Jessica Catrow

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil has gorgeous mountains, white-sandy beaches, verdant rain forests, fronting a deep blue sea, and the vibrant city of Rio. Imagine soaking up this vibrant place. The exhilarating view of cidade maravilhosa (the marvelous city).

Cultural tips: Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is known for carnival celebrations, samba, Bossa Nova, and the balineario beaches. It is also home to one of the latest wonders of the world-the magnificent statue of Christ the redeemer.

Fun Fact: The 2016 summer Olympics and the Paralympics will take place in Rio de Janeiro. This will mark the first time that a South American or Portuguese speaking nation hosts the event.

Where to stay: A deluxe suite at the Arena Copacabana Hotel, on the beach, with a balcony over looking the sea. There is a complimentary breakfast in the mornings.

What to do: The first day just go and explore the city of Rio and mingle with the locals, do a little shopping, and eat at a local restaurant. You can enjoy the world famous Carnival. The second day, go on a variety of excursions, starting with a ride on the cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain; have a picnic while taking in the beautiful scenery. After lunch take a train through the Floresta da Tijuca, one of the world’s largest urban rain forest, to the statue of the iconic Christ the redeemer statue at Corcovado Mountain. The third day go on a panoramic tour of down town Rio. Go and see the infamous Sambadrome, the exhibition area for the renowned Samba schools in Rio. Take a tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral inside and out, with its unusual pyramid shape, then tour the National Museum of Fine Arts.

When to go: February 8^th through the 11^th is when Rio de Janeiro holds there world famous Carnival. You can purchase tickets at this website,

http://www.rio-carnival.net/rio_carnival/rio_carnival_programs.php. Best time to go during Brazil’s summer month’s which are between December and March. Also listen to live music of Rio carnival Samba songs.

What to eat: Restraunte Real Astoria! This restaurant is beautiful with an amazing view of the sea. They offer fresh salmon and shrimp. They also offer the most representative beverage of Rio de Janeiro, the "Caipirinha" a very refreshing drink consisting of cachaca or cachaza (cane liquor), lemon, sugar, and ice.

Jessica Catrow

Spaghetti

Ever since I was a kid I loved spaghetti. Spaghetti is a main course in our home. My dad being Italian/American he made us eat spaghetti once a week. Helping my dad cook spaghetti, when I was young taught me a special technique.

First I go to Smiths to buy my ingredients. I go to the fresh produce section of the store to get my mushrooms and parsley, and then I grab the extra virgin olive oil. For dry herbs I like to get basil, thyme, and oregano. The spaghetti sauce should be CLASSICO tomatoes and basil you will need two jars. One small can of tomato paste, and one small can of diced tomatoes. Then the noodles grab a thick wheat noodle. Last I head over to the meat department and grab the low fat ground beef and a mild sausage.

Second I go home and start simmering the sauce right away so the herbs can simmer there taste into the sauce. Add as much herbs as you would like for taste. Make sure you chop your parsley into small pieces. I add the two jars of spaghetti sauce, one can of paste, and one can of diced tomatoes, then simmer for twenty minutes.

Third I cook the meat. With the sausage I peel the skin off so it will mix better with the hamburger. I cook the hamburger and sausage together. Cook the meat completely. Throw the mushrooms in with the meat about eight minutes before the meat is browned. When meat is browned, drain it completely.

Fourth, I add the meat and mushrooms to the sauce. Continue simmering for ten-fifteen minutes, covered. Always taste your sauce and see if you need to add any other seasonings.

Fifth, while the sauce is simmering start your noodles. I fill a large pot about 2/3 of the way with water. Add two tablespoons of olive oil. Cook on high until the water boils. Then add your noodles. Cook about eight minutes, until el dente. Then drain your noodles.

You now have a delicious spaghetti meal for you and your family. I hope you enjoy my family’s recipe as much as we do.