Evy: Penne Al Rigate w/Artichokes (as on chichoskitchen)

Hi everyone!
Recently made a yummy dinner dish for the family, and thought I'd share it with you --

penne w/artichokes

Ingredients (serves 6)

1 lb. penne rigate
1 small onion, finely sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
8 artichoke hearts, quartered
1 1/4 cups canned diced tomatoes
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper 

In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the onion and the garlic in the olive oil. Add the artichoke hearts. Cook to a pale gold color over high heat, then add the tomatoes, seasoning to taste. Simmer 15-20 minutes over medium heat.

Cook the penne rigate until al dente according to package directions in boiling, salted water. Drain and add to the artichoke sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan.

Very important notes: I would use less olive oil if I would make it again, maybe 1/8 cup instead. The dish was oily when using 1/4 cup. I would also add more salt, tomatoes, and artichokes -- using the whole can possibly. It was a little bland. :)

Evy: ~~WARNING: Delay of Posts~~

Hi everyone!
Just wanted to let you know that there will be a delay of posts for the next month or so :( We'll still try to post as often as possible, but my standardized tests are coming up for the state and so I need to study and get my rest: no time for posting! I hope you'll still check back and we'll be up and running ASAP, obviously!

<3,
Evy and Grace

note: we might be changing things up now and then...

Just wanted to give you all a heads up that Gracie and I will be changing this website constantly -- usually fixing up small things but sometimes making huge changes -- and so our website might be down from time to time, but don't worry: we'll try to get it up and running back again ASAP. We're trying to make Blogtime better for you! Expect new things in the future, such as --

~ Added features to the Blogging Buzz!

~ Fun contests with prizes!

~ New gadgets added onto the blog!

~ Background changes!

~ Polls!

~ Videos!

~ EXCLUSIVEdition, brought to you by the Blogging Buzz - a new, added feature that brings you behind the scenes with stars, new movies, TV shows, and more!

~ And soooo much more!

Have any requests or comments? Please comment below or email evyandgracie@gmail.com 

Thanks!

Evy and Gracie

Evy: "The Hunger Games" Review

Hi everyone -- new rating system now!

"The Hunger Games"

PG-13

5/5 stars

Summary: "The Hunger Games," based off of Suzanne Collins's first book, reflects on the life of 18-year-old Katniss Everdeen who lives in the future North America: The 12 Districts of Panem. Each year, two children (one male, one female) between ages 12 and 18 are forced to enter their names in a lottery ring called the Hunger Games. The two children picked, called tributes, are trained and put into an arena where they fight to the death with a total of 22 other tributes. Katniss's sister is chosen in the 74th annual games, and Katniss willingly volunteers to replace her sister in the Hunger Games. The male tribute chosen is Peeta Mellark, the baker's son. The two find love, courage, and hope in this edge-of-your-seat, momentously huge film.

Review: I loved this production of Suzanne Collins's "The Hunger Games!" I think stars Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss) and Josh Hutcherson (Peeta) did an excellent job. I highly suggest that anyone under 13 years of age/squeamish/not a fan of exciting action movies does not see this film. There wasn't very much gore in this video, but it was still bloody and a few parts really made even my stomach turn. I also warn you to beware of the dog creatures -- you'll know what I'm talking about when you see the movie! It was absolutely fantastic and I'm anticipating more to come! Another tip: pre-purchase your tickets. The whole nation is hyped up about "The Hunger Games," and if you think you can pass buying tickets there, you'd better wait a full week or so to watch. Just warning you! :) And may the odds be EVER in your favor.

Evy: Pre-UIL Today :(

Hi sticky sock monkeys!
I'm not sure if they have Pre-UIL or UIL competitions where you are for your Fine Arts programs (band, orchestra, dance troupe, acting, choir, etc.), but where I am they do! I'm not exactly sure what UIL stands for, but it's a scoring competition, basically. Since UIL is a big deal, they even have a Pre-UIL, telling you what the UIL judges might count off for and how to pretty much improve your score. I had Pre-UILs today...and I'm afraid we'll come back with a 2 or 3 (scores range from 1 to 5, and the scorings are backwards - 1 is BEST, 5 is WORST). Our sightreading was OK (where you play random music for the first time), but we messed up on our performance :( I'll let you know when we get the scores back!

Have a good weekend! Gracie and I will try to Blogtime as much as we can. :) Share, Subscribe, Comment!