the full picture, and I do not know what the coming months bring. Which really can drive me NUTS sometimes. I will say I am learning to pump the brakes on that, and leaning into the promise that He holds the future. And while it may not always be how I pictured it, or want it to happen, it is still His best for me. Hang in there everyone and enjoy the holiday season! And seriously, try to slow down and drink some hot chocolate. You can comment “hosting” below and I will send you the links to the recipes on dishitgirl.com
At the Kitchen Sink was written with the hope that I could help others create the same type of traditions and practice gathering. Because as you see in the personal photos I include in the book, those snapshots are imprinted on my heart . And laid the groundwork for so many things in my life. Did you ever think a cookbook could be a catalyst for building a framework for your family ? I had these pictures on my desk as I wrote the recipes and devotionals. Because sometimes jn between deadlines and decisions you become weary and I didn’t want that to show in the pages. These photos would bring me back. I can hear the laughter in the dimly lit dining room on Christmas Eve. I can smell the garlic and oil sizzling in the kitchen . I can feel the texture of my grandmas kitchen table. Such small things accumulate and they mean so much to people . You never know what people tuck away in their hearts and use later on when they are going through a tough time . Or how these memories create threads that bind us. It’s a ministry in itself , never forget that ! I hope you will invited At the Kitchen Sink into your homes this holiday season !
Raise your hand if you have been personally victimized by a book launch ! This is funny now after I finally took a day “out of office.” The work is not over but the pressure cooker that is pre-order and first week is over. There is so much anticipation and expectation leading up to these moments. You are working around the clock. Gathering addresses, organizing collateral, fielding requests, filling out segment paperwork , food shopping, styling, handling logistics, trying to create content non stop to support the book. Oh, you are still a mom and wife , kids aren’t driving themselves to dance , and the laundry doesn’t clean itself . However, the garbage still goes out , thanks Brian, lol. This journey sends you on quite the emotional rollercoaster. Depending upon the type of person you are , well the ride can be a bit bumpier for some. I prayed to steward this time well, and sometimes I did. Other times I looked like I was channeling Parker Posey’s White Lotus character. If you have been here awhile you know I like to be honest, even if it isn’t pretty. Some moments were beautiful, others broke me a bit. I can’t wait to see how the Lord puts them back together. Because I know He is in the process of refining me. #atthekitchensink #authorsoninstagram #authorlife
Shoulders back, chest out, none of this shrinking back stuff ! Is what @lidiabastianich said to me when I asked if she would do the honor of taking a picture with me. My dad used to turn on Lidia’s show while my mom was making dinner , and it would make her so mad, haha! She liked watching Lidia too, but it was hard to compete during dinner. Standing next to her made me think of how much I missed my grandma. She would have loved to see this. I would have loved to show her that her recipes made into a published book as did her radiant smile. But for now, Lidia telling me to straighten up and look her in the eye had me smiling all the way home. She’s right, I need to start walking into the places where the Lord has led me with my head held a bit higher. You can be gracious, humble , and strong. Maybe they do not have to be exclusive of one another. I’m getting the message slowly but surely ❤️
Holiday Bonus! Trader No’s and Trader Go’s led by the TJ Queen, @jeanettemadeit with our special guests @jennyporrata and Danny Roebuck, star’s of St. Nick of Bethlehem. Have you tried the gingerbread cookie sandwiches?! 🎄Follow @jeanettemadeit for viral trends, kitchen tips, and fabulous recipes on the regular ⭐️Watch St Nick of Bethlehem on Amazon Prime Video and the Angel Network 🎄Catch the full segments on In the Mix on @onnewjersey starting tomorrow at 11am
What an amazing time we had at the Meet & Greet with Dina Deleasa-Gonsar today! We will be posting another video or two (of her reading and talking) but wanted to take a moment here to celebrate what a fun time we all had celebrating Dina and her new book, At the Kitchen Sink! If you haven’t gotten your copy, be sure to get it now! It’s wonderful! Congratulations @dishitgirldina and thank you for joining us today, and for baking those delicious cookies! You’re a delight! At the request of Dina, all the guests brought canned food items to donate to the Denville Social Services Food Pantry. We will post a photo so you can see the amazing amount donated, when we drop it off next week! #dinadeleasa #dinadeleasagonsar #atthekitchensink #cookbookrelease #devotionals #denville #denvillenj #bookbarn #convergentbooks
Ringing in the New Year with something silky, sparkly, and a bit bubbly! ✨🍾 This Prosecco Panna Cotta with Cranberry Vanilla Syrup isluscious, and made to toast to what’s next. I teamed up with @savorrecipes to end the year on a sweet note and start the next year on a delicious one. You can get the full recipe on savorrecipes.com or comment NYE and I’ll DM you the recipe link! 💫
Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken is a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth dish where tender chicken legs are slow-cooked in a rich, savory-sweet sauce using @kame_brand Hoisin sauce #ad , as the star ingredient. Infused with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a hint of honey, the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that clings to the chicken. The long cooking time lets all the flavors soak in, making each bite juicy and deeply seasoned. The pickled cucumber relish is the perfect partner to this sweet and sticky chicken. Served over rice or tucked into lettuce wraps, is an effortless weeknight meal with bold, Asian-inspired flair! Check out the full recipe at www.dishitgirl.com #easyrecipe #slowcookerrecipes #chickenrecipes
Peppermint Bark Crumble Bars, they are a cookie, browien, fudgy mash-up for those who love their peppermint bark candy. They are a great addition to the cookie table on Christmas or a treat on New Years or quite frankly all winter long! I made these for a cookie exchange one year and I am still being asked for the recipe. And finally, HERE IT IS! Merry Christmas! 2 cups unsalted butter, softened 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar 4 1/2 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 cups roughly chopped peppermint bark candy 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk 2 tbsp unsalted butter Add 2 cups of butter to a large bowl. With a hand mixture on low to medium speed, cream butter until fluffy (2-3 minutes.) Add the vanilla mix on low speed for one more minute. Add Powdered Sugar and mix until well combined. Add Baking Soda with the Flour (one cup at a time) and mix just until combined. At this point you may have to use your hands to help the dough come together. Form dough into a ball, then divide dough into two equal portions. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap one in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Press half of the dough into a parchment paper- lined 9×13 baking pan. Bake the Shortbread crust in an oven preheated to 325 degrees for 20 minutes. Then removed from the oven. While this is baking, melt down the chocolate. You can do this one of two ways: Common methods include the traditional double boiler (heat-proof bowl over simmering water) and the quick microwave method (short intervals, stirring often). Melt chocolate, and mix with condensed milk, and butter until smooth and uniform. Pour over the baked shortbread layer and smooth out with the back of the spoon in an even layer. Take the remaining dough and crumble evenly over top. Bake in the oven at 375 for about 20-25 minutes, until the top crumble is a golden color. #Dessert #peppermint #bakefeed
If you are not familiar with Panna Cotta, consider this your sign to get acquainted! This Sweet Corn Panna Cotta is silky smooth with a subtle sweet milky taste coming from the @itsgreenvalley Whole Kernel Corn, #ad complimented by a hint of vanilla and brown sugar. This dessert is creamy and light making it perfect for the warmer months ahead. The pale yellow color also makes an elegant dessert for any of your upcoming spring flings! Another bonus is can be made ahead of time. Grab the full recipe on www.welcometogreenvalley.com #dessertsofinstagram #sweetcorn #easyrecipe
MEET & GREET this Saturday at 2 pm! Meet Dina Deleasa-Gonsar and have your copy of At the Kitchen Sink! signed by her, take a photo with her and listen to her read a devotional from her new cookbook! Purchase your book in advance wherever you buy new books. They will not be available for sale at the event. Free bookmarks, one per book, for the first 30 people to arrive. Please register on Eventbrite (link in bio) so we know who’s coming! #dinadeleasa #dinadeleasagonsar #atthekitchensink #cookbook #devotionals
