My Food and Life Encounters

French Onion Soup Pizza

2011-10-03T21:49:00.000-04:00

This was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! It is true that sometimes simple is best! This recipe includes very few ingredients, but it is off the wall with taste. First of all you need to go HERE! This is the most phenomenal pizza dough. Trust me, I have tried dozens and dozens of pizza dough recipes and this is the best of the best. THANK YOU PETER REINHART!
The pizza is a MIRANDA ORIGINAL! What happened is simple. I wanted to make french onion soup for my husband and I, but I knew the kiddos would not eat that for dinner. I asked the kiddos what they would like for dinner and of course the demanded pizza. Well, that is how the magic began. Why not? Make my French Onion Soup into a pizza! It scored a 10 out of 10 from my husband (which is rare!)

Recipe:

3 LARGE Sweet Onions (I slice mine thin with a mandolin.)
1/2 stick butter
1/2 cp. white wine
2 tsp of bouillion ( I RECOMMEND: BETTER THAN BOUILLON brand)
Fresh Thyme
Salt and Pepper

2-4 cps mozzarella

Smoke Gruyere
Panko

1. Melt the butter in a pan. When melted add the onions and slowly cook until caramelized. (Honestly, this took me almost an hour to get the dark brown color I wanted.)

2. When the onions are done then add the wine. Let cook for a few minutes on high. Lower and add the bouillon and fresh thyme. Salt and Pepper to flavor.

3. Roll out the pizza dough and smear the Onion topping onto the dough. Top with the mozzarella and add slices of Smoked Gruyere on top.Then scatter panko all over the top.

4. Cook the pizza on 450 for about 10 minutes till browned.

5. DEVOUR!

Yummy! Close up of the caramelized onions and the bubbly cheese and topped with the panko!!!

I made stuffed crust pizza for my girls! That is for a later recipe! ENJOY!

Cinnamon Rolls

2011-09-07T21:58:00.000-04:00

Well, I am officially going to start blogging on a regular basis. After having my third little peanut and having him on a great sleeping schedule! I finally have the energy! I finally have "Me" time. I am now able to do what enjoy on my down time! I have been taking loads of pictures and I cannot wait to share with you some of my greatest dishes. Let the fun BEGIN!

The other day I made a cinnamon roll but I cooked them like they were cupcakes. It was much easier to eat and serve. NOT TO MENTION, they were very yummy! I made 36! Do not worry I shared! I gave a dozen to a newbie mother! I personally know how hard it is the first couple of weeks after bringing a new baby home. Everyone deserves a something sweet to enjoy while holding there new bundle of joy! I also gave half of a dozen to my "BUG GUY". (He has been our Pest Control guy for the last five years with a three year old questioning everything he does....He deserves some sweets!)

Recipe: (Peter Reinhart, artisan bread everyday) <--------My All Time Favorite Cook Book (10 for 10)

61/2 cps of UNBLEACHED All Purpose Flour
2 tsp Salt6 TB Sugar (I use Organic Cane Sugar)
5 tsp Yeast
2 cps + 2 TB of WARM MILK
1/2 cp. Vegetable Oil
Lemon or Orange Zest

2 sticks butter
1 cups cane sugar
1/4 cp. cinnamon

1. Add All the dry ingredients to a stand mixer. Whisk the yeast into the warm milk and let sit. Add the warm milk to the dry ingredients. Mix with the paddle attachment for 1 minuted. Remove the dough and put onto a floured surface. Knead for 4 minutes and put into a greased bowl. Let the dough double in size. It usually takes 1-2 hours.
2. Cut the dough in half , roll it out into a rectangle and brush with 1 stick of melted butter then top with 1/2 cp of sugar (or more) and a few tablespoons of cinnamon. Next step is to roll the dough towards you. After you roll the dough then you begin to cut the dough from 1 1/2 - 2 inches in width and put into cupcake tin. Let the rolls rise for another hour. When they double put them into the oven on 350 for about 20-25 minutes. (until brown)
3. Remove and Cool. If you would like top it with icing! (Powdered sugar with a few TB of Maple Syrup or Milk)
4. Enjoy and share :)

Grilled Sirloin Steak with Portabella Mushrooms

2011-06-18T12:03:00.004-04:00

After many months I have a recipe for you: Grilled Sirloin with Portabella Mushrooms

It has been awhile. A long while. I have been preoccupied by a pregnancy and two little girls.

My little man arrived a 7 weeks ago and a month premature. Our Owen arrived with complications. The reason they took him early was because my body produced Little C antibodies and it was killing his red blood cells. My husband is the carrier of Little C and I produced the antibodies after carrying my first child. Then with my second, Bailey my antibodies attacked her red blood count causing her to be jaundice. But my body also produced MORE antibodies with my second pregnancy. The doctors knew this during my third pregnancy and monitored me closely. They noticed his hemoglobin was going down by inserting a needle into my umbilical cord and tested his lungs for maturity by an amniocentesis. After many hours of waiting they informed us that our little man will be meeting us in a few hours! He arrived at 9:15at night! He was perfect! He was jaundice (of course). They sent us home 72 hours later with both a bed and blanket to help bring his jaundice down. At home it reached 21!!! It started going down but very slowly and they decided to do more tests. That is when they saw his hemoglobin was going down and he was becoming anemic. On March 21st a day shy of his due date he had a transfusion. What a scary day for me, but we had amazing doctors and nursing working on him. After the transfusion his jaundice finally declined. They are still monitoring him. Time will only tell if the antibodies have left his system. He may need another transfusion and he may not. Right now, he is 14 pounds and 7 weeks old! Healthy! Beautiful! I am blessed.

My Owen Arthur at 6 wks

Bailey Leland

Now, with my pregnancy over and my baby boy is healthy I am going to continue my passion of blogging and cooking. I have missed it so much! I have missed my blogging friends. I am ready to jump head first into this food blogging world! Hopefully, everyone will great me with open arms.

Grilled Portabella Sirloin Steak
3lb Sirloin
1lb Portabella Mushrooms
1 cp. Vegetable Oil
1/2 cp. Soy Sauce
1/2 cp. Good BBQ sauce
3 TB Red Wine Vinegar
3 TB Worchestire Sauce
2 tsp. sugar
3 minced garlic cloves
salt and pepper.

1. Whisk everything together and add the 3 lb Sirloin and 1 lb of big portabella mushrooms . Let it marinate for 24 hrs

Preheat the grill and grill on both sides. Let rest for 15 minutes. Cut it thinly against the grain! Yum.

SPAM-JAM 2010

2010-11-12T05:13:00.004-05:00

I had the rare opportunity to host a Hormel Party for a party of ten for The Foodbuzz Tastemakers. Program. We had a wonderful time! It was full of little piglets running around drawing pigs, Daddies playing music, and the Mommies making magic in the kitchen!

Place: The Sellers Household (Friends)
Guest: Sellers Clan (2 adults and 5 piglets), The Hagan Clan (2 Adults and 2 piglets)
Time and Date: November 7, 2010 @ 12:00 - 6:00 (Piggie Joke: I told you not to let those pigs In my office. Now, look What’s happened. They’ve eaten all the dates off my calendar!)

Activities: Piggie Drawings for the kiddos, Music by Mr. Hagan and Mr. Sellers, and not to mention massive amounts of YUMMY chow!

Now! Lets talk SLOP! ((WARNING: My photos are not the greatest! My camera is sent a way being fixed! Boooooo! But I wanted to post pictures of this fantastic food!)

This is some of the yummy food that we served: Bagel Bites, Potato Boats, Cuban, Ham, Chive Mashed Potatoes and Pumpkin Trifle.

THE CUBAN!

Slices of Hormel® Cure 81® ham
Shredded Hormel® Always Tender® (I used the Mesquite and Added a little chili powder, salt and pepper. I cooked with a little water on 250 for 4 hours)
Swiss Cheese
Pickle Relish
Spiced Mustard
Cuban Bread

1. Layer the Sliced Ham with the shredded pork tenderloin on a bed of Cuban Bread. Top with cheese and the slather the top with relish and mustard. Then use a sandwich press and grill until browned. If you do not have a sandwich add a little olive oil to a large skillet and when the oil is warm add the sandwich. But you need to weigh down the sandwich. (Something very heavy..Cast Iron Skillet). Cook on both sides until it is browned on both sides.

The finished product....mmmhhhh....It was one of the FAVORITES!!!!!!

THIS IS Hormel® Cure 81® ham!!!It was fabulous!!! With all the leftover ham it made a WONDERFUL Navy Bean Soup!

The Bagel Bites (For the 7 little piglets)

Mini Bagel
Old English Cheese (Found near the shredded cheese in the Color)
Hormel® pepperoni

1. This is super simple and kids love it!!! Slice the Bagel in half and add the Old English and top with the pepperoni ( I used the mini pepperoni). Bake on 350 for 8-10 minutes.

THE POTATO SKINS

8-10 Russet Potatoes
Cheddar Cheese
Hormel® bacon toppings
Chives
Sour Cream (Optional)
You will need lots of Canola Oil too.
Salt and Pepper

1. Clean and wash all of the potatoes. Brush with oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake on 400 for 45 - hour. Let cool.
2. Cut each potato in half and remove the pulp. (Make Chive Mashed Potatoes with the Pulp) Brush each skin with oil and season. Bake on 400 7 minutes on each side. The last flip add the cheese and bacon and cook 5-7 more minutes. Top with chives and sour cream! Yummy!

For the Chive Mashed Potatoes:

Cook Hormel® Black Label® bacon and let cool and then crumble. Add the bacon, chives, 1/2 - 1 cp milk, a few tablespoons of butter to the leftover potato pulp!

I would love to thank Foodbuzz and Hormel for this opportunity. We had a wonderful time and amazing food! THANK YOU!

Project Food Blog Competition: Ready, Set, Blog!

2010-09-19T07:05:00.010-04:00

The infinite question: What describes you as a food blogger? BALANCE

To understand what defines me as a food blogger is to first understand, or at least empathize, er' perhaps sympathize, with the dynamics of mother, wife, and blogger. The Great Dichotomy as it were of a child and husband taste buds: Chicken Nuggets vs. Steak Sandwiches, Homemade Mac and Cheese vs. Tamales, Carrots and Veggie Dip vs. Roasted Pepper Hummus and Pita. Doing my best to please all critics. Whether it is child, adult, or fellow blogger, delivering balance is the preferred format. That format is then transposed for all to read on the web and judge for themselves.

There are also rights-of-passage here. I want to share the passion for food with my two little girls as my mother did with me. I include my girls in most endeavours whether it is planting seeds, picking freshly grown tomatoes, making scrambled eggs for their breakfast or rolling out pasta dough. Many of my post include silly stories and quirky moments of motherhood while creating mouthwatering dishes.

My oldest helping make homemade pasta for dinner.
Homemade Chicken Tenders for kids.

My husband enjoys the more complicated and delectable dishes that my children have yet to appreciate. A few of his favorites that grace my site is Smoked Meatloaf, Juevos Rancheros, and the ever time consuming Tamales. The Manly Food. The Comfort Food. These posts screams to most hard-working men and to the women that want to feed them.

The Ultimate Omelet: 4 eggs, Monterrey Jack Cheese, Refried Beans, Taco Turkey Meat, Homemade Salsa, Lettuce, Tortilla Chips, and Jalapenos.

The Insanely Good Steak Sandwich: Slowly cooked sirloin sliced then topped french fries, Cole-slaw, and sour-dough bread! I served with the Fried Onion Rings!

Smoked Meatloaf Sandwich!!!

Then we have the sweet, tasty, satisfying and comfort food that warms your core. It will make you want to nap for hours after eating. Yes, desserts!! The delectable are also has a vast part of My Food and Life Encounters. The pies, cupcakes, cookies and homemade breads.

Bumble Berry Pie! Oh my!

Dulce Leches Cheesecake

As a food blogger I BALANCE: the healthy and the not so healthy, sweet and the savory. My Food and Life Encounters is a site where anyone could visit and find a recipe they "must have" or a dish that makes their salivary glands go crazy. Balance is what makes me different, unique, and an able Project Food Blog Winner. I will continue on my journey...

Dulce Leches Cheesecake

2010-09-11T06:48:00.006-04:00

Sorry for the delay. Let me just tell you about August 16th. The worst day in my years of parenthood. My husband has been out of town for five days a week. It could not of came at a worse time. My oldest started Kindergarten at a school that I do not like. (Understatement: No Colors. No ABC's. No Kindergarten type decorations. It was in one of the poorest neighborhoods. We somehow was zoned for this school. Not sure how considering we do not live in that town .)We are in the process of getting her switched, but it broke my heart leaving her there. I cried when I walked out the door.

Then, I looked back at my two year old who was on day 3 of a fever of 104 and noticed her lymph nodes in her right arm were growing the size of golf balls. (I took her to Urgent Care the day before and he told me it was a Virus)I decide to take her straight to my primary doctor. The doctor took one look at her and told me, "She needs to be admitted."

Let me just say, on my way down in the elevator to my car I sobbed. I want my husband. I want my daughter not to be sick. I want my other daughter in a different school. I called my husband and literally broke down.

I live in Florida. All my family live in Ohio. I have no help. SOOOO before I could take my youngest to the Children's Hospital I needed to go pick up Alex EARLY from her first day of her new horrible school. I did not want to take her to the hospital with me because I had no idea what could happen so I made a few phone calls. My husbands co-worker, and now family, left work early to watch my (older)baby. Then, finally I headed to the hospital. After many hours and blood testes we find out that it is most likely CAT SCRATCH FEVER!

After late night baths, 105 fevers, three antibiotics, doctors offices and blood work. It is now over and it is September 11th ! Almost an entire month of mending a sick kid!

Not to mention, we had to get rid of the cat that my girls adored, but I could not risk anyone getting sick again.

Good news: It is now all working out. I got my oldest tested as gifted and she passed. YEAH! Now she will be transferred to the best school in the county. Bailey is on the mend and back to her playing self. AND MY HUSBAND IS COMING HOME....

Because my husband is coming home I had to make something special. My oldest asked for Cheesecake and this is what I came up with.

Dulce Leches Cheesecake
Adapted from diannasdesserts.com

Ingredients:
Crust:
1 1/2 cup cinnamon graham cracker crumbled
6 tbsp. butter, melted

Filling:
3 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese (24 oz. total)
1 cup superfine granulated sugar
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
3 eggs
1/3 cup whole milk
2/3 cup Dulce Leches Can from Nestle (You will use the rest of the can too)

1. Mix the crust and push into a 9 in springform pan. Bake on 400 for 10 minutes until browned.

2. Meanwhile, Mix the filling together.

3. Afte the crust cools drop the filling into the springform pan. Drop teaspoons of the Dulce Leches in a circler motion around the cheesecake. Bake on 325 for 45 minutes.

4. Let it cool for 25 minutes and then put in the fridge. Make sure you run a knife around the edge so it does not crack.

5. Enjoy.

A Little Bit of of Spain in Iowa GIVEAWAY! Go Diana!

2010-08-31T08:39:00.004-04:00

My good friend and fellow blogger Diana from A Little Bit Of Spain in Iowa is giving away an absolutely amazing carry along bag for convenient shopping at the farmers market. It is called Reisenthel Wheeled Trolley Bag. Check out their site! Please take a minute and stop over to see Diana and her remarkable site! Enter this giveaway! Good LUCK!! (But...I secretly hope I win this bag..hehe)

Carrabas! Carrabas! Carrabas!

2010-08-18T11:29:00.009-04:00

I had a marvelous experience at Carrabas this Saturday - all thanks to the brilliant and unique Tastemaker Program through Foodbuzz and the fantastic staff at Carrabas.

We arrived on Saturday at noon. There were no other patrons as the doors are closed until 4. There were about fifteen to twenty Foodbuzzers and Guests. My guest and I was the first to arrive. We walk into the double doors and are escorted to a bar right in front of the kitchen. A few minutes later the festivities started…..

The kitchen was amazing with all the water boiling and the mind blowing aroma of garlic and spices.

The Managing Partner of Carrabas, Angela Gutierrez, entered the kitchen and introduced herself and began cooking up a storm. Angela descriptively gave us the directions of each dish. She was incredible.

The first dish the Foodbuzz Tastemakers tried was Carrabas Calamari. The Calamari is lightly breaded and served with their marinara sauce. The Calamari was tender and cooked to perfection. It was my guest first time in trying Calamari and she enjoyed it immensely

The second dish was the simple but delightful Tag Pic Pact. Roma Tomatoes, Garlic, Olive Oil and Basil is all. The garlic was caramelized and had a delightful taste. It was served a top homemade pasta! The pasta alone was to die for!

I loved this photo...I had to include it!
This special sauce is jammin' - for all you G-Love fans.
Angela is cooking the dish and serving it to the Foodbuzz Tastemakers.
The finished product. Look at that huge slice of garlic at the end of my fork! It tasted so yummy.
Angela is showing us the garlic and oil used to make this dish and how it caramelized the garlic.

The third dish was undeniably my favorite dish, The Linguine Pescatore. This dish contains massive tender scallops, Prince Edward Mussels, and Shrimp. It is tossed in a spicy tomato sauce containing crushed red pepper. I finished the entire dish. I am ready for a nap.

What a beautiful dish. It was topped with lots of freshly chopped parsley. YUM!

Sea food, see...

Service!

Mmmhh. It is almost gone. Oh. I miss this dish. I need a Carrabas fix SOON!

As for our last dish, my stomach would not allow me to finish it. Penne Franco is a light sauce using the pasta water, garlic, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, black olives and topped with freshly grated ricotta salata. Angela served ours with roast chicken. Oh my! The chicken was to die for!

simple. beautiful.

The char marks from their grill. It is cooked with wood under a grill!! I am not sure what kind of wood, but you could taste they smokey taste in the chicken. They used their own seasoning mix on top of the chicken.

Angela grating fresh Ricotta Salata on top of our pasta dishes.

We were not disappointed! Every dish was simple, yet flavorful and delightful!

Last but not least...THE DESSERT!!! We had a variety! My guest loved the Cannoli one and ate three of them! The first dessert is strawberry, banana and pineapple with whip cream and it was amazing! The second was a chocolate moose with nuts. The third and final was the cannoli cream with crushed up pistachios. Wow.....

I do not think words can describe how unforgettable this dinner was. I am now a huge Carrabas fan!

Thank you Foodbuzz Tastemakers and Carrabas for the most amazing dinner!!

"Makes The Worst Day Vanish Curry"

2010-08-05T07:23:00.005-04:00

I have had a little bit of a rough week. (Welcome to parenthood)
Let's see......Where to begin....OOOHHHH I KNOW...

My youngest decided to hide my keys (house and car linked onto ONE BIG KEY CHAIN). That is where it ALL started. I did not notice right away, but when we ran out of Juice and I searched everywhere for them.

My mother-in-law informed me that while having a conversation with her on the phone I interupted her to say, "Bailey Leland put my keys back. You can not play with those! I do not want you to lose them!"

They are gone. MIA. Vanished.Disappeared....

What could make this much worse? My husband who has my spare on his set of keys is out of town for a few days. I am stranded at my home! No where to go! I can't go get Juice. Milk. Food. SANITY....

What could make that worse?!?! The power goes out in the HOT HOT Florida sun. (105..Did I mention?) No air. No internet. No phone. No cable. No lights. Must I go on?

You may ask...Can it get worse!?! Yes. It can!
As I am searching under my bed for my missing keys I hear the most god awful bang! I run into my living room to find my youngest crying and hiding....Our flat screen t.v. is laying on the floor.

While searching for my keys she decided to use the flat screen t.v. as a jungle gym. Don't worry...She was not hurt. The t.v. on the other hand has a shattered base, but it is still working..LUCKILY!

That was not the only thing she decided to do while I searched high and low for my keys....My lovely two year old also decided to scoop all the kitty poopie from the box and put it all over the kitty. Yep.

BATH TIME for the kitty!!! Claw marks for Mommy!!In the heat of my home!! With no keys!! With a shattered t.v.!!!

But at the end of the day without my husband I lay down with my beautiful little girls cuddled under each arm after devouring a huge bowl of my favorite most comforting dish .......I smile, because no matter how awful my day is I am blessed. I adore my kids no matter what type of trouble they get into. I love my husband because he is working hard away from the what he cherishes most so I can stay home with my girls....I am overwhelmed with the love I feel..

"Makes The Worst Day Vanish Curry"
By: Miranda Hagan

This is by far my favorite dish of all time. It makes you forget everything. It is so yummy!!! This is also a healthy dish!!! It warms your soul!!
1. Toss 1 16 oz. Bag Fresh Spinach, 1 Large Vidalia Onions, 1 Large Package Mushrooms sliced then, 3 Chicken Breast Sliced Thin, and 4 cps Sugar Snap Peas together with 4 tsp garlic chopped in 1 tsp Canola Oil over medium heat.

2. When the meat is cooked add 1 can of Lite Coconut Milk, 2 Cps Chicken Broth, 1 tsp. Red Curry Paste, 1 tsp. Curry Powder, 1/2 tsp. corriander, 1/2 tsp. Turmeric, 1 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp. salt and 3 TB sugar.

I just wanted to show the bag of noodles used in this dish! They are FANTASTIC!

3. Add the entire bag of Asian Egg Noodles and let it cook for three minutes until soft. Add 1/4 cp. soy sauce and 1/2 cps. of diced up cilantro. Simmer.

4. Toss and it should be ready to eat....

Yum Yum Yum!!!

How to Take Proper Care of a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

2010-07-26T06:48:00.004-04:00

The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet was founded by Joseph Lodge in 1896! Over a hundred and fourteen years ago!Do you want to know what is more amazing? It is still family runned today. The Cast Iron Pans made generations ago are still being used in kitchens today. They are timeless!

Though always been afraid to purchase one, I am now an owner of a cast iron skillet. Not just any cast iron skillet a US made Lodge Cast Iron Skillet.

Why so reserved you may ask? As I encountered the cuisine of southern womanhood, each discussion about their secret weapon was intimidating. This was a club no Ohio River Valley Girl should attempt to join. Besides, their wares had decades of uses to get that “unique” flavor. Seasoning? I HAD NO IDEA what a seasoned pan meant. I thought they put a little bit of salt and pepper on the pan, ha. Really, really hard to take care of and a huge pain to maintain?

Don’t tell the daughter of a Pipefitter, raised in the rust belt, that this piece of metal was out of my league.

I have since learned a lot from my Lodge Cast Iron. Again, this is my experience so please consult Auntie Lou Ann in case I missed something.

1. Cast iron is naturally non-stick. But if food begins to stick in a cast iron pan it may need seasoned.

I have learned that seasoning is a way of maintaining the pan. To season a pan you lightly oil the pan with a neutral oil (that is high in saturated fats) on the entire inside of the pan and flip and put it in the middle of the oven. Put a foil lined baking pan below on the last oven shelf. Bake on 500 for thirty to sixy minutes. Remove. Do over if needed.

If a pan is not seasoned correctly food will stick and it will be prone to rusting.

Seasoning correctly causes the oil to become permeated into the pores of a cast iron skillet. It causes a tough and hard film in the pan. This is the BIG secret of maintain a non-stick and an amazing cast iron-skillet.

2. If seasoned correctly nothing will stick to your cast iron pan. Because of this you will not need to add oil to cook making it possible for fat free cooking.

3. Cast Iron pans last a lifetime. Many lifetimes. Pass them down to your kids.......

4. The Cast Iron Pan heats and cooks all food evenly!

WHAT NOT TO DO WITH A CAST IRON PAN:

1. You should not wash it in the dishwasher or like other pans. Cast iron needs to be wiped cleaned without soap. No harsh brushes or sponges. If you have a lot of residue that is hard to remove, boiling water should do the trick.

2. You should not cook foods containing tomatoes, vinegar or other acidic ingredients. This will damage the seasoning that you have worked so hard to create. The best foods to cook in cast iron is high fatty foods. Such as: Bacon, Sausage, Chicken, Beef and Pork.

3. Never try to cook on a cold pan. ALWAYS PREHEAT!

I love my Lodge Cast Iron Pan. I am not sure how I lived so long without one. In the last month I have made: Chicken Fried Steak, Oven Fried Chicken, and Apple Dutch Pancakes. It is a must have in all kitchens!

Did I do OK Auntie? Now how’s about sharing that that fried mac n’ cheese recipe.

Vacation :)

2010-07-10T08:10:00.008-04:00

The last two weeks I have been consumed by pure excitement. My husbands best friend (whom we named our daughter after Bailey LELAND) came into town and they played lots of music (They were in a band together for 12 years! They even went to California and tried to become professional musicians), went to the beach multiple times (once on the fourth to watch the fireworks), went to St. Augustine to see the beautiful amazing old houses and forts and lastly we spent four days in a nice hotel in Gainesville. I hope this explains my MIA. Here is some photos of the fun fun week and half:

Look at that sky?!?! It was so fantastic! That is the castle that Alex built...She is getting so big. :)

Bailey and I...

This is what the sky looked like. It was amazing...Bailey is playing in a little water-hole..

Alex is so proud of her daddy....She idolizes him.

Alex watching the jets fly across the sky at Daytona Beach.

Daytona Beach...Alex in the waves.
Bailey playing in the sand...

Bailey Sandy Face :)

Castle time!
My husband (left) and David Leland (right)
Love this photo. David Leland.

Love this photo. It is my husbands all time favorite guitar: Les Paul.

This is why I gave him a chance in College....He looks so handsome singing. :)
My husband and Dave still playing music. They played for many nights. This is the first time that my husband played all of his old music that he and David has written. It was so great to hear. It took me back 7 years. I have missed those years so much.
St. Augustine Bay....So lovely.
My Family:))) I am sooo lucky.
The fort...
The fort again...It was so beautiful. St. Augustine is one of my favorite places..

Enough pictures..

I do have posts planned too. All of my beautiful sunflowers have passed, but now I have lots of yummy Roasted Sunflower Seeds. I will be posting on the process.

I also have been testing out my first Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with many recipes. I will be sharing how to maintain a cast iron and some of my favorite recipes.

I also have been testing a Grow Box. I will be posting on what that is and the growing progression....

Take care and I have missed you all. :)

Easy Steps of Making Fresh Pasta using ImperiaPro Pasta Machine

2010-06-24T06:36:00.007-04:00

I have a new addiction! I am coming clean and opening up to my supportive viewers.

I am completely addicted to my new CucinaPro Imperia Pasta Machine. In the last two weeks I have made Fettuccine, Angle Hair, Spaghetti, Orchetti, and Ravioli!!! IN TWO WEEKS!!!

I know...I know...Like I said before I am addicted and the first step is to admit you have a problem. (Problem!?!?....)

I can't help but to love this machine. It is so easy to work and you can a attach it to your table and it does not move!!! It is easy to clean. It is small and PERFECT!
Not to mention it makes incredibly YUMMY pasta!

Another positive note: MY Girls LOVE TO MAKE IT WITH ME!!!! It is so much fun for my girls. The pasta machine is easy enough for them too!!!! In my opinion, there is nothing better then to get your kiddos in the kitchen and learn the appreciation of food. (Plus, the kids tend to eat the pasta dinner up and fill their bellies beaming with pride!)

Let me start by the simple steps of making homemade pasta and a fabulous simple recipe.

Homemade Pasta Dough Recipe

2 Cps Unbleached All-purpose Flour (I recommend King Arthur)
1 tsp. Sea Salt
2 Large Eggs
1 TB Warm Water

1. Add all ingredients into a food processor. Add water by the Tablespoon as needed.
2. Let rest for 20 minutes.

My Alexandra is my helper in these photos.
The first step in making homemade pasta you need to send it through the very last setting. (Mine is 6) It will smooth it out. Fold it in half. Add flour. Send it back through. Repeat this step at least 6 to 7 times.

Move the setting down one and repeat the steps above a few times. Continue to work your way down the settings. Run the dough through the pasta machine a few times adding flour as you go until the desired settings.

For the Spaghetti I used setting 3.
For the Angel Hair I used setting 2.
For Ravioli I used setting 4.
For Fettuccine I used setting 5.

The next step is choosing the pasta size. For the Fettuccine you use the thicker cutting of pasta and for angel hair or spaghetti you use the smaller cutting. If you are making ravioli you do not need to cut the pasta.

We used the smaller cutting which made perfect spaghetti noodles!

When boiling fresh pasta it only takes a few minutes. Stay close by so not to overcook.

This is the finished product. It was wonderful!!! I am not sure how to put it into words the difference of fresh pasta to boxed, but YUM! It is a must try.

This is the finishing product of my fettuccine pasta! Isn't beautiful? I LOVE MY CUCINA IMPERIA! The fettuccine is made with a Creamy Homemade Pesto Sauce and Shrimp. It was FANTASTIC!!!

This is the homemade Ravioli. Sorry, I do not have a picture with it plated with my Marinara-Pesto Sauce that I call Giovanni Sauce. It was gone before I knew it.

My filling was:

8 oz. Ricotta
2 cps. Parm. Cheese
1 Egg
1/2 cp. Italian Shredded Cheese
Sea Salt and Pepper
1/2 cp. Chopped Parsley

1. Mixed it all together until well combined. I sat in the fridge until the Ravioli noodles were ready to fill. Each Ravioli was about 2 in. thickness. I cut the 2 in. thickness. Add a heaping teaspoon of the filling and then folded the top over and then sealed the edges! It was perfect!

You can find the CucinaPro Imperia almost EVERYWHERE! For around 60 dollars. It is well worth it! The kids and I are having so much fun with it and eating lots of wonderful fresh pasta!!!

Enjoy!!

My Garden!

2010-06-14T20:17:00.002-04:00

I grew up in Ohio. You go in your back yard and rototiller your yard, plant your seeds and the garden grew. NOW, I have been in FL for four years!!! FOUR!! This is the first year I grew a garden. Wow. I was worried about the difficulty. My entire yard was sand and the sun. I started out by a small garden. By adding a lot of soil and mixing it with sand the plants grew!

I was amazed so I added more and more....
This is Oregano. My second batch...I already used the entire plant and it regrew.
This is my basil plant. It was a massive tree. It started growing flowers. I cut the entire bush down to the bottom. I dried most of the basil and the rest went to homemade pesto.
NOW, this is my most prized plant. The ten foot tomato plants!!! They grow to the roof of my house and then bend down. I literally had to tie them with zip ties to the screen of my porch! INSANE! Has anyone every seen anything that crazy?!
I grew three types of tomato: The Beefsteak Tomato

Cherry Tomato
Roma Tomato....My favorite. I love to make salsa with these babies! I also like to slice them very thin and use them as a pizza topping...mmmmhhhh

I planted lots and lots and lots of green beans.

This is for my Alexandra...She asked me to plant Sunflowers. She was working on the letter "S" in preschool and she tried Sunflower Seeds. Alex loved them and begged to plant some sunflowers. She helped me. They are now 10 feet tall. It is amazing a few months ago they were little seeds.
Beautiful sunflower that is the size of Alexandra's head.
They are about ten feet tall....As you can tell.... Cucumbers, but I have not seen any blooms...YET!
Watermelon BLOOMING!!!!!

More tomatoes....

This is Brussel Sprouts...They are turning out beautiful. Can't wait.

Jalapenos!!! A MUST in my house!!! My husband drinks with them in his beer!!! It was a Bobby Flay trick that my husband fell in love with

I want to THANK Diana Bauman from A Little Bit Of Spain in Iowa. You are truly inspiration. I am honored to call you a friend. Thank you!

Cinnamon Bread

2010-06-10T08:06:00.003-04:00

I made two loaves of this amazing Cinnamon Bread! I was worried a loaf would go to waste.....
That did not happen. My small family of four devoured this bread it was gone in five days. That should tell you how wonderful it turned out.
I am actually making it again today for a gift. My neighbor watered my plants for the time I spent in paradise. She deserves a HUGE THANK YOU!!! What could be better then homemade bread?!?!

First of all, let me explain. I found this recipe in Peter Reinhart's Artisan Breads Every Day. But it was for cinnamon rolls. I decided to make it into a bread with the hard crusty icing. It is heaven.

PETER REINHARTS ALL-PURPOSE SWEET DOUGH

6 1/4 cps unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tsp. salt
6 TB Sugar
5 tsp. yeast
2 cps. Warm milk
1/2 cp melted butter

1. Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Then add the dry ingredients and butter. Mix with paddle attachment for 1 minute
2. Switch to dough hook for 3 more minutes. It should be a smooth, soft, slightly stick dough. Knead 2 more minutes with dough hook or hand until it is no longer sticky.
3. Place in oiled bowl and let rise. Overnight in the fridge or until doubles in size

WHEN DOUBLES

1/2 cp. sugar
1/4 cp. cinnamon
1 soft stick of butter.

4. Cut the dough in half. Roll it out like making cinnamon rolls.
5. Mix the cinnamon and sugar.
6. Add half the butter and smoother it on each flat rolled out dough (12-15in)
then add the sugar and cinnamon mixture to each. I add a little brown sugar too.
Roll the cinnamon roll like a jelly roll and taper off the ends.
7. Add both into a greased loaf pan. I topped with a little butter and cinnamon and sugar.
8. Bake on 350 for about an hour.

2 cps. powdered sugar
1 tsp. milk
Mix together

9. Drizzle on top of the cooled bread.
10. DEVOUR

Paradise and Bakerella Cupcake Pops

2010-06-09T08:46:00.004-04:00

The last 5 days have been full of excitement. Friday my oldest graduated preschool. I made Bakerella Cake Pops for the graduation! They were a huge hit!! You can find them here.

My mother flew down for the graduation . The night after the ceremony we left and spent the days on the beach. It was an amazing time. We ate fantastic meals at little beach side restaurants and laid on the beach for four whole days. It was paradise. This is a misty picture of the fantastic Flagler Beach. A small beach town full of wonderful small eateries and shops. The beach was a warm ,vacant, with red sand and crabs that roamed around the gorgeous beach.
My mom in the water with my two daughters and my best friends daughter.

My mom in the waves with my oldest. They were laughing so hard. I had to capture this ever lasting memory.
My youngest fell asleep at the beach everyday for her nap. She was at peace hearing the waves hitting the shore.

My girls and I. My youngest is not too happy. She is ready for a nap after all the swimming and fun.

Now, I dropped my mother off at the airport and on her way back to Ohio. We had the best time...It is back to reality.....

I have many new recipes and reviews I will be sharing this month. Stay tuned.

Gingered Rhubarb and Three Berry Jam

2010-06-01T07:54:00.003-04:00

I love making homemade jam! It screams summer. My girls swimming for hours in the HOT Florida sun, playing outside and filling their tiny bellies with PB&J and Kool-Aid!!! Oh Joy. Because of this, I keep my cabinets stocked with homemade Strawberry, Peach and other Jams.

I am just a sucker for these two and I love seeing their smiles. My homemade jam does the job well :)

I had a bunch of berries and rhubarb leftover from the Bumbleberry Pie which worked excellent in this jam with a touch of ginger and lemon. YUM! It is one of my new favorites . It is rated up there with the Peach Cinnamon Jam (I could devour the entire contents of the jar.)

GINGERED RHUBARB AND THREE BERRY JAM

2 TB of Minced Ginger
1/2 Lemon Juiced
3 cps. Rhubarb, sliced thin
1 1/2 cp. Blackberries
1 1/2 cp. Blueberries
1 1/2 cp. Strawberries, sliced thin
4 cps. Sugar
1 box of Sure-Jell

1. Bring the Ginger, Juice, Rhubarb, Blackberries, Blueberries, Strawberries and Sugar to a boil.
2. While boiling add the Sure-Jell and let boil one minute. Remove and add to the sanitized jars

If you do not know how to sanitize jars and add the jam to the jars use this
http://fortheloveofkidsandfood.blogspot.com/2009/07/peach-cinnamon-jam.html

ENJOY

BUMBLEBERRY PIE!!!!

2010-05-24T22:04:00.004-04:00

I must admit..I have never heard of Bumbelberry Pie, but I wanted to make a berry pie. I came across this recipe at Allrecipes.com. WOW. That is the only thing I can say. If I could eat the entire pie without gaining a pound I would!

What could be better then a pie filled with: Blueberries, Strawberries, Blackberries, Rhubarb and Apples!? DELISH!!!

First, let me start by the perfect pie crust.
PIE CRUST

4 cps. flour
1/3 cp. sugar
BIG pinch cinnamon
1 3/4 cp. shortening
2 pinches of salt

1/2 cp. water
1 egg

1. In a food processor pulse the first four ingredients.
2. Add the Wet ingredients and form into a ball.

Cool in the fridge.

BUMBLEBERRY PIE
altered from Allrecipes.com

3 cps. apples (sliced then with the skin removed)
1 1/2 cps. Blueberries
1 1/2 cps. Blackberries
1 1/2 cps. Rhubarb, sliced thin
1 1/2 cps. Strawberries, sliced thin
1 lime, juice
1 cp. sugar
1/2 cp. flour
Heaping Tablespoon of Tapioca

TOSS EVERYTHING IN A BOWL TOGETHER IN A BIG BOWL AND MIX WELL!!

1. Add the ingredients into the pie shell. Top with another. I used a lattice top crust. Brush on some egg wash and top with a few tablespoons of sugar.

2. Bake on 350 for 1 hour.

It turns out like THIS!!!! HOLY COW!!! THIS IS BY FAR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PIE I HAVE EVER MADE! :)
This is worth the time and effort. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. You will not be let down. It is one of the most mouthwatering heaven-in-my-mouth pie that I have ever in my life encountered. TRUST ME! :)

Tastemaker: Buitoni Riserva

2010-05-21T12:53:00.004-04:00

I am a member of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker program. A few weeks ago we had a chance to try the Buitoni Riserva Spicy Beef and Sausage Ravioli. I could not let the chance slip by. I was thrilled. (SHIP IT ASAP! !)
In my opinion, it was by far one of the best ravioli I have ever eaten. It was so flavorful, bold and not too spicy. My two and four year old loved them. I also picked up a package of the Cheese Buitoni Riserva and they were extremely tasty too. I was not disappointed.

I fried the Ravioli and served with a homemade pizza sauce. I fried them two ways. One with a planko breading and the other bare. Both were mouthwatering!! :)

My Fried Ravioli

1 package of Buitoni Riserva Spicy Beef and Sausage Ravioli

1 cp. flour
1 cp. planko
1/2 tsp. salt,and pepper
1 tsp. oregano, basil, and garlic

2 whisked eggs with a splash of water

Canola Oil

1. Mix the flour, planko and seasoning together in a shallow bowl.
2. Whisk the eggs and water in a separate shallow bowl.
3. Heat oil to 375
4. Dip each Ravioli into the egg mixture and then the breading until coated. Add to the hot oil.

The dipping Marinara:

1 Can Crushed Tomato
1 tsp oregano, basil and garlic
1/2 tsp salt and crushed red pepper
splash of olive oil

Mix together in a small saucepan until warm.

PLEASE ENJOY AND PICK UP A PACKAGE OF BUITONI RISERVA TODAY!!!!!

Chicken Cordon Bleu...My Way

2010-05-06T19:27:00.002-04:00

I have big news..My husband and I found out we will be having our third baby!! I have been floating by the last few weeks. I will be posting more and I will keep all my friends updated. We are very excited. My first ultrasound is tomorrow! YEAH!

My husbands favorite all time dish is Chicken Cordon Bleu. This is my take on the wonderful classic.

4 Chicken Breast (Pounded thin)
Capicola Ham
Jarlsberge Cheese

1/2 Flour
1 cp Italian Planko Crumbs
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. Seasoned Salt (Lawrys)
1/2 tsp. black pepper

2 Eggs
Splash Milk
salt and pepper

5 Shallots, sliced thin
1 cp. Chicken broth

1. Take the thinly sliced chicken and add a few slices of ham and one or two slices of Jarlsberg Cheese.
2. Dip in the egg mixture (the eggs and milk whisked together with salt and pepper) and then into the bread crumb mixtures (the seasonings, Planko and flour mixed together). You can add a second coating if you would like.
3. Brown in a skillet with 2 TB of Olive Oil to seal the seam. Make sure you put it seam side down. (3 to 4 min. each side)
4. Add into a greased baking dish. Top with shallots and chicken broth. Bake on 350 for 45 minutes.

Kumquat Marmalade

2010-04-22T07:26:00.004-04:00

I have to admit, I have never heard of Kumquats. My girlfriend had a Kumquat tree and gave me an overabundance amount of fruit. WOW! They are so sweet and taste so amazing. I had to make something with them and QUICK!

My husband loves Orange Marmalade, so I found a recipe with a Kumquat twist!

My recipe:

3 cps. Kumquats, Deseeded and Rinsed
3 Oranges, Deseeded
4 cps. water
4 cps. sugar
1 lemon, juiced and discarded

1. I deseeded the oranges and Kumquats and gave them a rinse. I then threw everything in the food processor with the lemon juice. I pulsed a few times. I then added the sugar and water and let sit over night.
2. I brought to a boil and then let it simmer until it reached a 220 temperature... It took awhile. Be patient.

3. I then put them in sterilized jars. Let sit in a cool temperature.

I can't wait to dig in this morning!!!!

Chicken Tenders for Alex

2010-04-08T06:46:00.004-04:00

My Alexandra loves Chicken Tenders. They are one of her all time favorite foods. I do not buy them frozen anymore because I found out how simple (and delishes) it is to make your own.

These are so fantastic. Crunchy. Tender. Yummy.

My husband actually preferred eating these chicken tenders over the very spicy jambalaya that I made him. He actually requests me to make them for him now...His words, "Restaurant Quality"

Of course, It was a winner for my two little munchkins too.

They are very simple and take less then 15 minutes..

Give it a try!!!

CHICKEN TENDERS FOR ALEX
Oil

2 Eggs
Splash or two of water

1 cp panko
1 cp. flour

Chicken tenders
Seasoned salt
Pepper

1. Heat the oil.
2. Make two dishes. One with the eggs and water whisked together and season with the seasoned salt and pepper. Dish number two add the panko and flour. Season this with salt and pepper.
3. Pat dry the chicken tenders. Dip in egg wash and then panko mixture. Repeat one more time. Put in the oil. When browned remove...EAT! Isn't that super easy!!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Chocolate Cupcakes

2010-03-28T10:21:00.003-04:00

I am a little behind in posts. My baby was bit by a stray cat this weekend and now we are on a massive manhant trying to catch this cat, so my baby does not need Rabies shots. I have a trap set up as a I am posting. Please, wish us luck.

I wanted to make my baby feel better...sooo

What could taste better then a chocolate cupcake filled with oooey and gooey chocolate chip cookie dough.

These babies are a little time consuming, but sooo worth it!Trust me! :)

THE COOKIE DOUGH

2cps flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
pinch salt

1 1/2 sticks of butter
3/4 cp. brown sugar
3/4 cp. vanilla sugar
1 1/2 TB. PURE Vanilla
1 egg and 1 egg yolk
2 cps. chocolate chips

You will make these like regular chocolate chip cookies.
1. Sift the baking soda, flour, and salt. set aside
2. Cream the butter and sugars. When fluffy add the vanilla and eggs. Cream together and then slowly add the dry ingredients. Add the chocolate chips.
3. Using a rounded tablespoon form the balls of cookie dough and then freeze for 2 hours.

THE CUPCAKE

1 box of Chocolate Fudge Cake
3 eggs
1 1/4 cps. water
1/2 cp. oil

1. Combine the ingredients. Put the batter in the cupcake liners. Put a frozen cookie dough into the center of the cupcake batter.
2. Bake on 350 for 20 minutes and then cool....:)

This is what you get..Absolute incredible and deliciousness!!!!

THE ICING

1/2 cp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cp. milk
1/4 cp. melted butter
1 tsp. pure vanilla
3/4 cp. sugar

1 cp. chocolate chips

1. Mix while it is warm and let cool. Top on the cupcakes. Then top with the chocolate chips!!

Eat! Eat! Eat!

Smoked Meatloaf! WHAT!?

2010-03-21T07:46:00.003-04:00

Yes, I SMOKED a meatloaf!!! Yes, It was absolutely out of this world good!!!
Hands down the BEST Meatloaf we have ever had.

I found this also in the Triple D Cookbook by Guy! I am in love with that cookbook! I have so much more I am going to make from it......STAY TUNED.

SMOKED MEATLOAF
More Diners, Drive-in's and Dives by Guy Fiere

5lbs of ground beef (I used 90-10)
3 Lg Eggs
2 1/2 cps. Seasoned Breadcrumbs
2 1/2 cps. whole milk
1 cp. BBQ Sauce (I used Stubbs Spicy BBQ..)
1 Box (Both Envelopes) Lipton Onion Soup Mix

(Grilled Onions for Garnish)

1. Preheat the grill. (I used a smoker box on my grill. I also used Mesquite. They used Applewood) Preheat smoker at 225.

2. Mix all ingredients. Form into a large loaf. Put in a throw away aluminium pan.

3. Smoke for 4-6 hours. The eternal temp was 170.

I made them into INCREDIBLE sandwiches with 4 Cheese Bread from Panera!!!! AWESOME!!!
TAKE A BIT OUT OF THAT!!!!!

Carne Advoda Tacos with a Roasted Pineapple Habernero Salsa

2010-03-17T07:40:00.009-04:00

First of all, Happy St. Patrick Day!!!

Secondly, I made these AMAZING tacos from Triple D's Cookbook By Guy. Wow. Wow. Wow.I picked it up from the Library and I am so glad. I bookmarked almost every page. This was top of my list. Many of his crew members commented about the salsa and tacos. Their comments made me drool.........

I gave my best friend a big bowl of the Roasted Pineapple Habernero Salsa and I got a FB comment from her husband. He said the Pineapple Salsa was incredible and he literally licked the bowl clean. LOL.

I will be honest, I got a great big kiss and a thank you after this dinner. My husband loved it....It is by far one of the best meals that I have ever made....

Lets Begin!!!!

Carne Adboda Tacos
More Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives by Guy Fieri

2 TB Cumin
2 TB California Chile Powder (I used regular Chile Powder)
2 TB Mexican Chile Powder (I used Ancho Chile Powder)
1 TB Cayenne
1 TB salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. black pepper
5 whole cloves
3 Bay leaves
2 cps. vegetable oil
3 lbs Pork Butt (I used about 4lbs pork loin)

1. In a small bowl combine all the seasonings.
2. Lay the seasonings in a large baking pan. ( I used my Le Creuset Dutch Oven)
3. Pat dry the pork loin and roll in seasonings. Pour the oil over and roll a few times. Add the Bay leaf and Cloves. Marinate Over night

4. Pull the pork loin out 30 minutes before cooking.
5. Cook on 325 for three hours until it easily shreds. (The cooked there pork for an hour. Removed cut in cubes and fried in a frying pan.

Serve on White Corn Tortillas with thinly sliced white onion, cilantro and a lime.

I made the Roasted Pineapple Habernero Salsa, also from the More Diners, Drive-thru's and Dives by Guy to serve with the Carne Advoda Tacos. It complimented it perfectly!

ROASTED PINEAPPLE HABENERO SALSA
More Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives by Guy Fieri

3 medium tomatoes
4 jalapenos, stems removed
1-2 habeneros, stems removed
1/4 medium sweet onion (I used a whole sm. onion)
1 20 oz can of pineapple tidbits, with juice. (I used fresh pineapple with its juice)
1/2 cp. water, divided (if needed for consistency. I did not use any water)
1/2 cp. cilantro
salt

1. broil the tomatoes, jalapenos, habenero and onion for 6 minutes on each side. When charred and carmalized on both sides then remove from the oven and let cool for 30 minutes.
2. Add all the roasted veggies and pineapple and pulse in the food processor. Add the cilantro and pulse. Add salt to taste. I also added a few tablespoons of olive oil.
THIS IS MOUTHWATERING!!!!!

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Heath Bars

2010-03-15T20:51:00.007-04:00

Sorry, I have been MIA. I have a good excuse. My computer CRASHED!!! This is the second time. This time I lost my hard drive which included all my pictures. :(((

I still have the hard drive, but I have to find a Data Specialist to remove all the information. I am a little bummed. All of the girls baby pictures are on that hard drive!

I have my computer. Finally. (Minus the photos)

I also had an amazing trip to the Gulf Coast this week with my husband and kiddos. We had a blast. Now, it is back to reality. (I will post a few pics at the bottom.) I returned home on Sunday and Alex was back in school on Monday. I had to make her cookies. I feel bad if she does not have a great treat in her lunch...I know. I know.I love to spoil my babies.

Anyway, this is what I came up with. A Miranda Original:

BROWN BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP HEATH BARS
3/4 cp. unsalted butter
1 cp. brown sugar
1/2 cp. sugar
1 TB vanilla
2 Eggs

2 cps. flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
pinch salt

2 cps Chocolate chips
1 cp. Heath crunch

<

1. In a small sauce pan brown the butter slowly. When the butter is brown and has a nutty smell then remove it from the burner. Add the sugars and vanilla. When the brown butter is cool add the eggs.

2. Sift the flour, baking soda and salt.

3. Add the flour mixture to the brown butter mixture. Add the chocolate chips.

4. Add to a 8x10 pan that has parchment paper. Then top with the heath .

5. Bake on 350 for about 45 minutes. I used a stone, so it may have taken longer because of that. When it is a light brown on top and firm to touch.

Here is some of my favorite pics of the beach:

Bailey walking the beach with me. It was a cloudy week with lots of crazy wind.

My Alexandra on the beach with sand in her hair.

Alexandra on our way home from Destin Beach.

Bailey Leland striking a pose on our mini vacation.

Enjoy your day and eat lots of yummy food!

Egglands Best!!

2010-03-04T20:25:00.004-05:00

Let me just say, I am a HUGE fan of Eggland's Best.

I have been buying their products before Foodbuzz.com Tastemaker Program featured their products. It is a staple in my home. The cost is only a dollar or so more then the average egg, but so worth it. Not to mention, the health benefit! Egg-Land's Best have higher Vitamin E, Omega 3 and 25% less saturated fat. Plus, THEY TASTE BETTER!

I have never been disappointed in Eggland's. The yolk of the egg is always a golden color and the white is clear and perfect. It is a fabulous all natural egg.

Notice the 18 pk!? That is what I buy TWICE a week. I make way to much cookies, scrambled eggs, and so on and so on.
Here is one of my favorite recipes using Eggland's Best Eggs:

Taco Egg Omelet

1/2 cp. leftover taco meat, (ground beef, seasoning, onions and peppers)
1/2 cp. cheddar cheese
4 Eggland's eggs, whisked
2 TB water
1/4 tsp each salt, pepper, chili powder

Optional:
Salsa
Salsa Verde
Guacamole
Jalapenos

1. Warm up the taco meat. If your taco meat does not have onions and peppers. Please, saute onion and peppers and add it to the leftover taco meat.

2. Whisk the eggs and water. Add the seasoning. Put this in a heated and greased small saute pan. After the eggs are almost done. Add the half of the cheddar cheese and put under the broiler. When the eggs are cooked and the cheese is melted remove from the oven.

3. Add the taco meat and sliced jalapenos. Fold the eggs over. Top with cheese and put under the broiler again until the cheese is melted

4. Add to a plate. I topped with homemade salsa and salsa verde. I put guacamole on the side

Enjoy!!! :)

A New Favorite Soup: Coconut-Curry Chicken Soup

2010-02-27T20:25:00.003-05:00

I know. I know. It has been awhile. I have had a lot on my plate lately. It was my Anniversary Feb. 18th, My husbands birthday Feb. 21st, and Alex's 5th Birthday Feb 21!! It was insanity. I made a Red Velvet Cake and Cheesecake Layered Birthday Cake and much more.
Not to mention, I had sick kiddos.
Fun Fun Fun.
Anyway, it is cold in Florida. (ONCE AGAIN!) Tonight, it is suppose to hit 39 degrees!
I wanted to try something new and not too heavy. I found an incredible new recipe on the cooking light recipe. It did not let me down. It is now a new favorite and will be a new staple in our home. I hope you enjoy this recipe too....

Coconut Curry Chicken Soup

4 cps water
3 cps spinach
1/2lb of snow peas
1 lb Pad Thai Noodles

Boil the water and add the spinach and snow peas for a few minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and add the noodles for three minutes. Strain. Set aside.

1 TB Canola Oil
1/4 cp shallots
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. Red Curry Paste
1 1/2 tsp. curry powder
1/2 tsp. coriander's
1/2 tsp. turmeric
2 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper (I added.)
2 tsp. Hot Chili Sauce (I added. We love Spice.)
6 cps. No Salt. Low Fat. Chicken Broth
1 Can of Light Coconut Milk
2 1/2 cp. Shredded Chicken
1/2 cp. Cilantro
1/2 cp. Chopped Green Onions
2 TB. Sugar
2 TB Fish Sauce

Add the oil and soften the garlic and shallots. Add the seasoning and stir for a minute straight. Add the Chicken Broth and bring to a boil. Add the milk. Simmer for 3 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients.

Serve with a lime wedge.

Serves 8.
2 cps. per serving which equal to 320 calories a serving.!!!!! ..

IT IS A MUST TRY!!!!!!!

Roasted Garlic Chicken Chili

2010-02-12T06:12:00.004-05:00

For all of you that live up North....IT IS COLD IN FLORIDA TOO!!! It has been in the 40's to the upper 60's for the last week. I know. I know. That is not like the -2 in Michigan and the 12 degrees in Ohio. Let me just tell you. When it is cool in FL it feels freezing. The air blows it's moist air.

I went to the massive farmers market in Volusia County on Wed. and it was FREEZING! My kiddos and I where dressed in their winter clothes. My hands were left uncovered and they were red and sore from the bit of the cold air.

Because of our cold front I wanted to make a soup. I found a interesting Chicken Chili in last month's issue of the Food Network Mag. I made some changes, but it was wonderful.

Roasted Garlic Chicken Chili
Adapted from FN Magazine

One Garlic Bulb
1 tsp Olive Oil

1. Cut the Bulb in half and sprinkle with the olive oil. Roast in the oven for an hour on 400 degrees.

2 tsp. Olive Oil
3 Leeks, sliced thin and rinsed
1 Jalapeno, diced
3 garlic cloves, chopped
3 TB Flour
1/3 cp Chicken Drippings
4 Cps. Roasted Chicken (Use the drippings)
7 Cps. Chicken Broth
1 box of frozen Spinach
2 15 oz. cans of Navy Beans, rinsed
1 tsp. cayenne
2 TB Ancho Chili Powder

1. Heat the oil in a skillet add the leeks and caramelize. It takes about 20 minutes. Add the pepper and garlic. Cook for a few minutes. Add the flour and stir constantly for a few minutes until brown. Add the chicken drippings and deglaze the pan.

2. Add the stock, Spinach, Navy Beans, and the roasted garlic. Stir. Add the seasonings and cook for 30 minutes.

3. Serve with your favorite toppings: I used garlic Triskets and Monterrey Jack cheese.

Calphalon No Peek Waffle Iron

2010-02-11T09:35:00.003-05:00

For those of you that have followed me from the beginning, I am sure you remember my review on the Calphalon Unison Pan line.

Their Unison line is unbelievable.

I moved recently and I did not have oil, spray, or butter and wanted to make eggs. I figured; why not give it a try.

I made the eggs and I was pleasantly amazed that they did not stick. It was extraordinary considering the usual.

Once again, amazed by a product. This time it was their No Peek Waffle Maker.

My family loves waffles. It is a weekend necessity. I make a variety: Nutella Banana, Chocolate Chip, Blueberry, and my husbands favorite the Plain Amazing waffle. I had trouble in the past finding a waffle iron that makes a crunchy outside and a soft fluffy inside. This is the one.

The Calphalon No Peek Waffle Maker is a necessity in most kitchens for numerous reasons. The No Peek Waffle Maker is bronze nonstick. Again, I never needed a drop of oil!

The Calphalon No Peek Waffle Maker is quick and precise. The waffle maker locks down over the batter, cooking per your desired setting. It heats evenly with the OPTI-HEAT system, making FOUR extra large Belgian Style Waffles! I can serve all my family at once!

More importantly, it is honestly the easiest to clean!

Another homerun!

Geoff's Chicken Phillies

2010-02-09T07:04:00.003-05:00

My husband loves sandwiches. It is his all time favorite meal. There is fifty percent sandwich recipes on my site! Everytime my husband goes to his favorite Central Florida chain The Ale House he orders the Chicken Philly. I had to recreate it BUT make it better. I wanted to top all of his expectations. I must admit. This turned out better then even my own expectations(tooting my own horn....I am allowed every once in awhile. Ha!).
Here is my creation for my husband:

Geoff's Chicken Philly
Marinade:
3/4 cp. Light Italian Dressing
1/4 cp. Low Soduim Soy Sauce
3 TB Low Soduim Chicken Montreal Seasoning
1/2 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper (Optional

I cut up 2 lbs of Boneless Chicken Breast in thin slices acrossed. I put it in this marinade in the morning and let it sit all day.

2 tsp. Olive Oil
4 TB Butter
1 Yellow Onion
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 Green Bell Pepper
1 Sm. container of Baby Bella Mushrooms

Let the Olive Oil and Butter heat up. Add the Veggies and saute until soft. Then add the chicken. Do not dump the access marinade. Cook until the chicken is lightly brown and no longer pink.

Long Sub buns
Provolone Cheese

Lay three slices of Cheese per bun and lay under the broiler until the bread is crunch and the cheese is bubbly. Top with the Chicken Mixture.

Chilaquiles: A Healthy Alternative

2010-02-07T06:45:00.004-05:00

I am finally home! I am in Florida! I have a kitchen! The world is good!

Anyway, after being in a Michigan staying with my in-laws for 5 wks we are in a new home! It is an older home. It was built in the 50's and I love it! It is open for the kiddos to run. It has a huge kitchen that is wide open. I can watch the kids from every angle!

I have been here a week. I have been unpacking. Decorating. Cooking (My husband has not had a home cooked meal in 5 wks!). I even found time to build a small garden!!! I can't wait to see the outcome. I bought my 5 yr. old some gloves, shovel and rake. She planted Thyme, Rosemary, Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Cilantro, Tomatoes, Green Beans, Lettuce, Carrots and Onions with me. Alex and I had a fantastic time planting. Now, I need patience.

On another positive note, while I was in Michigan I lost 12 lbs!!! I am now at my normal weight! I am not cutting out all my favorite foods, but I am going to post a few more healthier recipes. But my husband loves the man food too.....

This morning I made my husband:

Chilaquiles from Cook Yourself Thin Faster by Lauren Deen

2 Lg. Eggs

2 Egg Whites

1 tsp. Canola Oil ( I did not use oil, because I have an incredible Calaphalon Non Stick set.)

1 tomato, diced

1 scallion, diced

1 jalapeno, diced

1/3 cp. crushed tortilla chips

1/4 cp. Monterrey jack cheese.

salt and pepper.

I topped it with my homemade salsa.

1. Heat oil and the beated eggs. When the eggs are partly set add the tomatoes, scallions, chiles, and chips. Cook and eggs are almost set. Add the salt and pepper. Top with cheese and salsa.

This serves four ppl. at 110 calories or my husband at the entire plate with a whopping 440 calories! Enjoy!!

Kiddo Bagel Bites

2010-01-28T09:24:00.004-05:00

My mother use to make these when I was little. Oh. How. Incredible. It was a favorite for my brother, sisters and I. We would devour these Lil things in no time.
I knew it would be a favorite for my girls too.
I called my mom for the recipe and she could not recall it.
I called my grandmother and she could not recall the recipe.
I had to improvise!
It was still a hit with the kiddos!!!

Bagel Bits

Bag of mini bagels
Jar of Old English Cheese (Found where the bagged shredded cheese is)
2 TB Mayo
Peperoni
Parm. Cheese

1. Mix the English Cheese and the Mayo until well combined.
2. Cut the peperoni into small triangles.
3. Cut the bagels in half and the cheese mixture sprinkle with the peperoni and then the parm cheese.
4. Bake on 350 for about 15 minutes until browned.

YUMMY. TIME TO EAT!!

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

2010-01-23T13:49:00.006-05:00

I saw this in the Food Network Mag and knew right away I had to make it! First of all, I absolutely love red velvet. It is a favorite. Plus, I wanted to give it a whirl before I made them on Valentines Day. They are perfect to celebrate Valentines Day with!!!!

1 oz.semisweet chocolate chopped
1/2 oz. milk chocolate chopped
12 TB of unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cp. sour cream
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 TB red food coloring
2 1/4 cps. AP flour
1 cp. sugar
1/4 cocoa powder
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

1. Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, soda and salt and set aside.
2. Melt the butter and then add the chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is melted. Add the sour cream, eggs, vinegar, vanilla, and food coloring. Stir to combine.
3 Add the flour mixture 1 cp. at a time to the wet mixture until all is combined.
4. On a greased baking sheet add 1 heaping TB of the batter per cookie and smooth with a finger.
5. Bake on 375 for 8 to 10 minutes.

8 oz. of soft cream cheese
3 TB of butter, soft
2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 cp. powdered sugar

1. Cream the butter and cream cheese together. Add the vanilla and mix. Add the powdered sugar until combined and thick.

Once the cookies are cool add a heaping tablespoon of the icing into each cookie and then put another cookie on top. Put the finished cookies in the fridge for 30 minutes for them to set up!!!
EAT!!!

My girls loved them. They are a perfect Valentine and everyday dessert!

Easy Breakfast Braid

2010-01-20T08:03:00.003-05:00

Breakfast is my Father-in-Laws favorite meal. When I recieved my new issue of cooking light with some amazing breakfast recipes. I could not wait to give them a try! Yesterday I tried the breakfast braid with a few changes. It was great! The kids loved it too. Did I mention it is quick? Yep, It took about 25 min to 30 min!

I can't wait to get home to the hubs and make him some breakfas. I will be home in a week and a half. I can't wait. It has been 4 wks since I have seen my husband. That is way to long!!!! But I am coming home to a new place. The place has a huge fenced in backyard where I can grow a massive garden!!! Yippee!!! In Florida I could start planting next month!!!!

ENJOY!

Breakfast Braid

1 (13.8 oz) can Refridgerated pizza crust dough
cooking spray
1 TB olive oil
1/4 cp. chopped onion
4 oz. sausage
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cp. monterary jack cheese
1/4 cp. cheddar cheese
(It calls for jalapeno, but my MIL can't eat spicy)
1 lg. egg white

1. Lay out the dough on a cooking sheet. Spray both sides. Roll out to about 15x10 in.
2. Preheat oven at 425
3. Brown the onions and sausage in the olive oil. When the sausage is browned then add the eggs.
4. Sprinkle the cheese down the center of the braid. Top with the Egg mixture. Add the cheddar cheese on top. (If using jalapenos then add to the top of the cheese.)
5 . Cut diagonal slits in the dough on each side about 2 in apart then criss cross them.
6. Brush with the egg whites.
7. Bake for 15 min. Let sit for 5 min. then slice the braid.

Fallen Angel Food Cake

2010-01-14T08:15:00.008-05:00

Last weekend was a very eventful weekend. My baby turned 2! :(( Why is it that time speeds by and leaving mothers in the wake? Why can't a mother say, "Time is so slow. It feels like my baby has been one forever!" I mean come on! We carried them for 10 months!! It seemed like eternity that I was the size of a small house!

Not to mention, my oldest turns five in Feb! Wow...TIME FLYING AWAY!!! *Tear*
Here is my Bailey during her second birthday, my little angel!

Speaking of Angels....How about some homemade angel food cake?
I made Angel Food cake for my Father-in-Law and my kiddos. My kids would eat the entire cake if I let them.
I have a very funny story with the cake. I made the cake and went downstairs to play with my babies. My mother-in-law took it out of the oven while I was downstairs and flipped it over. Well, it collapsed. It was not ready to be out of the oven so it smacked the counter into a gooey sloppy mess.

SOOO...24 eggs later I made a second cake. It was worth the extra time.

My Angel Food Cake

12 egg whites
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
pinch of salt
1 cp. flour
1 1/4 cp. powdered sugar
1 cp. sugar

1. Let the egg whites sit at room temperature. While you are doing this you can sift together the powdered sugar and flour and set aside.

2. Put the egg whites in the mixer with the whisk setting and whisk on high. Add the cream of tartar, salt and vanilla. Make sure it is really thick. Begin to add one tablespoon at a time of the sugar to the egg whites. When the entire sugar is gone remove the bowl. Add a few tablespoons at a time of the flour mixture and fold into the egg whites.

3. Bake on 350 for 45 minutes until it is not sticky at touch. Do not spray the pan and make sure you flip it as soon as it comes out of the oven for an hour so it does not fall.
4. THEN EAT!!!!!

And for the kiddos I topped with whip cream and sprinkles! :)))

Enjoy while I watch my kids continue to grow. *Tear*

Cold in Michigan French Onion Soup

2010-01-12T08:20:00.006-05:00

I am use to it being 70 degrees in the winter. My body is not use to being in 19 degree weather! It makes me want to be in the warm kitchen all day long. Ha! It at least makes me want to make large pots of soup for every meal of everyday with warm homemade bread. Drool. We live in FL. My kiddos never see snow. After the first big snow storm in MI. It left 6-7 in of snow and my in-laws woke up and took my kids sledding. I stayed in the kitchen to make hot chocolate and french onion soup. My youngest was outside for the total of 15 minutes. She went down the hill once and tumbled of the sled and slid to a stop with her beautiful face. YIKES!

My oldest was out sledding much longer. She has been out for at least a hour each day. She loves it! My youngest calls the snow ice! So funny! She does not hesitate to scream her dislike of the "ice".

Anyway, here is the yummy French Onion Soup I made for my in-laws. It was perfect for when they came out of the cold winter day of sledding

My French Onion Soup

-3-4 Medium sized Red Onions
-3-4 Medium sized Yellow Sweet Onions
-6 TB Butter

Melt the butter and then saute the onions until golden brown and yummy. If you need to add more butter...PLEASE do so!

-1-2 tsp. thyme
-1 tsp. salt
-1 tsp. pepper

Add to the sauteed onions.

-8 cps. of beef broth

Add the beef broth and let simmer!

You will need:

-Sliced baguettes
-Provolone Cheese

Top each bowl of soup with sliced baguettes and then top with cheese. Put each oven proof bowls in the oven on broil. When they are crispy and turning brown remove them and serve on a plate!

Yummy! Now, eat this entire bowl of delish and go back out for sledding for a few hours or you can take a long nap with a warm cozy blanket!

Twice Baked Potatoes for Papa

2010-01-07T07:31:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned before, I am staying with my in-laws until my husband has us moved. My father-in-law mentioned one of his favorites is twice baked potatoes....I HAD TO MAKE THEM FOR HIM!

Twice Baked Potatoes

found on allrecipes.com

4 very large russet potatoes
1 cp. sour cream
1/2 cp. milk
1.2 tsp. salt and pepper
8 slices of bacon, cooked
1 cp. cheddar cheese
4 tb butter
1. Bake the potatoes on 350 for a hour.
2. Remove. Slice in half and remove the pulp carefully. Add the pulp to a bowl. Add the sour cream, butter, milk, salt, pepper and half of the cheddar and bacon.
3. Top each with the remaining half of the bacon and cheese.
4. Bake on 400 for 10-15 min.

EAT!!!!

These are so so good. They are not the best for you, but they are worth the extra exercise every once in awhile.

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The Best Dinner Rolls

2009-12-30T07:24:00.003-05:00

As I said in my previous post I am staying with my in-laws until Feb.(We were sick of Suite Living!) We left my husband to fend for his own in sunny Florida. He is actually preparing for a big move to Gainesville, FL on Jan. 11! Finally!! I am in MI, far far away from my fantastic husband and I am planning our daughters 2nd Birthday. It will be our first family birthday party since 06! I am pretty excited!! (Don't worry, I will be posting all about it.)My hubs may even be flying in to take part of celebrating Bailey's birth. (Fingers crossed)
Now, back to my point. My father-in-law loves bread. This works out for me...I love to make bread!! Last night my mother-in-law made dinner (we take turns). I had to make something!!! (I start getting squirmy if I can't cook.) I made rolls. These rolls are fantastic...They are Peter Reinharts recipe. I adore him. :)

Dinner Rolls
Peter Reinhart, Artisan Bread Every Day

1 Tb instant yeast
1 3/4 cp. hot milk + 2 TB
6 1/4 cp. of unbleached bread flour
2 tsp. salt
5 1/2 TB sugar
6 TB of melted butter
1 egg

1. Add the yeast and hot milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add the yeast milk and the rest of the ingredients.
3. With a paddle attachment let mix for 2 minutes.
4. Switch to the bread hook and let mix for additional 4 minutes.
5. Put the dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let sit for 2 hours...Double in size.
6. When the dough is ready roll it out. Until it about 1/2 an inch think. Melt butter and wipe it on the top of the dough. Evenly. Fold the dough like a fan and then cut in squares. Put the squares in a greased muffin tin.
7 Bake on 400 for 8-15 minutes.

I am back!!!

2009-12-29T07:28:00.005-05:00

I am back!!!!
Are you excited?!
I am!!!
I am so sorry it has been so long, but we have been very busy in my family.
We drove 20 hours to Ohio and Michigan to celebrate the holidays with family. We did have a wonderful and a very eventful Christmas. It was magical! I love being with my family during the holidays!My husband drove back to FL yesterday. The kiddos and I are staying with my Mother-in-Law and Father-in-Law in Michigan while my husband is moving us to Gainesville. We will be here until Feb. I already miss my husband and it will be hard, but it has been too chaotic with the hotel situation. I am going to cook from my mother in law's HUGE kitchen every other day. I will be posting all about it!!!

Here is what I made all my family:

I made three types:
Butterscotch Coconut Cookies
White Chocolate Cranberry
Hot Cocoa

On Christmas Eve my mother made:

Crab Legs
Prime Rib
Mussels
Shrimp Cocktail
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Salad
Cheese Ball
Cheese and Meat Tray

It was so so fantastic. I would have pictures to post, but my camera did not work!!!!

Take my word for it! It was so so so good!!!
I take after my mom! I am very proud to say!! She also made a huge Christmas breakfast:

Potato and Ham Casserole
Egg Casserole
Fresh Fruit Salad
Smoked Pork Canadian Bacon

THEN she made a huge dinner:

Homemade Meatballs
Capressa Sausage
Pasta
Stuffed Hot Peppers
Salad
Antipasto

She so rocks! I helped, but she made most of the food by herself! She is my hero! The food was amazing. The company was amazing! I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I know I did!!

News! News! News!

2009-12-13T08:36:00.005-05:00

I am so sorry that I have MIA. I have been sick and after finally going to the Urgent Care yesterday I was diagnosed with WALKING PHENOMENA. It felt like a elephant was sitting on my chest! After loading me on meds I am finally starting to feel a little like myself! Finally! I can breath and talk. Wow. I forgot how that felt.

Anyway, I also have other big news. We are leaving for Ohio on Thursday for the holidays. Well, My mother-in-law asked my husband if we could stay with her until Feb. 1! They in-laws would then drive us back home once the hubs gets settled in Gainesville. (The reason with have been in limbo and staying at the EXTENDED STAY)

At first, the hubs and I were thinking, "HELL NO. THAT IS TO LONG AWAY FROM EACH OTHER!" Then, the hubs and I went back and forth with the pros and cons. Bailey's second Birthday is on Jan. 9 which means the hubs would miss it, BUT the entire family could be there! We have not had a family party since our move in 06!! (PRO)
The kids have been in rare form, but they are locked in a 400 sq. ft hotel room and my in-laws have a huge house with lots of toys and room. (Pro) My girls have a new set of twin girl cousins that turned one and a new lil boy cousin that will be one in January that they have not met.(Pro) If we stay up there they could see them on a regular basis. Not to mention be at there and celebrate their cousins FIRST BIRTHDAY! Full of family and fun. (Pro) The kids will get to see snow!!!!!! (Pro) Snowmen. (Pro) Sledding. (Pro)They will be with their Nana and Papa who ADORE them. (PRO PRO)
They Pro's were adding up quick.

There was only 2 REALLY BIG con's that I could think of:

1. The girls and I will be without their father for an entire month! (CON CON CON)I will miss my husband so much. My girls will miss their dad so much. How will he eat? Will he be bored? What will he do? Then, I remembered he is a big boy and 4 weeks will go by fast. He survived without me before.

2. I am deathly afraid of my father-in-laws driving. LOL! He will be driving us home.(Con) But I figured I could talk to my mother-in-law and have him drive slow and cautious. (He is a Ford guy. He loves fast cars. He owns a Mustang Cobra. Need I say more?)

So...It looks like the Pro's won! I am leaving the 18th for my mothers. We are staying at my mothers (I can't wait to spend Christmas with my mom and family. It is the only time it feels like Christmas to me.) until the 26 and then drive to Avon Lake, OH which is right on Lake Erie where my husbands family lives. We will stay there for a few days, then my hubs will drive to FL all alone. My kids and I will drive to Canton, Michigan and stay for the month of January. We will be back on the first wk. of February.

DON"T WORRY!!! I will be cooking at my Mother-In-Law's!!! My mother-in-law is not to big of a fan of cooking. Her idea of cooking is Stouffers Lasagna. I will be posting from her beautiful huge kitchen (Pro) and not my lil hotel kitchen. She already told me I could bake and cook until my little heart is content....(I guess, she does not know who she is talking to. LOL)

I WILL GET TO SEE A WHITE CHRISTMAS!!!! I WILL GET TO SEE ALL, I MEAN ALL OF MY FAMILY!! WHAT A MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

NOW BACK TO FOOD!!!

I have been cooking up a storm, even while being sick this wk. I will be posting (Probably today the beautiful "Christmas Cookie's in a Jar" I made for the family and friends. Come back and check it out....

12 Days of Cookies: Nutella Buckeye Suprise

2009-12-06T14:41:00.008-05:00

Today, I have been in the kitchen trying to create my very own holiday cookie. I wanted to honor my home state of Ohio. In Ohio at Christmas time the most popular cookie is the Buckeye. Most people from out of Ohio have not heard of this spectacular cookie!

Let me tell you a few positives about the Buckeye and this recipe:

1. It is only a few ingredients that I can almost guarantee you have in your pantry!
2. No baking!!
3. Very Simple. (Kids can even help! They love being a helper!)
4. It is the most amazing time of year and is a great gift!

Why did I choose the Buckeye? It is my most memorable holiday cookie. All throughout my childhood I remember my mother and my aunts getting together to make holiday cookies! This was the one we could not wait to gobble up. The normal Buckeye includes peanut butter rolled in a ball and dipped into chocolate. They look like a buckeye. I wanted this to be a little more special! I created this cookie for In Jennie's Kitchen and the 12 Days of Cookies! I want to support Childhood Hunger in anyway I can....

I am submitting this recipe to another amazing site: Tongue-n-Cheeky!
She has an incredible cookie bake off. I love this site and the wonderful recipes she shares. Check it out. Vote for me too!

Make sure you stop by her site and see the wonderful cookies!

MY First Christmas Cookie Recipe NUTELLA BUCKEYE SUPRISE:

3/4 cp. peanut butter
3/4 cp. nutella
1 Stick of butter, melted
4 cps. powdered sugar

6 oz. Chocolate
2 TB Shortening

Hershey Kisses ( I used a variety. The pic is Caramel Hershey Kiss.)This is optional I put them is some, but not all. I also used white chocolate to cover the Buckeyes, but not only did they not look like Buckeyes. They did not taste as good.

1. In a mixer add the peanut butter, nutella, butter and powdered sugar. It will look crumbly, but when you form when you roll it.(Kinda like Meatballs.)If you are using Hershey Kisses then roll the dough around the kiss.

2. Put in the freezer for ten minutes.
3. Use a toothpick and put it in each buckeye then roll it in the melted chocolate. (I usually just add the chocolate and shortening to the Microwave for 30 seconds then stir.)

4. After you coat each Buckeye put them in the fridge of freezer to harden.

Beware! These are addictive!

NOW! EVERYONE go over to Tongue and Cheeky and leave a comment voting for me! It will only take a minute. Love you all. Cross your fingers for me!! :)

Suite Meal 9: Peter Reinharts Coffee Cake

2009-12-05T20:44:00.007-05:00

Of course, this bread is divine. Since, I have started cooking recipes from Peter Reinharts Artisan Bread Every Day I have been super satisfied and amazed at how incredible each recipe turns out. I have made his pizza dough atleast once a week! It makes a good bit and I like to try to keep it in case the kiddos want pizza that week.

His sweet dough is SO SO AWESOME! The sweet dough is used to make cinnamon rolls, sticky rolls, coffee cake and some very yummy fruit filled thumbprint Rolls.

I have made his Cinnamon Rolls and it makes 24!!! But, trust me the 24 where gone in a heart beat! Friends, kids, and husband....GONE!

Peter Reinharts Sweet Dough:

6 1/4 cp. unbleached bread flour
2 tsp. salt
6 TB. sugar
5 tsp. yeast
2 cps + 2 TB warm milk
1/2 cp. butter or oil
zest of lemon

1. Add the yeast to milk.
2. Add the sugar, salt, flour together into a mixing bowl.
3. When the yeast dissolves into the milk add it to the dry ingredients. Add the butter or oil. Then the lemon zest. Using a paddle attachment mix for 1 minute. Switch to dough hook and let it mix for 4 minutes. Increase speed for two more minutes.
4. Knead for 2 minutes on a floured counter top.
5. Place in an oiled pan and put in the fridge over night.

Crumb Topping:

1 cp. flour
1 cp. brown sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cinnamon (I used a little more. I love cinnamon.)
1/8 tsp. nutmeg (I used pumpkin pie mix.)
1/2 cp. melted butter

1. Remove the dough from the fridge 2 hours before hand. I only used half the dough and put it in a loaf pan and used the other half of the dough to make 12 cinnamon rolls. The recipe calls to use a greased 12 by 16 in pan. Add the dough to the greased pan. Dip your fingers in melted butter. Press the fingers into the dough. (Almost like focaccia bread.)If it springs back then give it 20 minutes and try it again. Cover it with plastic wrap and cover for 2 hours.
It should double in size...
2. To make the crumb topping: whisk the first 5 ingredients then add the melted butter. Sprinkle the topping over the top of the bread....
3 Bake on 350 for 12 minutes and turn the pan and bake for another 12 minutes.

I just wanted to include some pictures from the zoo with the family this past weekend. It was so much fun to take them to the zoo in the cooler weather of FL. It is very seldom cold. I like to take advantage of the cold weather. Here they are! Enjoy

Suite Meal 8: Oh My Steak Roll Ups!

2009-11-30T22:01:00.005-05:00

Steak. Steak. Steak.
I am not sure what to call this. Heaven!?
I made a Steak Sub with Spicy Coleslaw, Marinates Sirloin, Fries, and a little bit of cheese.
I used sourdough bread in this pic. I used the sauce to dip the bread too. Kinda like a Panini meets French dip.

Here is what I marinates the Sirloin in:

1/2 cp. A1
3-4 cps. Beef Broth
3 TB Worcestershire Sauce
3 TB Montreal Steak Seasoning.

Marinate over night

I removed the Sirloin and added Montreal Seasoning to both sides of the Sirloin. I then seared both sides of the sirloin to form a crust.
Add the marinate (make sure you scrap the yummies off the bottom of the pan.) and simmer for a few hours. Remove the sirloin from the broth. Let Rest. Slice very thin and add back to the broth.
I cooked a lot of sirloin 4lbs, so of course I had a lot leftover. I made another sandwich for my husband and I made a roll-up using the same ingredients. I love the roll-up. I can't stand hard bread scratching the roof of my mouth, but the hubs loves any sandwich he can get.
I must admit this is one of the best sandwiches yet.....

Wow. What can I say?! IT was super yummy. I just used a huge flour tortilla and added the steak, coleslaw, mozzarella cheese, fries, and a little horseradish.

Suite Meal 7: Gnocchi with Spicy Salami

2009-11-23T20:36:00.004-05:00

What a day?! Right!

I found out that we are going to drive 15 hrs. to see my family in OH, which made my week. I miss my family so much and love them even more. My mom and sisters are my best friends. I can't wait to celebrate with them.

Today I was stranded in the small hotel with my babies by myself ALL DAY. WOW. They bounced from one side of the wall to the other. My Bailey received three or four booboo's. She is potty training for the second time! She was almost fully trained until I moved to this room. Now, I am starting over. Well, she peed twice on the floor. Yep. At least, it was in the bathroom. After my day, I drank half a bottle of wine. LOL. (Oh. Don't get me wrong. I love my kids more then life itself).

There was one positive aspect in my day I went to World Market and spent 50 dollars worth of stuff, but payed 29!! I bought some authentic spicy salami sausage, Chorizo, Gnocchi (can't make my own like the other lovely blogs I have visited. My kitchen is WAY to small.) , some awesome canned tomatoes and much more.

BUT I made the Salami Sausage and the Gnocchi for this amazing dish. After a day like today. I made this meal all in one pot. Easy. No mess. Quick. SO SO YUMMY

1 LG Volpi Stick Hard Salami (Good Quality) Mine was super SPICY

2 Cans Whole Tomato (Good Quality)
5 cloves of Garlic
1 LG Onion.
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. basil
3 tsp. oregano
2 tsp. sugar
Pepper
1/4 cp. parm cheese
1 cp. mozz. cheese
2 1lb packages of gnocchi

1. Cut the salami in small bit size pieces. Brown with a little olive oil. Add the onions and garlic. Cook until brown. When the veggies are tender and the salami is brown add the tomatoes. Toss and add the herbs and parm cheese. Toss. Let simmer. Turn up the heat.

2. Add the gnocchi to the boiling pan. Top with the mozz. cheese. Close the lid. Turn it off

3. Serve. So so yummy.

Goodbye Detergent

2009-11-20T20:25:00.005-05:00

Let me begin by saying I fell upon a product called Goodbye Detergent. It is an environmental friendly scrub made out of very unique material. The Goodbye detergent is made of recycled corn cobs, peach pits, & walnut shells. HOW INTERESTING IS THAT!?

When using Goodbye Detergent you will not have to use soap. Many soaps are toxic and harmful to the environment anyway!!

These abrasive Goodbye Detergent is sold in a 100% recycled material.

There are three forms of Goodbye Detergent. There is Kitchen Cleaning Pads, Indoor Cleaning Pads and Spaghetti Scrubs (Which is what I use.)

I want to share the list of positives that I found on their site:

Reusable scrubs last for months
Unique pliable shape
Great for peeling vegetables
Lack of mold and bacteria
No smell or rust
Save money and the environment by reducing the need for soaps

Awesome. Right?!

I have one and use it daily! I love it! IT saves a lot of money on buying detergent and it keeps everything really clean.

This is a great Eco-friendly way to keep your dishes clean and help the environment.
Check out their site at: http://goodbyedetergent.com
I know I have many Eco-friends that will love this for the holidays!!!

Suite Meal 6 : My Shredded Pork Meals

2009-11-18T20:44:00.003-05:00

I made shredded pork on Monday and it has made me meals since. That is what happens when you shred 8lbs of pork. Anyway, I came up with a different meal to serve with the pulled pork the last three nights. I thought I would share it with my great friends.

My Pulled Pork:

8-10lb pork shoulder
5 spicy sausage links, sliced thin

The rub
1/4 cp. ancho chili powder
2 Tsp garlic powder
2 Tsp cumin
2 Tsp Seasoned Salt
1 tsp black pepper

1 Tb. oil (if needed)
1 lg. red onion
2 jalapenos
8 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 cps. chicken broth
5 TB White vinegar
Hot sauce- to taste

1. Rub the pork with the rub! (Mix the seasonings). Sear on both sides on Med-High heat for 3-5 min on each side. When Browned on all sides, then remove.
2. Add onions, jalapenos, garlic to the pan. If you do not have enough grease from the pork then add some oil. Scratch the brown bits. Turn heat down and cook until soft. Add the chicken broth and put the pork back into the pan.
3. Cook on low for hours until shreds apart. When it shreds apart add the white vinegar and hot sauce. (My husband likes it spicy so I add a good bit.)

First night, I made pulled pork and sausage with spicy rice. The second night, I made pulled pork sandwich. Tonight, I made pulled pork pizza. Wow. It got better each night. I used the pizza crust from below. It was my second batch. That crust is by far the best ever. It paired perfect with the pulled pork pizza.

Suite Meal 5: Homemade Pizza and Peter Reinharts Incredible Pizza Dough

2009-11-14T14:06:00.004-05:00

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I am still working through Peter Reinharts book Artisan Breads Every Day. I have searched and searched and searched for that perfect pizza pie crust. I think, I may have found it! I am not blowing smoke. I think this may have been the best homemade pizza that has ever came out of my kitchen.

I did not just make it for me. Believe it or not I made it for three families. I made one large pizza for my husband and I. I made one large pizza for my buddy who had surgery and was need of some taking care of. I made another one for my bf who watched my kiddos when my husband and I went out to dinner. YES, it was that good. It got rave reviews from all.
It was the crust! My girlfriend said it was the buttery and favorite pizza crust she has ever had!

The Amazing Pizza Crust by Peter Reinhart. (It is really really easy and so so worth the time. Trust me.)
from Artisan Breads Every Day

5 1/3 cp. unbleached bread flour
2 tsp. salt or 1 tb. kosher salt
1 tsp. yeast
2 TB sugar
2 cps + 2 TB water at room temperature
2 TB olive oil (you will need more. Lots more.)

1. Combine all the ingredients with paddle attachment. Mix for 1 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes until it is fully hydrated.
2. Mix with dough hook or by hand for 2 to 3 minutes. Spread 1 TB of oil on the work surface and add the dough. Stretch and fold the dough. It says to divide into 5 personal sizes. I separated it into three lg. pizza sizes. Add to a greased freezer bag and put in the fridge. Let sit in the fridge for 24 hours or up to 4 days. It will last in the freezer for months!
3. When ready to bake remove 90 minutes before baking time. With olive oil hands stretch and round into tight. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rest at room temperature until ready to bake.
4. Preheat oven. Stretch the crust with oiled hands until desired size. I bake my on 415.

My Pizza Sauce:

1 8oz. can tomato paste
The same 8 oz. can with water and scrapped clean
1/4 cp. grated parm
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
salt and pepper

Add all in small sauce pan cook until warm.

Top with favorite toppings. I made pasta with meatballs and sausage the night before, so I sliced the meatballs and sausage very thin for the pizza.

Suite Mea 4: Jalapeno Bagels

2009-11-09T22:16:00.004-05:00

Oh how I love my new little oven. But I love my new books more: Artisan Breads Every Day by Peter Reinhart

He rocks! I am now addicted. I actually think I need an intervention. I have made two breads: Bagels and Challah Bread

I have made these in less then two days! My husband is afraid I am trying to make him fat and I can't stop!!

I need more!!! I need more!!!! I want to make the Cinnamon Rolls, The pizza, The Chocolate Bread, The Chocolate Croissants, The English Muffins. LOL. Should I go on?

I am honestly going to give the homemade Croissants a try today or tomorrow....We shall see.

I also received his Bread Bakers Apprentice. That will be my next book I cook out of. It looks like lots of fun too.

Oh, how I love bread.

Now, let me just say. These are mouthwatering and amazing. I made his bagels, but I made my husbands favorite. I made Jalapeno Cheddar Bagels! They are FANTASTIC! Yes, I am patting my own back! I am very very surprised I managed to make Jalapeno Cheddar Bagels in my VERY VERY small hotel kitchen.

Now, on to the recipe

Jalapeno Cheddar Bagels
adapted from Peter Reinhart's Artisan Breads Every Day

1 TB honey
1 tsp. instant yeast
2 tsp. coarse salt
1 cp + 2 TB lukewarm water
3 1/2 cp. bread flour, unbleached
2 jalapenos diced

Poaching liquid:

3 quarts of water
1 1/2 TB honey
1 TB Baking Soda
1 1/2 tsp. coarse salt

1. Add malt, salt, yeast and water. Let set for a few minutes. Mix with the flour and jalapenos with dough hook for three minutes on the lowest speed. (Or mix by hand with sturdy spoon.)Rest for 5 minutes.
2. Mix for another 3 minutes. Place in a lightly oiled boil for an hour. Make sure that you tightly wrap with plastic wrap.
3. Line pan with parchment. Spray with oil and divide into 6 to 8 equal sizes. Roll on a dry surface and then form the bagels. Spray with oil if you need too.
4. Place each bagel on the pan spay with oil and cover over night.
5. Remove bagels 90 minutes before ready to prepare. (Place in a cup of cold water to see if it floats. It is ready if it floats.)
6. Prepare the poaching liquid. Cover. Bring to a boil. Then let simmer. Add the ingredients.
7. Poach each bagel 60 minutes each side. Remove. Put on oiled baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. 450 oven. Bake 8 minutes, then rotate for another 8 minutes. (I topped mine with cheddar here.)

I made Breakfast sandwiches for the hubby and I for breakfast the last few mornings. I also made BLT (picture above) for lunch. These turned out so wonderful. Mine where shaped a little oddly. Not as much like bagels, but it was because of my lack of spray oil and I used regular AP flour. I did not have bread flour.
I still tasted amazing.

You can make a huge batch and freeze them. Take them out when needed. They are incredible and worth the time. If I can make them in a tiny hotel room. I promise you can make them! Enjoy!

THIS IS FOR YOU INGRID! MUAH!

Suite Meal 3: Reubens and Smitten Kitchens Brown Butter Rice Crispies

2009-11-07T15:09:00.006-05:00

Oh my! I have great news. Today I went to yard sales with my best friend and I found a Cuisinart Brick Oven (brand new usually 250) for 100 buckaroos!!!!

I HAVE AN OVEN!! I HAVE AN OVEN!!! LOL! I am already baking some Jalapeno Cheddar Bagels. You will see it very soon.....

Anyway, Smitten Kitchen is a incredible website. She posted a Brown Butter Rice Crispies (ESPECIALLY without an oven) this looked perfect for the family. It was more then perfect (SUPERB,MOUTHWATERING,HEAVENLY...). My husband declared them the best rice crispies ever. I actually have to go and make more tonight. He is in Mexico for work and announced that there better be some left. The girls ate them all by Friday! Ha! He deserves something special when he gets back.

Caramelized Shallots and Sauerkraut Reuben's
1 lb shallots
3 cps. Sauerkraut
3 TB raw horseradish
4TB butter

4 lb beef brisket with seasoning packets
2 cps. beef broth
salt and pepper

Rye Bread
Swiss Cheese

1.Add the 1/2 the seasoning packet, salt and pepper on one side of the brisket. Heat the skillet and sear. Add the rest of the seasoning to the other side of the brisket and flip. Add the beef broth to the brisket and turn on low heat and cook until tender. It takes about 4 hours.
2. (Do this towards the end of the brisket cooking)Cut the shallots in rings. Add it to two tablespoons of butter on medium high heat. Cook until soft and starting to brown.
3. Add the sauerkraut to the pan. Add two more tablespoons of butter and horseradish. Salt and pepper the sauerkraut and shallots. Caramelize. It takes about 8-10 minutes.
4. I use my panini maker. Add the Swiss cheese to both sides of the bread layer with the sliced brisket and sauerkraut. You can also use Thousand Island. I love it, but the husband hates it.

Enjoy!!

Oh my. Now, the best Rice Crispies EVER!

Salted Brown Butter Rice Crispies (From Smitten Kitchen)

I changed the recipe a little. I only had salted butter, so I did not add any more salt. Also I doubled the recipe.

2 sticks of salted butter
2 bags 10 oz. marshmallows
1 LG box of Rice Crispies (Family size. On the back it says 12 cps)

Here is the hint at why these are so different and so dangerously addictive:
1. Brown the butter. I constantly stirred the butter for about 4-5 min on Medium-High heat until a medium colored brown. You do not want it to burn. It is a fine line between brown butter and burnt butter. You can smell it when it is ready. It smells nutty and wonderful.
2. of the burner and add the marshmallows. Stir Stir Stir. If you need to add to the heat for a second. But it all melted for me without having to go back on the burner. Add the cereal.
3. I greased a 9x11 pan. It did not look like it was going to fit, but I pushed it down and compressed it. It fit perfect and it tasted wonderful.

I just want to let you know. My daughter called for these in her sleep. I am not joking!!! They are that wonderful.
Give these simple, yummy, and beautiful treats a try!!!

I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!!

Suite Meal #2: Braised Chicken, Leeks and Artichokes

2009-11-03T20:24:00.004-05:00

Oh. What. A. Day.

My children decided to wake up at 5 am.! Well, let me rephrase that. My husband getting up and ready for work in our TINY room woke up the children at 5 am!

I decided to do a little grocery shopping before dropping my baby off to school at 9. I figured it would help out because I can put the kiddos and myself to sleep at noon after school. BAD MISTAKE!

#1 Mistake: I gave my oldest vitamins on our way out the door. She wanted a doughnut soooooooo I was going to grab it as soon as we got inside the store. Let me just say, we made it to the doughnuts, but it was not a doughnut I put in the doughnut bag .Alex's stomach was upset from the lack of food before her vitamin. The good news, she ate and felt a lot better..

#2 Mistake: I had Alex sitting in the big section of the grocery cart. Bailey sat in the top. Well, I was running out of room for groceries without COMPLETELY burying Alexandra. I put a few groceries with Bailey. I grabbed a few rolls of paper towels and Alex thought it would be funny to throw them back out.

GRRR. I pick them up. Put them back into the cart.
CRASH. Bailey thought it would be funny to throw a entire bottle of A1 across the grocery store. Yes, it shattered. Yes, it splattered. Yes, I was horrified.

I walked to the front. (Not much staff at 7 am) I found a worker and informed there was a spill. I took the kids back to the disaster and apologize to the older man cleaning my TIRED kiddos work of art.

This all happened before 8 am. Yes, the day did get better. I MADE MY SECOND SUITE MEAL: BRAISED CHICKEN LEEKS, AND ARTICHOKES. It was a lovely end to a hectic insane day.
First, add 2 TB of butter and let melt. Salt and Pepper both sides of the chicken and brown both sides. While the chicken is browning cut the leaks in small bite size pieces and let soak in water to remove any dirt. Remove the chicken and add the leaks and another 2 TB. of butter.

Let the leaks soften and then add the wine. Let reduce. Add quartered artichokes. Toss. Add the chicken broth, cream and salt and pepper. When soft add the chicken and top parm. cheese. Cover. Let cook for 10 min on med-high heat.

THE INGREDIENTS:

4 TB. butter
4 Chicken Breast
6-8 leeks trimmed, cut in bite size pieces.
1 15oz. of Artichoke quarters, drained
2/3 cp. dry white wine
2/3 cp. chicken broth
2/3 cp. heavy cream
1/4 cp. parm cheese
salt and pepper

I must say, this turned out wonderful. SO SO FLAVORFUL AND YUMMY. I served with white rice, but it would be awesome on top of pasta too! I actually ate it on top of peirogies. WOW!

Enjoy!!!!!

"Suite Meals #1"

2009-11-02T18:06:00.004-05:00

My clever husband decided I should call the meals I make in my little hotel room (efficiency) "Suite Meals". He is very creative....that is what I tend to call them. This is more like a second meal from leftovers...But he was so proud and said that I HAD TO POST IT...

So, Here it is. My first SUITE MEAL:

Chili Carne Mac n Cheese (My husband took the pictures too...)

2 cps. of my Chili Carne (Remade it this weekend for friends for Halloween)

1 box of Velveeta Mac and Cheese

1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

1/4 cp. crushed tortilla chips.

1. Boil the pasta. Drain. Set aside.
2. Add the Velveeta Cheese, Chili and Cayenne..Cook until boiled.
3. Add the noodles and stir. Put in a bowl and top with the chips....

Needless to say, my husband ate the whole bowl. LOL. I usually do not post simple recipes like this, but he enjoyed it so much. He begged for me to post it....

By the way, YES...That is a jalapeno in his beer. It is his favorite way to drink his beer. I introduced it to him after I seen Bobby Flay do it...Now, he never drinks without one!

My New Kitchen

2009-11-01T07:17:00.003-05:00

Today, I am in a new home. I am a little sad because I adored my old place, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I am now living in an Extended Stay!!! It is SUPPOSE to be for a month. (My fingers are crossed.) We are waiting for a job that my husband has in Gainesville, FL. Man oh Man...This will be a unique twist to my site.....

I only have two burners. NO oven to make homemade bread or cookies. NO dishwasher and barely any room. I will be trying to create as many one dish meals possible for the next month.

WISH ME LUCK!

I Feel So Loved......

2009-10-27T20:56:00.004-04:00

Lets be honest. I am never stressed about anything. I live life fully and enjoy every moment. I am very calm and down to earth. BUT right now I feel stressed out and to receive these awards has brought me happiness this week. I received 5 awards this week! It feels good to be recognized by your fellow peers. I received the HONEST SCRAP award form the talented Claudia from The Journey of The Italian Cook. Her site is inspiring. She is a incredible women who cooks and works in theater. I adore her site!

I received the Kreativ Blogger and One Lovely Blog Award from Rachael from Laptop and Stovetops and also from Claudia at Pegasuslegend. Both are creative in their own way and are amazing cooks. They also live in Florida with me! Thank you so much for inspiration

The first award informs you that you have to name ten things about yourself. The other two asks for 7 things.I am just going to tell you ten and I will pass all three awards to 7 fellow foodies. I hope that will not confuse, but I would hate to pass them out separately. I would be here all night. LOL

1. I am a twin (I also have a little sister and brother. Both my sisters visit my site regularly for inspiration in the kitchen. LOVE YOU GUYS!)
2. I am moving to an extended stay on Halloween for a month!!!! NO OVEN!! It stresses me out a little...
3. I moved to Florida a little over three years ago. I hated it at first, but now I am in love with Florida. I do miss the fam. They live in Ohio
4.& 5. I went to Kent State University. I graduated with 2 BA's in four yrs. YEAH, but I have not used my college diploma's. I have had the best job: Stay at Home Mom
6. I have two beautiful little girls. (1 yr. old Bailey and 4 yr. old Alex)Shhhhh....I still want one more beauty.
7. I love Food Blogging and the amazing wonderful people I have met.
8. I am addicted to House, Lie to Me, and Bones.
9. I made my daughters Halloween costume this year. It was so hard, but I finished it with flying colors...
10. MUAH! I love you guys! Thank you for being such great friends!

The Bloggers I pass the Award on To:

1. My girl Ingrid from 3 B's: Baseball, Baking and Books, She rocks! ROCKS! Rocks! I love the recipes she posts. She is an incredible mom too!!!!
2. Cristine of The Mistress of Cakes. She went through a lot this yr, but is back in the kitchen. I can't wait to see what she posts next! I adore her recipes!!!
3. Pam from For The Love Of Cooking, She was my true inspiration to start my own site. Her and my next amazing blogger. I loved to cook and went to their sites on a regular basis. They inspired me.
4. Leslie from The Hungry Housewife. I love Leslie and her talent!! Her recent cakes are OFF THE HOOK!
5. GirlChef Wow. She rocks. Her pictures and unique posts are INCREDIBLE.
6. The Cookin Canuck, I visit her blog on a dailey basis to see what she is cooking up. She is extremely talented.
7. Donna at My Tasty Treasures. She makes me laugh and crave sex and food!!! LOL!!

I am so lucky to have met these amazing bloggers. Thank you for the award!

Cinnamon Crumb Suprise Bread

2009-10-26T10:17:00.006-04:00

Well, let me just tell you. I will be living without an oven for atleast a month...SOOOO I will be baking a lot this week. I need my fix. I might have to visit some friends and use their oven. Anyway, this is a recipe that I found in the Bread Bible. It is very yummy.(VERY VERY..IT IS ALREADY GONE) It reminded me off a coffee cake, but better. Who would not love a bread that has the middle filled with Apple and Cinnamon goodness? I hope everyone had a great weekend!

The Crumb Topping

1/4 cp. light brown sugar packed

1 1/2 TB. Granulated sugar

3/4 cp. walnuts (I used pecans. I love pecans.)

1 tsp. cinnamon

8 TB. Cake Flour, unsifted

3 TB. butter, melted

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

1. In a food processor blend the sugars, nuts and cinnamon. Set 1/2 cp. aside. Add the cake flour, butter and vanilla. Pulse. Put in the fridge for 20 minutes.

2. Preheat oven at 350

THE APPLE FILLING and BATTER

1 Apple, skinned and seeded, chopped (1 heaping cup)

2 tsp. lemon juice

1 Lg. Egg

2 Lg. Egg Yolks

1/2 cp. Sour Cream

1 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract

1 1/2 cp. Sifted Flour (Must be sifted into the cup for right measurements. Do not tap.)

3/4 cp. sugar

1/4 tsp. baking powder

3/8 tsp. baking soda (I just put a little less then 1/2 tsp.)

pinch of salt

9 TB. softened butter

1. Peel, core, and cut the apples in cubes.Toss in lemon juice.

2. Medium bowl combine one fourth of the sour cream, the eggs, and vanilla.

3. Mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix on low until combined.

4. Add the butter and remaining sour cream into the mixer.

5. Add egg mixture in two batches.

4. Fill greased pan half way (2/3 of the batter) Add the rest of the 1/2 cp. cinnamon and sugar mixture and top with the apples. Drop the remaining batter and spread over. Top with the crumb topping.

5. Bake 50-60 minutes. Let cool

Halloween Fun

2009-10-25T12:02:00.005-04:00

It has been complete chaos. We are moving most of our stuff out of the house this weekend. We plan to finish and be completely moved out by Saturday (Halloween) morning. Not to mention, Bailey (my lovely two yr. old) had me up all night (I mean ALL NIGHT.) I finally fell asleep at 3 in the morning! Then up at 7 am! Needless to say, I am exhausted. Running on four hours of sleep. I finally finished Alex's costume. (I let her pick out the garment and I made her a witch costume. The pic is above in her costume) My husband informed me that it was one of the best costumes at the zoo. ( I missed out on Boo at the Zoo because I was home with sick Bailey.)

ALSO, we had to carve pumpkins because we will be living in an extended stay on Halloween! Yep! I will be held up in an extended stay for a MONTH! But don't worry. It will be a unique twist at MFLE. I will post all the food you can make in a SUPER tiny kitchen with NO OVEN!!! I will have withdraws. LOL.
By the way, I bought The Bread Bible. I am in love!!! I already made the first recipe. I will share it tomorrow!!! Take care and I hope you had a WONDERFUL weekend....

Fabric!?

2009-10-22T09:05:00.003-04:00

I know this is a food blog, but I am a avid sewer too! I am actually making my daughters witch costume. (If I can get it done.) I have two very sick kids and I am moving this weekend.

Anyway, I wanted to share with my amazing followers this amazing giveaway. You can find the giveaway here. For my amazing friends, if you post that you found out about the giveaway from muah it will give me an extra chance....so stop in post a comment and link it back to me!! Thanks in advance!! You guys rock!!!

Thanks!!!!

Cool Weather in Sunny Florida

2009-10-20T12:59:00.005-04:00

We finally got a taste of fall in Florida this weekend! It was awesome! I moved to FL a little over three years ago. I miss Fall so much! Fall is my favorite season. This weekend it was in the 60's! Breezy! Perfect!

The weather was SCREAMING fall! The first thought that popped in my mind is CHILI! I went to my favorite butcher who HAPPENED to have Sirloin Steak on sale...mmmhh..what a coincidence. Here is my Sirloin Steak Chili! Enjoy!

2 lbs on Sirloin, cut in cubes
1 Red Onion, chopped
1 Red Pepper, Chopped
1 Jalapeno, Chopped
1 Poblano, Chopped
2 Garlic Cloves, Chopped

1. Toss together and let the beef brown and the veggies get soft. (Can I just say, the beef was so tender and amazing.)

1 tsp. Oregano
2 TB. Chipotle Chili Powder
1 tsp. Cumin
Lawrys Salt and Pepper

2. Add the seasoning and toss.

1 Small Can of Paste
4 15 oz. Fire Roasted Tomatoes
1 15 oz. Tomato Sauce
2 15 oz. Dark Red Kidney Beans
2 15 oz. Black Beans

3. Add the Tomatoes, Beans and Paste. Stir.
4. Let simmer until thick. I usually let it simmer for a few hours.

Top with Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream and Tator Tots (One of the best toppings EVER!)

By the way, Sorry for the delay. My 4 yr. old came down with Bronchitis. She is horribly sick. Not to mention, we are moving by Halloween, so I am packing and preparing....WHEW.

THIS IS WHAT WE MADE WITH THE LEFTOVERS:
YES! This is Steak Chili Pizza...IT ROCKED!!!

ENJOY!!

O Olive Oil Giveaway/ Fall Collection

2009-10-16T18:28:00.005-04:00

I reviewed O Olive Oil a few months back. I enjoyed their product immensely. You can find the review here.It was an enjoyable post to write and a fantastic product to use.

Today I am offering a giveaway. It will be for their Charcoal Box Fall Collection which includes O Blood Orange Olive Oil (I used to make my Orange and Cranberry Granola Bars), O Zinfandel Vinegar (One of my favorites.) and O Porto Vinegar. The gift box is beautiful and is worth close to 40 dollars! All you have to do is leave a line about how you would use this amazing gift set. I will announce a winner on Tuesday, October 20th.
For those who enjoy their product and would love O Olive Oil go to their site at: http://www.ooliveoil.com
Type in: kidsandfood
SAVE 10%
They have amazing and unique products.

GOODLUCK!!

THE WINNER WILL WIN THE ENTIRE COLLECTION !!

Pickled Banana Peppers

2009-10-15T21:39:00.005-04:00

I visit the farmers market every Wednesday and the last few weeks I would buy banana peppers to put on salad or pasta. They tasted fantastic without pickling.

I decided to make my own pickled banana peppers. I must say, YUM! I can't wait to add them to my sandwich and salads. I have already been opening the fridge and sneaking a few here and there.

ENJOY!

Pickled Banana Peppers

The BRINE:

1 TB Dried Dill Weed
1 1/2 cps. of Water
Quart of White Wine
3/4 cp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. of Pickling Salt

4 LBS Banana Peppers (Washed Well)
Garlic
Fresno Pepper or Jalapeno (Washed Well)

1. Boil the jars and lids and the brine in another. While the brine is warming up cut the peppers.

2. When the brine is ready add a garlic to each jar and a Fresno or Jalapeno pepper.

3. Pour the boiling brine over the top and add the lid. Boil for a few minutes until really hot. Let cool. The lids should seal if they do not store in the fridge.

Chocolate Cookie Covered Oreo's and Rolo's!

2009-10-13T07:06:00.004-04:00

What could be better then an Oreo Cookie or a Rolo Candy bar?

How about if they are covered in chocolate and sugar!? Needless to say my girls loved these. It is a good thing I made a vast amount.

I stumbled on the Chocolate Oreo cookies here. It is called my Tasty Treasures. It is about sex and food. What more could you ask for? It is very entertaining and will give you a little chuckle.

The ROLO AND OREO COOKIE RECIPE:
1 cp. of soft butter
1 cp. of sugar
1 cp. of brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. of vanilla
2 1/4 cp. of flour
3/4 cp. cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking powder

1. Cream the butter and sugar together for 3 minutes. Add one egg at a time. Add the vanilla.
2. Sift the flour cocoa and baking powder. Add it slowly to the wet mixture.
3. Place in the fridge for 2 hours.
4. Remove and flatten a small piece of the dough. Add a Rolo or Oreo in the middle and roll to cover completely.
5 Bake on 350 for 8 to 10 minutes. You do not want it to flatten. You want the Rolo still in form.

Apple Juice Pancakes with Sauteed Apples

2009-10-10T08:21:00.004-04:00

Let me start by saying that it began with only 1 cp. of milk.

I woke up this morning with my husband and kids asking for pancakes. I pulled out all my normal ingredients for my pancake batter. When I started making the pancakes I realized I only had 1 cp. of milk! I needed 1 3/4! What was I going to do!? I decided to substitute with Apple juice. My husband hates fruit IN his pancake, so I made a Apple topping. I usually do not commend myself but I WAS SO PROUD! It turned out so so good. Put it this way, both kids finished there entire plate! That never happens! That is the greatest compliment ever! HAPPY KIDS, HAPPY HUSBAND, AND HAPPY ME! The morning is off to a good start!

APPLE JUICE PANCAKES

1 cp. milk
3/4 cp. apple juice
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3 TB butter
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cp. sugar
2 cps. flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
pinch salt

1. I added the cinnamon, flour, salt, and baking powder and sifted it. Set it aside.

2. In the mixer I added the milk, apple juice, eggs, sugar, vanilla and butter. Mixed until combined. Slowly added the sifted mixture.

3. Cook on a oiled skillet. Add a 1/4 cp. batter per pancake. When it bubbles then flip it.

The Easy Topping: (Let me just say, I ran out of butter too! Haha. It is my shopping day today. But if you want to add some butter be my guest. But this turned out wonderful this way.

In a Skilled add two apples diced with 1/2 cp of apple juice, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, and 1/4 cp. Maple syrup. Cook only a few minutes. You do not want the apples to get to soft!

Bacon and Egg Salad

2009-10-09T07:09:00.003-04:00

My husband and I love salads. I was raised where we had a salad as a side for every meal. I make a huge salad almost every night. Today, the husband came home for work and wanted something healthy but filling for lunch. I made this salad and it was perfect. He finished it quickly and then fell asleep for an hour before heading back to work.
I bought organic local grown Arugula, Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Peppers that I could not wait to use. It was mighty tasty.

1 Head of Arugula
4 Cps of Mixed Greens
1/2 cucumber, sliced thing
1 Banana Pepper
1 Red Pepper
1/2 Red Onion, Slice thin
1 to 2 cups of Cherry Tomatoes
1 Carrot, sliced thin
2 Hard Boiled Eggs
4 Slices Bacon
Parm Cheese

Dressing of Choose.

I bought all of these ingredients at the farmers market and I could not wait to make a huge salad! Throw everything together and top with the bacon and eggs and some fresh Parm Cheese.

Sirloin Steak Sandwich and Stir Fry

2009-10-06T12:24:00.003-04:00

I have been nicknamed "Sandwich Queen". I make my husband sandwiches on a regular basis. He loves them and I love being creative with what I have in the kitchen. This week I made two loafs of sourdough bread! I made it from the Panera Bread recipe. It turned out perfect! I figured that steak would make an incredible combo with it.

I grilled the bread with butter and I could of just ate a the loaf of bread that way. So yummy. But I topped with with mozzarella cheese, then fries, and more mozzarella cheese and put it in the broiler. When the cheese was brown and crispy I added the steak. Then topped it off with carmalized onions! What a sandwich!
I marinated the sirloin with a bottle of A1, 1 cp. of soy sauce, salt and pepper.

We had a ton of steak leftover, so I made a stir fry out of it last night. It turned out really well.

Sirloin Steak Stir Fry

3 TB butter
1/4 cp. diced green onions
My leftover beef and carmalized onions
1 bag of frozen brocoli or fresh if you have it.
3 tsp. of garlic
3 tsp. hot chilli sauce
2 tsp. sugar
1 cp. of stir fry sauce
salt and pepper
Rice

1. Melt the butter and add the garlic and green onions until soft. Add the steak and carmalized onions until warm and brown. Add the brocolli until tender. Add the sauce and seasoning!
2 Serve on rice.

Spider Cupcakes for My Girls

2009-10-04T07:45:00.004-04:00

My girls love Halloween. My oldest has been asks, "Is Halloween tomorrow?" Almost everyday. I figured I would create something special for them. I bought a book called Ghoulish Goodies. Wow, what a great book.

I created these cupcakes from that book! Not to mention, they are super simple and look terrific!

THE RED VELVET CUPCAKE:

1 3/4 cp. flour
2 heaping TB of unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Sift together and set aside.

3/4 cp. veg. oil
1 sugar
1 cp. buttermilk
2 eggs
2 TB red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla
1 cp. chocolate chips

In a mixer add the sugar, veg. oil and buttermilk. Mix well. Add one egg at a time. Add the red food color and mix until red everywhere. Add the vanilla and chocolate chips.

Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients

Put in Cupcake tins. Bake on 350 for 18 minutes. Cool for Ten Minutes.

The Cream Cheese Frosting

1 8oz. cream cheese, soft
1 stick of butter, soft
6 cps confectioners sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extracts
1/2 cp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1. Beat the eggs and butter until smooth. Add one cup of sugar at a time. When all the sugar is used add the vanilla and cocoa. When cupcakes are cool top them with the icing

Use red licorice strings for the legs
I used Halloween M&M's for the eyes.
Chocolate Sprinkles

After icing the cupcake add as much chocolate sprinkles to make it look hairy. Press the legs and eyes in.
I let the girls decorate. If you look at the picture there is some cupcake with multiple eyes, my husband made those.....IT WAS A FAMILY AFFAIR!! SO MUCH FUN!!!

Autumn Cheesecake

2009-10-01T20:35:00.004-04:00

I must admit, this is the best cheesecake ever! This is absolutely perfect for the fall. This is my husbands all time favorite cheesecake. I also brought this to my family friends Thanksgiving party and it was a favorite.

I found this on Allrecipes.com one of my favorite sites. I changed a few things. I honestly think this cake should be illegal. It is so good. I could eat the entire pie.

AUTUMN CHEESECAKE

Crust:
1 cp. graham crackers
1/2 cp. pecans
3 TB. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cp. melted butter

1. In a food processor mix the sugar, cinnamon, graham crackers, and pecans. After freshly ground add the melted butter. Push into a 9 in. spring pan. Bake on 350 for 10 min.

3 soft cream cheeses
3 eggs
3/4 cp. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
5 cps. peeled and sliced apples
1/2 cp. sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cp. ground pecans

1. cream the cheese and sugar together. Add one egg at a time. Add the vanilla. Pour into the cool crust.
2. Toss the apples, sugar and cinnamon. Top the cream cheese with the apples. Add the pecans to the top.
3. Bake on 350 for 70 minutes.

Smoked Pork Shoulder

2009-09-28T21:25:00.007-04:00

The smoked shoulder that I smoked for over 12 hours! It turned out better then I have ever expecting!
Check out the pictures and the amazing outcome....I LOVE MY NEW SMOKER BOX!

I rubbed the pork shoulder with a layer of mustard (1/2 to 1 cp of mustard, depends on how big the pork shoulder is).
The rub I used (1/4 cp. paprika, 2 TB. seasoned salt, 2 TB garlic powder and 2 TB pepper). I rubbed the meat on top of the mustard and let it sit over night. The next morning my husband put it on the grill at 6 am and we took it off the grill around 4 pm. When the meat was beginning to fall from the bone.

My Purple Slaw

1/2 onion, sliced very thin

2 carrots, grated,

1/2 or 8 cps. shredded red lettuce

1/4 cp red win vinegar

4 TB olive oil

2 TB sugar

1 tsp. garlic powder and paprika

salt and pepper

1. I mixed the vinegar, oil, sugar, garlic,paprika, salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined. Toss the shredded veggies in the dressing.

This a picture of the pork when I pulled it for sandwiches. It was fantastic.

The sandwich!!

What do you do with all the pork leftover. I guess, you could continue to make sandwiches, but I wanted to try something different. I decided to make pulled pork egg rolls. I know that sounds weird, but it was awesome! It was worth the extra work.

PULLED PORK EGG ROLLS!

Leftover pulled pork

Leftover slaw

Egg roll wrappers

Egg

water

Whisk the egg and water together and make a egg wash.

Add a heaping helping of pork in the center of the egg roll wrapper.

Top it with the slaw.

Roll the one corner up and egg wash all ends.

Fold in both sides and the roll like a jelly roll. It should be sealed by the egg wash.

Believe it or not, I baked these babies!! Or should I say I broiled them until brown and crunchy and then turned them to the other side.When both sides where brown and crunchy they were done. I served with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Trust me, you will enjoy these babies.

Chicken Scampi Risotto

2009-09-27T08:35:00.002-04:00

Sorry, I have been celebrating my Birthday and I have been doing some crazy shopping with the gift cards I have received.(Believe it or not, I hate to clothes shop. I love to shop for food. LOL) How fun!! I bought a new massive wok and a smoker box, which I am using right now. We put a 10 lb pork shoulder on the grill with the smoker box at 6 am. I will let you know tomorrow how it turns out!

Anyway, this dish turned out fantastic. I was going to make Chicken Scampi pasta, until there was no pasta in the cupboard and two bags of risotto. I made this instead and it turned out even better then any pasta dish. My husband said he would prefer this dish.

Chicken Scampi Risotto

6 Chicken Breast, (Pounded until thin)
1 cp. flour
salt and pepper
2 TB Olive oil
2 TB butter

Add the salt and pepper to the flour and dredge the chicken into the flour. If you need to add more flour for the chicken go ahead.
Add the butter and oil to a hot pan. Put the chicken in the pan and brown both sides. Remove and put on a plate.

6 TBS butter
1/2 cp. chopped red onion
1 red bell pepper, julienned
1 green pepper, julienned
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/2 cp. white wine
1/2 cp. chicken broth

Melt the butter over medium in a pan. Add the onions and peppers and cook until soft. Add the garlic. Do not let it brown. Saute. Add the wine and let it reduce by half and add the chicken broth. Add the chicken to the pan. Let simmer.

The Risotto

2 cps. Risotto rice
1/2 cp. white wine
6 cps hot chicken broth
4 TB butter
2 TB olive oil
3/4 cp. parm cheese

1. Add 2 TB butter and olive oil to a pan. Add the rice and saute. 2 min. Add the wine until dissolved. Add a ladle of chicken broth at a time. Each time that it is absorbed add another ladle until finished. Taste it. When ready add the parm and 2 TB butter. It should take about 21 minutes.

ENJOY!!!!!

The Perfect Reuben

2009-09-21T22:08:00.003-04:00

I love Reuben and so does the Husband. It is a a favorite. This is the first time that I made the bread for the Reuben's too. I made a Reuben stuffed bread (Recipe below), which was amazing. That recipe is what inspired me to make this Rye Bread.

It was a huge hit. My husband loved it! I did not have one! I know, I know! I am trying to lose a few lbs.

Let me just say, it smelled like fall in my home. I made Pumpkin Bread from Baker Babes, Chicken broth (12 cps), Corned Beef, Rye Bread, and I created my own dessert PUMPKIN CHIFFON CAKE!!! I was busy in the kitchen and it was lovely. I will post the Chiffon Cake tomorrow. But for now, drool all over this sandwich!

Rye Sauerkraut Bread
1 cp. sauerkraut, drained
1-2 cups of Swiss cheese, cubed
3/4 cp. hot water
2 TB butter, soft
2 TB molasses
2 tsp. caraway seeds
big pinch of salt
1 cp. Rye Flour
2 1/2 cp. bread flour
1 1/2 tsp. fast acting yeast

Put in bread machine in that order.
If you do not have a bread machine: Add yeast to hot water. Add the water to the molasses, butter, seasoning. Add the flour 1 cp. at a time. Add the cheese.Knead. Let rise 1 hr.
Punch down and add to greased loaf pan. Let rise for another hr. and then bake on 350 for about an hour.

For the sandwich:

1 cp. french fries
1/2 cp. sauerkraut
1/2 lb Corned Beef (I cooked a brisket with its seasoning pack on 250 all day. I think chipped it on my food processor)
6 slices of Swiss cheese
1 TB Thousand Island (I added an extra bit of horseradish for a kick)

I put three slices of cheeses on both sides of the bread. I put the corned beef on the bottom slice of the bread and the fries on the top slice of bread. I topped the corned beef with the sauerkraut and Thousand Island. I closed the sandwich and put in my panini press for 5 min.

Pumpkin Pie time!?

2009-09-18T20:56:00.004-04:00

I love Pumpkin Pie! It is my husbands all time favorite pie! I made this pie and it was gone in one day. My husband and 4 yr. old fought over the last slice. I had to actually split it down the middle. HAHA.

I am going to have to make another one. I made Apple Pie too. That is Baileys and my favorite. It was terrific too.

I must admit, fall is my favorite. I LOVE Pumpkins!!! I love Halloween!! I love falling colorful leaves!! (I don't see that much living in FL and it truly bothers me!) and most of all I love Apple Cider and Caramel Apples.....TIS THE SEASON!

The BEST Pumpkin Pie

adapted from a recipe found on allrecipes.com

9 in. Pie Crust
15 oz Pumpkin
14 oz. Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 Egg yolks
1/4 cp. brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg and ginger
2 egg whites

1. Beat the pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, sugar and spices. I whipped the egg whites and folded it into the batter.

2. Poor into the pie crust.

3. Bake on 425 for 10 min and turn down to 350 and bake for 1 hr. or until a toothpick is clean when inserted.

Simple Tomato Salad or Brushetta...

2009-09-16T20:12:00.003-04:00

I have been stressing out a little. We are out of our place by Oct. 1 but as of right now, we are not sure where we are headed. If my husbands job will be starting, we will be in Gainesville, FL or we may have to linger here for a little longer until it starts. Extended Stay, maybe.....I just want this job to start and for the stress to diminish.

Good thing: this recipe is stress free, delish and made with all farmers market fresh veggies. I go to an incredible farmers market every wed. I stock my fridge! Today I got: 5 lbs pea pods, 3 lbs green beans, 20 Roma tomatoes, 6 Orange Acid Free tomatoes, 15 apples, 12 plums, 2 lbs bananas, 6 heads of Bibb lettuce, 12 HUGE carrots, 4 red peppers, 4 green peppers, cilantro, red onion, 1 lb cherry tomatoes, 6 ears of corn, 2 Big cucumbers, 1lb jalapenos = 35.00!!!!! You can't beat it!!!! I love that place. It has about 40 to 50 vender's and it is at a Fair Grounds. It takes 20 min. to get there, but I make the trek every Wed. no matter what.

What did I make with what I received? WELL....
My husband has been gone since Monday, that is another reason for my lack of posting. I have no one to cook for, but I will make up for that. I am entertaining this weekend and I am planning to be in the kitchen baking ALL day.

I made a Simple salad or put it on toasted bread for a simple brushetta...

My Simple Orange Tomato Salad

1/4 cp. of Greek Salad Dressing
3 TB Parm Cheese
4-6 TB fresh basil cut in shreds
salt and pepper

Mix together for the dressing

4 Orange Tomatoes
1/4 cp. diced red onions
1 container of small mozzarella balls, each one cut in half

(If you are using bread rub garlic on the bread!!)

WOW! Yes, this tasted as good as it looks. LOL.

Caramel Brownies

2009-09-16T19:03:00.004-04:00

I found these wonderful brownies here.
It is by recipegirl.com. WOW. WOW. WOW.
They are absolutely amazing. I made them for my kiddos doctor and staff for being such wonderful people. I love them and truly trust them with my children's care. They deserve something special to show they are appreciated.
They were a huge hit. At my house. At the doctors office.
As you can tell, I love brownies. But I do believe these are my new favorite. Check them out.

Mozzarella Stuffed Hot Sausage Meatballs

2009-09-14T06:49:00.003-04:00

My husband loves hot and spicy. I found a recipe in Racheal Ray Mag and I knew I wanted to make it, but I changed a few things to add more flavor and to make in my recipe. It was a great alternative. I must admit, I did make a new type of spicy sauce to go with the meatballs. I will include the sauce. It is going to be my new quick marinara sauce.

I wanted to make a big dinner tonight because my husband is leaving for four days and will be on the road eating at restaurants and fast food. I made a feast: Orange Tomato Brushetta, Stuffed MB and Pasta, and Caramel Chocolate Brownies. I will post the other food sometime during the week.

Mozzarella Stuffed Hot Italian Sausage Meatballs

2lbs of Hot Italian Sausage, removed from casing
1/2 cp. bread crumbs
1/2 cp. fresh parm cheese
1/4 cp. fresh basil and Parsley
1 container of small fresh mozzarella balls

Mix the parm. cheese, basil, parsley and bread crumbs together
Form in little patties and top with one mozzarella ball in the middle.

Form the meat around the mozzarella ball.

Brown on 400. I flipped after 5 min. and cooked for another 5 min. I then put it in my sauce to continue the cooking.

The final product! Yum!

The SAUCE

2 TB olive oil

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 green bell, chopped

1 hot Italian green banana pepper, chopped

1 28 oz. crushed tomatoes

1 lg. can of tomatoes paste

1 24 oz. diced tomatoes

3 tsp. Italian seasoning

3 TB fresh parsley and basil

salt and pepper

1. Add the oil and saute the veggies until soft. Add all of the tomato paste and stir. Add the rest of the tomatoes. Add the seasoning. Let cook. I usually let my sauce cook all day. This will make a thick and hearty sauce.

ENJOY!!!

Seafood FEAST!

2009-09-12T09:38:00.005-04:00

My husband was driving all over FL yesterday and did not have a chance to stop for lunch. He came home hungry and tired. I figured I would surprise him with a favorite: Seafood Feast. What is more comforting then a HUGE bowl of steamed shrimp and mussels, with Sourdough bread to soak up the yummy broth and crab cakes? In my mind, there is nothing better. This dinner was so satisfying.

The Perfect Crab cake
2 TB butter
2 TB Olive Oil
1 Bell pepper, cut in small squares, diced
1 Green Pepper, diced
4 green onions, diced
4 tsp. hot sauce (The hubby and I love spicy)
3 tsp. old bay
1 TB Parsley

1. TAKE ALL THE INGREDIENTS AND SAUTE UNTIL SOFT.

Crab meat, half a lb.
1/3 cp. mayo
1/2 cp. seasoned bread crumbs
2 TB Dijon mustard
2 eggs

2. Mix together.
3. After the sauteed mixture cools mix it with the wet ingredients. Form patties and let sit in the fridge for 30 minutes
4. Brown with oil and butter.

Steamed Mussels and Shrimp

1 lb Mussels
1 lb shrimp
1 stick unsalted butter
1/2 cp. white wine
1/4 cp. diced bell peppers
1.4 cp. diced green onions
4 chopped garlic cloves
1/4 cp. fresh parsley
1/2 to 1 tsp. crushed red pepper

1. Add the butter and the veggies and crushed red pepper and saute until soft. Add the wine and cook until reduced by 1/2. Add the mussels, shrimp and parsley. Cover and until all the mussels are open and the shrimp is pink.

Serve with warm sourdough bread to dip with the yummy broth!!!!!

My Moms Awesome Cobbler

2009-09-09T06:42:00.004-04:00

This was a childhood favorite. Where ever I bring this dish it gets rave reviews. My favorite way to have it is warm with a little milk....mmmmh. A perfect morning with a huge cup of coffee. Not to mention, this is one of the easiest recipe that I have ever used....

MY MOMS COBBLER

4 cps of any fruit (blueberries,peach,apples,so on)
2 cps sugar
2 sticks of butter, soft
2 cps flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cp. milk

1. Mix the butter and sugar until fluffy. Slowly add the milk.
2. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly add to the wet.

3. Toss the fruit in a little sugar. Put the fruit in a greased 9 X 13 pan.

4. Add to the fruit. Level.

5. Bake on 350 for about 50 minutes to an hour.

Eat! This is so moist and yummy. It will not disappoint!!!

Chocolate Chip and MM Cookies

2009-09-07T08:20:00.003-04:00

I actually went out with my husband this weekend. It was so fun. I forgot how much fun we can have together. We went to City Walk at Universal. While we had fun my kiddos were being baby sat for the second time in their little lives. I know, I know!!! That is horrible that I only left them twice, but trust me after this weekend I am going to try to do it more often!!! I had the time of my life!!

My best friend's 16 year old daughter watched my girls. She was so awesome! She is hands down the most mature, level headed, incredible sixteen year old I know. Not to mention, she has three siblings under the age of three. This makes it easy to handle a screaming 20 mo. old Bailey. When I walked in the door at 1 a.m. she had my screaming baby in her arms fast asleep. How awesome is that?!

Anyway, I knew she was coming to watch my girls. So, what do you make a growing 16 yr. old!?!? Yummy, HUGE, M and M Cookies! These turned out so great! Take my word for it! I made 36 of these GIGANTIC Cookies on Saturday and they were gone by Sunday! No joke!

I had a great weekend with my hubby and kiddos! I hope everyone enjoyed their 3 day weekend!!!!

ENJOY!!

The recipe:

4 cps. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cps. melted unsalted butter
1 cp. brown sugar
2 cp. white sugar
2 TB Vanilla Extract
2 Egg
2 Egg yolks
2 cp. Hershey Chocolate Chips
2 cp. MandM's

1. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix together the sugars and butter until fluffy. Add the extract and one egg at a time.
2. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
3. Fold in the chips and MandM's.
4. Add about 1/4 cp. of the batter per cookie. Bake on 325 for about 10-15 min. When brown around the edges.

EAT!!!!

ORANGE Marinara Sauce...And A Story of Inspiration!!

2009-09-03T21:57:00.013-04:00

I want to share a story with you. I think it is very inspiring and gives me some hope and makes me strive as a parent. As I get older and time is flying by I see a lot of people worrying to much about themselves and not stopping to smell the roses (so to speak). For example, how many times does someone open the door for you? Or a complete stranger help you load groceries? So on and So on. This was common many years back.

Anyway, my husband and I went to the store for our weekend amount of DVD rentals. While I was waiting for my husband in our family truckster with two crazy kiddos I saw the most inspiring and generous act. An old lady was walking into the store, but barely. She was very old and was having so much trouble. All of a sudden a young lady ran into the store and I seen her riding out on a motorized cart! She drove it up to the lady and helped her on it. The young lady then walked away and continued her day. WOW! I was so moved! Is that crazy!?

How great is that? How inspiring? I open doors for people and give away my cart to a person in need of one . I found a purse opened spewing out money in a grocery cart and turned it in right away. I make food for girlfriends who just had a baby or who are sick. I thank my phenomenal parents for that. They have instilled many value inside me. I am so grateful. Now, that I am a mother I hope that I can instill the same into my daughters. I hope they would be that girl to run into the store to help an elder lady having trouble getting her own grocery cart. *Fingers Crossed*

Switch of moods...Orange Marinara Sauce!!!!
I know..It sounds crazy, but I came across these beautiful orange tomatoes. I tasted them and they were WONDERFUL...so I had to make a sauce from it!!!!

CHECK IT OUT!

ORANGE MARINARA SAUCE

About 10-12 Orange Tomatoes
2 TB Olive Oil
1 Orange bell pepper, diced

1 Sweet Yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, sliced thin

1 tsp. crushed red pepper

3 tsp. Italian seasoning (I usually use fresh herbs, but I wanted to cook this all day and let the flavors mingle)

3 TB. of Parm. Cheese

Optional:

Browned Sausage

Basil Garnish

The Orange tomatoes!!! Boil in a pot for 5 minutes. Strain. Let cool. Remove skin and seeds. Chop. Add to the sauce pot with the sauteed veggies.

While the Tomatoes are boiling saute the veggies on low with 2 TB of Olive oil. You want to cook the onions, peppers, garlic and crushed red pepper where you are almost caramelizing the garlic. Cook low until browned and then add the tomatoes.

Let the veggies mingle. Cook down. Puree in the food processor and add back to the pot. Add the dried or fresh herbs. Let cook. Add the cheese.

Toss the noodles in the sauce to coat.

This is Alex's dish. LOL. Notice the Princess plate? She asked me to take a picture...How could I say no?!

The dish I made for the hubby. I added spicy browned sausge!! YUM!

THE STEAK SANDWICH

2009-09-02T07:16:00.004-04:00

I realize that I forgot the steak recipe.

I have been doing this a lot lately. I feel like I have so much on my plate right now. Our move is in three weeks!!! I have been packing, showing our condo like crazy (which means to keeping it and clean.URGH), Alex keeps bringing home work to do.(In PRESCHOOL..She has homework!?!?!), and so on and son on...

Yesterday, I sent all the bills out WITHOUT stamps!!!! I am losing it!!!!

Anyway, here is the recipe I promised:

8 Cube Steaks, cut against the grain

2 onions, sliced thin

1 red pepper, sliced thin

1 green pepper, sliced thin

4 TB butter

2 TB oil

3 TB Steak Seasoning

3 Cloves Garlic, minced

2 cps. shredded mozzarrella

Hoagie Buns

Horseradish

1. Add the butter and oil. Toss in the onions and pepper. Saute until soft. Add the steak. Saute until cooked. Add the garlic and steak seasoning.

2. Add the cheese and put in toasted buns. I rubbed each bun with horseradish and then filled.

Calphalon Unison Cookware: A Must in Every Kitchen

2009-09-01T22:29:00.003-04:00

Calphalon Unison

Calphalon began their successful journey in Perrysburg, OH in 1963. Their line of items has evolved over time but their dedication and faithfulness in their work has not. Calaphalon adapted to make knives, kitchen utensils, kitchen gadgets, bake ware and of course, their notable pots and pans.

Calphalon has created a variety of pan lines. They have their Tri-Ply, Copper Tri-Ply, Contempary Non Stick, Calphalon One Infused Ad ionized (which is the first cookware to use the infused anodized t anodized technology with a nonstick surface.), Calphalon Contemporary Stainless Steal, Copper Pan line, Enamel Cast Iron, and CS Nonstick. Now, Calphalon did it again. They created another masterpiece Calphalon Unison. It a brand new line that will turn anyones head in their direction.

Calphalon Unison pan line created with two types of nonstick surface: Slide Surface and Sear Surface. The slide surface is constructed to release food with no effort. (This works, trust me!) They sear surface was designed to lock in flavor but refraining from sticking to the pan.

I have used this pan line over a month now and I am totally in love. It is my go to pan. That is saying a lot considering I have many top of the line pans consuming my kitchen. The Unison has the ability and strength to cook anything to perfection without it sticking to the surface. If you use their Unison 8 QT Stock Pan the water actually beads around the surface. To me, that informs me that their nonstick ability is victorious.

The Unison pan line includes nine items. It includes a Omelette Pans,Sauce Pans, Sauté Pans, Stock Pots, Roaster,Round Griddle,Round Grill Pan,Soup Pot,Wok and Cover. It also comes in either a 10 piece or 8 piece set. Each pan is accompanied by a lifetime warranty, dishwasher safe, oven safe up to 500 degrees, and each handle is made ergonomic to stay cool.

I have reviewed many products and even more cookware, but this is by far the best cookware that has entered my kitchen. It cooks to perfection. I absolutely have no down faults. Calphalons revoutionary pans belong in every household! http://www.calphalon.com/

Steak Sandwich and Blog Awards

2009-09-01T21:17:00.002-04:00

I received this incredible award from Ruth at I Love Flavour, Me! Ruth has an incredible website and very unique. Check it out here.

The point of this award is to get to know one another. Here is the questions:

1.what is your current obsession?mmh...I try really hard to cook healthy.
2. What are you wearing today?Caprees and a T-shirt
3. What’s for dinner?Steak Sandwiches and Sauted Cabbage and Buttered Noodles
4. What’s the last thing you bought?Figs...Never cooked with them before...ANY IDEAS?!
5. What are you listening to right now?Hells Kitchen..LOVE IT
6. What do you think about the person who tagged you?Very inspiring!!
7. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?Probably back in OH with my family. I miss them so so much.
8. What are your must-have pieces for summer? Fruit
9. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? New England. I have always wanted to visit Maine. LOL. Stay on the US turf.
10. Which language do you want to learn?Italian
11. Who do you want to meet right now?Gordon Ramsey or Tyler Florence
12. What is your favorite colour?Yellow
13. What is your favourite piece of clothing in your own closet?My Maxy Dresses
14. What is your dream job?Lactation Counselor, help mommys who have trouble nursing.
15. What’s your favourite magazine?Cooking Light and Food Network Mag.
16. If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on?Food.Food.Food.Food.
17. What do you consider a fashion faux pas?none, never crosses my mind
18. Who are your style icons?IDK.Ask about food.
19. Describe your personal style?laid back
20. What are your favorite movies?I have lots. I like drama and intensity...
22. Give us three styling tips that always work for you:Be yourself, wear what makes you feel free and comfortable(I agree with Ruths answer)
23. Coffee or tea?LOVE COFFEE
24. What do you do when you are feeling low or terribly depressed?Cook and Clean
25. What is the meaning of your name?I have no idea...It is Spanish, I know that.
26. Which other blogs you love visiting?The ones at the bottom of my page...
27. Favorite Dessert/Sweet?Tirmusui (sp)
28. Favorite Season?Autumn and PUMPKIN...Halloween is my ALL time FAVORITE HOLIDAY!!
29.Which is your dream destination?Sedona, Arizona
30. Who inspired you to start a blog? Many of the blogs I visit today.

I pass my award on to:

1. Elinluv's Corner Tidbits-This blog is full of wonderful and unique recipes! I love visiting this site! IT IS SO UNIQUE!!
2. Natalie at Natalies Killer Cuisine-She has the best cookies and desserts. Her site is awesome!! Today she made PB and Fig cookies!!
3. Cookin Canuch-Her site is always full of amazing, tasty, and easy recipes. I love her blog. One of my favorite recipes is Strawberrys with a Meringue topping!!
4. Foododelmundo-This is one of my favorite sites. It is full of incredible pictures and recipes. I enjoy every recipe! Burgers, Sushi and Pizza with Figs and Prosciutto...Can I say more?
5. Chef E at CookApeal-This is another site that is full of flavorful and mouthwatering recipes. She rocks!
6. Donna at My Tasty Treasures-A very unique and entertaining site. I like that she tries recipes and lets us know how well they went. Love Love Love her site!!!!!
7. Teana at Spork or Foon-Her recipes ROCK! She always has the most mouthwatering desserts. Check her out....
8. Ingrid at 3 B's Baseball, Baking and Books-I love this site for so many reasons. I love her recipes, her concept of family, and her wonderful posts. Her Banana Crisp is to die for!!!
9. Girlchef-I love her step by step pictures and wonderful recipes. She made homemade cheese yesterday!! She is very talented!!
10. Diana at A little Spanish in Iowa-She is full of wonderful recipes and videos (Of her own Chickens running around her yard) I love her site and her posts. They are fantastic!!

Sunday Morning Sticky Rolls

2009-08-31T14:29:00.005-04:00

Hey there everyone, as you can tell my post are not frequent since vacation. I started my 4 yr. old in preschool and I am becoming adjusted to a new schedule. I love writing and cooking about food....I will get back in the swing of things..I promise.

NOW! Lets talk about these amazing sticky buns. You will never guess where I found this recipe! Are you guessing? Out of a novel!!! Yep!! Crazy, I know. I am reading a book called Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult. (She is the auther of My Sisters Keeper) The book is wonderful and one of the characters is a Pastry Chef. She has recipes throughout the book that I can't wait to try. These sticky rolls turned out incredible.

The Recipe for The Sunday Morning Sticky Rolls:

Dough:

3 1/4 cp. AP flour
1/3 cp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 packages of dry yeast
1 cp. of heated milk
1 egg
1/3 stick of butter, soft

CARAMEL:

1 stick of unsalted butter
3/4 cp. of brown sugar
1/4 cp. light corn syrup

3/4 cp. Pecans

2 TB butter, soft

FILLING:
1/2 cp. chopped Pecans
2 TB sugar
2 TB b. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon

1. I added all the ingredients for the dough in my food processor and processed until it formed a ball. I removed it and kneaded for 5 minutes. Set in greased bowl for 1 1/2 hours

2. While I waited. I made the caramel. I added the butter and brown sugar and brought it to a boil. I continued to stir. I removed it from the burner when it began a rapid boil. I added the corn syrup. Then, poured it into a 9x13 pan. Sprinkile the whole pecans on top of the caramel sauce.

3. When the dough was ready I punched it down. I rolled it out into a 15 by 10 inches. I smeared the butter all over and then sprinkled with the filling. I rolled it like a jelly roll. Cut it into 8 equal slices. Refridge for 12 hours. (I make the night before)

4. In the morning through it in the oven...35 minutes on 350.

THESE ARE INCREDIBLE!!!

Pasta Extravaganza

2009-08-25T20:26:00.004-04:00

I have been gone enjoying myself without the hubby. I had to make it up to him and meatballs are his favorite. But I decided to recreate on of my favorite dishes for my kids.

When I first moved to FL three years ago the first restaurant I adventured was Giovanni's. Wow. It is a family owned Italian restaurant with amazing pasta dishes and pizza. Anyway, I ordered a Tortellini Giovanni. Which is a pasta dish with Tortellini with a Alfredo and marinara dish mix. It is now an all time favorite dish. I tried to recreate for my kiddos. I believe it was pretty successful. My kiddos devoured it and the husband loved it too.

Enjoy.

MEATBALLS

The meatballs are a variation of what my mom made on vacation. She added sausage to the mix and it was so good.
Here we go:

1.5 lbs of ground beef
1 lb of sausage, mild
1 egg
1/2 cp. milk
1 1/4 cp. planko bread crumbs
3 garlic cloves, grated
1/2 cp. parm cheese
2 TB. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Mix until combined. Do not over mix. Form into balls and bake on 350 for about 20 minutes.

My Easy Marinara Sauce:

2 TB olive oil
1 Vidalia Onion, diced
1 Green Pepper, diced
5 cans of Fire Roasted Dice Tomatoes
3 TB Italian Seasoning, No salt
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Pepper
1/2 tsp. Crushed red pepper
1 tsp. sugar

1. Add the oil to a pan and add the onions and peppers. Cook a few minutes. Add the tomatoes and seasonings. I cooked this sauce without a lid all day. It was thick and flavorful.

The Sub:
1 sm. loaf of garlic bread
3-6 slices of mozzarella cheese
3 meatballs with a little of the sauce

1. I added the garlic bread and opened it. I added the cheese and broiled until the cheese was browned. I added the meatballs and closed the sandwich. Yum.

MY TORTELLINI GIOVANNI RECREATION

lb of Tortellini
1 stick of butter
8 oz. of Cream Cheese
1 cp. grated parm
1 cp. milk
1 cp. marinara sauce
1 cp. mozzarella

1. Boil the pasta.
2. Melt the butter and whisk in the cream cheese. Add the milk slowly and toss in the parm cheese and mozzarella (let melt). Add the one cup of marinara sauce. Let cook.
3. Add the tortellini to the sauce and cook.

EAT!!!!!

Honestly, one of the best pasta dishes ever. It may not be the best for ya, but well worth it!!!

I am Back!!!

2009-08-24T07:12:00.005-04:00

Hello to all of my faithful followers.

I am finally home from an amazing vacation with my family. It was wonderful and relaxing.

Now, I have returned and will be jumping into more creative food and recipes for everyone. I want to thank all of my AMAZING guest bloggers. It is easy to see why I follow these amazing blogs. I am very pleased with each and every recipe. Thank you Thank you!!!

Today is a very important day. It is my four yr. old, Alexandra's first day of Preschool. It is a little emotional. How time flies.....

I miss everyone and I will be by to visit every ones sites and back on track!

Here is some of my vaca pics:

This is my twin sisters, Marci, little boy and Alex. They were inseparable the entire time.

This is my mom and Bailey. She would sit with my mom on her chair and sing songs.

My dad built a Komodo Dragon out of sand for the kids. Needless to say, it was a huge hit on the beach.

Bay with the dragon. She kept calling it an alligator. It does look a little like an alligator. LOL.

Bailey sleeping on the beach. The waves would put her asleep very easily.

All of these pictures where taken at Kitty Hawks Sand Dunes. It was so much fun. The kids loved running down these huge mounds of sand.

Alexandra posing on the dunes.

This is my twin sister holding Bailey Leland.

My Bailey loved the dunes. She jumped right in the sand with a huge grin.

I love this picture. I managed to capture a great picture of Bailey with the Bay and Sunset in the background. Bay and the Bay. LOL.

My Alexandra posing.

The sand dunes and Bay

Look at all the people on top of that massive dune. The kids ran down this dune. It was such a blast.

I will see everyone soon.

Homemade Nutella

2009-08-22T23:09:00.006-04:00

Hi! My name is Diana Bauman from A Little Bit of Spain in Iowa. I am so happy to be guest blogging for Miranda. Thanks so much Miranda, for thinking of me :) When Miranda asked me to be a guest blogger, I wanted to share a recipe that captures the heart and essence of mother and children. CHOCOLATE... NUTELLA!!!! I remember reading not so long ago that Miranda had recently bought her first jar of Nutella... gasp... I know!! I was shocked and excited for her all at the same time. The wonderful creamy, silky, chocolatey, hazelnut spread that is adored by chocolate lovers throughout the world! Me being me, I had to try my hand at making it at home! If it can be packaged, it can be made at home... much healthier. I altered this recipe a bit from Steph Chows blog. I added coconut oil to make it a bit silkier and to add a bit of nutritional punch!

Did you know -- Coconut oil improves digestion, strengthens the immune system, and protects against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

(You can tell in the image that it's a little bit chunkier than I had wanted. My blender burned out a couple weeks ago making homemade gyro's :( I used my mini food processor which did the best it possibly could.. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can... LOL!)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup raw hazelnuts
2 tbs cocoa powder
3 tbs real maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbs coconut oil

Method:

Roast hazelnuts in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.
Remove the skins by rubbing them with your hands.
Blend the hazelnuts in a food processor or blender until they form into a thick butter.
Add the remaining ingredients and process until smooth.
Put into a jar and refrigerate.

That's it! So easy!! Once you try your hand at homemade Nutella, you can use it to make Miranda's Nutella Brownies :)

Buen Provecho!!

Guest Post: Peach & Cherry Yogurt Popsicles Recipe

2009-08-21T03:01:00.002-04:00

First of all, I'd like to introduce myself. I am Dara from Cookin' Canuck and would love to see you over at my blog. I was honored when Miranda asked me to guest post while she is on vacation. Even though I have never met Miranda face-to-face, I am pretty certain she is a wonderful mother who is dedicated to making her children feel loved. How better to make your kids feel special than a homemade popsicle? My kids had a great time helping me make these popsicles, though waiting for them to freeze was excruciating for them. Ah yes, delayed gratification is tough to take.

This recipe was adapted from one that I found on The Thrifty Gourmet. You could easily substitute any fresh or frozen fruits you have on hand.

First things first. Peeling a peach may seem like a tricky endeavor. Don't be fooled! It's a simple matter of blanching. Boil water in a medium saucepan. With a slotted spoon, lower two peaches into the water and leave them in there for 1 minute (no longer!)

Using a slotted spoon, lift the peaches out of the boiling water and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.

Once the peaches are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins. They should just slip right off. Cool, huh?

Finely chop the peaches. You'll also need 1/2 cup of pitted and chopped fresh cherries.

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and then add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.

Once the brown sugar is melted, add the peaches, cherries, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, or until the fruit is soft. Cool to room temperature.

Add 1 cup whole milk plain yogurt to the fruit mixture and stir well.

Spoon the yogurt mixture into popsicle molds and put the tops on/sticks in. Freeze for about 4 hours.

Serve! I think Mickey Mouse would feel rather fancy if he knew that his popsicles were being served in a crystal bowl.

Peach & Cherry Yogurt Popsicles

2 peaches, peeled, pitted & finely chopped

1/2 cup pitted and chopped fresh cherries

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp brown sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup plain whole milk yogurt

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and then the brown sugar. Once the brown sugar is melted, add the peaches, cherries, and vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, or until the fruit is soft. Cool to room temperature.

Add the plain yogurt to the fruit mixture and stir well. Spoon the yogurt mixture into popsicle molds and put the tops on/sticks in. Freeze for about 4 hours.

Makes 6 popsicles.

Printable recipe