What Should I Give The Prince and Princess

Well just home from seeing my adorable two little grandbabies. My prince and princess can always put a smile on my face. Since I live so far away from them I always bring special treats to them. I am all ready starting to think about what I could bring them to celebrate fall / halloween. So I am asking this easy question as my Aloha Friday question. If you are not aware Aloha Friday is hosted by An Island Life and you can join in the fun as well

my question
What treat or gift would you bring children under age of 4 to share with them fall / fall holidays

Pecan Crunch Cookies

1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup crushed potato chips (Lay’s or similar)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together butter sugar and vanilla. Add crushed potato chips and pecans. Stir in flour. Batter will be dry.
Form dough into small balls, using about 1 tsp. dough for each. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press balls flat with bottom of a tumbler dipped in sugar. Bake 16-18 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Makes 3.5 dozen.

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Polka Dot Pretties
Funky Junk Interiors

Ratatouille

Ratatouille (pronounced rat-tat-too-e) is a traditional French Provençal stewed vegetable dish, originating in Nice. The full name of the dish is ratatouille Niçoise.
The French “touiller” means to toss food. Ratatouille is usually served as a side dish, but also may be served as a meal on its own or accompanied by pasta, rice or bread. Tomatoes are a key ingredient, with garlic, onions, courgettes (zucchini), aubergine (eggplant), poivron (bell peppers), carrot, and bouquet garni or herbs like herbes de Provence. There is much debate on how to make a traditional ratatouille. My method is to simply sauté all of the vegetables together. Some cooks, including Julia Child, insist on a layering approach, where the aubergine and the courgettes are sautéed separately, while the tomatoes, onion, garlic and bell peppers are made into a sauce. The ratatouille is then layered in a casserole – aubergine, courgettes, tomato/pepper mixture – then baked in an oven.
When ratatouille is used as a filling for savory crêpes or to fill an omelette, (last week’s recipe) the pieces are sometimes cut smaller. Also, unnecessary moisture is reduced by straining the liquid with a colander into a bowl, reducing it in a hot pan, then adding one or two tablespoons of reduced liquid back into the vegetables.
INGREDIENTS –
- 2 big onions, diced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
– 6 cloves garlic, finely sliced
– Salt and freshly ground pepper
- a bouquet garni or Herbs de Provence
– 1 large eggplant, diced coarsely
- zucchini, diced coarsely
- 2 red bell peppers, seeded and diced
- yellow bell peppers, seeded and diced
– 5 or 6 big tomatoes, diced
Heat a heavy assed sauce pan with some olive oil. Brown the onions & garlic, and then add

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the eggplant and brown. Add the peppers, the zucchinis, and the tomatoes with the bouquet garni let them cook for at least 35 minutes…. Stir often.
You can eat it hot or cold. You are the chef. If you eat it with a roasted leg of lamb, and a Rose wine from Provence, you won’t be far from smelling the fragrances of the old flower market in Nice.
Jean Doherty is the Chef and Owner of Le Patio Restaurant in Wilton Manors (954) 530-4641

source florida agenda

Monterey Chicken

MONTEREY CHICKEN
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 c. bar-b-que sauce ( I use Bull's Eye)
1/4 c. real bacon bits
1 c. colby and jack cheese, shredded
1 14 oz. can Rotel tomatoes, drained (canned with green chilies added)
sliced green onions
pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pound out chicken breasts to flatten. Season with pepper. Grill chicken until no long pink (we used our George Foreman grill) and place on baking sheet covered with foil. Top each chicken breast with one tablespoon bar-b-que sauce, 1/4 c. cheese, 1/4 c. tomatoes, green onions and one tablespoon of bacon bits. Place in oven and bake until cheese is melted (about 5 minutes).

***This is the first time we marinated the chicken breasts before cooking and they were great. You don't have to though. Marinade: 1/4 c. olive oil, 2 T. soy sauce, 2 tsp. McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning. (We only marinade about a half hour or the meat gets too salty for us.)

recipe source here

Easy Banana Bread

Yellow Cake Mix

2 Eggs

3-4 Overripe Bananas

1/2-1 cup chocolate chips, nuts, etc.

 

 

Smash bananas in a large bowl (I just mixed them in my KitchenAid), then add remaining ingredients and mix well. Batter will fill 2 small loaf pans (GREAT for gifts!!) or one large loaf pan. Make sure to spray pans well with nonstick cooking spray and a little bit of flour.

Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes (bake longer if using larger loaf pan)

Power Ranger Giveaway

Power Rangers have been around for quite some time now. They are still a favorite of my son, maybe he does not morph (imagination) in his room any more but still loves everything about the Power Rangers. I just entered a giveaway that could keep him very happy. The blog an island life is hosting a giveaway to win a Power Rangers dvd. Giveaway ends 9/15/12

DVD giveaway

Finally Princess is old enough to start gymnastics and dance. Yeah!!! She will be perfect she is so full of energy. I love the idea of her being able to watch a DVD about Angelina a dancer with a dream. Know a little lady who would love this as well? Head over to the blog an island life and enter to win this dvd. Giveaway ends 9/14/12

Tiny Tunes Giveaway

Cartoons are something that me and the little ones have in common. Tiny Tunes is one of our favorites. While I remember the old bugs bunny the tiny tunes cartoons is something we all share together. THe blog an island life is hosting a giveaway where winner gets their own dvd copy of tiny tunes. Interested head over there and enter before 9/14/12

“Almost Naked Animals” Volume 1 DVD Review

 

Have you all had the opportunity to hear about a great show that goes by the name of Almost Naked Animals. I recently had the opportunity to find out more about the great show when Childhood PR allowed me to review an awesome DVD. Almost Naked Animals is a Canadian animated television series that is produced for YTV and Cartoon Network. The series premiered on January 7, 2011 on the Canadian YTV and later on June 13, 2011 on the American Cartoon Network. The series was created by Noah Z. Jones The cartoon is about a group of animals that staff a tropical resort called the Banana Cabana. The animals have all shaved off their fur and wear only their underclothes. A dog named Howie is the leader of the group and each episode will follow Howie and his "misfit" and thier adventures. 

 

We were sent a fun prize package to review. I love the giant size tote bag because it is so funny with the logo of the Almost Naked Animals. We loved the DVD that included titles within it such as

Its My Party
One Star Hotel
Employee of the Month
Saliva Drive
What Would Betty Do
Duck Vinci Code

Lots of great fun can also be found on the "online super game" of the Almost Naked Animals to launch September 25, 2012. Cafe press has partnered to launch a new online store September 25 to feature tees, notebooks and more.


The Banana Cabana is on Twitter and Facebook, too, so be sure to stop by and follow along in the fun!

**I received a Banana Cabana Welcome Package at no charge in order to provide a fair and honest review thanks to my friends at Child’s Play PR. No form of monetary compensation was exchanged. All opinions expressed here are strictly my own and were not influeneced in any way**

Sausage and Cheese Chowder

Soup is a great way to provide the family with a delicious meal. It is also a great time to take this type of recipe to family get togethers, tailgates or potlucks.

 

 

Sausage and Cheese Chowder

1 pound smoked sausage, cut into half-inch slices
4 cups frozen O’Brien or Southern style cubed hash brown potatoes, slightly thawed
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1 can (14.5 ounces) French style green beans, drained
2 cans (10.75 ounces) cream of celery soup
Dash hot sauce
1 box (16 ounces) processed cheese, cut into cubes
3 to 4 cups milk
Splash of beer (We like beer in just about everything in Wisconsin!)
Shredded Wisconsin sharp Cheddar cheese
Chopped scallions

Place the first 6 ingredients in a slow cooker.
Add 3 cups of milk and the processed cheese cubes.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring often.
Add a splash (or more) of beer and more milk if it gets too thick.
Stir well.
Keep on warm setting until ready to serve.
Top with shredded Cheddar cheese and scallions.You can also make this on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker.

recipe source : The Quad

:)

Sausage and Pepper Heros

Football season is here and so is tailgate season. I love getting together with other friends who love good food treats and love cheering on our team. You should try these sandwiches at your next get together I am sure they will get some cheering of their own

 

 

2 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

1 pound(s) red bell peppers, thinly sliced

1 large red onion, thinly sliced

2 clove(s) garlic, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon(s) dried oregano, crumbled

1/2 teaspoon(s) crushed red pepper

Kosher salt

6 chicken sausages, about 5 ounces each, preferably with roasted pepper or parsley and chees

3 long hero rolls, split lengthwise

---

Heat a large cast-iron or nonstick griddle or use 2 cast-iron or nonstick skillets Add the oil, bell peppers, onion, garlic, oregano, and crushed red pepper and season with salt. Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are softened and just beginning to brown, 6 minutes. Push the vegetables to the back of the griddle, cover with an inverted heatproof bowl, and keep warm over low heat; stir occasionally as you cook the sausages.

Prick the sausages with a knife and cook over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until no trace of pink remains, 10 minutes. Add the sausages to the vegetables and keep warm. Brush the rolls with oil and toast on the griddle. Fill the rolls with the sausages and peppers, cut each one in half, and serve.

recipe source Delish

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Norelco Giveaway

When my sons were old enough to start shaving we decided the best thing to do would be to get them an electric razor. For christmas they all recieved an electric razor and boy did it help them look great. Norelco is an awesomely important piece in keeping our young men looking great. The blog Go Graham Go is hosting a giveaway where winner will win a Norelco Power Touch. Giveaway ends 9/13/12

aloha friday

This is a rainy Aloha Friday mostly because of the trouble with Issaic. But all the same it is still a great way to get together with other bloggers to ask questions and give easy answers. So thank you to the blog An Island Life where you can join in on the fun of Aloha Friday as well.

My question today:

Do you offer your time to help out with charities, school activities, or anything? I love to share my time it is not only good for the organization but as I learned this week people take note and remember your good deeds

Five Question Friday

1. What do you enjoy doing the most with your spouse?

well of course there is that one thing but other than that we have many things we like to do we simply love to spend time together, junking, and so much more

2. How do you eat your taco? From the top or from the side?

 

from the side

3. Have you ever shut off the basement light and ran like a fool because you knew someone was down there and would get you?

 

lol too funny but  yes I have

4. If you could change one thing about you what would it be and why?

 

well right now it would be my hair style because I am wanting it cut and colored

5. What age do you think is appropriate to have the "bird and the bees" talk with your children?

 

when they are old enough not to late and not to early

Pillsbury Pizza Set Giveaway

Does your family like to make pizza? When my kids were younger we had a special day of the week titled pizza and movie night and we loved to creat pizza and then enjoy time together watching a movie. Well Pillsbury understands that our taste grows up and has now created Artisan Pizza Crust where we can be creative and make pizzas like top chefs would make. Awesome. Want to win the kit shown above? Well head over to the blog an island life and enter the giveaway. Giveaway ends Sept. 12, 2012

Monkey Mat

Recently I was able to check out the Monkey Mat. With two little precious ones the Princess and Prince The monkey matt is something that nanas like me could use. I was rather suprised by what I found when I checked it out. It folded up nicely into a pouch that is easily to carry where ever I go. The Monkey Mat creator is Christie Barany (@MonkeyMatMama) Christie as a mom came up with this product after watching her kids playing around on the dirty airport floor. The monkey mat that she created was perfect because it was easy to tote around and gave the children a play area that they could easily play on and stay clean and safe.

Monkey Mat is made from parachute nylon. This product takes a beating and because it is very strong it stands up to the beating and begs to be used more. The mat has loops on the corners so you can stake it down if needed or if you choose string it up and use it as a way to block the wind or rain. I love the mat is very versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. By the way the mat will not easily blow away thanks to the fact that the corners are weighted.

Do you want to purchase a Monkey Mat then visit their website and order as many as you want. These mats sell for $39.99 each

also find Monkey Mat on facebook and twitter  @monkeymatmama

Toffee Apple Coffee Time Bars

• CRUST
• 2 cups Pillsbury BEST^® All Purpose Flour

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup butter
• FILLING
• 1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand^® Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup peeled, chopped apple
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup toffee baking bits
• GLAZE
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tbsps. strong brewed Folgers Classic Roast^® Coffee, cooled to room temperature

HEAT oven to 350°F. Combine flour and 1/2 cup powdered sugar in medium bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press in bottom of ungreased 13 x 9-inch pan. Bake 15 minutes or until set while making filling.COMBINE sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, cinnamon and egg in large bowl; blend well. Stir in remaining filling ingredients; mix well. Pour mixture over partially baked crust.
BAKE an additional 35 to 40 minutes or until filling is set and top is golden brown. Cool 10 minutes. Run knife around sides of pan to loosen. Cool 1 hour or until completely cooled.
COMBINE glaze ingredients in small bowl, adding enough coffee for desired drizzling consistency. Blend until smooth. Drizzle over bars. Let stand 10 minutes or until glaze is set. Cut into bars. Store in loosely covered container.

recipe source : Folgers

Tackle It Tuesday

Chicken of The Sea Review and Giveaway

Guess who's turning 60 this year? The Chicken of the Sea Mermaid! Wow this does not seem possible because she has been there since I was a little girl and no changes have taken place in  her physical looks Perhaps mermaids hold their beauty forever. I know that another thing that I have enjoyed since I was a little girl is a good tuna sandwich. My mother would fix these when I was little, they were easy enough to fix through my young marriage years and still remain a favorite of mine.

TUNA SALAD SANDWICHES

Read more about it at www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,2244,152182-228203,00.html Content Copyright © 2012 Cooks.com - All rights reserved. 1/2 loaf of French Bread (toasted) 6 leafs of romaine lettuce 1 large can of chunk tuna (packed in olive oil) 1/4 cup of mayo (I prefer real mayo) 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard 2 bunches of green onion (fine chop) 1 small purple onion (fine dice) 1 celery stalk (fine dice) 1/2 cucumber (seeded, quarted and diced) 10 grape tomatoes (halved) 1 small fine diced Granny Smith Apple 2 hard boiled eggs (chopped) 1 small, jalapeno (seeded, maked sure to remove membrane) 1 sprig of dill 1/8 tsp. of cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp. of garlic powder, or 1 garlic clove (crushed) **eggs are optional Drain and flake tuna and set aside In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredientsIt is best to leave the cucumber and tomato out of the mixture until you are ready to serve.Serve between French bread, or open faced

One great thing is that the No Drain Chicken of the Sea makes the first step of this recipe no longer needed. I am not sure about you but I love it when my job as a wife and mom makes it easy. While draining tuna may not seem like such a big job believe me it is. Draining tuna not only can easily make a mess opening the can but also when you drain the water or oil off the tuna.


We are celebrating the Mermaids birthday on Annies Home as well. As part of the Sensational 60s Party that Chicken of the Sea is hosting they have allowed us to offer a lucky winner a chance to win a Chicken of the Sea prize pack that includes:

• An exercise mat
• Water bottle
• Two cans of Chicken of the Sea No-drain Tuna

To get your chance to win this prize pack from our sponsor Chicken of the Sea please share with me a tuna recipe that you love

Extra Entries:
(1) Like Chicken of the Sea on Facebook

(1) Follow Chicken of the Sea on Twitter

(1) follow my blog on facebook

(1) follow annies home on twitter

(2) share this giveaway on facebook (leave link in comment) (can be done daily)

(2) tweet about this giveaway on twiter (leave link in comment) (can be done daily)

(5) share this giveaway on your facebook page (leave link in comment)

 

Giveaway starts now and ends Sept 8, 2012. Good Luck Email must be in comment or on your blog profile or will not count

 

 

This Aloha Friday a meme hosted by the blog an island life  and also the night of our first home football game. I love to watch football. Many ask if I have a football player in school and my answer is I did but no longer. My children have all grown older but I still love highschool football. My question is:

Do you love sports? Do you regularly attend any games, listen to them on the radio (my mom as always did this) or on T.V





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