tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43704018253879190772024-03-04T20:38:18.851-08:00...with coffee cup in handAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-54242995422919494762014-09-29T11:22:00.002-07:002014-09-29T11:38:43.763-07:00Crock-Pot Pumpkin Spiced Lattes<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's National Coffee Day today and what kind of blogger would I be if I didn't blog about coffee today, especially with "coffee" in my title! I love coffee. I love the smell, the taste, the various blends, but mostly I love the fuzzy feeling it gives me when it is just mentioned. I love coffee! <br />That being said... I recently had a Pumpkin Party with some girlfriends where we all made various pumpkin or apple recipes. I tried several new recipes, but one that I was super excited to try was this one. <a href="http://thrivinghomeblog.com/2013/09/crock-pot-pumpkin-spiced-latte/" target="_blank">Pumpkin Spiced Lattes</a>! We have Starbucks here, but they are super limited on the amount of pumpkin spiced goodness that they get, so you have to get it while you can. But have a found the answer to such a problem? I think I have! These mugs full of happiness were just as good as the S-bucks and I knew exactly what was in them. And you know what else? They were super easy to make and made my house smell delicious! Give them a try!</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1lrv3o_fAPV-jb4IJ4GpQMujXhG02ZQBuq_yKjN3llXUfbnFERAOEF7fJlxWu7mmsYZXVcBH2xfqSViTgrGVBlqGBOTXCJPng3VTfFgwd9iVsLUVDZcWQtTm3F_ttfs2lk9LPIF7s1bk/s1600/IMG_20140929_191817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1lrv3o_fAPV-jb4IJ4GpQMujXhG02ZQBuq_yKjN3llXUfbnFERAOEF7fJlxWu7mmsYZXVcBH2xfqSViTgrGVBlqGBOTXCJPng3VTfFgwd9iVsLUVDZcWQtTm3F_ttfs2lk9LPIF7s1bk/s1600/IMG_20140929_191817.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u><a href="http://thrivinghomeblog.com/2013/09/crock-pot-pumpkin-spiced-latte/" target="_blank">Crock-Pot Pumpkin Spiced Lattes</a></u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>from <a href="http://thrivinghomeblog.com/2013/09/crock-pot-pumpkin-spiced-latte/" target="_blank">Thriving Home</a></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Ingredients:</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6 cups of milk (I used whole) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4-6 cups of strongly brewed coffee </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup of pumpkin puree </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup of vanilla extract </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup of sugar </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 teaspoons of cinnamon </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
3 cinnamon sticks</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Instructions:</strong> </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
In your crock pot, combine the milk and coffee. </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Whip together the pumpkin, vanilla, sugar and cinnamon and pour into the crockpot. Mix together well. Toss in 3-4 cinnamon sticks. </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cover the crockpot, and cook on high for 2 hours. </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ladle into cups, top with whipped cream, cinnamon or just insert a straw to the pot and drink!</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
*If you don't have a large group, you could easily halve the recipe. </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u></u></strong></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCl2uz_D9ok3h6AIbm96xkyMZzaoICy0P5elvKv4jJyjmnvkAxZ5Vwy-lTHhV1j2RU5M_fYCKJtrMAMC5JVkG-MdQK-zYiCke799OiiE1FD2u5Y2LK_dOPWXTh9kS6mqqSgoLWGIbqMt8e/s1600/IMG_20140929_191803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCl2uz_D9ok3h6AIbm96xkyMZzaoICy0P5elvKv4jJyjmnvkAxZ5Vwy-lTHhV1j2RU5M_fYCKJtrMAMC5JVkG-MdQK-zYiCke799OiiE1FD2u5Y2LK_dOPWXTh9kS6mqqSgoLWGIbqMt8e/s1600/IMG_20140929_191803.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Sooo Good!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-18612579925125087212014-09-22T01:19:00.002-07:002014-09-22T01:19:51.949-07:00Homemade French Fries with Cheese Sauce<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sorry for falling off the grid for a little while! Since moving here things have not gotten dull, that's for sure! The kids are in school and each have an activity during the week and we jumped in full force in getting involved in our church. It's a good thing though, it helps keep from getting homesick and missing family and friends as much. <br />Life in England.... There's something new all the time that we discover. Being here, one thing is for sure, you can find potatoes, carrots, parsnips and onions anywhere. Even on the side of the road. They are so cheap and so fresh and so delicious! It's going to be hard to leave some of these things behind in a few years. About a month ago we bought a 25 kg bag of potatoes from a side vegetable stand. They are so fresh that they are still covered in dirt. I had to buy a veggie brush to clean them. I love it! We are finally at the bottom of the bag, but they have lasted and not gone rotten and have been cooked in just about every way. One way that we enjoy a lot as a treat on Sunday's after church is to come home and fry up a bunch of French Fries. If you haven't made French fries at home before, you have to do it at least once in your life. They are so yummy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrOzLeFHRuJdc94LSNPVeRjTzP8ZnDzRYbTjZUAdSqtLF7ARQw5cK5dku9k-DsF84KQg1h-jAYTVo8N3upzw-cxmfbilG5buYxEbVN_j1JevUzxadgIxO97hVl-kwHM2ctBKmRqFdJJaM/s1600/IMG_20140712_181835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrOzLeFHRuJdc94LSNPVeRjTzP8ZnDzRYbTjZUAdSqtLF7ARQw5cK5dku9k-DsF84KQg1h-jAYTVo8N3upzw-cxmfbilG5buYxEbVN_j1JevUzxadgIxO97hVl-kwHM2ctBKmRqFdJJaM/s1600/IMG_20140712_181835.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Our giant sack of potatoes. :)</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /><strong><u>Homemade French Fries</u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wash, Peel, Cut and Pat Dry the desired amount of potatoes you want.</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Heat oil in a heavy pan to 350 degrees. Drop cut potatoes in carefully! Give them a slight stir so they don't stick together. Let fry until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes per batch. Take out and drain on paper towel lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and/or other seasonings as desired. If you aren't eating them right away or are making multiple batches put the baking sheet in oven at about 200 degrees to keep warm. Heat oil back up to 350 before adding next batch. If you like crispier French fries you can double fry them. That's what a lot of places do, but we like them like this. </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpv6Dpqyx4o3aW8Z8BARAf_0Y8NOhrYfvu11G1pNDe6E0lGHQuuT2yr_IzY1cigwkd-KnCvFYcXqgFkQtwyfxcVAK1pf297sarL7oQwm9wLRBILMveZH2w61TwOtTsxhrkLZ1l0yFVahUa/s1600/IMG_20140713_132506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpv6Dpqyx4o3aW8Z8BARAf_0Y8NOhrYfvu11G1pNDe6E0lGHQuuT2yr_IzY1cigwkd-KnCvFYcXqgFkQtwyfxcVAK1pf297sarL7oQwm9wLRBILMveZH2w61TwOtTsxhrkLZ1l0yFVahUa/s1600/IMG_20140713_132506.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Cut potatoes. I like to make mine thick, but if you like thinner </em><br />
<em>ones, go for it! </em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhibU56WPawXyLoWV64HKVfLLzNXfUFuluv-6XJ1BVwf69OH3DyaVGNuL98hZ3TB6uPzaPu7Tw_Q-qmTirfRMRfUR6F2wsi56koec0VUGoy_eJ83wMn0vhu0UY_zbIjkoDYL-vXccMsEH0N/s1600/IMG_20140713_132645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhibU56WPawXyLoWV64HKVfLLzNXfUFuluv-6XJ1BVwf69OH3DyaVGNuL98hZ3TB6uPzaPu7Tw_Q-qmTirfRMRfUR6F2wsi56koec0VUGoy_eJ83wMn0vhu0UY_zbIjkoDYL-vXccMsEH0N/s1600/IMG_20140713_132645.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Be patient while the oil heats.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6kH3psTCq0auFyorZ4FuRPextD16BATA9KjdD4Xy2qklHzsvWM6wljzqDn7gOR4q32cLOSViLMNfxtW4R5uhC8Gd_tBNvQ3TjmA5K12AljXmHtDgmR01ZyPzQTZk5MbZ3J75IDShXHfm/s1600/IMG_20140713_132857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6kH3psTCq0auFyorZ4FuRPextD16BATA9KjdD4Xy2qklHzsvWM6wljzqDn7gOR4q32cLOSViLMNfxtW4R5uhC8Gd_tBNvQ3TjmA5K12AljXmHtDgmR01ZyPzQTZk5MbZ3J75IDShXHfm/s1600/IMG_20140713_132857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6kH3psTCq0auFyorZ4FuRPextD16BATA9KjdD4Xy2qklHzsvWM6wljzqDn7gOR4q32cLOSViLMNfxtW4R5uhC8Gd_tBNvQ3TjmA5K12AljXmHtDgmR01ZyPzQTZk5MbZ3J75IDShXHfm/s1600/IMG_20140713_132857.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Bubbly fried goodness when you add in the </em><br />
<em>potatoes.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_n7H2OfB7yG6hPaPAKjHF2KsXuRJTNfDKTQS_wfXwqzamz4IX9hC23-jHWFTxnWlev3b2aoOcOmB4SXsb-9XUsLLy03iooIYjX4Q7GLtmawH4e3wW3fo_HFaqkyyPgfcVb-6jHzZzU40w/s1600/IMG_20140712_183151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_n7H2OfB7yG6hPaPAKjHF2KsXuRJTNfDKTQS_wfXwqzamz4IX9hC23-jHWFTxnWlev3b2aoOcOmB4SXsb-9XUsLLy03iooIYjX4Q7GLtmawH4e3wW3fo_HFaqkyyPgfcVb-6jHzZzU40w/s1600/IMG_20140712_183151.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Fresh batch of French Fries!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><br />
<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><u>Cheese Sauce</u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-First you need to make a roux. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
- In a sauce pan melt 4T butter and then add 4T flour (I used GF flour).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Whisk the butter and flour a little to get it combined, it will be like a paste at first. Let it simmer and bubble for 2-3 minutes or until it begins to brown and/or has a nutty smell.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Whisk in 3-4 cups of milk slowly. Bring back to a slow simmer until it begins to thicken. If it gets too thick, add a little more milk.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Stir in about 2-3 cups worth of cheese. I used a little bit of everything, but you can use all cheddar or whatever mixture you want. I did cheddar, mozzarella, swiss and pepper jack. Add more cheese if you want it cheesier! Add salt, pepper, cayenne pepper if you'd like to taste.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
- Once it is your desired taste and thickness, remove from heat and pour into small bowls to dip your freshly fried fries into. Delish!</div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKSMJpNiuThkSBr2db2S2em5vvq__PftUqoTsjtKqYtF11U6i8sD9ha7z3b0w4vLcJ3rrYc0gX8AMhNSQ2F4sY7XTFe0GbbjkA1Uj3lT_xP1m5gHh8zLgJ2aQcAGVxNdHs8dmd98Qqq9K/s1600/IMG_20140713_132847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKSMJpNiuThkSBr2db2S2em5vvq__PftUqoTsjtKqYtF11U6i8sD9ha7z3b0w4vLcJ3rrYc0gX8AMhNSQ2F4sY7XTFe0GbbjkA1Uj3lT_xP1m5gHh8zLgJ2aQcAGVxNdHs8dmd98Qqq9K/s1600/IMG_20140713_132847.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Roux just before adding in the milk.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiab3JxHSQhGXNkViyw77RthvtRho1ZkAiLNupnTuyfMqVsj7DXqYjEzFgELweztKMQQ4DGhnP5cnYb-mqV3ULc3oiNJEEU7MiqTRDSPBOd551vozMhmr0PTYryoS-rBqquJ5H11aoi7c/s1600/IMG_20140713_133913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiab3JxHSQhGXNkViyw77RthvtRho1ZkAiLNupnTuyfMqVsj7DXqYjEzFgELweztKMQQ4DGhnP5cnYb-mqV3ULc3oiNJEEU7MiqTRDSPBOd551vozMhmr0PTYryoS-rBqquJ5H11aoi7c/s1600/IMG_20140713_133913.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Finished Cheese Sauce! Pour over cooked </em><br />
<em>macaroni and bake for 20 minutes for </em><br />
<em>fresh mac n' cheese too!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAmEX6dWZh6Cg5b84_oZ1HbH8iayp72jLANR0hhvxoKE4VErINsMMnCdiN69b-Q65YeOSXYsnbTH04VxPr1LfCExlhwSEqSiBHk8KggEKkfPkeRK7JfnkVh_HDnY4KcTsnmcuua77PbaH/s1600/IMG_20140713_133209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAmEX6dWZh6Cg5b84_oZ1HbH8iayp72jLANR0hhvxoKE4VErINsMMnCdiN69b-Q65YeOSXYsnbTH04VxPr1LfCExlhwSEqSiBHk8KggEKkfPkeRK7JfnkVh_HDnY4KcTsnmcuua77PbaH/s1600/IMG_20140713_133209.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Cheese!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-72600926543445951232014-08-04T03:47:00.000-07:002014-08-04T03:47:00.421-07:00Rainbow Color Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've continued our theme weeks and last week we had a lot of fun with rainbow colors. Pinterest helped with finding different themes, but with my girls rainbows was always at the top of the list. There are so many things you can do with colors. We tried some really fun new things and they had a blast with them! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. We colored with sidewalk chalk. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. They did a rainbow scavenger hunt and found things outside and in that matched their colored egg cartons.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdyl5Qn6R-EluAbBDPgRgOOfKJpJsDMw4OPT_mjmiZSHHxEAGiOPVWVvRkHi2Zb_3jJAu8_t1acVg8kClJQLWsEt_nVYeFa6jmqkTvpAV3Uml6PixQnN8_a9sE2CDnT8SjIP55_JhfIOu/s1600/IMG_20140804_112024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdyl5Qn6R-EluAbBDPgRgOOfKJpJsDMw4OPT_mjmiZSHHxEAGiOPVWVvRkHi2Zb_3jJAu8_t1acVg8kClJQLWsEt_nVYeFa6jmqkTvpAV3Uml6PixQnN8_a9sE2CDnT8SjIP55_JhfIOu/s1600/IMG_20140804_112024.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. We colored white flowers. This took/is taking longer than I thought it would, but it's been fun to see the change in the flowers all week.</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupBpE9g89lz80OFlvE4qxCOYtV_5bxUMboPBs1DJ0fDh5rxnfOkeOC6PhRDgMPQbbF8ettaegE2z-Eto3_ax-78adsD0lRIWlB7ECAFOXx2eUIPsuWIe3MTleTNWtUBUOzEAIfd03tmsB/s1600/IMG_20140804_111832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupBpE9g89lz80OFlvE4qxCOYtV_5bxUMboPBs1DJ0fDh5rxnfOkeOC6PhRDgMPQbbF8ettaegE2z-Eto3_ax-78adsD0lRIWlB7ECAFOXx2eUIPsuWIe3MTleTNWtUBUOzEAIfd03tmsB/s1600/IMG_20140804_111832.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Kool-Aid colored the girls hair. This was a surprise and they loved it! My oldest had gotten the new American Girl Doll Isabelle recently and she came with pink hair to put in. She wanted to match her doll, so we dip dyed hers to match. I found great directions <a href="http://www.tipsfromatypicalmomblog.com/2013/07/how-to-dip-dye-your-hair-with-kool-aid.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> from <a href="http://www.tipsfromatypicalmomblog.com/2013/07/how-to-dip-dye-your-hair-with-kool-aid.html" target="_blank">Tips from a Typical Mom.</a> It was super easy! For my little one, we just did a chunk of purple. Now they say not to rinse, but it was REALLY dark, so we rinsed hers after we dyed it. I used the instructions for that <a href="http://holleewoodhair.com/2012/09/05/diy-kool-aid-hair/" target="_blank">HERE</a> from <a href="http://holleewoodhair.com/">HolleewoodHair.com</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kjP6AZohOmr7gcEjbFF6jwkK0WT96grVr0wQzCVgR6XAlZ6vcr7TcD7SajYamsYVgjpM7ikUFQfORLr4pSKZLwqgmR_e8eUxkOwKGeEvj7nZr4qxXlqAzFDRZMDsKRJwamff752IPwxB/s1600/PhotoGrid_1407147771926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kjP6AZohOmr7gcEjbFF6jwkK0WT96grVr0wQzCVgR6XAlZ6vcr7TcD7SajYamsYVgjpM7ikUFQfORLr4pSKZLwqgmR_e8eUxkOwKGeEvj7nZr4qxXlqAzFDRZMDsKRJwamff752IPwxB/s1600/PhotoGrid_1407147771926.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. Lastly, we made Spaghetti Slime. This is fun and different and (again) easy. They had fun just squishing it and braiding it. I found that <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/2014/06/how-to-make-spaghetti-slime.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> from <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/2014/06/how-to-make-spaghetti-slime.html" target="_blank">The 36th Avenue.</a></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79m8WiV6ug9ghft0xChbxuF0YhPeYE2UvpH4YkqVxd16ho2aSdqhHqTEE_t2CUBZoHmU9gRXyWhfRmMy84ozxiq6O3e45rvXClEmSM9X051xtZiiu7mGYeUXOSOsYgYwvw8ASLAlcLGxD/s1600/PhotoGrid_1407147715159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79m8WiV6ug9ghft0xChbxuF0YhPeYE2UvpH4YkqVxd16ho2aSdqhHqTEE_t2CUBZoHmU9gRXyWhfRmMy84ozxiq6O3e45rvXClEmSM9X051xtZiiu7mGYeUXOSOsYgYwvw8ASLAlcLGxD/s1600/PhotoGrid_1407147715159.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>So, What kind of summer crafts have you been making??</strong></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-73374207401435655632014-07-15T12:25:00.001-07:002014-07-15T12:25:16.494-07:00Summer Craft Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are just about half way through summer break. Whew! I love my children very much, but after so many days together the bickering and fighting kicks in. I tried to be proactive this time and be better planned out. I decided to very loosely make theme weeks. We had a VBS/mail fun week, science and space week, Outdoors week and this week has been flower week. We missed one week somewhere in there. I've tried to gather craft ideas to have a day at home to play, an outing and a food to tie together and maybe a few others depending on the week or day. It's been fun trying out new things and the kids have enjoyed having a few things that are out of the ordinary to try too. Here's some of the things we've made!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/2014/03/how-to-make-a-bouncy-ball.html" target="_blank">Bouncy Balls</a></u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>from <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/2014/03/how-to-make-a-bouncy-ball.html" target="_blank">The 36th Avenue</a></em></div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
Ingredients</div>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">½ Cup Warm Water</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 Tb Borax</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 Tb of Cornstarch</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 Tb White Liquid Glue</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">Food coloring</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">Optional: Disposable rubber gloves.</li>
</ul>
<div class="ERSClear">
</div>
<div class="ERSInstructions">
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading">
Instructions</div>
<ol>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">In a cup mix the warm water and the borax.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">In another cup mix the glue, cornstarch, and food coloring.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Pour the glue mixture into the water-borax cup.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">The glue mixture will harden after 10 seconds; use a fork to take it out of the water. If the glue mixture is still sticky, squish it with your hands and dip it back in the water.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Roll the mixture in your hands to make a ball. The more you handle the mixture the firmer it will become.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">You are done!</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wo33PGl4f3LkHnMODbjoOPj8hK0JlHMIXrJGwL-Okg4qlZ0P6F_Sqtysq3UV0k0OifWOKJ6BX1kSnr76dqi_LdBKCN7QtbbINEl9M5Vh3NXvHRfUkMexsnJW5gMd1-sRlp-NXMhddieb/s1600/IMG_20140624_101152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wo33PGl4f3LkHnMODbjoOPj8hK0JlHMIXrJGwL-Okg4qlZ0P6F_Sqtysq3UV0k0OifWOKJ6BX1kSnr76dqi_LdBKCN7QtbbINEl9M5Vh3NXvHRfUkMexsnJW5gMd1-sRlp-NXMhddieb/s1600/IMG_20140624_101152.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroxC7HI8tACIW_zzHfNkYhyfc8OiIA3pufxIMnY-YmFNVZv6q8nCaY0G7R6XbT_E_OIm__cE8ays6Ab0Mh2TUVmsKiyDEGNYDqZ1zjYdHS7tYvhbkCtt9TBw66bgY6HWdJGF-MKdw1haC/s1600/IMG_20140624_095940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroxC7HI8tACIW_zzHfNkYhyfc8OiIA3pufxIMnY-YmFNVZv6q8nCaY0G7R6XbT_E_OIm__cE8ays6Ab0Mh2TUVmsKiyDEGNYDqZ1zjYdHS7tYvhbkCtt9TBw66bgY6HWdJGF-MKdw1haC/s1600/IMG_20140624_095940.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstkJ0Y16UfNRNyEHIiuGSDJlaZTko_e_FeSgCgAcGpw27ULY3JvPP3vgrGyq1H2__-ihooYBeZaUWvW1JvBHTppU5v3gIx3ijuYG9gzLMrFTynDUjsSMSz0JxXBO3HNLx7aa38KnSBJ73/s1600/IMG_20140624_095735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstkJ0Y16UfNRNyEHIiuGSDJlaZTko_e_FeSgCgAcGpw27ULY3JvPP3vgrGyq1H2__-ihooYBeZaUWvW1JvBHTppU5v3gIx3ijuYG9gzLMrFTynDUjsSMSz0JxXBO3HNLx7aa38KnSBJ73/s1600/IMG_20140624_095735.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u>Orange Bird Feeders</u></strong> There are so many fun ways to make bird feeders. Peanut butter pinecones or toilet paper rolls rolled in bird seed and Cheerios on pipecleaners are the basics. I thought this one would be fun and different to try. Simply cut an orange in half, carefully take out the flesh of the inside of the orange. (Save it for a snack!) Poke small holes in 2 sides and tie string to hang the orange. Fill with bird seed and hang on a tree. That simple. <strong><u></u></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9kE9L8Iw8Kq_Mtj2l7VtH7F-RbxguvglwvAcCUkLtYF0ZKbVzUhxKdYhWIxKPxSH0-4njiQYdV_iIYI5wblm5b3gT48smtuKKXQuDdIViwuFQ4t7WvZjwiNqEtJ0sBD7763HGDXd25A2/s1600/IMG_20140709_161923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9kE9L8Iw8Kq_Mtj2l7VtH7F-RbxguvglwvAcCUkLtYF0ZKbVzUhxKdYhWIxKPxSH0-4njiQYdV_iIYI5wblm5b3gT48smtuKKXQuDdIViwuFQ4t7WvZjwiNqEtJ0sBD7763HGDXd25A2/s1600/IMG_20140709_161923.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fseExFzzKv0lSBHWmCVgJVGICZ9hwd61tsKvSJXq6FOj2Ehkwp0ZC45uusgV-deSBCivm4sQyutxKjxhL0Er7tbz-IfwvrfP-B2vJXpTpkau__Pq76inJVqkZJdEKQGu5JHv4wHh8uks/s1600/IMG_20140709_162341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fseExFzzKv0lSBHWmCVgJVGICZ9hwd61tsKvSJXq6FOj2Ehkwp0ZC45uusgV-deSBCivm4sQyutxKjxhL0Er7tbz-IfwvrfP-B2vJXpTpkau__Pq76inJVqkZJdEKQGu5JHv4wHh8uks/s1600/IMG_20140709_162341.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULU2osWTrTOpfPp1fZmQES_bVQOJOrTsJ0vf568_D2iNNDSWMfEpbZqxzV7vT-z8TpbKLHdAel_NIpRboi3-CdJfj4ZPCAEDw4BR68VyUXI0F8Pq57G3ZTx3B6mRTxIoeme-kEjlpiRCW/s1600/IMG_20140709_162407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULU2osWTrTOpfPp1fZmQES_bVQOJOrTsJ0vf568_D2iNNDSWMfEpbZqxzV7vT-z8TpbKLHdAel_NIpRboi3-CdJfj4ZPCAEDw4BR68VyUXI0F8Pq57G3ZTx3B6mRTxIoeme-kEjlpiRCW/s1600/IMG_20140709_162407.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/265163/pom-poms-and-luminarias-how-to?comments_page=5" target="_blank">Tissue Paper Pom Poms</a></u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/265163/pom-poms-and-luminarias-how-to?comments_page=5" target="_blank">Martha Stewart</a></em><strong><u></u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. Stack eight 20-by-30-inch sheets of tissue. Make 1 1/2-inchwide accordion folds, creasing with each fold.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. Fold an 18-inch piece of floral wire in half, and slip over center of folded tissue; twist. With scissors, trim ends of tissue into rounded or pointy shapes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Separate layers, pulling away from center one at a time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Tie a length of monofilament to floral wire for hanging.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u></u></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBAiMXj7shniI4qe5GBKdQF0pMOJRhXzUamkWEhwWXgc5al46Xn9Do32-PquQjdaPLIAcsFnogFQcWQi27fPDbSUEo6np0CWDx6xV4KFezea0KeBe6jMMNU7uMlkxwB8eUyZyMYnWPKAu/s1600/IMG_20140715_111328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBAiMXj7shniI4qe5GBKdQF0pMOJRhXzUamkWEhwWXgc5al46Xn9Do32-PquQjdaPLIAcsFnogFQcWQi27fPDbSUEo6np0CWDx6xV4KFezea0KeBe6jMMNU7uMlkxwB8eUyZyMYnWPKAu/s1600/IMG_20140715_111328.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVwhx3TXMPPVP53fyIofzFmlpltAAkHGxJgaYXYy0S9-l6JVIFVzWL3SWsxJhsD4vDtfguSIPNh6qHoskT4zF8xdZB9Y-O9uAlyWCvhsKyFgyEdRvWX3CDVlryGZqsThSFVls8EiEMTCs/s1600/IMG_20140715_124613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVwhx3TXMPPVP53fyIofzFmlpltAAkHGxJgaYXYy0S9-l6JVIFVzWL3SWsxJhsD4vDtfguSIPNh6qHoskT4zF8xdZB9Y-O9uAlyWCvhsKyFgyEdRvWX3CDVlryGZqsThSFVls8EiEMTCs/s1600/IMG_20140715_124613.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglia94q7Yv-psFOAG3YhNPTO-s2dB79unoP-9rhu_t3FfrRkKLdLyWyiDRpKDt98drHu_arVqzBFjYzATd-Slgn2KWsi9dhBz5VyE5mvsTmER0Y8uNm87A39iJ1EA5ZyKbTqmQJVfbICCW/s1600/IMG_20140715_124527.jpg" height="236" width="320" /><br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u>Coffee Filter Sunflowers</u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u><br /></u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Take a coffee filter and scribble with washable markers. Spray lightly with water to let colors bleed together. Allow to dry. Put a small layer of glue in the middle and pat bird seed in it. Allow to dry and hang to display. </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
These are fun to make butterflies too. Same instructions to color the coffee filter, then pinch middle with clothespin and use a pipe cleaner as antennas. These are a great craft for all ages!</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u></u></strong><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3RBBzElzIotjA4jE2_5suBDa2VfVRdBaSM1kaapra2Htm0-FzZIiFEDqC_q9iRQyWBZTJ4E6CNVoELWYvcb589axVliyPXUERFn56pG5MnsA0OMbAyo480ynSc50crjfCybCPuQuhwdw/s1600/IMG_20140715_194143.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></div>
<br /></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F--9uDklOV1r4%2FU8V5P6_7gwI%2FAAAAAAAAGvA%2FhSiqz78rpLc%2Fs1600%2FIMG_20140715_124613.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVwhx3TXMPPVP53fyIofzFmlpltAAkHGxJgaYXYy0S9-l6JVIFVzWL3SWsxJhsD4vDtfguSIPNh6qHoskT4zF8xdZB9Y-O9uAlyWCvhsKyFgyEdRvWX3CDVlryGZqsThSFVls8EiEMTCs/s1600/IMG_20140715_124613.jpg" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-69004511466866510462014-06-23T02:53:00.003-07:002014-06-23T02:53:27.527-07:00Having our cake and definitely eating it too!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you haven't figured it out by now, I love to bake. I love all kinds of baking and trying all new kinds of baking. But through the years I have learned that cake is not my forte! I can bake cookies, brownies, breads, biscotti, but cake for some reason always gives me a hard time. Frostings, ok, but cake... I'll take that box of Betty Crocker. So, why did I decide to make 2 challenging ones within a week? I have no idea. LoL! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first one happened for Father's Day. I asked the hubs what he wanted me to make and he wanted burgers (I could do that!) and white cake. If anyone knows this man of mine, then they know he is as simple as they come when it comes to food. Every birthday its white cake and white frosting. BORING! So I made the suggestion for a Neapolitan Cake I found on Pinterest. Remember me saying I'm terrible at cake? Yeah, I guess I'm a glutton for attempting past failures over and over. I figured three layers of three different flavors, I have three kids, each get a layer to make and all is happy and equal. Ha! I had my work cut out for me! BUT. All in all I think it turned out pretty darn good! Probably one of the best cakes I've made. :)</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, where I got the recipe from, she makes 5 layers. I did 3 whole layers instead of all the cutting layers in half and all that jazz. Each flavored cake made 2 cake layers, so I used one and wrapped and froze the others. So, quite literally, I have a whole cake in freezer. She also used jam inbetween layers and did a strawberry buttercream. I did regular buttercream between and all over our cake. Without further ado, here ya go!</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDmBHfdwHQoe1kXRRyOZu069ZOuTM2LqVEh0-pCqXOlWQJC8dDGPHSFUF8D-qXF72MC1IeAci6c55zLka5fHvS1uHElp6tO20R2izEtCgLvnaV_TxNSSUXs9NGRKNFEcjtA5bYfFxSVbc/s1600/IMG_20140615_173630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDmBHfdwHQoe1kXRRyOZu069ZOuTM2LqVEh0-pCqXOlWQJC8dDGPHSFUF8D-qXF72MC1IeAci6c55zLka5fHvS1uHElp6tO20R2izEtCgLvnaV_TxNSSUXs9NGRKNFEcjtA5bYfFxSVbc/s1600/IMG_20140615_173630.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u>Neapolitan Cake</u></strong></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>adapted from <a href="http://sweetapolita.com/2011/01/neapolitan-5-layer-birthday-cake-with-strawberry-frosting/" target="_blank">Sweetapolita</a></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Strawberry Cake</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<span style="color: #ff99cc;"><span style="color: black;">Ingredients:</span></span><br />
2 cups white sugar<br />
1 (3oz) package of strawberry gelatin (JELL-O)<br />
1 cup butter, softened<br />
4 eggs, room temperature<br />
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1 cup whole milk, room temperature<br />
1 tablespoon vanilla extract<br />
1/2 cup strawberry puree made from frozen sweetened strawberries (or you could use unsweetened and add a tablespoon of white sugar) <em>(I used fresh strawberries from the market, added 2 T sugar and processed them until they were fully pureed.)</em><br />
<em><br /></em><br />
<span style="color: #ff99cc;"><span style="color: black;">Directions:</span></span><br />
1. Prepare two 9″ round pans (butter and flour, or parchment lined).<br />
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and dry strawberry gelatin until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Mix vanilla and milk together. Combine and whisk dry ingredients, adding to creamed mixture and alternating with milk/vanilla until just combined. Blend in strawberry puree. Pour into prepared pans.<br />
3. Bake in 350 F for about 25 minutes, or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans on wire rack for 20 minutes, then inverting onto wire rack to finish cooling.<br />
<br /><br />
<strong>Chocolate Cake</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong><br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-1" itemprop="ingredients">1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour </li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-2" itemprop="ingredients">2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar </li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3" itemprop="ingredients">3/4 cup (90 g) Cacao Barry Cocoa Powder - Extra Dark </li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-4" itemprop="ingredients">2 teaspoons (10 g) baking soda </li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-5" itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon (5 g) baking powder </li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-6" itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon (9 g) salt </li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-7" itemprop="ingredients">2 eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten </li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-8" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup (237 mL) strong, hot black coffee or espresso </li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-9" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup (237 mL) buttermilk, room temperature </li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-10" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 cup (119 mL) vegetable oil </li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-11" itemprop="ingredients">1 tablespoon (15 mL) pure vanilla extract </li>
<div class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
<br /></div>
<div class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="border-image: none;">
Directions:</div>
<ol>
<li><div class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="border-image: none;">
Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare 2 x 9" (or 3 x 8" for slightly shorter layers) cake pans with butter and flour or parchment paper. </div>
</li>
<li>In bowl of electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, sift all dry ingredients. Add remaining ingredients to mixture and mix for 2 minutes on medium speed (you may need the plastic splashguard that comes with mixer). </li>
<li><div class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
Divide among prepared pans. Batter will be liquidy. </div>
</li>
<li><div class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
Bake for 20 minutes and rotate pans in oven. Cakes are done when toothpick or skewer comes clean, about 35 minutes. Try not to overbake. </div>
</li>
<li><div class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
Cool on wire racks for 20 minutes then gently invert onto racks until completely cool. </div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="border-image: none;">
<strong>Vanilla Cake</strong></div>
<div class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<span style="color: #ff99cc;"><span style="color: black;">Ingredients:</span></span><br />
1/2 cup butter<br />
2 cups white sugar<br />
3 1/2 cups flour<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
3 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1 1/2 cups ice water<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
4 egg whites beaten stiff<br />
<br /><br />
<span style="color: #ff99cc;"><span style="color: black;">Directions:</span></span><br />
<div>
Add sugar to the butter and beat until light. Sift dry ingredients and add alternately with ice water and vanilla, beating thoroughly after each addition. Fold in the beaten egg whites. Pour into greased layer pans and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Cover with Angel Feather Icing and be tactful about the number of candles.</div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<strong>Vanilla Buttercream Frosting</strong></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ingredients:</div>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-11" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup (227 g/2 sticks/8 oz) unsalted butter, softened </li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-12" itemprop="ingredients">6 cups (750 g/1 lb + 10 oz) icing sugar (confectioners') </li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-13" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 cup (125 ml) whipping cream (35%) </li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-14" itemprop="ingredients">2 tablespoons (30 mL) pure vanilla extract </li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-15" itemprop="ingredients">1 tablespoon (15 mL) water </li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-16" itemprop="ingredients">a pinch of salt</li>
<div class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
<br /></div>
<div class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
Directions:</div>
<ol style="border-image: none;">
<li><div class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and icing sugar on low speed until just combined. Increase speed to medium and beat until well-incorporated, about 3 minutes. </div>
</li>
<li>Add the vanilla, water, whipping cream and salt, and whip on med-high speed until fluffy and smooth--about 3 more minutes. If consistency is too thick, add more water 1 teaspoon at a time, then whip again for 30 seconds or so. If your frosting is too thin, you can add more icing sugar a few tablespoons at a time until you achieve desired consistency. </li>
</ol>
I used the buttercream inbetween each layer of cake and all over. I had more than enough to be generous with it. I had some left over so I used a ziplock bag, snipped the corner off and dotted around the bottom and top. Then I took a cookie cutter I had of a helicopter and put sprinkled inside of it and when I lifted it back up we had a sprinkle helicopter on top. It looked cute! I baked 2 flavors of cake 1 day and did the third and frosting the next. It worked out well and the kids had fun each baking their own special layer for daddy. <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPu00iV_hu_t3nhjSFrIQC1TYw-LtrHSIkTAh-rhZyBnVjPHDSwIr48t8rIZ8G3NCYSq2Sx8BLtg9SxDIjKqRnC9MInLwBZ9R8wNLGetI2Q-BwrsbYZHHTMHKgbMDz2Pfc_nFgRZNa0RY/s1600/PhotoGrid_1402771229679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPu00iV_hu_t3nhjSFrIQC1TYw-LtrHSIkTAh-rhZyBnVjPHDSwIr48t8rIZ8G3NCYSq2Sx8BLtg9SxDIjKqRnC9MInLwBZ9R8wNLGetI2Q-BwrsbYZHHTMHKgbMDz2Pfc_nFgRZNa0RY/s1600/PhotoGrid_1402771229679.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZANMvD3Eylkw38I023P0hfg-7-7uksXFEkAOCfYnYl8Iu7R0gscC6VWqpaM5iGfdrMiTBsUPYv_mvHtRyWeoizf7A8qVt6CPgiBdGIXj9DfSc7p5cUaqN0vCxknysJA_98FQaNiqciQ5/s1600/IMG_20140614_161922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZANMvD3Eylkw38I023P0hfg-7-7uksXFEkAOCfYnYl8Iu7R0gscC6VWqpaM5iGfdrMiTBsUPYv_mvHtRyWeoizf7A8qVt6CPgiBdGIXj9DfSc7p5cUaqN0vCxknysJA_98FQaNiqciQ5/s1600/IMG_20140614_161922.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next, I had my Bible study ladies over for a fellowship and fun night. I asked everyone to bring a food that was something momma made, family tradition or something like that. My mom is such an incredible cook, I wasn't going to try to copy her. But every year for my birthday I would ask her to make German Chocolate Cake. She isn't a big baker, but does have a few goodies up her sleeve! This is one. It is my absolute favorite! And no store bought one can hold a candle to it. Yum!! Just don't count the calories and double the frosting. Yes, you heard me, double the frosting. Just do it. Eat it. And never speak of it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/bakers-original-german-sweet-chocolate-cake-170846" target="_blank">Baker's Original German Chocolate Cake</a></u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>From <a href="http://food.com/">Food.com</a></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ingredients:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
CAKE</div>
<div>
1 (4 ounce) package Baker's German sweet chocolate<br />1/2 cup boiling water<br />1 cup butter<br />2 cups sugar</div>
<div>
4 eggs, seperated<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />2 cups all-purpose flour <em>(I used GF flour and it turned out perfect!)</em><br />1 tsp baking soda</div>
<div>
1/2 tsp salt</div>
<div>
1 cup buttermilk<br /><br /> FROSTING <em>(this is a single recipe... you know you want to double it.)</em></div>
<div>
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk<br />1 1/2 cups sugar<br />4 slightly beaten egg yolks<br />3/4 cup butter<br />1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla<br />2 cups shredded coconut<br />1 1/2 cups chopped pecans</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Directions:<br />-Preheat Oven at 350ºF.<br />- Melt chocolate in water, cool.<br /> - Cream butter and sugar.<br /> - Beat in egg yolks.<br /> - Stir in vanilla and chocolate.<br /> - Mix flour, soda, and salt.<br /> - Beat in flour mixture, alternately with buttermilk.<br /> - Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter.<br />- Pour batter into three 9-inch layer pans, lined on bottoms with waxed paper.<br />- Bake for 30 minutes or until cake springs bake when lightly pressed in center.<br />- Cool 15 minutes; remove and cool on rack.<br /> COCONUT-PECAN FROSTING.<br />- Combine evaporated milk, sugar, slightly beaten egg yolks, butter or margarine and vanilla in saucepan.<br />- Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat.<br />- Stir in shredded coconut and chopped pecans. </div>
- Cool until thick enough to spread. <br />
<br /><br />
If you happen to find yourself in a world where you cannot find German chocolate or sweetened coconut like I did, here's what you do...<br />
For sweet German chocolate simply use semi sweet chocolate and add 1 T sugar per ounce of chocolate. So for this recipe I added 1/4 cup sugar to the boiling water and 4 ounces of semi sweet chocolate.<br />
For <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/480109-make-sweetened-coconut-dehydrated-coconut/" target="_blank">sweetened coconut</a>, I could only find dehydrated or desiccated coconut. I followed the directions <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/480109-make-sweetened-coconut-dehydrated-coconut/" target="_blank">HERE</a> and it worked perfectly!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvy-XM3Yznnfx-3HmlDR_gmVCqMy5hfDhN2viThNVQxcupyE1whnxGC6Dwp57l583ulaeTyl8iiE1C8Itf_atObUivVKU1kcHNgvwxpVXRZRHSjNpWwKyzVIFuz4lkIIVo1WhHFsue-4s/s1600/IMG_20140618_091539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvy-XM3Yznnfx-3HmlDR_gmVCqMy5hfDhN2viThNVQxcupyE1whnxGC6Dwp57l583ulaeTyl8iiE1C8Itf_atObUivVKU1kcHNgvwxpVXRZRHSjNpWwKyzVIFuz4lkIIVo1WhHFsue-4s/s1600/IMG_20140618_091539.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgtGrZkfk9tqvtDXsnnTI3MEnjVysGswPTvfnIjCfe4-4wUnF-BAMo_xIHpFsnegIx9XDZZF3NJKlYSUkKYo4s2NvEAOO0b4SjKG2ms6ZfJutcjseRS28pyrxRx1C8zBFleINxlqyxfA8/s1600/IMG_20140619_145835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgtGrZkfk9tqvtDXsnnTI3MEnjVysGswPTvfnIjCfe4-4wUnF-BAMo_xIHpFsnegIx9XDZZF3NJKlYSUkKYo4s2NvEAOO0b4SjKG2ms6ZfJutcjseRS28pyrxRx1C8zBFleINxlqyxfA8/s1600/IMG_20140619_145835.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Cake Making!!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-72862582961068386032014-06-07T03:03:00.002-07:002014-06-07T03:03:23.196-07:00Gluten Free Sandwich Bread (that doesn't suck!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been roughly a year and half since I started this gluten free journey. I still have no "medical reasons" for eating gluten free. But I can tell you that now when I do eat it, I feel awful! I started to have alot of stomach issues, I won't get into the details, and figured I'd cut out gluten to start and see how it helped. I was amazed that within just a few days I felt so much better! I've dabbled with paleo and clean eating and still just try to make as much from scratch and as chemical free as possible. I am by no mean close to perfect or do this all the time with everything, but I sure try my best. I fully admit that I am a coffee and sugar addict. I'm ok with that. I try to limit my sweets (and alcohol) to the weekends, but I don't always succeed with that either. I'm a stress eater. So food is my best friend and my enemy sometimes. I've always had a love for baking and pastries. I love them!! When I started gluten free eating that was the hardest for me to deal with. I could do without the pasta and bread, but to not be able to bake or eat my favorite hot chocolate chip cookies would have killed me. I was determined to find a way to continue what I already did, just with a gluten free twist. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's when I found my <a href="http://withcoffeecupinhand.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/the-first-trial-of-gluten-free-all.html" target="_blank">All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour Blend</a> that I use for everything. It is the best one out there and definitely beats any of the pre mixed blends at the grocery store. Using that blend I have made everything from cookies, biscotti, biscuits, Thanksgiving gravy, sweet breads, angel food cakes and tons more! I am yet to have a fail with it. I highly recommend this blend! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now that I've figured out the regular baking part of being gluten free I thought it was time to step up a notch and start trying "real" breads. I want to try all kinds! If you have ever had gluten free bread, you know it is not the same as real bread. It is desert dry. I decided to start with the basics and try a sandwich bread first. I remembered a friend posting on Facebook that she found a good recipe by Googling "gluten free bread that doesn't suck." So, that's exactly what I did. First one that popped up was a blog that a woman wrote about the same thing I was trying to accomplish. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First I had to make a different flour blend than my usual one. This was hard for me. I have attachment issues when I find something I like. (Just ask anyone that knows me about my chapstick attachment.) But I did it. Like her, I couldn't find potato flour so I used instant potato flakes and processed them to make them as fine as I could for the flour blend. Here's what you need to make that. You'll need the whole recipe of flour to make the bread recipe.</div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #993366;"><u><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/03/finally-gluten-free-bread-that-doesnt-suck.html" target="_blank">Brown Rice Flour Blend</a></span></u> </span></h3>
Makes 4 cups<br />
Ingredients<br />
1⅓ cups <span style="color: black;">brown</span> rice flour<br /> 1⅓ cups tapioca flour/starch<br /> 1⅓ cups cornstarch<br /> 1 tablespoon potato flour<br />
<br /><br />
Word of warning, it is a lot of starch so it will "puff up" in a cloud while mixing. I had flour everywhere! After a year and half of gluten free baking I'm sure that you have to have some scientific tendencies to bake this way! Once you have that mixed up and ready you can get on with the rest of the bread recipe. Here we go!<br />
<br /><br />
<strong><u><a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/03/finally-gluten-free-bread-that-doesnt-suck.html" target="_blank">Gluten Free Sandwich Bread (that doesn't suck)</a></u></strong><br />
<em>from <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/03/finally-gluten-free-bread-that-doesnt-suck.html" target="_blank">One Good Thing by Jillee</a></em><br />
<br /><br />
Ingredients:<br />
4 cups Brown Rice Flour Blend (see above recipe)<br /> 1 tablespoon xanthan gum<br /> 1 tablespoon gluten-free egg replacer<br /> 2 teaspoons salt<br /> ½ cup powdered milk <em>(I omitted this and added 1/2 cup of warm whole milk instead)</em><br /> 3 large eggs at room temperature <em>(</em><em>If you are allergic to eggs you can replace the 3 eggs with: 9 Tbsp. water and 3 Tbsp. ground flax seed)</em><br /> ¼ cup butter at room temperature<br /> 2 teaspoons cider vinegar<br /> ⅓ cup honey<br /> 1 package (2¼ teaspoons) active <span style="color: black;">dry </span>yeast (not INSTANT dry yeast)<br /> 2 cups warm water <em>(Since I used 1/2 cup of warm milk I only used 1 1/2 cups of warm water)</em><br />
<br /><br />
Directions:<br />
<ul>
<li>Spray cooking spray into two 8-inch bread pans.</li>
<li>Add the yeast to the 2 cups of <span style="color: black;">warm water</span> and stir until mixed. Set this aside to activate while you mix the rest of the ingredients.</li>
<li>Mix the flour blend, xanthum gum, gluten-free egg replacer, salt, and powdered milk together in a medium-size bowl and set aside.</li>
<li>Put eggs, butter, vinegar, and honey in the bowl of your mixer. With the paddle attachment, mix together for about 30 seconds. The butter will be chunky, that’s OK.</li>
<li>Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in the mixer. Mix just until blended, and then add the remaining dry ingredients and mix for another 30 seconds, until blended.</li>
<li>With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the warm water and yeast mixture, then turn the mixer to medium-high speed and beat for 4 minutes.</li>
<li>After the 4 minutes your bread dough should resemble thick cake batter.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLIlkcapxPqCqYjgOrQvhhT2QVsA5NQvR1_kaQlh5nSc9zviTKPci6Hj72afZNtjpOwh-vuTqXv46DPzehRxLMo7i7gzpb-QTc4k9QCpigHwrLDATLYcPxsycmU93Rdy5joJVQg41XyKW/s1600/IMG_20140604_090025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLIlkcapxPqCqYjgOrQvhhT2QVsA5NQvR1_kaQlh5nSc9zviTKPci6Hj72afZNtjpOwh-vuTqXv46DPzehRxLMo7i7gzpb-QTc4k9QCpigHwrLDATLYcPxsycmU93Rdy5joJVQg41XyKW/s1600/IMG_20140604_090025.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<ul style="border-image: none;">
<li>Spoon the dough into your greased bread pans. Dip your fingers in water to smooth the top of the dough, if desired. Set aside in a warm place to rise for approximately about 50 to 60 minutes. <em> </em>While dough rises, preheat oven to 375 degrees.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKxokorhTfJaqIfwp_zj7_z0dKZAT_s2hAdh5wBI4zW6u-MEyRoipoG646WriDRfJWrUg1A-S_b7VP0uA5gN3iLRNdVrlHfjj8FmQ_qsszvsU3AjWI7XwBC4gPff5OjvYl3Idjeis1tCP/s1600/IMG_20140604_102648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKxokorhTfJaqIfwp_zj7_z0dKZAT_s2hAdh5wBI4zW6u-MEyRoipoG646WriDRfJWrUg1A-S_b7VP0uA5gN3iLRNdVrlHfjj8FmQ_qsszvsU3AjWI7XwBC4gPff5OjvYl3Idjeis1tCP/s1600/IMG_20140604_102648.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<ul style="border-image: none;">
<li>When the dough has risen to about an inch above the top of the pans <em>(My bread took closer to 1 1/2-2 hours to rise that much, but then had a big whole in it after baking that you can see in the picture below of it cut. That usually happens when bread rises too long. So use your judgment with this.)</em>, place the pans in your preheated oven on the middle rack and bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until the bread’s internal temperature reaches 200 degrees with an instant-read thermometer. (This is very helpful! It’s hard to tell when gluten-free bread is done. But if you don’t have an instant read thermometer you’re going to have to use your best guess based on your particular oven.)</li>
<li>Remove the bread from the oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Then remove loaves from pans and place on a rack to cool. (As you can see, I brushed the top of mine with butter when they came out of the oven.)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonnVl5MxH9XNs_Tm8-VfRlKOlxMjUEN0_UwkgAWrc7yTB7XgYroFiUio9uOiXuKvWFfN5K4zgYoLKI0zm_lO_jq7NHkO70aNXaztQGJz_MKAyfk7AB1Uyz7mJ0k8VZ6eSmkfysH9rG-Qx/s1600/IMG_20140604_111423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonnVl5MxH9XNs_Tm8-VfRlKOlxMjUEN0_UwkgAWrc7yTB7XgYroFiUio9uOiXuKvWFfN5K4zgYoLKI0zm_lO_jq7NHkO70aNXaztQGJz_MKAyfk7AB1Uyz7mJ0k8VZ6eSmkfysH9rG-Qx/s1600/IMG_20140604_111423.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul style="border-image: none;">
<li>After allowing it to cool COMPLETELY (this is important! Don’t rush it and cut into it while it’s still warm or you will flatten it.) I very, VERY carefully started cutting it into slices. This is ALSO very important…let your bread knife do the cutting for you! You provide the “sawing” action, but let the knife blade do the work. Don’t press down, just keep “sawing” across the top until you get all the way to the bottom of the loaf and hit the cutting board. The bread slices will keep their shape much better this way!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMt-mgN2MazoXj_fbtgMCrocXEqvlQeXQw8mQMqCnB8x6A6eX1-yaCjvbJDHUysyRob7z8XjX9HY8w0dJqlqPlJfHtftXbrAUU2A-KrsJW5bVzJiLqnkiwinhXSnEvVwxmY5rXcaaSRmzp/s1600/IMG_20140604_122956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMt-mgN2MazoXj_fbtgMCrocXEqvlQeXQw8mQMqCnB8x6A6eX1-yaCjvbJDHUysyRob7z8XjX9HY8w0dJqlqPlJfHtftXbrAUU2A-KrsJW5bVzJiLqnkiwinhXSnEvVwxmY5rXcaaSRmzp/s1600/IMG_20140604_122956.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This bread smelled sooo good while it was baking! It came out gorgeous too! It tasted like real bread. It was soft and moist and delicious! I will definitely make this more! I can't wait to try French toast, grilled cheese and so much more. My turkey sandwich was super yummy! It did dry out a little by the next day. I froze the second loaf. We'll see how it is after it's been frozen. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will leave you now to your own opinion. Give it a try and tell me what you think. I don't think I'll be buying any at the grocery store again anytime soon. :)</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-34661409061118559212014-06-03T00:50:00.002-07:002014-06-03T00:54:51.465-07:00Rainy Day Fun with Homemade Play-dough and Brown Bag Popcorn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are coming up on our 3 month mark of living across the pond. One thing we have learned is that we can't always tell the kids to go play outside anymore. It rains here. :) For Memorial Day weekend we didn't have plans and pretty much stayed home. The kids had a four day weekend from school and it poured rain the entire time. By the time we hit day three they were getting antsy. So, I did my usual and began to scroll through my Pinterest boards and found <a href="http://www.kristanlynn.com/2011/09/best-play-dough-recipe.html" target="_blank">Play-dough</a>. I don't know why I hadn't thought of it earlier or why, up to until now, I have never made my own. My kids all love Play-dough, especially my little one. We threw out what we had before we moved and I hadn't gotten around to getting more yet. So my girls and I hit the kitchen to try to whip some up. It was so simple and we had everything we needed. It was great. They were even more excited to play with it since they made it and it kept all three of them busy for the next two days! This is a great "recipe" if you haven't tried it before. It is soft, not super salty, fast to make and the kids are guaranteed to love it. :) What do you do for rainy days??</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u><a href="http://www.kristanlynn.com/2011/09/best-play-dough-recipe.html" target="_blank">Homemade Play-Dough</a></u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>from <a href="http://kristanlynn.com/">KristanLynn.com</a></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: x-small;"><strong><br /></strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Ingredients:
</strong>1 C Flour <br />1 C Water <br />1/4 C Salt <br />1 TBSP Vegetable Oil
<br />2 tsp Cream of Tarter <br />Food Coloring (actual coloring or a kool-aid
packet will do) <br />Sparkles (If you wanna be a fun mom!) <br />Sauce Pan and
Wooden Spoon </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pour everything in the saucepan, in not particular order. Mix it well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once the mixture is (mostly) clump free. Heat
over MEDIUM heat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stir. Don’t stop stirring. After a few minutes it
will start to clump up. <br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stir, Stir, Stir. Just keep stirring until the Play
Dough is formed. It will form one big clump. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Remove from heat, and knead by hand. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: x-small;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Once cooled it’s ready to go. Package it up for
some party favors or stocking stuffers. Or grab your cookie cutters, plastic scissors,
rolling pin, etc.. and let your kids go to town.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="margin: 0px;">
<i><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="margin: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">*This recipe yields
about a cup and half of dough. </span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">*I use this recipe for
each color I make. </span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><em>*Should last about 6 months</em></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u></u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWUYJPNOly1q50vty0MSpqPoUPhXXFvTii1lIPuh5eQq-pZ-yxWsdvd36tSF97RVHD-BSQ4foLD1h_6MtXk18xaRih-SDwXAVT5ZnlEMXuRzouLflOEhOiP7CWsoqU6rQPN-BrYjP2jUJ/s1600/PhotoGrid_1401779815517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWUYJPNOly1q50vty0MSpqPoUPhXXFvTii1lIPuh5eQq-pZ-yxWsdvd36tSF97RVHD-BSQ4foLD1h_6MtXk18xaRih-SDwXAVT5ZnlEMXuRzouLflOEhOiP7CWsoqU6rQPN-BrYjP2jUJ/s1600/PhotoGrid_1401779815517.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also love family movie night around here! We try to have one at least once a month, if not once a week. We, of course, always have to have popcorn. I think my oldest could live on popcorn alone. I hate microwave popcorn. For me, it is always a last resort. When I first saw my friend over at <a href="http://www.changeofpaceforme.com/" target="_blank">Change of Pace</a> blog about making Brown Bag Popcorn, I knew she was a genius! I love making it this way. Each person gets their own bag, it is the perfect amount and there isn't any added junk to it. Give it a try for your next movie night or even for an afternoon snack. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u>Brown Bag Popcorn</u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u><br /></u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Add 1/4-1/3 cup popcorn kernels to a brown paper bag, fold the bag over twice then heat in a microwave — folded side down — for 2-3 minutes. And Ta-Da! So simple and so good! Add melted butter, salt or whatever you'd like and enjoy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIeuJp9jmQFN0IDAgGN8lRF7T0kMNBBibkggLCZYUy0BjFwC55LIGSHgMeoJefRhpZeIl51FTRkMUdQvl89Bec9LiEoGGpfs1LwkcevxTCtIVff7o5-36Dn54aN9pFvqU6P_4Qk8cKN2g/s1600/PhotoGrid_1401779654410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIeuJp9jmQFN0IDAgGN8lRF7T0kMNBBibkggLCZYUy0BjFwC55LIGSHgMeoJefRhpZeIl51FTRkMUdQvl89Bec9LiEoGGpfs1LwkcevxTCtIVff7o5-36Dn54aN9pFvqU6P_4Qk8cKN2g/s1600/PhotoGrid_1401779654410.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-24966415241229729452014-05-22T00:55:00.001-07:002014-05-22T00:57:12.522-07:00Tacos in England with Taco Seasoning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Life in England is far cry from the US, let along Vegas. There are so many things that way different! Rain, cell phone service, stores and restaurants not open past 7 or on Sundays, trees and grass... just about everything. I had my first encounter with a plumber last week. We had a pin hole in our en-suite bathroom tap, as they call it here. After calling the first plumber to come look at it to confirm for our landlords, it took 2 weeks for the next one to come fix it. It then took 3 hours for him to replace the faucet. Not a fancy faucet, just a typical run of the mill faucet. Crazy! The hubs just kept asking me <em>how</em> it took so long and I honestly didn't have an answer. Besides the 15 minute personal call he made half way into it, the guy seemed to be working the whole time. Oh well, I guess we can all slow down from time to time. Right? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My kids have discovered the wonderment of snails since we've been here. They think they are the coolest things ever. We see snail slime all over the place while we walk to the bus stop and sometimes after a rain will catch a little guy on his way or hanging out. They try to collect empty shells when they can and some are pretty neat. But even the snails, I swear, are slower! </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenn_YxoGfZeW5ejKmNVPi5vAaznwc3nJkfF0pZNow9v05r-BhmjcE5zd1d7wAAOKghweiD28klTwYn2Ms5owTH5jrc8TxQQx4B9_ezx-mr-PQWfZ_ETgtaTVKB6_DbE_GmW7y3TNe0Hfj/s1600/IMG_20140522_071539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenn_YxoGfZeW5ejKmNVPi5vAaznwc3nJkfF0pZNow9v05r-BhmjcE5zd1d7wAAOKghweiD28klTwYn2Ms5owTH5jrc8TxQQx4B9_ezx-mr-PQWfZ_ETgtaTVKB6_DbE_GmW7y3TNe0Hfj/s1600/IMG_20140522_071539.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Here's a little guy we saw this morning :)</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
With everything changing and new and different to get to used to and figure out we try to keep at least some normalcy. We all love Mexican food and learned to love it even more in Vegas. We typically have "Taco Tuesday" that isn't necessarily always tacos, or always on Tuesday for that matter, but at least Mexican. We'll have quesadillas, <a href="http://withcoffeecupinhand.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/tacos-and-mexican-red-rice.html" target="_blank">Chicken Tacos and Red Rice</a>, tortilla soup or just regular ground beef tacos or taco salad. We don't discriminate with our Mexican foods. :) As I have said though, everything is slower here, even the avocados take weeks to ripen. I had never seen such a green avocado until coming here, not even in Ohio! So, guacamole isn't made quite as easily or as often, but we make due. </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is my favorite basic Taco Seasoning recipe. I like to make my own because then then I know what's in it, it tastes better and then I can add it to whatever I'm making too. </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u>Taco Seasoning</u></strong></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u><br /></u></strong></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mix Altogether:</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup minced dried onion</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup chili powder</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/4 cup garlic powder</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/4 cup cumin</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 T oregano</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 T salt</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 T paprika</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
2-3 T red pepper flake (optional)</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
2-3 T cornstarch (optional) <em>I like to add this to give it a thickener when it is cooked with the beef. It helps give it that thicker sauciness that you get from the packets at the store if you like that.</em> </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Store in an airtight jar or container.</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Directions: Cook 1lb ground beef. Add 1-2 T taco seasoning to taste and 1/2 cup water, stir and let simmer 5-10 minutes. Fill your taco and eat!<strong><u></u></strong></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9928KR9sodwgRxTQyUMCK5oEUHd2ld41Qnx8tdCPJvFYW8vPPfvkdA0wwf6wyJeK8e6zlzgUD3y_H2ZBRugYIz-2SePmhSG7ty1Pxn7C8quh8wrtdzC213hPEHY3yFAtS2PTeR1WOtWFz/s1600/IMG_20140519_084049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9928KR9sodwgRxTQyUMCK5oEUHd2ld41Qnx8tdCPJvFYW8vPPfvkdA0wwf6wyJeK8e6zlzgUD3y_H2ZBRugYIz-2SePmhSG7ty1Pxn7C8quh8wrtdzC213hPEHY3yFAtS2PTeR1WOtWFz/s1600/IMG_20140519_084049.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Mason jars are great for storing stuff like this!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UAnzAnAXu2pIaSBbRZo45iR2IaZag1NZLVpzACvOiYmbHZRkV-MGB6WqdVDUxGBs7T6GTBCleK5ot-GObJjmVcvwYvdoTxqi24fVnGQzoy-7AngrA2HoJMZrB5hKnOW7RZLg4NpCoqkD/s1600/IMG_20140519_083823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UAnzAnAXu2pIaSBbRZo45iR2IaZag1NZLVpzACvOiYmbHZRkV-MGB6WqdVDUxGBs7T6GTBCleK5ot-GObJjmVcvwYvdoTxqi24fVnGQzoy-7AngrA2HoJMZrB5hKnOW7RZLg4NpCoqkD/s1600/IMG_20140519_083823.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-16613420028548450902014-05-15T01:12:00.001-07:002014-05-15T01:12:15.815-07:00Sausage Calzones with Freezer Friendly Pizza Dough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Almost every family has a pizza night or that night that they need a quick grab and go meal or it's mom's night off or whatever your reasons are, you have it. We don't tend to order pizza out much, we either buy the good old frozen ones or make our own. But even my kids get tired of the same old pizza every now and then. In steps Calzones! I don't know what Italian momma came up with these babies, but she is one of my heroes! (I don't know if it was an Italian mom, just figured because they are an Italian food and genius. :) )We've done the make your own pizza style ones, but my favorite are sausage and cheese filled. Yum! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In making our pizzas or calzones I usually make our own dough. You can buy premade dough to roll out in the can or even fresh sometimes, but homemade is so simple and really only uses a few ingredients that save you a butt ton of money. Plus, it tastes better! I love this recipe because you can mix up a bunch and even freeze the dough to keep for later. Again, genius!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/05/4-weeks-to-fill-your-freezer-freezer-friendly-pizza-dough-day-13.html#_a5y_p=727369" target="_blank"><strong>Freezer Friendly Homemade Pizza Dough</strong></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
from <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/05/4-weeks-to-fill-your-freezer-freezer-friendly-pizza-dough-day-13.html#_a5y_p=727369" target="_blank">Money Saving Mom</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ingredients:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 cups warm water (105 to 115 degrees F.)</div>
1 Tablespoons active dry yeast<br />
1 teaspoons sugar<br />
2 teaspoons salt<br />
1 Tablespoons oil (vegetable, Canola, or olive oil)<br />
5 cups flour (can use all whole-wheat, half white/half whole-wheat, or all white) <em>(plus more for rolling out if use right away)</em><br />
<em>(I reduced the amounts of a few ingredients from the original and we tend to like the taste a little bit better.)</em><br />
Directions:<br />
Pour the warm water into a bowl and sprinkle the yeast over it. Stir to dissolve.<br />
Add the remaining ingredients and mix.<br />
Dump onto a floured surface and knead dough for two to five minutes until smooth and no longer sticky.<br />
<br /><br />
<strong>To freeze:</strong> Cut lump of dough in half and place each half in an airtight freezer bag. Freeze for up to 4-6 weeks.<br />
<strong>To bake:</strong> Place frozen dough in a greased bowl and thaw at room temperature for at least 3-4 hours. Roll out and shape onto a greased pizza pan.<br />
Add pizza toppings of your choice. Bake at 450 degrees for around 15 minutes (until the crust looks crispy and lightly browned).<br />
If you don’t want to mess with freezing the dough, take the kneaded dough and roll out and shape onto a greased pizza pan. Add pizza toppings and bake as directed above.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4i9Y32auaZV2vGDK31dEAhtEeMbNaErJ-s-2i6UlmegiwzEAksxnM0jY5ZgNqJ9iV03e9LPFvPxsIGnxpijO7mwu1F4ZYEBF6GzHR-rMbkdrHSASwQOQc2B94k1ClfVvjQzMuY-TYUX7/s1600/IMG_20140430_084603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4i9Y32auaZV2vGDK31dEAhtEeMbNaErJ-s-2i6UlmegiwzEAksxnM0jY5ZgNqJ9iV03e9LPFvPxsIGnxpijO7mwu1F4ZYEBF6GzHR-rMbkdrHSASwQOQc2B94k1ClfVvjQzMuY-TYUX7/s1600/IMG_20140430_084603.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now for the filling....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u>Sausage Calzone Filling</u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ingredients:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 large Ricotta cheese</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 cups Mozzarella cheese</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 eggs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 lb sausage</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 onion, chopped</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 garlic cloves, minced</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 T olive oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1-2 recipes of Pizza Dough</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Directions:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Heat oil in a skillet and cook onion and garlic until they are soft. Add in sausage and cook and crumble until lightly browned. Drain meat. Let cool about 20-30 minutes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While sausage is browning, mix in a large bowl: cheeses, eggs and Italian seasoning. Stir in slightly cooled meat mixture and mix well. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Roll out pizza dough and cut into small portions. <em>(I get about 12 out of 1 dough recipe, but this makes a lot of filling so I usually do a double dough recipe.)</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Spoon filling into 1 half of rolled out dough potion, fold over other half and pinch to seal shut. Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 450 for 15-20 minutes or until browned.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
**You can bake, cool and freeze these too. They are really good! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
**To make gluten free ones I make my dough like this....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mix together: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 eggs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup water</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/3 cup oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2-3 cups of gluten free flour or gluten free Bisquick.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Gluten free pizza dough is much wetter and stickier than regular dough. I always add more flour to make it a little easier to roll out in some way. It will crack if you add too much flour. You have to play with it a bit to get it how you like it. Just remember that it is not going to look or work the same as other dough. I got 4 calzone out of this 1 recipe. Bake them the same as the others at 450 for 15-20 minute or until browned. If you prefer or have a better GF pizza crust recipe you like, then by all means use that! Then tell me what it is! I'm still searching for that one that I love. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgy4b8mbsPrh3kTzhE5Y-EJCEATSJ3xMYgfqHA1JhnOUzTaycCEIKa1W3E6c7y14QTF1r52Cxz-BqJMI4SKWRTZLiE-tWK6wuV3iUGq1kMJ6kwLT8HRMb5n5ACUY0nR5_EJ2AnGhNBhkUb/s1600/IMG_20140427_163708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgy4b8mbsPrh3kTzhE5Y-EJCEATSJ3xMYgfqHA1JhnOUzTaycCEIKa1W3E6c7y14QTF1r52Cxz-BqJMI4SKWRTZLiE-tWK6wuV3iUGq1kMJ6kwLT8HRMb5n5ACUY0nR5_EJ2AnGhNBhkUb/s1600/IMG_20140427_163708.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkBsCFry05JTbBz50k-8yFbwoPAm3OSK5YvAAuH7MO7ybDlvVJsTkeFUWpX3b2aES93YlI2LqbJpm9uyZtzwFAqVwNxrqTwtOFlw7meH9_Mtaev1vYF3eZhLE6TONhgzzieP_95PnEEQM/s1600/IMG_20140427_163703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkBsCFry05JTbBz50k-8yFbwoPAm3OSK5YvAAuH7MO7ybDlvVJsTkeFUWpX3b2aES93YlI2LqbJpm9uyZtzwFAqVwNxrqTwtOFlw7meH9_Mtaev1vYF3eZhLE6TONhgzzieP_95PnEEQM/s1600/IMG_20140427_163703.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1Zc_yKWWjfVDMFw9ZRdPB-kqb6UA_m6bgvCVmz_ZWyO7zW9WrzQT4Y4QpuNOGf45vwkjKoctpsWdhyphenhyphen_Ha2iWIJfJog9Ezqa4jfBNmSDSWSBDFuxetMBeGR0n7OrWN6P-MvkQMwRadQu1/s1600/IMG_20140430_093620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1Zc_yKWWjfVDMFw9ZRdPB-kqb6UA_m6bgvCVmz_ZWyO7zW9WrzQT4Y4QpuNOGf45vwkjKoctpsWdhyphenhyphen_Ha2iWIJfJog9Ezqa4jfBNmSDSWSBDFuxetMBeGR0n7OrWN6P-MvkQMwRadQu1/s1600/IMG_20140430_093620.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>Pretty little calzones all in a row!</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv8snQ5fW8C-l-F4uzBPsUPkndyMQPXgRrWbMHwnObcgID_VKwAjdJajPLROwXzX0D_SVblGgLytQrqvp5pwCPThBoMsgs5J4EZg9x1QR68SIvTzRIo-k18BRUwITm6Dm522GHfIznmo3/s1600/IMG_20140429_120252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv8snQ5fW8C-l-F4uzBPsUPkndyMQPXgRrWbMHwnObcgID_VKwAjdJajPLROwXzX0D_SVblGgLytQrqvp5pwCPThBoMsgs5J4EZg9x1QR68SIvTzRIo-k18BRUwITm6Dm522GHfIznmo3/s1600/IMG_20140429_120252.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>Gluten Free Calzone for me!</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, I did 1 recipe of gluten free crust and got about 4 of those and then did a double recipe of regular dough and got about 18 calzones and still had some dough left over. This is what happened with the leftover dough... Cinnamon Rolls! Yes, I could have frozen it, or even just baked it like a free form bread to have, but no. My family needed breakfast in the morning. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u>Cinnamon Rolls</u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
On a floured surface roll out your dough to make a thin rectangle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Melt 4-6 T of butter and pour over dough. Spread evenly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mix together 3/4 cup sugar and 2 T cinnamon (or just sprinkle it all on separate) and get dirty and spread it all together over dough to the edges. Mix more if you need more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Start at one end and carefully roll until you get a log. </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Slice in 1-2 inch disks and place in a baking dish to fit your rolls.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Refrigerate over night or bake on the spot. (If you refrigerate, let sit at room temp for about 1 hour before baking.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bake at 425 for about 30-40 minutes or until browned and bubbly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pour icing on and eat!</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
**For the icing I just mixed 2-3 cups powdered sugar with 3-4 T milk and a little vanilla. Use a can or make your own, whatever you like. </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIh52VzqHd64fRNEPplLZAtMrev1hc7N9xbgQ5yx4QZz7DFisDpnjQ-std7yHqEx9HER9LZrg-lO3v3qGwkMvifhUJgvKYLTkO46_OIsLMTWK995fQhoEk4jzPEGKVjdsgUQvyg0bW7ISq/s1600/IMG_20140430_090309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIh52VzqHd64fRNEPplLZAtMrev1hc7N9xbgQ5yx4QZz7DFisDpnjQ-std7yHqEx9HER9LZrg-lO3v3qGwkMvifhUJgvKYLTkO46_OIsLMTWK995fQhoEk4jzPEGKVjdsgUQvyg0bW7ISq/s1600/IMG_20140430_090309.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbERpQDSIqi4DdzgP5zMtE8th7JxJvxEp5DC6GEaczSZC99v1Wi7a6TDKOqyKzYUPGveuK_GWdBTATmB0F5BuA9I-3FVVR-YdmGmST27M34swGXT2dLtxa_lR22OCe0fHX1gK9MGKY5MuU/s1600/IMG_20140430_090604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbERpQDSIqi4DdzgP5zMtE8th7JxJvxEp5DC6GEaczSZC99v1Wi7a6TDKOqyKzYUPGveuK_GWdBTATmB0F5BuA9I-3FVVR-YdmGmST27M34swGXT2dLtxa_lR22OCe0fHX1gK9MGKY5MuU/s1600/IMG_20140430_090604.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViHiff9owXLNjZZdywN2Df6sR02vkndi4-wyGHp8Me8C3y0ShfWsaerIFp3WS8fr_FLLRKztq9MxIWtLFOYoyeoIjPmwakgzryfv96BOoMuP0AlULorDV6ZLyacHSbZsmFvfHTOgf65zx/s1600/IMG_20140430_090912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViHiff9owXLNjZZdywN2Df6sR02vkndi4-wyGHp8Me8C3y0ShfWsaerIFp3WS8fr_FLLRKztq9MxIWtLFOYoyeoIjPmwakgzryfv96BOoMuP0AlULorDV6ZLyacHSbZsmFvfHTOgf65zx/s1600/IMG_20140430_090912.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-37506570540474202852014-05-05T03:09:00.002-07:002014-05-05T03:09:42.440-07:00Homemade Chicken Stock from a Cooked Rotisseri Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not a surprise that I love to cook and that I love soups. So many recipes call for chicken broth or stock, and I would much rather add that than some powdered stuff or water. The flavor of a good chicken stock can add so much to a recipe. Heck, even just to plain rice! You can easily find a good stock in box, but anymore they keep getting more and more expensive. And to make your own, the price of whole fryer chickens is getting more and more expensive too. Then I remembered reading about using a rotisserie chicken. Boom! You know, the ones at the grocery store that usually cost $5-6? Again, how that makes sense that it's cheaper to buy a cooked one compared to a raw one is beyond me. Nonetheless, it is. Rotisserie chickens are great for just eating as is, for a quick meal, using to make chicken salad, add to casseroles or soups. Tons of things! The meat is good and usually always quite flavorful. Sometimes they even come in different flavors. Ooo, fancy! </div>
Ok, back on track.... I read a blog before about someone using rotisserie chicken bones (or carcass) to make homemade stock. So you can use the meat for whatever and then make your own stock, all for $5. Yes, please! Here's what I did. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step 1:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Removed all the meat from the carcass of the bird. Get down and dirty with it! Save everything, skin and all. You'll get roughly 4 or more cups of shredded to chicken. Eat it, use it, freeze it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimDOJJzJZR5rZnVZT2TocUUivxHjyDgB9z35ORXLmAkXb9Qd6Zu2YwXBxTvNlVxVqqH0Wt0kMfkhhNJjAghOQwrkuxloAFxyl1qtpf8874TYUln8wupn-1ozIZSR1hPrxD8jexu1NdMCI/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimDOJJzJZR5rZnVZT2TocUUivxHjyDgB9z35ORXLmAkXb9Qd6Zu2YwXBxTvNlVxVqqH0Wt0kMfkhhNJjAghOQwrkuxloAFxyl1qtpf8874TYUln8wupn-1ozIZSR1hPrxD8jexu1NdMCI/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimDOJJzJZR5rZnVZT2TocUUivxHjyDgB9z35ORXLmAkXb9Qd6Zu2YwXBxTvNlVxVqqH0Wt0kMfkhhNJjAghOQwrkuxloAFxyl1qtpf8874TYUln8wupn-1ozIZSR1hPrxD8jexu1NdMCI/s1600/image.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step 2:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Take the whole carcass, and anything else you got and put it into a large pot. </div>
Cut up any veggies you have laying around. Onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli, even a lemon or whatever else. You'll want about 4-6 cups worth of cut up veggies. <em>(I used a small onion, 2 carrots, 1 zucchini, and very small amount of cauliflower including it's leaves) </em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, add in a clove or two or three of garlic. Smash it or cut it in half to make sure you get all the flavor out of it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next, add in some herbs. If you have fresh ones, throw in a few leaves or sprigs of whatever you have. If you have dried, like I did, add in what you got. Sprinkle on some Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley, pepper, salt, whatever you like.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lastly, fill with water. You want to fill it to just about covering all the veggies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OC_Jy8xdtpPB_UIBM4pwDvnwZp_ROQTGVwtHpvvHkuk_1YX3_14WHwPuEV0jB5_Cur0Rd5bjP0eP_eJkIzvZfVaS584YM9XKIt9eCChrOHc2wl0j-4dUCe_2zIvwj8esMUOLYA0fFQqc/s1600/IMG_20140502_085349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OC_Jy8xdtpPB_UIBM4pwDvnwZp_ROQTGVwtHpvvHkuk_1YX3_14WHwPuEV0jB5_Cur0Rd5bjP0eP_eJkIzvZfVaS584YM9XKIt9eCChrOHc2wl0j-4dUCe_2zIvwj8esMUOLYA0fFQqc/s1600/IMG_20140502_085349.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step 3:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Put on the lid and let it come to boil, then lower to simmer. Simmer for about 3-4 hours. Your house will small amazing while it simmers! You want to let it cook until the bones are soft and will bend. Maybe not a leg bone, but a smaller rib bone will be able to bend in half. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAICMnOC54XKNXvHdhw_zvwbbKU6DwQsO1OXUrekw1FJoAb_lTDI3Kkw58wwasaKqq6k7OgNuVLbWzm96OfClSvp1t5JRHlLQytJttiwg4BKGbIrAteGyc9RpZsN_NW_wBvqP3zURjGP30/s1600/IMG_20140502_093009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAICMnOC54XKNXvHdhw_zvwbbKU6DwQsO1OXUrekw1FJoAb_lTDI3Kkw58wwasaKqq6k7OgNuVLbWzm96OfClSvp1t5JRHlLQytJttiwg4BKGbIrAteGyc9RpZsN_NW_wBvqP3zURjGP30/s1600/IMG_20140502_093009.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step 4:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Use a large colander or strainer and drain OVER A LARGE BOWL to strain everything out. Please don't forget the bowl and lose all the beautiful stock you just made. If some of your spices go with the broth that's ok. If you want it without, then use a fine mesh strainer after you strain all the bones and veggies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7wmiyu61AbTwaSlB_8WKl3XEFWlwNy2ui4RxrRLtQ9Sq7F7q2yIx94wWc__rzSwtU1Kw9I9D2PFcZiWW8lVKJ214YWqswe9CXp5bhmrOUklzABRlAYdQ5MAWtheXsrY9mbXl3N8WLs5I/s1600/IMG_20140502_102500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7wmiyu61AbTwaSlB_8WKl3XEFWlwNy2ui4RxrRLtQ9Sq7F7q2yIx94wWc__rzSwtU1Kw9I9D2PFcZiWW8lVKJ214YWqswe9CXp5bhmrOUklzABRlAYdQ5MAWtheXsrY9mbXl3N8WLs5I/s1600/IMG_20140502_102500.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step 5: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Marvel at the beautiful rich stock you just made and how simple that was. **Angels sing**</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMJwaYIDjy5Qh2oVxFSX0cKGtyQSDzQ10-xahjVDbVVDaGLsLVY4LvE4fmjVSXlT9JO7ej1KZiyHCAWeLdb3UOHbZUTs0dFG4WljdiclxSqzLAPKcdffMB95j0SOIuegB5jmrpuqMdHlV/s1600/IMG_20140502_102508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMJwaYIDjy5Qh2oVxFSX0cKGtyQSDzQ10-xahjVDbVVDaGLsLVY4LvE4fmjVSXlT9JO7ej1KZiyHCAWeLdb3UOHbZUTs0dFG4WljdiclxSqzLAPKcdffMB95j0SOIuegB5jmrpuqMdHlV/s1600/IMG_20140502_102508.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step 6:</div>
You can use it right away, store in the refrigerator for a up to a week or freeze it for later use. With one chicken and recipe you should get about 4 cups of stock. Remember that it is going to be richer than store bought broth, so you may even want to dilute it a touch with some recipes or leave it as is. It is your preference, your kitchen, your stock. <br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy it!! How are you using your stock??<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSlmTRp66LoHHPuPPc6yDhQPIj7ejPmJZWMOkjV7skDpaFnZbsavXd_d4gMiujHaFd9hZahntNMIZjxiyeXI4RibNFaltMhzArjQA3NeD41Iy7nMEQmNk0YNNY92599gYDP9ubxkMBpEw/s1600/IMG_20140502_112930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSlmTRp66LoHHPuPPc6yDhQPIj7ejPmJZWMOkjV7skDpaFnZbsavXd_d4gMiujHaFd9hZahntNMIZjxiyeXI4RibNFaltMhzArjQA3NeD41Iy7nMEQmNk0YNNY92599gYDP9ubxkMBpEw/s1600/IMG_20140502_112930.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-87762946836339913312014-04-28T02:15:00.001-07:002014-04-28T02:15:51.537-07:00Asian Meatballs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, here we are in England and for whatever reason, I'm really craving Asian food. No clue why. Doesn't make sense, I know, but that's all I want. I thought I'd get creative and make some of my own. With having limited groceries and not wanting to head to the store, I made with what I had on hand. I searched Pinterest and found I was missing a few things that most recipes called for, so this is what I came up with. You know what? They were delicious! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u>Asian Meatballs</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Makes approx. 18-20 meatballs</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mix thoroughly together:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 lb lean ground beef</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 small onion, grated</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 clove garlic, grated or minced</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 T soy sauce</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 egg</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/4 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/4 tsp black pepper</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Spoon into balls and place on cookie sheet, drizzle with a little bit of olive oil. Bake at 425 for 20-25 minutes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VQsdG8CNz7Vx0nh4XxatHVghfZ9r7zcBuWswPQUEM5Lc_neK0ShYZ1v5aI7ZJtKXbo5gIKodcuKOyeVY8Qd6NROp7Q_ZEf_dGApfsmMxltBE4PPHbpngygVBwYEJv6Ni0XKSMqrIuSOC/s1600/IMG_20140424_173831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VQsdG8CNz7Vx0nh4XxatHVghfZ9r7zcBuWswPQUEM5Lc_neK0ShYZ1v5aI7ZJtKXbo5gIKodcuKOyeVY8Qd6NROp7Q_ZEf_dGApfsmMxltBE4PPHbpngygVBwYEJv6Ni0XKSMqrIuSOC/s1600/IMG_20140424_173831.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u>Sweet Soy Sauce</u></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While meatballs are cooking, stir together in a small pot on medium heat:</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 T oil</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/3 cup vinegar</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/4 cup soy sauce</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/3 cup dark brown sugar</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1-2 garlic cloves, grated</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
a few shakes of red pepper flake</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes and taste to see if you need to more salty soy or more sweet sugar to your liking and add accordingly.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once meatballs are done baking add to sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes. Drizzle with a little bit of honey for some added flavor and sweetness, if desired. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Serve over rice. Enjoy!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
*Meatballs can easily be doubled with the same amount of sauce. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDU6QmHioyffevxa3b0eYAcy_EpKryi8on4dzv4r8Ig-vCa6M7ZZ9IZgfc1kJvTy5bcOwNp7e1bHc8YGhzls-hv0ySm75yBIYfZbXihP4ViAAIeVnHg_HAQJ5f1_Vo4h9sK-QSGZcIqzs/s1600/IMG_20140424_175029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDU6QmHioyffevxa3b0eYAcy_EpKryi8on4dzv4r8Ig-vCa6M7ZZ9IZgfc1kJvTy5bcOwNp7e1bHc8YGhzls-hv0ySm75yBIYfZbXihP4ViAAIeVnHg_HAQJ5f1_Vo4h9sK-QSGZcIqzs/s1600/IMG_20140424_175029.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yummy balls of deliciousness! </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-66001191203074619432014-04-05T13:10:00.001-07:002014-04-05T13:10:50.954-07:00Gluten Free Lemon SquaresI'm not usually the biggest fan of lemony stuff, especially desserts. My husband loves lemony foods but hates sour stuff. My kids are all somewhere in between, one like her dad, my son can straight up eat lemons without flinching and the little we are still figuring out. Basically what I'm saying is that we don't know if we are friends with lemons or not, but we all do love lemonade!<br />
This summer while I was home in Ohio visiting we had a couple friends over. We all made and brought a few things to share. One of them has Celiac's, so she is my buddy and one of my go to peeps for gluten free questions. Well, she brought into my life <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/gluten-free-lemon-squares/e590bf8e-61fd-46a3-bbfd-a5a3bbaa3df5" target="_blank">Lemon Squares</a> that changed my life. Not even exaggerating! I became a lemon dessert believer! That night I think I ate 3 of them after I had professed to "not being a big lemon person" and became the hypocrite of the night. I have since made these babies more times than I can count, for potlucks, parties, Bible study and just because. Every time I eat a lot of them and never do I grow tired of them. Mind blown goodness. Make them. I promise you will not be disappointed!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNQP5lMY0uNJma22CywXVMHFJSg1IhdPag3_TxqN0dXdLRiPn3wdwZKWugzFXTIJizb5BtvC5gkS6Ioe_beC5JUdq6z_TR1uXDasD7Uef0wf3Bm5xs7xHbfiGH2TctSf_4kXTJJXMiBKd/s3200/IMG_20140220_132611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNQP5lMY0uNJma22CywXVMHFJSg1IhdPag3_TxqN0dXdLRiPn3wdwZKWugzFXTIJizb5BtvC5gkS6Ioe_beC5JUdq6z_TR1uXDasD7Uef0wf3Bm5xs7xHbfiGH2TctSf_4kXTJJXMiBKd/s3200/IMG_20140220_132611.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><u>G<a href="https://www.blogger.com/">luten Free Lemon Squares</a></u></b><br />
<i><a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/gluten-free-lemon-squares/e590bf8e-61fd-46a3-bbfd-a5a3bbaa3df5" target="_blank">From Betty Cr</a><u>ocker</u></i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #db0038; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 28px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #db0038; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 28px;">Ingredients</span><br />
<div class="recipePartIngredientGroup" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; width: 551px;">
<h2 style="color: #333333; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
Crust</h2>
<dl class="recipePartIngredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<dt style="float: left; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">1 1/2</span></dt>
<dd style="color: #333333; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 0px 0px 5px 15px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="type" style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"></span>cups Betty Crocker™ All-Purpose Gluten Free Rice Flour Blend (I used my favorite GF flour mixture and omitted the xanthan gum.)</span></dd></dl>
<dl class="recipePartIngredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<dt style="float: left; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">1/2</span></dt>
<dd style="color: #333333; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 0px 0px 5px 15px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="type" style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"></span>cup granulated sugar</span></dd></dl>
<dl class="recipePartIngredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<dt style="float: left; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">3/4</span></dt>
<dd style="color: #333333; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 0px 0px 5px 15px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="type" style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"></span>teaspoon xanthan gum</span></dd></dl>
<dl class="recipePartIngredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<dt style="float: left; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">1/2</span></dt>
<dd style="color: #333333; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 0px 0px 5px 15px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="type" style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"></span>cup cold butter, cut into pieces</span></dd></dl>
<dl class="recipePartIngredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<dt style="float: left; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">1</span></dt>
<dd style="color: #333333; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 0px 0px 5px 15px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="type" style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"></span>to 2 tablespoons water</span></dd></dl>
</div>
<div class="recipePartIngredientGroup" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; width: 551px;">
<h2 style="color: #333333; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
Filling</h2>
<dl class="recipePartIngredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<dt style="float: left; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">1 1/2</span></dt>
<dd style="color: #333333; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 0px 0px 5px 15px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="type" style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"></span>cups granulated sugar</span></dd></dl>
<dl class="recipePartIngredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<dt style="float: left; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">2</span></dt>
<dd style="color: #333333; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 0px 0px 5px 15px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="type" style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"></span>tablespoons grated lemon peel</span></dd></dl>
<dl class="recipePartIngredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<dt style="float: left; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">1/2</span></dt>
<dd style="color: #333333; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 0px 0px 5px 15px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="type" style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"></span>cup fresh lemon juice</span></dd></dl>
<dl class="recipePartIngredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<dt style="float: left; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">4</span></dt>
<dd style="color: #333333; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 0px 0px 5px 15px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="type" style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"></span>eggs, lightly beaten</span></dd></dl>
<dl class="recipePartIngredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<dt style="float: left; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">1/4</span></dt>
<dd style="color: #333333; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 0px 0px 5px 15px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="type" style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"></span>cup Betty Crocker™ All-Purpose Gluten Free Rice Flour Blend</span></dd></dl>
<dl class="recipePartIngredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<dt style="float: left; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"></span></dt>
<dd style="color: #333333; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 0px 0px 5px 15px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="type" style="text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"></span>Powdered sugar</span></dd></dl>
</div>
<i><u>Directi</u></i><span style="background-color: white;">ons</span><br />
<div class="recipePartSteps" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; margin: 20px 0px 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<ul class="recipePartStepsList" style="padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<li class="recipePartStep" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="recipePartStepHeading" style="background-image: url(http://www.bettycrocker.com/images/Global/listNumberBG.png); background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #db0038; display: inline-block; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; height: 24px; line-height: 2em; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: top; width: 25px;">1</span><span class="recipePartStepDescription" style="color: #333333; display: inline-block; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; padding-left: 30px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: top; width: 464px;">Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom only of 9-inch square pan.</span></li>
<li class="recipePartStep" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="recipePartStepHeading" style="background-image: url(http://www.bettycrocker.com/images/Global/listNumberBG.png); background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #db0038; display: inline-block; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; height: 24px; line-height: 2em; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: top; width: 25px;">2</span><span class="recipePartStepDescription" style="color: #333333; display: inline-block; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; padding-left: 30px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: top; width: 464px;">For Crust, in medium bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups flour blend, 1/2 cup granulated sugar and the xanthan gum. Cut in butter, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through mixture in opposite directions), until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, tossing with fork, until crumbly. Press dough in bottom of pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or just until set.</span></li>
<li class="recipePartStep" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="recipePartStepHeading" style="background-image: url(http://www.bettycrocker.com/images/Global/listNumberBG.png); background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #db0038; display: inline-block; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; height: 24px; line-height: 2em; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: top; width: 25px;">3</span><span class="recipePartStepDescription" style="color: #333333; display: inline-block; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; padding-left: 30px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: top; width: 464px;">For Filling, in medium bowl, stir together all ingredients except powdered sugar with whisk until blended. Pour over hot crust.</span></li>
<li class="recipePartStep" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="recipePartStepHeading" style="background-image: url(http://www.bettycrocker.com/images/Global/listNumberBG.png); background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #db0038; display: inline-block; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; height: 24px; line-height: 2em; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: top; width: 25px;">4</span><span class="recipePartStepDescription" style="color: #333333; display: inline-block; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; padding-left: 30px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: top; width: 464px;">Bake 23 to 28 minutes longer or until filling no longer jiggles when pan is moved. Cool completely on cooling rack, about 2 hours. Cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Cover and refrigerate any remaining lemon squares.</span></li>
<li class="recipePartStep" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="recipePartStepDescription" style="color: #333333; display: inline-block; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; padding-left: 30px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: top; width: 464px;">**This is very easily doubled in a 9x13</span></li>
<li class="recipePartStep" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="recipePartStepDescription" style="color: #333333; display: inline-block; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; padding-left: 30px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: top; width: 464px;">**For easy clean up and serving line pan with foil.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-84176589377893423262014-03-22T02:32:00.001-07:002014-03-22T02:32:34.649-07:00One Pot Cheeseburger MacaroniThese days I am all about dinners that are fast to put together and take the least amount of dishes and pots to make. With moving all over the place and not knowing what is going on, its nice to have meals like this one. Plus, my whole family liked it! I used gluten free rice pasta so I could eat it too and turned out great. Double plus! This totally reminded me of the boxed hamburger helper stuff, but homemade without all the preservatives and junk. Easy peasey and good! Woohoo! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9FYW_Iy0ZW1jlvExg7wsFjHoxiCPt1k9uHaJ01wLuJOB6ziKaIf9h46npCpfsOHUzeA7ZCUPb7eUS7ttQ2UH-LYEgpFATJ3v3-03gRVAweJ4bB1Hw3Y5qkbh8zxmN3aHXGvZXXolYxda/s3200/IMG_20140215_165751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9FYW_Iy0ZW1jlvExg7wsFjHoxiCPt1k9uHaJ01wLuJOB6ziKaIf9h46npCpfsOHUzeA7ZCUPb7eUS7ttQ2UH-LYEgpFATJ3v3-03gRVAweJ4bB1Hw3Y5qkbh8zxmN3aHXGvZXXolYxda/s3200/IMG_20140215_165751.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.number-2-pencil.com/2013/06/26/one-pot-cheeseburger-casserole/" target="_blank"><b>One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni</b></a><br />
<i>From <a href="http://www.number-2-pencil.com/2013/06/26/one-pot-cheeseburger-casserole/" target="_blank">No. 2 Pencil</a></i><br />
<br />
<div class="ERSIngredients" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading" style="clear: both; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;">
Ingredients</div>
<ul style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">1 tablespoon of olive oil</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">½ of a large yellow onion, diced</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">1.5 pounds good quality, lean ground beef</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">2 teaspoon of season salt, or salt and pepper to taste</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">1 28 oz can of whole peeled tomatoes</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">1 8 oz can of tomato sauce</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">2 cups of water</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">¼ cup of ketchup</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">2 teaspoons of dijon mustard</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">1 pound of rotini pasta</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">Freshly diced tomato</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">Green onions</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">Pickles</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">Shredded lettuce</li>
</ul>
<div class="ERSClear" style="clear: both; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #807069; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: inherit; padding: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="ERSInstructions" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading" style="clear: both; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;">
Instructions</div>
<ol style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">Start with a large pot.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">Add olive oil to the pan, and sautee yellow onions until softened over medium heat.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">Increase heat to high and add ground beef.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">While ground beef is cooking, season with one teaspoon of season salt plus several turns of freshly ground pepper.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">Brown ground beef, and drain any excess fat from the pot.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">Use kitchen scissors to chop up whole tomatoes while still in the can.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, water, ketchup, mustard, pasta and additional teaspoon of season salt to the pot and bring mixture to a boil.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">Turn heat back down, cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is tender.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">Once pasta is cooked, remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">Sprinkle additional cup of shredded cheese on top and re-cover pot with lid until cheese is melted.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">Add your choice of traditional cheeseburger toppings.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">We choose fresh, diced tomatoes and green onions. You can also try pickles or shredded lettuce.</li>
</ol>
<div class="ERSClear" style="clear: both; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #807069; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: inherit; padding: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="ERSNotesDiv" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="ERSNotesHeader" style="clear: both; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;">
Notes</div>
<div class="ERSNotes" style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
This recipe serves a lot, probably 8-10 at least, and makes great leftovers! The ingredients are easily halved to feed a family of 4.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-25016778210540725772014-03-01T10:22:00.003-08:002014-03-01T10:22:47.618-08:00Creamy White Bean Stew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is beginning to warm up in Vegas, but I know in other parts of the country it's still pretty cold and snowy. To me, when it's cold and you are hunkered down inside, nothing warms you (and the house) better than a hearty soup or stew. I love soups! I always have. I could eat them all the time, however I'm fairly certain that my hubby would get tired of them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It had been a while since I had a good bean soup and the hubs isn't the biggest fan of beans, unless it's baked beans. Haha! When he was gone for while I decided to try a new bean soup recipe I had found. <a href="http://thecozyapron.com/a-cozy-stew-creamy-white-bean-stew-with-smokey-bacon-my-companion-on-a-grey-day/" target="_blank">Creamy White Bean Stew</a>... and the second main ingredient was BACON! How could that not be good?! I told the kids we were having bacon soup and they bought it and ate it. No one asked for seconds, but it was at least consumed on the night of dinner and left plenty of left-overs for me. :) This recipe was super easy, loaded with veggies, canned beans (which makes everything easier yet) and, of course, flavored with bacon. YUM to the 10th power! I made cornbread to go with this and it was a delicious combo! Tell me what you think. What's your favorite bean soup?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u><a href="http://thecozyapron.com/a-cozy-stew-creamy-white-bean-stew-with-smokey-bacon-my-companion-on-a-grey-day/" target="_blank">Creamy White Bean Stew</a></u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>from <a href="http://thecozyapron.com/a-cozy-stew-creamy-white-bean-stew-with-smokey-bacon-my-companion-on-a-grey-day/" target="_blank">The Cozy Apron</a></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><br /></em></div>
Ingredients:<br />
12 ounces apple smoked bacon, chopped into small pieces<br /> 1 tablespoon olive oil<br /> 1 tablespoon butter<br /> 1 onion, small dice<br /> 2 carrots, small dice<br /> 2 celery stalks, small dice<br /> 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press<br /> 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning<br />• Pinch or two sea salt<br /> ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper<br /> 6 (15 ounce) cans small white beans (or navy beans), drained and rinsed<br /> 4 cups chicken stock, hot<br /> 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped<br /> 1 teaspoon lemon zest <em>(I omitted)</em><br /> 2 tablespoons lemon juice <em>(I omitted)</em><br />
<br /><br />
Preparation:<br />
-Place a large Dutch oven, or heavy bottom pot, over medium-high heat; once the pot is hot, add in a small drizzle of olive oil, and the chopped bacon; crisp the bacon completely until nice and brown, then remove with a slotted spoon, drain it on some paper towel, and set it aside for a moment; reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat, and set that aside for a moment, as well; wipe out the pot, and return it to medium-high heat.<br />
-Next, add back into the pot the bacon fat, along with the olive oil and the butter, and allow them to melt together; once melted and hot, add in the diced onion, carrots and celery, and allow them to soften and sauté for about 5 minutes; next, add in the garlic, and once it becomes aromatic, add in about 2/3 of the reserved, crisped bacon, as well as the Italian seasoning, the sea salt and the pepper, along with the white beans, and stir to combine; next, add in the hot chicken stock, stir, and allow the stew to gently simmer for about 40-45 minutes, partially covered with lid; about half way through the cooking process, mash the beans a little bit with the back of your spoon, or with a potato masher, to break up the beans a little bit and release their natural starch to thicken the stew; after about 40 minutes, turn the heat off and finish the stew by adding in the chopped parsley, the lemon zest and the lemon juice; serve the stew with some nice, crusty bread to dip, and garnish with some of the remaining crisped bacon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorkgxrg3QZfF5n5VKhjxKqn1aBwlK7_SN1Ic_prG_ko8_nIWawzTQcKfvh330nJtlIelLbEGYHsVmwbeMaTJDnDI7JWAbNUQX62U_3IqDDCXS120aCmcB9o5O6T0TKz_t0YMJEgjmqrUq/s1600/IMG_20140204_170521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorkgxrg3QZfF5n5VKhjxKqn1aBwlK7_SN1Ic_prG_ko8_nIWawzTQcKfvh330nJtlIelLbEGYHsVmwbeMaTJDnDI7JWAbNUQX62U_3IqDDCXS120aCmcB9o5O6T0TKz_t0YMJEgjmqrUq/s1600/IMG_20140204_170521.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Deliciousness!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-29973741080119074882014-02-22T16:15:00.001-08:002014-02-22T16:15:06.257-08:00Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
As a woman and wife that bakes a lot, you tend to get a reputation for certain things. One thing that I have learned through the years about crew chiefs is that they will eat anything, good or bad and it never lasts long! Especially if it is homemade. So, whenever I'm trying a new recipe, have been in major bake mode and have too much around or have left overs from a party or from company over, I send it in with the hubby to work. I'm sure to get an empty container back by the end of the day. </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EgLKDK5WpVuCphAige1aDjtCYqJBF9q8SzBoyQtGUYwjq6jUFwg4AUK5JhPFGnX8XD03jDA9BOZAXuTPAgkAVUEorS54e70DJmdstixpj81LOZnAbr_u1Zi6MKRZHEwH1hC7NLAfQ4q5/s1600/homemade+desserts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EgLKDK5WpVuCphAige1aDjtCYqJBF9q8SzBoyQtGUYwjq6jUFwg4AUK5JhPFGnX8XD03jDA9BOZAXuTPAgkAVUEorS54e70DJmdstixpj81LOZnAbr_u1Zi6MKRZHEwH1hC7NLAfQ4q5/s1600/homemade+desserts.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The birthday tower of desserts. </em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
For my husband's 30th birthday I wanted to do something different and we hadn't been in Vegas long and were just beginning to make good friends. I decided to make all his favorite boxed snack sweets, but homemade. I made Oreos, Zebra Cakes, Moon Pies and <a href="http://www.bloomingonbainbridge.com/2011/11/oatmeal-creme-pies.html" target="_blank">Oatmeal Cream Pies</a>. They were all good but the <a href="http://www.bloomingonbainbridge.com/2011/11/oatmeal-creme-pies.html" target="_blank">Oatmeal Cream Pies</a> were to die for! They soon became the most requested and sought after thing I've made. Well, those, and jalapeño poppers. :) When we got our orders to move, I knew that before we left I had to make sure to make them one last time. So I made a double batch for the guys and they were gone in minutes. </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
They are fairly simple to make and turn out great every time. Without further ado, here's the great recipe!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u><a href="http://www.bloomingonbainbridge.com/2011/11/oatmeal-creme-pies.html" target="_blank">Oatmeal Cream Pies</a></u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>From <a href="http://www.bloomingonbainbridge.com/2011/11/oatmeal-creme-pies.html" target="_blank">Blooming on Bainbridge</a></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cookies:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 1/4 cup butter, softened</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup brown sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 1/2 cups flour</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3 cups oatmeal</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 egg</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 tsp vanilla</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 tsp baking soda</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp salt</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/4 tsp cinnamon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cream together butter and sugar. Add in egg, vanilla, baking soda, salt and cinnamon until creamy. Mix in flour and then oatmeal until well combined.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Use a small cookie scoop or drop by tablespoonfulls onto parchment paper lined cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for about 10 minutes. Let cool 2 minutes and transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cream Filling:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup butter, softened</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 cups powdered sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1-2 T whipping cream</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 tsp vanilla</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Beat butter and gradually add powered sugar until it begins to combine. Add vanilla and then whipping cream a little at a time. Beat on high speed until it begins to get fluffy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once cookies are cooled completely, line them up to make matches that are about the same size. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Put filling into a freezer zip-lock bag and snip a corner off to use as a pastry bag. Add about 1 T of filling onto 1 of the cookies and top with another cookie. Press gently together to spread the filling. Repeat with the remaining cookies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-g2ldIrnLr0SsXBdepU7ah7OAbhUjHV_n3jfebRGQFMxHhbcx7sFSq06cYVFN0KXDgD3jJHTgahR9NrkzUhnVJJtS4sf21pzolBUjfUT3WfkcQ-wM7ie6i1wpGj6WaqlcjBpOKcMDeO2/s1600/IMG_1458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-g2ldIrnLr0SsXBdepU7ah7OAbhUjHV_n3jfebRGQFMxHhbcx7sFSq06cYVFN0KXDgD3jJHTgahR9NrkzUhnVJJtS4sf21pzolBUjfUT3WfkcQ-wM7ie6i1wpGj6WaqlcjBpOKcMDeO2/s1600/IMG_1458.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYaFD4OoWW0/UuACyJqOX4I/AAAAAAAAFKA/32UVUMjl0cU/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYaFD4OoWW0/UuACyJqOX4I/AAAAAAAAFKA/32UVUMjl0cU/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oldX1jnbZj4/UuAC1RXMzdI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/ca7svaxWBD4/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oldX1jnbZj4/UuAC1RXMzdI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/ca7svaxWBD4/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-8056319169245701192014-02-15T10:44:00.000-08:002014-02-15T10:44:01.514-08:00Butternut Squash Soup with Thanksgiving Meatballs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Who doesn't like the smell of Thanksgiving dinner cooking? It's one of those smells that just warms your heart. I'd been wanting to try a <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/butternut-squash-soup-sage-parmesan-croutons-10000001010486/index.html" target="_blank">Butternut Squash soup</a> for a while, but knew I never could make it when my husband was around. He detests squash of any kind and sweet potatoes too. Usually whenever he's gone I make all those things for myself. My kids like some of it, but not all. But I just don't care sometimes. The first week he was gone I was trying to do a good cleanse and get sugars out. This was a great recipe to do that with. I made the soup and meatballs and ate it for lunch throughout the week. I froze half of it to pull out later. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had found a few different recipes for this kind of soup, but didn't know where to start. Then I was checking out recipes from <a href="http://www.changeofpaceforme.com/2012/11/paleo-thanksgiving-meatballs.html" target="_blank">Change of Pace</a> and found her favorite along with her recipe for <a href="http://www.changeofpaceforme.com/2012/11/paleo-thanksgiving-meatballs.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving Meatballs</a>. Sounded good to me and like a perfect combo. So I gave it a try! Both are delicious! The meatballs have the perfect flavor and taste to get you through the year until next Thanksgiving and the soup had the perfect flavor to go with them. Not to mention tasting good too. I hope you like it as much as I did. Use it as a go-to lunch or a nice hot dinner on a cold night. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/butternut-squash-soup-sage-parmesan-croutons-10000001010486/index.html" target="_blank"><strong>Butternut Squash Soup</strong></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>(From <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/butternut-squash-soup-sage-parmesan-croutons-10000001010486/index.html" target="_blank">Real Simple</a>)</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuS0vl7rXyJngdTclHWKwe25iLF4biAmLfciKCJB-E9NZMD-vij3Z6hi7_Dd3Axt3znN8pXWayJu5HIKST7Hwza0bZOJifowkhLsMW54LKCStOXSaMw9lvIpNGsYMVkmMGpyN2n_UMpOEb/s1600/IMG_20140201_130522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuS0vl7rXyJngdTclHWKwe25iLF4biAmLfciKCJB-E9NZMD-vij3Z6hi7_Dd3Axt3znN8pXWayJu5HIKST7Hwza0bZOJifowkhLsMW54LKCStOXSaMw9lvIpNGsYMVkmMGpyN2n_UMpOEb/s1600/IMG_20140201_130522.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><em>Soup-A-Simmering</em></u></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ingredients</div>
<ul style="border-image: none;">
<li><span itemprop="ingredients"><span style="color: black;">1 </span><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/winter-squash-00000000039373/index.html"><span style="color: black;">3-pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes (5 to 6 cups)</span></a></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredients"><span style="color: black;">3 tablespoons </span><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/oils-00000000039335/index.html"><span style="color: black;">olive oil</span></a></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredients"><span style="color: black;">3 teaspoons kosher salt</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredients"><span style="color: black;">pinch of freshly ground black pepper</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredients"><span style="color: black;">1 tablespoon butter</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredients"><span style="color: black;">1 </span><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/onions-00000000039337/index.html"><span style="color: black;">large yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)</span></a></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredients"><span style="color: black;">3 stalks of celery, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredients"><span style="color: black;">1 tablespoon </span><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/sage-00000000039359/index.html"><span style="color: black;">chopped fresh sage (about 6 large leaves)</span></a></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredients"><span style="color: black;">6 cups chicken broth</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredients"><span style="color: black;">1/2 cup </span><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/parmesan-00000000039340/index.html"><span style="color: black;">freshly grated Parmesan</span></a></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredients"><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/sage-parmesan-croutons-10000001025468/index.html"><span style="color: black;">Sage and Parmesan Croutons</span></a></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="border-image: none;">
Directions</div>
<div class="recipeDirections" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
<ol style="border-image: none;">
<li>Preheat oven to 400° F. In a large bowl, toss the squash with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, 2 teaspoons of the salt, and the pepper. Place the squash on a rimmed baking sheet and roast in oven for 15 minutes. Turn the cubes over and continue roasting for 15 minutes or until they are caramelized; set aside. </li>
<li>In a Dutch oven or a large stockpot, heat the butter and the remaining oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and sage and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are translucent and tender, 10 minutes. Add the squash, broth, and the remaining salt and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until the liquid is flavorful. Remove from heat. </li>
<li>Using a blender or a food processor, blend the soup in batches until smooth. Return to the pot and keep warm.<strong></strong></li>
</ol>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u><a href="http://www.changeofpaceforme.com/2012/11/paleo-thanksgiving-meatballs.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving Meatballs</a></u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>(From <a href="http://www.changeofpaceforme.com/2012/11/paleo-thanksgiving-meatballs.html" target="_blank">Change of Pace</a>)</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJO59yu3pDn2lbxbFypRbNIZHuzIdDdZSWZ0bppsncir2hgPRJb_bRYBpiVI1WjvTRWsNa1S5_oHxNLN3NJWs3aBzdWk291daviVRHRiRk63o9eh3FEOZz08z8Bn03gJ941n6-THpUtRsp/s1600/IMG_20140201_130513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJO59yu3pDn2lbxbFypRbNIZHuzIdDdZSWZ0bppsncir2hgPRJb_bRYBpiVI1WjvTRWsNa1S5_oHxNLN3NJWs3aBzdWk291daviVRHRiRk63o9eh3FEOZz08z8Bn03gJ941n6-THpUtRsp/s1600/IMG_20140201_130513.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><strong>Paleo Thanksgiving Meatballs</strong><i>(this made a dozen for
me)</i><br /><br />1lb ground turkey (<i>I used 94% lean</i>)<br />1/4 cup almond
flour<br />1 egg beaten<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />1 tablespoon grass fed
butter<br />1/4 cup celery finely diced<br />1/2 cup onion finely diced<br />1 garlic
clove finely diced<br />1 teaspoon dried sage<br /><br />Preheat your oven to 400
degrees. <br /><br />Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan. Add the onions and
celery. Cook until onions are translucent and everything is soft. Add the sage
and garlic. Cook until fragrant. <br /><br />While everything is cooking put the
turkey, almond flour, egg, and salt in a large bowl. When the onion mixture is
done add it to the turkey mixture. Mix thoroughly. <br /><br />Roll into balls and
bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until a thermometer reads 165 degrees. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nGYxk7MneMqgvdKsWdl5eCx4qDrHEOPhB8nstqeLRCkKiKj9H-UJxZ0cGBhi2vM9qIHiZDZ39BYlItP2WQE2Sed0aqpUKWQ5tqbjJiWqPQRGq-Ca5nbayuV9UlE6H5KibwxBQFpTq3NQ/s1600/IMG_20140201_164203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nGYxk7MneMqgvdKsWdl5eCx4qDrHEOPhB8nstqeLRCkKiKj9H-UJxZ0cGBhi2vM9qIHiZDZ39BYlItP2WQE2Sed0aqpUKWQ5tqbjJiWqPQRGq-Ca5nbayuV9UlE6H5KibwxBQFpTq3NQ/s1600/IMG_20140201_164203.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>The perfect little combo! Yum!</em></div>
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-1jvHiorIfto%2FUv-xHzx5FRI%2FAAAAAAAAFNg%2F2rQoYhrAqrU%2Fs1600%2FIMG_20140201_130513.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJO59yu3pDn2lbxbFypRbNIZHuzIdDdZSWZ0bppsncir2hgPRJb_bRYBpiVI1WjvTRWsNa1S5_oHxNLN3NJWs3aBzdWk291daviVRHRiRk63o9eh3FEOZz08z8Bn03gJ941n6-THpUtRsp/s1600/IMG_20140201_130513.jpg" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-50862032932220277312014-02-08T12:27:00.002-08:002014-02-08T12:27:20.181-08:00Lasanga 3 Ways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been gluten free for about a year now. For the most part I can honestly say it has been much easier than I ever thought it would be. I still have moments when I really want a good sandwich or want to eat a burger not wrapped in lettuce or a good hot pizza. I've gotten pretty good at the GF flours to make baked goods and when I can fool even my family I know I've got a success. Usually when we have pasta I'll make them regular pasta and I'll make myself rice pasta. I really don't mind it and actually think it's good. I've made casseroles for my family using rice pastas too and they didn't even know it until I said something. Win! The one pasta that I have the hardest time with giving up is lasagna. For one I can't find rice pasta lasagna noodles anywhere and two, I just wanted the real thing. Tear. Pity party over now. I decided to try to make a Zucchini "Lasagna" for myself while I made a regular one for the loves in my life. Plus, who can't use some extra veggies in their day, right? It was simple enough to just sub out the noodles with thinly sliced zucchini and still layer it with the same cheese mixture and sauce. It was a little more "watery" after baking from the zucchini cooking and releasing their natural water, but still good just the same. Next I'm going to have to try the ribbon zucchini noodles and maybe even try the Zoodles one day. So, now onto the good stuff. Here's the recipes for my lasagna.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8rIJ2HyUjg/UuACkAbuAfI/AAAAAAAAFIw/bvxy-YzRxPc/s1600/IMG_1450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8rIJ2HyUjg/UuACkAbuAfI/AAAAAAAAFIw/bvxy-YzRxPc/s1600/IMG_1450.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>All my sliced zucchini</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u>Lasagnas</u></strong></div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
-One pot of <a href="http://withcoffeecupinhand.blogspot.com/2013/02/gluten-free-spaghetti-night.html" target="_blank">Mom's Spaghetti Sauce</a>, made and cooled.</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Cook 1 lb lasagna noodles according to package, drain, rinse and set aside. OR Thinly slice 2-4 zucchini (depending on size and how big of a lasagna you want.) and set aside.</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Cheese layer: </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mix together- 12 oz cottage cheese, 3 cups mozzarella cheese, 1 wedge Romano cheese (shredded) or 2 cups of Italian cheese blend, 2-4 generous tablespoons of prepared pesto</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
-To assemble:</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the bottom of a casserole dish spread enough spaghetti sauce to thinly coat bottom. </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next, 1 layer of noodles or zucchini</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then add small spoonfuls of cheese mixture.</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Followed by another layer of noodles or zucchini.</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Add more sauce to cover.</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Keep repeating until you have no more noodles or cheese.</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lastly top with sauce and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until bubbly. </div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Or cover and freeze. If baked frozen, it'll take closer to 1 hour to heat through.</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
When making your lasagna, make it yours. Either use all noodles, use all zucchini or use both. If you use both alternate layers to make a vegetable lasagna. Yum! I got 3 lasagnas when I made this. I baked 2 and froze the other.</div>
<div style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn5mdLQAG70/UuACmukX84I/AAAAAAAAFJA/sEERVMo__Dk/s1600/IMG_1452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn5mdLQAG70/UuACmukX84I/AAAAAAAAFJA/sEERVMo__Dk/s1600/IMG_1452.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H698kEVF87I/UuACpCL4NAI/AAAAAAAAFJU/fgnNZoh3ILw/s1600/IMG_1454.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8PE8wBr-MQ/UuACt58gXYI/AAAAAAAAFJo/QzsFeMMYRlM/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8PE8wBr-MQ/UuACt58gXYI/AAAAAAAAFJo/QzsFeMMYRlM/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eW3OB402yW8/UuACquGeETI/AAAAAAAAFJY/hYgI9eN5e2k/s1600/IMG_1455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eW3OB402yW8/UuACquGeETI/AAAAAAAAFJY/hYgI9eN5e2k/s1600/IMG_1455.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-eW3OB402yW8%2FUuACquGeETI%2FAAAAAAAAFJY%2FhYgI9eN5e2k%2Fs1600%2FIMG_1455.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eW3OB402yW8/UuACquGeETI/AAAAAAAAFJY/hYgI9eN5e2k/s1600/IMG_1455.JPG" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Xn5mdLQAG70%2FUuACmukX84I%2FAAAAAAAAFJA%2FsEERVMo__Dk%2Fs1600%2FIMG_1452.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn5mdLQAG70/UuACmukX84I/AAAAAAAAFJA/sEERVMo__Dk/s1600/IMG_1452.JPG" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-d8PE8wBr-MQ%2FUuACt58gXYI%2FAAAAAAAAFJo%2FQzsFeMMYRlM%2Fs1600%2FIMG_1457.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8PE8wBr-MQ/UuACt58gXYI/AAAAAAAAFJo/QzsFeMMYRlM/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-59030018346966743582014-02-02T17:46:00.001-08:002014-02-02T17:46:05.456-08:00Getting Crafty!I thought I'd show you my crafty side. It isn't big, but its there and I do really enjoy it when I do. I'm the one that looks at what everyone else makes or see something in the store and think, "I could make that!" But then I never really do. I also pin all sorts of amazing crafty things to do and want to do all of them, but in reality, will do maybe 5 of them. But, when I do feel crafty, I get my craft on good!<br />
<div style="border-image: none;">
Since we are moving across the world soon I wanted to do something for the grandparents. They came out to visit one last time before we fly out so we made special mugs for them. They were sitting next to the coffee pot when they arrived and used them the whole visit. They turned out adorable! Only catch is, bake them a tad longer to ensure that it doesn't rub off. Also, if you use colored markers the lighter colors will fade some when washed. I would recommend hand washing. Have fun!</div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="http://lifeviaphotography.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-sharpie-mug.html?m=1" target="_blank"><strong>Sharpie Mugs</strong></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30wPNR3C81vBRXs9FbUU2eoAwlzJNb0N9r7aZDPXbNZmQv1dEaQ-G5x2gvwGiJvQGxnU-s3W8W4CTyENvF2MYRl6qK6rH7kFL-Nw9U2B93SbQPZc0e1zXIy_kQmFXXz7zcgj139oVepfe/s1600/IMG_1442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30wPNR3C81vBRXs9FbUU2eoAwlzJNb0N9r7aZDPXbNZmQv1dEaQ-G5x2gvwGiJvQGxnU-s3W8W4CTyENvF2MYRl6qK6rH7kFL-Nw9U2B93SbQPZc0e1zXIy_kQmFXXz7zcgj139oVepfe/s1600/IMG_1442.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZFwXwwA7CU/UuACcRJNKaI/AAAAAAAAFH8/_lJnXUsvero/s1600/IMG_1443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZFwXwwA7CU/UuACcRJNKaI/AAAAAAAAFH8/_lJnXUsvero/s1600/IMG_1443.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRDvawpAKqk/UuACgSqV5FI/AAAAAAAAFIY/ux7bkDRHRB4/s1600/IMG_1447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRDvawpAKqk/UuACgSqV5FI/AAAAAAAAFIY/ux7bkDRHRB4/s1600/IMG_1447.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-88EW4y6Wk/UuAChMLtv8I/AAAAAAAAFIg/PKCtOJgEHLE/s1600/IMG_1448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-88EW4y6Wk/UuAChMLtv8I/AAAAAAAAFIg/PKCtOJgEHLE/s1600/IMG_1448.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another fun thing I did was make silhouettes of my 3 kids. It was so simple and is one of my favorite things I've ever made. Here is the link for how to make these pickin' cute keepsakes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://www.thesitsgirls.com/diy/do-it-yourself-make-your-own-silhouettes/" target="_blank">Silhouettes</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3bB0QkdQDY4qYeEYIb5m08VqSdnIMORIxdWx3G5qT_6hBWoS8K9YcB0AYJBGQYWEP4CTkW53cGRpsjYRyjQttpRCmLqLynDJIe0h27s_W9A8FpljY44zI4_8OTHGsd2mlAVAsiKPLo_z/s1600/IMG_1449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3bB0QkdQDY4qYeEYIb5m08VqSdnIMORIxdWx3G5qT_6hBWoS8K9YcB0AYJBGQYWEP4CTkW53cGRpsjYRyjQttpRCmLqLynDJIe0h27s_W9A8FpljY44zI4_8OTHGsd2mlAVAsiKPLo_z/s1600/IMG_1449.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What's your favorite thing to craft??</div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-2161091136815525292014-01-26T17:46:00.001-08:002014-01-26T17:46:10.397-08:00plucketsPluckets, not to be confused with pull-apart or monkey bread. We are talking a whole new thing. These are one of my hubby's favorite things. Thy are usually a New Year's Eve traditional snack food with puppy chow. They are a quick snack or lunch and easy to make. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvx03Vu5hHTMi5RxC3xD1DazzfgRy2Po2H0un3oTN44NaiM39p9CPfVmjnQeSMZpYZZk4nPyaIJB7SDWiSf1E4LtVz_TZTTeIsXVjJ9DTANaalfecfMDQJZhhqKENGmhCMqBzVVdcDOUOt/s1600/IMG_20140113_154922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvx03Vu5hHTMi5RxC3xD1DazzfgRy2Po2H0un3oTN44NaiM39p9CPfVmjnQeSMZpYZZk4nPyaIJB7SDWiSf1E4LtVz_TZTTeIsXVjJ9DTANaalfecfMDQJZhhqKENGmhCMqBzVVdcDOUOt/s1600/IMG_20140113_154922.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZo4NsADunQfUmPlit_gA6rEUkYRTvv1gfNUSwVHCviPUpSL2tDlQg-GnROL-II4iFkPtL-e4j-XvEUOy1YWu3Cmtgjzo41HL1kRugxONwnnlhE4qbWai-JoFWNRaa2ChsUMCscqrM-_y/s1600/IMG_20140113_152455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZo4NsADunQfUmPlit_gA6rEUkYRTvv1gfNUSwVHCviPUpSL2tDlQg-GnROL-II4iFkPtL-e4j-XvEUOy1YWu3Cmtgjzo41HL1kRugxONwnnlhE4qbWai-JoFWNRaa2ChsUMCscqrM-_y/s1600/IMG_20140113_152455.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rcpvxfAsOCl5KwAEl9gQAlNvaOTpipcGPV6VM_5Kybh_IRGszmc_NtqQdAFkgIB3dgAEwBL9z7lVET32CEQkNJg5Q0Z8Pm-WrQwjosXMkZec23Q9lGA7c410SllnSNgvAOE1cxAZsz5I/s1600/IMG_20140113_152443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rcpvxfAsOCl5KwAEl9gQAlNvaOTpipcGPV6VM_5Kybh_IRGszmc_NtqQdAFkgIB3dgAEwBL9z7lVET32CEQkNJg5Q0Z8Pm-WrQwjosXMkZec23Q9lGA7c410SllnSNgvAOE1cxAZsz5I/s1600/IMG_20140113_152443.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Pluckets<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
Frozen dinner rolls, 36 count<br />
36 cheese cubes<br />
1 jar dried beef<br />
1stick butter, melted<br />
Salt and Italian seasoning if desired<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Thaw a package of frozen dinner rolls according to package directions.<br />
Once thawed, flatten roll and fill with a cheese cube and a piece of dried beef. You want to wrap the beef around the cheese like you are wrapping a present. <br />
Dip in melted butter and place in a large casserole dish. Repeat with remaining rolls. Sprinkle salt and/or Italian seasoning on top if desired.<br />
Let rolls rest and rise 30 minutes.<br />
Bake in preheated 350 oven for 45-60 minutes until golden brown and baked through. Pluck a roll and eat!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7H6U7kz-vDkwPkGp9lc2YgS-BlNBPWvi5Y4IQ28B6UNfCRMbtXT5yDvicKHZqJRmNqg9eTTKgAcmV0dVn4CTHNjmcl7BOb7HrWioKW6FMB693yhV4HnRdtX61DQwvlbwlTlx68LoqIaS/s1600/IMG_20140113_172139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7H6U7kz-vDkwPkGp9lc2YgS-BlNBPWvi5Y4IQ28B6UNfCRMbtXT5yDvicKHZqJRmNqg9eTTKgAcmV0dVn4CTHNjmcl7BOb7HrWioKW6FMB693yhV4HnRdtX61DQwvlbwlTlx68LoqIaS/s1600/IMG_20140113_172139.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-28553936605134638792014-01-07T18:45:00.002-08:002014-01-07T18:45:19.446-08:00Homemade Marshmallows'Tis the season for hot chocolate. Or so I'm told by everyone I know living in NE Ohio. Here in Vegas, we pretend. Regardless, I think everyone loves hot chocolate and especially when it is topped with marshmallows! What's fun about marshmallows is that there are some many fun flavors and things to do with them. They seem intimidating to make, but really aren't hard at all. I first made them a few years ago at Christmas and now make them every year. I haven't gotten too crazy with different flavors, but it wouldn't be hard. Add in some extract, top with crushed candy canes, sprinkle with cinnamon, dip in chocolate.... The possibilities are endless! <br />
<br />
<br />
I first thought I could make them myself when I was watching Giada at Home on Food Network years ago. She was making <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/homemade-orange-marshmallows-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Homemade Orange Marshmallows</a> and they seemed easy enough. I just omitted the orange zest and made plain ones and viola! <br />
<br />
<br />
With Valentine's Day coming up, this is a cute way to up the standard. Use a small heart cookie cutter to make heart shaped marshmallows for that special someone or little people in your life. <br />
These homemade pillows of goodness go great with a cup of hot chocolate, the hot chocolate I blogged about <a href="http://withcoffeecupinhand.blogspot.com/2013/12/10-recipes-of-christmas.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>!<br />
<br /><br />
<em>Sorry for not having pictures. I had a couple I was going to post, but my computer and blogger were not liking each other and wouldn't let me. My apologies!</em><br />
<em><br /></em><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Homemade Marshmallows</u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br /></u></strong><br />
<div class="kv-ingred">
<strong>Ingredients</strong></div>
<ul class="kv-ingred-list1">
<li itemprop="ingredients">Butter, for greasing the pan</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients"><a class="crosslink" debug="33 46" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/powdered-sugar/index.html">Powdered sugar</a>, for dusting</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/2 cup water, plus 1/4 cup</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">3 tablespoons (3 packets) unflavored gelatin</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">2 cups sugar</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/2 cup evaporated milk</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon pure <a class="crosslink" debug="234 248" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/extracts/index.html">vanilla extract</a></li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">Special equipment: a <a class="crosslink" debug="348 364" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/candyfat-thermometer/index.html">candy thermometer</a></li>
</ul>
<strong>Directions</strong><br />
<div class="fn_instructions" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
<a class="crosslink" debug="0 5" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/butter/index.html">Butter</a> the bottom and sides of an 8 by 8-inch straight-sided baking pan. <a class="crosslink" debug="73 76" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/dust/index.html">Dust</a> liberally with sifted powdered sugar and set aside.<br />
Pour 1/2 cup water into the bowl of a stand <a class="crosslink" debug="178 182" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/mixer/index.html">mixer</a> fitted with the <a class="crosslink" debug="200 204" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/whisk/index.html">whisk</a> attachment. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and allow to soften, about 10 minutes.<br />
In a 3-quart <a class="crosslink" debug="310 317" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/saucepan/index.html">saucepan</a>, combine the sugar, <a class="crosslink" debug="339 353" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/evaporated-milk/index.html">evaporated milk</a> and 1/4 cup water. Stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a <a class="crosslink" debug="447 452" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/simmer/index.html">simmer</a> and cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer registers 240 degrees F, about 10 to 12 minutes. Pour the syrup over the <a class="crosslink" debug="581 587" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/gelatin/index.html">gelatin</a> mixture. Beat the mixture at low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and beat until thick, fluffy and tripled in volume, about 10 to 12 minutes. Beat in the vanilla extract until just combined. Using a <a class="crosslink" debug="824 830" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/spatula/index.html">spatula</a>, scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Allow the mixture to set, uncovered, in a cool place (not refrigerated) for at least 8 hours or overnight. Remove the marshmallows from the pan and place on a powdered sugar-dusted surface. Using scissors, dusted with powdered sugar, cut the marshmallows into about 1-inch squares. Dip the cut sides into powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-25587113269145712342013-12-28T11:22:00.001-08:002013-12-28T11:22:55.044-08:0010 Recipes of ChristmasI know, I know, I've been a total slacker lately and haven't been sharing nearly as many good recipes as usual. I PROMISE I'll get better once the new year is here! I have even been slacking in my picture taking. I looked back and I hardly took any good food pics. **Shakes head in shame.** Forgive me? Please? <br />
I decided instead to share the main 10 recipes of Christmas. So, in essence it is a food overview of how our Christmas day went. I don't have pictures of most of it (again, slacker), but I will give you what I got and hope you will check out the links for the recipes. Trust me they are good ones! We did Christmas food total justice this year! Some are tried and true recipes that I make every year and others are new ones that I tried for the first time or that I've made in the past, but not very often. Without further ado, let's get started!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicl6n6laLdkE4BC-qh-vKDxbo7LlhNRMCPofPegQBtB9dHDO9uEmfBArrY3X-Kf_CN40HF4bSudUD3sAFm_qXkdQiqedBX6ICJmB6dyWneaPzJ-sqRPv7oNFgm7EIjokVF3GD_uFZGhRhI/s1600/Christmas+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicl6n6laLdkE4BC-qh-vKDxbo7LlhNRMCPofPegQBtB9dHDO9uEmfBArrY3X-Kf_CN40HF4bSudUD3sAFm_qXkdQiqedBX6ICJmB6dyWneaPzJ-sqRPv7oNFgm7EIjokVF3GD_uFZGhRhI/s320/Christmas+cookies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>Christmas Breakfast with Coffee</strong><br />
<strong>1. </strong><a href="http://www.mrshappyhomemaker.com/2010/12/creamy-crockpot-hot-cocoa-best-ever/" target="_blank"><strong>Crock-Pot Hot Chocolate</strong></a> from Mrs. Happy Homemaker: This was the first for this one and it was AMAZING! It is thick and rich and creamy and everything you want the perfect hot chocolate to be. It was easy enough to throw together and we drank it throughout the day. <br />
<br />
<strong>2. </strong><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/cinammon_rolls_/" target="_blank"><strong>Cinnamon Rolls</strong></a> from The Pioneer Woman: This was another first. I've made cinnamon rolls before, but not these ones. One recipe of these makes a lot and I made 2 recipes. I made a lot to give to neighbors as gifts on Christmas Eve. I made them and rolled them and froze them. That way they could thaw and bake them when they wanted them hot and fresh for Christmas morning. They turned out great! I got compliments from the neighbors and my family gobbled them up too. I will definitely make these again next year. Great gifts and great food, perfect combination!<br />
<br />
<strong>3. </strong><a href="http://becomingbetty.blogspot.com/2011/04/creamy-berry-goodness.html" target="_blank"><strong>Creamy Berry Goodness</strong></a> from Becoming Betty: This was super easy and quick to whip together. My daughter has been eating a huge bowl every morning since Christmas. A great lighter fruit to add to the all the richness of the day.<br />
<br />
<strong>4.</strong> <u><strong>Hash Brown Egg Casserole</strong>:</u> I make this every year and it is a family favorite!<br />
-Pour 1 bag of frozen hash browns into a bottom of a 9x13 lightly greased dish.<br />
-In a medium skillet cook 1lb sausage, bacon or 1 cup cooked ham<br />
-Add and sauté 1 onion and 1 bell pepper. Set aside and allow to cool slightly and then pour over hash browns.<br />
-In a bowl whisk 12 eggs and 1 cup of milk. Pour over meat mixture in dish.<br />
-Top with 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.<br />
-Cover and refrigerate overnight.<br />
-Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes or until knife comes out clean and is set.<br />
**Note: Can be made with veggies instead to be vegetarian.<br />
<br />
<strong>Christmas Afternoon Snacks</strong><br />
Since we had a big breakfast and I was making a big dinner and we were eating that early I just made some snacks and we just munched through the afternoon. I had store bought hummus and cut up veggies, sliced salami and gouda cheese (we got it in a gift basket and it was the perfect addition) I had out all my Christmas cookies and then I made these two appetizers...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvYs3LF5MSi6TpI93ok9BVPAa0KwBT7JwB8Yvn6HLJcHTZ5xzujTv20fq3_DGwGEyUpK51xL7T5PVnJYy0am5lPVIFX2Q6UJV5MQVXcrQw3N6qtgm0nZdSQ9TTz3-pL7dHW2t0oYMqzLl/s1600/christmas+snacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvYs3LF5MSi6TpI93ok9BVPAa0KwBT7JwB8Yvn6HLJcHTZ5xzujTv20fq3_DGwGEyUpK51xL7T5PVnJYy0am5lPVIFX2Q6UJV5MQVXcrQw3N6qtgm0nZdSQ9TTz3-pL7dHW2t0oYMqzLl/s320/christmas+snacks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>5. </strong><a href="http://www.plainchicken.com/2012/06/oven-toasted-ravioli.html" target="_blank"><strong>Oven Toasted Ravioli</strong></a> from Plain Chicken: These were yummy and well liked too. I had the smaller square raviolis and they worked just as well. I put out store bought marinara sauce for dipping and they were delicious! <br />
<br />
<strong>6.</strong> <strong>Deviled Eggs with Bacon</strong>: A friend made these sometime this summer and they were the best deviled eggs I had ever had. I made up my own version for Thanksgiving and then needed a repeat appearance for Christmas. Here's what I did: <br />
-Hard boil 12 eggs, let them cool and refrigerate over night. <br />
-Cook up 3 slices of bacon and refrigerate over night. <br />
-The next day peel, rinse and cut them in half. <br />
-Mix the yolks, 1 T mustard, 1/2-3/4 cup mayo (add and mix until it is the creaminess you want), 1-2 T sugar, 1 T vinegar (or you could us sweet pickle juice), salt and pepper to taste and the 3 slices of bacon finely chopped. <br />
-Mix it all really well and then spoon into each egg white half. (I used a small cookie scoop)<br />
-Cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.<br />
<br />
<strong>Christmas Dinner with Wine</strong><br />
<strong>7. <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/06/fresh-green-beans-one-way/" target="_blank">Fresh Green Beans</a></strong> from The Pioneer Woman: I've made these before and they are delicious! Not a lot of ingredients and fairly quick. My kind of side!<br />
<br />
<strong>8. Twice Baked Potatoes</strong>: These are a great "fancy" side and they are great to make a day or two ahead of time. You can even freeze them!<br />
-Bake desired amount of potatoes (remember that they'll be cut in half for portions, so people may take only 1 half if they are big or 2 if they are smaller potatoes). I wrap mine in foil and bake at 425 for about 1 hour. If they are big they may need to bake a little longer. Let cool for a couple hours or until you are able to handle them with your hands.<br />
- Cut in half and carefully scoop out insides of the potatoes into a mixing bowl or bowl of your mixer. Place potato "skins" on a cookie sheet or bar pan.<br />
-Mix potato insides with 4oz soft cream cheese and 2-4 T melted butter. Mix until beginning to get smooth.<br />
-Add milk until they are thick, but creamy. Add in salt and pepper to taste. Once desired consistency is reached, spoon filling into each potato skin.<br />
- Top each with chopped cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. <br />
-When ready to bake. Bake for about 30 minutes at 350 or until heated through. Top with chopped chives or green onions if desired.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgy0UnhIxuic4_3PIw1SNSYuyqZIGJWCvwbV-oPFpJrKTL14VF5rLhj9tphVXBrLZH8QlacDykBgEuAbjtxsMy-CeYdxAudfWbcE4J0KczmTinzIyoGvCjeS3z-fspviRIM5P4yn8KTjpD/s1600/Eric+carving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgy0UnhIxuic4_3PIw1SNSYuyqZIGJWCvwbV-oPFpJrKTL14VF5rLhj9tphVXBrLZH8QlacDykBgEuAbjtxsMy-CeYdxAudfWbcE4J0KczmTinzIyoGvCjeS3z-fspviRIM5P4yn8KTjpD/s320/Eric+carving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>9. Prime Rib: </strong>This is my mom recipe. This was the first time I made it myself. I think it turned out pretty good, if I say so myself. It was tender, juicy and good! Leftovers are just as good as the real thing.<br />
-For Marinade combine:<br />
1/3 cup orange marmalade<br />
2 T brown sugar<br />
1 T ground dry mustard<br />
1 T grated fresh ginger root<br />
3 T soy sauce<br />
1/4 tsp hot sauce<br />
4 cloves minced garlic<br />
-Mix well and then stir in 1 cup beer<br />
-8lb prime rib roast, poke holes all over roast and pour marinade over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, basting at least twice.<br />
-Place roast on rack of roasting pan and 1 cup of marinade to pan. Drizzle 1/4 cup olive oil over roast and sprinkle with fresh black pepper generously.<br />
-Insert thermometer into the middle of roast, don't touch bone if it has one. Cover with foil and seal tightly around pan. Cook at 400 for 1 hour.<br />
-Remove foil and baste. Return to oven uncovered. Reduce heat to 325 and cook 1 more hour.<br />
-Internal temp should be 145 for medium-rare, 160 for medium. (We wanted ours to be medium and it cooked for almost another 1 1/2 hours extra so plan accordingly to how your oven cooks and your desired doneness of your roast.) <br />
-Remove from oven. Cover and let roast rest for 15 minutes before slicing.<br />
<br />
<strong>Happy Birthday Jesus Cake</strong><br />
My mom started the tradition every Christmas to have a cake to light candles and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. I continued that with our kids when we moved away. It is a special time to remember why we celebrate Christmas at the end of all the craziness of the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4cC_gXZqdiaagpaCenPTIbfJYwc4eatG-Lul_XshDn9NPjKS4KmbE4IbXqrhAjW8rpmCP17Uh5BX12gx-Ks-YjnN6V_X7JUpBcL9RWFvXE4l08DAeNlfC1uNCWF0ZcYRk9mlsrOatdNx/s1600/Jesus+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4cC_gXZqdiaagpaCenPTIbfJYwc4eatG-Lul_XshDn9NPjKS4KmbE4IbXqrhAjW8rpmCP17Uh5BX12gx-Ks-YjnN6V_X7JUpBcL9RWFvXE4l08DAeNlfC1uNCWF0ZcYRk9mlsrOatdNx/s320/Jesus+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>10. <a href="http://cookiesandcups.com/popcorn-cake/" target="_blank">Popcorn Cake</a></strong> from Cookies and Cups: This is a simple dessert "cake" that isn't too rich after all the other rich foods and desserts from throughout the past celebrations. It's kinda like a rice crispy treat, but with popcorn and other goodies in it. It would be a great dessert to make at any holiday with M&M's with the holiday colors. I topped mine with Christmas sprinkles too.<br />
<br />
Well, there you go! I hope you enjoyed seeing our Christmas menu. Make sure you try some of these great recipes! Let me know which one you like best! Merry Christmas (a few days late)!!<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-36557057013181014312013-12-17T11:46:00.001-08:002013-12-17T11:46:14.155-08:00Apple Cider Sangria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't know many people who don't like sangria. I, for one, love sangria of any flavor! Usually it's more of a summer drink I think, but when I found this fall/winter version I had to try it. I had an art party where everyone got to make their own subway style picture with their favorite quote, saying, Bible verse or holiday thing. I made a bunch and we had lots of fun! Here's one of the ones I made!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabHTNSSi1IN4qe0SeeaA2MFzuHsU7jcCyGjRAv-YeoRmK8HNVreusmGw29h_chRSsWsQJ9mE04igoOVINyYPd0rG6wRidtw7NbaOMakv2Ksrxy691ycMc4g07cFIHyQXtlrzgM5ahLR3A/s1600/1450790_10202818942939147_1169274684_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabHTNSSi1IN4qe0SeeaA2MFzuHsU7jcCyGjRAv-YeoRmK8HNVreusmGw29h_chRSsWsQJ9mE04igoOVINyYPd0rG6wRidtw7NbaOMakv2Ksrxy691ycMc4g07cFIHyQXtlrzgM5ahLR3A/s320/1450790_10202818942939147_1169274684_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I love it!! It is going to be hung in my coffee kitchen and is going to look perfect! <br />
So, fun crafts and lots of gals over called for good snacks and of course drinks! This <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/10/apple-cider-sangria/" target="_blank">Apple Cider Sangria</a> was the perfect one. It was super quick and easy to mix up, looked good and tasted good too. The fruit was delicious to eat at the end as well. So, in some ways it's a drink and a snack! What's your favorite sangria?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7SdO8nM70FZySDZSdlnMYQ9TUGKeTTkaZCkJdrtETkNYaRag0N_F5ewJ9iAOLGob8wzsOjDtpYn2Gt-kRTDuS7cmllfzXK5gmjC7jXKsN5lcGLROqQ1sZcVkE9O3nobb9nzckM8ojwpC/s1600/IMG_1431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7SdO8nM70FZySDZSdlnMYQ9TUGKeTTkaZCkJdrtETkNYaRag0N_F5ewJ9iAOLGob8wzsOjDtpYn2Gt-kRTDuS7cmllfzXK5gmjC7jXKsN5lcGLROqQ1sZcVkE9O3nobb9nzckM8ojwpC/s320/IMG_1431.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>My nice pitcher was already packed, so I used a large bowl. LoL</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u><a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/10/apple-cider-sangria/" target="_blank">Apple Cider Sangria</a></u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>from <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/10/apple-cider-sangria/" target="_blank">How Sweet It Is</a></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="clear: left;">
Ingredients:</div>
<div class="ingredient">
1 bottle (standard size) of pinot grigio<br /> 2 1/2 cups fresh apple cider<br /> 1 cup club soda <em>(Next time I might leave this out, I thought it watered it down a bit. Taste it before you add this in to see what you think.)</em><br /> 1/2 cup ginger brandy <em>(I used regular brandy, I couldn't find the ginger kind.)</em><br /> 3 honey crisp apples, chopped<br /> 3 pears, chopped<br />
</div>
<div class="right" style="clear: left;">
Directions:</div>
<div class="instructions">
Combine all ingredients together and stir, stir, stir. Refrigerate for an hour or so (or longer!) before serving.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52PzVN4AQYp-PeEen_l7JoQUWQ2KeQB9I-3kijdlE7mZluK_9wgejC9CmF27l86i0IN7pjRvoUGTU7prAAczH_J9wr3H0XkydJhkwq8iAmYhl8ntt2OC4FX5OaVYkh5ZBoVc_MHcMpA7u/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52PzVN4AQYp-PeEen_l7JoQUWQ2KeQB9I-3kijdlE7mZluK_9wgejC9CmF27l86i0IN7pjRvoUGTU7prAAczH_J9wr3H0XkydJhkwq8iAmYhl8ntt2OC4FX5OaVYkh5ZBoVc_MHcMpA7u/s320/IMG_1432.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-2383766362483200902013-12-11T11:36:00.001-08:002013-12-11T11:36:41.211-08:00Library Birthday PartyMy oldest daughter turned 8. I still can't believe it! She loves book and to read and write her own stories so we put together a library book party. It was fun and different and everyone had a great time. I was so excited about her invites, they turned out super cute!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFmz7xAQZEQFYIJLh2xi90_xzi2ZK9d4VfXzYCcUIVHePY0BmJH35jnIc3lXrUimWvSLd53UL_BkofPtNlqVvf6XTqni3IF3Yn_c2FrUcGdI0dL_7frKnWnqUuu9D0Ce9RymYcJK3ChvJ/s1600/IMG_1398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFmz7xAQZEQFYIJLh2xi90_xzi2ZK9d4VfXzYCcUIVHePY0BmJH35jnIc3lXrUimWvSLd53UL_BkofPtNlqVvf6XTqni3IF3Yn_c2FrUcGdI0dL_7frKnWnqUuu9D0Ce9RymYcJK3ChvJ/s320/IMG_1398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I got the idea for these from<a href="http://www.hopesewell.com/library-party-decor/" target="_blank"> here</a>. The template for the invites are from <a href="http://spoonful.com/printables/book-party-invite" target="_blank">HERE</a> and it is free! I printed them on postcard pages and they were the perfect size and already perforated to cutting. I bought the date stamp and stamp pad at Office Max. They turned out so cute! By far my favorite part. <br />
We had a book exchange where everyone came with a wrapped book that they had already read at home and were willing to pass on.<br />
Then I invaded my scrapbooking stickers and pulled out all my pens, markers and stickers and they made bookmarks. They did that at the table for almost an hour!<br />
We of course did the usual cake and presents and then everyone went home with a gift bag. For those I took an old book and ripped out pages, wrote the first letter of everyone's name and glued them onto brown paper bags. I filled them with a little baggie of gummy "book" worms, pencils and little notebooks I found of sale. I had also made stickers for their books with "This book belongs to" and forgot to put them in the bags. Majorly mad at myself the next day! <a href="http://lavendersbluedesign.blogspot.com/2010/07/free-diy-bookplates-printable.html" target="_blank">Here</a> is were there is a template for those or make your own using shipping labels. <a href="http://callmebadger.blogspot.com/2011/05/bellas-book-party.html" target="_blank">This site</a> had a lot of cute ideas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5M_Fz4FbHl7jxd_b3BdzYlz9Kji-6awOns-Gav_zUcc4axxWGee9IToby9BgE4y-Aj2nMsSrSjHjS-V-W-SfoArm-tGxA1piJ7Pdu3MGVw0SjwfyOn5XR88-9hZpSKbF6vshJ11tSa3j/s1600/IMG_1428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5M_Fz4FbHl7jxd_b3BdzYlz9Kji-6awOns-Gav_zUcc4axxWGee9IToby9BgE4y-Aj2nMsSrSjHjS-V-W-SfoArm-tGxA1piJ7Pdu3MGVw0SjwfyOn5XR88-9hZpSKbF6vshJ11tSa3j/s320/IMG_1428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpK5evq4qC-i4jdXeGbXjdjE-iXwQ0YGl9_P6qnCSp-3Ceo_MSot7CzY7PDXh97eHZprIxOHf_hb2DgCJCMViX2TdrA5nJatYTJ-tKpb5UybBDla0Kb7hOefMc26xjm7EsbGpElieNL9W/s1600/IMG_1427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpK5evq4qC-i4jdXeGbXjdjE-iXwQ0YGl9_P6qnCSp-3Ceo_MSot7CzY7PDXh97eHZprIxOHf_hb2DgCJCMViX2TdrA5nJatYTJ-tKpb5UybBDla0Kb7hOefMc26xjm7EsbGpElieNL9W/s320/IMG_1427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It was a good day and good party and I had a very happy little 8 year old girl at the end of the day! So if you have a reader and you're tired of the usual Disney something party, try something new! It's fun!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-87002815245307209722013-12-06T10:04:00.000-08:002013-12-06T10:04:52.430-08:00Mini Turkey Meatballs in the Slow CookerHello my lovelies! I know, it's been awhile. I'm sorry for that, but you know how life is. We have on going birthdays in this family in the fall, all the holidays, sports and dance, church events and did I tell you that we are moving to England?! So cleaning out the house, selling stuff off and filling the storage unit has been a big priority around here. We'll just say that the last month has been quite crazy and hectic! So, I'm here now... for the time being. It is still crazy central around here and most likely will be for the next couple months while we prepare for our move across the pond. <br />
Enough about that. How have you been? I hope well! Any good new Thanksgiving or Christmas recipes you've tried? I'm trying some new ones and can't wait to share with you! Today I'm posting a new one that saved me during this busy time with a meal that took no time at all. Why? Because it was made in my slow cooker and then the leftovers were in my freezer for a second meal! I love those kinds of recipes. They make my heart smile! So with out further ado, I give you <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/10/healthy-crockpot-mini-turkey-meatballs/" target="_blank">Mini Turkey Meatballs</a>!<br />
<br />
<strong><u><a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/10/healthy-crockpot-mini-turkey-meatballs/" target="_blank">Mini Turkey Meatballs</a></u></strong><br />
<em>from <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/10/healthy-crockpot-mini-turkey-meatballs/" target="_blank">How Sweet It Is</a></em><br />
<h3 style="clear: left;">
Ingredients:</h3>
<div class="ingredient">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-J4e9yPUVdNrNKLLZa23fmovys7FvMkYjJALm5140C5RTC39zu6h5YtOtmekPmK3d0BjcD8JkZbCKSjx-vKtKfanJDKWRE8toWNEiObW5jNfuEhXK2Hxtr_KX4rsVdvC6_fr4nFR-nFoc/s1600/IMG_1322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-J4e9yPUVdNrNKLLZa23fmovys7FvMkYjJALm5140C5RTC39zu6h5YtOtmekPmK3d0BjcD8JkZbCKSjx-vKtKfanJDKWRE8toWNEiObW5jNfuEhXK2Hxtr_KX4rsVdvC6_fr4nFR-nFoc/s320/IMG_1322.JPG" width="320" /></a>1 pound 99% lean ground turkey breast<br /> 1 pound 94% lean ground turkey<br /> 2/3 cup cooked quinoa (preferably cooked in flavored stock) <em>(I actually used almond flour instead and it worked great!)</em><br /> 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed<br /> 1 large egg, lightly beaten<br /> 2 tablespoons olive oil<br /> 2 tablespoons finely grated Romano cheese<br /> 2 teaspoons dried basil<br /> 1 teaspoon dried oregano<br /> 1/2 teaspoon onion powder<br /> 1/2 teaspoon salt<br /> 1/2 teaspoon pepper<br /> 1 large sweet onion, sliced into thin rounds<br /> 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes</div>
<div class="right">
<h3 style="clear: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEHc9xPwh1KIFoPyEx4FpBkwmboJGBkY1n0lYtu_72WlVemH5-xV2lHiQVUgepr6B0AT0eCEt3Jsad7yoebkv3N0R1IZW8nBl5t6uVVcuAuNfUTtgaxxnUBiqd0hu_VEia5_kMtR-pQbc/s1600/IMG_1323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEHc9xPwh1KIFoPyEx4FpBkwmboJGBkY1n0lYtu_72WlVemH5-xV2lHiQVUgepr6B0AT0eCEt3Jsad7yoebkv3N0R1IZW8nBl5t6uVVcuAuNfUTtgaxxnUBiqd0hu_VEia5_kMtR-pQbc/s320/IMG_1323.JPG" width="320" /></a>Directions:</h3>
<div class="instructions">
In a large bowl, combine turkey, quinoa, garlic, beaten egg, olive oil, cheese, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly but quickly, just so the ingredients are combined - do not over mix! Roll into mini balls - slightly smaller than a golf ball, and place on a baking sheet. <br />
<br />
Layer sliced onion on the bottom of the crockpot and add 1 can of crushed tomatoes.<br />
<br />
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat (mine was actually almost high) and add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Add meatballs, searing on the top and bottom until golden, about 1 minute per side. To flip meatballs, gently toss with a spoon. I also shook the pan a few times to roll the meatballs around - if you pan is hot enough this works! Add meatballs one at a time to the crockpot. Repeat with remaining meatballs - it is okay to stack them once they are all finished.<br />
<br />
Once all the meatballs are in the crockpot, add the other can of crushed tomatoes, completely submerging the meatballs. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve!<br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="notes">
{don't skip the browning step! it helps seal the juices in so the meatballs are tender and also keeps them from becoming one giant mess of meat in the crockpot.}<br /> {if desired, you can brown the meatballs one day (such as the day before) and then refrigerate until ready to use. you can also freeze the same way!}<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bn3y9GsmRig/UmmeQvxJmqI/AAAAAAAABFA/sly6AmvqcVI/s1600/IMG_1325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bn3y9GsmRig/UmmeQvxJmqI/AAAAAAAABFA/sly6AmvqcVI/s320/IMG_1325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4370401825387919077.post-85771633289451546452013-11-18T10:45:00.001-08:002013-11-18T10:45:38.645-08:00Homemade Tomato Soup (GF, V)Baby it's cold outside! Well, maybe not that cold here, but maybe where you are it is! :) One of the best meals for lunch or a quick dinner is good old tomato soup and grilled cheese. I know it's one my family's favorites. <br />
A good friend of mine follows a vegan diet and when she would be coming over I was terrible at trying to figure out what to make. Then she had my hubby and I over and made this soup. Then it was like everything clicked. Changing food to be vegan or gluten free doesn't have to be that hard. You don't have to stop eating everything you've always loved, you just have to be willing to change a few ingredients a bit. Now, I change everything! Shhh, just don't tell my husband and kids!<br />
I still make regular grilled cheese sandwiches for my family. For me, I make a "kind of" quesadilla. I use corn tortillas and I like provolone cheese for these. Butter the outsides of the tortillas and cook until lightly browned, flip and do the same on the other side. I cut them into quarters. They make perfect dippers!<br />
What are some of you favorite food that you enjoy but are afraid to change? Give it shot! You might like it better.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FV-3O4hLHNU/UnbmUnmjNFI/AAAAAAAABH8/0hiJxc-Qeq4/s1600/IMG_1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FV-3O4hLHNU/UnbmUnmjNFI/AAAAAAAABH8/0hiJxc-Qeq4/s320/IMG_1347.JPG" width="320" /></a><strong><u>Tomato Soup</u></strong><br />
<br />
-Saute in 1/4 cup of evoo or butter:<br />
1 medium onion, chopped<br />
1/2 cup celery, chopped<br />
1/2 cup carrots, chopped<br />
1 clove minced garlic<br />
-Add: 1/4 cup flour (all purpose or GF flour blend), stir until dissolved<br />
-Stir in: 1 bay leaf<br />
1/2 tsp red pepper flake<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp pepper<br />
2 28oz cans of crusted tomatoes<br />
1-2 T brown sugar or honey<br />
-Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer 30 minutes<br />
-Remove and discard bay leaf<br />
-In small batches pour soup into a food processor or blender and puree until smooth (you may want to let cool slightly before doing this so it doesn't splatter everywhere)<br />
-Return to pot and add: 1 cup soy creamer or 1/2 & 1/2<br />
-If you'd like it a bit thinner add in some vegetable stock<br />
-Season with additional salt, pepper and/or sugar/honey to taste<br />
ENJOY!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi181hvQu_eWm4lPlXb22np6i6zq66n9Spdna3OJbt9w2R3KXDMp8PAJg64fNl3ij84ye6P3eUp0v5b1O0DRSHeLIR2om9JU2lgvieJ5QKaCSfvwoy4o7ZOQqddC7BwUJ__CYDkbZoGM77I/s1600/IMG_1346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi181hvQu_eWm4lPlXb22np6i6zq66n9Spdna3OJbt9w2R3KXDMp8PAJg64fNl3ij84ye6P3eUp0v5b1O0DRSHeLIR2om9JU2lgvieJ5QKaCSfvwoy4o7ZOQqddC7BwUJ__CYDkbZoGM77I/s320/IMG_1346.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055311799813634048noreply@blogger.com0