Peanut Brittle

A coworker of mine brought in peanut brittle... with a little cayenne pepper. Who knew this would be so delicious. Any Christmas treats that are especially wonderful this year or any new recipes to try out?

Any suggestions?

I feel like this is missing something, but can't figure out what to add or how to enhance the overall image. The background actually does have some color and dimension to it, but I am unable to capture the details with my camera. Any suggestions (if anyone actually reads this)...




As a side note, the marks in the tree are actually music notes.

Guacamole

Guacamole is one of our favorite treats or side dish for Mexican dinners. Here is my recipe or really just a list of ingredients:

avocado
red onion
tomato
lime juice
chili powder
salt
oregano
crumbled feta (I put this in on a whim the other day because we had it and it is fantastic. So good, I think I may have to always put it in!)

Happy Birthday...

As a birthday celebration, my friend Sarah, is having friends as guest bloggers on her fantastic blog. Check out my post today about card tips and tomorrow I will be on for painting tips! Check out the post here! After you should just check out the rest of her blog as it has plenty of great craft, decor and style tips! Oh, and a big happy birthday to Sarah!

Zuppa Toscana

I love this soup for a variety of reasons: the taste, the simple steps to make and we served this this at our wedding. I use this recipe I found on a friend's blog (that I am supposed to contribute to). I don't know if my mom used the same recipe at our wedding, but this is the one I typically use.

Zuppa Toscana
I linked the recipe, but thought I would write it out and include my additions...

1 pound Italian sausage
2 large russet baking potatoes sliced in half, and then in 1/4 inch slices
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 can Oscar Meyer Real Bacon Bits (I use turkey bacon)
2 cloves garlic minced
2 cups kale or swiss chard, chopped (Spinach can also be used)
2 cans chicken broth
1 qt. water
1 cup heavy whipping cream


Cook sausage in a 300-degree oven. Bake approximately 1/2 hour, drain on paper towels, and cut into slices. *I cook the sausage in a pan and drain on paper towels.

Place onion, potatoes, chicken broth, water, and garlic in pot, and cook on medium heat until potatoes are done.

Add sausage, bacon bits, salt, and pepper to taste, and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Turn to low heat, add kale and cream. Heat through and serve.

Chickpea Falafel Burgers

Chickpea Falafel Burgers


1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 green onions, chopped
3/4 cup diced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup diced green pepper (I added this)

3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (15.5 ounce) can garbanzo beans, with liquid

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
1 1/2 tablespoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 -3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
2 egg whites

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, or as needed to cook the falafel in

1. Heat oil and add green onions, mushrooms and green peppers. Cook until tender.
2. Blend garlic and garbanzo beans. I kept about half of the liquid in.
3. Mix all ingredients together except for the 2 tbsp veg oil.
4. Roll into either hamburger-sized balls or falafel-sized balls

* I know the recipe is for hamburgers, but I made into smaller balls and we ate them in pitas, with some lettuce, cheese, tzatziki sauce, veggies (cucumbers a must!)... the works.
* I did not have curry powder or fresh cilantro, instead I used some oregano, parsley, salt and cumin.

Both picture and recipe from http://www.allrecipes.com/

Millions of Peaches...

Alright, I exaggerated a bit with the title, but it did feel like a million peaches. My mom came into town and we made 7 pints of peach salsa, 7 quarts of peaches and 1 fabulous peach cobbler.

I cannot give the entire process of canning as I am still learning myself, so here are some tips to canning:

* Jars need to be washed and kept warm so they do not crack when put in the hot water to can

* Jar lids need to be boiled before putting on the jar to seal

* Your kitchen will become a disaster zone, be prepared to wash lots of dishes and wash the counters multiple times to rid the sugary layer now covering them

* You cannot use any peaches that have bruises or they can possibly spoil the batch. Take out the piece with the bruise and use it in peach cobbler as the peaches in the cobbler don't need to be as pretty as the peaches in jars

Peach Cobbler

1 c flour (I used 1/2 white and 1/2 wheat)

2 tbsp sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 c butter

1 egg

1/4 c milk

For the filling:

1/4 c water

1/3 to 2/3 c sugar

1 tbsp corn starch

5 cups sliced peaches

Mix together dry ingredients. Cut in butter.

For the filling mix all together and cook over medium heat until slightly thicker and juices from the peaches are coming out. Once done, put in a 2-qt baking dish.

Whip egg and milk together and afterwards add to the dry mixture. Immediately after, spoon over the peaches. Cook 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Color Me Mine

I love this place. There are so many projects one can come up with. They have everything from kitchen items, to bathroom items and even decor items. My sister and I made a picture frame of her little boy's footprint.


I think my favorite idea for this store is having a bachelorette party. The bride-to-be can pick out her colors and each guest decorates a piece as their present. If there is one in your area, then go, enjoy and be crafty.

Give Hope...

September 1-7 is the week of hope, send a letter or a card and remind others of hope instead of "these tough economic times." Ok, this may be another "commercialized holiday" but sometimes I am fine with that :)

Go to cardstore.com to send a card for free to someone! Other companies are also supporting by giving free postage, free card with another purchase, etc. They have quite a few to choose from, but I think these were two of my favorites.

Found this tip from Lyndsey, I love her creations and all the lovely paper she finds.

Love is a Battlefield....

I feel summer starting to slip away. Lately I wake up to wet streets, dew on my windshield, traffic from rain and other reminders that fall is on the way. I just don't really want these fall hints to intrude on my summer romance with Seattle. Love is a battlefield, so I fought back by making two summer cards.



All these cutouts were found from the Target dollar section. When they have card making/scrapbooking items, I cannot resist. They usually have six sheets of 12x12 papers packaged together or four sheets full of cutouts and so many other fun items.

Thai Class

On my other blog, I made a list of "25 things to do while 25." On this list included finding and perfecting a curry recipe. I love curry and successfully made green curry twice while dating my husband and since marriage I have not been able to replicate a good batch. Apparently, I could only make good curry to woe him and his parents! In an effort to cross this off the list, I took a Thai class last night and thought I would share some tips:

• When cooking curry/Thai in general the flavors of the sauce need to be cooked first. Essentially, the curry paste/fish oil/garlic/ginger and whatever other flavors need to be cooked first with some oil to truly get the flavors combined.
• Cooking the flavors in oil, especially helps with the paste, the longer the paste cooks, the more the flavors/spice comes out.
• When adding the coconut milk, do not shake the can and do not add all at once. After the flavors have combined, add about 3 Tbsp of the thick coconut milk (the thick milk will be at the top as the milk separates). After cooking for a few minutes, add the rest of the milk.
• The heat should be on med-high, but make sure not to burn any of the flavors. If by chance, burning begins put some water in the pan. This stops the burning and the water will evaporate and will not get rid of the flavor.
• Our teacher made a garlic and ginger paste. Use equal amounts and a little water in a food processor
• Do not get a single drop of fish oil on you, unless you are looking for a way to ditch a stalker!

Hopefully, these tips and the recipe she gave us will get me a good curry recipe... or at least the basis for one!

U-Pick

I planned a Saturday date for my husband and I.  We started out with a run (we run separately because he would be bored at my pace!), after he made wonderful blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup and walnuts (delicious!) and after we went pickin' blueberries.  We went a little farther away than needed, but the scenery was much better and well worth the drive.  Not to mention, we listened to a fabulous podcast of "This American Life."  Although the clouds threatened, it was a perfect summer day.

Question is, what do I do with all these blueberries... 8.5 lbs total!

Summer Delights

1. salads
2. ice cream (Tilamook all the way)
3. gelato (Fainting Goat in Seattle is a real treat and so charming as it is owned by a Turkish family)
4. burgers (We've spent a good time finding the best burger joints- Red Mill in Seattle is a winner)
5. smoothies
6. fresh fruit
7. fresh veggies
8. fish/shrimp tacos with fruit/avocado salsa
9. kabobs
10. BBQs

Yesterday was so hot in our little upstairs apartment with no cooling... we had two bowls of ice cream, two smoothies and plenty of water to keep us cool.

Summer time is Salad time as opposed to Hammer time...

Love this combo for a summer salad:

bacon

gorgonzola cheese

mushrooms

asparagus

balsamic vinaigrette dressing 

Balsamic Vinaigrette

1/2 c balsamic

1/2 EVOO

1/4 c honey

1 tbsp soy sauce

dash of cinnamon

Paintings....

I made these for my new nephew's nursery.  He is adorable and they went with a quilt my sister is in the process of making (she would be done but the little guy had to come a month early!)

Another veggie delight... sandwich style

My sandwich at lunch today consisted of mushrooms, tomatoes, cucumbers, bean sprouts, red onions and a slice of cheddar cheese sandwiched together by a fluffy roll with pesto cream cheese. Seriously delicious... the pesto cream cheese was genius.

There is no picture as I am eating this at my desk at work....

Tortellini Soup

I think I may have found a perfect dish for St. Patrick's Day...

Tortellini Soup

3 cans chicken broth

1 can cream of chicken

4-6 cups water

1 medium zucchini

1/2 yellow onion

broccoli

1/2 bag of spinach

1 20 oz pckg of tortellini

basil

oregano

s & p

Heat chicken broth, cream of chicken and water and bring to a boil. Add spices, zucchini, onion and broccoli. Let cook until almost tender. Add tortellini and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until done. Add spinach just before tortellini is cooked.

Ratatouille

I never imagined a vegetarian dish could be so delish. This recipe is really good and healthy! I found this off my friend Jessica's blog and figured it was probably tasty if she made it. She found the recipe off the Smitten Kitchen's site. I served my dish over couscous and a drop of goat cheese.

The only alteration I made was I put a little bit of a can of diced tomatoes on top of the tomato puree and added a little sugar to get rid of the acidity.

365: Glad for the Grad

I don't know many grads, but here's my card...

Strawberry Shortcakes

Strawberry Shortcakes

1 1/2 c flour

1/4 c sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 c cold butter

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/2 c sour cream

2 Tbsp milk

5 c strawberries

3 Tbsp sugar

Whipped cream... definitely a must to go with homemade!

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Lightly grease a baking sheet; set aside.  In a medium bowl combine flour, the 1/4 c sugar, the baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  In a small bowl combine egg, sour cream and milk.  Add to flour mixture, stirring with a fork just until moistened.

Drop dough into eight mounts onto prepared baking sheet.  Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden.  Transfer to a wire rack; let cool.  

Meanwhile, combine 4 cups strawberries and the 3 Tbsp sugar.  Using a potato masher, mash berries slightly; set aside.  To serve, split shortcakes in half; fill with strawberry mixture and whipped cream.  Top with remaining sliced strawberries.

365 Catchup... Fruit, 8 Flowers and a sketch

I spent a few hours getting caught up with some of the challenges; although, I have many left to do!

Day 64: Super Sketchy Sunday

Day 63: Floral Fest

Use 8 flowers on your card. I thought this was going to be difficult but not with this new stamp I found in the Michael's $1 bin. I "heart" Michael's and secretly hate that store because of their $1 bin... they get me just about every time I go in!

Day 56: See Through Saturday

I didn't follow the rules to this exactly as I only have vellum to use as a "see through" card, but I did stamp the card and jazz it up just a bit.

Day 53: Fun with Fruit

I am a little disheartened that my stamp went a little wild, but I guess that is the curse and beauty of a handmade card.

365... Matchbook Card

This challenge was quite interesting.  I am not always one to follow directions, so I just made up my own dimensions, which is perhaps why it is a little off.  I thought the safety pin was a great idea, until I had to actually put it into the holes... which is why there is no picture with the card open! I will definitely keep the matchbook design in mind for future use!

365... Sun, Sand and Surf

This was a challenge from this past week that I was able to catch up on today!  I haven't lived near large water before so I don't know much about the surf part but I think I was able to capture the sand and the sun.  I wish I could be having "fun in the SUN" right now but rain is in abundance here!

365... Stampin' Saturday

Hooray for Saturdays to catch up on cards!  Today's challenge was to stamp a background pattern on some card stock... here is my pattern:

The stamp reads, "hugs to you."  Although, it looks very close to "bugs to you," very appropriate for the lady bugs.  

Who had the idea to put zucchini in bread?

I asked this question to my husband as it doesn't sound right, but let me tell you this bread is right.

Zucchini Bread

1 1/2 cup flour (I used 1 cup white, 1/2 cup whole wheat)

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 cup zucchini (we had about 1 1/2 cups)

1 cup sugar (recipe didn't specify, so I used brown sugar)

1 egg

1/4 cup oil (I used apple sauce)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a bread pan. Mix first ingredients together. Mix second set of ingredients together in a separate bowl. Combine the zucchini mixture to the flour mixture. Bake for 50-55 minutes.

365 Card Challenge.... Wacky Color Wednesday

Obviously it is no longer Wednesday and I am a little behind. I found out about 365 Card Challenge a few days ago and have been wanting to join in the fun, but work is getting in the way!

The challenge was to make a card using green, orange and purple

I need to work on picture taking skills.

Craving Deliverance

I put a spin on an old CD case for my sister while she was pregnant. I put 4 Ghiradelli chocolates inside and labeled them as a Craving Deliverance. I believe 6 could have fit if turned the other way... I guess next time I will know.

Carrying on the homemaker tradition with meatloaf

I made meatloaf the other night and my husband told me, "I was carrying on the homemaker tradition with meatloaf." He continued to tell how he was sure my mom made it (true), her mom made it (I would agree) and how her mom probably made it (I'm glad he didn't continue to previous generations!).

I combined two recipes from http://www.allrecipes.com/. I wanted to try them in muffin tins, which is where one recipe came from; however, my husband had some excellent Cajun Meatloaf while in Iraq so this is what I came up with:

Cajun Style Meatloaf
1 medium onion chopped
1 green pepper chopped
2 Tbsp butter/EVOO

1 1/2 lb meat
2 eggs
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tsp ground cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 bay leaves (I only had crushed bay leaves)
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp nutmeg
4 cloves garlic minced
hot pepper

Sauce
ketchup
brown sugar

Saute the first three ingredients over medium heat. Once done set aside and let cool to room temperature.

In small bowl mix the spices. In large bowl mix together the meat, eggs, bread crumbs, evaporated milk, ketchup and the spices.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For muffin tins, prepare into foil tins and cook for 30 minutes. Put sauce over each individual muffin and cook for another 1 minutes. (The recipe said 50 minutes and then another 10. I checked at about 35 minutes and they were pretty much done so I didn't get a chance to cook more time with the sauce).

For regular meatloaf in a bread pan, pour into prepared pan. Cook at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, raise heat to 400 degrees and cook for another 35 minutes. I would suggest putting the sauce on in the last 15 minutes or so.

*Tip: I was out of evaporated milk and my brother told me to take my milk and heat it over the stove to evaporate it. Sad, my older brother gave me a cooking tip! No, but really, he is a great "chef" as he likes to call himself. To do this, remember to put more than the necessary amount as some of the water will evaporate and leave you with a thicker milk.

*No picture this time... meatloaf just isn't that attractive!

Homemade Christmas Gift

My husband's family rotates Christmas gift names. Each person has two people, one gift we buy the other we make. It is a great tradition and is always fun to see how creative we all can get. This year, I received an apron adorned with my title, "Domestic Goddess in Training." It was a very thoughtful gift and I love it!

It has now been initiated into the DGIT kitchen...

Welcome baby boys...

There seems to be an influx of baby boys being born in my circle of friends...

Peanut Sauce

Here is my mom's peanut sauce recipe. I have not tried to make it myself yet, but if my mom approves, then I approve...

Peanut Sauce
1 c water
1/2 c Hoisen sauce
4 Tbsp creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 tsp sugar
Chopped peanuts

In a small sauce pan combine all ingredients and simmer. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts

My mom usually uses this recipe for her spring rolls but I am sure it would be delicious for the Bang Bang.

Bang Bang..

My husband and I LOVE the Cheesecake Factory, not just because it was our first date but because it is so delicious. One of my favorite meals is the Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp.

Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp

1 can coconut milk

1 package Thai peanut sauce

3 chicken thighs or 2 chicken breasts

1/2 lb shrimp

1 red pepper

1 handful snow peas

Cheesecake Factory puts peas and grated zucchini in theirs but we had snow peas and used a red pepper instead. The meal was fantastic, but the Thai peanut sauce is a little pricey... so I am getting my mom's recipe... coming soon!

Chocolate Trifle

For Valentine's dinner on Sunday I made lasagna (one of my husband's favorites) and chocolate trifle for dessert. It is so delicious but so rich it is best to invite friends over and share the calories!

Chocolate Trifle

1 chocolate cake mix

1 package (3.9 ounce) vanilla instant pudding mix

1/2 cup water or milk

1 can (14 ounce) sweetened condensed milk (anything with this included must be amazing... and slightly fattening)

1 container (8 ounce) frozen whipped topping, thawed (frozen, thawed... what?)

1 chocolate bar, cinnamon candies, coconut (optional... to add a little somethin' special and for aesthetics)

1. Make cake as directed. Once baked, let cool. Cut into 1 inch squares, putting half into the bottom of the trifle dish.

2. Mix vanilla mix, water (milk) and sweetened condensed milk. Once mixed, add the whipped topping.

3. In trifle bowl, place half of the cake, half of the pudding mixture. Repeat layers. Shave chocolate onto top layer for garnish. Refrigerate for 8 hours before serving.

A man's bouquet...

On my way to work I am a frequent listener to NPR and before Valentine's heard several references to sending a dozen roses to your sweetheart. Sure, a dozen roses would work for me, but not for my loved one.  Instead he would appreciate a dozen donuts. Sure I could have just bought a dozen donuts, but why not make him a bouquet of donuts....

I bought dowels from local craft store, Michael's, cut out leaves from green paper and bought a variety of donuts from the grocery store. Put them together and you have a man's bouquet!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

*Word to the wise.... don't get donuts from the grocery store, get them from a real donut store.

Spunky Chicken...

While on the dreadmill in our apartment office I was watching the Food Network and saw a spunky lady make a delicious meal. I came in just after the beginning so I don't know who the cook was or what the dish was called. I thought it seemed easy enough so I made the dish last night. Whatever it is called, it is fantastic! So here is my recipe from what I can remember...

Spunky Chicken (spunky after the cook on FN)

4 chicken breasts (I used thighs but should have used breasts)

6-8 strips of turkey bacon, cut into chunks

1 lb mushrooms

1 medium onion chopped

1/4 package of cream cheese

1/4 c milk

1/4 c almonds

EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

(These are fairly close to what I used; however, the great part of a recipe like this is you can adjust to whatever you want. If you want it creamier add more milk, if you want it cheesier add more cream cheese. If you happen to love bacon, throw a few more strips on)

DIRECTIONS

1. Start cooking the breasts with a little butter in one pan

2. In the other start cooking the bacon. Once halfway cooked add the onions and later the mushrooms. I put a little butter in this pan as well to start the sauce.

3. The sauce: In my food processor I creamed the cream cheese with the milk to start the sauce. It will be runny, which is what you want. Add this to the bacon mixture. For the thickener start blending the almonds in the food processor and slowly add a little EVOO. This should become a paste. I kept adding more EVOO thinking it would turn more creamy, it doesn't and while the paste sits the extra EVOO will start to settle.

I served the chicken over a bunch of asparagus.

Fall into Chocolate...

I absolutely adore these two cards... they are simply adorable and amusing as well. Sure, I am all for love but I am also all for chocolate! I mean honestly, it is near Valentine's day and my heart partially belongs to chocolate!

Black Bottom Cupcakes

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1/3 cup white sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin tins with paper cups

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, egg, 1/3 cup sugar and 1/8 teaspoon salt until light and fluffy. Stir in the chocolate chips and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, 1 cup sugar, cocoa, baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Make a well in the center and add the water, oil, vinegar and vanilla. Stir together until well blended. Fill muffin tins 1/3 full with the batter and top with a dollop of the cream cheese mixture.

Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes.

* I first tried these cupcakes in college, my roommate's mom made them and I fell in love. She also has some great Valentine ideas!

As fond 0f these cupcakes as I am, I have a chocolate trifle planned instead...

Tabs on cooking...

Family Cookbook... Mi madre is compiling all of our (the girls in the family) favorite recipes and I am in charge of making the tabs. I have one set down (my sister's) and three more to go...