tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65145026473706795972024-02-19T10:25:09.222-05:00Weekend CookLive healthy and happy!Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.comBlogger254125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-65421793849141166712010-03-13T10:09:00.003-05:002010-03-13T10:35:47.638-05:00Spicy Spaghetti with Fennel and Herbs<span style="color:#3333ff;"><em><strong>Has it really been 2 weeks since my last post?</strong></em></span> Talk about time flying! Seriously though, I have been pretty busy. Two of our kids were here over last weekend with their families and there is always so much to do...especially with 2 little boys! My husband left for Myrtle Beach last Saturday on his annual golf pilgrimage with a bunch of friends. I set my sights on doing some much needed organizing and enjoyed holding the remote a couple of evenings while I watched some favorite shows. Today reality is back as he will be home in a few hours.<br /><div>So that has gotten me thinking more about cooking. </div><br /><div></div><div>I did a <span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><strong>detoxification </strong></span>this week....very <span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><strong>healthy </strong></span>stuff, lots of fruits and vegetables, <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc9933;"><strong>no starch, no sugar</strong></span> and lost 7 pounds...YAY! So now that I have gotten a jumpstart, I have to continue as spring is around the corner and so is SUMMER!!! Now my husband loves his Italian food and pasta, in modification, is OK. So I found a recipe in <strong>BonApptit</strong> that I think he and I will both love, that will be healthy and tasty. I plan to use DeBoles Jerusalem Artichoke Flour Pasta which I consider to be the closest to semolina pasta in flavor once you add your ingredients. So this is going to be tomorrow's dinner...not quite mama's Sunday spaghetti and meatballs, but a bit healthier version of pasta.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Jgv-JhFhyphenhyphenXhXGJgDTsi6h30GoNsqc_WTvsX5S3TkMr3lw90RtLMoKePTumBbtHj4kBXXSamSM4VRUgzCRGEJC_OEjsy9oSZcZIpz2z_I9v-ljWXZxIlGZxOrDTuKOOscxbAhyir8QUE/s1600-h/spicy+spaghetti.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448141823831185410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Jgv-JhFhyphenhyphenXhXGJgDTsi6h30GoNsqc_WTvsX5S3TkMr3lw90RtLMoKePTumBbtHj4kBXXSamSM4VRUgzCRGEJC_OEjsy9oSZcZIpz2z_I9v-ljWXZxIlGZxOrDTuKOOscxbAhyir8QUE/s320/spicy+spaghetti.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>Spicy Spaghetti with Fennel and Herbs</strong></span></div><div>1 3-oz pkg pancetta, chopped</div><div>1 Tbsp olive oil</div><div>3 garlic cloves, chopped</div><div>2 large red jalapeno chiles, seeded, finely chopped (About 1/4 cup)</div><div>2 large fennel bulbs, stalks trimmed, cut into thin wedges with some core attached</div><div>1-1/2 cups low-salt chicken broth</div><div>4 Tbsp finely chopped fresh Italian parsley, divided</div><div>2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice</div><div>1-1/2 tsps. crushed fennel seeds</div><div>1 lb. spaghetti</div><div>2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil</div><div>1-1/2 cups finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, divided</div><br /><div></div><div>Saute pancetta in large skillet over medium heat until pancetta is golden. Using slotted spoon, transfer pancetta to paper towels. </div><div>Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to drippings in skillet. Add garlic and chiles; saute ovr medium heat 1 minute.</div><div>Add fennel; cook until beginning to soften, 5 minutes. Mix in broth, 2 Tbsp parsley, lemon juice, and fennel seeds. Bring to a boil.</div><div>Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until fennel is very tender, 20 minutes. </div><div>Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.</div><div>Cook pasta until tender; drain. Reserve 1 cup cooking liquid. Return pasta to pot.</div><div>Uncover skillet with fennel mixture and return to high heat. Cook until almost all liquid is absorbed, about 4 minutes. </div><div>Add fennel to pasta. Stir in 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1/2 cup cheese and pancetta. </div><div>Add cooking liquid by 1/4 cupfuls if dry.</div><div>Toss pasta; transferr to serving bowl. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp parsley over and serve with grated cheese.</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-7361888983838125052010-03-02T19:06:00.002-05:002010-03-02T19:15:11.579-05:00Roasted Asparagus Salad<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiJ8-jXWHdFf5x3GIt_gKAfIYxBT2n_F93T8heArq6RMhqLPXtoWUT4Z2Ux4r3v8G4C4gsSDLG23896xeLUoRV04NgDEI92-A2XiYY_0oaUwTbs-N9ezdP3SEUS8W6LIOKiPMQM44sVo/s1600-h/roasted-asparagus-salad-l.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444194013220888178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiJ8-jXWHdFf5x3GIt_gKAfIYxBT2n_F93T8heArq6RMhqLPXtoWUT4Z2Ux4r3v8G4C4gsSDLG23896xeLUoRV04NgDEI92-A2XiYY_0oaUwTbs-N9ezdP3SEUS8W6LIOKiPMQM44sVo/s320/roasted-asparagus-salad-l.jpg" /></a> We still have snow on the ground here in upstate New York...probably will for several more weeks. Winter does not go away gently for us. <span style="color:#990000;"><strong>Comfort food</strong></span> like mac and cheese, hearty soups and stews <span style="color:#990000;"><strong>tend to make us feel better</strong></span> about being inside...<span style="color:#990000;"><strong>safe and warm</strong></span>....belly happy and full! BUT....all that comfort food can make your belly grow! I was flipping through the March issue of <strong>Southern Living</strong> .....yes I am dreaming about better weather, and not growing out of my summer clothes...and found this beautiful <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>salad</strong></span> that I had to try. <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>It is a carnival of color and goodness.</strong></span> (I added some roasted baby yellow squash to this.) I will be making this again and again. What I also loved about the dish is that <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>you can prepare it ahead of time</strong></span> and put it together when you are ready to serve. Also, it looks gorgeous on a platter or would be beautiful served on individual plates for a small dinner party. <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>Happy for your palate and healthy for you, this is a must try.</strong></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#666600;"><strong>Roasted Asparagus Salad</strong></span> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Picture from Southern Living)</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Serves 8</span><br />1-1/2 lb fresh asparagus<br />1/2 cup olive oil, divided<br />1-1/2 TBSP chopped fresh basil, divided<br />1/2 tsp lemon pepper<br />1/2 tsp salt, divided<br />1/4 cup balsamic vinegar<br />1 garlic clove, minced<br />1 cup halved cherry tomatoes<br />1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper<br />1/2 cup finely chopped red onion<br />1 head Bibb lettuce, torn into bite size pieces<br />1 avocado, sliced<br /><br /><br />Preheat oven to 425 degrees.<br />Snap off and discard tough ends of asparagus; remove scales with a vegetable peeler, if desired. Stir together 1 Tbsp. olive oil, 1-1/2 tsp chopped basil, 1/2 tsp lemon pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt in a large bowl.<br />Add asparagus to olive oil mixture and toss gently to coat. Place asparagus on a lightly greased baking sheet.<br />Bake asparagus at 425 degrees for 13 to 15 minutes or to desired degree of tenderness. Cool 10 minutes.<br />Whisk together balsamic vinegar, garlic and remaining 7 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp basil and 1/4 tsp salt. Toss together tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and 1Tbsp balsamic vinegar mixture.<br />Arrange lettuce on platter or individual serving plates. Top with tomato mixture and asparagus. Add avocado just before serving. Drizzle with remaining balsamic vinegar mixture.<br /><br /><br /><br /><ul><li>To make ahead, toss together tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion without dressing. Store these ready-to-use ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 hours. The dressing and asparagus can also be made up to eight hours before serving. </li></ul>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-77209704980281042322010-02-25T20:49:00.004-05:002010-02-25T21:04:18.306-05:00Apple Cake with Rum Sauce<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxxoJ_fNLGRQAcE3hVxflbSS__-YFkP080gYbRH1DaEyU9g3SG4b7-NnBCYJQlooYzc7yAfNPqh81M-ckzxrZGO1fWKhKCVbucmMyygjRdOkmTFseM-hvcA5nB_vtJuCrLZ0IWpLzLG8/s1600-h/snow_cat_michael_byrne_300x400.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442366921165065298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxxoJ_fNLGRQAcE3hVxflbSS__-YFkP080gYbRH1DaEyU9g3SG4b7-NnBCYJQlooYzc7yAfNPqh81M-ckzxrZGO1fWKhKCVbucmMyygjRdOkmTFseM-hvcA5nB_vtJuCrLZ0IWpLzLG8/s320/snow_cat_michael_byrne_300x400.jpg" /></a>It was a very <span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><strong>snow-y day</strong></span> today....and more to follow. <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>LOTS</strong></span> more! A few posts back, I asked what do you do when you are snow-bound? Well, my answer was bake! And that is exactly what I did this evening.<br /><br /><div><div>It is especially comforting for me to have the <span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><strong>aroma of cinnamon</strong></span> filling the house when it is cold outside. It is a <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>warm and cozy</strong></span>, home-y feeling. I fixed a nice dinner and then we were able to savor the result of the beautiful fragrance that had been wafting around. This is a very <span style="color:#cc6600;"><strong>simple but elegant dessert</strong></span>. <em><strong><span style="color:#993300;">You can substitute rum flavoring for the real thing. If you like the taste of almond, substitute Amaretto or almond flavoring for the rum</span></strong></em>. I like to <span style="color:#cc6600;"><strong>add a few golden raisins</strong></span> to the rum sauce while it is cooking. And if you are using Amaretto, sprinkle some toasted sliced almonds on top of the warm sauce. Serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla if you want to be more decadent! </div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmWrEINhJeIHbol9k7zM0hRtZ9nadb3aCzlTPSMoVv571oRX5CuW5duwIoijctKO3Yly9XkP_usj2fg72tqycnxIMh3HB0qgVcttAuZAZiISSugdKd9dyGf9f1JRxSo1Sd2RFOKSW-gg/s1600-h/apple_cake6w_sauce.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 126px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442365621067485922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmWrEINhJeIHbol9k7zM0hRtZ9nadb3aCzlTPSMoVv571oRX5CuW5duwIoijctKO3Yly9XkP_usj2fg72tqycnxIMh3HB0qgVcttAuZAZiISSugdKd9dyGf9f1JRxSo1Sd2RFOKSW-gg/s200/apple_cake6w_sauce.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>Apple Cake with Rum Sauce</strong></span><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Makes 6 servings</span> </div><br /><div></div><div>1 cup all-purpose flour </div><div>1 tsp baking soda </div><div>1 tsp ground cinnamon </div><div>3/4 tsp ground nutmeg </div><div>1/8 tsp salt </div><div>4 Tbsp butter, softened </div><div>1 cup sugar </div><div>1 large egg </div><div>2 cups grated, unpeeled Granny Smith apples </div><br /><div>Rum Sauce: 1/2 cup butter </div><div>1 cup sugar </div><div>1/2 cup half and half </div><div>Dash of ground nutmeg </div><div>1 tsp pure vanilla extract </div><div>2-3 Tbsp rum </div><br /><div>In small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. In large bowl, cream butter, sugar and egg until light and fluffy. Stir in grated apples. Blend in flour mixture. Pour into a greased 8-inch square pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes. May be cooled and stored, covered, in baking pan. Before serving, reheat at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Cut into squares and serve with Rum Sauce. In top of double boiler, combine butter, sugar and half and half. Cook over boiling water, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes Cool slightly. Add nutmeg, vanilla and rum. Serve warm over heated cake. Makes 1-1/4 cups. </div></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-41163218009911685732010-02-15T20:01:00.005-05:002010-02-15T20:40:53.424-05:00Apricot Puff Pastry Twists<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv85ZFEA078KXLWCUCnv_7oadReF-ICnRh23-npaEJwQjcygLmBQB_eBc8zpDZ4hyphenhyphenLXJ2UmrTVV4xEnBc9QemdE9inKZB0GpUya11woJLmZAjJ6nPwqGpJAWZCoWpgdipGQ_qlo7eYUVE/s1600-h/Savoury%2520Twists.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438642005250253186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv85ZFEA078KXLWCUCnv_7oadReF-ICnRh23-npaEJwQjcygLmBQB_eBc8zpDZ4hyphenhyphenLXJ2UmrTVV4xEnBc9QemdE9inKZB0GpUya11woJLmZAjJ6nPwqGpJAWZCoWpgdipGQ_qlo7eYUVE/s200/Savoury%2520Twists.jpg" /></a> I have often made cheese twists to put out on an appetizer table. They are so savory, as well as being easy finger food! I have made them from scratch and also used puff pastry.<br /><br />I recently came across <strong>Food Network's</strong> <strong>Robin Miller's</strong> recipe for <span style="color:#cc6600;"><strong>Apricot Puff Pastry Twists.</strong> </span><span style="color:#000000;">And wow, how easy and good these sound! </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">We are having a sweets table at work where some coworkers are raising money for the Heart Association. Each Thursday during February, these three women have been <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">baking their little hearts</span><span style="color:#ff0000;"> out</span></strong> and <span style="color:#993300;"><strong>raising lots of dough</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">which they will donate to our local event, <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>America's Greatest Heart Run and Walk</strong></span>. This week I am going to donate my baking skills to their selection and make some of these twists, using <strong><span style="color:#cc6600;">Sugar Free Apricot Preserves</span></strong>. This will be a calorie friendly treat! Plus they go great with coffee or tea, and if you make these for dessert at home, serve them along with some good vanilla ice cream or low-fat frozen yogurt. I also plan to make some butterscotch chip cookies. They have had some wonderful treats over the past weeks, and I want to help them out so they can maximize their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">contribution</span> to this very worthy cause.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc6600;"><strong>Robin Miller's Apricot Puff-Pasty Twists</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">1 sheet of frozen puff pastry dough, thawed according to package directions</span><br />1/2 cup apricot preserves<br />Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Using rolling pin, roll out puff pastry into rectangle about<br />17" X 14".<br />Spread preserves over one-half of dough yo within 1/4" of edges. Fold dough in half over <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">preserves</span>, like a book. Pop this into the freezer for a few minutes for easy cutting. Using sharp knife or pizza wheel, cut dough crosswise into 1/2-in. thick ribbons. Take each ribbon by ends and twist into corkscrew. Arrange corkscrews on large baking sheet and press down the ends against sheet (this prevents them from untwisting during baking). Bake until puffed up and golden brown, about 10 minutes. These twists are super warm or cold.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#993300;"><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#993300;"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></span></span>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-48439037736342596832010-02-14T14:20:00.006-05:002010-02-14T14:57:34.011-05:00Orange Creamsicle Pudding ParfaitOne of the really <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>yummy treats</strong></span> I found while following the <strong>South Beach Diet</strong> a few years ago was made with <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>part-skim ricotta cheese</strong></span>, It gave me the feeling that I was being indulgent while dieting. I still love it, and recently I came across a <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>recipe for a delicious citrus-y parfait using ricotta</strong></span> that would make the perfect ending for dinner. What I really like about it is that <span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;"><strong>it uses Greek yogurt</strong></span> and <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>oranges</strong></span> in it, along with the ricotta. Winter in the northeast doesn't provide much in the way of wonderful fruits, and what there is, is usually expensive. However, oranges are plentiful and since they are so good for you in helping to ward off colds, I think <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>this is a perfect way to use some "winter" fruits</strong></span>. <span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Stonyfield</span></strong></span> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong>recently provided me with some great coupons for their Greek yogurt</strong></span>. Greek yogurt is creamier and thicker than regular yogurt and the plain version provides a wonderful base for cool desserts, baking and cooking.<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Stonyfield</span> began in 1983 in New Hampshire and if you don't know their story or have ever tried their products, click here <a href="http://www.stonyfield.com/stonyfield/index.jsp">http://www.stonyfield.com/stonyfield/index.jsp</a>.<br />They have excepti<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq6d8eIdOsEk13IAkB5Rvt241eZw4El3vYvEtmdCjYyNreUex_gzXKvh27PF3atFQaFeiDTYwG65TyO2ecMyxLnitNJgl_PmXmhX4vYE0h9_fEf0qElw016Oy-TU9JWEpJbxkWaZWJFg/s1600-h/creamsicle.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 275px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 346px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438190576437790658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq6d8eIdOsEk13IAkB5Rvt241eZw4El3vYvEtmdCjYyNreUex_gzXKvh27PF3atFQaFeiDTYwG65TyO2ecMyxLnitNJgl_PmXmhX4vYE0h9_fEf0qElw016Oy-TU9JWEpJbxkWaZWJFg/s400/creamsicle.jpg" /></a>onal quality products and I am sure you will like them once you try them.<br /><br />Now as for my special dessert, here is the recipe. Remember those great orange <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">creamsicles</span> you ate as a kid? Well, here is a grown-up version. It is healthy and delicious and a good way to get your Vitamin C and calcium, without adding a lot of calories.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>Orange <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Creamsicle</span> Pudding Parfait</strong></span><br />2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese<br />2 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">pkgs</span> sugar free fat-free white <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">chocolate</span> pudding mix<br />1/4 cup (1%) milk<br />1/2 cup (2%) plain Greek yogurt<br />1/2 tsp vanilla extract<br />1 orange<br />20 drops yellow and 3 drops red liquid food colorings<br />2 cups thawed frozen fat free whipped topping<br />Orange slices and mint sprigs to garnish (optional)<br />In food processor combine 1 cup ricotta, 1 pkg. dry pudding mix, milk, 1/4 cup yogurt and vanilla; process until very smooth. Transfer to bowl; cover. Grate 1 tsp. orange zest and squeeze 1/4 cup juice from orange into food processor. Add food colorings and remaining 1 cup ricotta, 1 pkg. pudding mix and 1/4 cup yogurt; process until very smooth.<br />Transfer to separate bowl; cover.<br />Refrigerate both pudding mixes 2 hours or overnight.<br />When ready to serve, fold 1 cup topping into each pudding mixture. Transfer to separate food storage bags; snip one corner of each. Place both bags, cut corners down, into a large pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe mixture into 6 glasses. If desired, garnish with orange slice and mint. <em>Or, if you are lazy like me...just alternate the layers in your parfait glass!!</em>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-28480398329714884742010-02-08T19:56:00.005-05:002010-02-08T20:21:07.286-05:00Strawberry Cupcake Fame!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dIgwERp2zuXpS4TWyPgvMOJo5Pms-hYU9V-wp4P1qnrqSBOR1W7secwdjJlEKheOnXXsbSnad_N6z3p_pylO9Zr-iw1l7J1oIoVyAJoJMXO0CrSvqmw9zY5aDDYrH2bPiLUTkWkQDWg/s1600-h/strawberry+cupcakes.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 127px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 108px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436047092835298178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dIgwERp2zuXpS4TWyPgvMOJo5Pms-hYU9V-wp4P1qnrqSBOR1W7secwdjJlEKheOnXXsbSnad_N6z3p_pylO9Zr-iw1l7J1oIoVyAJoJMXO0CrSvqmw9zY5aDDYrH2bPiLUTkWkQDWg/s400/strawberry+cupcakes.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mqS-X2-4-cFhmL_P5h7VQ-bsmy4qV8Q1SopA-yU3G6u9iMDQO4F20Iprn15rXUM5u_0hW9A9mTesr5_0jxnHy71kv7TJmKoDdKLg0GJ87feNbu27gTAQuXto4UCua6n4CKaFzT0cFfM/s1600-h/Logo.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 97px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436046823422279378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mqS-X2-4-cFhmL_P5h7VQ-bsmy4qV8Q1SopA-yU3G6u9iMDQO4F20Iprn15rXUM5u_0hW9A9mTesr5_0jxnHy71kv7TJmKoDdKLg0GJ87feNbu27gTAQuXto4UCua6n4CKaFzT0cFfM/s400/Logo.png" /></a>Imagine my <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>surprise</strong></span>, a couple of months ago, when <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>I was asked if a recipe that I had posted</strong></span> on my blog, <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>could be used for a big event</strong></span> taking place in our city. The event is called <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff99ff;"><strong>"Makeover My Heart"</strong></span> and this is its second year. It is a day put aside to raise awareness to the <span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>number one health issue for women...heart disease</strong></span>. I attended last year's event and this year's was even better. Here is a link where you can see how fun the day was. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/makeovermyheart/sets/72157623377804340/show">http://www.flickr.com/photos/makeovermyheart/sets/72157623377804340/show</a><br /><div><br /><div>It was clear that the organizers did a lot of work to make it an exceptional day. An interesting note is that the day before it was Go Red For Women day, another heart related event. Hence, all the red you see in the pictures at this event! </div><br /><div>Click here to visit the Makeover My Heart Blog <a href="http://www.makeovermyheart.org/">http://www.makeovermyheart.org/</a></div><br /><div>Anyway, back to the cupcakes. In her search, the director of the event found my blog and these yummy cupcakes which were the luncheon dessert this year. <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>I am honored</strong></span> and they were a hit. Thank goodness I didn't have to make them all for almost 400 people! But I thank Lisa for this wonderful opportunity and putting on a wonderful day for women. I personally had a hand massage, a chair massage, met some wonderful women and ran into some I haven't seen in a while. It was a great day! As for the cupcakes? Give them a try...easy, delicious and very easy on the calories! This is worth a repost!!</div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES</strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>1 box Betty Crocker white cake mix</strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>1 cup unsweetened applesauce</strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>3/4 cup water</strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>3 egg whites</strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>1-1/2 cups fat free strawberry yogurt</strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>3/4 cup Lite Cool Whip</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 24 cupcake tins with paper wrappers. </strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Remove Cool Whip from freezer to let it thaw.</strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Mix together the cake mix, 3/4 cup of the yogurt, the applesauce, the water and the egg whites. Beat on medium speed until smooth.</strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Pour into 24 prepared cupcake tins lined with papper wrappers. Each tin should be about 3/4 full.</strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Bake for 20-26 minutes ir until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. </strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Remove and let cool.</strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Mix together the Cool Whip and the remaining 3/4 cup of strawberry yogurt. Spread on the cooled cupcakes.Serve with sliced strawberries on top if desired.</strong></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-82705953279799359422010-02-02T19:56:00.004-05:002010-02-02T20:09:22.922-05:00Fruit Squares...Easy as Pie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKtIk6_ARdmfmTovFTTwvqodKcmuIvh-8hSY4r-5q-BVxKkgbf-hhvoOAe6BIuCdAFF47JziFH0b2EGjdJMGT-ZDeFyBYts14ZUgOkeWWZLGdLqoJQIVoGrHzKiyup9O_tZybwxo1rBg/s1600-h/kuchen.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 111px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 111px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433817265265175314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKtIk6_ARdmfmTovFTTwvqodKcmuIvh-8hSY4r-5q-BVxKkgbf-hhvoOAe6BIuCdAFF47JziFH0b2EGjdJMGT-ZDeFyBYts14ZUgOkeWWZLGdLqoJQIVoGrHzKiyup9O_tZybwxo1rBg/s320/kuchen.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>This recipe is as old as the hills for me!</strong></span> It goes back at least 25 years and it is always a hit. It's <span style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;"><strong>great for a crowd or a takealong</strong></span>. I know...one pound of butter! But let me tell you, you don't have to cut these in huge squares. They are so delicious and<span style="font-size:130%;color:#663366;"><strong> taste just like pie</strong></span>, only without the crust. The best part is that it takes very <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>little time to prepare.</strong></span> You can top this with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream....YUM!<br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>Kuchen Fruit Squares<br /></strong></span><br />1 lb. Margarine or butter<br />6 cups flour<br />2 cups sugar<br />2 tsps baking powder<br />2 different canned pie fillings, like strawberry and blueberry, pineapple and blackberry<br /><br />Melt butter or margarine; mix with other ingredients in a large bowl. Mixture will be slightly crumbly. Using ½ of the mixture, pat half of the mixture for a crust on the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Cover each half of the crust with a different pie filling. Take the remaining mixture and sprinkle over the top of the pie fillings. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown. Cool completely and cut into squares. </div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-69268474636398627552010-01-30T15:31:00.013-05:002010-01-30T16:54:22.368-05:00I found my Mojo (sauce) in Puerto Rico!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWIlDlTEJxm3eLkrjKMaIFuhB_RgH6MrAozZeaPe8kah0qupmDGt4jaOgi_T1EwLoK-YzYfSENTID9qwK0HWtGwuE2piS0kNgzYbM9izkzSHKMdW_dw0bnWHpRWNmtbIUBk5GA6wZ2wQ/s1600-h/caribe.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432654396728972930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWIlDlTEJxm3eLkrjKMaIFuhB_RgH6MrAozZeaPe8kah0qupmDGt4jaOgi_T1EwLoK-YzYfSENTID9qwK0HWtGwuE2piS0kNgzYbM9izkzSHKMdW_dw0bnWHpRWNmtbIUBk5GA6wZ2wQ/s200/caribe.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I have been absent for a week because the hubs and I went to San Juan, Puerto Rico for a nice little <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>"sunnymoon".</strong></span> We had some Hilton points and enough miles for 2 free airfares, so we booked a nice much needed vacation at the Caribe Hilton. It was fantastic...warm, sunny, tropical breezes, mojitos, and GREAT food! This was our third time there, but it has been 5 years since our last visit.<br /><br /></div><p>I just OD-ed on all the wonderful fruits and superb cooking. We have a favorite restaurant that serves very homestyle food...simple, inexpensive... <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>El Jibarito, </strong></span>that is frequented by the locals. <a href="http://eljibaritopr.com/">http://eljibaritopr.com/</a> You can see some of the great food we had, and a look at the place itself, by clicking on the link.<br /><br />Our waiter, Angel, who has taken care of us on all of our visits to the restaurant, ordered for us.<br />When he brought us fresh <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>red snapper</strong></span> that had been breaded and fried, it was like a picture!<br />We also had <span style="color:#663333;"><strong>bistecca</strong></span> (cube steak) with onions and <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>mofongo</strong></span> (mashed plantain and yucca). Before we went there, we sat at a sidewalk cafe. My husband had a <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>mojito</strong></span> and I had a <span style="color:#cc6600;"><strong>pina colada</strong></span> while we munched on some fantastic <span style="color:#996633;"><strong>tostones</strong></span> (fried plaintains).<br /><br />We did a lot of walking and exploring of <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Old San Juan</strong></span>. It is a <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>beautiful, colorful city</strong></span> that is <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>rich in history.</strong></span> There are <strong><span style="color:#993300;">forts</span> </strong>to explore, a <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>lush, tropical rain</strong>forest</span> to visit and <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">shops</span> <span style="color:#ff6600;">and sidewalk vendors</span> </strong>galore. And of course, there is always <span style="color:#339999;"><strong>relaxing by the pool or ocean</strong></span> to round out the perfect vacation.<br />It is certainly hard to come back to Central New York, because when we left yesterday it was early in the day and already 77 degrees. When we awoke today it was 4 below zero. Welcome back to reality!! The good thing is that we can replicate some of the great food we ate and think warm!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydmPOaNXAIiJGpVdReBhQ8PttU86TgqV6WtpF5rnuONUsqPDCaXCDmyPbXdsZ6wR8m_ABqhFt28VNd18BVJYDP0dC1q_z8A8s9uzdRQxf45tG57xH4GmrNAutP2toRxxJRrcKyY1NoIU/s1600-h/tostones5.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 135px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432654173678498306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydmPOaNXAIiJGpVdReBhQ8PttU86TgqV6WtpF5rnuONUsqPDCaXCDmyPbXdsZ6wR8m_ABqhFt28VNd18BVJYDP0dC1q_z8A8s9uzdRQxf45tG57xH4GmrNAutP2toRxxJRrcKyY1NoIU/s200/tostones5.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#996633;"><strong>Tostones</strong></span><br />3 green plantains<br />Vegetable oil for frying<br />Garlic salt or plain salt </p><p><br />Making tostones is easy….. Slice the peeled plantains diagonally into 1" slices. Fry the slices over medium heat until they soften. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Using a tostonera (a press), slightly mash each piece to about half an inch in thickness. If a tostonera is not available insert the pieces between a folded piece of brown-paper sack and press down using a saucer. It is best to press all the pieces first before going on the next step. Dip each piece in warm salted water and fry again until crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Salt them. Tostones may be served with ketchup (kid's favorite) or with garlic sauce or mojo sauce. (Plantains are a member of the banana family. They are a starchy, low in sugar variety that is cooked before serving as it is unsuitable raw. It is used in many savory dishes somewhat like a potato would be used and is very popular in Western Africa and the Caribbean countries. It is usually fried or baked.)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc6600;"><strong>MOJO SAUCE <span style="font-size:85%;"></span></strong></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Makes about 1 1/2 cups <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5bctZcqiRxLPJ9q9JJyJAfTfnDwmkZxClwoH3GcRQ8r-0GUeVRyE23_wm4tXn1dZbmoJR02K4Aa8LPdH0Yqcv9ReDHU51A2H3RJIRMRY73SiiqJ-NqCGB39Zt4PItaLb2wEUo8WSuw8/s1600-h/hc_mojo.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 140px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432646575784544530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5bctZcqiRxLPJ9q9JJyJAfTfnDwmkZxClwoH3GcRQ8r-0GUeVRyE23_wm4tXn1dZbmoJR02K4Aa8LPdH0Yqcv9ReDHU51A2H3RJIRMRY73SiiqJ-NqCGB39Zt4PItaLb2wEUo8WSuw8/s200/hc_mojo.jpg" /></a><br /></span>Good quality olive oil -- 1 cup<br />Garlic, crushed -- 6-10 cloves<br />Lemon or lime juice -- 1/4 cup<br />Salt -- 1/2 teaspoon<br />Method<br />Place all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor and process until smooth.<br />Adjust the amount of salt or juice to taste.<br />You can also add some crushed red pepper to kick up the taste<br /></p><ul><li><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc6600;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8w8tn_3UyLkNlCXtEMIlKSdc6mSf-g2ww_gZpy8DNUZkMZlwmQOj40M7BUvFc8giTaCZ1DVwrSgJBHIt20dR674S7SVAIamuY-cq17tWwchcpQDu7BVXadQL2i2NP3v1khPc3cNk-qig/s1600-h/P_planban_150x112.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 112px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432647258858075650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8w8tn_3UyLkNlCXtEMIlKSdc6mSf-g2ww_gZpy8DNUZkMZlwmQOj40M7BUvFc8giTaCZ1DVwrSgJBHIt20dR674S7SVAIamuY-cq17tWwchcpQDu7BVXadQL2i2NP3v1khPc3cNk-qig/s200/P_planban_150x112.jpg" /></a>A NOTE ABOUT PLANTAINS</strong></span></em></li></ul><p><em>Many people confuse plantains with bananas, some of the differences are noted above. Although they look a lot like green bananas and are a close relative, plantains are very different. They are starchy, not sweet, and they are used as a vegetable in many recipes, especially in Latin America and Africa. Plantains are sold in the fresh produce section of the supermarket, they usually resemble green bananas; ripe plantains may be black in color. Plantains are longer than bananas and they have thicker skins. They also have natural brown spots and rough areas.<br /></em><a name="ni"></a><br /></p>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-44832740027590548572010-01-19T17:57:00.004-05:002010-01-19T21:25:11.670-05:00Baking with my Grandson<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2YhS0qcmdUHozzQl45GJkHsBl101otjEb6yJvy2g12UMjxjO4p-T0_zSIaxFkW53G8CthC_9wUGbP279M5i7gNPWMsxjaI18dQUhVJO7VgfiyaHwTT6MEBpJ31fBFa8MxpXEPGf4qWs/s1600-h/rm0509_bread_med.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 160px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428641437403604466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2YhS0qcmdUHozzQl45GJkHsBl101otjEb6yJvy2g12UMjxjO4p-T0_zSIaxFkW53G8CthC_9wUGbP279M5i7gNPWMsxjaI18dQUhVJO7VgfiyaHwTT6MEBpJ31fBFa8MxpXEPGf4qWs/s320/rm0509_bread_med.jpg" /></a> My 2-1/2 year old <span style="font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong>grandson, Aidan</strong></span>, loves to "help" in the kitchen! His <span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;"><strong>favorite recipe is cupcakes</strong></span>! I had him all day Sunday while his older brother and mom and dad were out, so part of our day we spent baking. Of course, the first on the list was a <span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;"><strong>batch of chocolate cupcakes with sprinkles</strong></span>...everything from the box and the can! Who cares, <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>he thinks I am a genius</strong></span> who creates wonderful things and allows him hold on to the hand mixer with me! Next up was a <span style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;"><strong>beer bread</strong></span> that is a Robin Miller recipe from The Food Network. Aidan's favorite part of that was mixing the dry ingredients first and then watching me add the foamy beer to those ingredients. But no drinking was allowed! <br /><div>After that I made a fragrant and delicious French Onion soup which we were going to have for supper. He said his eyes were stinging so he lost interest in what I was doing!</div><div> </div><div>When supper came around however, <span style="font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong>we were able to coax him into trying some of the soup</strong></span> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong>broth </strong></span>. <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>Lo and behold he loved it</strong></span> and wanted a bowl of his own. You just never know with kids.</div><br /><div>Of course, after that we celebrated with those great cupcakes that he couldn't wait to get his hands on!! He eyed them all through supper!</div><br /><div></div><div>Now here's the recipe for the cupcakes: Open the box of mix and dump it in the bowl....add the ingredients the box calls for...bake according to box directions...remove from oven and cool. Open can of frosting and frost the cupcakes...add some sprinkles!! So easy a(n) (almost) 3-year old can do it!</div><br /><div></div><div>But I am including the beer bread recipe which is very tasty and a great side with a bowl of soup!</div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc6600;"><strong>Quick Fix Beer Bread</strong></span><br />Serves: 4 to 6 servings<br /><br />Ingredients<br />Cooking spray<br />2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />3 tablespoons sugar<br />1 tablespoon baking powder<br />1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />12 ounces lager beer<br />2 tablespoons olive oil<br />Directions<br />Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat an 8-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.<br />In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center. Pour in beer and olive oil and mix until just blended. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake 45 minutes, until golden brown.</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-87699481884488376762010-01-15T19:28:00.011-05:002010-01-15T19:55:48.818-05:00What Does Your Ideal Snow Day Say About You?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiqCRQ-xtEXerV1C6ui3bdETQogvb12Prt9Svtlbh7pswniALsTy6wEKTgiF3yz-VGW1BzmJbHoiqm4six7R3TLKRkvBvYYebyrVsa0L9bgAswopHzFUq5bolqcEhw8RP9tBJqvSKIjw/s1600-h/heavy-snow.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427130113493856162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiqCRQ-xtEXerV1C6ui3bdETQogvb12Prt9Svtlbh7pswniALsTy6wEKTgiF3yz-VGW1BzmJbHoiqm4six7R3TLKRkvBvYYebyrVsa0L9bgAswopHzFUq5bolqcEhw8RP9tBJqvSKIjw/s320/heavy-snow.jpg" /></a> I was browsing through a magazine and had to tear an article out to share. <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>The Personality Insight question of "What Does Your Ideal 'SnowDay' Say About You" was posed.</strong></span> A psychologist, Kathleen Nickerson, Ph.D., from <a href="http://feelbetternetwork.com/">http://feelbetternetwork.com/</a> says that snow days provide an opportunity to participate in activities you love but rarely have time for. So <strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">what are some of those activities</span><span style="color:#006600;">?</span></span></strong> And <strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">where do you see yourself</span><span style="color:#006600;">?</span></span></strong><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8X6_thv49XyAgYIJgWIu3Y9928U-9QxraEPfsDEi585BHn5GzWGkgIbQXKWbNX79P4RerN9akj3EcEMGUs458qxPhHJvkJ-6G55ZLfH8fxBC9iD2OzRBd3ERB-OWzwnvQS9jpVmcGhx4/s1600-h/baking.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427130493338333906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8X6_thv49XyAgYIJgWIu3Y9928U-9QxraEPfsDEi585BHn5GzWGkgIbQXKWbNX79P4RerN9akj3EcEMGUs458qxPhHJvkJ-6G55ZLfH8fxBC9iD2OzRBd3ERB-OWzwnvQS9jpVmcGhx4/s320/baking.jpg" /></a>Baking Up a Storm</strong></span> (This is what I selected.) Nickerson states that bakers tell her what a release it is to create something out of flour, sugar and butter. Following a recipe's instructions zaps stress by turning off the analytical part of the brain and suggests that you crave an escape from a high-octane routine. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Sledding </strong></span></span>Nickerson states that the more action-packed the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFUxrw2XgWDX5nLmnYfyapl3NGeeWKgGfhIv4fIhoOQTSmPUISALPVbUT4MttYJPrZvSVTXNx3HZ5FJAowBU97oPVhyphenhyphenWjeItyfAZkj3N_pA4v1bZMSlxvBACaWinblTbCbL-EosD8n3o/s1600-h/sledding.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 151px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427131057057386754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFUxrw2XgWDX5nLmnYfyapl3NGeeWKgGfhIv4fIhoOQTSmPUISALPVbUT4MttYJPrZvSVTXNx3HZ5FJAowBU97oPVhyphenhyphenWjeItyfAZkj3N_pA4v1bZMSlxvBACaWinblTbCbL-EosD8n3o/s200/sledding.jpg" /></a>snow day, the more likely you are to be intoverted. Interestingly, introverts lean toward physical activites because they prefer to show what they're interested in rather than talk about their hobbies. Plus <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>this is <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">something you can do with your kids to keep them happy.</span> </span></strong></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCny4j_nOPCcuFxNOBq8HF010wXXX9882G6T2GgzmcxaAuKoi5tKZrRCGnrFbblOjDvSIOE47JvTYhpAi9d9aOpzZkQ6sFog5H90t7ttzfu7BQ4E18yHkNOaxuwO6ARieSKz6XnnjQ5U/s1600-h/cranium-board-game-thumb.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 190px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427131531018496578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCny4j_nOPCcuFxNOBq8HF010wXXX9882G6T2GgzmcxaAuKoi5tKZrRCGnrFbblOjDvSIOE47JvTYhpAi9d9aOpzZkQ6sFog5H90t7ttzfu7BQ4E18yHkNOaxuwO6ARieSKz6XnnjQ5U/s200/cranium-board-game-thumb.jpg" /></a>Playing Board Games</strong></span> If you like to match wits and enjoy seeing how people think, then this is probably how you would choose to spend your day. You love to strategize and this opens a door to conversation and something that is fun. And again, this is <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>another opportunity to engage your kids to keep them occupied. </strong></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>Cracking Open a Good Book</strong></span> Nic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mXg9GRcJZ7qetu9k_MORyIrdHdJo2TphnDLUxZ8dfwFUuHsna2rttSdxvoHy33rblmAKmtqNU_bEPiJsOoNu1YPmhzh5b9dcSTEcg3amSZdDbkuNh191OG6qqBfVXhOrVFC22tLgIVs/s1600-h/owl-reading.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 192px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427132014613557458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mXg9GRcJZ7qetu9k_MORyIrdHdJo2TphnDLUxZ8dfwFUuHsna2rttSdxvoHy33rblmAKmtqNU_bEPiJsOoNu1YPmhzh5b9dcSTEcg3amSZdDbkuNh191OG6qqBfVXhOrVFC22tLgIVs/s200/owl-reading.gif" /></a>kerson says here that reading activates the language part of your brain and the part for visualization. It is a workout for the brain, because it brings both halves of your brain together. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>Curli<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUtH9GcDyQK4-D7rM5jZ9s5_EhRx0-06ALM_VY6P8RoRzukUCrVtgo1PNqwFqn6SifWk8K6Bfah1XcywHb45_Si0YOmZKbH5E2GOGIiq_47BnOA9kd7l9v2h5ZGkbXG_4vJdF8bYFtvA/s1600-h/fun-movie-night-home-200X200.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427132930675763474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUtH9GcDyQK4-D7rM5jZ9s5_EhRx0-06ALM_VY6P8RoRzukUCrVtgo1PNqwFqn6SifWk8K6Bfah1XcywHb45_Si0YOmZKbH5E2GOGIiq_47BnOA9kd7l9v2h5ZGkbXG_4vJdF8bYFtvA/s200/fun-movie-night-home-200X200.jpg" /></a>ng Up With a Movie</strong></span> Watching a movie compels you to imagine what you would do if you were that character in a similar situation. Nickerson says you are a born problem-solver, artistic yet analytical and you have the ability to empathize. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>Do you have other activities that keep you busy on a snow day?</strong></span> I hope that you are enjoying the gray days of winter by putting your own rays of sunshine in them! Have a great weekend! </div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-68081056253805355532010-01-14T21:02:00.004-05:002010-01-14T21:16:33.437-05:00Cleaning out the Pantry Yields a Coffeecake!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUgCy1LEdeB629oq_8OFU1aJyiwiv8LqVCxDmM5LndsTOmsTur-DkNSZ-GucRV4KBaI6RUoFdAajxSYxsLAbDY9nUR7-F-PpvyF_vNqQnfHjxeNbZt3RNbndL4JZ6VZliWzpL-0pugcM/s1600-h/coffeecake-ck-222573-l.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426784657401963010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUgCy1LEdeB629oq_8OFU1aJyiwiv8LqVCxDmM5LndsTOmsTur-DkNSZ-GucRV4KBaI6RUoFdAajxSYxsLAbDY9nUR7-F-PpvyF_vNqQnfHjxeNbZt3RNbndL4JZ6VZliWzpL-0pugcM/s320/coffeecake-ck-222573-l.jpg" /></a> It's a long weekend for our daughter who is a school counselor as there is no school on Monday. So she and her family are coming for a visit. I am in the process of trying to look through my pantry and use what I have rather than spending on new! I came across this recipe from a <strong>Cooking Light</strong> issue from 2000. I have posted the photo from the recipe because it was so enticing. I have one package of cranberries in the freezer to use up and I found one package of hazelnuts hiding among the baking supplies. The only thing I have to buy is sour cream!<br /><div></div><div>When this time of the year comes around, I get in the mood to start <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>CLEANING OUT!</strong><span style="color:#000000;"> <span style="font-size:100%;">After the holidays, we tend to want to purge ourselves of "stuff" and turn our thoughts to spring cleaning. I like to start with the pantry because that is where I have my "extras" that I bought during the holidays. I hate to throw anything away, so </span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong>I have been finding little ways to change up the leftovers with pantry finds!</strong></span></span></span></div><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>How many others out there are doing the same thing? Have you found a surprise find that you forgot about and decided to use? As for me, I can't wait to take a taste of this coffeecake this weekend.</strong></span> </div><br /><div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">Cranberry-Hazelnut Coffeecake</span></strong><br /><span style="color:#993300;"><strong>Streusel:</strong><br /></span>1/4 cup sifted cake flour<br />1/4 cup packed brown sugar<br />1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts<br />1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine, melted<br /><span style="color:#990000;"><strong>Cake:</strong></span><br />1 2/3 cups sifted cake flour<br />1 cup granulated sugar<br />1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />1/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />1 (8-ounce) carton fat-free sour cream, divided<br />1 large egg<br />1 large egg white<br />5 tablespoons butter or stick margarine, softened<br />Remaining ingredients:<br />Cooking spray<br />2 cups fresh cranberries, chopped<br />Preparation<br />Preheat oven to 350°.<br />To prepare streusel, lightly spoon 1/4 cup flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine 1/4 cup flour and next 4 ingredients (1/4 cup flour through 1 tablespoon butter) in a bowl; toss well. Set aside.<br />To prepare cake, lightly spoon 1 2/3 cups flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 1 2/3 cups flour and next 4 ingredients (1 2/3 cups flour through salt), stirring well with a whisk. Combine vanilla, 1/4 cup sour cream, egg, and egg white in a small bowl; stir with a whisk. Place remaining sour cream and 5 tablespoons butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well-blended (about 2 minutes). Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with egg mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.<br />Spread half of batter into a 9-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle cranberries over batter. Spread remaining batter over cranberries. Sprinkle streusel mixture over batter. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. </div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-5262827615928681252010-01-09T20:25:00.004-05:002010-01-12T21:17:42.712-05:00General Mills Cereals for your kids~Coupon<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>Eat breakfast so that you don't pig out later on. </strong></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWws0XCmu0WpuDOH1dfBBUYkwOmwnOk6zqrwG3cja49oIQ_BTjP_ZuQV8XcxSNFmAXclK5KEv2G25TuALL_1abuuRD1aUEGJW05O78D64FQJVM39mrPpquu2SbcmDhF79rKWUGv_ux5p0/s1600-h/Gen_Mills_Image.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424919778975283410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWws0XCmu0WpuDOH1dfBBUYkwOmwnOk6zqrwG3cja49oIQ_BTjP_ZuQV8XcxSNFmAXclK5KEv2G25TuALL_1abuuRD1aUEGJW05O78D64FQJVM39mrPpquu2SbcmDhF79rKWUGv_ux5p0/s320/Gen_Mills_Image.jpg" /></a><br />Recently General Mills announced a commitment to further reduce sugar in cereals advertised to kids under 12 to single digit grams of sugar per serving. The company has already been reducing sugar in cereals while increasing key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, and providing whole grain.<br /><br /><br /><br />My <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Blogspark</span> provided me with coupons for some free boxes of cereal right before the holidays. Having the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">grandkids</span> around, this was a nice help with the grocery bill! Our little boys love Golden Grahams and things like Cinnamon Toast Crunch. While I have always hesitated buying those cereals (especially at the request of their mom!!), I was pleasantly surprised to read the great nutrients these cereals can provide, even though they are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-sweetened.<br /><a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/brands/brand.aspx?catID=50&groupID=19412"></a><br />Did you know that ready-to-eat cereal eaters consume less fat, less cholesterol and more fiber than non-cereal eaters? Cereals also deliver important vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients, making cereal a top source of key nutrients in children’s diets. Other cereal benefits:<br />Ready-to-eat cereals, including <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">presweetened</span> cereals, account for only 5% of sugar in children’s diets.<br /><br /><br />Ready-to-eat cereal is the No. 1 source of whole grains in a child’s diet today.<br />More frequent cereal eaters tend to have healthier body weights and lower Body Mass Index measures. Studies also demonstrate the benefits of eating breakfast. A 1998 study showed that children who eat breakfast tend to perform better at school. Compared to children who skip breakfast, children who eat breakfast score higher on tests, are less likely to miss class or be tardy, have fewer reported discipline problems, and make fewer trips to the office. For more information about kids and cereals, please visit <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/health_wellness/cereal_health.aspx" target="_blank">Cereal Health and Wellness</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br />So if you would like to give one of these cereals a try, here is a little perk for you. Right now if you visit <a href="http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qljheit24889505&bt=wi&o=60627&ci=1&c=GM&p=NY8LmWB2" target="_blank">here</a> you will find a $1 off coupon for one of four General Mills cereals. Enjoy and get your kids off to school on the right start.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Free coupons, information, and online coupon link have all been provided by General Mills and MyBlogSpark.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-84420181938930768662010-01-06T20:45:00.002-05:002010-01-06T20:46:40.552-05:00Check out this Giveaway!Ok my friends, if you love chocolate and you love coffee, pop on over to see Shelby at <a href="http://shelbymaelawstories.blogspot.com/">The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch</a> . She has a really great giveaway to start the New Year off right!Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-7445733845617678732010-01-05T20:03:00.002-05:002010-01-05T20:12:05.908-05:00Apple Brie Quesadilla<img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423428150460709570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpqxyWg6_OrJZJszqYkhmcLFEjCroSKuy3mz59QHHzOlIh75MkR7IWZm-swtV6B1W9N24M0EekW2DKpJWmowHuK-Lt2SNrl_jompm7ENveQNBSvI2aZju8zWUs-lO9hhyphenhyphen2SWNBHBHxzA/s320/apple+brie.jpg" />We are <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc6600;"><strong>cheese</strong></span> lovers in our family. And it seems that I am always attracted to appetizer recipes that include cheese. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Many (OK...many) years ago in my earlier life of entertaining friends, I thought it was daring to put out a plate of cheese and crackers that included Harvarti, not just cheddar!</strong></span> Yes, that was thinking out of the box for me. As I became more attracted to cooking and baking and learning about new foods, wines and pairings, I found that if I was going to serve something to my guests, a plate of cheese and crackers was not going to cut it. <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>I wanted different things, fun food, creative tastes</strong></span>. Those who know me best, know that I am an appetizer queen. I love to fuss with this course. This recipe is not only a great appetizer, it can be a good snack if you have some flour tortillas left over and don't know what to do with them. <span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;"><strong>And it works as well with pears as it does with apples.</strong></span> Paired with a wonderful chilled, crisp white wine, this is superb to serve your guests. And it's not that boring plate of cheese!<br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>Apple-Brie Quesadillas</strong></span> </div><br /><div>Peel core and thinly slice a Granny Smith apple. Saute apples with 1 Tbsp butter. </div><div>Add 8 slices of fully cooked and cut-up bacon. Cook for 1 minute. </div><div>Spread 4-fajita size tortillas in a non-stick baking sheet. </div><br /><div>Divide apples among the tortillas; top apples with 6 oz of sliced Brie cheese and 4 more tortillas. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. (This is tricky, so use a couple of spatulas to do this.) Remove from oven and cut into wedges and serve. </div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-21982380021741541872010-01-02T17:44:00.003-05:002010-01-02T21:43:49.300-05:00Chicken and Red Bean Tostadas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5GoYUlVmBFXlPLmmd_uVbw8Zu-VR4tSlUDFdEI6N6_vkaWMcp32XhhR3VBIcgdGlbmmGDfEvxiMrWESQMvfQSIpkXaXVFXp4VrtYNMQFA0aUvSVCBebnwp7n_8osJD14AIsc_pNXvZo/s1600-h/chicken-tostada-ay-1932519-l.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422338562628878626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5GoYUlVmBFXlPLmmd_uVbw8Zu-VR4tSlUDFdEI6N6_vkaWMcp32XhhR3VBIcgdGlbmmGDfEvxiMrWESQMvfQSIpkXaXVFXp4VrtYNMQFA0aUvSVCBebnwp7n_8osJD14AIsc_pNXvZo/s320/chicken-tostada-ay-1932519-l.jpg" /></a> Need some better ways to feed your hungry family in a pinch? Here is an idea for a <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>quick</strong></span> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>Mexican</strong></span> meal. It can be <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>prepped and done within 30 minutes</strong></span>. I cut it out of a magazine and not sure which one. But it is really good and I think it <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>provides good nutritional value</strong></span>. If you have chicken during the week, prepare some extra to put away for this later in the week. Or make the chicken the night before and put in the fridge for the following day. If you don't have or don't like red beans, substitute black beans, or try a mixture of both. Also, you can shred the lettuce the night before and put in a zip-lock bag. You can also shave a few calories by using low-fat shredded Colby-Jack cheese. And using whole wheat tortillas will add some fiber! To add even more flavor, use a can of warmed vegetarian chili. Doing this will add more sodium to the dish, however.<br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>Chicken and Red Bean Tostadas</strong></span></div><br /><div>4 10-inch flour tortillas (I buy the low-carb kind) </div><div>2 Tbsp vegetable oil </div><div>3 grilled chicken breast halves, chopped (about 12-oz total) </div><div>1 15-oz. can red beans, drained and rinsed </div><div>1-1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese </div><div>4 cups shredded romaine lettuce (from 1 head) </div><div>1-1/2 cups tomato salsa (mild to hot depending on your taste) </div><div>1/2 cup low-fat sour cream </div><br /><div>Arrange racks in top and bottom thirds of oven and preheat to 400 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with foil. Place tortillas on baking sheets and brush with oil. Bake until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Divide chicken, beans and cheese among tortillas and return to oven. Bake until cheese has melted, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from oven and top each portion with 1/4 of the salsa and sour cream. Serve immediately. </div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-2277396034139307572009-12-31T10:35:00.004-05:002009-12-31T10:42:12.343-05:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMD12L0A00Ml889HLGS1G31jmAdXNAiAMSIW1RkGdZn4OYBX0Ubib1siOMkn6XVryhEb75rjYqo_iiGbxpbL0Ti8ZFzSfb73ZES-flBmAYeBO0ATocNO0UB1F2oCTCcQR9Pia7N25Xzc/s1600-h/happy-new-year002.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421425999770735506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMD12L0A00Ml889HLGS1G31jmAdXNAiAMSIW1RkGdZn4OYBX0Ubib1siOMkn6XVryhEb75rjYqo_iiGbxpbL0Ti8ZFzSfb73ZES-flBmAYeBO0ATocNO0UB1F2oCTCcQR9Pia7N25Xzc/s320/happy-new-year002.gif" /></a><br /><div>I have taken a week off from writing to spend with my family. It has been joyful and fun, filled with good times, good food and making memories with our grandsons.</div><br /><div>It has been an amazing year in blog land and yes, sometimes stressful with work and family issues. But I raise a toast to all of you for your wonderful and insightful blogs, your fantastic ideas and creativity, and your amazing friendships. Happy 2010, everyone!! See you in the New Year.</div><br /><div></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-39226339642896139202009-12-21T23:16:00.004-05:002009-12-22T22:20:02.498-05:00Pasta Shells with Cauliflower, Canadian Bacon and Spinach<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwFGZB-04epBcLkIGmHPb2C4J8smRU1tjt_z0SPJxOJsemB3_29gGz9EKrsDuzQ1qi-PwQarvgWy0wALKrISXTTlUdp2rjYoqBmND0cD86iEWcUAvX27FpERZo3H-V9nivMfWg_UzUlY/s1600-h/cauliflower.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 135px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 127px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418265769215736274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwFGZB-04epBcLkIGmHPb2C4J8smRU1tjt_z0SPJxOJsemB3_29gGz9EKrsDuzQ1qi-PwQarvgWy0wALKrISXTTlUdp2rjYoqBmND0cD86iEWcUAvX27FpERZo3H-V9nivMfWg_UzUlY/s320/cauliflower.jpg" /></a> Did you ever notice how "comfort food" makes you feel like you have eaten lead weights? It tastes so good going down, but can be loaded with fat calories. I found a recipe in my new issue of <strong>Cooking Club</strong> and I am going to make it for dinner after Christmas. Instead of Canadian bacon I am going to use <span style="color:#993300;"><strong>pancetta</strong></span>, but due to the small amount in the recipe it shouldn't affect the calorie count. Using the <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>cauliflower takes the place of some of the pasta</strong></span> and allows you to have a generous portion without piling on the calories. I will also choose to use the provolone, giving this more of an Italian flair. What I also like about this recipe is that <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>it makes enough for 5 servings</strong></span>. And it uses the whole head of cauliflower. If you don't want to make this much, cut everything in half. Then you will have a half cauliflower to use for a side on another day. This will also take about a half hour to prepare and get table ready, leaving plenty of time for getting some New Year party planning done!<br /><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#006600;"><strong>Pasta Shells with Cauliflower, Canadian Bacon and Spinach</strong></span> </div><br /><div>1/4 cup Panko crumbs </div><div>3 Tsp olive oil, divided </div><div>6 oz. medium pasta shells (2 1/2 cups) </div><div>1 (1-lb) head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets (4 cups) </div><div>1 medium onion, chopped </div><div>1/3 cup diced Canadian bacon (2 oz.) </div><div>8 cups baby spinach </div><div>1 cup Gruyere or sharp provolone cheese </div><div>1/2 tsp. salt </div><div>1/4 tsp pepper </div><br /><div>Toast panko on 1 tsp. of the oil in small skillet over medium-low heat 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown, stirring constantly. Remove panko. Cook pasta with cauliflower according to pasta package directions. Drain, reserving 2/3 cup cooking water. Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 tsp. oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Cook onion and bacon 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Add spinach; cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or just until wilted. Remove from heat. Add pasta, cauliflower, reserved cooking water, cheese, salt and pepper to skillet; stir to coat well. Serve sprinkled with panko. (I would sprinkle a little smoky paprika over the breadcrumbs for a little more color.) </div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-51800622451540251322009-12-19T09:06:00.005-05:002009-12-19T09:18:05.692-05:00Pomegranate Mimosas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclwnpHzt5JvJHUDT1sozInBgqYWIE5Z8HxZTzfFZFAr_-VeF0igZPW1HYIHIk2gxy1Yp9XW7HcAMTgpO8TMoAgiQUYvibBUk9_yBYhfUwVDBDUWteNXeQeDg3i1sC3voaaQq4IBRDMM4/s1600-h/mimosa.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416950807557934226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclwnpHzt5JvJHUDT1sozInBgqYWIE5Z8HxZTzfFZFAr_-VeF0igZPW1HYIHIk2gxy1Yp9XW7HcAMTgpO8TMoAgiQUYvibBUk9_yBYhfUwVDBDUWteNXeQeDg3i1sC3voaaQq4IBRDMM4/s320/mimosa.jpg" /></a> A few posts ago, I mentioned that<span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>our</strong></span></span> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>son, Anthony is always responsible for Christmas brunch</strong></span>. This year on Christmas Day, he will join us at our daughter Rhonda's home and we can observe how the <span style="color:#ff0000;"><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">magic of Santa</span></strong> </em></span>has transformed our 2 grandsons. They live 2 hours away, so we will pack up early and get on the road. This is always so exciting. Not that the trip down is exciting...but <span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><strong>watching the kids enjoy all their good fortune </strong></span>is so much fun. Back to brunch.... Because we are so busy opening presents in the morning, Anthony makes brunch after all the presents have been exchanged.... and <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>it is always with flair</strong></span>! <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>(And this is our son who made his debut appearance with his sister on the Food Network last night!)</strong></span> This has been his contribution for several years so we all look forward to it. I am making a contribution this year by bringing the mixings for Pomegranate Mimosas. Our other daughter who lives in Atlanta will not be able to join us. so we can offer a toast to her and her family with this colorful morning spritzer which I found in <strong>Southern Living</strong>. I'll just pack this all in a cooler with ice and it should be nice and chilled when we are ready to drink it. This will look very festive on the table and <span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong>also add a little bit of healthiness to the day</strong></span>! (wink, wink) The nice thing about this is that you can either make a pitcher full or make it by the glass so even the kids can get in on the fun because you can <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>easily do this without the alcohol</strong></span>. Easy...pretty...and toss a few pomegranate seeds in there to make it even better!<br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;"><strong>Pomegranate Mimosas</strong></span> </div><br /><div>Just mix to taste </div><br /><div></div><div>Leaded: Pomegranate Juice </div><div> Champagne </div><br /><div></div><div>Unleaded: Pomegranate Juice </div><div> Sparkling water or Sprite </div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-17392416015952327782009-12-18T18:36:00.004-05:002009-12-18T20:47:28.108-05:00My Favorite Cookie Recipe!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGhlhnLt2YGl5izVVdP0BT3YLkV6SwuhN7fIUH-d3dv_CpJgbJdk2DbbNqi8tpf3tQIVAdBpzVNn09RAZd6z-ZSaJ2B7e5QXNLuh2m9Drd0VuXLfrqntsi68_XIYNt1Rf4BqsutexeyM/s1600-h/drunk+chef.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 229px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416757673974916194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGhlhnLt2YGl5izVVdP0BT3YLkV6SwuhN7fIUH-d3dv_CpJgbJdk2DbbNqi8tpf3tQIVAdBpzVNn09RAZd6z-ZSaJ2B7e5QXNLuh2m9Drd0VuXLfrqntsi68_XIYNt1Rf4BqsutexeyM/s320/drunk+chef.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Thought you might enjoy a copy of my favorite Christmas cookie recipe:</div><br /><div>1 cup of water </div><div>1 tsp. baking soda</div><div>1 cup of sugar </div><div>1 tsp. salt</div><div>1 cup of brown sugar</div><div>lemon juice</div><div>4 large eggs</div><div>1 cup nuts</div><div>2 cups of dried fruit </div><div>1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila</div><br /><div></div><div>Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality. Pour one level cup and drink. </div><br /><div>Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.</div><br /><div>At this point it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still OK. Try another cup...just in case. Turn off the mixerer thingy. </div><br /><div>Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit. Pick the frigging fruit off floor. Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with a drewscriver. </div><br /><div>Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity. Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who giveshz a sheet. Check the Jose Cuervo. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. </div><br /><div>Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner.</div><br /><div>Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the dishwasher. CHERRY MISTMAS</div><br /><div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">Have a great weekend!!</span></strong></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-87326294827321998422009-12-15T19:18:00.003-05:002009-12-15T19:28:40.447-05:00Onion Tart for Brunch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoNRnu764DfJxcZF7T01PgZ82pmHAozFFz0Nwcqg6It6kf6CewrjVAUa4rIWtcYoFlr9TJMzXm8QijXwSR7HJ50GTbCrO2j1SONMENpEE8TtVUkqG7RBF6CeDNUYHIga6DEcGo-6XYK0/s1600-h/onion_tart.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415624214845757698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoNRnu764DfJxcZF7T01PgZ82pmHAozFFz0Nwcqg6It6kf6CewrjVAUa4rIWtcYoFlr9TJMzXm8QijXwSR7HJ50GTbCrO2j1SONMENpEE8TtVUkqG7RBF6CeDNUYHIga6DEcGo-6XYK0/s200/onion_tart.jpg" /></a><br /><div>On Christmas morning we are usually eating brunch and then having our dinner later in the day. <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>I love brunch</strong></span> but unless we go out, we hardly ever make it at home. Our son is the brunch cook! He makes omelets to order...bless him. He doesn't go to bed until he has chopped and prepped for the next day. And he has gotten to the stage in his life where he finally cleans up too! I found this recipe and I thought it would be a great brunch item . I might even make it! (Although I do have a fun drink that I am making that I am posting later on in the week!) This will be lighter than bagels and more fun than plain toast. It is different and <span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong>filled with yummy flavors and I think it would also make a very good appetizer. </strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#009900;"><strong>Onion Tart</strong></span> </div><div>Heat 2 Tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add one thinly sliced Vidalia onion. Cook 20 minutes, stirring until onions are browned and caramelized. </div><div> </div><div>Add 1/2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves and 1/4 tsp. salt. </div><div> </div><div>Unfold 1 sheet puff pastry onto greased nonstick baking sheet and prick with a fork. </div><div> </div><div>Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Spread onions over pastry, then top with 3/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese. </div><div> </div><div>Bake at 400 degrees for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from oven, cut into squares and serve. </div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-42874462525396869022009-12-14T21:23:00.006-05:002009-12-14T21:59:14.912-05:00Super-Chunky Christmas Cookies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1At7c5UyyEiMNyOJxhpHRuH9k9n0BQGYalHxcPUhVZwxN58pRRfmNhXcJDtV5a44AaWJczjMTumW9ba5C8MyEWZdI0n_B7whK7eWFKcECWSMFQrVyLwR1XipECoYqKvzyvK3bGUpaL8/s1600-h/choc+chunk+cookies.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 160px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415287867405087138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1At7c5UyyEiMNyOJxhpHRuH9k9n0BQGYalHxcPUhVZwxN58pRRfmNhXcJDtV5a44AaWJczjMTumW9ba5C8MyEWZdI0n_B7whK7eWFKcECWSMFQrVyLwR1XipECoYqKvzyvK3bGUpaL8/s320/choc+chunk+cookies.jpg" /></a> <span style="color:#000000;">We get together with friends every Christmas and usually there are homemade gifts for everyone. This year, I made jars of cookie mix. I filled glass jars and topped them with candycane striped fabric, tied with a ribbon. These make great teacher gifts, hostess gifts or something to take to your boss!</span> And when you are done here, stop over to see Jen at her <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2009/12/homemade-gift-ideas-party-with.html">Homemade Gift Ideas party with a beautiful giveaway!</a><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415289322041981074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxGtvpH7Fb11AdYUZQv9DVXSblCgexWMtPBVdYfcbprJwjHmwLEaMdxANx1IAeN7Xtnb6j1P9gSMxpmT9OhbHwz_xHmPb2UxVBQpBLqLa1RNkNvKAh_11RN3e8wpIGqELMEbGp-qJwFc/s320/Gift+Jars.jpg" /><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>Super-Chunky Christmas Cookies </strong></span></div><div>Using a 1-1/2 liter glass jar, layer as follows:</div><div>1-1/2 cups all purpose flour</div><div>3/4 tsp salt</div><div>1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa</div><div>3/4 cup red M&M's</div><div>1 cup white chocolate chips</div><div>3/4 cup chopped cashews</div><div>1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks</div><div>1 cup toasted coconut</div><br /><div></div><div><em>Here are the directions for the gift tag:</em></div><br /><div>Beat 1 1/4 cups sugar and 1 stick butter with a mixer until fluffy. Beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/sealed-delivered-recipes-in-a-jar/index.html" s_oc="null"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Super-Chunky Christmas Cookie mix</span></a> and stir with a wooden spoon until combined. Scoop heaping tablespoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees until set, about 12 minutes. Cool on a rack.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-55544170633729341562009-12-12T14:57:00.007-05:002009-12-12T15:11:03.719-05:00FOOD NETWORK FAMILY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0HZnG2N8ID48NRt2gvia6tMM0rDpyt5v6RnWXgl2BiqUM81vzzffUFO3mSd6UOFsLzRk3VMCikYChnjQwzM1thTtoxdiYlp-zlW391IegXGNt55_x0EpiCU4TNB5V-J7rLYW8vYBsbU/s1600-h/food+tv.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 135px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 135px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414443890920951474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0HZnG2N8ID48NRt2gvia6tMM0rDpyt5v6RnWXgl2BiqUM81vzzffUFO3mSd6UOFsLzRk3VMCikYChnjQwzM1thTtoxdiYlp-zlW391IegXGNt55_x0EpiCU4TNB5V-J7rLYW8vYBsbU/s320/food+tv.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong><span style="color:#990000;">We are excited!</span></strong><span style="color:#000000;"> Our son, Anthony, Jr and daughter, Rhonda entered a Food Network Challenge and their show will air on <strong><span style="color:#990000;">Friday, December 18th at 10:00 PM. </span></strong></span></span><span style="color:#990000;"><strong>The name of the show is "24 Hour Restaurant Battle".</strong></span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">After numerous and exhausting interviews over the phone and in person in New York, they were selected to compete. They filmed the show in NYC this past September. The competition consisted of putting a restaurant together in 24 hours. They had to have a theme, menu, prepare it, decorate the restaurant, serve it and be judged. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Neither of them has any culinary training which is part of the fun. Both are excellent cooks and have great taste. Our son worked in the food industry as a waiter for awhile locally and in one of the very top restaurants in NYC. Our daughter caters on the side. Other than that....well...they are just talented! Am I bragging? A little I guess, but we are very proud of them and I hope you get a chance to check out the show!</span></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-51695880306631511112009-12-12T09:36:00.006-05:002009-12-12T09:49:47.742-05:00Christmas Musings...2 weeks to go!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK473eKRa_Ggvubu5t-cgrRkAKMaYz5JLM1_vK08kiRYjgReSAtJaWMiYyoLIJ4yknh2DV9qKT9pDBPSPeMtoTZkYKRY3FtsStctiV3Ha_o8fNpeeG2uCkfd8Ofhzl1IgG_xkeZLOfiIg/s1600-h/christmas-tree-inside-the-house.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414361242771302210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK473eKRa_Ggvubu5t-cgrRkAKMaYz5JLM1_vK08kiRYjgReSAtJaWMiYyoLIJ4yknh2DV9qKT9pDBPSPeMtoTZkYKRY3FtsStctiV3Ha_o8fNpeeG2uCkfd8Ofhzl1IgG_xkeZLOfiIg/s320/christmas-tree-inside-the-house.jpg" /></a> I am so envious of those blogs I read where I see Christmas decorations in every nook and cranny. <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>There, I said it</strong></span>. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Those of you who fill your homes with Christmas decor of all types are creative, artsy, and seem to be so energetic</strong></span>. This past Sunday, I put up a smaller tree, but decorated it with love. I also decorated the fireplace mantle....stockings hung<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 118px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414359496865289138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IVpHDdlxOGFqNYQYtJQMG2Z6ztMdANsOHIdmKn8-GH-EvPQq5wnc8owGjfkUp54it5E3F1LGlMQ-QL0n0t54ahQRgdiRvGsEnAwMRxbSlrRHIsP24gRm-vWrow72AOtUMUQZHLY4lJA/s200/stockings_hung_on_mantle.png" />with care, even for the kitty! However, I was very selective about what went on the tree and there are very few other decorations placed around. Where are those days that I even decorated the bathrooms? <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>It seems that my weekends are full with family and friends.</strong></span> I had to forego an invitation to the local community Messiah sing to stay home and decorate. I work full time outside the home, and when I get home, I am mentally exhausted. I get dinner on the table...sometimes my husband helps...we clean up and I try to accomplish a few chores before I collapse! <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>How our lives change through the years</strong></span>. We have 3 (and a half) grandchildren whom we love to pieces, take care of our aging parents and still worry about our 3 adult children and their spouses. We have active social lives with our friends. We travel, we have plenty and give back to our community. <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>So now<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoBExBmZJZ8XtQlRsgVARfqdSYZUB0pMHqBpzBTovGVQAuh4r_okzCeETQQwASRxofV-CGnvFo9veggZIjavcMJ9_2Wsud4aKcdEnckcs1XnmauIyco8kfLDUXZynomlVCkTOPgMgrmQ/s1600-h/cup+of+tea.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414360304540173618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoBExBmZJZ8XtQlRsgVARfqdSYZUB0pMHqBpzBTovGVQAuh4r_okzCeETQQwASRxofV-CGnvFo9veggZIjavcMJ9_2Wsud4aKcdEnckcs1XnmauIyco8kfLDUXZynomlVCkTOPgMgrmQ/s200/cup+of+tea.jpg" /></a> that I have put my thoughts down, I can see I am doing the things that are important...to me.</strong></span> Can I still be envious of those beautifully decorated homes? You betcha! But as we gather this year, it is not so much about the decorations in my house....it is more about how my heart is decorated with the beauty of the season and the love I can give and receive. <span style="color:#993300;"><strong>So now I will sit back with a cup of tea</strong></span>, raise a toast to all of you in blogland and bask in the glow of the tree lights. <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>Thank you for sharing your lovely homes, your creativity, your skills, your recipes and most of all your on-line friendships.</strong></span> I can't believe that I have been blogging for just over a year. It has been a fun hobby and creative outlet for me. Never in my dreams did I ever think I would have been able to do this and enjoy it as much as I do! I hope the next couple of weeks before Christmas find you joyful and filled with peace. As for me....I will be busily scrambling around the kitchen, baking cookies for the holiday trays!! Whew....but then, it wouldn't be Christmas without them!Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-72771061440977483822009-12-09T19:47:00.007-05:002009-12-09T19:59:37.573-05:00Asparagus Rolls with Prosciutto<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9c5mTyabjsd3aJxGYAoaTgAaQEQdFW2Gr53jmF6O3F6yh9r2u1RCXknZ78IasrCJ4vKymOliw0ph55SGXT5YVEHJZC2KMgOGIAQD33TL-m0al8BGx1BzAoyUxoF5vYVE1l5FXevaVq4/s1600-h/prosciutto-asparagus.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413405736688804978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9c5mTyabjsd3aJxGYAoaTgAaQEQdFW2Gr53jmF6O3F6yh9r2u1RCXknZ78IasrCJ4vKymOliw0ph55SGXT5YVEHJZC2KMgOGIAQD33TL-m0al8BGx1BzAoyUxoF5vYVE1l5FXevaVq4/s200/prosciutto-asparagus.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>Fir<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjBS8OjyNJCMPXfPomnnMGfV-_ngvqBuuZUX2rcTmHKbRwHFJ8NiUqK1ruSR1_PQRBYZSuapGybupmUsSH9CxpQlCg1mS2zYZjs1HZHSzt3svEocgU5QSr6pxUz_g4jBH9Pz3ptP1jAA/s1600-h/prosciutto-asparagus.jpg"></a>st...stop by at the</strong> <a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Style Sisters</a><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"> </a><strong>blog for a chocolate giveaway....YUM!<br /></strong><br /><div></div><div><span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Second, I must be in an </strong></span><span style="color:#006600;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">entertaining </span>state of mind as I am thinking of and reading about appetizer</strong></span> ideas. This is another <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>easy and elegant</strong></span> idea. My favorite way of serving <span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;"><strong>asparagus</strong></span> is to roast it with some extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper. It takes on a nutty and rich flavor and is so delicious. When I read this recipe, it jumped right into my appetizer file because it sounds so good. I can't wait to try it. I think you can <strong><span style="color:#006600;">blanch these and wrap ahead</span></strong> of time. When you are ready to serve, just place the baking sheet in the oven so they will be fresh for your guests. </div><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#006600;"><strong>Asparagus Rolls with Prosciutto</strong></span> </div><br /><div>Trim 2 bunches of asparagus. Cook 3 minutes in boiling water. Take out of the hot water and place in a bowl filled with ice water. Remove from water and let dry. </div><div>Sprinkle dry asparagus with 2 tsp of olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp black pepper. </div><div>Cut slices of prosciutto in half lengthwise (about a half pound). </div><div>Roll up 2 asparagus spears in a prosciutto half and transfer to a baking sheet. Repeat with all asparagus and prosciutto. </div><div>Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes and serve. </div></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514502647370679597.post-72383765610890217112009-12-08T21:32:00.004-05:002009-12-08T21:39:37.687-05:00Cheese Filled Endive<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MHCprfV-r7Ka1eadiYEILEFrfKQ2T-St283sfVQ_0dGlGT-rvDCeWEXCqP4bNEDQIQaUyk_iXBvZYQNN1w8_C5AFIRX_JJSGfs2r9NI2mQYx6mpwRWH-dtoGiMKXw28PNWEFUZyY00g/s1600-h/endive.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413058974202192274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MHCprfV-r7Ka1eadiYEILEFrfKQ2T-St283sfVQ_0dGlGT-rvDCeWEXCqP4bNEDQIQaUyk_iXBvZYQNN1w8_C5AFIRX_JJSGfs2r9NI2mQYx6mpwRWH-dtoGiMKXw28PNWEFUZyY00g/s320/endive.jpg" /></a>I love using <span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><strong>Belgian endive</strong></span> in appetizer recipes and adding to salads. It is so <span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><strong>crisp and fresh </strong></span>and not overpowering. When I saw this in a recent issue of <strong>Family Circle</strong>, I knew I had to add it to my holiday "pick-ons" list! It looks so pretty and takes no time at all to prepare. Placed on a pretty plate, it will look as though you really fussed! The mixture used to fill the endive leaf, would be handy to <span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"><strong>make ahead</strong></span> and keep in the fridge. You could stuff some celery for an <span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;"><strong>after-school snack</strong></span> for the kids. Also, I think just putting out a bowl of this on an appetizer table with some nice crackers and celery stalks would be just fine as well. I think it is a versatile and delicious way to use two of my faves...blue cheese and dried cranberries.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#006600;"><strong>Cheese-Filled Endive</strong></span><br />8 oz. cream cheese (use Neufchatel)<br />1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese<br />1/2 cup chopped walnuts<br />1/2 cup chopped sweetened dried cranberries<br />2 TBSP milk.<br />Trim end from one head endive and separate leaves. Dollop 2 teaspoons cheese mixture onto each leaf. Serve.<br /><span style="color:#006600;"><em>The recipe also states that this pairs well with a medium dry sparkling wine such as Prosecco. I discovered how good this wine is a few years ago. If you have not tried it, it is bubbly like champagne, but fruity. It is a nice drink at cocktail hour and I agree that this would be a very good selection with this recipe. </em></span>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057300751677082169noreply@blogger.com3