From my tiny kitchen...

One Month to a Holiday Ready Kitchen: The pantry, step 2

2011-10-12T16:47:00.000-05:00

More pantry time! Let's get ready for the holidays....

One Month to a Holiday Ready Kitchen: The Pantry, Step 2

Working thru our dry goods today. Check your:

flour
sugar
brown sugar
powder sugar
shortening/ Crisco
baking soda
baking powder
yeast
your other usuals....

Check your inventory or stockpile for:

expiration dates
dreaded pantry moths....
clumpy items that shouldn't be clumpy

Automatically plan to purchase new:

baking soda
baking powder
yeast

'Cause most recipes just won't be the same unless these 3 are very fresh!

And now guess what? Take a look at your master ingredient list and make a list of what you need!

One Month to a Holiday Ready Kitchen: The pantry, step 1

2011-10-11T15:51:00.000-05:00

The pantry can seem daunting so we are taking it in sections!

One Month to a Holiday Ready Kitchen: The pantry, step 1

Canned Goods.

Don't be distracted by your flour, or boxed pasta collection, stick to just your canned goods. Pull ALL your cans from the shelves and line them up on the counter or table top. Did you find something you didn't know you had? Or a random can of {fill in the blank} you don't even remember buying?!?

Check all expiration dates. Canned goods do expire- so check those dates & throw away any old, largely dented or bulging cans.
Set aside anything that expires soon so you can be sure to eat it!
Next, put back what you use in your normal menu plans.
Finally - do you have any random items? Think of how you can use them in your menu plans within the next couple weeks and free up some extra space.
Now check everything with your Master Ingredient List. For example, if you found 2 cans of cranberries that won't expire until next year - well now, cross those off your list! Check!

This Week's Cravings: Angel Food Cake

2011-10-10T11:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday everyone and welcome to This Week's Cravings!

Today we are sharing some Angel Food Cake recipes. Doesn't that sound wonderful?! Some tasty and light sweet recipes to start off this holiday season.

Now, I don't have pictures {sorry!} but it's ok - because this recipe is incredibly easy! A co-worked brought this to a potluck and I fell in love.

I call it Angel Pie Cake.

And I adore it.

Angel Pie Cake

1 box angel food cake mix
1 large can pie filling (Cherry is great!)

Mix. Just these two ingredients - nothing else!
Bake in a 9 x 13 at temperature set on the mix box.
Cut.
Serve with whipped cream.
Swoon over the delicious simplicity.

Now share yours! Also ~ don't forget to follow my series this month: One Month to a Holiday Ready Kitchen. It's never too early to start preparation for a tasty -and stress free - holiday season!

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

This is your chance to share your favorite recipe each week based on our themes. Post that favorite breakfast from last week, or post your favorite cheesecake you made last month, just please stick to the theme. We want to read and discover your favorite recipe post, or if you don't have a recipe that matches this week's theme, then our hope is we inspire you to make something and link-up in the future. Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. It's fun to visit too! Click around on the other participant's - visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party, so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS! Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipes in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Schedule:

•Sept 5 - After school snacks & munchies

•Sept 12 - What do you make with HONEY?
•Sept 19 - National Eat with your Kids Day
•Sept 26 - Apples
•Oct 3 - Lunch time sandwiches
•Oct 10 - Angel Food Cake day
•Oct 17 - National Pasta Day

•Oct 24 - Halloween treats

•Oct 31 - What to make with your leftover candy!

Be sure to visit our other hosts: Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post and share our button please:

One Month to a Holiday Ready Kitchen: Check your spices

2011-10-10T08:26:00.001-05:00

In my opinion - spices are the biggest players this time of year. In the kitchen anyway. When you think of fall, winter or the holidays; chances are the smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, oranges, fresh pumpkin bread.. mmmm.... come to mind.

One Month to a Holiday Ready Kitchen: Check your spices!

Head to your spice cabinent and pull out everything! Open them, smell them, check their expirations dates. Throw away any old or clumpy spices.

Next, grab your newly created Master Ingredient List.

What spices are on your list?
What do you have and can cross off your list?
Low on anything?
Lacking anything?

Grab some notebook paper and make a list of needed spices. It is best to start stocking now. Spices are expensive - this helps you space out the purchases and the chunks of your grocery budget! Plus, if your stores are like mine, the holiday baking extras are now in the aisles and fully stocked (unlike later in the season, when they are slim pickins'!)

One Month to a Holiday Ready Kitchen: Just one more list....

2011-10-08T20:20:00.000-05:00

That's right. One more. Just the one though - I pinky promise.

One Month to a Holiday Ready Kitchen: The Master Ingredient List

This list.... it's key. It's the beginning of the major organization. It's your master ingredient list.

Grab your binder and notebook paper. Review all the lists we've made so far and pick up on the food aspect of everything.

Perhaps you listed decorating the Christmas tree, while eating popcorn and sipping cider is a tradition. Write down popcorn. Write down cider ingredients.

Sort thru all the lists from previous days and write every single food item down. Then go thru and write out individual ingredients for food items.

Once you have this perhaps-slightly-jumbled-list jotted down - then go about sorting it into categories.

Spices
Dry Goods
Mixes
Dairy
Canned goods
Chips/ Snacks
Beverages
Misc.

File your list away - you're done for the day!

One Month to a Holiday Ready Kitchen: Kitchen Gifts

2011-10-06T16:16:00.000-05:00

Another day.... another list!

Kitchen Gifts

Told you there would be a lot of lists; lists help you get organized and know exactly what your kitchen needs!

So today, pull out that note book paper and make a list of everyone you give a baked gift. Every year around the start of school, hubby and I brainstorm ALL gifts = wrapped, stocking, baked, neighbors, co-workers, etc. This keeps us focused on meaningful gifts within our budget. It also leads to this list... kitchen gifts.

By each person's name or family unit, jot down favorite foods, allergies, any specifics. Group together specifics that match. Have several gluten free friends? How about some chocolate loving co-workers?

Now brainstorm some sweets.... since you've grouped similar tastes, think of treats made in big batches to split and package.

Cinnamon Rolls
Jams and jelly
Breads
Cookies........ for example

Narrow down your list and match the kitchen gift to the giftee.

Also, take a moment to decide on packaging (tins, baskets, platters, bags, etc.) and make a list. That way you can watch for sales of Christmas tins and know exactly how many you need. No guessing and discovering you don't have enough later!

Put these lists in your 'Baked Gifts' section.

One Month to a Holiday Ready Kitchen: Favorite Family Activities

2011-10-05T15:01:00.000-05:00

Day #3: Favorite Family Activities

Bring out some more note paper - we're making another list! Please - believe me - follow me here. It will all make sense later. Trust the professional list maker.

Sit down with the family and brainstorm - what are the favorite family activities? You may be surprised what they say!

Now that you have the main list roughly written out, discuss the next 3 questions:

1) Pick one new family activity.

Maybe decorate cookies as a family and deliver to a shelter, neighbor, nursing home...
How about letting each family member pick a name from a local Angel Tree; have fun shopping together!

2) Decide on one activity to do with your spouse.

Holidays are busy and streeful, make sure you are taking time with your spouse. Sneak away for a movie, dinner, look at Christmas lights - whatever will help you both relax and connect during this hectic time.
Hubby and I always plan a time for just us, so we can swap presents. This year, we're going to purchase a holiday themed puzzle & plan a few evenings of chatting and hot cocoa.
Decide, plan it, and put it on the calendar!

3) Pick 3 new 'anything!'

If you are like me, you look at hundreds of food, craft and activity ideas online, thinking "I'll do that one!" "Oh and that one!" And never accomplish any of them. So sit down, and pick 3. ONLY 3! Then make sure to block time on your calendar~ plan some fun.

4) Plan something for yourself.

You are busy. Parties, school activities, cookies, baking, gifts, shopping, gift wrapping, decorating, stuffing a turkey, whew!

This year, I would like to get a manicure. Take time for me, relax, and have pretty nails!

Chicken Olive Sandwich

2011-10-04T13:57:00.000-05:00

I just felt awful about Monday's This Weeks Cravings post for sandwiches - so I worked up this tasty number!

Quick, easy to toss together and just darn tasty too!

Chicken Olive Sandwich

1 cup shredded chicken (use those leftovers!)
1/4 cup mayo
1/2 cup shredded cheese
1/4 cup chopped green olives (more or less depending on personal taste)
Pepper to taste

Combine ingredients.
Slice 2 large rolls in half. Spread 1/2 chicken mixture on one side of each. Place topped half under broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and everything is fantastically gooey.
Add thin tomato slices, stack, and enjoy!

Note: I used pimento stuff olives, yum!

One Month to a Holiday Ready Kitchen: Making our lists

2011-10-04T11:56:00.000-05:00

Alrighty - grab those fun office supplies you gathered yesterday and let's get this binder started!

1) Using your tab dividers, make sections titled:

Holiday traditions
Calendar
Baked gifts
Recipes
Coupons
Shopping Lists
Gifts: Master List

2) Make a fun cover! Take a creative moment and make your binder pretty!

3) Print calendar pages for October, November, December and January (and put in the 'calendar' section.) Miscrosoft online has several free calendar options.

Fill in the calendar where you can - do you always spend Christmas Eve at an Aunt's house? Write that down. Do you swap years with family and know that this year, Thanksgiving's at your house? Write that down. School plays? Candlelight services? That's right -- write that down!

If you keep a master, family planner or calendar, make sure your binder calendar and family one match up!

~ Now we start to fill the book! I am a big list maker - I make lists for everything. It is my belief, that lists are the key to organization. (you know... as long as you complete them....)

Our first list is traditions - grab a few sheets of notebook paper and start writing! Don't try to put things in order, this is a broad rough draft, just list everything you can think of:

Do you drink cocoa and eat popcorn while decorating the tree?
Is it tradition to go shopping on black friday?
Are there birthdays or anniversaries during these months?
Hubs & I always get ice cream and drive around, looking at Christmas lights.

The key is to think of every little thing you do every year!

One month to a Holiday Ready Kitchen!

2011-10-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Day #1 of my new October series: One Month to a Holiday Ready Kitchen! We are spending this month getting organized, stocked and all-round-prepared for the holidays -- I hope you will join me and participate!

Some initial preparation....

Gather some supplies - rummage your office, browse your local discount store, grab some supplies:

1 - binder (you'll need at least a 2"!)

8 - tabbed dividers

12 - or so - plastic page protectors

Paper - 3 hole punch to stick sheets in sections

A fun pen, pencil, highlighter, sticky notes, your personal favorite office supplies!

Ready? YEAH!

This Week's Cravings: Lunch time sandwiches

2011-10-03T11:22:00.000-05:00

This is funny - I LOVE sandwiches! I really do; pressed, grilled, cheese, meats, simple, elaborate - love them. What's funny you ask? There are no sandwich recipes on my blog. Unless of course you consider cookie sandwiches.....

So, please share some sandwiches! I need ideas, recipes, pictures!

Note: Two of my favorite, quick sandwiches? #1 - white bread, sliced cheese, sparing brown mustard and lots of dill: grilled! #2 - Grilled peanut butter and jelly on white bread!!

This Week's Cravings: Lunch Time Sandwiches

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

•Sept 5 - After school snacks & munchies

•Sept 12 - What do you make with HONEY?

•Sept 19 - National Eat with your Kids Day

•Sept 26 - Apples

•Oct 3 - Lunch time sandwiches

•Oct 10 - Angel Food Cake day

•Oct 17 - National Pasta Day

•Oct 24 - Halloween treats

•Oct 31 - What to make with your leftover candy!

Be sure to visit our other hosts: Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post and share our button please:

This Week's Cravings: Apples

2011-09-26T08:30:00.001-05:00

Did you know, that apparently, today is Johnny Appleseed's birthday?

So of course, we should feature some incredibly tasty apple recipes today right? Well we thought so too! I love early fall and it's abundance of apples, yum!

I'm sharing an apple pie recipe today - perhaps you feel this isn't too original. Perhaps. But this is a recipe from my 4-H days and fond to me. Plus it's tasty.

Perfect Apple Pie

2 (9") pie crusts (or the recipe that follows)
5-6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples
3/4 cup sugar
2 T flour
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 T lemon juice

Heat over to 425 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg and lemon juice. Mix lightly.
Spoon into crust lined pan. Top with remaining crust. Fold edge of top crust under bottom crust - press together to seals. Have fun making the edges pretty (my tutorial) - maybe even use a cookie cutter to make a pretty steam vent in the top...
Bake 40-50 minutes until crust is golden brown and juices are bubbling out. By the way... you should probably put a cookie sheet on the rack below your pie to catch those delicious bubbling juices.
Once baked, place on a cooling rack for at least 20 minutes. This helps the juice redistribute and will make for prettier slices.

Serve with ice cream.

Of course.

Pie Crust

3 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 1/4 cup shortening
1 egg
6-7 Tb cold water
1 tsp vinegar

Blend flour, salt and shortening with a fork or pastry blender until crumbly.
Mix egg, water and vinegar in a small bowl, then work into the flour mixture with your hands until a ball begin to form.
Shape into a ball, then cut in half.
You now have dough for your top and bottom crust.

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

•Oct 24 - Halloween treats

•Oct 31 - What to make with your leftover candy!

Be sure to visit our other hosts: Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post and share our button please:

Gluten Free 7Up biscuits

2011-09-23T14:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, you read the title correctly. However, if I was being completely truthful they should be called Gluten-Free-Ginger-Ale-biscuits....

I found the recipe on Pinterest (isn't pinterest the BEST?!?) and decided to make it immediately. Except I didn't have any Bisquick - just gluten free bisquick. And I didn't have any 7Up. Or Sprite even. I had ginger ale though! Let's try this!

And we did.

And they were tasty.

(The pinterest pin led me to this blog: Plain Chicken. Please be sure to visit the original recipe and her wonderful blog!)

Gluten Free 7Up biscuits

2 cups Gluten Free Bisquick
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup 7Up ( or, you know, ginger ale)
1/4 cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Using a fork or pastry blender, cut sour cream into bisquick. Add 7Up and stir well. The dough may be sticky!
Turn onto surface - dusted with more gluten free bisquick - and pat out. Keep it thick, because they don't rise! Cut into rounds.
Pour melted butter in the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Place biscuits in pan.
Bake 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

Note: I did try the recipe, using a recipe for making my own bisquick and it was just as tasty!

Second Note: I didn't realize they wouldn't rise when I made these - that's why they are SO THIN!

This Week's Cravings: National Eat with your Kids Day!

2011-09-19T10:51:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday everyone! It's National Eat with your Kids Day - what fun!

Please link up any and all of your favorite kid dishes and treats. My son Baby O is 14 months old and not a picky eater, except for peas. He truly does not enjoy peas.

For the older bambinos, maybe try this fun meal!

Pizza Stuffed Pretzels

A fun, easy to make recipe that lets the kids get involved! Let them stuff their own and have fun with tasty combinations.

Then for dessert combine art class, creativity and sweets with the Painted Butter Cookies.

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

This is your chance to share your favorite recipe each week based on our themes. Post that favorite breakfast from last week, or post your favorite cheesecake you made last month, just please stick to the theme. We want to read and discover your favorite recipe post, or if you don't have a recipe that matches this week's theme, then our hope is we inspire you to make something and link-up in the future. Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. It's fun to visit too! Click around on the other participant's - visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party, so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS! Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipes in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Schedule:

•Sept 5 - After school snacks & munchies

•Sept 12 - What do you make with HONEY?

•Sept 19 - National Eat with your Kids Day

•Sept 26 - Apples

•Oct 3 - Lunch time sandwiches

•Oct 10 - Angel Food Cake day

•Oct 17 - National Pasta Day

•Oct 24 - Halloween treats

•Oct 31 - What to make with your leftover candy!

Be sure to visit our other hosts: Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post and share our button please

30 Days of Me: Worst Habit

2011-08-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 27 - Worst Habit

Can stressing be a bad habit? Because I stress about everything - quite literally everything.

Honestly, though, when anxious or stressed I tend to chew on the inside of my checks. Weird. I know.

30 Day of Me: Favorite Clothing Store

2011-08-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

Day 26 - Favorite clothing store

This is where I normally shop:

This is where I browse, drool and occasionally buy things :)

30 Days of Me: Where I Live

2011-08-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 24- Where You Live? Tell us or show us about where you live

I've mentioned before that I live on Oklahoma! Here are photos & facts for the beautiful state I call home....

The state has many museums, exhibits, cultural centers and theaters

{Oklahoma City Museum of Art}

Oklahoma has beautiful sunsets

{sunset over Lake Eufala}

Our state has more man made lakes, than any other state

{Lake Eufala}

We are the heart of Tornado Alley

{Dover, Ok - Credit}

There is city appeal...

{Oklahoma City Bricktown}

...small town charm....

{Ardmore}

.... and rugged natural beauty.

{Turner Falls.}

A few facts:

The Nellie Johnstone oil well, located at Johnstone Park in Bartlesville, was the first flowing commercial well in the world.
Oklahoma has the distinction of having the tallest hill in the world, Mount Cavanal, at 1,999 feet.
In 1012, Viking explorers visited eastern Oklahoma and left their mark near the town of Heavener.
Home to many, many famous actors, actresses, scientists, leaders, and yes - country singer.
{all photos and facts from the Travel OK site - http://www.travelok.com/}

30 Days of Me: Favorite Youtube video

2011-08-24T08:51:00.000-05:00

Day 23- Something you love to watch on youtube (or better yet a youtube video of yourself)

I have two favorite youtube videos - they make me smile, automatically make me feel better! And they both contain the 2 same things: babies and paper :)

#1) You've probably seen this one!

#2) This baby is just too adorable, I love the laughter!

Hope you have a good laugh!

30 Days of Me: Fave websites

2011-08-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 22: Some of Your Favorite Websites

There are a lot!!

Pinterest - so addicted!

facebook - need I say more?
Swagbucks - Christmas shopping anyone?

my blogger homepage - not a true 'site' I know, but it the resource where I can browse my fave blogs!

Some favorite bloggers:

My Mom: Our Treasured Home

My sister: Faith & Daisies

My BFF: Delightful Country Cookin'

This Week's Cravings: Just 'peachy!'

2011-08-22T12:23:00.000-05:00

Welcome to This Week's Cravings - our theme is PEACHES this week! Yeah, I love peaches :) Especially peach cobbler which is what I'm featuring today.

This recipe is beyond simple - and you can use a can of any fruit you wish!

Peach Cobbler

1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 tsp salt
1 can (lg) peachs in juice
1 stick butter or margarine

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place butter in a 9 x 13 - and set in the oven to melt.

Meanwhile, combine flour, sugar, milk and salt in a medium bowl.
Once butter is melted, remove from the oven. Pour in the entire can of peaches - juice and all!

Pour batter over the top, don't mix!

Bake approx. 45 minutes - until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve with vanilla ice cream!

~~~

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

Post and share our button please:

30 Day of Me: A favorite recipe

2011-08-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 21: A recipe you love

Asking a food blogger to pick their favorite recipe, is like asking someone to pick a favorite star in the sky. It's nearly impossible!

But....

Chocolate Gravy. This may sound odd, but it's one of those recipes my Mom made. We'd have it for special occasions, it was a popular request for birthday breakfasts! I posted a version of her chocolate gravy earlier this year: Red Eye Chocolate Gravy. Her Chocolate Gravy recipe can be found here at her blog: Our Treasured Home.

So, this is one of my favorite recipes!

30 Days of Me: I wish I could forget

2011-08-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 20: Something you wished you could forget

There are moments in my life I'm not proud of, and maybe in some small I wish I could forget -- but I don't. I don't believe in coincedences, chances, luck - I believe everything that happens, good or bad, is apart of a plan. A plan God has created. Every heartache is a learning experience, every embarassing moment humbling. So, I don't have regrets - they've brought me here, and will serve a purpose someday.

That being said - I am a clumsy person, and there are a few trips, falls, and literally walking into poles that I wish didn't happen. :)

30 Days of Me: Talents & Hobbies

2011-08-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 19: A talent or hobby

I have several hobbies! I love to read, crochet, sew, cook & bake (obviously!). Also, I consider traveling & dining out hobbies because I'm constantly looking for new places to go and new restaurants to try.

Also, I'm starting to garden again - reading materials and preparing for landscaping and a produce garden next year!

30 Days of Me: Wedding Talk

2011-08-19T08:51:00.000-05:00

Day 18: Wedding Talk

Hubs & I will be married 6 years this fall, it really is amazing how time flies.

Here are some wedding pictures:

Our fun cake toppers:

Here is a close up of my dress bodice, the veil is laying over (it was a cathedral veil)

And one of my favorite pictures!

30 Days of Me: Pride & Insecurities

2011-08-19T08:45:00.000-05:00

Day 17- Your Biggest Insecurity & Something About Yourself You Are Proud Of

Insecurity?

I'm a girl.... so there's lot of insecurities. Hair, freckles, body shape... I guess my biggest insecurity has been believing in myself enough to achieve my dreams.

Pride?

On the flip side of my insecurities, is a sense of pride in my body. I'm still amazed by the process of bringing a child into this world. Feeling him grow inside me, the delivery process, breastfeeding & nuturing - it's absolutely amazing.

30 Days of Me: Being crazy!

2011-08-19T08:42:00.000-05:00

Day 16: Who Do You Do the Most Crazy Things With OR What is the Most Crazy Thing You’ve Done?

I really don't have an answer here, I can't think of anything right now...you're talking about the person that organizes their groceries on the check belt for goodness sake.

Can I get back to you on this ?!?!

This Week's Cravings: Special Diets

2011-08-16T11:44:00.000-05:00

{sorry this is a day late. I didn't set my publish day/time correctly!}

Our theme this week is Special Diets. Do you - or someone you love - follow a restricted diet such as gluten-free, dairy free, diabetic, etc? Then please share those recipes!

I have a loved one with celiac disease, so I make sure to tag any of my recipes that are gluten free - see them all HERE. Today I'm highlighting two previous gluten free recipes:

Gluten Free Cheesecake Bars

This recipe using a box of gluten free cake mix. Betty Crocker offers this product at a reasonable price.

Chocolate Raspberry Flourless Cupcakes with Fresh Whipped Cream and Lemon Spun Sugar

Whew! Long title! But worth it - I put together this dessert for a cupcake contest, but it can easily be adjusted. Don't add the raspberries to the cupcakes for a dense and decadent chocolate dessert. The spun sugar is a wonderful technique for adding special touches to other dishes. Remember, glute-free doesn't have to be boring!

~~~~~

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

This is your chance to share your favorite recipe each week based on our themes. Post that favorite breakfast from last week, or post your favorite cheesecake you made last month, just please stick to the theme. We want to read and discover your favorite recipe post, or if you don't have a recipe that matches this week's theme, then our hope is we inspire you to make something and link-up in the future. Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. It's fun to visit too! Click around on the other participant's - visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party, so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS! Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipes in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Schedule:

July 18 - we all scream for ICE CREAM!

July 25 - Strawberries

Aug 1 - Watermelon (or your favorite melon)

Aug 8 - Summer veggies

Aug 15 - Special Diets (i.e. gluten free, dairy free, etc.)

Aug 22 - 'Just Peachy!'

Aug 29 - "Labor" free grilling/BBQ recipes

Sept 9 - After school snack ideas

Be sure to visit our other hosts: Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post and share our button please:

30 Days of Me: My dream home

2011-08-16T08:00:00.002-05:00

Day 15: Describe my dream home or show you a picture!

Hubby & I bought our first home this year actually - we love the darling little place! We having been working hard fixing it all up, but I don't have any pictures.

Even with how much we love our new home, we do plan on something bigger later in life - and we'd love to build. So here are some pictures of my 'dream' home, courtesty of my 'For When We Build' board on Pinterest!

We love large, wrap around porches. I love houses that combine several elements: brick and siding, brick and rock, etc.

This home would be full of fun architectural character, like window seats & book storage...

Plus creative ways to save space - especially for the kiddos. I have this recent obession with built-in bunk beds. (and how perfect for kids, sleep overs, holidays, and future grandchildren?!?)

We hope to have several acres - we love the outdoors and want lots of space.

I want a large garden area like this:

complete with chickens....

Another area would be set for dining and cooking outdoors, as well as entertaining...

{Just add an outdoor kitchen with brick oven and this is perfect!}

And my goodness, while we're dreaming here ---- why not THIS??

{pottery barn}

30 Days of Me: Travel dreams

2011-08-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

Day 14: Somewhere I'd love to travel.

There are so many places - I LOVE to travel and want to go everywhere! Top at my list though:

Ireland

Scotland

Italy

(Venice)

London, England

New Zealand

(this is Hobbit House, Rotorua, New Zealand )

30 Days of Me: Huge impacts in my life

2011-08-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

Day 13: Something or Someone that has had a huge impact on my life.

Another tough question. And really personal.... !

I will say my son - being pregnant and giving birth has changed me more than I ever thought possible!

30 Days of Me: OCD

2011-08-13T08:00:00.003-05:00

Days 12: Something I'm OCD about...

Hmmmm, this would actually be a good question for my friends and loved ones! But....

I organize my closet by style of clothes - work clothes, pants, skirts, shorts, t-shirts, etc.

I also organize groceries as I put them on the belt to check out. I put canned goods first, then dry goods, then refrigerated stuff, next is produce, then clothes-fragile- magazines, etc. It really annoys me if I'm shopping with someone and they just put everything up there!

30 Days of Me: Favorite band or artist

2011-08-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 11: Favorite Band or Artist

Yesterday's post about me 10 years ago made me think of my high school infatuation with Hanson.

You know what? I still like them :)

I love music - classical, oldies, pop, classic rock, modern, R&B, jazz. I have so many favorite artists, bands, composers; my taste is varied ranging from Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, to the Beach Boys, Weezer, Goo Goo Dolls, Train and even Journey.

However.... this one question, I can give you one answer: Michael Buble.

I've seen him in concert twice. He is amazing live. Hubs and I have an agreement that anytime Buble is in Oklahoma we go see him. Amazing performer, and really quite funny!

30 Days of Me: Me, now and then

2011-08-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 10: A photo of me taken over 10 years ago, and a photo now.

I was able to find a picture from high-school on my computer. Let's just say that was over 10 years ago and leave it at that.

Sorry for fuzzy quality. This was taken before digital.

And here is a recent photo: Me and Little O on his first birthday:

30 Days of Me: What makes my life easier?

2011-08-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 9: Something that makes my life easier...

Whew, tough one. I thought about trying to be clever and say 'My hair bands to pull back my hair in the heat!' Or...."My couch! Because it's so relaxing and comfy...." but really can I just say the computer? 'Cause I use it non-stop at work, then there's blogging, researching, connecting with friends... it's just pretty darn handy!

Don't forget to visit A Daily Dose of Toni to learn about everyone participating in 30 Days of Me!

30 Days of ME: Something I Hate

2011-08-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 8: Something I Hate

Wow.

Well.

Hypocrisy. Liars. One-upper attitude. No toilet paper on the roll. Intentional cruelty - aka mean people. Traffic jams. That one person that speeds up and tries to pass everyone backed up in traffic. People that then let that person back in line. :( Butterscotch.

This Week's Cravings: Summer Veggies

2011-08-08T11:20:00.000-05:00

The theme this week is Summer Veggies - during the summer months I love vegetables fresh from the garden or farmers market. Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash; such a bounty of wonderful flavors!

This summer has had some slim picking though due to extreme drought across much of the U.S. Farmers markets are low, produce in grocery stores are poor quality and even our local pick-your-own farms are closed. {We also had detrimental ice storms last winter.} So, today I'm sharing a tasty archived veggie recipe you can adapt no matter the produce you have on hand - Ratatouille!

Ratatouille is easy and tastes good; could you ask for more? Change it up a bit, and cook the vegetables on the grill, yum!

The veggies!

Ratatouille

(courtesy FoodNetwork.com)

•1/4 cup olive oil

•1 1/2 cups small diced onion

•1 tsp minced garlic

•2 cups medium diced eggplant, skin on

•1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (I used about 1- 1 1/2 tsp dried)

•1 cup diced green bell peppers

•1 cups diced red bell peppers

•1 cup diced zucchini squash

•1 cup diced yellow squash

•1 1/2 cups peeled, seeded and chopped tomatoes

•1 Tb thinly sliced fresh basil leaves (Again, I used dried, about 2 tsp.)

•1 Tb chopped fresh parsley (yep.. dried, 1 Tb)

•Freshly ground black pepper

Be sure to visit my initial post with the complete recipe and pictures.

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

This is your chance to share your favorite recipe each week based on our themes. Post that favorite breakfast from last week, or post your favorite cheesecake you made last month, just please stick to the theme. We want to read and discover your favorite recipe post, or if you don't have a recipe that matches this week's theme, then our hope is we inspire you to make something and link-up in the future. Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. It's fun to visit too! Click around on the other participant's - visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party, so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS! Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipes in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Schedule:

July 18 - we all scream for ICE CREAM!

July 25 - Strawberries

Aug 1 - Watermelon (or your favorite melon)

Aug 8 - Summer veggies

Aug 15 - Special Diets (i.e. gluten free, dairy free, etc.)

Aug 22 - 'Just Peachy!'

Aug 29 - "Labor" free grilling/BBQ recipes

Sept 9 - After school snack ideas

Be sure to visit our other hosts: Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post and share our button please:

30 Days of Me: A photo that makes me happy

2011-08-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 7: A photo that makes me happy....

My menfolk exploring sea creatures - taken on a wonderful family outing for Little O's first birthday.

Makes me smile. :)

30 Days of ME: Most treasured item

2011-08-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

Day 6: My most treasured item

I honestly can not think of one thing in particular to call my most treasured item.

There's my Bible - it's valuable!

Then there's my Kitchen Aid mixer - I love that big, red hunk of metal!!

My husband gave me crystal Tiffany's candlesticks for my wedding present, a beautiful locket our first married Christmas together, and of course my wedding rings.

Even still - I don't tend to treasure 'items' as much as people and memories. I have hundreds of truly treasured memories. I treasure my family. My friends. My son. He embodies every good and wonderful thing in the world and I treasure his smile above everything else.

30 Days of ME: Favorite Quote

2011-08-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

Day 5: Favorite Quote

I love quotes. Working in higher education, I always have a few motivational quotes on hand!

One of my favorites is from Laura Ingalls Wilder: "A good laugh overcomes more difficulties and dissipates more dark clouds than any other one thing." So, so true Laura!

Another is, "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Oliver Wendell Holmes.

But Favorite Quote will go to Mark Twain today, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

30 Days of ME: Favorite book

2011-08-05T08:00:00.001-05:00

Day 4: Favorite book
I love to read - but there are two books I read every year. At least once.

Anne of Green Gables

I don't remember the first time I read this classic, but it is dear to my heart. I love Anne - with an 'e' - her fiery, passionate personality and eloquent, if sometimes awkward, communication is wonderful. It is a perfect for girls of any age.

The Outlander

A friend shared this book a few years ago and I could not put it down. When you read the premise.... it seems odd, I agree, but give it a chance! It is a historical love story full of adventure, intrigue, passion, honor and yes some 'adult' scenes.

Outlander is the first book in a still-producing series and I have devoured them all (to date.)

30 Days of ME: Day 3

2011-08-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

Day 3: Favorite television show

Whew - tough one. We watch tv, absolutely... but there isn't just one show we HAVE to watch every week. So, here's some lists...

Childhood favorites:
Andy Griffith Show
Little House on the Prairie
Home Improvement
Boy Meets World
Full House

Current viewing:
Celebrity Apprentice
Master Chef (anything with Gordon Ramsey really)
ANY Food Network show.
Supernatural
GLEE!

There ya go - day 3!

31 Days of ME! Day 1 & 2

2011-08-03T12:34:00.001-05:00

I found this fun blog party today at A Daily Dose of Toni and thought it was a wonderful way to reintroduce myself to blogging. Help get me back into the habit!

Technically, I'm a day behind.... but it's ok :)

DAY 2: Favorite Movie.

Well... that's tricky. I have lots of 'favorites.'

There's my John Wayne movies - where McLintock! and The Quiet Man tie. What can I say? I LOVE the Duke. And Maureen O'Hara.

My list of Doris Day favorites is long - but Calamity Jane, Pillow Talk and That Touch of Mink take the top 3 places.

{but don't forget Young at Heart with Frank Sinatra. Such a melancholy movie filled with soulful, swoony songs from Mr. Blue Eyes.}

There are those guilty pleasure movies & fun chick flicks-- Dirty Dancing, While You Were Sleeping, Blast from the Past, Love Actually, Sleepless in Seattle and The Holiday.

The runner-up to my all time favorite movie is An Affair to Remember. Oh my goodness, my hearts swoons. The charm oozes from Cary Grant; beauty from Deborah Kerr - and I cry nearly every. single. time.

But when I narrow it all the way down... ROMAN HOLIDAY is by far my all-time favorite movie.

Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck are amazing - a touching, funny, romantically bitter-sweet movie that stands the test of time. This is Audrey Hepburns first major role & she shines - beauty, fashion, the hair - perfection.

{Honorable mention given to: Harry Potter movies, Disney, Pixar ( Up! & Monsters,Inc. especially), and Last of the Mohicans.}

DAY 1: Favorite Song

Goodness - these don't seem like hard questions! But....

My favorite song changes constantly, but I can give you two favorite.

You Are My Sunshine is pretty special because I sing it to my son.

The Luckiest by Ben Folds was my wedding song; it's also very dear to me.

Keep checking for more tidbits about me! Please visit A Daily Dose of Toni and consider joining in - let's get better acquainted!

This Week's Cravings: Watermelon

2011-08-01T11:26:00.001-05:00

Well, I feel silly.

I was all excited and prepared with a peach recipe this morning. Baked it, photo'd it, shared it with friends.... ready.

Nope. 'Cause this week is melons. Oopsie. So much for being prepared.... and I had a watermelon cocktail recipe I was going to experiment with!

So - please share your watermelon recipes! I will even accept foods that contain no melon, but looks like a watermelon. But no peaches people. Not yet.

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

This is your chance to share your favorite recipe each week based on our themes. Post that favorite breakfast from last week, or post your favorite cheesecake you made last month, just please stick to the theme. We want to read and discover your favorite recipe post, or if you don't have a recipe that matches this week's theme, then our hope is we inspire you to make something and link-up in the future. Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. It's fun to visit too! Click around on the other participant's - visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party, so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS! Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipes in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Schedule:

July 18 - we all scream for ICE CREAM!

July 25 - Strawberries

Aug 1 - Watermelon (or your favorite melon)

Aug 8 - Summer veggies

Aug 15 - Special Diets (i.e. gluten free, dairy free, etc.)

Aug 22 - 'Just Peachy!'

Aug 29 - "Labor" free grilling/BBQ recipes

Sept 9 - After school snack ideas

Be sure to visit our other hosts: Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post and share our button please:

Eggplant Bake

2011-07-29T10:35:00.000-05:00

Look! I'm posting! :) Hehe...

The recipe is insanely easy and very elegant. You can easily use zucchini instead of eggplant, add sliced mushrooms or tomatoes, increase the cheese - lots of fun.

Eggplant Bake

1 medium-large eggplant
2 cups marinara
2 cups shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese

Slice eggplant as thin as possible; spread slices out on a cutting board or baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and let sit at least 5 minutes. The salt draws out excess moisture.
Using paper towels or a fresh towel, wipe eggplant slices removing the salt and excess water.
Spray a 8-10 inch springform pan with non-stick spray. Lay one layer of eggplant slices in the pan first. Then spread a couple tablespoons sauce, then pinch of cheese. Continue layering eggplant, marinara and cheese - topping with remaining cheese.

Cover loosely with foil, then place pan on a baking sheet to catch any liquid that seeps out the bottom. Bake 30-45 minutes at 375 degrees - until eggplant is soft.
Let cool in pan 5-10 minutes - this will help the bake firm up and make it easier to cut.

Carefully remove the outer part of the springform pan.
Top with a sprinkle of cheese, brushetta or even fresh basil for garnish.

NOTE: if you do not remove as much moisture as possible from the eggplant, the bake will not set up in the 'pie' shape and will be very difficult to cut. That is a very important step!

We served large slices with grilled steaks - Yum!!

This Week's Cravings: Strawberries

2011-07-25T16:06:00.000-05:00

This Week's Cravings is all about those sweet, wonderful red berries we love -- Strawberries! Alas, my area was lacking a good selection of strawberries this past week, so here's some lovelies from the archives.

I promise, I'm working on new recipes and will post more soon.

Pinky Promise.

Layered Strawberry Pudding

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Strawberry Breakfast Pastries

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

This is your chance to share your favorite recipe each week based on our themes. Post that favorite breakfast from last week, or post your favorite cheesecake you made last month, just please stick to the theme. We want to read and discover your favorite recipe post, or if you don't have a recipe that matches this week's theme, then our hope is we inspire you to make something and link-up in the future. Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. It's fun to visit too! Click around on the other participant's - visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party, so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS! Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipes in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Schedule:

July 18 - we all scream for ICE CREAM!
July 25 - Strawberries
Aug 1 - Watermelon (or your favorite melon)
Aug 8 - Summer veggies
Aug 15 - Special Diets (i.e. gluten free, dairy free, etc.)
Aug 22 - 'Just Peachy!'
Aug 29 - "Labor" free grilling/BBQ recipes
Sept 9 - After school snack ideas

Be sure to visit our other hosts: Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post and share our button please:

This Week's Cravings: We all scream for ICE CREAM!

2011-07-18T11:41:00.001-05:00

Hello lovely blogging friends! Before we share our fabulous ice cream recipes - here's a Q-family update:

1) My beautiful baby boy turned one this month. We had a lovely day together & a fabulous party-day with family and friends.

2) I have a new camera, Praise! It's a lot fancier & has tons of buttons, functions, etc etc but I've figured out how to point and click.... so there's a start.

3) 99% of my kitchen is unpacked and in the cupboards. Now I'm still missing those couple of boxes containing drinking glasses, ice cream maker, randomness - but we are in working order.

4) We hope to get Internet in the next couple months, so my posting should pick up.

Whew!! Now on to the ice cream....

This Week's Cravings: ICE CREAM

National Ice Cream day... a holiday for me. I could eat ice cream every day, no exaggeration. Love it. However, remember my previous comment about my kitchen contents? Still haven't unpacked the ice cream makers (yes, we own 2), so we are diving into the archives ~ Enjoy!

Hunka Hunka Ice Cream

3 facts about me: 1) I love ice cream {we've covered that already...} 2) I love peanut butter, especially on ice cream! 3) I love Elvis - what a dream. So naturally one thing lead to another and this ice cream sundae was the result :)

Don't forget to check Our Treasured Home for the original ice cream recipe - it's delish.

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Needs no explanation really... it does have a cooked base, which gives the ice cream a creamy, custard like texture.

Mmmmmm......

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

This is your chance to share your favorite recipe each week based on our themes. Post that favorite breakfast from last week, or post your favorite cheesecake you made last month, just please stick to the theme. We want to read and discover your favorite recipe post, or if you don't have a recipe that matches this week's theme, then our hope is we inspire you to make something and link-up in the future. Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. It's fun to visit too! Click around on the other participant's - visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party, so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS! Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipes in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Schedule:

June 27 - Picnic recipes

July 4 - Red, White & Blue!

July 11 - Blueberries

July 18 - we all scream for ICE CREAM!

July 25 - Strawberries

Be sure to visit our other hosts: Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post and share our button please:

This Week's Cravings: Picnics

2011-06-27T14:52:00.001-05:00

My kitchen is coming along nicely - I'm still working with a skillet, cake pans for plates and a spatula.... but we're close! I can't wait to unpack all my kitchen lovelies!

While searching my archives for picnic appropriate recipes; I found that topic lacking. I love picnics, so I will have to work on this one...I did find a few treats that would pack well, so please enjoy! And link up those picnic ideas!

Chocolate Bacon Popcorn.

Oh yeah. I'm going there. You just can't believe the addictive tastiness of this treat.

Pepper Popper Calzone.

This is something I would make ahead and pack- so easy and tasty.

Pizza Stuffed Pretzels

Still my most popular post - and I have to say with good reason. They're fun, they're portable, they're tasty.... they're just plain fabulous all around.

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

This is your chance to share your favorite recipe each week based on our themes. Post that favorite breakfast from last week, or post your favorite cheesecake you made last month, just please stick to the theme. We want to read and discover your favorite recipe post, or if you don't have a recipe that matches this week's theme, then our hope is we inspire you to make something and link-up in the future. Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. It's fun to visit too! Click around on the other participant's - visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party, so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS! Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipes in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Schedule:

June 27 - Picnic recipes

July 4 - Red, White & Blue!

July 11 - Blueberries

July 18 - we all scream for ICE CREAM!

July 25 - Strawberries

Be sure to visit our other hosts: Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post and share our button please:

This Week's Cravings: 30 minute meals

2011-06-20T15:43:00.001-05:00

I am back - sorta :) You know much 'out of the loop' I've been? I logged in today to write about 4th of July recipes! Whoa!!

The past couple of months, my life has been insane. To say the least. But I do have a new camera (yeah!) now and my kitchen is much closer to fully functioning -- so I am slowly returning to our regularly schedule posting. I have missed everyone!!

So welcome back This Week's Cravings, Gold Star Wednesday, and a little later Take Me There Tuesdays!

For now though.... let's share some 30 minute meals! What are your go to fast and delicious menu options? Here are 3 of our favorites:

Tyler's Taco Soup:

Dump it, heat it, garnish it, eat it - fabulous.

Cajun Seafood Pasta

There's flexibility with the veggies, but tons of flavor. Serve with crusty bread and you have a hit!

Chicken Piccata

Hubs loves that I use capers; I love that it's quick & frugal!

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

This Week's Schedule:

May 30 - Memorial Day BBQ!

June 6 - Fun and exciting summer recipes

June 13 - Dad's favorites for Father's Day!

June 20 - 30 Minutes Meals

June 27 - Picnic recipes

July 4 - Red, White & Blue!

July 11 - Blueberries

July 18 - we all scream for ICE CREAM!

July 25 - Strawberries

Be sure to visit our other hosts: Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post and share our button please:

This Week's Cravings: Memorial Day

2011-05-31T09:36:00.005-05:00

How did you spend your weekend? I hope everyone had a lovely holiday!

We spent a nice weekend working on our new house; it was wonderful. However, two facts:

1) Still no camera.

2) Still no internet.

{sigh}

So.... no new recipe today! I can share that we had grilled brats, corn and watermelon for Memorial Day and it was TASTY!

Better late than never --- please link up your Memorial Day BBQ and cookout recipes!

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

This Week's Schedule:

May 30 - Memorial Day BBQ!

June 6 - Fun and exciting summer recipes

June 13 - Dad's favorites for Father's Day!

June 20 - 30 Minutes Meals

June 27 - Picnic recipes

July 4 - Red, White & Blue!

July 11 - Blueberries

July 18 - we all scream for ICE CREAM!

July 25 - Strawberries

Be sure to visit our other hosts: Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post and share our button please:

This Week's Cravings: Salads

2011-05-23T12:49:00.007-05:00

It's time for some refreshing salads this week - please link up your traditional, your out of the ordinary, your salad dressings; link it up people!

Me? It's remember from my archives this week. My kitchen is still packed :( and my camera broke last week! Hopefully, my kitchen will become organized and I'll purchase a new camera soon - but until then, I will be pulling from my archives and saved recipes. My apologies!

So, this is just a friendly reminder of some tasty non-traditional 'salads' I've posted. Family favorites and quite tasty if I might say so myself!

Black Eye Pea salad

This one is your BBQ's best friend.

Pea Salad

Ok, so it's a vegetable and has mayo - - but we still call it a 'salad!' Another great BBQ or potluck addition, just remember to keep it cold!

~~~

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

This Week's Schedule:

May 2 - Cinco de Mayo!

May 9 - Mother's Day Brunch

May 16 - Hamburger

May 23 - Summer Salads

May 30 - Memorial Day BBQ!

June 6 - Fun and Exciting summer recipes

June 13 - Dad's favorites for Father's Day!

June 20 - 30 Minutes Meals

June 27 - Picnic recipes

Be sure to visit our other hosts: Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post and share our button please:

<a href="http://frommytinykitchen.blogspot.com/search/label/This%20Weeks%20Cravings" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k498/Hudgens6/Buttons/ThisWeeksCravingsButton.jpg"></a>

This Week's Cravings: BEEF!

2011-05-16T10:36:00.005-05:00

It is what's for dinner after all. BEEF!

Talk about some crazy times in the Q household! We are still in the midst of moving chaos. My computer crashed, and that has been a weird experience. I have some serious apology emails to write.... and alas -- no cooking or experimenting for a couple weeks now. I'd planned ahead a little, but fully intended to be in a functioning kitchen by this point. {sigh}

So I was hanging my head in shame this morning when I realized there was no Beef post in my future. Till I searched my back-up, emergency, recipe file and found THIS! It was very yummy and super easy. Enjoy :)

This Week's Cravings: BEEF

Philly Beef Enchiladas

1 lb ground beef

1 can Rotel, or diced tomatoes with peppers

1 carton, Philadelphia Cooking Creme: Sante Fe Blend

2 cups shredded cheese, your choice.

8-10 flour tortillas

In a large skillet, brown beef. Use you spoon to break meat into small pieces as it cooks.

Drain any excess grease, then return beef to skillet.

Drain liquid from the Rotel, add to beef. Next add the Philly creme - I used approx. 1/2 the container. {sorry for the fuzzy picture} It is surprisingly warm in flavor, so start small. Lastly, mix in 1 cup shredded cheese.

Scoop 1/4-1/3 cup filling in the middle of a tortilla - roll up and place in a lightly greased casserole dish. Continue with remaining filling and tortillas.

Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-25 minutes, until hot throughout and cheese is melted.

Enjoy! This is very easy to prepare in advance, as it refrigerates or freezes well. Another idea? Serve the warm and creamy filling with some chips for an outstanding dip!

{Beef side note - which is your favorite? Rough and rugged Sam Elliot? Or smooth and sultry Matthew McConaughey?}

~~~~

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. It's fun to visit too! Click around at the other participant's and visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party, so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS! Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipes in the comments for others to see.

This week's Cravings Schedule:

May 2- Cinco de Mayo!

May 9 - Mother's Day Brunch

May 16 - Hamburger

May 23 - Summer Salads

May 30 - Memorial Day BBQ!

June 6 - Fun & exciting summer recipes

June 13 - Dad's favorites for Father's Day!

June 20 - 30 Minutes Meals

June 27 - Picnic recipes

Be sure to visit our other hosts: Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post and share our button please:

This Week's Cravings: Mother's Day Brunch

2011-05-09T08:37:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was Mother's Day ~ I hope all my wonderful, Mommy blogger friends had a fabulous day yesterday.

Today at This Week's Cravings, we are sharing our Mother's Day brunch recipes - brunch covers a wide range: breakfast, light lunch options, salads, beverages... What did you have on Mother's Day?

My recipe today isn't exactly what I had yesterday, but it's my idea of a wonderful brunch dish. :) I love smoked salmon, capers, red onions, bagels, yum yum yum. This dish is an easy way to serve salmon and all the fixings.

Salmon Patties

1 can pink salmon

1 egg

2 Tb sour cream or unflavored yogurt

1 Tb dill

salt and pepper

Whisk egg in a small bowl.

Drain salmon. Flake and add to egg. Add remaining ingredients.

This is very wet, kinda thin. You could add 1-2 Tb flour if you like, but I was trying to stay gluten-free.

Drop by tablespoons onto a lightly greased baking pan. It will spread out quite a bit, but that's ok! Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes; check at 4-5 minutes and flip.

Serve with thinly sliced red onion, capers, tomato slices, bread or bagels, cream cheese or this yummy, simple dip....

Dill Yogurt Dip

1 Tb dill

1/8 cup unflavored yogurt, greek would be fantastic

pinch salt & pepper

Combine and chill until ready to serve.

Lay out the patties and garnishes on a large platter and let guests stack their own!

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. We hope to see you week after week sharing new recipes. It's fun to visit too! Click around at the other participant's and visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others., And remember, this is a blog party so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS! Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipe in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Cravings Schedule:

May 2 - Cinco de Mayo!

May 9 - Mother's Day Brunch

May 16 - Hamburger

May 23 - Summer Salads

May 30 - Memorial day BBQ!

June 6 - Fun & exciting summer recipes

June 13 - Dad's favorites for Father's Day!

June 20 - 30 Minute Meals

June 27 - Picnic recipes

Be sure to visit our other hosts: Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

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This Week's Cravings: Cinco de Mayo & Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

2011-05-01T08:31:00.025-05:00

Happy Monday everyone - welcome to This Week's Cravings! I am busy joyously moving, painting, scrubbing... a new blog in the works :)

Today, blogger Rachel at Faith and Daisies is visiting with a wonderful Cinco de Mayo recipe. She is a wonderful cook who just recently began blogging. (Plus she's my beautiful sister!)

Be sure to link up a recipe, then skip over to Faith and Daisies and read her lovely blog!

Hi everybody! I am very excited to be writing a guest post for Kristen. I am visiting from Faith And Daisies, be sure to stop by and say hi! This post is for This Week's Cravings- Cinco de Mayo week. These enchiladas are the only enchiladas I make for me and my husband, they are the best if you like sour cream enchiladas!

The first thing you will do to make these is cook some chicken. The amount is up to you, I usually just want cheese enchiladas so 1 chicken breast is usually enough. I season it with seasoned salt and it's just right for the dish. Once it is cooked, cut it up. My husband and I like our enchiladas a little spicy so I cut up some jalapenos for inside the enchiladas and the sauce. Again, the amount is up to you!

Next, put the chicken, cheese and about half of the jalapenos in the tortillas. I made half of them chicken and cheese and half of them just cheese. I used 8 medium-sized flour tortillas. Roll them up and lay them side by side in a glass baking dish.

Then, prepare the sour cream sauce. Melt the butter in a skillet.

Whisk in the flour until it is smooth and let it cook for a minute or two.

Slowly mix in the chicken broth and let cook for about 5 minutes or until thickened. It doesn't have to be super thick but make sure it isn't runny. When it is as thick as you want it, stir in the sour cream.

Once it is completely blended, salt and pepper it to taste and add the rest of the jalapenos. Mix it up and pour over the enchiladas!

Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Cut into one in the middle to make sure the cheese is melted. If it is, sprinkle more cheese on top and put back in the oven until all melted.

Serve with your favorite side dish and enjoy!

And for good measure, finish off the meal with homemade chocolate chip ice cream :)

Thanks for letting me stop by! See you at This Week's Cravings!

~~~~~~

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

his is your chance to share your favorite recipe each week based on our themes. Post that favorite breakfast from last week, or post your favorite cheesecake you made last month, just please stick to the theme. We want to read and discover your favorite recipe post, or if you don't have a recipe that matches this week's theme, then our hope is we inspire you to make something and link-up in the future.

Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. We hope to see you week after week sharing new recipes. It's fun to visit too! Click around at the other participant's and visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS!Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipe in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Cravings Schedule:

April 4 - Switch it! Spouse in the kitchen day

April 11 - Your incredible, edible EGG recipes!

April 18 - Easter sweet & treats

April 25 - Favorite Easter Dinner recipes

May 2 - Cinco de Mayo!

May 9 - Mother's Day Brunch

May 16 - Hamburger

May 23 - Summer Salads

May 30 - Memorial Day BBQ!

Be sure to visit the party's other hosts at Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post & share our button please:

This Week's Cravings: Easter Dinner

2011-04-22T15:03:00.009-05:00

We know This Week's Cravings is actually a day after Easter this week - but please share what you enjoyed Easter Sunday! I am posting this a little early in case some friends need last minute ideas for the holiday.

Lots going on the in the Q household - which will all be revealed soon - so I'm sharing a list of recipes perfect for your Easter day.

Appetizers

Deviled Egg Dip.

Yum. And such a unique twist on the classic deviled egg!

Layered Pesto Spread.

Just 'cause. It's tasty.

The meat..

Classic choice of lamb - we grill it in this post.

Lemon Sage Chicken

Come home from church or egg hunting to find this delicious, moist whole chicken waiting.

POM Ham

Another easy fix-and-wait recipe - works for crockpot or oven.

Some sides....

Mint Couscous

Fresh and light, fabulous with the grilled lamb.

Pea Salad.

I've already mentioned this is a regular at my family Easter table.

Sweets and Treats

White Chocolate Shortcake

Don't limit this sweet biscuit to strawberries, it's just as good with blueberries, raspberries, sliced peaches... yumyumyum.

Definitely browse last weeks This Week's Cravings - it's all about the sweets!

Praying everyone has a wonderful, blessed Easter weekend!

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. We hope to see you week after week sharing new recipes. It's fun to visit too! Click around at the other participant's and visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS!Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipe in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Cravings Schedule:
April 4 - Switch it! Spouse in the kitchen day
April 11 - Your incredible, edible EGG recipes!
April 18 - Easter sweet & treats
April 25 - Favorite Easter Dinner recipes
May 2 - Cinco de Mayo!
May 9 - Mother's Day Brunch
May 16 - Hamburger
May 23 - Summer Salads
May 30 - Memorial Day BBQ!

Be sure to visit the party's other hosts at Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post & share our button please:

Homemade Oreos

2011-04-20T11:17:00.006-05:00

Oh yes, you read that correctly. Homemade Oreos. The only statements that compare with that beauty are 'I love you," "I want Mommy," or "Congratulations! You've just won...." :) {sigh}

They really are tasty.

The recipe comes from Smitten Kitchen. If you don't follow Smitten, well shame shame because it's beautiful and fabulous. I bookmark recipes there constantly; but this one was special - bookmark, print, bake and consume. Quickly.

Homemade Oreos

The cookie:

1 1/4 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup plus 2 tb butter

1 egg

The filling:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temp

1/4 cup shortening

2 cups sifted powdered sugar

2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 375.

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Cut in butter using a fork or pastry blender - you need the dough to reach a consistency of fine sand. Add egg - you may have to get dirty and mix with your hands, this dough is thick and sticky! It will eventually clump together like pie dough.

Roll teaspoon amounts of the dough into balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. They do spread slightly, so space a couple inches apart. Wet your finger tips and gently flatten the cookies - just a little...

Bake 8-9 minutes. Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

For the creamy filling, combine the butter and shortening in a medium bowl. Beat in the sugar and vanilla till fluffy.

Pair up cookies of similar size and shape - using a pastry bag with a round tip, or plastic baggy with the tip snipped, pipe about a teaspoon of filling in the middle of one cookie. Press other cookie on till filling spreads to the edges.

Keep going till all cookies are filled. Grab some milk and enjoy!

Notes:

Using margarine in the cookie is fine. But do not, understand any circumstances, use margarine for the filling. It will be runny - unsalted butter is a must.

I used dark vanilla; still tasty in the filling but gave it a funky color. If you want the traditional white filling, use clear vanilla.

The dough is super sticky. Once you roll out one pan, put the dough in the fridge so it stays firm between batches.

The original recipe says to bake for 9 minutes. This gives you a wonderful crisp cookie, ala Oreo. However, it is a well established fact that I love cookies with a soft center.... so I baked them a little less....

Also, the original recipe discusses the sugar content. You could use 1 1/2 cups sugar for a sweeter cookie, or use 1 cup for a more bitter chocolate cookie, like the Oreo.

All in all - these. are. wonderful. So tasty, and really pretty simple. I recommend you make them as soon as possible.

And have big glass of milk ready.

Gold Star Wednesday

2011-04-20T10:00:00.004-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!

What made you proud this week?

I just want to take a moment to highlight This Week's Cravings.

I'm so proud of how much it's grown and the wonderful bloggers that visit us each week. You make my Monday better!

Please share - what made you proud this week?

Here are the party details and rules:

When: Every Wednesday

Where: http://www.frommytinykitchen.blogspot.com/

Who: Everyone! Invite your friends and please share the party of your blog!

What: That post you worked hard to get just perfect? Maybe you are trying a new style or subject? Or there's a post you're proud of, but it didn't get much traffic and you want to share? Everyone writes posts that makes them proud - and I want to read them! So, pick your favorite post of the week before, and meet me here every Wednesday to share and give yourself a gold star!

Rules: Please mention this party on your log and link your post to this party. When linking, use the web address for your specific post, not your blog homepage. If you like, grab my button ~ and spread the comment love! And please, share Gold Star Wednesday with your blogging buddies.

Post my button:

<a href="http://frommytinykitchen.blogspot.com/search/label/Gold%20Star%20Wednesday" target="_blank"></a>

This Week's Cravings: Easter sweet & treats

2011-04-18T10:16:00.008-05:00

Spring is in the air! And it's Easter sweets & treats today at This Week's Cravings - Yum...

I developed this recipe in high school; I was in a Culinary Program at the local Vo-Tech and loved working with desserts. It's a sweet biscuit with soft chunks of white chocolate and the perfect compliment to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

White Chocolate Shortcake

1/4 cup butter

2 cups flour

1 Tb baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3 Tb sugar

3/4 cup milk

1 tsp almond extract

1 cup white chocolate chips

Combine all dry ingredients in a medium bowl.

Using a fork or pastry blender, cut in butter till dough is a fine, sand-like texture

Slowly stir in milk - dough will be sticky! Add almond extract.

Next add chocolate chips; get your hands dirty and knead in the chips.

Drop in heaping spoonfuls on a baking sheet. See my picture? And the greased cookie sheet? Yeah - bad idea. Best to line your cookie sheet with parchment paper first.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.

Served with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

Notes:

Dough can be made 1-2 days in advance.

Bake shortcake 1-2 days in advance and store in an airtight container.

Add almond slivers to the dough, or sprinkle on top of the whipped cream.

A little lemon zest or juice adds a nice 'fresh' taste to the shortcakes.

Melt in your Mouth Monday, Mouthwatering Monday, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, Tuesdays at the Table, Slightly Indulgent Tuesday, Tackle it Tuesday, What’s Cooking Wednesday, Recipe Swap Thursday, Full Plate Thursday, Food on Fridays, Friday Favorites, Foodie Friday, Recipe Swap at The Grocery Cart Challenge, Sweet Tooth Friday,

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. We hope to see you week after week sharing new recipes. It's fun to visit too! Click around at the other participant's and visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS!Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipe in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Cravings Schedule:

April 4 - Switch it! Spouse in the kitchen day

April 11 - Your incredible, edible EGG recipes!

April 18 - Easter sweet & treats

April 25 - Favorite Easter Dinner recipes

May 2 - Cinco de Mayo!

May 9 - Mother's Day Brunch

May 16 - Hamburger

May 23 - Summer Salads

May 30 - Memorial Day BBQ!

Be sure to visit the party's other hosts at Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post & share our button please:

One Skillet Chicken Parmesan

2011-04-15T12:41:00.008-05:00

I love chicken parmesan, eggplant parmesan, just parmesan in general. So does Hubs - so this recipe is perfect for us. We love the flavor & the easy cleanup!

One Skillet Chicken Parmesan

Chicken chunks

2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup shredded cheese

1 cup Panko bread crumbs

1 Tb dried parsley

Salt and pepper

1 egg

The recipe is very flexible, adjust to fit your desired meal size.

Remember my post about chicken thighs? They work perfectly in this recipe - I deboned and chunked two large chicken thighs.

Whisk egg in a small bowl; set aside. Pour 1 cup panko crumbs, parsley and a pinch salt and pepper into another small bowl. Coat chicken chunks in egg, then dredge in panko. Cook in 2 Tb olive oil in a medium sized, cast iron skillet till brown on all sides. Remove chunks to a plate.

Once all chicken chunks are browned, wipe skillet with a paper towel to remove any excess oil.

Pour 2 cups marinara sauce - we used my Spicy Spaghetti Sauce - in skillet. We also added a few tablespoons of alfredo sauce; it makes the sauce a little richer and less acidic.

Place chicken chunks in sauce, then lightly sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.

Bake in a 375 degree oven for 10-15 minutes until warm and chicken is cooked throughout.

Serve over pasta.

Printable Recipe

The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it so wonderful. I keep spaghetti sauce and sometimes chunked chicken (in separate containers of course!) in the freezer. Put them in the fridge in the morning to thaw, then dinner time is a quick, cook, bake, and boil - add a side salad and it's set for a family dinner or company!

2011-04-13T15:37:00.003-05:00

Wow I've had a crazy Wednesday! My apologies for a late posting...

What made you proud this week?

I'm pretty proud I finally posted those lurking comments - be sure to read my post! :)

Here are the party details and rules:

When: Every Wednesday

Where: http://www.frommytinykitchen.blogspot.com/

Who: Everyone! Invite your friends and please share the party of your blog!

Post my button:

If you can't say something nice....

2011-04-12T14:41:00.003-05:00

Well you know the rest. I've had two comments sitting in my inbox for almost a year now.... just waiting to get approved. They are a little hurtful. A little critical. Unnecessary. And a reminder to always do better.

Actually, the two comments are toward the same post. The post which actually happens to be my most popular post. Most responses, most hits - and I guess most criticism.

I'm finally releasing the comments. I've stewed over them long enough and you know what? I'm comfortable with them, me and my blog.

I do still wonder why though? I will gladly consider any and all constructive criticism, please give me feedback, but what prompts people to be hurtful? If you don't like me, my writing, my food, then move on.... don't be hatin'.

I shop at Wal-Mart because I have very few options in my medium-sized town.

And actually I do believe cooking is combining ingredients (no matter their source) and sticking them in an oven. Or skillet. Or crockpot. Did an item cook during the process? Well then, that's 'cooking' honey.

I make no claims to be a culinary genius. There are no cookbook offers, TV shows or publication (even though I'd love that!) I crockpot, I fry, I believe everything is better with cheese or chocolate. My sugar comes with a little tea and preferably a lot of mint. I may love complex dishes at fancy restaurants - but in my opinion, nothing will beat some home-fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Let's be polite. Let's welcome differences. Let's look for the positive side. Let's show support.

This Week's Cravings: Incredible Eggs!

2011-04-11T09:11:00.008-05:00

You know the jingle! It's incredible.... it's edible.... it's an egg....

The theme today is Eggs - boiled, scrambled, fried, quiches, link up your egg recipes!

Today, I'm sharing another tweaked recipe from Buns in my Oven. While reading her blog (read the entire thing) I discovered Deviled Egg Dip and thought, "How genius!" "Brilliant" "Perfect revision of a classic!" And all this considering my lifelong troublesome relationship with eggs...

I didn't follow her recipe exactly - I basically made deviled eggs how we like them, and recommend you do the same. {Update: Hubby added freshly chopped tomato and some bleu cheese - extra yummy! Personally, I think it now needs some crumbled bacon!}

Deviled Egg Dip

5 boiled eggs, shells removed

1/4 cup mayo

2 Tb spicy mustard

salt and pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

1 celery stalk, finely sliced

I used my handy-dandy slicer to chop the eggs. If you place the egg in one direction, say pointing north and south, and slice... then carefully turn the whole egg pointing east and west and slice... you will get perfect egg 'strips.' {Note: I didn't use two yolks.}

Carefully mix in mayo, mustard and celery. Sprinkle in paprika, then salt and pepper to taste.

Chill until ready to serve.

Printable Recipe.

There you have it! Very easy and really tasty - perfect for picnics, cookouts, even sandwiches!

{Notes: I didn't discuss boiling the eggs; I think everyone has their own technique for this step. Other seasoning options: Italian seasonings, a little spicy, or maybe Buffalo Style with a couple dashes hot sauce!}

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. We hope to see you week after week sharing new recipes. It's fun to visit too! Click around at the other participant's and visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS!Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipe in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Cravings Schedule:

April 4 - Switch it! Spouse in the kitchen day

April 11 - Your incredible, edible EGG recipes!

April 18 - Easter sweet & treats

April 25 - Favorite Easter Dinner recipes

May 2 - Cinco de Mayo!

May 9 - Mother's Day Brunch

May 16 - Hamburger

May 23 - Summer Salads

May 30 - Memorial Day BBQ!

Be sure to visit the party's other hosts at Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post & share our button please:

Gold Star Wednesday

2011-04-06T10:18:00.006-05:00

It's Wednesday again - what made you proud this week?

I'm proud of my hubby and the super delicious dinner he made last week: Grilled Lamb with Mint Couscous. Also, I think it got him back in the cooking spirit - last night I came home to chicken, twice baked potatoes and home-made rolls. :)

What made you proud this week?

Here are the party details and rules:

When: Every Wednesday

Where: http://www.frommytinykitchen.blogspot.com/

Who: Everyone! Invite your friends and please share the party of your blog!

Post my button:

Pea Salad

2011-04-05T12:46:00.006-05:00

This is a super easy, super easy, super cheap, just all around super recipe! My family usually makes this for Easter; or as a quick side for BBQ's. (Plus it's one of the only ways my sister or husband eat peas!)

Pea Salad

2 cans peas

1 - 8 oz. block cheddar cheese

1/2 cup mayo

salt and pepper

Drain the peas and pour into a medium bowl.

Stir in mayo. Be careful not to squish all your peas!

Cut cheese into small cubes. Add to your mayo'd peas.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Easy-peasy!

{pun intended}

{that's right. I'm that cheesy}

{snortgiggle}

This Week's Cravings: Hubby Cooks

2011-04-04T08:42:00.013-05:00

My hub loves to cook - he likes unique flavors, different ingredients and even brought his own cookbooks into the relationship. So when I mentioned this week's challenge he was excited! He tossed around ideas for a while before finding a meat sale - lamb.

We like lamb - a few birthdays back he made me Sun Dried Tomatoes and Feta stuffed Lamb Chops. Oh yes. They were tasty.

So here's the meal my hubby cooked - He even took all his own pictures.

Grilled Lamb with Mint Couscous

Grilled Lamb

Lamb ribs - 2 slabs

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp rosemary

Using a mortar and pestle crush rosemary - your kitchen will smell amazing. Add remaining spices and give it a quick crush. Stir into brown sugar.

Tenderize the meat - whether you use a spike mallet, or this little rolly thing we own.

Lay one slab onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Rub 1/2 half seasonings mixture onto the lamb. Rub other slab with remaining mixture. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 1 day (at least 8 hours.)

Hubs used a broiler pan on our gas grill (set to med-high heat) to keep the meat from scorching. Whether using a pan or placing directly on the heat source; place ribs rub side up first. Grill 15-20 minutes, or until medium-pink in the center.

Let rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Mint Couscous

10 oz. dry couscous

1 1/4 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup water

1/2 large white onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, finely minced

1/4 tsp dry mint

Drizzle a couple tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan. Add onion and garlic, caramelize.

Pour in liquids and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, add couscous stirring gently. Lower heat and simmer until all liquid has been absorbed.

Fluff the couscous with a fork, and add mint. If using fresh, rough chop the mint to release it's natural oils.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

This combo was wonderful! The lamb was tender and juicy with a slight sweetness. We loved the couscous; the mint was very refreshing.

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. We hope to see you week after week sharing new recipes. It's fun to visit too! Click around at the other participant's and visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS!Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipe in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Cravings Schedule:

March 7 - A candlelight dinner - Favorite Romantic Recipes

March 14 - Bake for me, I'm Irish!

March 21 - Chocolate. 'Nuff said....

March 28 - Surprise! There's ___ in your food! Share recipes with surprise and secret ingredients.

April 4 - Switch it! Spouse in the kitchen day

April 11 - Your incredible, edible EGG recipes!

April 18 - Easter sweet & treats

Be sure to visit the party's other hosts at Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post & share our button please:

Deconstructed Chicken Thigh

2011-03-31T14:45:00.004-06:00

So - how do you feel about raw meat? I know a lot of people that can't stand raw meat - the touch, smell, general look of it... blah.

But....

Times are a'changing. $ is tight. Chicken is not always this 'chipper' {tell me the movie} option; especially nice, clean cuts. And chicken thighs are honestly, awkward chicken parts- awkward to prepare, cook, eat, etc. but you can usually find them in bulk and on sale.

Follow these easy steps for de-boning chicken thighs:

Use a sharp knife. A sharp knife makes this work move quickly and may save you a finger!

Lay the thigh skin-side down, bone side up.

Feeling where the bone lies - make an incision down the chicken along one side of the bone. Cut along the other side of the bone.

Spread the meat apart to expose the thigh bone.

Carefully work your knife under the middle of the bone. Cutting away from yourself - cut the bone off one direction. Turn thigh and cut other way.

Removing final bits of the thigh bone and cartilage.

Once the bone is removed, thigh meat can easily be cut into strips, chunks, or stuffed and rolled. Or there's even a yummy one-skillet chicken parmesan recipe I'll be posting soon....

If buying thighs in bulk, it's a great idea to de-bone, then freeze. This will save you a lot of time on dinner or prep nights!

Gold Star Wednesday

2011-03-30T12:14:00.005-06:00

Happy Wednesday!

What made you proud this week?

Please share those favorite posts, stories, photos and recipes! Sorry I'm late today - lots of action at work today!

Here are the party details and rules:

When: Every Wednesday

Where: http://www.frommytinykitchen.blogspot.com/

Who: Everyone! Invite your friends and please share the party of your blog!

Post my button:

This Week's Cravings: Surprise Ingredients

2011-03-28T08:32:00.006-06:00

This week's theme is unique and fun (at least I think it's fun!). Reveal some secrets - do you hide veggies? Perhaps your famous chocolate chip cookies have a hint of orange zest? Are you into the stuffed cookie fad? We want to read them all!

It's Surprise and Secret Ingredients week!

I hide veggies. My husband isn't a big veggie person - so I have to be a little sneaky. Having lot of pureed veggies on hand for Baby Q makes it really easy....

Add pureed carrots to spaghetti sauce. They can thicken the sauce and add a little sweetness.

My sister will add finely chopped chickpeas to chocolate chip cookies. Can't tell!

Cauliflower in mashed potatoes.

Spinach in smoothies.

Pureed black beans or sweet potatoes in brownies..

Today though I'm working on some mac'n'cheese! I love making mac'n'cheese from scratch- so rich and creamy! And not so healthy! When trying to make a healthier version I discovered a few things:

You can switch to healthier pasta.

You can't change that sauce. Bleh. Keep it real!

Use low-fat cheese - still works!

Cheese hides veggies. Fo'sho'.

So here are some great secret mac'n'cheese stir ins!

Use all cheddar cheese and add pureed sweet potatoes, carrots or even pumpkin to the sauce.

Use all white cheeses and add chopped cauliflower.

{Insert picture saved to the memory card I forgot at home. To be inserted asap}

{Got the picture, edited, can't get it to upload correctly! Ahhhh!}

Yum!

Click here for my Mac'n'Cheese recipe!

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. We hope to see you week after week sharing new recipes. It's fun to visit too! Click around at the other participant's and visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS!Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipe in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Cravings Schedule:

March 7 - A candlelight dinner - Favorite Romantic Recipes

March 14 - Bake for me, I'm Irish!

March 21 - Chocolate. 'Nuff said....

March 28 - Surprise! There's ___ in your food! Share recipes with surprise and secret ingredients.

April 4 - Switch it! Spouse in the kitchen day

April 11 - Your incredible, edible EGG recipes!

April 18 - Easter sweet & treats

Be sure to visit the party's other hosts at Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post & share our button please:

Gold Star Wednesday

2011-03-23T09:15:00.006-06:00

What made you proud this week?

Me?

It's this bacon.

I know it seems a little odd, but it is so addictive!

~~~

What made you proud?

Here are the party details and rules:

When: Every Wednesday

Where: http://www.frommytinykitchen.blogspot.com/

Who: Everyone! Invite your friends and please share the party of your blog!

Post my button
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<a href=" http://frommytinykitchen.blogspot.com/search/label/Gold%20Star%20Wednesday " target="_blank ">" /></a>

This Week's Cravings: Chocolate!

2011-03-18T15:20:00.011-06:00

It's chocolate week... need we explain? I wish I had a scratch'n'sniff computer screen for all the wonderful recipes I know are being added! This is probably one of my favorite themes - because chocolate is one of my favorite things.

Even so... today's recipe was a challenge. I just couldn't decide! Until I saw this bacon popcorn Buns in my Oven and it struck me. Popcorn. Bacon. I love chocolate covered popcorn. I love chocolate covered bacon...... so why not?

Indeed.

It. Is. Fabulous.

Chocolate-Bacon Popcorn

Popcorn

Bacon

Chocolate (almond bark)

Pop desired amount of popcorn. I made some old-school with 1 cup kernels and a couple tablespoons vegetable oil on my stove top.

Spread popcorn on wax-paper covered baking sheets.

Melt chocolate - I used 3 squares - in a small bowl. Alternate microwaving 45 seconds and stirring until just melted. Drizzle over popcorn.

While popcorn sets, cook up some bacon till crisp. Transfer to paper towels; let them absorb as much oil as possible.

Crumble popcorn and toss with chocolate-popcorn.

Try not to eat it all at once. Like my husband and I did.

Melt in your Mouth Monday, Mouthwatering Monday, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, Tuesdays at the Table, Slightly Indulgent Tuesday, Tackle it Tuesday, What’s Cooking Wednesday, Recipe Swap Thursday, Full Plate Thursday, Food on Fridays, Friday Favorites, Foodie Friday, Recipe Swap at The Grocery Cart Challenge, Sweet Tooth Friday,

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. We hope to see you week after week sharing new recipes. It's fun to visit too! Click around at the other participant's and visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS!Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipe in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Cravings Schedule:

March 7 - A candlelight dinner - Favorite Romantic Recipes
March 14 - Bake for me, I'm Irish!
March 21 - Chocolate. 'Nuff said....
March 28 - Surprise! There's ___ in your food! Share recipes with surprise and secret ingredients.
April 4 - Switch it! Spouse in the kitchen day
April 11 - Your incredible, edible EGG recipes!
April 18 - Easter sweet & treats

Be sure to visit the party's other hosts at Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post & share our button please:

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2011-03-17T11:15:00.006-06:00

Time to wear your green & eat your cabbage! It's St. Patrick's Day!

Do you have a special menu for today? Here's ours:

Dinner:

Brats - our stand in for 'bangers!'

Dirty Mashed Potatoes

Baked Cabbage - from The Newlyweds blog. This stuff is amazing!

Dessert:

Krispy Kreme bread pudding with butter-rum sauce.

Drinks:

No green beer here! We might make some green punch, but otherwise it's Long Island Ice Teas and Guinness. (But not together. eww.)

What is on your menu tonight? Don't forget This Week's Cravings for tasty 'green' meals, dinners, desserts and beverages!

Gold Star Wednesday

2011-03-16T09:04:00.008-06:00

What made you proud this week?

Please share your favorite recipe, writing, photos, etc. you posted this past week!

Me? I'm proud of my new 'sister' site - From My Tiny Kitchen2. It's dedicated to product reviews, giveaways, so many opportunities! Starting an Etsy shop? Are you a company with a new product searching for recipes and reviews? It's all there :)

My first post on Kitchen-squared (like it?) is a new POM recipe. You'll remember last year POM sent me some of their fabulous juice. I had a blast experimenting and creating recipes. We'll they've sent me a new product - and I'm back in the kitchen! Please visit my other site and become a follower!

POM Lime dressing.

What made you proud this week?

Here are the party details and rules:

When: Every Wednesday

Where: http://www.frommytinykitchen.blogspot.com/

Who: Everyone! Invite your friends and please share the party of your blog!

Post my button:

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This Week's Cravings: St. Patty's Green!

2011-03-14T08:28:00.009-06:00

Welcome to This Week's Cravings - we are sharing the green today! I still really like my title of "Bake for Me, I'm IRISH!" I'm actually not Irish, but I do appreciate the holiday. {And I love it when people bake for me.} Currently, my kitchen is fully stocked with potatoes, cabbages, bangers and the making for some tasty bread pudding - we are ready for Thursday!

Do you have St. Patty's traditions? Do you make something a little 'greener' for the holiday? Well, please share - it's all about the 'green' today at This Week's Cravings!

Not long ago I discovered Skinny Taste. It was love at first site, uh sight - the Skinny is where it's at! Amazing blog :) This next recipe was an immediate print and plan. I knew I wanted them. And I knew I wanted them green. Oh, and liquor. The following is my adapted recipe, the original is here (Black & White Chocolate Clouds.)

Bailey's Clouds

3 large egg whites (room temp)
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
2 Tb Bailey's Irish Cream
1 shot Bailey's
green food coloring

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cover 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a large bowl until soft peaks form.

You can use a blender - but my baby was asleep & I needed a workout, so I whisked it!

Add sugar a little at a time, continuously whisking. Add vanilla.

Keep beating until you get stiff peaks and it's glossy. At some point in this stage my forearms rebelled and refused to let me whisk, so I switch to the mixer for just a moment. Add food coloring until you reach desired green.

Fold in chocolate chips and 2 Tb Baileys. Drink the shot.

Drop batter by tablespoons onto cookie sheets. (Mine are a little bigger!)

Bake 35-45 minutes or just until dry. Let cool slightly before transferring to a cooling rack.

Store clouds remaining from your initial gorging while standing over the oven, in an airtight container at room temperature.

PRINTABLE RECIPE.

I swear Hubs ate 6 immediately. Which when you look at the nutritional info Skinny Taste provides, that isn't a completely horrible thing. Her clouds are 55.6 calories and only 1 Weight Watchers point. Mine will be a little more since I use milk chocolate and liquor - but even so.... Hubs and I agreed the sugar could be cut in half. (You can taste the liquor better that way!)

These delights will appear in my kitchen often!

Here's a run down of our little shindig and the rules:

Please link directly to your post, NOT to your home page. And pretty pretty please link back to one of our hosts using the button or a direct link. We hope to see you week after week sharing new recipes. It's fun to visit too! Click around at the other participant's and visit as many as you can, LEAVE COMMENTS too! Everyone loves to know their blog is being enjoyed by others. And remember, this is a blog party so please ENJOY THE PARTY AND MEET BLOGGERS!Everyone is invited, if you don't have a blog, then feel free to post your recipe in the comments for others to see.

This Week's Cravings Schedule:

March 7 - A candlelight dinner - Favorite Romantic Recipes
March 14 - Bake for me, I'm Irish!
March 21 - Chocolate. 'Nuff said....
March 28 - Surprise! There's ___ in your food! Share recipes with surprise and secret ingredients.
April 4 - Switch it! Spouse in the kitchen day
April 11 - Your incredible, edible EGG recipes!
April 18 - Easter sweet & treats

Be sure to visit the party's other hosts at Delightful Country Cookin' and Mom's Crazy Cooking!

Post & share our button please:

Melt in your Mouth Monday,
Mouthwatering Monday, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, Tuesdays at the Table, Slightly Indulgent Tuesday, Tackle it Tuesday, What’s Cooking Wednesday, Recipe Swap Thursday, Full Plate Thursday, Food on Fridays, Friday Favorites, Foodie Friday, Recipe Swap at The Grocery Cart Challenge, Sweet Tooth Friday,

Philadelphia Cooking Creme: Chicken & Mushrooms

2011-03-10T15:49:00.005-06:00

Have you seen the new Philadelphia Cooking Cremes? Tried them? If no, please do so immediately! They are delish. Plus there are some great $1 and $1.50 coupons floating around the internet that make them excellent deals.

I have two flavors in my fridge, Italian Herb and Sante Fe Blend. The little pots of creme are very versatile and easy to use. Hubs eats the Italian Herb on crackers - and it would be very yummy on apple slices!

The other night I was making dinner for one - those nights often result in a lot of experimentation - and I decided to use the Italian Herb. End result? YUM! I know the pictures are a little..... brown. But don't let that fool you, this was tasty and very comforting.

Philly style Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms

2 chicken thighs, or 2 cups shredded chicken

2 cups sliced mushrooms

1/4 chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup Philadelphia Cooking Creme - Italian Herb

2 tb olive oil

1 tb parsley

Place chicken thighs in a medium saucepan, cover with water. If desired, add a little pepper and 1 tsp dried garlic and onion flakes. Bring to a boil.

Boil chicken until cooked throughout - approx 20 minutes. Remove from water (now broth!) and let cool.

Shred chicken and set aside.

Meanwhile, saute onion and garlic in olive oil until they begin to caramelize. Add mushrooms and cook until soft.

Add chicken and Cooking Creme to pan; stir until melted and all creamy... mmmmmm. Stir in parsley.

Serve over rice or pasta. I made rice with the chicken water (broth.)

Quick and tasty!!