Friday, October 31, 2014
Cute Flats
A fun buy today at Old Navy - on clearance! They also come in hunter green! Super comfy... only in stores...not on line...those tassels are just sewn into the fabric...not loose....
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Hummus & Chips
This recipe came from Clean Eating, and the crackers I found at Trader Joe's - the two together are a great tasty combo!
In a food processor, pulse until smooth but still coarse:
2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
5 garlic cloves
juice from 2 lemons
1 tsp sea salt
1 T olive oil
1/3 cup tahini (sesame paste)
In a food processor, pulse until smooth but still coarse:
2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
5 garlic cloves
juice from 2 lemons
1 tsp sea salt
1 T olive oil
1/3 cup tahini (sesame paste)
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Spaghetti with Chickpeas & Pancetta
You'll need to prepare boiling water, salted, and drop in your spaghetti, while arranging the other ingredients. When you drain, reserve a cup of the pasta water.
In a skillet, fry up 3-4 oz diced pancetta until crispy, then drain on paper towels. Meanwhile, slice five garlic cloves thinly, and one seeded jalapeno pepper. After the pancetta is removed, add 1/4 cup olive oil, and the garlic and pepper - fry about one minute - then add one can of drained, rinsed chickpeas. Fry about 4 minutes, smashing lightly the chickpeas with back of a spoon. Stir in one cup loosely packed chopped parsley. Salt and pepper.
Add in the drained pasta, and 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, tossing to combine and more S&P if necessary, and add the pasta water as needed. Arrange the mixture in your serving dish, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and top with a little more Parm.
Your meal is done!
In a skillet, fry up 3-4 oz diced pancetta until crispy, then drain on paper towels. Meanwhile, slice five garlic cloves thinly, and one seeded jalapeno pepper. After the pancetta is removed, add 1/4 cup olive oil, and the garlic and pepper - fry about one minute - then add one can of drained, rinsed chickpeas. Fry about 4 minutes, smashing lightly the chickpeas with back of a spoon. Stir in one cup loosely packed chopped parsley. Salt and pepper.
Add in the drained pasta, and 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, tossing to combine and more S&P if necessary, and add the pasta water as needed. Arrange the mixture in your serving dish, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and top with a little more Parm.
Your meal is done!
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Pumpkin Shaped Sammies
What a fun idea I saw on the internet, only I used a pumpkin cookie cutter for my sandwiches and cheese, to make our lunch for our pumpkin carving party. They were a hit! And now I have all the leftover bread to use for croutons or bread pudding...
Purchase a large pumpkin cookie cutter that will fit your bread the best (I got mine at Target). Cut your pumpkin shapes in the bread, as well as the cheese and meat you want for the filling.
Present them on plates on your buffet, and let your guests assemble their pumpkin sandwiches, along with the orange and black tortilla chips to go with(from HEB).
Purchase a large pumpkin cookie cutter that will fit your bread the best (I got mine at Target). Cut your pumpkin shapes in the bread, as well as the cheese and meat you want for the filling.
Present them on plates on your buffet, and let your guests assemble their pumpkin sandwiches, along with the orange and black tortilla chips to go with(from HEB).
Monday, October 27, 2014
American Trivia
We bought this game American Trivia this summer and have played it with our family a couple times. It's a great holiday game for a group, and all of the questions are about America..from the land to the arts to the history...
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Caramel Apple Bar
We had a caramel apple bar at our pumpkin carving party. It was so fun to prepare, and to enjoy.
I had a six milk bottle case that my sister sent me, and the toppings went in the bottles - tiny M&Ms, crushed peanuts, pretzels, mini chocolate chips, butterfinger bars, and fall sprinkles. This sat in the middle of our bar.
The apples were skewered with craft sticks, and placed in a two-tier stand, where I used paper plates to line them (see photos below).
The Kraft caramel bits were heated and kept warm in a small crock pot.
Guests just picked an apple, dipped in the caramel, and poured on the toppings - so fun!
I had a six milk bottle case that my sister sent me, and the toppings went in the bottles - tiny M&Ms, crushed peanuts, pretzels, mini chocolate chips, butterfinger bars, and fall sprinkles. This sat in the middle of our bar.
The apples were skewered with craft sticks, and placed in a two-tier stand, where I used paper plates to line them (see photos below).
The Kraft caramel bits were heated and kept warm in a small crock pot.
Guests just picked an apple, dipped in the caramel, and poured on the toppings - so fun!
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Easiest Wreath Ever
Found the idea for this wreath on line, and so I bought the materials, and gave them to my daughter and daughter-in-law to make, while visiting today.
You just need:
A wire hanger
2 rolls of 30 ft, four inch burlap
Fall garland
Unroll the hanger and shape into a circle. Thread the burlap onto the hanger in an accordion-like fashion, hook the hanger back together, and fluff. Add in your garland (cut apart the pieces you want) and other fall objects, as you wish, with wire or hot glue.
That's it!
You just need:
A wire hanger
2 rolls of 30 ft, four inch burlap
Fall garland
Unroll the hanger and shape into a circle. Thread the burlap onto the hanger in an accordion-like fashion, hook the hanger back together, and fluff. Add in your garland (cut apart the pieces you want) and other fall objects, as you wish, with wire or hot glue.
That's it!
Friday, October 24, 2014
A Great Album
I'm not even a huge fan of Streisand, but her new CD caught my eye because it's full of duets with a dozen of today's singers. It's an awesome album, including songs with John Mayer, Lionel Ritchie, John Legend, and even Elvis. It's really good!
Thursday, October 23, 2014
A Great Side for Soup
We bought one of those tomato soup mixes you find at festivals. To go with that tonite, we made a ciabatta toast, and here's how:
We bought olive tapenade in a jar. We also had some leftover roasted veggies, and mozzarella cheese. And we had ciabatta rolls.
To make the toast, we spread the tapenade on half a roll, then topped with the roasted veggies, along with chopped grape tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella. We broiled in the oven until the cheese was melted and the bread was toasted.
This was a great accompaniment to the soup!
We bought olive tapenade in a jar. We also had some leftover roasted veggies, and mozzarella cheese. And we had ciabatta rolls.
To make the toast, we spread the tapenade on half a roll, then topped with the roasted veggies, along with chopped grape tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella. We broiled in the oven until the cheese was melted and the bread was toasted.
This was a great accompaniment to the soup!
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Jumpsuit Comfort
New York & Company is always having great sales, if you sign up for their emails. Very often, they offer $50 off of $100 spent, which is what I used yesterday. This jumpsuit might be my favorite outfit - it's comfy, can be worn lots of different ways (with jackets, jewelry, boots or sandals) and it comes in black or gray!
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Whooooo Made This?
My friend made this wreath for her front door, and she said it was so easy - and I think it's so cute! She bought all of the materials at Michaels - raffia to wrap around a straw wreath - hot glued. She picked out some leaves, a few stalks, and a cute owl and glued them as well. That was it!
Monday, October 20, 2014
Pesto Chicken Pasta
A tray of roasted veggies
A pesto that's a pretty as it smells
A package of lemon pepper pasta
A skillet of grilled chicken
A delicious dinner!
Roast a tray of your favorite veggies (tossed in olive oil and spices)
Boil your pasta.
In a food processor, mix a cup of fresh spinach, a cup of fresh basil, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan. Drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil while processing to make the pesto.
Slice a pound of chicken breasts and grill them on the stove. Baste with the pesto, and squeeze in lemon juice.
(Season all of the above as instructed, or to taste)
Serve it up all tossed together!
A pesto that's a pretty as it smells
A package of lemon pepper pasta
A skillet of grilled chicken
A delicious dinner!
Roast a tray of your favorite veggies (tossed in olive oil and spices)
Boil your pasta.
In a food processor, mix a cup of fresh spinach, a cup of fresh basil, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan. Drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil while processing to make the pesto.
Slice a pound of chicken breasts and grill them on the stove. Baste with the pesto, and squeeze in lemon juice.
(Season all of the above as instructed, or to taste)
Serve it up all tossed together!
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Buy This Mix!
Check out this sweet and salty crack pie mix from NYC! Oh my.....what a delicious treat for one of your fall parties this season....from Momofuku Milk Bar!
Friday, October 17, 2014
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Stackable Pot
I love organizing boxes for lunches and picnics! My favorite is the bento box! But I just found this stackable pot from Uncommon Goods that looks awesome! Can't wait to try it...
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Modern Toothbrush!
I don't like toothbrush holders that are cups, which hold several toothbrushes, because mildew and water pool up in the bottom, and it's just nasty!
This toothbrush stands on its own, and you can even get an individual holder that's really cute!
This toothbrush stands on its own, and you can even get an individual holder that's really cute!
Monday, October 13, 2014
Dallas Caramels
I tasted these caramels in a festival this weekend, and bought a fall assortment. You can find all sorts of flavors on line at the Dallas Caramel Company! They are soooo creamy....
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Sopapilla Cheesecake
My son loves sopapillas, and when his wife made this sopapilla cheesecake, he loved it! So that's what I made for his birthday...it was so easy and is a great dessert to take for a party!
Just unroll 1 can Pillsbury butter crescent rolls and spread out in a 9X13 pan, ungreased. Combine 2 pkgs softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and 1 tsp vanilla in a bowl, and spread over rolls. Unroll second pkg of crescent rolls and spread over the mixture. Next, spread 1/4 cup melted butter over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar (3 tsp sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon).
Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.
Serve cold...or warm up and drizzle with honey!
Just unroll 1 can Pillsbury butter crescent rolls and spread out in a 9X13 pan, ungreased. Combine 2 pkgs softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and 1 tsp vanilla in a bowl, and spread over rolls. Unroll second pkg of crescent rolls and spread over the mixture. Next, spread 1/4 cup melted butter over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar (3 tsp sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon).
Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.
Serve cold...or warm up and drizzle with honey!
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Bingo!
Is it ever really TOO early to be prepared for the family gatherings?
Can't wait to play this with all the kids on one of the cold holiday afternoons of the Christmas season...
It's on sale 40% off at Hobby Lobby!
Can't wait to play this with all the kids on one of the cold holiday afternoons of the Christmas season...
It's on sale 40% off at Hobby Lobby!
Friday, October 10, 2014
Pretty on the Neck
LOVE this store...there are two locations in Austin, TX and I'm not sure where else, but they are online, as well - Langford Market...they have really pretty, unique necklaces - very affordable!
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Pulled Chicken
Slow-cooker pulled chicken...a great fall dish....and delish! Taken from All You Magazine.
Slice two onions thinly, and place in the bottom of a slow cooker.
Arrange 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts and 3/4 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs on top of onions. (I just used chicken breasts).
In a bowl, mix 1 cup ketchup, 2 T cider vinegar, 1 T Dijon mustard, 2 T molasses, 1 tsp onion power, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp Tabasco and 1/2 tsp salt.
Pour over chicken, cover and cook on low 5 hours.
Remove chicken and shred, then stir back into the sauce. Serve hot, on whole wheat buns.
Slice two onions thinly, and place in the bottom of a slow cooker.
Arrange 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts and 3/4 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs on top of onions. (I just used chicken breasts).
In a bowl, mix 1 cup ketchup, 2 T cider vinegar, 1 T Dijon mustard, 2 T molasses, 1 tsp onion power, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp Tabasco and 1/2 tsp salt.
Pour over chicken, cover and cook on low 5 hours.
Remove chicken and shred, then stir back into the sauce. Serve hot, on whole wheat buns.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Breakfast Ahead
This is a healthy breakfast you can make the night before, then all you have to do is heat in the microwave and enjoy!
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1 T dried cranberries
1 T sunflower seeds
3/4 cup 2% or skim milk
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate. Heat and eat the next morning.
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1 T dried cranberries
1 T sunflower seeds
3/4 cup 2% or skim milk
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate. Heat and eat the next morning.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Truck Stop Goodness
I just ate this sandwich at a movie theater last weekend, and it was called the Truck Stop sandwich on the menu at Moviehouse & Eatery in Austin, Texas. Here's what went on it:
In between toasted bread: melted white American cheese, fresh avocado, bacon, fried green tomatoes, and sriracha aioli.
Use Texas Toast for the bread. For the aioli (below is Rachael Ray's recipe):
For the fried green tomatoes, here are six choices (I'd use cornmeal for coating and slice them thin, not too thick).
And this is what you'll get:
In between toasted bread: melted white American cheese, fresh avocado, bacon, fried green tomatoes, and sriracha aioli.
Use Texas Toast for the bread. For the aioli (below is Rachael Ray's recipe):
- 2/3 cup prepared mayo/aioli or store-bought mayonnaise
- 1 large clove garlic, grated or pasted
- 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
For the fried green tomatoes, here are six choices (I'd use cornmeal for coating and slice them thin, not too thick).
And this is what you'll get:
Monday, October 6, 2014
Sloppy Joe Fries!
Sloppy and delicious - that's what this pile of goodness is!
Slice 2lb of russet potatoes into thin wedges, toss in olive oil and 1/2 tsp chili pepper, lay out in single layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 425 for 30 minutes (turning once).
While the potatoes are baking, prepare the topping:
Brown 1lb ground meat, sprinkled with 1/2 tsp chili pepper, in a skillet about 5 minutes. Add in one chopped garlic, one seeded chopped jalapeno, and 1/2 cup chopped white onion, cooking 2 minutes more. Next, turn down the heat and add in 2 T light brown sugar, 2 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 3/4 cup ketchup, stirring together over low heat until it thickens, about 8 minutes.
Grate 1 cup of cheddar cheese and cube 1 cup of mozzarella, and chop a couple of roma tomatoes.
Now you're ready to assemble:
Place the baked fries on a plate, top with the meat mixture, then the cheese and the tomatoes. You could add in some tops of green onions, if you like...
(I had some leftover bacon that I crumbled and toasted, then sprinkled on top, as well!)
Slice 2lb of russet potatoes into thin wedges, toss in olive oil and 1/2 tsp chili pepper, lay out in single layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 425 for 30 minutes (turning once).
While the potatoes are baking, prepare the topping:
Brown 1lb ground meat, sprinkled with 1/2 tsp chili pepper, in a skillet about 5 minutes. Add in one chopped garlic, one seeded chopped jalapeno, and 1/2 cup chopped white onion, cooking 2 minutes more. Next, turn down the heat and add in 2 T light brown sugar, 2 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 3/4 cup ketchup, stirring together over low heat until it thickens, about 8 minutes.
Grate 1 cup of cheddar cheese and cube 1 cup of mozzarella, and chop a couple of roma tomatoes.
Now you're ready to assemble:
Place the baked fries on a plate, top with the meat mixture, then the cheese and the tomatoes. You could add in some tops of green onions, if you like...
(I had some leftover bacon that I crumbled and toasted, then sprinkled on top, as well!)
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Almond Butter
Almond butter - have you tasted it homemade? This is an easy recipe and super delicious for snacks, for your week ahead!
In a food processor, pulse 2 cups almonds with 2 large pinches of kosher salt for five minutes.
Pulse in 3 T vegetable oil and 2 tsp honey.
That's it! Spread on wheat crackers....
In a food processor, pulse 2 cups almonds with 2 large pinches of kosher salt for five minutes.
Pulse in 3 T vegetable oil and 2 tsp honey.
That's it! Spread on wheat crackers....
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Preztel Peanut Chocolate Bars
Oh my, these are GOOD - I found the recipe in Martha Stewart Living - took them to a birthday lunch - and I wanted to eat them all!
Preheat oven to 350.
Butter a 9X13 baking dish, line with parchment (leaving a one inch overhang) and butter the parchment paper, too.
Place 4 1/2 cups mini pretzels in a food processor and pulse til coarsely ground, transfer to a bowl and add 1 1/4 sticks melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Stir til combined, then pour into the prepared dish, pressing down evenly. Drizzle 1 can sweetened condensed milk over the top.
Finally, sprinkle 1 1/3 cups cocktail peanuts and 1 cup mini pretzels, along with 6oz chopped bittersweet chocolate (1 cup), pressing into milk.
Bake about 22 minutes until chocolate melts and milk bubbles and becomes golden. (my oven took a bit longer)
Cool pan on wire rack completely, then refrigerate for 30 minutes. Run a knife in between bars and short sides of pan, then lift parchment out, transferring dessert to a cutting board.
Cut into 20 squares.
Preheat oven to 350.
Butter a 9X13 baking dish, line with parchment (leaving a one inch overhang) and butter the parchment paper, too.
Place 4 1/2 cups mini pretzels in a food processor and pulse til coarsely ground, transfer to a bowl and add 1 1/4 sticks melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Stir til combined, then pour into the prepared dish, pressing down evenly. Drizzle 1 can sweetened condensed milk over the top.
Finally, sprinkle 1 1/3 cups cocktail peanuts and 1 cup mini pretzels, along with 6oz chopped bittersweet chocolate (1 cup), pressing into milk.
Bake about 22 minutes until chocolate melts and milk bubbles and becomes golden. (my oven took a bit longer)
Cool pan on wire rack completely, then refrigerate for 30 minutes. Run a knife in between bars and short sides of pan, then lift parchment out, transferring dessert to a cutting board.
Cut into 20 squares.
Friday, October 3, 2014
A Great Buy
A great buy at World Market - their $4.99 earrings are now 3 for $12 - and they're so darn cute! Stock up on some new dangles for the fall season!
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Potato Pumpkins!
Saw these tonight at Target and snatched them up! These are great for your pumpkin carving party for the adults, while the little ones put together these pumpkin potato heads! There were four different options!
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