tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83968331642193353552024-03-13T11:37:33.935-05:00SemiHomemakerUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-39808084128834050862012-04-27T10:12:00.000-05:002012-04-27T10:12:30.699-05:00Daring Bakers' April Challenge: Armenian Nazook<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Daring Bakers’ April 2012 challenge, hosted by Jason at Daily Candor, were two Armenian standards: nazook and nutmeg cake. Nazook is a layered yeasted dough pastry with a sweet filling, and nutmeg cake is a fragrant, nutty coffee-style cake.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">We had the option to choose which pastry we wanted to make and after reading through the recipes I settled on making Nazook.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">Flour, sugar, butter, almond extract...How could it turn out bad?? </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZgtHPHrA8yhQINxv9B8h-C3tKzSaG3vBxinmuuunIPjfnLNZMALYl-gnHafACp5gpdYIONFfouUdzqNcKgGG3sWuuNT_QV7eQFs6Q_8tepcyLg2HvxSl9yJ-wEytsWyLf-UcdjSShjyL/s1600/IMG_2768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZgtHPHrA8yhQINxv9B8h-C3tKzSaG3vBxinmuuunIPjfnLNZMALYl-gnHafACp5gpdYIONFfouUdzqNcKgGG3sWuuNT_QV7eQFs6Q_8tepcyLg2HvxSl9yJ-wEytsWyLf-UcdjSShjyL/s640/IMG_2768.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">It did not fail me. Nazook is tender and sweet and perfect with a cup of hot coffee. </span></span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;">You can check out the recipe and video instructions Jason provided for us </span><a href="http://livelonger.hubpages.com/video/Nazook" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;">.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7P45nvgzvHzvlI1-8Y0XTaTEzRXW5FNLxlT5C4n5E7Djwkv4ZGcW4Z3V7vsTyGOqyrFB8ejagJWroTTXY4B-0DyQ2b2tJ9As7f-7kaZXr7zmF2R5XjV4Si3BJ6LJ5GT3PM2abxkL9x8e/s1600/IMG_2771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7P45nvgzvHzvlI1-8Y0XTaTEzRXW5FNLxlT5C4n5E7Djwkv4ZGcW4Z3V7vsTyGOqyrFB8ejagJWroTTXY4B-0DyQ2b2tJ9As7f-7kaZXr7zmF2R5XjV4Si3BJ6LJ5GT3PM2abxkL9x8e/s640/IMG_2771.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;">The end result looks like something that would be a little tedious, but its actually quite simple and is worth the time. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;">Try it out if you are up for a new little challenge!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;">In other news......</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">Now that the craziness of tax season is over and I have my Friday's back, you can keep an eye out for menu plans and some more recipes. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-36417977152112899792012-03-27T17:59:00.000-05:002012-03-27T17:59:29.446-05:00The Daring Bakers' March Challenge - Dutch Crunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #444444;">Sara and Erica of Baking JDs were our March 2012 Daring Baker hostesses! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #444444;">Sara & Erica challenged us to make Dutch Crunch bread, a delicious sandwich bread with a unique, crunchy topping. Sara and Erica also challenged us to create a one of a kind sandwich with our bread!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">The Baking JD's included a recipe for a soft white roll and it was fabulous. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">Soft and dense...just how I like my bread. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">I can't say the topping added anything for flavor to the bread, but it did provide a fun look for the top of the rolls. Both parts of the recipes were easy to make and certainly something I would do again.</span></div><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75Ly937V2tuCbeanHAoqMM98Sw91-FZdpaX82yPK0l93aezlV3VzUhlALyIb1sD4cpIGgMda3YZC_FKmJu7lXLI0UKf2UKVItkhF2DO0p52VS4tdadYzgrZMOth_jWnMQsuU2sXJZrr5u/s1600/IMG_2700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75Ly937V2tuCbeanHAoqMM98Sw91-FZdpaX82yPK0l93aezlV3VzUhlALyIb1sD4cpIGgMda3YZC_FKmJu7lXLI0UKf2UKVItkhF2DO0p52VS4tdadYzgrZMOth_jWnMQsuU2sXJZrr5u/s400/IMG_2700.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"> Now for the sandwich....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4ZaZyZ3Ka0tI-bPEFnMedZekR2_1kHiYssqtW4nL7msgHblSW2abxPPNJHs5m5AuFADWWls52dpDxL_JouwNaST6IYHYWbtP_4SBJaVQ50meZIREvskeDRcpmNo_BArsYY8snn1XG4dj/s1600/IMG_2712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4ZaZyZ3Ka0tI-bPEFnMedZekR2_1kHiYssqtW4nL7msgHblSW2abxPPNJHs5m5AuFADWWls52dpDxL_JouwNaST6IYHYWbtP_4SBJaVQ50meZIREvskeDRcpmNo_BArsYY8snn1XG4dj/s640/IMG_2712.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">I took inspiration from one of my favorite sandwiches at coffee shop down the street from my office. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Cream cheese - sunflowers - roasted red pepper - red onion - </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">cheddar cheese - cucumbers - turkey breast - avocado</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">To die for...really...I could eat this thing every day</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">I don't...because I'd end up soft and dense just like the bread...but you don't want to hear about that. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">Soft White Roll</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"> Makes six sandwich rolls</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">This recipe approximates the quintessential white sandwich roll found throughout the Bay Area. The recipe is simple, quick, and addictive.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">Ingredients</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">1 packet (¼ oz) active dry yeast</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">¼ cup warm water (105-110º F) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">1 cup warm milk (105-110º F) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">1½ tablespoons sugar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus additional oil for greasing bowl during rising)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">1½ teaspoons salt</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">Up to 4 cups all purpose flour</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">In the bowl of an electric mixer or large mixing bowl, combine yeast, water, milk and sugar. Stir to dissolve and let sit for about 5 minutes (The mixture should start to bubble or foam a bit and smell yeasty).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">Add in vegetable oil, salt and 2 cups of flour. Using the dough hook attachment or a wooden spoon, mix at medium speed until the dough comes together. Add remaining flour a quarter cup at time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, as shown in the photo below (For us, this usually required an additional 1½ to 2 cups of flour).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 4 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled (or more) in size.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 6 equal portions (if you’d like to make rolls) or 2 equal portions (if you’d like to make a loaf) (using a sharp knife or a dough scraper works well). Shape each into a ball or loaf and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet (try not to handle the dough too much at this point).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 15 minutes while you prepare the topping.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">Coat the top of each roll or loaf with the topping as described above. While the original recipe recommends letting them stand for 20 minutes after applying the topping, I got better results by putting them directly into the oven.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">Once you’ve applied the topping, bake in a preheated moderately hot 380º F for 25-30 minutes, until well browned. Let cool completely on a wire rack before eating.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">Dutch Crunch Topping</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"> This recipe should make sufficient topping for two 9x5 loaves or 12 rolls.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">2 packets (1/4 oz) active dry yeast</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">1 cup warm water (105-115º F)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">2 tablespoons sugar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">2 tablespoons vegetable oil</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">½ teaspoon salt</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">1½ cups rice flour (white or brown; NOT sweet or glutinous rice flour)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and beat with a whisk; beat hard to combine. The consistency should be like stiff royal icing – spreadable, but not too runny. If you pull some up with your whisk, it should drip off slowly. Add more water or rice flour as necessary. Let stand 15 minutes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">Coat the top of each loaf or roll with a thick layer of topping. We tried coating it with a brush but it worked better just to use fingers or a spoon and kind of spread it around. You should err on the side of applying too much topping – a thin layer will not crack properly.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">Let stand, uncovered, for any additional time your recipe recommends. With the Soft White Roll, you can place the rolls directly into the oven after applying the topping.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;">When baking, place pans on a rack in the center of the oven and bake your bread as you ordinarily would. The Dutch Cruch topping should crack and turn a nice golden-brown color.</span></div><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-92001973114699864252012-01-28T19:23:00.000-06:002012-01-28T19:23:57.756-06:00Daring Bakers' January Challenge - Scones<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought the procrastination of <a href="http://semihomemaker.blogspot.com/2011/11/sans-rival-daring-bakers-november.html" target="_blank">my first Daring Bakers' Challenge</a> was just a one time thing. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It wasn't. 'Cuz I just finished the January one...a day late. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Audax Artifex was our January host and mastered light and fluffy scones (or biscuits as we know them in the States) so that we could master delicious and perfect biscuits in our own kitchens.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62JQMMGWtCY/TySIcl9YdjI/AAAAAAAAAT4/VVvrGQtdhqU/s1600/IMG_2591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62JQMMGWtCY/TySIcl9YdjI/AAAAAAAAAT4/VVvrGQtdhqU/s640/IMG_2591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've made biscuits from scratch before, so this wasn't entirely new to me, but some of the techniques were. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've never triple sifted my dry ingredients...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">or grated frozen butter...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">or chilled my flour...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">or baked them at such a high temperature</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The results really were the lightest biscuits I've ever gotten from scratch. And as you can imagine, there are endless variations to these.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We served ours with chicken pot pie filling for "upside down chicken pot pies". Next I think I'll make an asiago cheese variation. Yumm...........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">Basic Biscuits</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"> makes 6-8 biscuits</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">1 cup all-purpose flour</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">2 tsp baking powder</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">1/4 tsp salt</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">2 Tbsp frozen grated butter</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">1/2 cup cold milk</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">1 Tbsp milk (optional for glazing biscuits)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">Preheat oven to 475 degrees. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">Triple sift the dry ingredients and place in the fridge to chill. After chilled, rub the frozen butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with a few pea size pieces (if you want tender biscuits, rub until mixture resembles coarse sand). </span></span><span style="color: #442200; line-height: 14px;">Add the liquid and gently mix just until dough comes together.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board. Knead gently (about 4 or 5 times) until dough is smooth. Pat the dough into a 4-inch by 6-inch rectangle. Stamp out biscuits using a well floured 2 inch biscuit cutter. Alternately, you can cut the dough into wedges or squares with a sharp knife. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">Place dough with sides barely touching onto baking pan. Brush with milk. Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The scones are ready when the sides are set. Immediately move to a cooling rack. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><i>Buttermilk Biscuits: add 1/4 tsp baking soda, increase butter to 4 Tbsp, and replace milk with buttermilk</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #442200;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-41798879592470176902011-12-14T10:34:00.000-06:002011-12-14T10:34:59.294-06:00Chunky Chicken Chili<div style="text-align: center;">I adore soup. And when Ryan and I saw this one on Food Network, we looked at each and said, "We need to make this now!" And we did. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It has just the right amount of heat. It also comes together fairly quickly, which is always a plus in my house. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lMTqr8upL3s/TujK8IUiNwI/AAAAAAAAATY/RySnvlH-7Cg/s1600/17790832179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lMTqr8upL3s/TujK8IUiNwI/AAAAAAAAATY/RySnvlH-7Cg/s640/17790832179.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not a great picture...I apologize...and I'm working on my pictures...just be patient with me. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And don't let it deter you from making this. It is really, quite delicious.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Chunky Chicken Chili</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">adapted from Food Network</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">4 Tbsp butter</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/4 cup flour</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 large onion, chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/4 cup red pepper, chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/4 cup green pepper, chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 cups chicken stock</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup heavy cream</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 Tbsp chili powder</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp ground coriander</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp ground cumin</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp cayenne pepper</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 Tbsp black pepper</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 Tbsp kosher salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 (14.5 oz) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 (4 oz) can mild green chiles</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup sour cream</div><div style="text-align: left;">cheddar cheese, for garnish</div><div style="text-align: left;">parsley, for garnish</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces until nicely colored and cooked through. Remove chicken to a large bowl and set aside.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Add flour to the pan and stir, to create a roux. Add the onions and peppers. Add chicken stock to deglaze the pan and stir in the heavy cream. Lower heat and cook until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. When sauce has thickened, add chili powder, coriander, cumin, cayenne, black pepper and salt. Stir and cook for a few minutes. Add the beans, chiles and chicken and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Stir in the sour cream before serving. Garnish with cheese and parsley. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy!!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-47669910120597588812011-12-09T10:04:00.000-06:002011-12-09T10:04:30.167-06:00Kitchen Happenings<div style="text-align: center;">A lot of cooking and baking has been going on in my kitchen lately. Trouble is...I forget to take pictures...or the kids are "starving", so I just feed them and don't bother with the pictures. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But...I still want to share some of my favorites with you. They'll just have to be links to other people's sites rather than posting them on my own. So in no particular order...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.simpleorganizedliving.com/2011/09/22/delicious-baked-sandwiches/" target="_blank">Baked Sandwiches</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">from Simply Organized Living</div><div style="text-align: center;">These are delicious!! And so easy. We used brown and serve rolls with ham and american and some with turkey and american. I also left out the poppy seeds (that would have been a melting point for the kids). These would be great for a crowd and the filling possibilities are endless.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://ourkitchensink.wordpress.com/2008/12/04/family-dinner-transplanted-to-minnesota/" target="_blank">Albondigas (Mexican Meatball Soup)</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">from The Kitchen Sink</div><div style="text-align: center;">All I can say is "Oh Yum!" I love all Mexican food...in a "could eat it every day" kind of love. But this was a first time for me. And it was so worth the effort of making it. Like she says, you could substitute the ground beef and pork sausage with ground chicken and turkey sausage or whatever kind of ground meat you like to use. Its all the other flavors that really make this what it is. I made 1-inch meatballs, but will make them about half the size next time (I don't like to have to cut things up in my soup.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://jamiecooksitup.blogspot.com/2011/10/crispy-cheddar-chicken.html" target="_blank">Baked Cheddar Chicken</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">from Jamie Cooks It Up!</div><div style="text-align: center;">The kind of dish my kids won't fuss about when they hear I'm making it. I did not have cream of chicken soup at home when I made this, so I improvised on the sauce and did more of a "swedish meatball sauce" to go with it. You could certainly skip the sauce altogether though. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://mybakingheart.com/2011/11/04/bubble-up-enchilada-casserole/" target="_blank">Bubble Up Enchilada Casserole</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">from My Baking Heart</div><div style="text-align: center;">This was the perfect combination to satisfy my Mexican desires and the kids picky mouths. They'll eat any and all of the "bubble" recipes. {They just really like biscuits I think...and who can blame them!!}</div><div style="text-align: center;">Perfect after work meal, because its quick and easy! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://onceamonthmom.com/freezer-mashed-potatoes/" target="_blank">Freezer Mashed Potatoes</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">from Once a Month Mom</div><div style="text-align: center;">You know when your potatoes are starting to sprout? And you really don't want to put them outside for the deer? And the only potatoes your kids will eat are mashed potatoes or hashbrowns from McDonalds? Enter freezer mashed potatoes! I made this about a week ago and pulled out the first one on Wednesday to have for supper. I wasn't sure how the texture would be coming from the freezer, but they were delicious. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think that's it for sharing today. Hopefully you found some inspiration for your own kitchen. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great weekend! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-36468775127827864292011-12-04T16:23:00.001-06:002011-12-04T16:25:15.552-06:00Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies<div style="text-align: center;">We've had a fun filled weekend of activities at our house. With Ryan gone hunting for the weekend, the kids and I played. We went to the movie, played with cousins (and Grandma), made a gingerbread house...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OLSSEnFQakw/TtvvHGfrCaI/AAAAAAAAASg/PXpEFi3kVxg/s1600/17638755701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OLSSEnFQakw/TtvvHGfrCaI/AAAAAAAAASg/PXpEFi3kVxg/s640/17638755701.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes...its a store bought kit. We were focusing on quality time here, not the quality of the gingerbread. I did my good mother deed by not allowing the kids to eat any of the candy or cookies (who knows how long those had been in there!!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We watched <i>more</i> movies, went to church and out for lunch, made cookies...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4KW8TWYCoTA/Ttvpko59haI/AAAAAAAAARs/f_QsrQgmfMo/s1600/IMG_2453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4KW8TWYCoTA/Ttvpko59haI/AAAAAAAAARs/f_QsrQgmfMo/s640/IMG_2453.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I lied...I made the cookies myself. No kiddos in the room. I needed to be alone in my kitchen...just me and my oven and my mixing bowls. Ever had one of those days?? And then I ate a bunch of the cookies and made by kids have bananas for their snack. That may veto my good mom deed from earlier. But like my dad used to say, "Do as I say, not as I do."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And now the kids are wrestling. Hmm...pretty sure this will end up with someone in tears yelling, "It's all your fault!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These cookies are soft and chewy. Chocolaty and sweet. Very much semi-homamde. A great cookie to have in your repertoire. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8qV51etoIT8/Ttvp5XT-I6I/AAAAAAAAARw/1MfzP7EjWsk/s1600/IMG_2452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8qV51etoIT8/Ttvp5XT-I6I/AAAAAAAAARw/1MfzP7EjWsk/s640/IMG_2452.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">adapted from <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cookin' Cowgirl</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 box devils food cake mix</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 eggs</div><div style="text-align: left;">6 Tbsp butter, melted</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 bottle red food coloring</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup powdered sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Preheat oven to 375. Melt the butter and set aside to cool.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, butter, and food coloring. Mix well. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Drop by teaspoon (I used the smallest Pampered Chef cookie scoop) into the powdered sugar. Roll around to coat (and make into a ball). Shake off excess powdered sugar and place on cookie sheet. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bake for 9 minutes. Allow to cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute and then move to cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>makes about 3 dozen cookies</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm hoping to get a lot more Christmas baking done, so hopefully I'll have a lot more to share with you soon.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I'm linking up to Jane Deere's Fusion Fridays</i></span> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-22859921560112515712011-11-27T15:49:00.000-06:002011-11-27T15:49:00.976-06:00Sans Rival - Daring Bakers' November Challenge<div style="text-align: center;">I'm not usually a procrastinator, but I certainly was for this month's Daring Bakers' Challenge. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I started this morning, and finished just in time to get the kids to the movie I promised. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z2xwpLUyH0/TtKrtG3CxXI/AAAAAAAAARo/n3McHfTes4E/s1600/17529677790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z2xwpLUyH0/TtKrtG3CxXI/AAAAAAAAARo/n3McHfTes4E/s640/17529677790.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #442200; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Catherine of </span><a href="http://www.munchiemusings.net/" style="background-color: white; color: #aa0012; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none;">Munchie Musings</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #442200; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> was our November Daring Bakers’ host and she challenged us to make a traditional Filipino dessert – the delicious Sans Rival cake! And for those of us who wanted to try an additional Filipino dessert, Catherine also gave us a bonus recipe for Bibingka which comes from her friend Jun of </span><a href="http://blog.junbelen.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #aa0012; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none;">Jun-blog</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #442200; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can probably tell from the pictures, I chose not to do the Bibingka. I'm not sure the kids would have appreciated me cancelling our movie date for some additional baking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5XS5peuAmJc/TtKrf16KDCI/AAAAAAAAARk/zgyn8UVOzVA/s1600/17529625565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5XS5peuAmJc/TtKrf16KDCI/AAAAAAAAARk/zgyn8UVOzVA/s640/17529625565.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This cake definitely challenged my baking skills as I had never made meringue before. Really?? I know...I'm certain I didn't in culinary school. Although it seems like something we should have learned. Maybe I skipped that day. (Just kidding, Mom! I never skipped.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My meringues did not turn out as crispy as they should have been. And I think that certainly altered the overall results of the cake. Mine was kind of chewy. Not in bad way, but I think it would have been better if the layers were crisp. It was a very rich dessert. And probably not something I would take the time to make again, but it was fun to try! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I should note that I also departed from the french buttercream the recipe called for. My candy thermometer is broken, and I wasn't going to risk it without one. So I used my own chocolate buttercream recipe.</span></i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for another great challenge <a href="http://thedaringkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Daring Kitchen</a>...looking forward to December!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-75841429422670535112011-11-16T07:13:00.000-06:002011-11-16T07:13:24.947-06:00Coffee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you know me...even a little..you should know that I love love LOVE coffee. It doesn't matter what time. Or what day. Or what flavor, for that matter. I don't need cream or sugar (although sometimes its fun). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So today...because yesterday was such a wonderfully, horrible day...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/115123334194239114_Ynza1SMQ_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <a href="http://donnasdigitalcreations.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #ad9c9c; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">donnasdigitalcreations.blogspot.com</a><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br style="font-size: 13px;" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That's right...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">Bring. It. On.</div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-9259890407948403642011-11-06T07:28:00.000-06:002011-11-06T07:28:51.743-06:00Bring on the CakeI've been keeping busy with cakes over the last couple of months and thought I'd share some of the pictures. I'm not a professional by any means, but have a blast doing it none-the-less.<br />
<br />
First up was a groom's cake. My only instruction was for it to be fireman themed with paramedic in there somewhere as well. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVdBpOAD7Ig/TraEvrCz4eI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/JHBmxYG9JNs/s1600/17190176702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVdBpOAD7Ig/TraEvrCz4eI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/JHBmxYG9JNs/s640/17190176702.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
It was cute and fun and rumor has it they loved it! <br />
<br />
Last weekend I did a small wedding cake with cupcakes for some friends. My only instructions for this one was that it needed to be lactose free. It was my first time making lactose free frosting, but it turned out quite well and the taste was very nice. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EgbUPGiktnw/TrZ_-0-vfDI/AAAAAAAAAQk/oWVaY7GA6P8/s1600/IMG_2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EgbUPGiktnw/TrZ_-0-vfDI/AAAAAAAAAQk/oWVaY7GA6P8/s640/IMG_2251.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided to use the large decorative cupcake wrappers, but probably wouldn't waste my time with them in the future. As they cooled, the cake separated from them and looked terrible. Thank goodness for frosting!!! They were using the verse, "My soul has found the one I love," (from Solomon 3:4), so that was written around the cake. And my dad made the cake stand for me (thanks, Dad!!) and let me keep it for future use. Win-win for me on that one!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yesterday was my dear niece's 6th birthday and it was Tangled all the way!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-65BgFpe5RhU/TraGQdEFLDI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/gW4UY7xl5yA/s1600/17190230998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-65BgFpe5RhU/TraGQdEFLDI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/gW4UY7xl5yA/s640/17190230998.jpg" width="561" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(My apologies for the washer hook up in the background...I was NOT moving the cake again)</span></div><br />
The tower was a bit of a headache, but we got it worked out. And Grace was very pleased, so this was a success as well! <br />
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So, there's my cake month in review. Hope you enjoy looking!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-63661413780515773902011-11-01T21:46:00.001-05:002011-11-06T07:31:11.083-06:00White Chicken Enchilada Skillet<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Everyone seems to be making their "bucket list." I have mine too. But what about the list for when my kids are out of the house and I'm not catering to their every need? Has anyone named that list yet? I'm going to work on it...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And now, in no particular order...</div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Keep my house clean for more than 15 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Sit on my couch with a book and a steaming cup of hot coffee.</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Be able to get dressed and leave the house without having to use a Shout pen on my clothes to get the sticky stuff off.</div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Take an uninterrupted shower.</div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Add some spice and excitement back into my cooking. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The list goes on...but I won't bore you. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This dish is simple and delicious and kid friendly (it has ranch dressing in it after all). And it really is good just as it is. But there is so much room to play and add and experiment!</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDMmxvEeW8Vl4XElZnpey043-0_DbaCNJPvXp96_5hyphenhyphenzukBxH1iOEkblgV5vuOevuTPl07tGEjtJRDIuAcao1jl9D2gG3kjHDWft7oy8ULbNOKB3Yg521mlaGZXI-aRhD9OwV3IXG_JUm/s1600/IMG_2260-1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDMmxvEeW8Vl4XElZnpey043-0_DbaCNJPvXp96_5hyphenhyphenzukBxH1iOEkblgV5vuOevuTPl07tGEjtJRDIuAcao1jl9D2gG3kjHDWft7oy8ULbNOKB3Yg521mlaGZXI-aRhD9OwV3IXG_JUm/s640/IMG_2260-1.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Green chiles, peppers and onions, smoked paprika...yum. (Maybe not all together...you get where I'm going though) But for now...15-ish years to be exact (but whose counting?), I'll take the interruptions, continue cleaning, enjoy my kids and make simple delicious suppers. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>White Chicken Enchilada Skillet</u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">original recipe from Kraft Foods</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 Tbsp. oil</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast,</div><div style="text-align: left;"> cut into bite size pieces</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 can (14 1/2 oz) chicken broth</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/4 cup Ranch dressing</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 Tbsp. flour</div><div style="text-align: left;">6 flour tortillas, </div><div style="text-align: left;"> cut into bite size pieces</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup Mexican cheese blend</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup salsa</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 7 minutes or until cooked through, stirring occasionally.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mix broth, dressing and flour until well blended; gradually add to skillet, stirring constantly. Add tortillas, stir to combine. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sprinkle with cheese; cover. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with salsa. (and anything else your heart desires)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes 4 large servings</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">**I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.janedeereblog.com/2011/11/fusion-fridays-11-4-11.html" target="_blank">Jane Deere's Fusion Fridays</a>**</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-85533198199455828992011-10-29T00:00:00.000-05:002011-10-29T00:00:04.314-05:00Candy Corn Cookies<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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The kids and I spent some time in the kitchen this past weekend. Wanna see what we did?? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGtj1RTT2P-4R7llqt-hbsaF0RcNIKFZuEOPolPJ1Sp9jiCpttTseNcipRF9PIClECIbuPJhTuIuMRc6RJKrP5ZGiOJrHA6zTOCUfHRG8Uj7PRidGkyiYnraqzUEWNUIAzMvRqFcLfVKY/s1600/IMG_2213.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGtj1RTT2P-4R7llqt-hbsaF0RcNIKFZuEOPolPJ1Sp9jiCpttTseNcipRF9PIClECIbuPJhTuIuMRc6RJKrP5ZGiOJrHA6zTOCUfHRG8Uj7PRidGkyiYnraqzUEWNUIAzMvRqFcLfVKY/s320/IMG_2213.JPG" /></a> <br />
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Candy Corn Sugar Cookies. You can get the detailed instructions over at <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/10/candy-corn-sugar-cookies/">Our Best Bites</a> and my sugar cookie recipe <a href="http://semihomemaker.blogspot.com/2011/01/buttery-sugar-cookies.html">here</a>.</div>
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<i>Side note: Our Best Bites is one of my favorite websites EVER! These ladies have wonderfully simple recipes that are also delicious. They haven't failed to impress me yet. </i></div>
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Back to the cookies...</div>
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The kids had a wonderful time coloring the sugar cookie dough. Henry said it tasted lots better than play-dough. (I thought we had gotten past eating the play-dough, but I may have been wrong.) And I'd rather have a tray full of these than real candy corn any day. Put in a cute little jar with some fall ribbon and you'd even have a great gift! <br />
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Happy Fall! </div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-9088803157250443732011-10-27T02:15:00.000-05:002011-10-27T02:15:00.302-05:00Povitica - Daring Bakers' October Challenge<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<b>The October Challenge over at the Daring Kitchen was Povitica </b><br />
<b>(hosted by Jenni of The Gingered Whisk). A traditional European dessert bread </b><br />
<b>that is by far one of the most delicious breads I've eaten. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8dvFmNa7rlTrC7rKAj8p3lu5rSf-DL_Q0WWjYQbkyOBFybhvA7E7H2nwaeqf0i686zzUiiAPZhiuGMufuMRRWWrb8X1MjeQ5Ek46VWrY4qwrU_yeBsGrIaFwDNP2IvMnwmGa39j6cLru/s1600/IMG_2204.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8dvFmNa7rlTrC7rKAj8p3lu5rSf-DL_Q0WWjYQbkyOBFybhvA7E7H2nwaeqf0i686zzUiiAPZhiuGMufuMRRWWrb8X1MjeQ5Ek46VWrY4qwrU_yeBsGrIaFwDNP2IvMnwmGa39j6cLru/s320/IMG_2204.JPG" /></a> <br />
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Its been quite awhile since I've challenged myself in the kitchen. Kids and work and "life" just get in the way. So when I heard about The Daring Kitchen and the monthly challenges, I quickly signed myself up! What a great reason to bake something I might not otherwise get to. </div>
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It was some of the most fun I've had in my kitchen in a long time. As with any yeast bread, it was a process, but very much worth it. It was a full days process for me, but that is mostly because I have a cold kitchen and things take forever and a day to rise. </div>
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I ended up using all the filling on the first loaf (I think I may have added a few too many nuts resulting in a very thick filling). So for the second loaf, I kept it simple with sugar and cinnamon and butter. And then forgot to take a picture. But it was beautiful! And delicious! </div>
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Can you tell I enjoyed eating it? Its been my breakfast, snack and dessert all week. </div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhO5NdBUeLnJSGCuWtnW0Dh3tZvWDEQh3TYfLvykzQO-UidGnwP0qiEiP7lpq4mbK7Ruy3w24HF14AUiaUUszPNXkeB-QyuarUlI8Nbq4tNThZULf5ZxKTF9Idu0mEADSLUNpYFWdpmF6/s320/IMG_2200.JPG" /><br />
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I cannot wait for next month to see what the challenge is! (As if I really need a reason to be in the kitchen.)</div>
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<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-64515103969250780662011-09-16T11:25:00.000-05:002011-09-16T11:25:11.195-05:00Italian Mac-n-Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This mac and cheese is such a hit in our house. It was on a weekly rotation for quite a while. </div>
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Then the kids decided they didn't like tomatoes.</div>
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They still think they don't...but I'm bringing it back on board. They'll get over it.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture of Italian Mac-n-Cheese Recipe" height="300" src="http://img.foodnetwork.com/FOOD/2004/02/17/tm1d26_mac_n_cheese_lg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recipe courtesy foodnetwork.com</td></tr>
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If you have everything set out and ready to go, you can certainly get this on the table in thirty minutes.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And! It freezes beautifully! </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You can feed a very large family with this recipe...we usually prepare the entire thing and then freeze half of it. </span><br /></div>
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<div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">
Italian Mac-N-Cheese</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">original recipe by Rachael Ray</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Serves 6-8 people</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 lb penne rigata (or other tube pasta)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 lb sweet sausage</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 tbsp butter</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3 cloves garlic, chopped</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">6 baby portabella mushrooms, chopped</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">salt and pepper</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 tbsp flour</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 cup chicken stock</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 cup heavy cream</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 1/2 cups shredded cheese (we use an italian 4 cheese blend)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 can diced tomatoes, drained well</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 tsp hot sauce, optional</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup Parmesan</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and cook pasta to al dente, about 8 minutes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In a nonstick skillet, brown and crumble the sausage. Drain cooked crumbles on paper towel lined plate. Return pan to heat and add extra virgin olive oil, butter, garlic and mushrooms. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Saute 3 to 5 minutes, until mushrooms are lightly golden brown.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To mushrooms, add flour and stir, cooking 2 minutes. Whisk in stock, then add cream and stir. Bring cream to a bubble, then stir in 2 cups of cheese. When cheese has melted, add tomatoes. Bring sauce back to a bubble, remove from heat and adjust seasonings, adding hot sauce if desired.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Combine cheese sauce with sausage and pasta and transfer to baking dish. Sprinkle remaining half cup shredded cheese and Parmesan over the top and brown under broiler.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-34693371082511807972011-09-11T00:00:00.000-05:002011-09-11T00:00:01.470-05:00What's for Dinner? Week 5Back to planning.<div>
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Last week was a little hectic. I haven't worked 4 days a week since before Henry was born...and he's 3!! Needless to say, we are going through a bit of an adjustment period in our house. </div>
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Ryan leaves for his hunting trip this week...so once again its not a typical week in our house. And next week while he's gone the kids and I will be eating whatever is in the house. No meal plans next week. </div>
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Sunday lunch: Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread</div>
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Sunday supper: Chicken Taquitos</div>
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Monday: Homemade Pizza Rolls</div>
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Tuesday: Tortilla Lasagna</div>
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Wednesday: Italian Mac n Cheese</div>
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Thursday: Leftovers</div>
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Friday & Saturday: I'm home alone for the weekend...so I'm still planning the perfect "cooking for one" meal. </div>
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Have a great week! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-58372678884600044482011-09-02T00:33:00.000-05:002011-09-02T07:47:40.990-05:00Homemade Box Brownies<div style="text-align: center;">I have a confession to make. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I will take a box brownie over homemade any day. No questions...hands down...done and done. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I have just never had a "from scratch" brownie that tasted as good. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Until I tried this recipe. I wasn't going to give up on the idea of a from scratch brownie...</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I'm so glad I didn't. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These are chewy, fudge-y, crisp on the edges (if I didn't have a bridesmaids dress to fit into in two days, I'd be in the kitchen making another batch). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kor-lM9orYQ/Tl_UrPhhfgI/AAAAAAAAAPE/1VE-E9X9-rc/s1600/16131948889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kor-lM9orYQ/Tl_UrPhhfgI/AAAAAAAAAPE/1VE-E9X9-rc/s400/16131948889.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mmmm...so good! Ryan couldn't believe they were from scratch. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And realistically....while I don't always have a box of brownie mix in my pantry...</div><div style="text-align: center;">I always have these ingredients.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Homemade Box Brownies</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">adapted from King Arthur Flour's King Arthur Fudge Brownies</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup unsalted butter</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 1/4 cups sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 1/4 cups cocoa powder</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp baking powder</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp instant coffee</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 Tbsp vanilla extract</div><div style="text-align: left;">4 large eggs</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 1/2 cups flour</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 cups chocolate chips</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9" x13" pan and set aside. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In a saucepan, over low heat, melt the butter, then add the sugar and stir to combine. Heat on low until the mixture is hot, but not bubbling (it will look shiny as you stir).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Transfer the sugar mixture to a medium sized bowl. Stir in the cocoa, baking powder, salt, instant coffee and vanilla. Whisk in the eggs, stirring until smooth. Add the flour and chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Spoon batter into prepared pan. (At this point I added chopped peanut butter cups to the top...be creative and add your favorite candy or leave as is) Bake for 30 minutes, or until cake tester comes out with a few moist crumbs on it. The edges should feel set and the center should look very moist, but not raw. Remove from oven and let cool completely. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cut and serve!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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I'm linking up to J<a href="http://janedeereblog.blogspot.com/">ane Deere's Fusion Fridays</a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-52980934439368829042011-08-29T07:14:00.000-05:002011-08-29T07:14:00.635-05:00Proverbs 31<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sometimes, its overwhelming to fill the roles of mother, wife, daughter, friend (you get the idea). Sometimes we focus on the wrong things...sometimes the "little things" get to us. Its not easy. </span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Take a look at <a href="http://www.thewiegands.com/2011/08/masterpiece-guest-post.html?spref=bl">this post</a> over at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 18px;">Casey Wiegands blog </span>based on Proverbs 31. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Its refreshing...its honest...its inspiring. It reminds me why I need Jesus! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I pray its refreshing and uplifting and just what you need today. </span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-3239940968052997792011-08-27T09:07:00.001-05:002011-08-27T09:12:32.172-05:00Spaghetti Sauce for Canning<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">Well it's begun... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XGUvhP-zYHg/Tlj1Uzn-CvI/AAAAAAAAAOw/pNGQJS1HStU/s1600/IMG_1936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XGUvhP-zYHg/Tlj1Uzn-CvI/AAAAAAAAAOw/pNGQJS1HStU/s320/IMG_1936.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
The craziness of tomato season. I think our plants are on steroids. Huge stems...lots of <strike>dead</strike> leaves...and plenty of tomatoes to get us through the next year (or two).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tfRsCL8G0WE/Tlj1aOAZJ-I/AAAAAAAAAO0/wlQYhuWbClM/s1600/IMG_1932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tfRsCL8G0WE/Tlj1aOAZJ-I/AAAAAAAAAO0/wlQYhuWbClM/s320/IMG_1932.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
After doing salsa for quite a few years (and having enough to last through the year),<br />
we decided to try some spaghetti sauce last year... <br />
Completely worth the effort. <br />
<br />
Slightly sweet...nice and thick... <br />
Perfect for spaghetti or pizza or dipping. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BnXTOvKky5NaZVchVq5pxq-5SEemSTpsiAuYqSML3B5yqeBmyaKJN80oRy7QgFoB6I87ccsH1BA3yqEPFyIQMD05NoWCpD85cJwtm2qCnCkZlYnwcI7IQCuPkMRTQZAyPqPbR7jSx1OB/s1600/Canned+spaghettie+sauce.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BnXTOvKky5NaZVchVq5pxq-5SEemSTpsiAuYqSML3B5yqeBmyaKJN80oRy7QgFoB6I87ccsH1BA3yqEPFyIQMD05NoWCpD85cJwtm2qCnCkZlYnwcI7IQCuPkMRTQZAyPqPbR7jSx1OB/s320/Canned+spaghettie+sauce.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><u>Spaghetti Sauce</u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">adapted from recipe #37563 on food.com</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes 3 quarts</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">1/4 cup olive oil</div><div style="text-align: left;">3 onions, chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">3 cloves garlic, chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">3-12 oz cans tomato paste</div><div style="text-align: left;">3-4 tbsp brown sugar (this will depend on the acidity of your tomatoes)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tbsp dried oregano</div><div style="text-align: left;">4 tsp salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tbsp dried basil</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp black pepper</div><div style="text-align: left;">12 cups tomatoes, peeled, cored and chopped </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Heat oil in large pot over medium high heat. Saute onions and garlic until tender. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Reduce heat; simmer, partially covered, for 2 hours stirring occasionally.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Blend to smooth (if desired).</div><div style="text-align: left;">You can now proceed with canning, (process for 35 minutes in a boiling covered canner)</div><div style="text-align: left;">or cool completely and freeze. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm linking up at <a href="http://janedeereblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/fusion-fridays-826.html">Jane Deere's Fusion Fridays</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div></div><br />
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-20109342175692687282011-08-22T17:17:00.000-05:002011-08-22T17:17:02.498-05:00What's for Dinner? Week 4<div style="text-align: left;">We made it through the first AND second days of Kindergarten. And I think I'm the only one scarred from it. :) Okay, it wasn't quite that bad...but I'll never forget it! She's having a wonderful time though...and that's what is important. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">On to this weeks' menu:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Monday: <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/p-f-changs-chicken-lettuce-wraps-15865">Chicken Lettuce Wraps</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tuesday: We have a meeting at school, so the kids are having corn dogs with the sitter</div><div style="text-align: left;">Wednesday: Brats</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thursday: Leftovers</div><div style="text-align: left;">Friday: Fish and Homemade Potato Chips (this will be a first for me!)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Saturday and Sunday: ?? We'll see what happens by then</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-41949550408296055132011-08-17T20:35:00.001-05:002011-08-17T20:36:21.547-05:00Grandma Doris<div style="text-align: center;">I miss my Grandma. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAcZ124tZpuDndFdq0-3Udoy2sUG9BG7R_drpRMj7ygRv2eZ6kyLRQKGfl-WXBbID87HR6oowVAbHKqJCZL8HsgbBw_2WsK04tM-ikPgwF6g7eyKUdM3_dlB0reoBrTBUVCu0gnTBMuAo/s1600/IMG_0499+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAcZ124tZpuDndFdq0-3Udoy2sUG9BG7R_drpRMj7ygRv2eZ6kyLRQKGfl-WXBbID87HR6oowVAbHKqJCZL8HsgbBw_2WsK04tM-ikPgwF6g7eyKUdM3_dlB0reoBrTBUVCu0gnTBMuAo/s400/IMG_0499+%25282%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I want to call her...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To tell her that I'm so overwhelmed at the thought of Annika starting Kindergarten tomorrow...</div><div style="text-align: center;">To have her tell me that it will be great...that Annika will do great...but that she can't believe she's going to Kindergarten either.</div><div style="text-align: center;">To hear what she has been keeping busy with...</div><div style="text-align: center;">And how her church friends are.</div><div style="text-align: center;">To have her remind me how wonderful my husband is...and how blessed I am to have him in my life...</div><div style="text-align: center;">To hear stories about what she used to do for Grandpa...</div><div style="text-align: center;">To remind me only to use the seasonings in my food that Ryan likes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I can tell her what I've been sewing...</div><div style="text-align: center;">And how my garden is doing.</div><div style="text-align: center;">To hear her say that she loves me...that she can't wait to see me...but that I shouldn't come up unless the weather is really good. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I miss her so much...my heart breaks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">She used to have this wonderful desert at her house. Chocolate cake. Marshmallows. Chocolate Frosting. I'm not sure what the real recipe is...or what she called it. But I was craving the comfort of Grandma Doris so badly yesterday I had to recreate something similar. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8K9AfDCVilmu7IHdGFEcSOG0gs6LoK1OaId6J4_Oo_NcS_a720pKuv0g_ZNYRPDzESit1Uuu_dEAno9tqN8t6Z_sglVeaLluo19meHyTHNZj5BqpdzgAvVDCp_Jxm4gIjczKQkpn7PVx/s1600/IMG_1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8K9AfDCVilmu7IHdGFEcSOG0gs6LoK1OaId6J4_Oo_NcS_a720pKuv0g_ZNYRPDzESit1Uuu_dEAno9tqN8t6Z_sglVeaLluo19meHyTHNZj5BqpdzgAvVDCp_Jxm4gIjczKQkpn7PVx/s320/IMG_1857.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Too bad my recipe only made 6. I may need more before the week is over. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So here's to you Grandma Doris....</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for being an amazing Woman of God, Grandma and friend. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Keep watching for this wonderful recipe...it's coming! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-35196337068208965892011-08-15T14:33:00.000-05:002011-08-15T14:33:53.001-05:00What's for Dinner? Week 3With Annika's birthday, there was no menu last week. It was a "use up what's here" week. Cleaning out the fridge and pantry to make room for the groceries I would need for her party. <br />
<br />
This week, with school starting up, we're back in the game. <br />
<br />
Monday: Stuffed Chicken Breasts<br />
Tuesday: Taco Pasta Shells<br />
Wednesday: Meatball Subs<br />
Thursday: Steak and Baked Potatoes (its the first day of school and this is Annika's favorite!)<br />
Friday: Fish and Baked Rice Pilaf<br />
Saturday: ?<br />
Sunday: ?<br />
<br />
Okay, so I'm almost back up and running. I'll fill in those two when I figure them out. :) <br />
<br />
What are you serving this week?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-71853065805370311742011-08-14T00:00:00.001-05:002011-08-15T13:55:46.818-05:00Happy Birthday, Annika!<div style="text-align: center;">My little girl turned 6 this weekend...what!?!?!?!?!?! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Can't believe it myself. Where did the time go?? As far as I'm concerned we should still be here.<br />
<br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAT9Odv82yrm8M6ONd8ckXHBVkaC_2JfTGLmVnMnvmhyTY0vuY7vcCmuAdvVqcrEKgi6X_PpNJ7ddtxBv_dEGf27mAqd_KoghePb6zmHg0ytBdCPOONeFuAJSzYelKcrfri53Nva1-l1Hs/s1600/039_39+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAT9Odv82yrm8M6ONd8ckXHBVkaC_2JfTGLmVnMnvmhyTY0vuY7vcCmuAdvVqcrEKgi6X_PpNJ7ddtxBv_dEGf27mAqd_KoghePb6zmHg0ytBdCPOONeFuAJSzYelKcrfri53Nva1-l1Hs/s320/039_39+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 13, 2005 - 3 lbs 14 oz -<br />
and already planning to do things her own way :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay, not "at the hospital" here, but...you get my drift.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0hzc2fKHL6dAgVAPcGW53d3WxECs6b-H3HS61-owE6WfPCCJV4h98y2HdXKu8vCtUOobxeHsXvt-vZRNptXF-S-qarZw_X4ZSpU2tXAZc0KbzRa711gfVxOUHZcq4P-iYXpQ4hgZtTU5/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0hzc2fKHL6dAgVAPcGW53d3WxECs6b-H3HS61-owE6WfPCCJV4h98y2HdXKu8vCtUOobxeHsXvt-vZRNptXF-S-qarZw_X4ZSpU2tXAZc0KbzRa711gfVxOUHZcq4P-iYXpQ4hgZtTU5/s320/IMG_1784.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a beautiful, young lady she is becoming. I pray she continues to grow in the Lord...to love Him more each day...to serve Him and serve others...to stand up for what she believes in...and so much more...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love you little lady!! </div><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-15548134532335771242011-08-01T19:23:00.002-05:002011-08-15T14:29:54.393-05:00What's for Dinner? Week 2After an amazing weekend with girlfriends, Monday was a struggle to get back into. But I managed to pull together an almost complete menu for the coming week. <br />
<br />
Monday: Brats and Lemon Basil Pasta<br />
Tuesday: Crock Pot Roast and Mashed Potatoes<br />
Wednesday: Leftovers<br />
Thursday: Chicken Sandwiches<br />
Friday: ?? (this is the "almost complete" portion)<br />
Saturday: take out (we have a day packed full of "to-dos"<br />
Sunday: Breakfast for Supper - I'm thinking breakfast burritosUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-62775694666212843482011-07-25T16:40:00.002-05:002011-08-15T14:30:21.286-05:00What's for Dinner?I used to have a major organizing problem...as in...I spent way too much time organizing. Some may argue there's no such thing as too much organization...oh, you have no idea! <br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Then a couple things happened. The first is known as "Annika"...the second "Henry".</div><div>Now, I'm kind of on the opposite end of the spectrum (not necessarily because I want to be). I just can't keep up...it never ends. It will end...but not for another...(quick math)...15 years. </div><div><br />
</div><div>In an attempt to keep somewhat sane...and save on groceries...and not eat out all the time...I plan my suppers. I haven't done great with it this summer, but I'm getting back on track. I need to...my bank account needs it...my brain needs it...I think my Husband needs it too. </div><div><br />
</div><div>This week's a little unusual in that I get to go spend a weekend away with my girlfriends (I can't wait!!!). But it makes for a short week in planning. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Here it is:</div><div><br />
</div><div>Sunday - <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/panda-express-orange-chicken-103215">Orange Chicken</a> (not a huge success...it was a little overpowering in the vinegar department) </div><div>Monday - Grilled Chicken (based on <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/06/tutorial-bbq-grilled-pizza/">this tuorial</a>)</div><div>Tuesday - Pork Quesadillas with <a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/sweet-corn-salad/">Sweet Corn Salad</a></div><div>Wednesday - Slow Cooker meatballs with pasta</div><div>Thursday - <a href="http://picky-palate.com/2009/05/04/10-minute-creamy-purse-pasta-and-pecan/">Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad</a></div><div>Friday - Off to my weekend away! Ryan doesn't have an organizational issue...so he won't be doing any planning. :)</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-13033338109919581922011-06-10T14:27:00.001-05:002011-07-25T16:26:26.657-05:00Is the Tooth Fairy for real?<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #444444; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">When Annika came running to tell me that she had her first loose tooth, I was a little worried because I hadn't gotten her tooth fair pillow done yet. How fast was this going to happen? Did I have a day at least?? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Well...I've had a few weeks. Her teeth have as much disgust with change as she does. The one that was loose is right back in its right full spot. Holding on for dear life. And it is killing Annika! Cousins and friends and random people she encounters all have missing teeth. And its all she can pray for these days. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">And when the time finally comes and that tooth gives up its gorilla grip...we'll be ready with this great little pillow. Because there is no way the tooth fairy is going to get caught in my house! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFyS7bFSl60/TfJtlKXGYhI/AAAAAAAAAK4/4OkT0-RuAeY/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFyS7bFSl60/TfJtlKXGYhI/AAAAAAAAAK4/4OkT0-RuAeY/s640/IMG_1500.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #444444; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">In this pocket you will find</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #444444; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">A teensy, tiny tooth of mine.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #444444; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">So while I sleep where dreams are made,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #444444; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">Let's see if you can make a trade.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396833164219335355.post-55134048056816287672011-04-25T16:20:00.000-05:002011-07-25T16:26:38.110-05:00My New Favorite Muffin<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">This isn't a new muffin as much as a new way to make muffins. Are you ready for the simple obvious-ness of it??</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Plop them onto a cookie sheet like a cookie...no muffin tin...no muffin liner...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just a cookie sheet and some non-stick spray.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe you aren't as stunned by this revelation as I was. But I think its brilliant!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Unlike the one near my waistline, its the kind of muffin top I'm proud of! </div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0PwMbcEuA55H26YH1MAwZ5tO1dXCq2g0NHtzSATWVbBvdpr5bTDM-fhp8A54_lEaFTdc92I41VmOHagl3nx6yS-mbVzEI1oCoLUX8tve0xGvC3hNi5u9hC6K2vFgxhY81cUfGd_LVS4L/s1600/IMG_1429.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0PwMbcEuA55H26YH1MAwZ5tO1dXCq2g0NHtzSATWVbBvdpr5bTDM-fhp8A54_lEaFTdc92I41VmOHagl3nx6yS-mbVzEI1oCoLUX8tve0xGvC3hNi5u9hC6K2vFgxhY81cUfGd_LVS4L/s400/IMG_1429.JPG" /></a><br />
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So go grab the ingredients for your favorite muffin (even if its a box and some water) and try it out! <br />
They are soft and tender on top -- cripsy on the bottom -- genius!</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0