tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33431655808894499032024-03-19T05:13:29.210-07:00Laurie's Food FilesLaurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-81835952354518585002010-09-01T05:31:00.001-07:002010-09-01T05:31:11.577-07:00Cookies and Cream Sammies<p><font color="#3d9898" size="1"><strong>{It’s been a while since I’ve posted a recipe, but I’m back! And now, I’ve folded Laurie’s Food Files into my main blog, Scene of the Grime, hence the new blog header. You can still access my recipes by going to </strong></font><a href="http://lauriesfoodfiles.blogspot.com"><font color="#3d9898" size="1"><strong>http://lauriesfoodfiles.blogspot.com</strong></font></a><font color="#3d9898" size="1"><strong> or you can go to </strong></font><a href="http://sceneofthegrime.blogspot.com"><font color="#3d9898" size="1"><strong>http://sceneofthegrime.blogspot.com</strong></font></a><font color="#3d9898" size="1"><strong> and click on the FOOD FILES button. Either way, I love to have you come visit me in my creative kitchen!}</strong></font></p> <p>Want a quick and easy idea for a fun family dessert? How about this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TH5HjU48sPI/AAAAAAAACVM/bI2j3WWqR8w/s1600-h/cookiesammies3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="cookie sammies" border="0" alt="cookie sammies" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TH5HjmvM3BI/AAAAAAAACVQ/rme9UnjG4WE/cookiesammies_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="207" /></a> </p> <p><strong><u>What you need:</u></strong></p> <p>Ice cream (any flavor)</p> <p>Cookies (homemade or store-bought soft cookies)</p> <p><strong><u>What you do:</u></strong></p> <p>1-Set your ice cream out for a few minutes and let it soften.</p> <p>2-Scoop a small amount of ice cream out and place it on a cookie turned upside down. </p> <p>3-Now place another cookie (right side up) on top and gently press down.</p> <p>4-Wrap cookie in wax paper. Put all wrapped cookies in a freezer bag and store in freezer.</p> <p>5-After dinner, take out your sammies and serve with a smile!</p> <p>This recipe will be saved in my Food Files for your convenience. {This post may be linked to blog parties on my linkies page.}</p> <p>Hugs and Yums, <strong><font color="#808000" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Laurie</font></strong></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-17781123437422402002010-08-06T19:13:00.001-07:002010-08-06T19:13:30.731-07:00Caramel-Glazed Peaches & Pineapple Cobbler<p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TFzBO0hW5dI/AAAAAAAACQE/6dGVNnPZOUw/s1600-h/quote2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="quote" border="0" alt="quote" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TFzBPch43YI/AAAAAAAACQI/UpyKfzWblOM/quote_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="127" height="164" /></a><strong><em>Plato said this, and I have to agree!</em></strong></p> <p>Well, out of the “necessity” of my wish to make a dessert for my parents using only the contents I had on hand, the Caramel-Glazed Peaches & Pineapple Cobbler was “invented!”</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TFzBQDrwh1I/AAAAAAAACQM/rT5tl0B-jGQ/s1600-h/caramelcobbler2%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="caramel cobbler" border="0" alt="caramel cobbler" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TFzBQwclCdI/AAAAAAAACQQ/7Xh2vrmPFJQ/caramelcobbler_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TFzBRiNtnnI/AAAAAAAACQU/OAe5CEVgaYU/s1600-h/caramelcobbler22.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="caramel cobbler2" border="0" alt="caramel cobbler2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TFzBSRc2pXI/AAAAAAAACQY/vwVOFHafZEE/caramelcobbler2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="185" /></a> </p> <p><font color="#919100"><strong>Ingredients:</strong> 3/4 stick butter, 1-1/2 cup milk, 1-1/2 cup flour, and 1-1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 can pineapple chunks (drained), 1/2 can peach slices (not drained)</font></p> <p><font color="#919100"><strong>Directions:</strong>  (1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. (2) Place butter in casserole dish (9x13, 8x11, 9” round) and put in oven to melt. (3) Mix milk, flour and sugar in a separate bowl. There will be a few lumps. (4) Take dish out of oven. Pour mixture into dish. Do not mix with butter, just pour over it. (5) Now, put pineapple and peach slices into dish, again not stirring in. (6) I usually pour the peach “juice” in as well, again not mixing. (7) To “glaze” the cobbler, I drizzled caramel ice cream syrup over the top of the dish. I added some more caramel about 1/2 way through baking. (8) Bake in oven for about 30 minutes, until top is starting to get brown and crusty.</font></p> <p>The results? Yum-dilly-icious! It was a flavorful, scrumptious dessert! Oh cobblers, I love you, I do, I do. {This post may be linked to blog parties in my sidebar.}</p> <p>Yums & Hugs,<font color="#ff0080" size="5" face="Segoe Script"><strong> Laurie</strong></font></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-74430094585939858532010-07-14T14:45:00.001-07:002010-07-14T14:45:53.654-07:00So Easy Fuji Apple Cobbler (A 1-1-1 Recipe)<p>Dollar General never ceases to amaze me! Today, I found the following:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TD4wCzWm-4I/AAAAAAAACGE/sVGb_fwAvBk/s1600-h/fuji%20app%20can%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="fuji app can" border="0" alt="fuji app can" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TD4wDU827nI/AAAAAAAACGI/8Qnsl_LaJrE/fuji%20app%20can_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="176" height="229" /></a>I love, love Fuji apples – have you tried them? So, I was thrilled to find some Fuji apple pie filling for $1 at DoGen. They really have unique canned food items, check em out!</p> <p>Anyway, I used a simple 1-1-1 recipe to make a cobbler using this yummy filling. I call it 1-1-1 because it helps me remember the ingredients:</p> <ul> <li><strong><font size="4" face="Segoe Print">1 can filling</font></strong> </li> <li><strong><font size="4" face="Segoe Print">3/4 stick butter/margarine</font></strong> </li> <li><strong><font size="4" face="Segoe Print">1 cup sugar</font></strong> </li> <li><strong><font size="4" face="Segoe Print">1 cup self-rising flour</font></strong> </li> <li><strong><font size="4" face="Segoe Print">1 cup milk</font></strong> </li> <li><strong><font size="4" face="Segoe Print">cinnamon-sugar to taste</font></strong> </li> </ul> <p>I microwaved the butter to melt it right in the 9-inch round glass casserole dish I used to bake the cobbler in. Then, I mixed up the sugar, flour, and milk in a separate bowl. Once it’s mixed (you’ll have some lumps, that’s okay), I poured the mixture into the casserole dish, right over the melted butter. Do not mix the mixture and butter together – just pour it in and leave it. Last, pour the apple filling in and, again, do NOT mix it in. Bake the dish in a 350 degree oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the crust is browning on top. (Another thing you can do is, when the crust is starting to solidify in the over, you can pull the rack out and sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top, then push the dish back in to finish baking.)</p> <p>Here’s the finished dish:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TD4wDllf8uI/AAAAAAAACGM/0u51KGbCI0A/s1600-h/fuji%20cobbler%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="fuji cobbler" border="0" alt="fuji cobbler" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TD4wEDSz2CI/AAAAAAAACGQ/k0A1UqY63_s/fuji%20cobbler_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" height="201" /></a>Oh, goodness, was it yummy!!!! You can use this recipe with any fruit or fruit filling and it is easy to double for a 9”x13” size dish/pan. I’ve made dozens of peach cobblers (using canned peach slices) using the 1-1-1 (or 2-2-2) recipe and people always love them!</p> <p>Hugs & Yums, <font color="#800080" size="5" face="Segoe Script"><strong>Laurie</strong></font></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-6138746001701447692010-07-12T06:00:00.000-07:002010-07-12T06:00:00.230-07:00Bountiful Bermuda!We just returned from a wonderful extended family adventure to Bermuda! What a blessing to travel together and get along and see new and different things!!! I wanted to give you an idea of some of the foods we enjoyed and observed on the island.<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: small;"><em><u>BRITISH INFLUENCE</u></em></span></strong><br />
We enjoyed visiting many pubs on our trip: Hog Penny, Flanagan’s and the famous Swizzle Inn!<br />
<div align="center"><img height="182" src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=142169409756&id=2036289198f393dbebe90dac99d4c442&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.oldleither.com%2ffish-and-chips.jpg" width="182" /> <img height="187" src="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=165636876239&id=8b84b39d46bce44df6e0eb40b614242a&url=http%3a%2f%2fstatic.flickr.com%2f1%2f125099787_c13a245328.jpg" width="147" /></div><div align="center"><strong>FISH AND CHIPS BANGERS AND MASH</strong></div>The kids lived on these:<br />
<div align="center"><img height="216" src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=133179646101&id=38e5571334cafc674c776e504d497aad&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.cafecococatering.com%2fimages%2fcafe_coco_chicken_tenders.jpg" width="154" /></div><div align="center"><strong>CHICKEN TENDERS</strong></div><strong><span style="font-size: small;"><em><u>BERMUDIAN SPECIALTIES</u></em></span></strong><br />
Bermuda is known for two special drinks: the Dark ‘n’ Stormy and the…<br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.njlakefront.com/images/RumSwizzle_lrg.jpg"><img height="200" src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=123264240012&id=c02fe82d6c5d55dd3aea22dd1a324616&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.njlakefront.com%2fimages%2fRumSwizzle_lrg.jpg" width="137" /></a></div><strong>RUM SWIZZLE</strong> – I didn’t try this, but it is a verrry famous drink in Bermuda that some of the fam slurped up!<br />
<img height="157" src="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=126256224446&id=51f56d16011d5b5c6a70b46f0e3956b1&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.sweetsparadiso.com%2fMediumRumCake.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="214" /><br />
<strong>BLACK RUM CAKE</strong><br />
<img height="211" src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=168949268045&id=7491a62432c31291426e781eca95278b&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.moraicecream.com%2fimages%2fchocice.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="121" /><br />
<strong>RUM AND GINGER ICE CREAM</strong> – I tried this and loved it! Ginger is almost as popular in Bermuda as rum. They even have Ginger Beer there.<br />
An interesting food fact about Bermuda is that the food is un-be-liev-ably ex-pen-sive!!!!! A loaf of bread can cost $11!!!! Drinks cost $5. The average home is $1.6 million. We heard all this from a Bermudian citizen. Can you believe? Unreal! <br />
So, we had a wonderful, memorable trip…but, in the end, foodwise it was great to get home to…<br />
<img height="194" src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=152526071889&id=c6b14e06490ab90244fccb150618325f&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.danitesign.com%2fmultimedia%2fimages%2fsign-type-items%2fmedium%2fsigns-kroger-channel-letter-globe" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="194" /><br />
Yay for American food prices!!! Now I’ll be much more appreciative of them! Ha!<br />
Hugs & Yums, <span style="color: #0080c0; font-family: Segoe Script; font-size: large;"><strong>Laurie</strong></span>Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-33700162491845159162010-07-08T06:00:00.000-07:002010-07-08T06:00:05.318-07:00Shades of Summer CookiesHi! I was making some <a href="http://lauriesfoodfiles.blogspot.com/2010/03/dippy-cookies-hippy-hooray.html">dippy cookies</a> the other day and I came up with a new twist! In the Wintertime, I’m planning to call them Cocoa & Cream Cookies, but since we’re in the midst of summer heat right now, I’m calling them Shades of Summer Cookies – as in the shades of no tan to a little tan to a dark and luscious tan! Heehee!<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TBjktMMlyRI/AAAAAAAACBI/VfdvSYhQ-Jk/s1600-h/misc%20003%5B9%5D.jpg"><img alt="misc 003" border="0" height="256" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TBjkuSVg00I/AAAAAAAACBQ/xCoa7eK7LwQ/misc%20003_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="misc 003" width="336" /></a>Vanilla or chocolate? You don’t have to choose with these delicious dessert cookies! I’ve taken storebought oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies (of course you could make your own!) and dipped one side in meltable vanilla candy coating and the other in chocolate candy coating - yummalectable!! <br />
Now, you could also use food coloring to turn your vanilla coating different colors and dip them that way as well, to coordinate with an event, party decor, etc. There’s no limit to the possibilities! Have fun!<br />
{This post may be linked to blog parties in my sidebar.}<br />
Hugs & Yums, <span style="color: #004040; font-family: Segoe Script; font-size: large;"><strong>Laurie</strong></span>Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-65478066225905917672010-07-01T06:00:00.000-07:002010-07-01T06:00:11.084-07:00Beach Buffet BoogieEach year, we go on vacation to the beach with my extended family. We stay in a house on the beach and enjoy lots of good times and good food! In my attempt to relax some while we’re there, I like to cook ahead!<br />
<img height="185" src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=126687713064&id=89f501cf88f4f2cdd73dbf353d4d781f&url=http%3a%2f%2fstatic.flickr.com%2f1167%2f1049108475_44117a769b.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="259" /><br />
It’s that time of year again, vacay time, so I thought I’d share some of my favorite make-to-take recipes with you (a couple recipes I’ve shared before, but I’ll link to them here – links have red/maroon text).<br />
►<a href="http://lauriesfoodfiles.blogspot.com/2010/02/microwave-baked-spaghetti-pie.html"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">BAKED SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE</span></strong></a> – So easy to build an “Italian Night” around!<br />
►<span style="font-size: small;"><strong><a href="http://lauriesfoodfiles.blogspot.com/2010/04/blonde-chicken-parmesan.html">BLONDE CHICKEN PARMESAN</a></strong></span> – A light basic dish that can be dressed up quickly with a couple sides (like my spicy green beans) and hot buttered rolls.<br />
►<strong><span style="font-size: small;">CHILI DE LAURIE</span></strong> – Good to have on hand for the first night there when all are tired from travelling and for quick soup and sandwich lunches.<br />
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><strong><u>I’ve combined ingredients and directions here</u></strong> – you just throw all these items into a large stockpot and simmer, simmer, simmer..til you’re ready to eat! I serve this chili with tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese and scallions. Here you go:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;">1-2 lbs. lean ground meat (browned & drained), 1 onion + 1 green pepper + garlic (diced and sauteed til browning), 1 large jar salsa, 2-3 cans diced tomatoes, 4 small cans tomato sauce, 1 large can light red kidney beans (drained), 1 can chili beans, chili powder + cumin (sprinkled in to taste) – feel free to adjust ingredient amounts per your preference</span><br />
►<a href="http://lauriesfoodfiles.blogspot.com/2010/03/cream-cheese-fruit-danish-casserole.html"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>CREAM CHEESE DANISH CASSEROLE</strong></span></a> – Soooo yummy with hot coffee or tea in the sunny morning.<br />
►<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE</strong></span> – Absolutely sinful for breakfast or dessert and a big hit with kids. You can also provide various toppings such as fruit, powdered sugar, syrup, preserves, even chocolate sauce and whipped cream!<br />
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><strong><u>Ingredients:</u></strong> French bread (I have also used hoagies rolls before) to make 5 cups bread chunks/cubes, 4 eggs, 1-1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla flavoring, 1 Tbsp butter, 1 tsp cinnamon/sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><strong><u>Directions:</u></strong> Butter a 9x13 casserole dish/pan. Put about half of bread chunks/cubes on bottom of dish. Mix eggs, milk, sugar, salt and vanilla together. Pour about half of egg mixture over bread in dish. Sprinkle 1/2 of cinnamon/sugar over this layer. Use the rest of the bread to make another layer in dish. Pour remainder of egg misture over top bread layer. Sprinkle rest of cinnamon/sugar all over the top layer of bread. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25-30 minutes or until top layer of bread it starting to brown around the edges.</span><br />
►<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>ASSORTED SWEET GOODIES</strong></span> – Oh, c’mon, you know these will be scarfed.<br />
I’ll take a large Tupperware box full of cookies, brownies, etc to include:<br />
<blockquote><div align="left"><a href="http://http//lauriesfoodfiles.blogspot.com/2010/06/lunchroom-rewind-peanut-butter-crunch.html">Peanut Butter Crunch</a> <a href="http://http//lauriesfoodfiles.blogspot.com/2010/03/dippy-cookies-hippy-hooray.html">Dippy Cookies</a> And More!</div></blockquote>Hope you can use some of these ideas, they are def tried-and-true and never fail to be gobbled up quickly! Happy travelling this season! Be safe and eat well!<br />
Hugs & Yums, <span style="color: #c29732; font-family: Segoe Script; font-size: large;"><strong>Laurie</strong></span>Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-52193515989637997272010-06-24T06:00:00.000-07:002010-06-24T06:00:02.534-07:00Kitchen Kids: Creativity and Learning ~ Part 2This post is the conclusion to my last post, Part 1! More great ideas and information about taking time this Summer to enjoy the kitchen, the grill and any other cooking area with your kids…<br />
<em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(~continued~)</span></em><br />
<img height="210" src="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=132631235538&id=cb06df622042d97d04e69f73f36cf572&url=http%3a%2f%2femol.org%2ftv%2ftravelchannel%2fbizarrefoods%2fBIZARREFOODS005_m.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="160" /><br />
<strong><span style="color: #008040; font-size: small;">4-TRAVEL TREATS</span></strong> are a fun vacation activity to pursue, or even in your own hometown! It always enhances a visit to a new place or part of town to try a food or meal you’ve never tried before, one native to the geographical area. Involving the taste and smell senses makes the memories so much sweeter!<br />
<a href="http://completelykidsrichmond.com/cooking_pic.jpg"><img height="233" src="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=109698557895&id=78fa965f784505fb92520ee47458dcc5&url=http%3a%2f%2fcompletelykidsrichmond.com%2fcooking_pic.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="158" /></a><br />
<strong><span style="color: #008040; font-size: small;">5-JUNIOR CHEFS</span></strong> can lighten your load in the kitchen this Summer! Okay, okay, the mess may be worse…but planning, preparing and serving a meal to their families gives children a big boost in creativity, confidence and caring! Messes can always be cleaned, so let ‘em at it, mom and dad!<br />
<img height="168" src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=107209230640&id=6bf4986edffa6fe2366188d8b0004d94&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.umaine.edu%2fmarine%2fpeople%2fsites%2fslindsay%2fLindsayLab%2fWhaleweb%2fImages%2fstudents%2520at%2520comput" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="210" /><br />
<span style="color: #008040; font-size: small;"><strong>6-USE YOUR RESOURCES</strong></span> and there are lots out there! Kids’ cookbooks, picture books and storybooks about food, fun baking/cooking TV shows, the list goes one. Here are a few info-filled links you may enjoy:<br />
<a href="http://www.highlightsparents.com/parenting_perspectives/kids_in_the_kitchen.html">Highlights for Parents</a><br />
<a href="http://kidsinthekitchen.ajli.org/">Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen</a><br />
<a href="http://www.rachaelray.com/kids.php">Rachael Ray Kids</a><br />
<a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/tip/teens-in-the-kitchen.html?cm_src=oldlink">Williams-Sonoma Tweens/Teens in the Kitchen</a><br />
I’m sure you have many other wonderful ideas for having summer fun in the kitchen with your kids – I’d love to hear them!!! <br />
Hugs & Yums, <span style="color: #008040; font-family: Segoe Script; font-size: large;"><strong>Laurie</strong></span>Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-78967914249328273272010-06-21T06:00:00.000-07:002010-06-21T06:00:02.171-07:00Kitchen Kids: Creativity and Learning ~ Part 1The Summer season is an awesome to spend some time in the kitchen with your children! Your family can experience many fun activities unique to summertime that don’t usually happen at other, busier times of the year. This post is separated into two parts.<br />
Check out these ideas:<br />
<img height="214" src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=124097468912&id=00db0ff7833d0a1fb8224183cf5ed75d&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.santafenm.gov%2fimages%2fpages%2fN1189%2fCWK.ChildrenMeasuring.2008.12.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="218" /><br />
<strong><span style="color: #008040; font-size: small;">1-MATH COUNTS</span></strong> in the kitchen! Most children in elementary, middle and even high school have school-created math learning objectives during the summer. (Your child may have brought some guidelines home or their school may provide them online. Even if they don’t, you can find many math-related family activities on the internet.) Loads of opportunities exist in the kitchen/cooking zone to use and create with mathematics! From baking measurements to comparing ingredient prices in the supermarket, math is everywhere in meal and food preparation.<br />
<img height="156" src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=112855947585&id=d61e5be7b34880e4de01f6309de607a0&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.slrobertson.com%2fimages%2fsouth-america%2fecuador%2fnorthern-highlands%2fotavalo%2fotavalo-produce-s" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="230" /><br />
<strong><span style="color: #008040; font-size: small;">2-ORGANIC OPPORTUNITIES</span></strong> abound in your cucina, your garden, your local farmer’s market or produce stand and even in the grocery these days! Summer is the perfect time to get to know your fruits and veggies, up close and personal. You will be able to stress the benefits of eating organically or naturally. Last summer, my kids and I frequented a produce stand close to our home and they are STILL talking about how awesome it was – fun to visit and delicious to eat nature’s bounty when we got home! They have even said that first lunch from the stand was the yummiest food they’d ever had! Yay!<br />
<img height="155" src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=110282148249&id=b3523ebf2e241cc4e5fa934e6760ec2b&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.anmc.org%2fservices%2fdiabetes%2fgrants%2fimages%2fDSC05782.JPG" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="203" /><br />
<strong><span style="color: #008040; font-size: small;">3-EDIBLE ART</span></strong> is so much fun to design, make and then eat! Summer is a great time to let your children (and yourself) get creative and artistic with food! If weather permits, you can enjoy a fun cookie decorating session outside on the picnic table (or inside, of course, if it’s too hot). Or encourage your kids to make art objects from cut fruit – you help with the cutting, and make sure their hands are extra-clean. Food creativity like this really jazzes up a light summer lunch or supper!<br />
We’ll have more ideas next time!<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>(~to be continued~)</em></span><a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/tip/teens-in-the-kitchen.html?cm_src=oldlink"></a><br />
Hugs & Yums, <span style="color: #804000; font-family: Segoe Script; font-size: large;"><strong>Laurie</strong></span>Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-39155523168878948792010-06-16T07:21:00.001-07:002010-06-16T07:21:55.643-07:00Come See Me at Attempting Creative – We’re Having a Cupcake Carnival!Kimberly at <a href="http://attemptingcreative.blogspot.com/">Attempting Creative</a> is hosting a wonderful <a href="http://attemptingcreative.blogspot.com/2010/06/cupcakes-make-people-happy.html">Cupcake Carnival</a> from June 14-25, 2010! She’ll be sharing cupcake-related guest posts and creative ideas. Kimberly was so thoughtful to ask me to submit an idea for the carnival. I have two ideas to share! Here’s the link to my <a href="http://attemptingcreative.blogspot.com/2010/06/cupcake-carnival-laurie-from-scene-of.html">guest post</a>, and I’ve posted it below as well, but you must go see all the other guest bloggers’ awesome ideas. <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TBjd3CFFIzI/AAAAAAAACAY/1SG21aE9pLg/s1600-h/cupcakecarnival0035.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="cupcake carnival 003" border="0" alt="cupcake carnival 003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TBjd3rcelZI/AAAAAAAACAc/dUbBMOi-a_g/cupcakecarnival003_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="301" /></a> <br /> <div align="left"><strong><span style="font-family: ar christy; color: purple; font-size: medium">POSH PLATTER ►</span></strong></div> <strong><u>My materials included:</u></strong> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TBjd411EYbI/AAAAAAAACAg/kLDBx5dyHxQ/s1600-h/pics0024.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="pics 002" border="0" alt="pics 002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TBjd5cOj11I/AAAAAAAACAk/m3_o_d6_BLk/pics002_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <br /> <div align="center"><strong><span style="color: black">large clear glass platter, m</span><span style="color: black">etallic cupcake liners, s</span><span style="color: black">pray paint, </span><span style="color: black">spray clear protective coating, m</span><span style="color: black">odgepodge, </span><span style="color: black">foam paintbrush, scissors</span></strong></div> <strong><u>The steps I took:</u></strong> <br />1-Cut cupcake liners into shapes, designs, words, whatever you like and arrange on table. Set clear platter face-up on top of design. Work on layout until you’re pleased with the look of the platter. <br />2-Now, turn clean platter over face-down and modgepodge cupcake liner design piece into place – important: glue them face-down onto back of clear platter! This way, when you turn the platter right-side-up, the metallic side of the design will show through the platter. <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TBjd6sGIjmI/AAAAAAAACAo/YQBSMADXCyo/s1600-h/pics0033.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="pics 003" border="0" alt="pics 003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TBjd7HoiZkI/AAAAAAAACAs/sMtsZgh8dOM/pics003_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>3-Make sure and modgepodge the entire back of the platter, over the design pieces and over the clear parts as well. <br />4-Keep the platter face-down and let it dry thoroughly overnight. <br />5-The next day, take the dry platter outside (or wherever you spray paint) and lightly spray paint the color you’ve selected over the back side of the platter. Let that layer dry, then add another. You just don’t want to spray it so heavily it affects the appearance of the foil design. <br />6-Once you’re satisfied with you platter background color and it is dry, finish it off by spraying the back of the platter with a layer of clear protective coating. <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TBjd8SRKpDI/AAAAAAAACAw/2WJinwXT1eU/s1600-h/cupcakecarnival0015.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="cupcake carnival 001" border="0" alt="cupcake carnival 001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TBjd9BnaPLI/AAAAAAAACA0/dKOKfaWoHJc/cupcakecarnival001_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="233" /></a>7-When it’s all dry, you can turn over, admire it, and feel proud of yourself!!! Now for something yummy to put on the platter… <br /><span style="font-family: ar christy; color: purple; font-size: medium"><strong>WATERCOLOR CUPCAKES ►</strong></span> <br />Here’s a quick way I dressed up some store-bought cupcakes and made them special for the summer season: <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TBjd-VZYxdI/AAAAAAAACA4/lwOtG7mhP-Y/s1600-h/cupcakecarnival0055.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="cupcake carnival 005" border="0" alt="cupcake carnival 005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TBjd-9Z2JGI/AAAAAAAACA8/-bEJxRUQ9to/cupcakecarnival005_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <strong><u>Ingredients/Supplies:</u></strong> <br /> <div align="center"><strong>cupcakes (store-bought or homemade), almond bark/meltable white chocolate (on baking aisle), food coloring, cupcake topper decorations, knife, bowls, microwave oven</strong></div> <p><strong><u>Steps:</u></strong> <br />1-Purchase store-bought cupcakes (or make your own plain cupcakes). Scrape icing off store cupcakes. Set aside for kids to use to frost cookies or something – you can’t let good icing go to waste! <br />2-Melt almond bark (or meltable white chocolate) in microwave until smooth and creamy. I divided melted almond bark into 3-4 small bowls. <br />3-I put 2-3 drops of food coloring into each bowl. Leave one bowl just white. Carefully swirl the color through the melted white chocolate, not mixing together completely. I use the tip of a knife to swirl it, leaving streaks of the color showing. This creates the watercolor effect. <br />4-Dip the top of each cupcake into the white melted chocolate. Let harden a little. <br />5-Use a knife to gently scoop out a bit of swirled, colored melted chocolate, then gently spread into a circle on the top of each cupcake. I mad sure to leave some white showing around the edges. <br />6-I used real seashells to top the cupcakes because I wanted to create a summery, coastal look. You could use any type of edible or other decoration to suit your look. Just make sure to alert folks if the toppers are inedible! <br /></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TBjeAHYYl0I/AAAAAAAACBA/jxuc67FQ3B8/s1600-h/cupcakecarnival0045.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="cupcake carnival 004" border="0" alt="cupcake carnival 004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TBjeAiNfxnI/AAAAAAAACBE/bxDOs7Eqidw/cupcakecarnival004_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="243" /></a> <br />7-Now, just put ‘em on your posh platter and prepare to impress your guests! Cupcake-inspired from top to bottom! </p> <p>I’d love for you to go visit <a href="http://attemptingcreative.blogspot.com/">Attempting Creative</a> during the great <a href="http://attemptingcreative.blogspot.com/2010/06/cupcakes-make-people-happy.html">Cupcake Carnival</a> or anytime! Kimberly is a sweetheart and she has tons of terrific ideas for making life more creative! <br />{This post may be linked to blog parties in my sidebar.} <br /></p> <p>Hugs & Yums, <span style="font-family: segoe script; color: teal; font-size: large"><strong>Laurie</strong></span></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-60230647971318435132010-06-12T06:14:00.001-07:002010-06-12T06:14:30.796-07:00Dried, Not Fried ~ Nature’s Candy!<p>One of my favorite (healthy?) snacks is <font size="3"><strong>dried fruit</strong></font>.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=105978932057&id=2763e094e58f1dc029912b82f6c89d29&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.simply-thai.com%2fthai-snack-images%2fdried-fruits-2.jpg" width="187" height="189" /> <img src="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=132636354850&id=4963561b25f3feef1cdb3af1b61712c8&url=http%3a%2f%2ffarm2.static.flickr.com%2f1168%2f1113917518_637028246e_o.jpg" width="146" height="186" /></p> <p>I’m not sure it’s always health food exactly, but it’s got to be healthiER than snack cakes and chips, right?!</p> <p>Dried fruit/fruit mixes can be expensive, but I find it to be very affordable at Dollar General and even Dollar Tree. And, I got the.most.scrumptious dried fruit at WalMart a couple weeks ago – it had dried cantaloupe and kiwi in it! Unbelievably good! Who knew? Go try it!</p> <p>Hugs & Yums, <font color="#804000" size="5" face="Segoe Script"><strong>Laurie</strong></font></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-17830107292023676882010-06-08T16:40:00.001-07:002010-06-08T16:40:41.028-07:00Building a Soup the Quick and Easy Way<p>Homemade soups are wonderful ~ I’d probably eat soup at least once a day if it was on hand! Lately, I’ve been experimenting with building homemade-like soup from store-bought ingredients, leftovers and resources already in the kitchen cab – kinda like a Sandra Lee Semi-Homeade approach!</p> <p>►For example, I’m serving chicken soup and buttered bread this evening. Here’s what I’m combining for the soup:</p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">leftover baked chicken breasts and rice</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">32 oz container chicken broth + one 32 oz can water</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">26 oz can cream of chicken soup</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">1 can kernel corn, with juices</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">12 or so baby carrots, diced</font></strong></p> <p>►Now what? Just put it all in a big stockpot and heat til boiling. Butter your bread and there ya go!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TA7U9YxrzAI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/ga_Ste_YGo0/s1600-h/pics%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="pics 001" border="0" alt="pics 001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TA7U90eqIAI/AAAAAAAAB2c/ZRzR7pTy03Y/pics%20001_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="249" /></a>Do you like to make soup? Any other shortcut ideas for me?</p> <p>{This post may be linked to blog parties in my sidebar.}</p> <p>Hugs & Yums, Laurie</p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-10032100213489526182010-06-05T05:31:00.001-07:002010-06-05T05:31:22.099-07:00Super Source for Grocery Staples!<p>Y’all know I loves my good deals, in the kitchen and anywhere else, too. One of my great resources for certain grocery staples is…</p> <p><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" align="left" src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=48121653440&id=219b3da153bc9c1dbc932f3bbf7fca54&url=http%3a%2f%2fz.about.com%2fd%2fretailindustry%2f1%2f0%2fN%2f0%2f-%2f-%2fDOLLARGENERAL.jpg" width="251" height="176" /></p> <p><a href="http://www.dollargeneral.com/Pages/index.aspx">Dollar General</a>, or as I call it, DoGen! We have one less than 2 minutes from my home, it is small but very well-stocked, and the prices are suh-weet! </p> <p>For example, I just bought an 8 oz. bottle of vanilla flavoring (store brand) for around $1! That’ll last a while and whatta good price! I priced a similar bottle online and it was $9.99! That’s a 90% savings!</p> <p>DoGen also typically has a great variety of canned vegatables (20 oz) with a twist – like jalapeno-infused blackeyed peas! I think I bought a can of those for 69 cents! And my Jets Fan loved them. I’m now a loyal purchaser.</p> <p>DoGen’s selections of spices and condiments is impressive and def more affordable than the supermarket. And those are the grocery staple items that can really add up, so every little bit of savings helps, right?!</p> <p>I could go on and on, but I know you want to get down to DoGen, so I’ll let you go! Oh! Check out <a href="http://www.dollargeneral.com/Pages/index.aspx">DoGen’s website here</a> – it’s great – they have all kinds of useful and interesting online tools to help you!</p> <p>{This post may be linked to blog parties in my sidebar.}</p> <p>Hugs & Yums, <font color="#004080" size="5" face="Segoe Script"><strong>Laurie</strong></font></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-29448153067962484752010-06-01T05:23:00.001-07:002010-06-01T05:23:06.510-07:00Lunchroom Rewind: Peanut Butter Crunch!<p>I was always thrilled to go through the cafeteria line in elementary school and see we were having PEANUT BUTTER CRUNCH for dessert! Yum! I’m sure a school would never serve it now due to all the peanut allergies around, but we don’t have those at our house, so I can make it every now and again. Have you tried it?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TAT7pzZ__mI/AAAAAAAAByI/AkDqvJ6L-o0/s1600-h/thrift%20finds%20and%20pnut%20butter%20crunch%20002%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="thrift finds and pnut butter crunch 002" border="0" alt="thrift finds and pnut butter crunch 002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TAT7qfdaM6I/AAAAAAAAByM/E_D9PluwGRQ/thrift%20finds%20and%20pnut%20butter%20crunch%20002_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" height="242" /></a><strong><font size="3">Ingredients:</font></strong> 4 cups Corn Flakes, 1/2 cup light corn syrup (Karo), 1 cup sugar, 1 and 1/2 cups smooth peanut butter</p> <p><strong><font size="3">Directions:</font></strong> Crush Corn Flakes in large bowl. Heat corn syrup and sugar in a large saucepan on the stove until it starts to bubble. Reduce heat and add peanut butter to saucepan. Stir until completely mixed. Take off stove and stir in crushed Corn Flakes. At this point, mixture will be thick and solid-ish. Immediately spread mixture in a 9x13 pan/dish and flatten out on top. Immediately use a sharp knife to cut PBC mix into squares. Refrigerate to harden to solid, chewy texture.</p> <p>Hope your family can enjoy this cool, retro recipe! {This post may be linked to blog parties in sidebar.}</p> <p>Hugs & Yums, <font color="#238572" size="5" face="Segoe Script"><strong>Laurie</strong></font></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-28331002680235914922010-05-30T10:46:00.001-07:002010-05-30T10:46:40.756-07:00Extra-Tasty Taco Salad Buffet<p>I made taco salad fixins' for supper the other night and, rather than do the usual routine set-up, I came up with a couple ways to boost its appeal a bit, not that tacos need any help with that!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TAKkJiA11bI/AAAAAAAABug/wVOqnDFerKM/s1600-h/popartprojects0034.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="pop art projects 003" border="0" alt="pop art projects 003" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TAKkKiARNOI/AAAAAAAABuk/xg7hCFfnUEU/popartprojects003_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TAKkOfB_rYI/AAAAAAAABuo/ybgD4U10lYs/s1600-h/popartprojects0057.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="pop art projects 005" border="0" alt="pop art projects 005" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TAKkPn9UU-I/AAAAAAAABus/iT7vejv_xNU/popartprojects005_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p><strong><u>Taco Meat</u></strong> – In addition to taco seasoning, I also use about 1/2 jar of salsa and this time, I sprinkled in some seasoning salts (my new fave go-to spice) and some chili seasoning as well. When I salted the pan before browning the meat, I used the seasoning salts rather than table salt. Adds a little extra flavor.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TAKkSncRQhI/AAAAAAAABuw/JJyxh56VM4A/s1600-h/popartprojects0064.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="pop art projects 006" border="0" alt="pop art projects 006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TAKkT3iHdAI/AAAAAAAABu0/FVZ8YTe30LE/popartprojects006_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TAKkWzjyHxI/AAAAAAAABu4/YiUdSAAXq1Q/s1600-h/popartprojects0094.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="pop art projects 009" border="0" alt="pop art projects 009" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TAKkXmYycFI/AAAAAAAABu8/W4dT_3gHolI/popartprojects009_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p><strong><u>Sour Cream</u></strong> - Instead of plain sour cream (truly awesome on its own), I spiced the sour cream up with taco and chili seasoning. Doing this extends the flavor a little further and also looks more interesting (to me!).</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TAKkaW4N-7I/AAAAAAAABvA/JbYAB4xK8Nk/s1600-h/popartprojects0104.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="pop art projects 010" border="0" alt="pop art projects 010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TAKkbcpna6I/AAAAAAAABvE/pokOIdQU6Xs/popartprojects010_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><strong><u>Dip</u></strong> - This time, I served queso cheese dip in addition to salsa and taco sauce. Now this takes no genius on my part, just the willingness to spend a little more money to treat the fam! We loves our cheese.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TAKkevpqvTI/AAAAAAAABvI/3WEkwVFHto4/s1600-h/popartprojects0085.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="pop art projects 008" border="0" alt="pop art projects 008" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/TAKkfwoPjJI/AAAAAAAABvM/0DSJAQfu-NU/popartprojects008_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="226" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Here’s the finished taco buffet. I love it - easy, colorful and delicious! By the way, I know these ideas are very simple – you probably do twice as much to your tacos already! – it just takes moi a while to catch on and experiment! Just my 2 cents of ideas for the day!</p> <p>Hope you’re eating well and enjoying life! God bless! {This post may be linked to blog parties in my sidebar.}</p> <p>Hugs & Yums, <font color="#008000" size="5" face="Segoe Script"><strong>Laurie</strong></font></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-32329849655453424642010-05-27T10:12:00.001-07:002010-05-27T22:42:43.927-07:00Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Bread<p>We made banana bread from a mix last week and the whole family enjoyed it. My Quirky Girl and I decided to snaz it up with some extra ingredients this time! You know we like snazzy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_6n_LeCjaI/AAAAAAAABro/50g1nqCZqWw/s1600-h/strawbread06218.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="straw bread 062" border="0" alt="straw bread 062" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_6n_WYMzyI/AAAAAAAABrs/Mkgcqy-l4PQ/strawbread062_thumb12.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>Here’s what we did ~</p> <p><strong><font size="3"><u>Ingredients:</u></font></strong></p> <p>Banana bread mix, Water as called for in recipe, 1 jar strawberries, drained (reserve all juice from jar/can), 1 tub strawberry cream cheese (reserve a couple teaspoons)</p> <p><strong><font size="3"><u>Directions:</u></font></strong></p> <p>1-Mix banana bread mixture as directed on box</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_6oASYfyjI/AAAAAAAABrw/Vl6VRGlhdeE/s1600-h/strawbread0548.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="straw bread 054" border="0" alt="straw bread 054" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_6oA2in18I/AAAAAAAABr0/PDiCY2abuy8/strawbread054_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> 2-Pour 1/2 bread mix into loaf pan (I made up two batches at one time)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_9XzlHaBzI/AAAAAAAABtI/adNrxeOq_bs/s1600-h/straw%20bread%20055%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="straw bread 055" border="0" alt="straw bread 055" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_9Xz4S6BrI/AAAAAAAABtM/p-dzL2ZSDs4/straw%20bread%20055_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="233" height="182" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_6oBsOf0RI/AAAAAAAABtQ/iLNPsmEsMk8/s1600-h/straw%20bread%20058%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="straw bread 058" border="0" alt="straw bread 058" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_6oBzr29zI/AAAAAAAABtU/sU-pkPtXW24/straw%20bread%20058_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="176" /></a></p> <p>3-Mix softened cream cheese and strawberries together and carefully spoon on top of bread mix in pan, spooning it lengthwise but not all the way to the end edges of the loaf pan.</p> <p>4-Carefully pour remainder of banana bread mix over top of cream cheese layer.</p> <p>5-Bake as directed on banana bread package.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_6oCl9XswI/AAAAAAAABsA/r0EideKp2Bw/s1600-h/strawbread06411.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="straw bread 064" border="0" alt="straw bread 064" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_6oDBt_0wI/AAAAAAAABsE/fFcwPIXGX-0/strawbread064_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>6-Mix remaining cream cheese and strawberry juice and heat for 30 sec in microwave.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_6oDxo5NQI/AAAAAAAABsI/qHdO269Z1-4/s1600-h/strawbread0659.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="straw bread 065" border="0" alt="straw bread 065" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_6oENdUphI/AAAAAAAABsM/ZGJx3p0OYAo/strawbread065_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_6oE51K5oI/AAAAAAAABsQ/JHCpRJoecl4/s1600-h/strawbread0678.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="straw bread 067" border="0" alt="straw bread 067" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_6oFfMtbiI/AAAAAAAABsU/7JbtyfSSXnQ/strawbread067_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>7-Pour resulting glaze over loaf after removing from pain, let drip down the sides…yummmmm! My glaze turned out a little thin and lumpy, but the bread still tasted awesome!</p> <p>{This post may be linked to blog parties in my sidebar.}</p> <p>Hugs & Yums, Laurie</p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-55615289238425467962010-05-24T17:31:00.001-07:002010-05-24T17:31:57.465-07:00Slow Cooker Beef & Vegetable Stoup<p>I adapted this simple recipe from one an IRL mom friend last week and it is so easy and so tasty, my favorite way to cook! The way mine turned out (by including the juices etc) was a little thinner than a stew, leading me to borrow the term “stoup” from Rachael Ray!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_saeSVfSMI/AAAAAAAABpo/061cXtoXJVo/s1600-h/beef%20stoup%20001%5B14%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="beef stoup 001" border="0" alt="beef stoup 001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_saexV4ZkI/AAAAAAAABps/MMcXddtgrqE/beef%20stoup%20001_thumb%5B12%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="362" height="284" /></a></p> <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p> <p>1-2 lbs. stew meat</p> <p>2 cans cream of potato soup</p> <p>2 cans water</p> <p>1 large can whole potatoes, cut each potato in 1/2 (with juice)</p> <p>2 small cans sliced carrots (with juice)</p> <p>1 can whole kernel corn (with juice)</p> <p>6 servings converted rice</p> <p><strong>Directions:</strong></p> <p>1-Put stew meat in slow cooker.</p> <p>2-Layer in soups, water, and vegetables with juice.</p> <p>3-Cook on low for 5-6 hours.</p> <p>4-Serve over converted rice in bowls.</p> <p>Eat up! Hope you enjoy this recipe!</p> <p>Hugs & Yums, <font color="#000080" size="5" face="Segoe Script"><strong>Laurie</strong></font></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-82376834370493654792010-05-20T10:28:00.001-07:002010-05-20T10:28:16.010-07:00Sugar & Spice Sweet Potatoes<p>So, the baked sweet potatoes I made last time didn’t tempt the kids enough! Time to try something different! Here’s what I did:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_VxCy_oCrI/AAAAAAAABkY/Lv894UE2N64/s1600-h/food%20001%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="food 001" border="0" alt="food 001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_VxDWLLgtI/AAAAAAAABkc/BGs0tGzeK44/food%20001_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="139" height="244" /></a>  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_VxEFBqlwI/AAAAAAAABkg/-z9nhCX-tAg/s1600-h/food%20003.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="food 003" border="0" alt="food 003" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_VxEqoyLeI/AAAAAAAABkk/pEWT2oIvJCg/food%20003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="139" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>I drained a large can of sweet potatoes, put them in a pie pan and smooshed them up good! Next, I seasoned the taters with both cinnamon-sugar and seasoning salts to provide a unique taste of both sweet and savory/spicy.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_VxF_PeT3I/AAAAAAAABko/tz_eQcp5ZwE/s1600-h/food%20004.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="food 004" border="0" alt="food 004" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_VxGQV8oUI/AAAAAAAABks/KBFHPpZUtuA/food%20004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_VxHXA7aFI/AAAAAAAABkw/TRGo4IupaQE/s1600-h/food%20005.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="food 005" border="0" alt="food 005" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_VxIVl1v4I/AAAAAAAABk0/jH2ZGLrVNz4/food%20005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Then, I added lots of mini-marshmallows and, to top it all off, I crumbled up a couple cinnamon graham crackers to put on the dish – hey, it’s a free-for-all around here!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_VxJnv1LjI/AAAAAAAABk4/HxJtkSiQkb4/s1600-h/food%20009%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="food 009" border="0" alt="food 009" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_VxKEFp6yI/AAAAAAAABk8/zKu_Fy9M8Kc/food%20009_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_VxLaHaW4I/AAAAAAAABlA/Wh84dRF0D8s/s1600-h/food%20014%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="food 014" border="0" alt="food 014" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_VxL9u-9HI/AAAAAAAABlE/49W9cQyh80c/food%20014_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>I baked it in the oven at 250 degrees for 10-15 minutes – obviously, I should’ve pulled it out a minute or two earlier – but I convinced the kids the marshmallows were supposed to be almost black in places, like roasting them over a campfire – ha! Actually, I don’t mind them that way!</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>This post finishes up the description of the quick and simple brown sugar ham grill and veggies dinner I started a couple of posts ago. It didn’t take much time at all and was oh so tasty and good! And the kids? They ate more sweet potatoes this time than the time before! Progress! I’ll continue on my quest…..</p> <p>Hugs & Yums, <font color="#004040" size="5" face="Segoe Script"><strong>Laurie</strong></font></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-75330073662393384382010-05-18T20:02:00.001-07:002010-05-18T20:02:32.818-07:00Brown Sugar Ham Grill<p>We love ham at our house (especially Ninja Kitty!), so last week I tried yet another little twist. I took baked ham, sliced it, put it on the trusty Foreman, and here’s the small twist – covered the tops of each slice with plain brown sugar, then grilled away!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_NUt2u-B6I/AAAAAAAABi4/Cd3toJQSA6g/s1600-h/food%20006%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="food 006" border="0" alt="food 006" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_NUuEwODoI/AAAAAAAABi8/ObISM5cde-0/food%20006_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_NUvfuX0GI/AAAAAAAABjA/jSa_3GW21Fo/s1600-h/food%20008.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="food 008" border="0" alt="food 008" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_NUvkadiXI/AAAAAAAABjE/U20VI6aIm-A/food%20008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_NUwldWwcI/AAAAAAAABjI/gwiZ52-HFB4/s1600-h/food%20010.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="food 010" border="0" alt="food 010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_NUxLUzyWI/AAAAAAAABjM/6XT7Th0Rp6U/food%20010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_NUxqNjyoI/AAAAAAAABjQ/iXoWV_CbSoo/s1600-h/food%20012%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="food 012" border="0" alt="food 012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_NUyKTgHHI/AAAAAAAABjU/wykSkJHlyyI/food%20012_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Yum-dilly-icious! Def doing this again, so easy and supremely tasty! We had this with our jazzed up BE peas and sweet potatoes, which I’ll explain another time…there’s a story there…</p> <p>Try it, you’ll love it! Linking up to the fab foodie parties in the sidebar!</p> <p>Hugs & Yums, <font color="#004040" size="5" face="Lucida Handwriting">Laurie</font></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-2126669027234284252010-05-16T20:28:00.001-07:002010-05-16T20:28:47.002-07:00♪It’s Gonna Be a Good, Good (Black-Eyed Peas) Ni-igh-ght…♫<p>Last week, I jazzed up some black-eyed peas for the fam – they loved them! In fact, my 2 youngest kept asking for more for days afterward! Yay – I got them to like another veggie!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_C34Nf5RqI/AAAAAAAABhg/Uq-92TEBduc/s1600-h/food%20007%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="food 007" border="0" alt="food 007" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_C34k-lTcI/AAAAAAAABhk/WUY4l8C39Go/food%20007_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" height="241" /></a>You can see what I did above – just took a can of peas and added hot sauce and bacon bits to it! That’s it!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_C35onR6mI/AAAAAAAABho/88G8ECGNCoA/s1600-h/food%20011.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="food 011" border="0" alt="food 011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_C36FTOTiI/AAAAAAAABhs/62Mpt8iHRqM/food%20011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_C37CEmIJI/AAAAAAAABhw/ZqwlmPF4lB8/s1600-h/food%20014.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="food 014" border="0" alt="food 014" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S_C37gDR4MI/AAAAAAAABh0/GOLDiKkm4OE/food%20014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Yummy, bacon seems to make everything better! It was a perfect complement to our ham/peas/sweet potato dinner (more on those recipes another time)! By the way, I know the white plate is small – that’s one of the tricks I use (for myself, not the kids!) to keep my portions under control – ha!</p> <p>Hugs & Yums, <font color="#804000" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Laurie</font></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-44852438998475067482010-05-13T06:35:00.001-07:002010-05-13T06:36:02.064-07:00Cheeseburger SaladIn an effort to make the good ol’ cheeseburger healthier (and less carb-y), I came up with the idea of CHEESEBURGER SALAD for my hubby and me! I thought all three kids would want regular cheeseburgers, but 2 of the 3 wanted the salad as well!<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S-wADuroBXI/AAAAAAAABeE/vCZgZmOqYYE/s1600-h/crafts%20022%5B18%5D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="crafts 022" border="0" height="309" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S-wAENG_XRI/AAAAAAAABeI/J9BKxt23RDw/crafts%20022_thumb%5B16%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="crafts 022" width="180" /></a>We grilled our burgers and added American cheese slices to melt a bit. We prepped the salad separately (lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, shredded cheddar cheese – of course, you could add in whatever you like). At the last minute, we diced up the cheeseburger patties and added them to the salads. Yummy! We had pretzels on the side.<br />
Also, I must note that I tried a new salad dressing with this meal:<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S-wAFIEgfZI/AAAAAAAABeM/lMU6sWchMhQ/s1600-h/pic%20001%5B9%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="pic 001" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S-wAFqm0RaI/AAAAAAAABeQ/TMAdP3LCs8k/pic%20001_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="pic 001" width="139" /></a> <br />
I purchased this dressing at Kroger and it was very good, with a definite sweet and savory taste of cucumber. It would also make a great addition to a traditional cucumber salad.<br />
Hugs & Yums, <span style="color: #004040; font-family: Segoe Script; font-size: large;">Laurie</span>Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-10372267633609445892010-05-10T17:06:00.001-07:002010-05-10T17:06:24.684-07:00Cheddar Garlic Mini-Puff Muffins<p>Our family enjoyed a Dinner Italiano this evening: spaghetti with seasoned marinara, extra cheesy pizza pie and <font color="#400000" size="3" face="AR CHRISTY">cheddar garlic mini-puff muffins</font>! The meal was a success!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S-ifcooB8TI/AAAAAAAABbM/0BeMlaypCBo/s1600-h/seashell%20mirror%20016%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="seashell mirror 016" border="0" alt="seashell mirror 016" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S-ifdKmdz2I/AAAAAAAABbQ/opApQiTnQxQ/seashell%20mirror%20016_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="139" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S-ifeAL6M0I/AAAAAAAABbU/M0CtNzzsMW8/s1600-h/seashell%20mirror%20013%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="seashell mirror 013" border="0" alt="seashell mirror 013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S-ifedSafrI/AAAAAAAABbY/6QBX44J1ZQQ/seashell%20mirror%20013_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="139" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S-iffTaw6sI/AAAAAAAABbc/kS03E4d1mNY/s1600-h/seashell%20mirror%20014%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="seashell mirror 014" border="0" alt="seashell mirror 014" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S-iff5ghg-I/AAAAAAAABbg/IGf_jSs8sRQ/seashell%20mirror%20014_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="174" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The muffins were so quick and easy to make!</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong> – 2 cups Bisquick/biscuit mix, 2/3 cup milk, 2/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 forkful minced garlic, couple sprinkles of seasoned salts and Italian seasoning</p> <p><strong>Directions</strong> – Mix all ingredients together. Butter a mini muffin pan.  Place a generous amount of dough mixture (about 2/3-3/4 of the muffin cup opening) in each muffin pan cup.  Bake at 400 degrees for about 12-14 minutes or until starting to brown on top.  These muffins will rise up fairly high creating the puff muffin effect.</p> <p>This recipe can be served with Italian meals as well as many other types of meals (seafood, chicken, soup/salad, etc) and could be customized to taste with other seasoning ingredients.</p> <p>Hugs & Yums, <font color="#008000" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Laurie</font></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-4163254937400490522010-05-05T19:38:00.001-07:002010-05-05T19:38:32.348-07:00Toffee Times Two<p>Didja know there are 2 versions of toffee – one real and one fake?! I’ve made both and I like both, but I have to say the 2nd version is a little easier on the teeth! Now, I can’t take any credit for these recipes, just passing along the info and my culinary stamp of approval :)!</p> <p><strong><u><font size="3">TRADITIONAL TOFFEE:</font></u></strong> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S-IroVJ2LCI/AAAAAAAABaM/sVLpuuswSH4/s1600-h/toffeereal5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="toffee real" border="0" alt="toffee real" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S-Iro9MmAtI/AAAAAAAABaQ/bTOFONhRE9k/toffeereal_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="244" /></a> </p> <h5>Ingredients</h5> <ul> <li>2 cups butter </li> <li></li> <li>2 cups white sugar </li> <li></li> <li>2 cups semisweet chocolate chips </li> <li></li> <li>1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts </li> </ul> <h5> </h5> <h5> </h5> <h5>Directions</h5> <ol> <li>In a large pan, combine the butter and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted. Allow to come to a boil, and cook until the mixture becomes the color of a brown paper bag. Stir occasionally. </li> <li>While the toffee is cooking, cover a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. </li> <li>As soon as the toffee reaches the proper color, pour it onto the baking sheet. Sprinkle the chocolate over the top, and let it set for a minute or two to soften. Spread the chocolate into a thin even layer once it is melted. Sprinkle the nuts over the chocolate.  </li> <li>Chill in the fridge until set. Break into pieces and get to servin’! </li> </ol> <p><strong><u><font size="3">FAUX TOFFEE:</font></u></strong> </p> <p>Have you ever made faux saltine toffee?  Here’s a fun recipe to try that will amaze others when you tell them (<em><u>if</u></em> you tell them) how you did it:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S-IrpYczCII/AAAAAAAABaU/V5DSvkMoAGE/s1600-h/saltinetoffee7.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="saltine toffee" border="0" alt="saltine toffee" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S-IrptI4jlI/AAAAAAAABaY/Dp4GWUY6J4A/saltinetoffee_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="186" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>1 cup butter </li> <li></li> <li>1 cup packed brown sugar </li> <li></li> <li>1 (10 ounce) package saltine crackers </li> <li></li> <li>1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips </li> </ul> <h5> </h5> <h5>Directions</h5> <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 400 degrees. </li> <li>In a small saucepan over medium-high heat melt butter with brown sugar; bring to a boil and remove from heat. </li> <li>Arrange crackers (salt side up) on the bottom of a casserole pan/dish. Pour butter mixture over crackers. </li> <li>Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes. </li> <li>Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over crackers. Bake for another 5 minutes. </li> </ol> <h5>One thing I love about both types of toffee is they are made with ingredients you are likely to have on hand in the kitchen!  Gotta love not having to wait for a grocery run to make a sweet goody!</h5> <p>Hugs & Yums, <font color="#400040" size="5" face="Segoe Script"><strong>Laurie</strong></font></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-68342089346312380692010-05-03T16:51:00.001-07:002010-05-03T16:53:09.351-07:00Juiced Up Ham & Green Beans Dinner<p>We had a rather normal dinner of ham, green beans and rolls this evening. But! I added a couple creative twists!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S99hhpFnKKI/AAAAAAAABY0/4VxIp4CwGRM/s1600-h/food%20003%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="food 003" border="0" alt="food 003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S99hieYDUyI/AAAAAAAABY4/F-Ktyv2uAmQ/food%20003_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S99hjrI2CPI/AAAAAAAABZE/I0oJPY9Wb0s/s1600-h/food%20005%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="food 005" border="0" alt="food 005" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S99hkICJxLI/AAAAAAAABZI/LDxVf1mPWXk/food%20005_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>HAM – I cut slices of ham, then halved them. I grilled them for a little while on my trusty George Foreman grill (LOVE it!) which thoroughly heated them, enhanced their tastiness and marked them with appetizing grill marks. Next, I put some pineapple slices on the grill to serve with the ham. Yum! Pineapple and ham go together so well!</p> <p>GREEN BEANS – I wanted to make a green bean casserole, but didn’t have the cream of mushroom soup or the french fried onion bits. So, I brainstormed and used what I had – cream of chicken soup (1 can) and Pepperidge Farm Herb Stuffing mixed in with 2 cans of green beans (I also included the juice from one of the cans of beans), topped it all with more stuffing and baked it in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. It was yummy!</p> <p>ROLLS – No creativity per se here, just wise enough to buy some always scrumptious crescent rolls!</p> <p>All in all, a very affordable, easy-to-make, balanced, delicious dinner for my sweeties and me! Even Waffles the Hungry Cat got his share of ham (he looooves any kind of pork meat!).</p> <p>Hugs & Yums, <font color="#008080" size="5" face="Segoe Script"><strong>Laurie</strong></font></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-30228722299167508832010-05-01T06:22:00.001-07:002010-05-01T06:22:11.456-07:00Have You Tried Turkey Tea?<p>I’m putting the spotlight on one of my new favorite food/beverage products today! TURKEY HILL TEA – have you tried it yet?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S9wq9t83m0I/AAAAAAAABVk/KhwIjpMNUwM/s1600-h/turkey%20tea%20007%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="turkey tea 007" border="0" alt="turkey tea 007" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S9wq-WQ3SUI/AAAAAAAABVo/t3M2pGL7CYI/turkey%20tea%20007_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="160" height="244" /></a>We buy it at Kroger and they offer several delicious flavors, including this one – my very favorite Mojito Green Tea – yum!!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S9wq-9Xu3cI/AAAAAAAABVs/Nam0LBucVIM/s1600-h/turkey%20tea%20010%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="turkey tea 010" border="0" alt="turkey tea 010" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S9wq_R2nRaI/AAAAAAAABVw/hd6sxzjxGQg/turkey%20tea%20010_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="160" height="210" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S9wrASh_e0I/AAAAAAAABV0/aow4eYa3HiQ/s1600-h/turkey%20tea%20011%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="turkey tea 011" border="0" alt="turkey tea 011" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S9wrAm4icDI/AAAAAAAABV4/yK6iMMfpBvU/turkey%20tea%20011_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="209" /></a> </p> <p align="left">You can visit Turkey Hill’s website <a href="http://www.turkeyhill.com/products/iced-tea.asp" target="_blank">here</a> to see all the awesome flavors they offer. If you like iced tea, I highly recommend you go get you some Turkey Tea today!</p> <p>Hugs & Yums, <font color="#008000" size="5" face="Segoe Script"><strong>Laurie</strong></font></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343165580889449903.post-24628390347068201142010-04-27T17:22:00.001-07:002010-04-27T17:22:27.822-07:00DELISH CORN PUDDING/PIE<p>This is a dish I’ve made for years, thanks to my sister-in-law sharing her recipe with me!  Thanks, H!  Some folks call it Corn Pudding, others Corn Pie.  Either way, it’s a lovely bread/side dish that your guests/fellow diners will always enjoy and gobble up!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S9d_viHwv_I/AAAAAAAABQM/QOy-LRCuz6c/s1600-h/corn%20pie%20027%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="corn pie 027" border="0" alt="corn pie 027" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S9d_v8z_g1I/AAAAAAAABQQ/KEdXVmdtBGQ/corn%20pie%20027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S9d_waoTMFI/AAAAAAAABQU/nLNJK8-yGS4/s1600-h/corn%20pie%20028%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="corn pie 028" border="0" alt="corn pie 028" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wWD-q5_nNVU/S9d_wz4OsII/AAAAAAAABQY/bToyNMnRBxM/corn%20pie%20028_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139" /></a> </p> <p>This evening, I served green beans and corn pie (left) as sides for my bacon-wrapped pork chops (right)!</p> <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong> 1 can kernel corn, 1 can cream corn, 1 box cornbread mix, 8 oz. sour cream, 1 stick butter (melted), 2 eggs (beaten)</p> <p><strong>Directions:</strong> Mix all ingredients together. Pour into ungreased 9x13” dish/pan (I made two smaller pans this time, thus the heart-shaped pan you see above). Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes.</p> <p>There ya go, easy to make, yummy to eat and sure to impress!  My favorite kind of recipe! This one is always a hit at family events, special meals, etc.</p> <p>Hugs & Yums,<font size="5"><strong> <font color="#400000" face="Segoe Script">Laurie</font></strong></font></p> Laurie in SChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07405085572587718867noreply@blogger.com3