Six in the Suburbs

Loaded Baked Potato Pizza

2012-02-28T13:35:00.002-05:00

I can't get over how good this tastes. The crispiness of the pizza dough and the creamy texture of the potatos are heavenly. I am dying to go home and make this again! This recipe is derived from Emeril's, (I didn't make my own pizza dough, however).

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You'll Need:

15 medium red potatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth
6 large cloves garlic
4 tablespoons butter or margarine
3/4 cup of heavy whipping cream (I used milk)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Pre-made dough (from bakery isle in grocerystore) at room-temp
3 ounces sauteed onions
3 small tomatoes, sliced thin
8 ounces shredded cheeses of your choice (I used motz + cheddar)
4 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 teaspoon cracked pepper
1 teaspoon onion salt
1/4 cup chopped chives
sour cream

Directions

For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Combine potatoes, broth, and garlic in a large saucepan. Add additional water if necessary in order to keep all potatoes completely submerged. Bring to boil than reduce heat to low. Continue to cook until potatoes are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

Drain and mash the potatoes and garlic. Add butter, salt, pepper, and whipping cream. Whip until it has a creamy texture.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F with a pizza stone.
Roll out the dough into a 1/4-inch thick circle. Place in a pizza pan or on a pizza peel. Spread on the garlic mashed potatoes. Evenly sprinkle the sauteed onions. Layer the sliced tomatoes. Evenly sprinkle the cheeses, bacon crumbles, cracked black pepper, chives, and onion salt.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Serve with sour cream!

Let us know what your favorite toppings are :)
~Sizza

Orange Crush Cupcakes

2012-02-28T12:21:00.001-05:00

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1 white cake mix
Oil and Eggs as called for on the package instructions
Orange Crush or other orange soda pop, not diet
Bavarian cream pastry filling or other filling
1 Butter Cream frosting mix or recipe
Orange color
Orange flavoring
Candied orange zest
Gel Candies in any shape or Orange Candy Fruit Slices

Mix the cake mix according to package instructions but substituting orange pop for the water. Add one teaspoon or more orange flavoring. (The pop will tint the batter orange.)
Fill cupcake liners in a muffin pan and bake as directed.
To fill your cupcakes, clip the corner of a bag of pastry filling and insert the open corner into the top of each cupcake. Squeeze until you feel the cupcake bulging but before it splits. For other fillings, use a filling injector or fill a pastry bag and use a star or elongated tip to fill the cupcakes.
Make the frosting adding orange color and orange flavor as desired. Frost the tops of the cupcakes covering the holes.

~MLE

Leftover Corned Beef Hash

2012-02-28T07:58:00.000-05:00

Tuck this one away for your St. Patty's Day leftovers....you'll be glad you did!!

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Ingredients:

5 cups leftover corned beef & cabbage, chopped (yes, with the cabbage..you can omit if you like)
1 onion, chopped
1 pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, diced
4 potatoes, peeled and diced
salt & pepper
1/2 cup beef broth, broth from beef & cabbage or water
1 tbl butter or lard

Melt butter or lard in large skillet. Add in onion, pepper and garlic and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add in the potatoes and corned beef and cabbage, mix until incorporated. Add in your liquid and bring to a simmer until potatoes are fork tender, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve with a fried egg on top or as a side dish with melted cheddar cheese!!

Lucy~

Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers

2012-02-27T16:27:00.000-05:00

There are many alternatives to traditional burgers, such as these Quinoa cakes (find them here) and many different recipes for veggie burgers out there. But when I was browsing Healthy Happy Life and came across this Sweet Potato Burger...I needed to make right away.

I love the taste of sweet potatoes, and this seems like a perfect fit for a big appetite / healthy non-meat alternative.

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You'll Need:

- 2 cans cannellini white beans, drained
- 1 large sweet potato, baked/peeled/mashed (about 2 cups)
- 2 Tbsp tahini
- 2 tsp maple or agave syrup
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning OR Cajun seasoning (or another fave spice!)
- 1/4 cup wheat flour
- optional: additional seasoning (whatever you have on hand - I used a few dashes cayenne, black pepper and sea salt)
- plentiful Panko crumbs
- olive oil for pan

also for burgers: avocado, Dijon mustard, grain buns, romaine, onion, olive oil, pepper

Yields 7-8 burgers.

Directions:

1. Bake sweet potato. Peel, place in large mixing bowl.
2. Add drained beans to mixing bowl. Mash beans and potato together.
3. Mash in seasoning, flour and any additional seasoning. Your mixture will be quite soft and moist. But you should be able to form a patty. Add more flour or a scoop of breadcrumbs - or dry rice to thicken the mixture if needed.
4. Heat 1 Tbsp safflower oil in a pan over high heat.
5. Form a patty from mixture and coat in Panko crumbs. Thick coating. Then drop the patty in the pan. Repeat until the pan is filled. Cook until browned on both sides. You could also bake. If baking, use less Panko.
6. Transfer cooked patties to paper towel. Cool for a few minutes.
7. Serve on toasted bun with lotsa toppings.

Let us know what you think!
~Sizza

Carrot Cake Biscotti

2012-02-27T15:57:00.000-05:00

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1 box carrot cake (dry) cake mix
1 cup all purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 stick melted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup raisins
¾ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
~ 1 lb. White {melting} chocolate

Preheat the oven to 350F degrees.

Pour your cake mix and flour into the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the eggs, butter and vanilla.

Mix on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes. Mix in nuts or chocolate if desired.

This dough will be very stiff. Divide dough into two halves. Roll each half into a log, and place on a parchment lined 11” x 15” x 1” baking pan.

Press the top of the cookie log into a rectangle, about 3 inches wide. Repeat with the second half of the dough. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Remove cookie pan from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Remove cookies from baking pan and cut into 1 inch piece logs. Place cookies on their cut side on the lined baking pan. Place pan back into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove cookies to cooling rack to cool completely.

In a double boiler, slowly melt chocolate till smooth.

Dip the bottoms of the biscotti into the white chocolate, then place them (bottom side down) onto a piece of wax paper, silpat, or parchment paper. Allow chocolate to harden. Store cookies in an airtight container, layered with wax paper.

♥MLE

Peeps Sunflower Cake

2012-02-27T08:09:00.000-05:00

This is a perfect cake for Easter or Spring birthday! You could change the look of the cake by using chocolate covered sunflower seeds if you can find them or even mini M & M's :)

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Ingredients:

1 package of box cake mix (use your favorite flavor)

1 container of chocolate frosting

1 package of peeps

1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips

Bake cake according to package instructions in 2 greased 9-inch round cake pans. Allow cake to cool and remove from pans. Place 1 layer onto a serving dish and frost, place the other layer on top and frost the sides and top of the cake. Arrange peeps around the edge and sprinkle the chocolate chips in the center.

Lucy~

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

2012-02-26T14:30:00.000-05:00

Have you ever craved chocolate when you first wake up? Well now - because of the nutricious quality of bananas - you can have chocolate for breakfast and not feel as bad.

Introducing, double chocolate banana bread.

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This recipe makes 2 loaves.

You'll Need:

1 cup margarine, softened
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
6 bananas, mashed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup lite sour cream
1.5 cups milk chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
In a large bowl, cream together margarine, sugar and eggs. Stir in bananas and vanilla. Sift in flour, baking soda and cocoa; mix well. Blend in sour cream and chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pans.
Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of a loaf comes out clean.

Hope you enjoy this someday soon! It would also make a delicious Easter dessert.

~ Sizza

My #1 Breakfast Burrito

2012-02-26T08:05:00.000-05:00

One of the best on-the-go or weekend breakfasts are Breakfast Burritos. There are many variations, and you can do a classic one - with no salsa - or opt for a spicy one :)

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You'll Need:

1 lb jimmy dean sausage casings removed and crumbled
2 tablespoons butter
6 large eggs
¼ cup chunky salsa
8 (8 inch) flour tortillas
¾ cup shredded monterey jack or cheddar
1 cup sour cream

Over medium-high heat, in a large nonstick skillet, add the crumbled sausage. Stir and break up until sausage is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Place on paper towels to drain and dispose of remaining grease.
Place the butter in the skillet and melt over medium-high heat. Add the eggs, stirring frequently until they're scrambled and cooked through, about two minutes. Add the cooked sausage and salsa to the egg mixture and stir gently. Remove from heat.
Warm the tortillas as directed on package. Place about 1/2 cup of the egg and sausage mixture onto each tortilla and sprinkle each one with cheese. To form the burrito, fold the sides of the tortilla in toward the middle and then fold up from bottom.Keep warm wrapped in auluminum foil in the oven on 250.

~ Sizza

Panko Crusted Avocado Fries

2012-02-24T09:20:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite foods (that help maintain a healthy weight, too!) are avocados. I love using them in salads, with chicken, on sandwiches, and of course – in guacemole. Here is a great recipe from MyRecipes.com for avocado fries.

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You'll Need:

Canola oil for frying
1/4 cup flour
About 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
2 large eggs, beaten to blend
1 1/4 cups panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
2 firm-ripe medium avocados, pitted, peeled, and sliced into 1/2-in. wedges

Directions:

Preheat oven to 200°. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 1/2 in of oil.
Meanwhile, mix flour with 1/4 tsp. salt in a shallow plate. Put eggs and panko in separate shallow plates. Dip avocado in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, then panko to coat. Set on 2 plates in a single layer.
Fry a quarter of avocado slices at a time until deep golden, 30 to 60 seconds. Transfer slices to a plate lined with paper towels. Keep warm in oven while cooking remaining avocados. Sprinkle with salt to taste.

Happy Friday Six Fans! Don't forget to follow us on facebook for updates on more delicious recipes.

Sizza

Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill

2012-02-23T16:35:00.000-05:00

This salad is a refreshing summer salad that can be enjoyed all year long. It's a great compliment to a warm steak or chicken breast! I merged two recipes to make this one. It's so delicious :)

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You'll Need:
4 cucumbers, thinly sliced
2 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, or to taste
1 small white onion, finely chopped
3 tbsp. sour cream whisked with 3 tbs of White Vinegar
1 tsp cracked pepper

Directions:
Toss together the cucumbers and onion in a large bowl. Gently toss in the sour cream mixture, then srir in pepper and dill, cover, and refrigerate until cold. This can also be eaten at room temperature, but be sure to allow the cucumbers to marinate for at least 1 hour.

What are you favorite summer recipes? Never to early to dream of grillin'!

~Sizza

The BEST Oreo Cheescake

2012-02-23T13:44:00.000-05:00

I love anything chocolate with the tart saltiness of cream cheese. Cream cheese brownies were one of my favorite childhood desserts. If you haven't tried home-made oreo cheesecake, you'll love this recipe. It's a nice treat for breakfast on the weekends with a cup of coffee.

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You'll Need:

1 pkg. (15.5 oz.) Oreo Cookies, divided

1/3 cup butter, melted

3 pkg. (8 oz. each) Cream Cheese, softened

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup of sour cream

1 tsp. vanilla extract

4 eggs

Directions:

- Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
- Crust 28 cookies finely; coarsely chop remaining cookies. Mix crushed cookies with butter; press onto bottom and 2 inches up side of 9-inch round pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add sour cream and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Stir in chopped cookies. Pour into crust.
- Bake for 55 min. to 1 hour or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate 4 hours.

Have a nice remainder of your week Six fans! We are looking forward to the weekend.

~ Sizza

Crunchy Crumb Haddock

2012-02-23T06:36:00.001-05:00

Some think that cheese and fish don't pair well but I find this recipe to be perfectly paired :) You could substitute the cheddar cheese for Parmesan cheese and it would be just as delicious.

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Ingredients:

1 lb haddock or cod
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
2 tbl butter, melted
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbl mayonnaise
dash of lemon juice
dash of hot sauce (optional)
1 tsp parsley

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Place fish in baking dish and spread the mayonnaise evenly over the fillets.
In a small bowl, mix the cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs and parsley. Sprinkle evenly over the fish and drizzle the melted butter over the top.
Add a dash of lemon juice and hot sauce over the top and bake about 14 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Lucy~

Homemade Cleaning Solutions

2012-02-22T15:18:00.003-05:00

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I am a flip-flop candidate when it comes to saving money and being practical, yes I admit (okay LUCE?!) but- I have been trying more than usual to create what I use with my own 2 hands (for the most part...I am not about to grind corn... unless you can show me how, of course:) Input Welcome! as always, here with the Six.
But, I read this quote on This Old House's website that got me thinking on those lines even more and it pretty much hits home with everyone these days:

"Remember when the tightfistedness of relatives, {who were} raised during the Depression, was amusing? Our grandparents' certificates of deposit and plastic couch protectors seemed downright quaint when our own home-equity and retirement portfolios were ballooning... Suddenly, though, the pot-roast-and-potatoes ethic doesn't seem quite so kooky..."

So join me in thinking, and rather than going out and buying the commercial products for your home, buy what you'll need to make (and many more gallons of/$1) of the same stuff. Here is how you can thanks to This Old House.

Glass Cleaner:
1: Pour 1/4 cup distilled vinegar into an unused spray bottle.

2: Fill the bottle to the top with tap water and shake gently to combine the liquids.

3: Spray the mixture on windows or mirrors. Polish with crumpled newsprint.

All- Purpose Cleaner:
1. Mix 2 tablespoons of distilled vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon liquid castile soap in a clean, unused spray bottle. Castile soap is natural and vegetable-based -- traditional versions are made with olive oil -- and does not contain detergents, perfumes or animal products.

2: Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda. When the foaming stops, add 2 cups warm water. Shake gently to combine the ingredients.

3: Spray this mixture on counters and other hard surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom. Wipe clean with a microfiber cleaning cloth.

4: For especially dirty surfaces or dried-on messes, spray the area and let the cleaning solution soak in for several minutes before scrubbing clean with a microfiber cleaning cloth.

Abrasive Scrub:

1: In a 3-cup container, use a spoon to mix 2 cups baking soda and 1/2 cup liquid castile soap.

2: Stir in 4 teaspoons of vegetable glycerin and 5 drops tea tree oil. The glycerin is a natural preservative and will keep the mixture soft. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties.

3: Add a small amount of the soft scrub mixture to a microfiber cleaning cloth and scrub sinks, tile and bathroom fixtures.

4: Rinse with hot water and polish with a dry microfiber cloth.

~MLE

Corn Flake Crusted French Toast

2012-02-22T11:35:00.002-05:00

The combination of these two ingredients makes my mouth water. They are made up of so many textures...sure to please ANY corn flake fan. This recipe is from Kellogg's.

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You'll Need:

8 cups Corn Flakes cereal, then crushed
2 cups milk
2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
8 slices stale bread
Maple syrup

Directions:

1. Place Corn Flake Crumbs in shallow pan. Set aside.

2. In medium bowl, combine milk, eggs, sugar and cinnamon. Dip bread into egg mixture coating both sides of bread. Coat bread with Corn Flake Crumbs.

3. On grill or in large fry pan coated with cooking spray, cook bread on
medium heat until both sides are golden brown, turning once. Serve hot with warm maple syrup.

Servings: 4

These are to die for!
- Sizza

Caramel Sticky Buns with Shredded Coconut

2012-02-22T06:06:00.001-05:00

With the help of store bought biscuits these sticky confections come together in a little over 30 minutes. Sweet, soft and buttery and the nuts on top adds the perfect crunch. The shredded coconut adds another flavor dimension that makes these buns irresistible!

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Ingredients:
adapted from pillsbury.com

Buns:

1 can (7.5 oz) refrigerated biscuits
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup sugar
3 tbl butter, melted

Topping:
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbl light corn syrup
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Melt butter and pout into 8 inch round pan. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup and mix well. Sprinkle in pecans or walnuts.
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl. In another small bowl mix sugar and cinnamon. Open biscuits and separate into 10 biscuits.
Dip each biscuit into melted butter coating all sides then dip into the sugar mixture being sure to coat evenly. Place biscuits in the pan fitting arranging closely together so their sides are touching.
Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool 2 minutes. Turn pan upside down onto serving plate and allow pan to rest for about a minute so the buns separate from the bottom. Gently remove pan, sprinkle with shredded coconut and serve!

Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Soup

2012-02-21T17:33:00.000-05:00

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Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless chicken breasts, diced
1/2 cup diced carrot
1 large rib celery, diced
12 to 16 ounces sliced mushrooms, a combination of fresh mushroom varieties, if desired
1 clove garlic, minced
4 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons flour
4-5 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Fresh ground black pepper
3/4 cup heavy cream or milk

Preparation:

In a large saucepan, heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add diced chicken, carrot, and celery; cook, stirring, until chicken is nearly cooked through. Add the mushrooms and continue cooking, stirring, until mushrooms are tender. Stir in flour until blended; add chicken broth and thyme. Bring to a simmer, stirring. Cover and reduce heat to low; cook for about 10 to 16 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste; stir in cream or milk and heat through. (if using milk, do not allow to boil)

~MLE

Guide for Planting Bulbs in Spring

2012-02-21T11:59:00.000-05:00

It's almost that time of year again! I swear there are little green sprouts of vegitation already appearing in the woods behind my house. Usually there isn't any sign of green until late March into April. The mild winter we experienced in New England has me on a Spring kick.

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Here are some helpful tips for planting Spring bulbs:

Plant summer flowering bulbs and tubers AFTER the last frost date in your area.
Quality bulbs and well drained soil are the two most important ingredients to a successful Summer garden.
Summer bulbs require a great deal of water immediately after planting. The soil in your garden should be continually moist.
Sprouting is healthy; plants are anxious to get into the ground again.
Maintain a pH level of 6 to 7 to bring out the true color of flower bulbs.
Additional fertilizer is not necessary for summer flowering bulbs and tubers.
Many summer flowering bulbs and tubers are well suited for patio containers and should be planted closer for a full look.
A variety of summer bulbs make great cut flowers. Some of the taller varieties may require staking.
Plant your summer flowering bulbs and tubers within the season of purchase.
You may need to lift your bulbs and tubers in the Fall and replant next Spring. Shake off any soil and air dry for several days before storing in a cool, dry, well ventilated location. Do not store in plastic; plants need to breathe.

What month to plant bulbs (based on your region):

How to plant bulbs:

Dig a hole to the required depth. Depth is measurement of space between the soil line and top of bulb or bare root.
Set the bulbs or bare root in place, pointed side or sprout side upward.
Cover the bulbs by replacing the soil and water thoroughly.

Varieties/details:

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Hope you have a pleasantly mild February six fans!
~ Sizza

Mini Tortilla Taco Bowls

2012-02-21T07:07:00.001-05:00

I made these last night and they were so simple! They are a mini version of the big fried shells you get in restaurants. What I love about them is that you can fill them with anything from meat to salad. I filled mine with Barbacoa Pork ( a must try) but fill your with anything you like.

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You'll Need:

Flour tortillas
Cooking spray
Muffin tin

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Microwave 4 tortillas at a time on high for 30 seconds. Spray muffin tin with cooking spray and gently press the tortilla in the tin carefully folding the edges as you go. Spray the tortilla with cooking spray and bake 10 minutes or until brown and crispy.

Lucy~

Kitchen Pot Racks

2012-02-20T17:50:00.000-05:00

I've always like the look of a unique pot rack in a kitchen. It gives the kitchen a "well used" feel without the cluttering look of stacked pans and pots in a cabinet. Plus, it allows for cabinets to be used for other items, therefore giving you more storage space. Here are a few interesting pot racks that caught my eye...

This Copper pot rack, from This Old House's website has a great industrial look where even utensils have a designated spot. They even have a how-to tutorial with step by step instructions!

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This stainless steel hanger has a sleek modern look and can be adjusted to different heights.

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Ever think of creating a pot hanger from an old piece of steel? This one is made from a vintage window guard! Love the rustic look, see the how-to here from This Old House!

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The rack to the left of the picture following is actually an industrial stainless steel shelf, used in many professional kitchens. It doubles as a shelf and pot rack with six poles for multiple layers of pots and pans... just be sure to those sturdy anchors when you're hanging it on your wall!

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This rustic country kitchen is open and airy from end to end, with it's wall length shelving acting as cabinets. With the addition of an iron pipe, hung along the ceiling beam with brackets, more than enough space is available for hanging pots and kitchen utensils.

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The yellow gingham wallpaper was what first caught ,my eye in the picture, however when I noticed the pot rack and perfectly shined pans, I was impressed with it all! Simple, yet sturdy-

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~MLE

Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake

2012-02-20T15:54:00.001-05:00

Hershey's kisses are such an American treat, and now they come filled and flavored in so many varieties. Here is a cheesecake to try that uses caramel filled kisses:

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Cookie Crumb Crust (recipe follows)

72 HERSHEY'S Kisses ~ Milk Chocolates filled with Caramel, divided

2-1/2 teaspoonsmilk

3 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened

3/4 cupsugar

1/2 teaspoonvanilla extract

3 eggs

1 teaspoonwater

Whipped topping or Fresh Whipped Cream

1. Prepare COOKIE CRUMB CRUST. Heat oven to 350°F.

2. Remove wrappers from caramel filled chocolates. Place 56 chocolates and milk in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 30 seconds; stir. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chocolates are melted and smooth when stirred. Gently pour and spread on bottom of prepared crust.

3. Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in large bowl until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gently spoon over caramel mixture.

4. Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until almost set. Remove from oven to wire rack. With knife, loosen cake from side of pan. Cool completely, remove side of pan.

5. Place 4 caramel filled chocolates and water in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM 30 seconds or until chocolates are melted and smooth when stirred. Drizzle over surface of cheesecake. Cover; refrigerate until chilled. Garnish with whipped topping and remaining chocolates. Cover; refrigerate leftovers. 10 to 12 servings.

COOKIE CRUMB CRUST: Heat oven to 350°F. Stir together 1-1/2 cups vanilla wafer cookie crumbs (about 45 cookies, crushed) and 1 tablespoon sugar in medium bowl; blend in 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) melted butter or margarine. Press mixture onto bottom and 1/2 inch up side of 9-inch spring form pan. Bake 8 minutes; cool.

♥MLE

Rosemary & Garlic Crusted Pork

2012-02-20T11:23:00.004-05:00

Last night I was looking for a tasty and healthy recipe that uses pork tenderloin and butternut squash (what I had on hand!) and I came across this great recipe from EatingWell.com . I added apples to give it a little sweetness.

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Ingredients:

3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, or 1 tablespoon dried

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, plus more to taste

1 2-pound boneless center-cut pork loin roast, trimmed (I used a tenderloin)

1 1/2 pounds small Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes

4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes

2 apples, cored and cubed (I used Macs)

1/2 cup port wine, red wine or prune juice

1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Combine rosemary, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a mortar and crush with the pestle to form a paste. (Alternatively, finely chop the ingredients together on a cutting board.)
Coat a large roasting pan with cooking spray. Place pork in the pan and rub the rosemary mixture all over it. Toss potatoes with 2 teaspoons oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl; scatter along one side of the pork.

3. Roast the pork and potatoes for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, toss squash with the remaining 2 teaspoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Remove the roasting pan from the oven. Carefully turn the pork over. Scatter the squash along the other side of the pork.

4. Roast the pork until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 155°F, (will be determined by the size of the pork loin. Transfer the pork to a carving board; tent with foil and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. If the vegetables are tender, transfer them to a bowl, cover and keep them warm. If not, continue roasting until they are browned and tender, 10 to 15 minutes more.

5. After removing the vegetables, place the roasting pan over medium heat and add port (or prune juice); bring to a boil, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Simmer for a few minutes to intensify the flavor. Add any juices that have accumulated on the carving board.

To serve, cut the strings from the pork and carve. Serve with the roasted vegetables and pan sauce.

~MLE

Leprechaun Hat Cookies

2012-02-20T07:49:00.001-05:00

These cute cookies reminded me of the pilgrim hat cookies from Thanksgiving. Courtesy of Betty Crocker, here's another fun, festive cookie hat....this time to celebrate St. Patty's Day!

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Ingredients:

1 pouch sugar cookie mix

1/2 cup butter

1 egg

1 container vanilla frosting

1/4 tsp green food color

24 large marshmallows

24 small (1 inch) chewey chocolate candies, rolled flat*

12 small green gum drops

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter and egg until soft dough forms. Roll dough in 24 (1 inch) balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheets, 2 inches apart
Bake 10 - 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Immediately place marshmallow in each cookie. Remove cookie from cookie sheets and place onto cooling racks. Allow to cool about 15 minutes.
In a microwave safe bowl, microwave frosting on high for about 30 seconds Stir the frosting, it should be a thick spoonable glaze. Stir in food coloring. Spoon warm frosting over each cookie coating completely and allowing excess to drip off. Let stand 20 minutes to set.
Roll chocolate candies into ropes with a rolling pin. Cut into strips to resemble hat bands. Arrange band around the base of the marshmallow on cookie. Cut dumdrops in half. Press the cut side onto the band of the hat.
Place onto serving platter.

* You could use colored fruit leather (such as purple) for the bands.

Lucy~

Crispy Honey Mustard Chicken

2012-02-19T17:48:00.002-05:00

This chicken is so crispy that you'll never know that it's not fried. What I like most about this recipe is that it is so versatile. You can use chicken tenders and serve as an appetizer or use a breast and serve as a meal. You can also change up the coating and use crushed pretzels, tortilla chips, Ritz crackers or corn flakes which makes it a great way to use up the bottom of the bag!

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Ingredients:

1 lb chicken (tenders or breasts)
1 cup honey mustard dressing*
2 cups crushed coating of your choice

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Dip the chicken in the honey mustard dressing then evenly coat in the crunchy coating. Place onto a baking sheet and bake 25 - 30 minutes or until juices run clear. Serve with additional honey mustard for dipping!

*If you don't have honey mustard dressing readily available just mix 1/2 cup honey with 1/2 cup prepared mustard.

Custom DIY Bookmarks

2012-02-19T14:13:00.000-05:00

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What a beautiful idea from jewelry designer Andrea Singarella. She created these unique book marks, and the best part is that you can create your own for just a few bucks each!!!

To assemble your own, cut velvet ribbon into approx. 9-inch lengths. Purchase ribbon clamps the same width as your ribbon, then use a set of flat-nose pliers to affix clamps to both ends of each ribbon. Finish by attaching charms, trinkets, or vintage earrings to the clamps with jump rings. Many charms could be single earrings, old necklace pieces or even vintage skeleton keys.

~MLE

Oreo Martinis

2012-02-19T09:15:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you just want to have a nice cocktail for dessert.....and sometimes you want both and that's ok too! What better way to satisfy your sweet tooth while having a cocktail than to have an Oreo Martini :)

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Ingredients:
Serves 2

Ice cubes
1 1/2 oz vodka
1 1/2 oz creme de cacao
1 1/2 oz Irish Cream
2 Oreos for garnish

Place all ingredients besides Oreos in a shaker and mix well. Strain into 2 martini glasses and garnish with an Oreo. Instead of using a whole Oreo for garnish you could instead crush them up garnish the whole rim of the glass with the crushed cookie. Simply wet the rim of the glass and dip into the crushed cookie.

Lucy~

Lobster Pot Pie

2012-02-19T09:04:00.003-05:00

Lobster in a cream sauce, what sounds more comforting? This pot pie recipe from Martha Stewart is made even easier with the use of crusty bread for the top. So buttery and it's pretty quick to make too.

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Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 fennel bulb (8 ounces), halved, cored, and very thinly sliced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups fish stock
1/2 cup water
1 pound cooked lobster meat (from 2 lobsters fresh or previously frozen), cut into 1-inch pieces
3/4 cup fresh shelled or frozen peas
3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon or 1 tsp dry tarragon
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
4 tablespoons butter ((for top crust))
6 slices Italian, french or a crusty bread of some sort, 1/2 inch thick ((for top crust))

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Make the filling: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion until translucent. Add fennel, and cook until softened, about 7 minutes. Stir in flour. Add stock and water. Bring to a simmer.
Remove from heat, and stir in lobster, peas, cream, and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Let cool. Transfer mixture to a (8-cup) baking dish.
Make the topping: Melt butter, and brush over bread slices. Tear each slice in half, and arrange over top of filling to cover the surface, overlapping as you work. Bake until bread is golden brown and filling is bubbling, about 30 minutes.

♥MLE

Candy Topped Cupcakes

2012-02-18T12:37:00.000-05:00

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These cupcakes, made by the Dixie Belle Cupcake Cafe are so cute, yet easy to make! Use mini-sized M&Ms or Reese's Pieces. Place them in a bowl and dip your frosted cupcake in the bowl so they stick. For a more uniformed look, place each one on individually. Candy should be applied immediately after the cupcake is frosted, because if the frosting dries a little, it will not be sticky enough for the candy to stick.

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~MLE

Creamy Crab Dip

2012-02-17T18:02:00.000-05:00

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If you're looking for an indulgent snack for this weekend, or an app to bring over to a friends - this is it. Great with wine, too! The spice gives it a little kick (my husband and I actually add more than called for), so if you like it hot alter it to your liking.

Ingredients:

6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped green onion
few drops +/- of hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 envelope Ranch Dressing mix (.4 ounce)
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, optional
6 to 8 ounces crab meat, drained and chopped
Bread Bowl, optional
Crackers for serving, your choice

Preparation:

Beat cream cheese with sour cream until well blended. Blend in the green onion, hot sauce, paprika, dressing mix. Stir in crab. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper, if desired.

If you are using a bread bowl, hollow it out and fill with the dip. Serve with the pieces of bread from the center and/or crackers.

~MLE

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

2012-02-17T16:52:00.000-05:00

This easy home made pot pie is so delicious...

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You'll Need:
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup frozen green peas
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
2/3 cup milk
2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C.)
In a saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, peas, and celery. Add water to cover and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside.
In the saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in butter until soft and translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thick. Remove from heat and set aside.
Place the chicken mixture in bottom pie crust. Pour hot liquid mixture over. Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut away excess dough. Make several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Have a great weekend fans!
- Sizza

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

2012-02-17T16:33:00.000-05:00

This is a great recipe for a fresh and spicy take on the traditional shrimp cocktail. What I like about it is that the shrimp continues to marinate in the flavors while it is being served. It's a great appetizer, just remember to double bowl it in a ice bath. Great served with croustini bread or even tortilla or pita chips.

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Ingredients:

2 pounds cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon crushed garlic

1/2 cup finely chopped red onion

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 1/2 cups tomato and clam juice cocktail

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste

1/4 cup prepared horseradish

salt to taste

1 ripe avocado - peeled, pitted and chopped

Directions:

Place the shrimp in a large bowl. Stir in garlic, red onion, and cilantro. Mix in tomato and clam juice cocktail, ketchup, lime juice, hot pepper sauce, and horseradish. Season with salt. Gently stir in avocado. Cover, and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours. Serve in one large bowl or ladle into individual bowls.

~MLE

DIY Bench from 3 Wooden Chairs

2012-02-17T13:33:00.001-05:00

I totally love the unique look of this "bench" made from a few old chairs. Chances are you have some that could be used right in your own barn or attic. If not, keep an eye out on trash day or take a peek in at your local thrift store.
Here's the how-to from carpenter Ryan McPhail, as explained in an interview, from Country Living Magazine...

Step 1: Unscrew the seats from the chair backs and armatures and set aside. Save the screws.

Step 2: Line up the chairs side by side, with a few inches between each. Measure the distance from one end of the row to the other, and add four inches to that number. Then measure the depth (from front to back) of one of the seats you just removed. Cut a wood plank with those dimensions (we used a 1 1/4-inch-thick, 15- by 58-inch plank here), and sand or miter its edges — or ask someone at your local lumberyard to do it for you. Paint or stain the plank as desired.

Step 3: Once the plank has dried, place it atop the chairs, center it, and use a pencil to mark where it meets the screw holes in the armatures and the backs of the chairs. (Keep in mind that chairs can age unevenly, so this may require some fiddling.) Remove the plank and drill small pilot holes at each marked point. Put the plank back on top of the chairs, align the pilot holes, and mark where each front chair leg meets the underside of the plank, tracing all the way around the tip of the leg (known as the dowel). Remove the plank. Then, using a drill bit that corresponds to the size of the dowel, bore a 1/2-inch-deep indentation within your pencil marking, being careful not to drill all the way through the plank.

Step 4: Apply wood glue to the dowels, position the plank atop the chairs again, and press the bored holes down on the dowels. Screw the back of the plank to the chair backs — and reattach the armatures — with the screws you removed earlier. Place a weight on the plank and let dry overnight; then sit back and relax.

~MLE

Buffalo Mashed Potatoes

2012-02-17T06:57:00.000-05:00

I'm a fan of anything buffalo. These potatoes are light, fluffy and have all the buffalo flavors you love from the sauce to the blue cheese. These would be a great side dish to grilled steak or a nice roast chicken.

(Photo Credit)

Place 2 1/2 lbs of peeled, diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Boil 15 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and return to the pot. Add in 1 cup of heavy cream (for a lighter version use milk) and 6 tablespoons of butter. Mash with hand mixer or potato masher until desired consistency.

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Add in the hot sauce! Use about 3 tablespoons, use more or less depending on the desired heat level you like. Gently mix in the sauce with a spatula.

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Next comes the blue cheese. Add in about 2 - 3 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese and fold in with a spatula. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper and garnish with 2 tablespoons of parsley.

Lucy~

Campfire Cake

2012-02-16T16:40:00.001-05:00

This is a really creative birthday cake idea, that would also work for a cookout, camp out, boyscout's party, or any outdoor occasion.

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You'll Need:

Cake mix
Chocolate Frosting
Pirouette cookies "sticks"
Melted butterscotch for orange flames
Cinnamon hard candies for red flames

Directions:

Make two 8" cakes, cool and frost.
Meanwhile, melt orange butterscotch candies in a double boiler
In separate boiler, melt red candies
When smooth, lay out a sheet of wax paper on a cookie sheet
Poor and spread butterscotch with spatula, then swirl in liquid red candy
Let cool for atleast 1 hr in refrigerator
break apart and use as flames (one large peak for center and smaller jagged pieces for around large flame)
Arrange cookie sticks for logs.

What are your family's favorite cake designs that are unconventional?

~Sizza

Pineapple Coconut Mini-Tarts

2012-02-16T13:48:00.000-05:00

These bite size morsels are a fancy little version of pineapple upside-down cake, and the addition of coconut adds just the right sweetness and texture. a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream could also be added.

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Ingredients:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted. *If you use salted butter, omit additional salt

1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut

1 (14- to 16-ounce package) frozen puff pastry, thawed according to the package directions

Flour, for dusting the work surface

2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar, light will also work

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon fine salt*

2 cups fresh, small-dice pineapple or a canned brand similar to Dole:

Directions:
1. Heat the oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Generously coat a 12-well muffin pan with the melted butter using a pastry brush. Evenly sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the coconut inside each well; set the pan aside.

2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. (Some brands may not require any rolling.) Prick it all over with a fork, then cut 12 circles using a round cookie cutter the width of the top of the muffin wells (about 2 3/4 inches). Place the puff pastry circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment or waxed paper and refrigerate until needed.

3. Place the brown sugar, ginger, and salt in a medium bowl, break up any lumps with a spatula or wooden spoon, and stir to combine. Add the pineapple and stir to coat.

4. Evenly divide the pineapple mixture among the muffin wells. Place a puff pastry circle on top of the pineapple mixture and gently tuck the sides into the well to seal around the pineapple.

5. Bake until the pastry is puffed and dark golden brown, about 30 to 35 minutes.

6. Remove the pan from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. While the tarts are still warm, run a knife around each to loosen it from the well. Place a baking sheet over the muffin pan and carefully invert the muffin pan onto the baking sheet. Gently tap the bottom of each well and then remove the muffin pan. (If some pieces of pineapple and coconut remain inside the wells, just scrape them out and place them on top of the tarts.) Serve warm.

A few great tips I gathered from Chow.com are that ...

"The tarts can be made up to 4 hours ahead, cooled completely, stored in an airtight container, and reheated on a baking sheet at 300°F for 5 to 10 minutes. And, If you don’t have a 12-well muffin pan, you can use two 6-well muffin pans; just be sure to bake them side by side in the oven."

~MLE

Pom Pom Shamrock

2012-02-16T07:23:00.000-05:00

I found these cute little shamrocks on familycorner.com. They would make an adorable pin for the teacher or for the kids to wear and they are so simple to put together. Not only are they simple to make, they don't require lots of little pieces to make them. They would be a perfect little craft for a birthday party!.

You'll Need

3 Green Pom Poms

piece of green felt

gold ribbon

hot glue

scissors

safety pins*

To assemble simply glue all 3 pom poms together and attach the piece of green felt. Tie the ribbon in a bow and attach that to the front in the center. To finish, glue on a safety pin to the back or a magnet if you'd rather.

*You could also make these into magnets. Simply glue a small magnet to the back of the pom pom.

Cheddar Ale Soup

2012-02-15T22:24:00.003-05:00

I had this soup last night at an Irish pub near me, and wanted to re-create it at home. I found the recipe on William Sonoma and knew that it would be just as good. I couldn't believe how creamy it was and the hint of ale was such a pleasant aftertaste. Hope you make this soon, it's like no other soup!

You'll Need:

4 thick-cut bacon slices, cut into 3-inch strips
2 Tbs. unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup pale ale
1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
2 cups milk
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/4 lb. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Toasted croutons for garnish
Olive Oil for drizzling

Directions:

In a 4 1/2-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Discard all but 2 Tbs. of the fat in the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the onion, carrots and celery, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 20 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the flour and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the ale and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the Worcestershire, milk and broth, increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.

Set the pot over medium-low heat and add the cheese by the handful, stirring constantly; do not allow the soup to boil. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into warmed bowls. Garnish with croutons and the bacon and drizzle with olio novello. Serve immediately. Serves 6.

Enjoy this savory soup!

What are your favorite soup recipes?

-Sizza

Owl Cupcakes

2012-02-15T17:38:00.000-05:00

These adorable owl cupcakes are part of FamilyFun.go.com 's fun children's recipe collection. They are so cute and could be used at numerous events such as children's birthday parties, baby showers, barbeques and if you change the colors they could be for any holiday too!

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Ingredients

at least 18 cupcakes (allows for 4 baby owls) cupcakes
2 cans (16-ounce size) of vanilla frosting, more if you are making more than 4 baby owls
green food coloring
blue food coloring
purple food coloring
finely chopped sweetened coconut
chocolate sprinkles
chocolate wafer cookies

(like these from Nabisco)

jelly rings
Junior Mints (mother owl's eyes)
mini chocolate chips
circus peanuts
M&M's, brown (baby owl's eyes)
pretzel rods

Instructions:

Tint 1 cup with green food coloring. Frost 10 cupcakes green and 8 white. Roll the edges of two of the white cupcakes in chocolate sprinkles.
From 2 cups finely chopped sweetened coconut, tint ½ cup blue, ½ cup purple, and reserve the rest.
Arrange the Mama Owl as shown. Use a serrated knife to halve 5 chocolate wafer cookies for the wings and trim the sides from another cookie for the brows. Make each eye from a whole cookie, pipe on white frosting, then add a jelly ring and a Junior Mint. Sprinkle the white coconut over the chest and scatter with mini chocolate chips. Add pretzel-rod branches and trimmed circus peanuts for the beak and talons, as shown above.
Make each owlet's wings and beak with the same ingredients used for the Mama Owl. Add colored coconut and chocolate chips for the chest, smaller cookie pieces for the brows. Use jelly rings and brown M&M's for the eyes.

♥MLE

Strawberry Mice

2012-02-15T12:20:00.000-05:00

For those of you who loved our mice cookies, you'll have to try these next with the kids. Such a cute way to make eating fruit fun...

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You'll need;
Stawberries (for body)
Mini Chocolate Chips for nose
Shaved Almonds for ears
Black icing (small tube) for eyes
Red string licorice for tail

Directions:
First, twist off the green part of the stawberry. Wash them, and then assemble your mice by use a small knife to pierce holes for ears, and tale. The chocolate chip goes in pretty easy (with the pointed side facing in).

Do you have any other fun projects involving fruit?

~Sizza

Garlic Money Knot Bread

2012-02-15T11:14:00.002-05:00

This recipe is too good to not share. I saw this on an episode of Rachel Ray and had to give it a try. It encompasses everything we love in garlic bread and then some! What I love about it is it can actually serve as an appetizer too! Gotta give this one a try!

(Photo Source)

Ingredients

4 tbl butter
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 lb pizza dough, cut into 1 inch balls
2 tbl rosemary
salt & pepper
1 c shredded provolone cheese
1 c grated Parmesan cheese
marinara sauce

Preheat oven to 400 degrees..
Spray bundt pan with cooking spray.
In small sauce pan, melt butter with the chopped garlic. Pour the melted butter into a large mixing bowl and toss with the pizza dough balls, rosemary, salt and pepper.
Place 1/2 of the dough balls into the bundt pan and top with 1/2 of the cheeses. Top with the other 1/2 of the dough balls and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Bake for 30 minutes. Serve with marinara sauce.

Lucy~

Eggs & Carnations Centerpiece

2012-02-15T07:21:00.001-05:00

My grandmothers favorite flower was, of all flowers, a carnation. These inexpensive flowers don't get enough credit. They are beautiful in an arrangement, add little pops of color to a bouquet or look great all by themselves. Here is a beautiful centerpiece I found on bhg.com that you could use not only at Easter but any time during Spring.

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To create simply fill a shallow bowl with a few inches of water and arrange trimmed flowers along the edge making sure the stem reaches the water. Place a small bowl in the center of the flowers and fill with dyed eggs. How simple!

Lucy~

Cookie Bowls

2012-02-14T19:26:00.000-05:00

These could be made using any cookie dough, shown here is the Chocolate Chip version. The idea came from Wilton's website, however any muffin tin could also be used!!! They'd be great filled with ice cream and chocolate sauce...

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Here's how:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray the outside of each bowl cavity of Ice Cream Cookie Bowl Pan with vegetable pan spray.

2. In medium bowl, combine flour and salt. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and extracts. Add flour mixture to butter mixture, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition.

3. Roll out dough on generously-floured surface to 1/8 in. thickness. Cut 4-1/2 in. circles from dough.. Drape one circle over each bowl cavity of pan, pressing to form smooth surface.

4. Bake 11-13 minutes or until cookie cups are firm and golden brown. Cool on pan on cooling rack 10 minutes. Loosen bottom edges of cookies from pan using small spatula. Carefully remove cups from pan and cool completely. Wash, dry and spray pan; repeat with remaining dough.

Visit Wilton.com for other great recipes & cooking tips!

~MLE

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

2012-02-14T14:21:00.001-05:00

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What you'll need:

Pizza dough (hand made or store bought)

Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Alfredo Sauce

Hot Sauce

Cooked and Chopped Chicken, marinate in hot sauce for 5-10 minutes before cooking

Blue Cheese

Blue Cheese dressing

Chopped Fresh Basil, and/or dried spices such as basil, oregano or Italian mixes.

Preheat oven to 450* for at least 30 minutes.

Assembly:

1. One your pizza dough, spread a layer of Alfredo sauce and hot sauce (amount of hot sauce depends on your liking)

2. Then layer with Mozzarella cheese, chicken, cheddar cheese and spices.

3. Cook directly on oven rack or on a pizza stone. (Approx. 15 minutes) Till the crust is cooked through and cheese is melted.

4. Directly out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil and drizzle with blue cheese dressing.

~MLE

7 Layers of Heaven Bars

2012-02-14T09:45:00.001-05:00

Everyone has their own version of this recipe, and this one is a family favorite, with a peanut butter twist. I added peanut butter chips, and it adds yet another dimension of heavenly layers. Hope you have an excuse to make these soon!

(photo source)

You'll Need:

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter chips
1 1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.

Line a 9-inch x 13-inch pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. Melt the butter in the microwave and pour into the pan so that the pan’s bottom is evenly coated. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs evenly over the butter and press down lightly with your fingers so that the crust is even. Pour the condensed milk over the graham cracker crust. Then layer, in order, the chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, coconut and walnuts. Press the layers down firmly all over with a the back of a fork.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until lightly browned and firm. Let cool, then lift the foil out of the pan and cut into bars.

Thanks for reading our little blog.
Follow us on facebook for daily recipe updates.

~Sizza

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

2012-02-13T22:11:00.000-05:00

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Ingredients:
Vanilla Cake Mix
1/2 tsp salt
Cinnamon, 1 tsp + 1 tsp separate
Sugar, 1/3 cup
Cream cheese frosting- store bought (1 can) or recipe below

1. Combine sugar and 1 tsp Cinn, set aside.

2. Make cake mix according to directions, however add 1 tsp Cinnamon & Salt into the dry mixture first. Before baking, sprinkle each cupcake top with Cinn & Sugar. Bake as directed.

3. When completely cool, frost cupcakes (to get the look shown here, use a pastry bag with the coupler only- no decorating tip. Let the frosting build up in the center then swirl up, in one continuous motion.)

4. Sprinkle generously with Cinn & Sugar.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:
2 sticks butter, softened
Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners' sugar

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese at high speed until light, about 5 minutes. Beat in the vanilla, then the confectioners' sugar; beat at low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

~MLE

Quick Valentine Gift: Mason Jar Love

2012-02-13T16:35:00.001-05:00

I was scrambling to find a quick (homemade) gift for my husband for Valentine's Day. We don't buy gifts or do anything extravagant to celebrate Valentine's Day, for us it's more about doing something thoughtful. So the idea came to me while putting dishes away. I came across a random mason jar stashed away in the back of the cabinet. I decided to cut out little hearts and write all the things I appreciate about my hubs (a little corny, but hey..Valentine's is a corny holiday). I put all the hearts in the mason jar and sprinkled red glitter inside. Simple but thoughtful....the perfect gift :)

Lucy~

Cake Cone Easter Baskets

2012-02-13T12:39:00.002-05:00

Here is a really simple, easy Easter craft (that's edible too!). These Easter baskets are made from ice cream cones!

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You'll Need:
Cake Cones
Colored Jelly Beans
Green Twizzlers
Knife or sharp tool

Directions:
Take cake cone, and punch two small (width big enough to fit twizzler) holes opposite one another on the side of the top portion of the cone.
Use twizzler as "basket handle" by inserting each end into holes.
Fill cone with jelly beans.

~Sizza

Valentine's Day Menu: Appetizer to Dessert!

2012-02-13T07:55:00.000-05:00

If your one of those people who either doesn't have the time to search through recipes or simply can't decide on which recipe to make for Valentines Day I've got you covered. Here is a complete menu from appetizer, to cocktails to main dish and dessert! If your not a seafood lover simply replace with chicken or sauteed vegetables if you forgo meat or seafood altogether.

First you need to start out with a cocktail while you prepare your meal....

feel free to have another at dinner :)

(Photo Credit)

Cocktail: Bellini

2 tbl peach puree
Champagne

Drop the peach puree into the bottom of a champagne glass and fill the glass with champagne.

Appetizer: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

This is one of our recipes that has been posted in the past but continues to be one of my favorites. These are a must try! Click on the link above for the recipe!

(Photo Credit)

Main Dish: Seafood Fra Diavolo

(Photo Credit)

4 tbl olive oil
6 cloves garlic, diced finely
2 shallots, sliced thin
1 tsp red pepper flakes
3/4 cup white vermouth
1 (28 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
1 tsp salt
12 clams
12 mussels
1/2 lb bay scallops
1/4 lb calamari rings
2 tbl fresh parsley
2 tbl fresh basil
1 lb linguine, cooked according to package instructions

In a large pan, saute the garlic, shallots and red pepper flakes in olive oil and season with salt.
After garlic and shallots have become tender, about 4 minutes, add in the clams and mussels and cover. Cook until the shells have opened discarding any that have remained closed. Remove from pan and reserve in a dish.
Add in the vermouth and allow to bubble for about 1 minute. Add in the tomatoes and allow to cook 5 minutes. Add in the shrimp and cook for 1 minute. Add in the calamari and cook 1 minute longer.
Add the clams and mussels back into the pan and coat everything evenly with the sauce. Fold in basil and parsley.
Meanwhile, cook linguine. Once cooked, place pasta in large bowl and top with seafood mixture.

*To substitute with chicken use 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pound thin. You are going to bread the chicken. Coat with flour, dip in egg wash and coat with Italian seasoned bread crumbs. Pan fry until both sides are golden and juices run clear. Cook sauce according to instructions omitting the seafood.

Dessert: Mini Mocha Lava Cakes

I cannot wait to try these...they look like they are begging to be eaten! Click on the link above for the recipe!

(Photo Credit)

Lucy~

Bloody Mary Garnishes

2012-02-12T14:46:00.000-05:00

Bloody Mary's are great anytime of the year, any time of the day really... But the traditional celery stick garnish can get kind of boring. Here's a few unique garnishes to give a try the next time you're in the mood for one.

Seared Scallops with a wedge of lime, stuffed green olive & celery stalk:

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Skewer a piece of beef jerky and lay across the top:

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Pepperoncinis, green olives & a wedge of lime. Salted glass rim optional.

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Crispy slice of bacon & lime wedge.

The glass is rimmed in equal parts black pepper, salt & cayenne pepper.

(photo source)

Pickled (could also use grilled, seasoned with cayenne pepper) asparagus,

pickled green beans and a green olive.

(photo source)

~MLE

Steak Tip Skewers with Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella

2012-02-12T09:55:00.000-05:00

(photo source)

If you're planning a little cooking on the grill today or tonight, this is a great way to serve your steak tips. This would also be a great appetizer for a warmer weather cookout. I love fresh tomatoes from the garden, so unfortunately the supermarket ones won't compare, however fresh mozzarella can be found year round.

Simply grill steak tips, then skewer them along with the cherry tomatoes and pieces of fresh mozzarella. A great addition would be a sprinkling of fresh chopped basil!

~MLE

Oar Curtain Rod for a Nautical Themed Room

2012-02-11T20:52:00.003-05:00

(photo source)

Another cool idea from Country Living Magazine...yeah, I am addicted.
I am not too much of a nautically-themed-decorator, however this one caught my eye. This would be adorable for a little boy's room, a bathroom or mud room.

Here is the how to from CountryLiving.com !

"Add a nautical touch to your window treatments with a vintage oar-turned-curtain-rod." :

1. Hold the oar handle, horizontally, up to your window to make sure it's long enough to reach from side to side. Next, you'll need two semicircular curtain-rod brackets that are open at the top

2. Position each bracket, top up, just above the outer corners of the window frame, then screw to the wall.

3. Thread curtain rings with attached clips onto the oar, snap the clips onto a curtain at evenly spaced intervals, and place the oar handle in the brackets.

~MLE

New Kraft Mallow Bits!

2012-02-11T10:28:00.000-05:00

These little marshmallow bites are great! My daughter has to have her hot cocoa every morning at breakfast and these mini marshmallows are perfect to add in her cup. They also make a great ice cream topper or even something sweet to add to a plain flavored yogurt. We tried the peppermint flavor but they also have vanilla. I'm thinking they would be a great addition to a meringue cookie batter too :) I found them in my local grocery store but I've seen them in Walmart and Target also....hope you can get your hands on these little sweet nibbles!

Lucy~

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast

2012-02-11T08:27:00.001-05:00

Since most will have to head out to work on Valentine's Day morning surprise your Valentine with breakfast in bed this weekend!

Photo Credit

Ingredients

1 cup milk

2 tbl vanilla

2 tbl cinnamon

1 cup sugar

4 eggs, beaten

1 cup strawberry puree

4 oz cream cheese

1 loaf day old bread or regular sliced sandwich bread

butter

confectioners sugar

Strawberries for garnish

Whipped cream

*Note: Use a heart cookie cutter and cut out heart shapes with your bread! Do this prior to adding the cream cheese mixture to the center.

In a medium size bowl, whisk milk, vanilla, sugar and cinnamon with the beaten eggs. In a separate bowl combine strawberry puree and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Slice the bread in half (if using a loaf bread, slice into 1 inch slices then cut in half). Spread the strawberry cream cheese mixture into the center of the bread and top with the other half. Continue with remaining bread slices.
Melt butter in a large skillet. Dip the sandwiched bread into the egg mixture until coated. Cook until browned on both sides. Dust with confectioners sugar, sliced strawberries and whipped cream!

Lucy~

All About Weimaraners

2012-02-10T20:59:00.003-05:00

My baby dog (now almost 9) is my weimaraner Lukas. Out of any breed, I would say that the weimaraner is the most special. I have had my crazy days... {Like this story! } of course, however his good looks always win me over...Maybe it's because I was a mom to him before my children...Maybe because he is the dog version of my husband- Probably both, but- Hey, it's true; look at a dog and their owner and you'll find the similarities! But none the less, he's Lu. Lu the Weimaraner...
Here he is waiting for Sizza to visit, back when children didn't exist! ~

Wikipedia pretty much explains describes the breed as such:

"The Weimaraner is elegant and athletic in appearance. All parts of the dog should be in balance with each other, creating a form that is pleasing to the eye.

Traditionally, the tail is docked to a third of its natural length shortly after birth. This is part of the AKC breed standard. However, these alterations have since been illegalized in several other countries; as such those dogs are shown with their natural tails (which is uncommon).

The eyes of the Weimaraner may be light amber, grey, or blue-grey....and they have the
Softest ears on earth.

This breeds short coat and its unusual eyes give it a regal appearance different from any other breed. The coat is extremely low maintenance, short, hard, and smooth to the touch, and may range from charcoal-blue to mouse-grey to silver-grey. Where the fur is thin or non-existent, inside the ears or on the lips, for example, the skin should be a pinkish tone rather than white or black. This breed does not have an undercoat, so extreme cold should be avoided. Additionally, shedding is minimal.

He's very active (even in his older years) and I want to note that he is not over weight, just big boned). *ask his vet. ~ really.

Weimaraners are highly athletic and trainable, characteristics which allow them to excel in a variety of dog sports, such as agility. From adolescence, a Weimaraner requires extensive exercise in keeping with an energetic hunting dog breed prized for their physical endurance and stamina. No walk is too far, and they will appreciate games and play in addition. An active owner is more likely to provide the vigorous exercising, games, or running that this breed absolutely requires. Weimaraners are high-strung and often wear out their owners, requiring appropriate training to learn how to calm them and to help them learn to control their behavior. Owners need patience and consistent, firm yet kind training, as this breed is particularly rambunctious during the first year and a half of its life. This breed is known for having a penchant for stealing food from table and counter tops whenever given the chance. Like many breeds, untrained and unconfined young dogs often create their own fun when left alone, such as chewing house quarters and furniture. Thus, many that are abandoned have behavioral issues as a result of isolation and inferior exercise.

Weimaraners are generally good with children, but may not be appropriate for smaller children due to their tendency to knock a child down in the course of play. They also may knock over elderly people or children by accident. Early training to sit through positive reinforcement is critical to prevent jumping in the future.

In November 2009 and January 1, 2010 the United Kennel Club (UKC) removed the disqualification from both Blue and Longhair Weimaraners. A black coat remains an automatic disqualification, though a small white marking in the chest area only is permitted. Dogs with blue coats are disqualified from field competition, but are recognized as purebred Weimaraners by the AKC. There is another incidental variety, described as having the 'mark of the hound', where the dog is the usual grey colour but with faint tan markings (similar to Doberman). It's said that early in the breed this was a common colour that was selectively bred out.

A long-haired variety is recognized by most kennel clubs around the world except in the American Kennel Club. The long-haired Weimaraner has a silky coat, with an undocked, feathered tail. The gene is recessive, so breeding will produce some long-haired puppies only if both parents carry the trait.

According to the AKC standard, the male Weimaraner stands between 25 and 27 inches (63–68 cm) at the withers. Females are between 23 and 25 inches (58–63 cm). Of course, there are many dogs taller or shorter than the breed standard. The breed is not heavy for its height, and males normally weigh roughly 70-80 pounds. Females are generally between 55-70 lbs (25–32 kg). A Weimaraner should give the appearance of a muscular, athletic dog.

It should never be forgotten that the Weimaraner is a hunting dog and therefore has a strong, instinctive prey drive. Weimaraners will sometimes tolerate cats, as long as they are introduced to the cats as puppies, but many will chase and frequently kill almost any small animal that enters their garden or backyard. In rural areas, most Weimaraners will not hesitate to chase deer or sheep.
This breed of dog tends to be very stubborn. However, with good training, these instincts can be curtailed to some degree. A properly trained Weimaraner is a companion that will never leave its master's side. The Weimaraner has been given the nickname "Velcro Dog", as when once acclimated to its owner, sticks to its owner at all times. Many Weimaraners tend to lean on their owner when sitting or standing, and most will insist on sleeping on their owner's bed unless trained otherwise.

When Lonely, They will act just like a lonely person:

Since they were bred to be true members of a family, some Weimaraners suffer from severe separation anxiety. Manifestations of this behavior disorder include panicked efforts to rejoin the owner when separation occurs, excessive drooling, destructive behaviors, associated injuries such as broken teeth or cut lips and barking loudly. Most just wait on the couch or by the window for their owner to come back home. Behavior modification training and medications may reduce the severity of symptoms associated with this disorder in some Weimaraners. However, the breed is generally resistant to such treatment and behavior modification training efforts. As individuals of the breed age the severity of separation anxiety symptoms decreases somewhat, but does not completely abate. More common, lighter manifestations of separation anxiety include wailing, which mimics a high pitched crying tone. This is more pronounced when the Weim's owner has just left or is audibly returning home. If properly socialized young, the tendency for separation anxiety may be reduced.
Weimaraners can be very destructive in the absence of their owners or in the attempts to gain the attention of their owners. Weimaraners frequently consume socks, tissues, cardboard, and any other item left within reach. Weimaraners will also chew on furniture if left unsupervised. For the dog's safety, it is best to keep all small items out of reach and crating is recommended as a puppy."

They're great dogs, annoying but great.

♥MLE

Gingerbread Bears with Hearts

2012-02-10T13:55:00.000-05:00

These gingerbread cookies are a cute idea for Valentine's Day, or for any old day that you want to put a smile on someone's face :)

(photo)

You'll Need:

1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg yolk
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cinnamon Candy Hearts

Directions

In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until smooth. Stir in molasses and egg yolk. Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg; blend into the molasses mixture until smooth. Cover, and chill for at least one hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (I used bears) with cookie cutters. Place cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks. Press 1 candy heart on each bear's left chest.

~Sizza

Low Budget Kitchen Updates!

2012-02-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

I have always dreamed of a huge white kitchen with lots of storage. Expanding my kitchen is not an option but having my dream white kitchen may not be out of reach. I've been doing some research on painting kitchen cabinets and while it does take a little elbow grease and time the actual process isn't as extreme as it seems. Check out this beautiful white kitchen from bhg.com and other inspirations for low budget kitchen updates!

Photo bhg.com

This kitchen is adorable. The contrast of the bright colors really pops against the stark white and it truly makes for a bright and cheery kitchen. Bhg.com has a great tutorial for how to refinish cabinets and get them to look new again....I'm thinking Spring project :)

Photo bhg.com

If your lucky enough to already have a white kitchen here's a way to bring in some color without doing over the walls. If you don't already have glass front cabinet doors an option would be to remove the doors altogether and display some pretty dishes like the ones shown here. Brighten up the cabinet by painting the back a bold color to really make the color in the dishes pop!

Photo bhg.com

I love this idea of using a little skirt under a counter or table. I use one just like this in my kitchen to hide my trash barrel and other items I want to hide when last minute guests arrive! It is really makes for added space in a smaller kitchen :)

Lucy~

Ultimate Brownie Bar

2012-02-10T07:23:00.000-05:00

These brownie morsels are a great idea for a Valentine's Day party or any party for that matter! Set up a brownie bar with bite size pieces of brownies and luscious sweet dips and toppings. This one is so easy because everything can be store bought, you just have to bring it home and put into small bowls for the dipping to begin...you can even buy pre made brownies :)

Photo Credit

You'll Need

Brownies (pre made or a box of your favorite mix)
An assortment of your favorite ice cream toppings (chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, strawberry sauce)
An assortment of dip in's (mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, jimmies, chopped nuts)
Skewers

The assembly line couldn't be easier:

Set up your bite sized brownies on a platter with skewers.
Line up your dipping sauces and next to them line up your toppings.

Lucy~

Yellow Inspirations for a Little Girl's Room

2012-02-09T11:30:00.002-05:00

I am trying to think of how I can tie in my daughter's comforter that she uses now, but create a new look for her room.

Now she has this cute set from Target.

I plan on using it, but have decided to add more textures and patterns. I'd like to incorporate more of the nature theme as well as softening the bright colors with neutral accents. Here's my collection of ideas and inspirations...

Ruffle Pillows from The Land of Nod

"Cinderella" Nightstand, by Homelegance(although I would be painting and re-finishing one I am hoping to find at my local consignment shop)

Wall Color (photo credit: CountryLiving)

Accenting Fabrics in Pink and Lime, like this Watermelon Paisley by P. Kaufman

A Hand Braided Rug, like this one from WayFair

...although I'd like to try to make one.

Birdie Accents- This pillow is by Thomas Paul

Nature elements, easy DIY idea- a branch painted white and used as a curtain rod!

I will be keeping an eye out for a desk to re-finish,

I love the look of this one from Emma's Treasures

~MLE

The Key Ingedients for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie

2012-02-09T10:32:00.000-05:00

This traditional cookie is a challenging one at times. Too flat, too crispy, not enough chewiness...the list goes on. I've experimented with many, and the toll house recipe has always been my top choice. But recently I tried using an extra egg yolk and an ounce of milk, and found that it helps make a melt in your mouth chewy cookie. There have been a few versions of this recipe using similar ingredients, but I chose the one from Food Network host Alton Brown.

(source)

You'll Need:

8 ounces unsalted butter (don't substitute for margarine, that stuff is all chemicals!)
12 ounces bread flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 ounces granulated sugar
8 ounces light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 ounce whole milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Melt the butter in a 2-quart saucepan over low heat. Set aside to cool slightly.

Sift together the flour, salt and baking soda onto a paper plate. Pour the butter into your stand mixer's work bowl. Add the sugar and brown sugar and beat with the paddle attachment on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the whole egg, the egg yolk, milk and vanilla extract in a measuring cup. Reduce the mixer speed and slowly add the egg mixture. Mix until thoroughly combined, about 30 seconds.

Using the paper plate as a slide, gradually integrate the dry ingredients, stopping a couple of times to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Once the flour is worked in, drop the speed to "stir" and add the chocolate chips. Chill the dough for 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and place racks in the top third and bottom third of the oven.

Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-ounce portions onto parchment-lined half sheet pans, 6 cookies per sheet. Bake 2 sheets at a time for 15 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. Remove from the oven, slide the parchment with the cookies onto a cooling rack and wait at least 5 minutes before eating.

Do you have a family chocolate chip cookie recipe you love?

- Sizza

"Strawberry Shortcake" Pie

2012-02-09T10:12:00.000-05:00

(source)

This strawberry pie would be perfect for an Easter dessert. It's made from simple ingredients, and has a very sweet (not tart) taste. Don't forget the whipped cream.

Hope that you enjoy!

- Sizza

Mini Mocha Lava Cakes

2012-02-09T08:10:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day isn't Valentine's Day without something chocolate and decadent. I was looking for something gooey and chocolaty and came across this recipe from foodnetwork.com. Chocolate Lava Cakes are always impressive to look at and even better to eat but many recipes I have seen require lots of steps and have lots of ingredients. This recipe is manageable and all you need is a muffin tin to create the cakes!

Photo Credit Flickr

Ingredients:

8 oz semisweet chocolate chips
1 stick butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup sugar
3 tbl flour
1/4 tsp salt
4 eggs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler (place a small bowl over a saucepan with simmering water). Stir in vanilla.
In a large bowl, add sugar, flour and salt. Slowly sift into the chocolate and mix well. Add in eggs one at a time and beat until batter is creamy. Chill mixture.
Grease the muffin tins with butter and dust with cocoa powder, shake out the excess. Spoon in about 4 oz of batter into each muffin tin.
Bake for 10 - 11 minutes. Outsides should be cake like and inside will be gooey!

Serve with vanilla ice cream :)

Lucy~

DIY Fortune Cookie for your Valentine

2012-02-08T10:33:00.000-05:00

This is a really easy and unique valentine! You will need a piece of soft foam-like material (found at all craft stores), hot glue gun, small piece of paper to use as "fortune," Hershey Kiss, and compass (to make a perfect circle).

Flickr

First, cut a 4" diameter circle out of the foam paper.

Second, you will put a hershey's kiss (or other small candy) inside, along with a hand made fortune. Carefully fold the little 'package' in half, using a glue gun to adhere the edges. Try to hide the glue, by placing small beads of hot glue in the interior edge of the circle.

Lastly, take hold of the two pointed ends (where the flat part of the semi circle is). By pulling the two pointed ends toward each other, you will create a fold (forming the shape of a traditional fortune cookie). Use hot glue at the crease.

You now have a custom fortune cookie for your kids, friends, or loved one!

~ Sizza

Romantic Mussels for Two :)

2012-02-08T07:33:00.000-05:00

This dish can be either a great appetizer or main dish if you add in some pasta. It's very fancy looking so you'll be sure to wow your valentine!

Photo Credit

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs mussels
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup white wine
1 cup chorizo or linquica (depending on if you like it spicy or mild)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
3 tbl chopped fresh parsley, or 1 tbl dry
salt and pepper

Saute the diced chorizo or linguica in a large pan with the onion and garlic until browned and some of the fat has rendered. Add in the diced tomatoes and white wine and scrape up any bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add in a dash of salt and pepper. Once the sauce has begun to simmer add in the mussels and cover. Cook just until the mussels have opened, about 3-4 minutes (discard any mussels that have remained shut). Sprinkle with the fresh parsley and serve.

Lucy~

Vintage Crate Storage

2012-02-07T17:17:00.003-05:00

*Photo Courtesy of CountryLiving.com

Country Living is a favorite magazine of mine. I love to sit with a glass of wine in the evening after the kids have dozed off and rip out pages of inspiration for great everyday living as well as towards my "dream" house plans...

Oh, come on- you cannot say that you don't have a Pinterest Board labeled along those lines!!

ANYWAY...~ here's a great new tip I found:

"Old blueberry or strawberry crates { like the six that make up this ruggedly good-looking shelving unit } are the perfect size for displaying and storing Mason jars."

1. Find a pattern/layout you like by arranging the crates on the floor.

2. Mount the crates on a wall, starting with the top row, using a level, anchors (very important especially in drywall !), and screws. For each box, drill holes through each of the four corners, then insert anchors into the holes. Holding the box in place so that the holes align, drill screws through the holes to affix the box to the wall.
3. Fill Mason Jars of different sizes with your every day kitchen stuff (spices, cereal, crackers, bread crumbs, rice, etc.) Mason Jars can be purchased at most grocery stores, however I found a few links on Amazon here:

case of 12, 4 oz jars
case of 12 , 1/2 pint jars
case of 12, 16 oz. jars
case of 12, 1 quart jars

This creates your pantry on a wall, and if you use all the same type of jars, it can become a great decorative accent.

~MLE

Homemade Hershey's Syrup

2012-02-07T13:37:00.001-05:00

When I saw this recipe on food.com I could not believe how easy it was! What I liked most about it is that you can tweak the sugar amount to how sweet you like it. My daughter has hot cocoa every morning with warmed milk so this will be a perfect way to make a homemade version of Hershey's syrup with a little less sugar :)

Photo credit

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar (I scaled down to 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup water
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Whisk cocoa and water in a saucepan on low heat until cocoa dissolves. Add in the sugar and whisk until dissolved on low to medium heat. Bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes watching carefully as mixture could boil over if left unattended. After 3 minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool. Add in vanilla and salt and stir. Store in an airtight container in fridge!

Lucy~

"You Devil Dog, You!" Cupcakes

2012-02-07T09:36:00.001-05:00

*photo credit info here*

What you'll need:

Chocolate Cake Mix

Mini Chocolate Chips

1 recipe of Devilish White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting (see below)

Red food coloring

Red or Black cupcake papers

Devilish White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

2 ounces white chocolate

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon orange extract

4 cups confectioners' sugar

1 tablespoons heavy cream

1-3 tsp Red Food Coloring

Directions:

1. Make cake mix as according to directions on the box, fold in the mini chocolate chips at the end and bake cupcakes as directed.

2. In small saucepan, melt white chocolate over low heat. Stir until smooth, and allow to cool to room temperature.

3. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in white chocolate, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and orange extract. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until the mixture is fluffy. Whisk in heavy cream and food coloring.

4. When cupcakes are completely cooled, frost. Additional mini- chips can also be sprinkled on top!

♥MLE

Baked Mac n' Cheese

2012-02-06T16:55:00.003-05:00

There is nothing like homemade macaroni and cheese. Martha has a savory recipe that will melt in your mouth. Try this version of baked Mac n' Cheese from the infamous Martha Stewart tonight!

credit: www.marthastewart.com

You'll Need:
3 slices good-quality white bread, crusts removed, torn into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for dish
2 3/4 cups milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 1/4 cups (about 9 ounces) grated sharp white cheddar
2/3 cup (about 2.5 ounces) grated Romano
8 oz. medium shells or elbow macaroni

Directions:
1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish; set aside. Place bread pieces in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Pour butter into the bowl with bread, and toss. Set the breadcrumbs aside. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, heat milk. Melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a high-sided skillet over medium heat. When butter bubbles, add flour. Cook, stirring, 1 minute.

2. Slowly pour hot milk into flour-butter mixture while whisking. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes thick.
3. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in salt, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper, 1.5 cups cheddar, and 1/2 cup Romano. Set cheese sauce aside.

4. Fill a large saucepan with water. Bring to a boil. Add macaroni or shells; cook 2 to 3 fewer minutes than manufacturer's directions, until outside of pasta is cooked and inside is underdone. (Different brands of macaroni cook at different rates; be sure to read the instructions.) Transfer the macaroni to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well. Stir macaroni into the reserved cheese sauce.

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup cheddar and 1/8 cup Romano; scatter breadcrumbs over the top. Bake until browned on top, about 20-30 minutes. Transfer dish to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes; serve.

Happy Monday!

Sizza

Chicken Enchilada Soup

2012-02-06T15:30:00.000-05:00

*photo courtesy of squidoo.com

If you'd had Chili's Chicken Enchilada Soup, and have loved it, now you can make it at home thanks to CopyCat.com ! Here's their take on how Chili's makes this tasty stew:

Ingredients:

1/2 C. Vegetable oil
1/4 C. Chicken base
3 C. diced Yellow Onions
2 tsp. ground Cumin
2 tsp. Chili Powder
2 tsp. granulated Garlic
1/2 tsp. Cayenne pepper
2 C. Masa Harina
4 qt. Water (divided)
2 C. crushed Tomatoes
1/2 lb. processed American cheese, cut in small cube
3 lb. cooked, cubed chicken

Directions:

In large pot, place oil, chicken base, onion and spices. Saute until onions are soft and clear, about 5 minutes. In another container, combine Masa Harina with 1 quart water. Stir until all lumps dissolve.

Add to sauteed onions and bring to boil. Once mixture starts to bubble, continue cooking 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This will eliminate any raw taste from Masa Harina. Add remaining 3 quarts water to pot. Add tomatoes; let mixture return to boil stirring occasionally.

Add cheese to soup. Cook stirring occasionally, until cheese melts. Add chicken; heat through. Makes 1 1/2 gallons or 16-20 servings.

Please note you must mix in the mesa harina into 1 quart of broth completely. If you add the masa harina into the soup directly it will be difficult to mix in and may be lumpy. If you feel 2 cups is too much masa harina I have made the soup with 1 1/2 cups successfully.

~MLE

Homemade Conversation Hearts

2012-02-06T07:31:00.000-05:00

Conversation Hearts have always been a Valentine's Day staple...at least in our house :) This homemade version is great because you can experiment with colors and flavors, the kids will like that! These would also be a great idea for wedding favors!

photo: about.com

Ingredients:

1 packet unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup water
2 tsp light corn syrup
2 lbs powdered sugar, plus additional for dusting
flavored extracts of your choice
food colors of your choice
heart shaped cookie cutters
food coloring markers (like these from Wilton www.shopbakersnook.com)

Mix corn syrup, gelatin and water in a small microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds until the gelatin is dissolved and stir well.
Pour gelatin mixture into large bowl. While mixing (use electric mixer) add in 1 cup of powdered sugar at a time until all sugar has been added and is well incorporated. This will result in a very thick dough once all the sugar has been mixed in.
Dust a work surface with additional powdered sugar and knead the candy dough until no longer sticky. Divide the dough into sections depending on how many colors and flavors you are going to make.
Begin adding your colors and flavors. Flatten out each ball of candy dough and add in a few drops of food coloring and extract in the center. Knead the dough until the color and extract is incorporated. Repeat process for remaining dough. * Helps to wear plastic gloves so your hands don't get colored!
Dust your work surface again with powdered sugar and roll out candy to desired thickness. Use heart shaped cookie cutters to cut out the hearts. Re roll the scraps and continue until the dough is used up.
Place hearts on a surface where you will be able to allow them to dry for at least 24 hours. Once dried, write your messages on the hearts with food coloring markers.

Store hearts in an airtight container at room temperature....or put them in decorative bags for gifts!

Lucy~

Best Spice Rub for Ribs

2012-02-05T07:46:00.000-05:00

This spice rib is delicious on ribs but also works great on any cut of chicken or pork. For best results marinate for at least 2-3 hours or overnight if possible. This recipe makes 1 cup of spice rub. Whatever you don't use keep in an air tight container to use again!

Ingredients

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 tbl paprika

2 tbl kosher salt

2 tbl pepper

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp Cayenne pepper (or to taste)

Mix well and slather onto meat making sure to cover completely. Allow meat to marinate covered in fridge.

Lucy~

Sweet & Tangy Meatballs

2012-02-04T13:06:00.000-05:00

These meatballs are a great appetizer that you can leave warm in a crock pot. Just provide the toothpicks and they will be devoured! I found that when people use bbq sauce, they come out too sticky and heavy. The chili sauce used in these is a perfect compliment to the jelly.

photo credit: Quick Dish

Recipe is an altered version from: www.allrecipes.com

You'll Need:

1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle chile sauce
2 teaspoons lemon juice
9 ounces grape jelly
1 pound lean ground beef
1 egg, beaten
1 large onion, grated
salt to taste

Directions:

Whisk together the chili sauce, lemon juice and grape jelly. Pour into slow cooker and simmer over low heat until warm.
Combine ground beef, egg, onion and salt. Mix well and form into 1 inch balls. Add to sauce and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.

Enjoy!

~Sizza

Mexican Queso Blanco

2012-02-04T12:44:00.000-05:00

This is a great variant to the Queso Blanco found at traditional Mexican restaurants.... Enjoy some tomorrow during the Superbowl! Sure makes football a lot more enjoyable to watch ;)

Photo: www.thecookingmom.com

Mexican Queso Blanco

Yields: About 2 cups

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup white onion, finely diced
1 large jalapeno, seeds and stem removed; finely diced
12 oz white American cheese, shredded
4 oz Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded (don’t use pre-shredded)
1/2 to 1 cup cream, half-and-half, or whole milk
1 – 2 roma tomatoes, seeds removed and diced
1 small bunch cilantro, roughly chopped

Directions
Heat the oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Saute the onion and pepper until softened and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the shredded cheese and 1/4 cup of the cream. Quickly stir until the cheese is melted. Add the tomatoes, cilantro, and additional cream a little at a time until you reach desired consistency. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, tortillas, or on tacos, burritos, etc.

- Sizza

Printable Valentine's Stickers

2012-02-04T10:01:00.000-05:00

These cute images can be printed out onto sticker paper or onto regular paper to be cut out and glued onto construction paper. They are part of the familyfun.go.com collection of Valentine's Days crafts to do with the kids. However any cute valentine cartoons could be printed on sticker paper and turned into fun stickers. If you want to get really creative , print out photos and decorate with glitter and other craft embellishments- then attach to red construction paper hearts!

Click here For the large [PDF] Printable Template
from Familyfun.go.com

~MLE

Caribbean Coconut Chicken

2012-02-02T14:49:00.001-05:00

This twist on the traditional coconut shrimp is sure to please. Try these crispy-salty-sweet tenders at your next party!

Photo credit: http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com

You'll Need:
2 lbs of chicken tenders
1 1/2 cups of panko bread crumbs (can be found in the Asian aisle of grocery stores)
1 cup of shredded sweetened coconut
1 egg
1/2 can of condensed milk
1/2 cup of orange juice
salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying

Directions:
Mix egg, orange juice and condensed milk
Mix panko crumbs, salt, pepper, and shredded coconut seperately
dip tenders in egg wash
then dip in dry mixutre
fry on each side for about 4 minutes or until golden brown / crispy

Two Dipping Sauce Options:

Sweet Chili Sauce:
Sweet Chili sauce from Heinz

Honey Marmalade:
1/2 cup of honey
1/2 of marmalade
Directions: In a small bowl, add honey and marmalade. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir everything until well mixed and serve with coconut chicken tenders.

~Sizza

Groundhog Day Pudding

2012-02-02T10:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Groundhog Day Six fans! We have an adorable dessert you can make with your little ones tonight!

photo credit: www.ediblecrafts.com

For Each Groundhog You'll need:

Chocolate pudding (doesn't need to be home made, in little containers is fine)
3 vanilla wafers
edible eyes
choclate frosting
whipped cream
1 chocolate chip
1 mini marshmallow
1 Oreo crushed

Directions:

Spread our chocolate pudding on a small plate.
Use 1 vanilla wafer with the edible eyes, chocolate chip for the nose, and cut a mini marshmallow for the teeth.
Cut up 1 vanilla wafer to make the ears and feet. You can use kitchen scissors, they work great! Attach everything with frosting.
Put a little pudding in between the 2 wafers and put the Groundhog on top of the pudding. Crush just a small amount of 1 Oreo half and sprinkled that on top of the pudding to look like dirt.
Squirt on the whipped cream around the pudding and put a little bit on his head to look like snow.
Place on the fee.

~ Sizza

Taco "Cupcakes"

2012-02-02T09:35:00.000-05:00

photo: plainchicken.com

These "cupcakes" are a great appetizer for the Super Bowl! This is very simple and the kids can have fun helping you make the "cupcakes".

Here is what you will need:

1 lb ground turkey or beef
1 packet taco seasoning
2/3 cup water
1 can black beans, drained
2 cups 2% cheddar cheese, shredded
36 wonton wrappers
favorite taco toppings - salsa, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, etc
cooking spray

photo: plainchicken.com

Here we go ...

Preheat oven to 375

Brown the meat in a skillet and drain off fat. Return the meat to the skillet and add the taco seasoning, water and black beans. Mix and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until water is absorbed.

Spray 18 regular muffin pan cups with cooking spray. Place one wonton wrapper in each muffin cup. Use half of the taco meat between muffin cups. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the meat and then REPEAT layers - wonton wrapper, taco meat and cheese. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly. Top with your favorite taco toppings.

Enjoy!

~ Gigi

Potato Skin Bar

2012-02-02T07:35:00.000-05:00

When I host a party I think it's fun to get guests involved with some of the preparation of the food....especially when it comes to appetizers. I love to set up a serving table and let guest create their own food. It works out great because everyone gets what they like and there's no putting together and serving for you! With this potato skin bar you can even have guests bring their favorite topping instead of having to create many different ones yourself. It's like the potluck of tater skins!

photo: simplyrecipes.com

To start you'll need

Potatoes
1/2 stick of butter melted
1 tsp garlic powder
dash of salt and pepper

Bake the potatoes in the oven at 350 degrees for about 1 hour or microwave them until tender. After removing the potatoes, turn up the oven to 475 degrees. Once the potatoes have cooled, slice the potato in half length wise and scoop out the filling. Leave about 1/4 of an inch of the potato around inside the skin so it isn't too flimsy to handle. Mix the garlic, salt & pepper and butter and brush the inside with the melted butter mixture. Bake for about 15 minutes, turning about half way through cooking time.

Now for the toppings!! Use whatever you like and don't forget to ask guests to bring their favorite toppings :) I serve my toppings in mini slow cookers like the one shown. I picked a couple up at Walmart for around $5.00 a piece (and that was the regular price)! If you don't have slow cookers serve up in bowls covered in foil to keep warm.

Here are some ideas for toppings:

Broccoli & cheese - take the easy route and buy a few boxes of the frozen boxed broccoli & cheese sauce in the frozen veggie isle!
Bacon & chives
Sausage with peppers & onions
Taco meat with crushed Fritos & diced tomatoes
Shredded BBQ chicken

And don't forget the shredded cheese and sour cream to put on top!

Lucy~

Football Turf Table Runner!!

2012-02-01T20:33:00.001-05:00

What do you think of this decoration for game day? A few years ago I made this with the kids. It looks very cool on a table with all the good game day food!Indoor / outdoor grass carpet found at your local hardware store - you can make your "field" as big or small as you would like.Acrylic paint to fancy up your field!

:) Maddie

Country Wine Glass Holder

2012-02-01T18:43:00.002-05:00

*Photo Courtesy of CountryLiving.com

This is such a neat idea from CountryLiving.com - using an old garden rake as a stem glass holder.
Here's how they showed me how! :

1. Remove the handle. Carefully cut it off (or ask your local hardware store to do it) and sand the cut end so it doesn't have sharp edges. Attach the rubber grip if there was originally one. If you have high enough ceilings the long handle of the rake can be kept for a more dramatic look!

2. Use a 3/16" metal drill bit to drill two holes per rake head directly into the center of the handle's back side, spacing them about an inch apart. Using either 3" toggle bolts or 3" anchor screws (available at any hardware store), screw the rake heads into the wall — making sure they're hanging upside down and are level. If hanging on a drywall, be sure to use dry wall anchors.

~MLE

Game Day Chili Nuts

2012-02-01T06:36:00.002-05:00

A big pot of slow simmered chili and snacking nuts are a game day staple in our house. So why not combine the two and make chili nuts?! These spiced nuts will be your perfect game day snacker!

photo: tasteofhome.com

You'll Need

2 cups of your favorite nuts, or a mixture

2 tbl butter

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tbl Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

dash of cinnamon

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Melt the butter in a microwave safe dish. Once melted, add to a large mixing bowl and add the spices to the butter and mix well. Add in the nuts and coat evenly. Spread onto a baking sheet covered in foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Lucy~

Football Game Day Whoopie Pies!

2012-01-31T19:44:00.005-05:00

Football Game Day Whoopie Pies!

Photo: thefootballfoodie.com

Ingredients:
2 packages of Devil’s Food Cake Mix
4 eggs
1 1/4 cup Crisco shortening
Filling:
4 cups of powdered sugar
8 ounces of cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
pinch of salt

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Combine the cake mix with the eggs and shortening. The batter will be thick.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. You can do without but parchment makes the removal process easy!
Use a tablespoon to scoop heaping spoonfuls and place 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes. They cook fast.
Will make about 24 whoopie pies.

Filling:

Combine the filling ingredients blend until smooth.
Once the whoopie pies are cooled, apply a large spoonfull on one whoopie and top off your pie with another whoopie.
To make the football string lines - save some filling and using a piping bag or ziploc with small slice in corner cut out, make your strings! Add some food coloring to represent your team colors.
And guess what? Don't have time? Pick up some premade whoopie pies and decorate! Oh yeah! :)Maddie

How to Create Embroidered Portraits

2012-01-31T17:38:00.001-05:00

*photo & directions Courtesy of CountryLiving.com

What you'll need:
a computer printer or xerox machine
printer paper
sewing needle
black and grey thread, different thicknesses
heavy weight watercolor paper
artists tape or masking tape
frame & matting

Directions:
1. Make a copy of your photo to avoid destroying the original; if desired, enlarge the image to fit your frame and mat. Affix the copy to heavy weight watercolor paper with artist's tape.

2. Using a pin to punch holes through the photocopy and paper, outline facial contours, features, hair, and clothing. To create solid lines, punch closer together; for dotted lines, leave more space between holes.

3. Remove the photo and use a threaded embroidery needle to sew a running stitch or back stitch along the holes, swapping in thinner thread as desired. Trim the paper to fit your frame and mat.

4. Remove the photo and use a threaded embroidery needle to sew a running stitch or back stitch along the holes, swapping in thinner thread as desired. Trim the paper to fit your frame and mat.

~MLE

10-minute Parmesan Knots - So good!

2012-01-31T10:08:00.001-05:00

These parmesan knots are not only a perfect pairing for lasagna or spagetti, but a great game-day appetizer. They are warm and flaky, with the buttery taste of parmesan baked in.

I have to thank Real Mom Kitchen for her awesome recipe :)

photo credit: Real Mom Kitchen

You'll Need:

1 tube (12 ounces) refrigerated Pillsbury Golden Layers Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits
1/4 cup canola or veg. oil
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried or fresh oregano
1 teaspoon dried or fresh parsley flakes

Directions:

Roll each biscuit into a 12-in. rope and tie into a knot; tuck ends under. Place 2 in. apart on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; brush the warm knots with the mixture.

Note: 1 tube makes 10 knots, if you are having a party, I would double the recipe and buy two tubes of the biscuits!

~Sizza

Buffalo Shrimp

2012-01-31T07:51:00.000-05:00

Game day is nearing so I'm gathering all my favorite appies! Here's a great one and you can either make them fried or baked. I do them baked and really don't miss the grease, they still come out super crispy. My advise would be to do them baked and save the extra calories for some wings!

photo: food.com

Ingredients:

2 lb bag of large raw shrimp, thawed, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 1/2tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
3 egg whites beaten
1 tbl water

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
In a large zip lock place flour, 3/4 tsp garlic powder, cayenne pepper and onion powder and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix together well and add shrimp to the bag. Coat shrimp with flour. In a shallow dish beat the egg whites until frothy. In another separate shallow dish mix the bread crumbs with the remaining 3/4 tsp of garlic powder, cayenne pepper and onion powder and remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Dip the flour coated shrimp in the egg white then into the panko mix. Place on parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until crispy and browned.

Serve with hot sauce and blue cheese dressing. Look here for a great recipe for a lightened up blue cheese dressing!

Prosciutto Wrapped Mac & Cheese

2012-01-30T17:42:00.000-05:00

*photo courtesy of chow.com

I am in love with these macaroni and cheese filled prosciutto cups from Chow.com....They are so scrumptious, indulgent and yet a little fancy, all in a few bites.

Ingredients:

8 ounces elbow macaroni

6 very thin slices prosciutto (about 3 ounces)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup panko

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

1 1/4 cups whole milk

1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 4 ounces)

3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 ounces)

1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for salting the pasta cooking water

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the middle.

2. Bring a large saucepan (about 4 quarts) of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. When the pasta is al dente, reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water, then drain.

3. Meanwhile, cut the prosciutto in half crosswise.....like this:

*photo courtesy of chow.com

Place 1 slice in each well of a 12-well muffin pan, pressing the prosciutto evenly into the bottom and up the sides of each well; set aside.

*photo courtesy of chow.com

4. Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a small frying pan over medium heat until foaming. Add the panko and cook, stirring occasionally, until light golden brown, about 4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.

5. While the pasta is draining, rinse the saucepan and wipe it dry. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the saucepan over medium-low heat until foaming. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook, whisking occasionally, until the flour has darkened slightly in color, about 2 to 3 minutes.

6. Add the milk very slowly, whisking it into the flour-butter mixture. Continue cooking, whisking constantly to smooth out any lumps, until the mixture simmers and thickens, about 6 to 7 minutes.

7. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the reserved pasta water, cheeses, mustard, measured salt, and pepper and whisk until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the drained pasta and stir to combine.

8. Divide the pasta mixture among the wells of the prepared muffin pan and sprinkle with the reserved panko. Cook until the edges of the mac ’n’ cheese cups are bubbling slightly and the tops are light golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.

9. Remove the muffin pan to a wire rack and let it cool for 5 minutes. Run a small knife around the perimeter of each well to loosen and remove the prosciutto cups. Serve immediately.

~MLE