Spectacular Cheesecake

1-1/2 cups HONEY MAID Graham Cracker Crumbs

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

1 cup strawberry jam, heated

1 pt. (2 cups) blueberries

MIX crumbs, butter and granulated sugar. Press firmly onto bottom of 13x9-inch dish.
BEAT cream cheese and powdered sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping. Spoon over crust. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
PRESS assorted sizes of star cookie cutters lightly into top of cheesecake. Drizzle jam over surface of remaining cheesecake; spread gently to completely cover area around the stars. Carefully remove cookie cutter. Arrange blueberries around edge of cheesecake. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator. 

recipe source here   

Chewy Red White and Blue Cookies

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon light corn syrup
4 1/2 cups uncooked regular oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
1 cup (6 ounces) red, white, and blue candy-coated chocolate pieces
2 teaspoons baking soda

Beat sugars and butter at low speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and next 3 ingredients, beating until combined. Stir in oats and remaining ingredients.
Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake, in batches, at 350° for 15 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

southern living july 2003

Chocolate Orange Blossom Cake

Back in the day before all the kits were available for birthday cakes there were many birthday cakes that would end up looking as special as this one. I can remember as a little girl my grandmothers and mother taking pride in their baking and showing it off by taking their little specials to parties that would be held for anything from birthdays to family reunions. I love this cake and since June 27 is a day to celebrate orange blossom cake I thought I would share it

Cake:
1 box (18.25 ounces) devil’s food cake mix
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup oil
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons orange liqueur or 1 Tbsp orange extract
1 cup mini–semisweet chocolate chips
...
Frosting:
1 pound butter, softened
16 ounces marshmallow cream (such as Marshmallow Fluff or Crème)
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup grated orange zest (from 3 to 4 oranges)
2 tablespoons orange juice
Garnish: orange slices

1. Heat oven to 350°F. You’ll need two 9 x 2-in. round cake pans coated
with nonstick spray.

2. Cake: Beat cake mix, buttermilk, oil, eggs and liqueur in a large bowl
with mixer on low speed 30 seconds or until blended. Scrape down sides
of bowl; beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour
into prepared pans.

3. Bake 28 to 32 minutes until a wooden pick inserted in centers of
cakes comes out clean. Cool in pans on a wire rack 10 minutes, invert
on rack, turn right side up and cool completely.

4. Frosting: Beat butter in a large bowl with mixer on medium speed
until creamy. Beat in marshmallow cream. When well blended, beat in
confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, orange zest and juice. Increase speed
to high and beat 3 to 4 minutes until fluffy (makes 5 cups).

5. Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with 1 cup frosting.
Top with remaining cake layer. Spread top and sides with remaining
frosting. Decorate with cut orange slices just before serving.

Planning Tip: Wrapped cake layers can be refrigerated up to 1 week.
Cake can be completed up to 2 days ahead. Garnish just before serving

Wow Us Wednesday

Golden Corral review

Recently both my son and my husband celebrated birthdays and to celebrate we headed over to Golden Corral for a delicious meal. Yummy!!! With the amount of food there no one should ever go home hungry. Not only the food was great but so was the atmosphere, the workers, and the place was nice and clean as well. We were greated by the lady at the door, the managers as they seemed to make sure all were treated as if they were at home and also the servers at the food stations and those that were ready to get our drink refills and quickly take away any plates that we were done with.

If you have never been to Golden Corral then let me tell you that you should try to find one near you. At the golden corral website there is a locater button that should help you find a restraunt near you. They have several food stations sectioned off so that you will be able to find your favorites among those that they serve. Food stations include a hot buffet where you can find delicious items like meatloaf, sausage, ribs, and oh so much more wonderments. While I love the meatloaf and potatoes the teens enjoyed items such as taco salad and chicken. Salad Buffet where you will find a large variety of items to make your perfects salad. Veggies to fruit and salad toppings galore was oh so delicious. I always fix my self a small salad to start off with because I try to imagine being invited to a 8 course meal which normally always starts with soup and salad. Another one of our favorite food spots is the bakery and dessert. So many delicious items are located there from their delicious rolls and honey butter to the wonderfull chocolate wonderfall and cotten candy. The one and only problem that I noticed was that the cotton candy machine set empty alot that night with many wanting some but getting little.

As delicious as their food was I must also say that their hearts and patriotic spirits are as well. Supporting our military is something that Golden Corral takes to heart. One great thing that they do is to support a camp for the children of military parents. Known as the Camp Corral it is a way that the folks at Golden Corral can give back to the families that serve and protect us. If you have  a chance to stop and enjoy the good food at Golden Corral then I most heartly say you should.

I wrote this post not because I received any form of financial or other means but because I enjoyed my night out with my family and wanted to share it here with you my readers and friends

 

Welcome to Week #1 of Win This Bag sponsored by HipSwap hosted by Sidetracked Mom’s Blog

“Win This Bag” is a 6-week event that will feature 6 weekly giveaways. There will be one designer handbag given away every week! Each bag will be an authentic, recognizable designer brand such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Coach, or Fendi. Our 6^th week will feature a highly coveted designer handbag and you will have the option to claim bonus entries for each of the 5 weekly "Win This Bag" giveaways you entered leading up to this grand finale! So, enter each weekly giveaway to increase your odds of winning!

Here’s what really separates this event from any other handbag giveaway you may have seen before… some of these handbags will come to you directly from a celebrity’s closet! That’s right –

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This week’s prize:

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1. Create a HipSwap account. You will be asked to enter your name, email and zip code. If you do not live in the United States, please enter your City and Country in the Zip Code field.

2. Once registered, you can earn additional entries by:

a. Pinning your favorite HipSwap bag on Pinterest

b. “Liking” HipSwap on Facebook

c. Following @HipSwap on Twitter

d. Tweet with the hashtag #winthisbag for daily bonus entries

e. Following the blogs who are bringing you this awesome giveaway

To be credited, all entries must be completed using the Rafflecopter form below. You can complete as many or as few entries as you’d like but remember, the more you do, the better your odds of winning! Plus, once you are following all of your hosts, entering each subsequent weekly Win This Bag Giveaway will be even faster & easier!

Good luck!

 This giveaway is open to entrants worldwide 18 years of age or older, except where prohibited by law. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. This promotion is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook and is Facebook-compliant. To qualify to win, you must complete, at minimum, the mandatory entry on the Rafflecopter form. All entries will be forwarded to our sponsor for the purpose of randomly selecting a winner. Winners will be notified by email from a HipSwap representative. Winners will have 72 hours to respond or risk forfeiting their prize. Prize may re-awarded solely by the Sponsor's discretion. Prize fulfillment is the sole responsibliity of the sponsor. This blog may not be held liable for Sponsors who do not fulfill prize shipments. The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We reserve the right to publicly publish winners' names and/or likeness. By entering this giveaway, you are agreeing to these terms and conditions.

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Win A Baby Doll

As a little girl I had tons of baby dolls to play with but I had just a select few favorites. These favorites would meet me behind my moms chair in the living room where we would spend hours having fun and playing pretend. I know that my little princess is very much like this with a vocabulary to boot and she to only has a few select favorites that will have the privilage to join her in her favorite place to play. As nana I love to offer her the best and sometimes the best is not always what she likes. However, in time we will figure out our differences and go from there. Til then nana will continue to offer her what I think is the precious of all. How cute are these twin baby dolls by J.C. toys . I would love to win them for my little princess. If you want a chance to win a baby doll for your little one then head over to the blog Pink Dandy Chatter  and enter the raffle copter giveaway. This giveaway ends July 7, 2012

Free Blogger Opportunity : $200 Amazon Blast

Event Details:
- The giveaway will go live on July 15, 2012
- Open Worldwide
- Prize: $200 Amazon Gift Card *1 winner*
Sign Up Fee & Info:
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Click HERE to sign up!

Saturday 9

1. Do you ever have trouble making up your mind?

yes I do all the time I like to make the best decision and side on the side of perfect so I ask many that are involved

2. Do you think you always learn from your mistakes?

well I hope I do I have made many in my lifetime

3. Have you ever felt that you were either older or younger, for your age during a particular time?

I wish I was older during hs years as I always hanged out with the kids that were older

4. Have you had trouble losing weight?

well stayed about the same weight 20+ years

5. Who's the most "wholesome" rock artist that you like?

well not really into rock while I do think many of them like Bruce Springsteen had many wholesome goals

6. Do you like to party or are you more of a homebody?

like to party and stay at home depending on my mood but always have fun

7. Do you feel the need to share your burdens?

sometimes if we are as a group but manly keep them to myself

8. Do you know the lady next door? (yes, you can pick either side.)

yes I do know all my neighbors we have lived in this community for 10+ years

9. Do you ever feel inferior?

dont we all there are those with more knowledge at times and those with more strength at time

Thanks For Following Giveaway

 Hey guys no monkey business about this one it is a giveaway celebrating 300 followers come on over and party with the gang over at the No Monkey Business blog. You can enter the giveaway there as well and maybe win $30 amazon. I entered so should you.

Aloha Friday : The Next 30 years

Aloha Friday a day to rest and prepare for the busy weekend. A day that the blog An Island Life celebrates with this fun little meme where bloggers ask simple questions and allows other bloggers to give an easy peasy answer.

Today is my husbands birthday he has reached the mid 40s and the song the next 30 years makes me think a bit



what is it that he would like to leave with his kids and his grandkids. What is his legacy. What sort of stories does he want told about him during and after his life time.

This brings me to my Aloha Friday question which may or may not be so easy

What is it that you want to do in your next 30 years? What are your goals? your attributions?

Skoy review

We have reviewed skoy at previous times and must say that we love them. If you are looking for an easy clean up, attractive piece that does the job and a great way to help display your summer food on the buffet in style you need to check out skoy. As we have all heard sponges harbor dangerous bacteria after uses which makes re-using them hard to do. My mothers practice of doing the dishes was to use a sponge and when done withit lay it on the back of the sink til its use was needed again. When the sponge had ran out its use it then would be transferred to another place in the kitchen and its use would change from the counters and table to the floors as it became more and more wore. Many consider using papertowels in the kitchen and their use is valuable but the cost of their use can mount up. Skoy is the answer to the age old problem, the multi use cloths can do the job safer and easier.

Skoy multi-use cloths look great and work great as well. They are absorbent, biodegradable and natural made. The perfect wipes for the kitchen and bathroom and any other room that needs a bit of cleaning up. Skoy cloths can be used on most surface areas in your home or office and provide that needed little wipe wherever a mess may take place. Skoy multi use cloths are made up of natural cotton and wood based cellulose pulp and are 100% biodegradable when their use is up. The colors of the cloths are not only beautiful but chlorine free as well which means that their colors should be steadfast.  Skoy cloths are durable and can be used over the length of a month. One skoy cloth is equivalent to using 15 rolls of papertowels making the more effecient as well. If your house is like mine then you love saving every little penny you can and changing from papertowels to skoy makes an awesome change. Skoy cloths can be washed with your laundry allowing the bacteria to be washed away.

find skoy on facebook or and twitter

Can You Imagine . . . . Back In 1967

This week in history 6/20/1967 2 days before my husband was born and a bit before my time one of the greats was convicted of draft evasion. The vietnam war was action packed from the states to the battle on the fighting war line. There was no one it seemed that went untouched even the greats. The conviction was later over turned by the U.S. supreme court.

A couple of recipes that may have made it to the family table may have included:

The Classic Iceberg Wedge Salad

To make the classic wedge salad,
simply take the outer leaves off of an Iceberg or Crisphead head of lettuce, do not core, and cut in half and then in half again or as small a wedge as you like.

Top with 1/ 4 cup bleu cheese dressing,
1/ 4 cup chopped tomato and
1/4 cup crumbled bacon
garnish with 1 / 4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

The classic Ham Bone Vegetable Soup

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 3 medium onions, chopped
• 1 medium red bell peppers, chopped
• 1 large grated carrots, or small dice
• 1 meaty ham bone
• 8 black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves, dried
• 3 quarts chicken stock ( or water)
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed into 3/4 inch
• 3 cups chopped cabbage ( 1 small head)
• 1 (28 ounce) cans chopped tomatoes with juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh marjoram or 1 tablespoon oregano ( 1 tsp. dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme ( 1 tsp dried)
• 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ( tabasco)
• 1 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)

1. Heat oil and add onion, carrot, and bell pepper.
2. Saute until soft and beginning to colour.
3. Add ham bone, peppercorns, bay leaf and stock or water.
4. Cover bring to a boil.
5. Simmer one hour.
6. Skim off foam.
7. Add potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, partially cover.
8. Cook on simmer for one hour. 
9. Add herbs and sauce and simmer 15 minutes.
10. Add the parsley last, and serve immediately.

recipe source here

 Taylor House Serenity Saturday
Tell Me Tuesday

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Join us for EIGHT Consecutive Weekly Giveaways Of High-End Designer Bags

ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY: We will be hosting eight consecutive weekly giveaways. Each week will feature either a brand new high-end designer handbag or one that comes directly from a celebrity's closet! The new prize for each week will be a surprise! But, I can tell you - the first week will feature a Fendi handbag from the closet of a Dancing With The Stars Celebrity! On the 8th week, we will have a grand finale of a prize with bonus entries for readers who have entered the previous giveaways in the 7 weeks leading up to this coveted bag giveaway. This will be a fantastic opportunity to drive traffic to your site for 8 full weeks! The HTML, photos and RC code will be provided to you in our Facebook Group. Please be sure to join the group so you do not miss this important information. Join our Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/259293067506307/ COST TO JOIN: This will be a free event for bloggers to join. I only ask that you post to your blog about the event and encourage other bloggers to join. This will also help drive traffic to your site and improve your odds of winning the Blogger Incentive mentioned below! BLOGGER INCENTIVE: Sign ups will only be open for a short time as the sponsor is looking to get this 8 week promotion started ASAP! So, to help expedite the process, I am offering the chance to host a "follow page" to the bloggers who refer the most sign ups for this event. Posting about this event on your blog is a great way to help ensure you win the referral prize! These giveaways will be open Internationally. The official start date will be announced within the next couple of days. OUR SPONSOR: http://www.hipswap.com/

Red White and Blue Parfaits

I love little easy desserts like this. They look attractive and taste yummy as well. The best part is that i know little hands love this type of dessert as well.

2 cups boiling water

1 pkg. (6 oz.) or 2 pkg. (3 oz. each) JELL-O Berry Blue Flavor Gelatin

2 cups cold water

1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided

1 cup fresh strawberries, halved 

ADD boiling water to gelatin mix in large bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in cold water. Pour into 9 parfait or dessert glasses.
REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until firm.
SPOON 2 cups COOL WHIP over desserts; top with berries and remaining COOL WHIP

recipe source : Kraft

shared at
made u look
Tatertot & Jello
Meatless Monday @ sweet and savory

One Project at a Time
Tackling Tuesday

Flank Steak with Grilled Mango and Mellon Chutney

Steak:

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 (1 1/2-pound) flank steak, trimmed

Cooking spray

Chutney:

2 peeled ripe mangoes, each cut into quarters (about 1 pound)

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 cup thinly vertically sliced onion

• 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
• 1/3 cup cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 2 cups finely diced seedless watermelon (about 3/4 pound)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• Mint sprigs (optional)
• Lime wedges (optional)

Prepare grill.
To prepare steak, combine first 4 ingredients. Sprinkle steak evenly with sugar mixture. Place steak on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill for 8 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Let stand 10 minutes. Cut steak diagonally across grain into thin slices.
To prepare chutney, place mango on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 4 minutes on each side. Cool and chop. Set aside.
Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 4 minutes. Add ginger; sauté 1 minute. Add vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper; cook 5 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates. Stir in mango; cook 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in watermelon, cilantro, and mint. Add mint sprigs and lime wedges, if desired

Cooking Light
JULY 2006

mealtime monday

Be A Champ At Small Business : Spark and Hustle book review

In this day and age when the goal of finding a job is becoming one tough goal my mind (and maybe yours as well) has began thinking about starting my own small business. Years ago starting my own business may have been something that would not have crossed my mind but now days it seemed like a possibility that would work well. Many others have dreams of starting their own dream business and that may be the very reason that will spark your interest. In fact recently I was able to join in a blog campaign and read the book Spark and Hustle by Tory Johnson.

At first her name Tory Johnson may not ring a bell. However Tory has been around for a while now working for national T.V. news til she was let go. It was after she was fired that she decided to start her own business networking companies with women who were looking for work theirselves. Tory led a Spark & Hustle series of conferances to help those women that were looking to start their own businesses. You may have also noticed Tory Johnson on the Good Morning America show  as well as uccess magazine.

The cover of the book reminded me of a series of books that my father may have read on how to subjects when I was a kid. Reading the book I thought at first may be dull and uncreative as many how to books are. There are many other businesses within the pages that share their own testimonies and stories and  makes this book a bit different than a how to but rather seems like a how we did it book. Seeing how others have done it and following along Johnsons guides and worksheet I can see how it can be done and have become very excited for a change of pace.

If you are a person who has a spark of interest in getting your own business together then you may want to get your hustle over and check out the book Spark and Hustle on amazon.

Crab hushpuppies

1 cup self-rising white cornmeal mix
1/2 cup self-rising flour
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1 tablespoon sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces fresh lump crabmeat, picked
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup beer
• Vegetable oil

Stir together cornmeal mix, flour, green onions, bell pepper, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in crabmeat, egg, and beer until just moistened. Let stand 10 minutes. Pour oil to depth of 2 inches into a Dutch oven; heat to 360°. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls into hot oil, and fry, in batches, 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Serve with your favorite rémoulade or cocktail sauce.

Southern Living
APRIL 2012

shared at
Whats Cooking Wednesday
Success U Wednesday
Somewhat Simple
Pin'Inspirational Thursday

Great Time For Grilling : June Is Burger Month

June is burger month have you had a chance to try any new burgers? Don't get in a burger rut and just to help make sure you don't I wanted to share this very interesting burger recipe with you. It is a Mexican Veggie Burger that looks very pretty and tasty.

Do you have an great burger recipes? Would love to hear about your recipes as well

Summer Punch Peach Tea (oh so good and sweet)

3 family-size tea bags
2 cups loosely packed fresh mint leaves
1 (33.8-oz.) bottle peach nectar
1/2 (12-oz.) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1/2 cup Simple Sugar Syrup
1 (1-liter) bottle ginger ale, chilled
1 (1-liter) bottle club soda, chilled
Garnish: fresh peach wedges

1. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan; add tea bags and mint leaves. Boil 1 minute; remove from heat. Cover and steep 10 minutes.
2. Discard tea bags and mint. Pour into a 1-gal. container; add peach nectar, lemonade concentrate, and Simple Sugar Syrup. Cover and chill 8 to 24 hours.
3. Pour chilled tea mixture into a punch bowl or pitcher. Stir in ginger ale and club soda just before serving. Garnish, if desired.

recipe source here 

 Homemade By You

Pillsbury Baguette Chips

In our family summer time is normally a late night event, a season full of snacks and light meals and a perfect time for Pillsbury Baguette chips. These new chips are a healthier way to snack enjoy them alone or with a dip or salsa of choice. We were lucky enough to recieve a package of these Pillsbury Baguette Chips which are available in two great flavors Italian Cheese & Herb and Cheddar Sundried Tomato.

Pillsbury Baguette Chips are delicious chips cut from oven baked bread then seasoned with yummy spices and cheeses. Pillsbury Baguette Chips have 50% less fat than traditional potato chips and are a lot less greasy. I have also found that they are the perfect crunchy toppers to top off casseroles or serve along side soup. Dieters these are great for you as well enjoy 21 chips for only 130 calories

You can download a printable coupon for .75/1 package of Pillsbury Baguette Chips  http://tinyurl.com/7oot3bc


CONNECT WITH Pillsbury ON THESE SOCIAL MEDIA
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we recieved a package of Pillsburg Baguette Chips for review puposes I shared my own thoughts in this post

Baked Huevos Rancheros

Our hungry bunch loves a good breakfast and never goes without. Sometimes it is not as good as we could do because of time. But when the time is there and we are all enjoying each others company this casserole is like one that we would serve

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 large green bell pepper, cored and diced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles (optional)
6 corn tortillas (6 inches each)
6 large eggs
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Sour cream
Black beans
Chopped black olives
Salsa
Avocado slices

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft. Season with the cumin and salt, and then add the tomatoes and chiles, if using. Lower the heat to medium and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are hot and somewhat broken down. Turn off the heat. (This sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.)

3. Lay the tortillas in two rows on a large rimmed baking sheet or in a single row in two 9-x-13-inch baking dishes. Top each tortilla with a spoonful of the tomato sauce and crack an egg on top. Sprinkle evenly with the cheese. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the eggs are set.

4. Serve immediately with sour cream, black beans, olives, salsa, and avocado.

Serves 6

Excerpted from Not Your Mother's Casseroles © 2011 by Faith Durand

shared at
Tasty Tuesday

Snack Time Giveaway

Summer time snacking is some of the best. Next to the holidays there is so many great snacks and after all summer hot days are meant to be lazy in why not enjoy a snack as well. Yummy and now there is a giveaway where we can win a delicous Fisher Summit Trail Mix. The blog where you can enter is located at Laughing Lindsay and the giveaway ends July 3, 2012

YooHoo Wannabe Friends Review and Giveaway

The first yoohoo friends were introduced by Aurora in 2006. Since that time more than 14 million pieces have been sold around the world. Not only is the collection available to fans of the Yoohoo collection but there is an interactive entertainment website located at www.yoohoofriends.com There are animals around the world located on the website and some of them are endangered. This type of fun website I believe brings knowledge to children and fans as well as helps build on their skills of pretend and imagination. All of us need more of that in our lives.

Have you ever wanted to be something other than who or what you are? Well the fun yoohoo friends wanted to do this as well and Aurora World Inc came out with a new line of friends called the wannabes The Wannabes are funny friends dressed up as other animals.

The WannaBes are an average of 5 inch and are an average price of $9. They are very popular in the Yoohoo friends line. In 2012 Aurora adds jungle and domestic/barnyard assortments. Friends may include giraffe, elephant, lion, tiger, horse, cow, cat and dog. Each friend will make a fun sound when squeezed and sports removable hoodies for added play value

You can purchase YooHoo friends from retail locations and online at http://shop.auroragift.com YooHoo friends are located on Facebook page www.facebook.com/yoohoofanpage , Twitter: @yoohoofriends and blog: http://yoohoofriends.wordpress.com

Want to win a YooHoo Wannabe Friend of your own? Aurora and YooHoo friends is allowing one special winner to get their choice of YooHoo Wannabe Friend.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Strawberry recipe

Nothing better than strawberries in syrup and this recipe dresses it up a bit for adults leave the liquir out for a family friendly recipe

2 pounds strawberries, hulled and halved
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier, cognac, or fruit brandy
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

1. Place the strawberries in a large bowl.
2. Simmer the granulated sugar and 1/3 cup water until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the Grand Marnier. Pour the syrup over the strawberries and toss.
3. Beat the cream and confectioners' sugar in a medium bowl until soft peaks form.
4. Divide the strawberry mixture among individual bowls and top with the whipped cream.

Z. Daisy Blankie Bungie Review

One of our favorite things to do in the warm weather is to get outside and take a walk. The little ones  I believe enjoy it as much as we do. They of course get to ride in the stroller or wagon and we take a casual walk but we are all together and having an awesome time in the great outdoors. The only thing I can think that can irritate us all is if we use a blanket to cover our little ones up and it consistently falls down and onto the ground. Not only irritating to us because of constantly having to stop but also a bit dangerous as we are not always aware when the blankie drops and may run over it with the stroller or trip over it with our feet that follow quickly behind. There is a solution to this problem though and the solution has been resolved by Z. Daisy.

The Z. Daisy blankie bungie makes a big difference but is so small that it will not bother the passengar of the ride it is attached to. In fact the rider may enjoy the ride more knowing that their blanket will not fall. Not to mention those that are too small to realize why or where their protective blanket is going. Parents will love the simple to use clip as well that will attach easily to the blanket and stroller.

The blankie bungee works great in the car as well. How many of us have securely covered our little rider up or handed a blankie to a precious child and only have to continously pick it up because it slips and falls off. The Blankee bungie clip makes it where this will not happen and we do not have to worry about the childs blanket ending up in the floor. Mothers who breast feed will love the fact that it can be used to help the nursing cover up to stay in place making a private atmosphere with less worry of the nursing cloth exposing anything that they do not want exposed.

You can check out the blankie bungee and other great items at the Z. Daisy website. Also find Z. Daisy on twitter and facebook

Summer TIme fun and Recipe for Sausage Corn Dogs

This past weekend my daughter and her family were abe to get out in the community and have a bit of fun. I love carnivals, fairs and summer time fun and love making that sort of food at home as well. You can have a taste of fair food with the recipe I share here in the annies home post for sausage corndogs

1 cup fine yellow cornmeal
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons minced jalapeño pepper
1/4 cup minced shallots
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
2 cups buttermilk
18 to 20 cooked mini sausages (3 to 4 ounces each) or 6 to 8 hot dogs
Skewers
Cornstarch, for dusting
Peanut oil, for frying

Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cayenne; set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, combine the cilantro, jalapeño, shallots, garlic, and buttermilk. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet, and whisk until well combined. Let the batter sit for 30 minutes before frying.

3. Skewer each cooked sausage with a 4-inch skewer. Fill a deep fryer or pot with peanut oil, and heat the oil to 350°F (use a candy thermometer). Dust each sausage with a little cornstarch before dipping (this helps the batter to stick to the sausage and not fall off in the hot oil).

4. Dip sausages into the batter and gently place in fryer, one at a time; fry until golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.

Makes 18 to 20 mini sausages or 6 to 8 larger hot dogs

Excerpted from Fried Chicken & Champagne: A Romp through the Kitchen at Pomegranate Bistro

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An omnius cloud from nature

This cloud looks a bit scary but in the end nature does some odd things

Celebrate Cherry Tart Day in June recipes

Rustic Cherry Tart

Nonstick cooking spray
1 refrigerated pie crust (half of a 15-ounce box), at room temperature*
1 cup extra-fruit cherry pie filling*
1 1/2 teaspoons orange liqueur, such as Triple Sec, or 3/4 teaspoon orange extract
Zest of 1 lemon, about 1 teaspoon
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Sugar, a light sprinkle, to taste
Vanilla ice cream, optional for serving

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray. Unroll piecrust, (it must be at room temperature), onto prepared sheet. Spoon cherry pie filling, (using as many of the cherries as possible), onto crust, leaving a 2-inch margin. Sprinkle liqueur, lemon zest and almonds evenly over filling only.
Gently fold edges of crust inward over first 2 inches of filling, leaving center open. The sides of crust will overlap slightly at edges. If crust happens to tear, gently press it back together with your fingers. Sprinkle sugar lightly, to taste, over the exposed crust.
Bake, uncovered, until crust is light brown and almonds are golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet until slightly warm, slice and serve, with vanilla ice cream, if desire

This is a cherry tart that is as enjoyable and a bit easier for those of us who like to get in the kitchen make something great and get out. Some summer days are so full and busy but when you make something like this to enjoy with others the day will be so much more in wonderment

9 graham crackers (each 2 1/2 by 5 inches)
2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

6 ounces bar cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3/4 cup heavy cream

1 pound fresh sweet cherries, such as Bing, pitted and halved

1 tablespoon seedless raspberry jam

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, pulse graham crackers and 2 tablespoons sugar until finely ground. Add butter, and process until combined. Transfer mixture to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Using the base of a dry measuring cup, firmly press mixture into bottom and up sides of pan. Bake until browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese, vanilla, and remaining 1/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add cream, and beat until soft peaks form; spread mixture in cooled crust. Scatter cherries on top. In a small saucepan, combine jam and 1 teaspoon water; heat over low until liquefied, about 2 minutes. Using a pastry brush, dab cherries with glaze. Refrigerate tart at least 30 minutes or, covered, up to 1 day.

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show me how tuesday    show me how Tuesday

Awesome Icy Sweet Tea

There is no wonder why June is the month for iced tea. With the heat turning on and all of us needing a way cool down the delicious iced tea seems to hit the spot. Now I am of course talking about cold sweet tea, after all I am a southern girl but I recently found a new way to enjoy the taste of sweet tea in a delicious icy way

3 family-sized tea bags

6 cups boiling water

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons light-colored corn syrup

6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Lemon slices (optional)

Mint sprigs (optional)

Place tea bags in a large bowl. Pour boiling water over tea bags; steep 10 minutes. Remove and discard tea bags. Combine sugar, 1/2 cup water, and light-colored corn syrup in a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes. Add sugar mixture and fresh lemon juice to tea; stir to combine. Let cool to room temperature. Pour cooled tea mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish; cover and freeze for at least 6 hours or until firm. Remove tea mixture from freezer; scrape entire mixture with a fork until fluffy. Spoon into a container; cover and freeze for up to 1 month. Garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs, if desired.

Kathryn Conrad, Cooking Light
MAY 2005

Corn and Bean Salad

Looking for a delicious recipe to share with friends and family at the next summer time grill or just an easy weeknight supper check out this recipe I found here. Oh so yummy and perfect to enjoy the taste of summer

SALAD:

• 3 15-ounce cans beans (choose a variety from garbanzo, red kidney, white kidney, black, and pinto)
• 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen, cooked and cooled
• 1/2 red pepper, chopped
• 2 slices red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

VINAIGRETTE:

• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Drain and rinse the canned beans, then place them in a large bowl. Add the corn, red pepper, red onion, and cilantro and stir. Next, prepare the vinaigrette. Measure the olive oil, vinegar, and mustard into a jar. Screw on the lid tightly and shake the dressing well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour the vinaigrette over the beans a little at a time and mix to coat. Add enough vinaigrette to suit your taste. Refrigerate the salad until you are ready to serve. Serves 8 to 10.

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Long Island Tea

This is one of my friends favorite ways to cool down after a hot busy summer day. You can find it at many of your favorite restraunts but if you want to enjoy it at home and make it yourself then here is a recipe you could use

1/4 ounce Tanqueray London Dry Gin

1/4 ounce Smirnoff No.21 Vodka

1/4 ounce Captain Morgan Silver Spiced Rum

1/4 ounce Jose Cuervo Especial

1/4 ounce triple sec

1 ounce sweet and sour mix

6 ounces cola

1 wedge lemon (optional)

1. Add Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Smirnoff No.21 Vodka, Captain Morgan Silver Spiced Rum, Jose Cuervo Especial, triple sec, and sweet and sour mix in ice-filled collins glass and stir.
   
   Top with cola.
   
   Garnish with lemon wedge (optional).

thebar.com
NOVEMBER 2008