My Absolute Favorite Recipe to Celebrate National Pasta Day

Pasta is a beloved staple around the globe! With over 600 different shapes—from spaghetti and lasagna to rotini and tortellini—there's a pasta for every palate. Delicious, nutritious, and incredibly versatile, pasta can shine as a main dish or complement any meal as a side. Add your favorite sauce, and it’s time to dig in. Mangiamo—let’s eat!     For National Pasta Day I would love to share with you my absolute favorite pasta recipe, and being Irish, my favorite pasta is made from potato... yep, I'm talking about gnocchi.     If you've never had gnocchi  (pronounced N’YAW-kee) before you're missing out.  It's a soft and pillowy delight that's part pasta and part dumpling, cooks up in minutes and is a specialty of northern Italy.   This recipe is super simple and comes together really quickly, just add a loaf of italian bread with some Kerrygold Irish butter and a lovely bottle of red wine and you're in for a treat!   Gnocchi With Pomodoro Sauce (serves 4) This delightful tomato sauce is packed with flavor from herbs infused in olive oil, beautifully enveloping pillowy gnocchi and topped with fresh mozzarella balls. Ingredients ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon 4 stems fresh Italian flat leaf parsley 4 stems fresh oregano 2 stems fresh rosemary 2 stems fresh basil, add a couple stems more for serving ½ yellow onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 28 ounce can San Marzano style tomatoes Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Pinch of red pepper flakes ¼ cup heavy cream, optional but oh so yummy 1 16- ounce package potato gnocchi 8 ounces cherry size mozzarella balls, cut in half, or block of mozzarella cut similiar size ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Instructions Add olive oil to a 10-inch high sided sauté pan or a saucepan over medium heat. Add the herbs and cook for about 5 minutes or until the they become crisp. Remove and discard herbs then add the onion and garlic to the oil, lowering the heat if needed so the onions cook gently and don't brown. Cook until the onions are transparent, about 5-7 minutes, then crush the tomatoes with your hand and add to the pan with juice. Season with kosher salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the sauce reduces and thicken, stirring occasionally. Stir in the heavy cream and remove from the heat. Meanwhile, bring a saucepan of water to a boil and add the gnocchi. Season generously with kosher salt and cook until the gnocchi float to the top of the boiling water. Drain and then place the gnocchi into the cooked sauce. Top with the halved mozzarella balls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese then drizzle the tops of the gnocchi with the remaining olive oil. Broil for 5-8 minutes or until the cheese melts and the tops become crispy. Garnish with additional basil leaves and serve immediately.  

Fall for a Furry Friend: October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!

October is a special time of year, not just for the changing leaves and cooler weather, but also for an important cause: National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! This month, we celebrate the countless shelter dogs in need of loving homes and highlight the joy that adopting a furry friend can bring to your life. Why Adopt? Adopting a shelter dog is a rewarding experience. These dogs often come with a history that makes them all the more deserving of a second chance. They provide companionship, loyalty, and unconditional love, and in return, you’ll be helping to reduce the number of animals in shelters. Plus, shelter dogs often come already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped! Local Adoption Opportunities Around Lake Norman If you're considering bringing a furry companion into your home this October, here are some wonderful places around Lake Norman where you can find your new best friend: Lake Norman Humane Location: 2106 Charlotte Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115 Website: Lake Norman Humane This nonprofit organization is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals in the Lake Norman area. They have a variety of dogs looking for loving homes. Iredell County Animal Services Location: 430 Bristol Dr, Statesville, NC 28677 Website: Iredell County Animal Services This county-run facility offers a variety of dogs looking for their forever homes. They provide detailed information about each pet, including their temperament and needs. Piedmont Animal Rescue Location: 228 East Waterlynn Road, Mooresville NC 28117 Website: Piedmont Animal Rescue This nonprofit organization aspires to save and rehome animals and dogs in our local area, including assisting our other little friends, including hamsters and rabbits. Theyare a non-profit organization helping lost animals find a true haven. Cornelius Animal Shelter Location: 21440 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC 28031 Website: Cornelius Animal Shelter This is a city run Animal Shelter families may stop in during regular business hours to find out more abour adoption and meet animals on-site.   Get Involved If you’re not ready to adopt but still want to help, consider volunteering at one of these organizations. They always need extra hands for walking dogs, socializing them, or even fostering pets until they find their forever homes. This October, let’s make a difference in the lives of shelter dogs in our community. Whether you’re ready to adopt or simply want to lend a helping hand, your involvement can change lives. Visit one of the local shelters or rescue organizations today and fall in love with a dog waiting for you! Adopting a shelter dog is a decision that brings joy not just to your life, but to theirs as well. Let’s celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month by giving these loving pups the homes they deserve!

Selling Smart: Kindness Makes Your Move Less Stressful

  Calling all savvy sellers! Cindy Drako here, your partner in navigating the often crazy process of selling your home. Let's be honest, selling can feel overwhelming – paperwork, decisions, and sometimes a little anxiety. But it doesn't have to be that way! Let's inject some strategic kindness into this experience and turn it into a clear, calm journey! Think of your home as your launchpad to a new adventure. Now imagine selling it with kindness. Powerful image, right? Here's the deal: when you approach the entire process with a respectful demeanor, a patient ear, and a willingness to help, things just run smoother. Kindness builds trust with potential buyers and fosters open communication with everyone involved. It reduces friction, helps navigate challenges, and can even lead to a faster, more successful sale. Now, let's get down to business! Here are some smart ways to sprinkle kindness throughout your selling journey: Be a steady guide: Greet everyone with respect, answer questions clearly, and offer helpful advice. Open the lines of communication: Respond promptly, keep everyone informed, and be open to feedback. Leave a thoughtful touch: Place a bowl of candies, a small treat or or some beveages out for potential buyers viewing your home. Show appreciation: Write a thank-you note to potential buyers who take the time to visit your home. Embrace flexibility: Things don't always go according to plan. Be adaptable and understanding. By incorporating kindness into the fabric of your selling experience, you're not just making things easier for everyone – you're creating a journey that's clear, efficient, and maybe even a little less stressful! So, let's go out there and navigate the maze of real estate with kindness! Together, we can make selling your home a successful and positive experience. Call, text or email to chat more about how we can make the experience of selling your home better for everyone! Cindy 704-740-1338 / hello@BKINDrealestate.com