So many thoughts

   For such a long time I have felt like I am just a tourist here and felt like I was never going to feel really settled in. Thank goodness that is not the case. I definitely now feel like this is where I live. I know my way around very well, have met some great friends, and have finally gotten a hang of not understanding much. I am very surprised how much I have caught on. I go to the store and at the checkout if the cashier starts talking to me, I know to always say "keine" which means "no". She either ask me if I have a store card or if I would like a receipt . I can go to most stores and restaurants and they not really know I only speak English. It has been a lot to get use to, but I finally really have got a hang of it all. I know this is where we live and this is my home right now. It stills is crazy to think I live in another country though. Never thought I would ever live outside the US. 
     Being here has given me the chance to do many things that I would not take the time to do back home. I have been wanting to work on finishing my "Making of a Pastry Chef" book that my old boss gave me and I am loving it. Get a lot of exercising in every morning, a lot of wonderful time in the word, and have had some amazing time with my husband here. Only having each other here has taught us both so much and has really brought us super close. Not very many couples get to see Europe in the first year of marriage. especially at the age of 19 and 22. This is time for me to really focus on staying positive in life. It is so easy for me to just sit here and think of everything I miss and don't have, that I forget to look around me at what I do have. We are the ones who decide our attitude and by choosing to have a good attitude in life, you start to really realize how much you have around you and the joys in life. It never does anyone good to grumble and complain about what life has throw at you. Make sure to stop and look around and notice all the blessings you have. You will be amazed at one you see, I know I have.
  Another thing I been blessed with by this move, is the reconnecting and getting closer to friends and family. Back at home being so busy with life, I never took the time to really talk with others and stay connected with friends. Again, it is the busy life that distracts me from so many amazing things. I have talked to my best friend way more here, then I ever did at home. I actually have meaningful conversations with family members, or even one-on-one conversations with family. Don't let the crazy life let you lose relationships. Try messaging a long lost friend today. Who knows where it might lead. Figure out where they are at in life. Surely you have time for a quick message to a friend. It definitely can't hurt anything. 
  I know it probably feels like my blogs post are always all over the place and hard to follow, but hey, at least I am trying. I just always have too many thoughts and it is so hard for me to put into words, so this has been really good for me to really do something with my thoughts. Hope everyone is doing amazing and know that I miss you all very much. Anyone is welcome to come stay with us if they are looking for a cheaper way to stay in Europe. Love you all!

Lasagna Soup Recipe

It is getting very cold here and is definitely soup weather (there is snow here already) and I hear y'all are having some cooler weather as well, so maybe you are looking for some new soup ideas. I made this a few weeks ago and it was a HUGE hit. definitely something you should put on your soup list. Now after you make it, you need to message me and let me know what you thought of it. I enjoy hearing from people back home. Hope everyone is doing well and I miss you all very much!  

 

Lasagna Soup

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

for the soup:
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1-1/2 lbs. Italian sausage
• 3 c. chopped onions
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 T. tomato paste
• 1 28-oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 c. chicken stock
• 8 oz. mafalda or fusilli pasta
• 1/2 c. finely chopped fresh basil leaves
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
for the cheesy yum:
• 8 oz. ricotta
• 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• pinch of freshly ground pepper
additional cheesy yum:
• 2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparation

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking up into bite sized pieces, and brown for about 5 minutes. Add onions and cook until softened, about 6 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and stir well to incorporate. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the tomato paste turns a rusty brown color.

Add diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and chicken stock. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add uncooked pasta and cook until al dente. Do not over cook or let soup simmer for a long period of time at this point, as the pasta will get mushy and absorb all the soup broth. You may even want to consider cooking the noodles separately, and then adding some to individual bowls before ladling the soup over them. This would be an especially smart move if you are anticipating any leftovers. Right before serving, stir in the basil and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheesy yum. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

To serve, place a dollop of the cheesy yum in each soup bowl, sprinkle some of the mozzarella on top and ladle the hot soup over the cheese.