Bowling Party Design

This year 1st boy wanted to celebrate at the Bowling Alley.  What a fun theme to work with for a "boy" party.  But, if you have a boy you know all the foo-foo isn't necessary so I tried to take it down a notch...

We started with delicious sugar cookies decorated and personalized for each child attending instead of the typical waste-of-money trinkets that get thrown away anyway. I personally like the Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Pouch using the recipe on the back for rolled out cookies.  I do like to add a teaspoon of Almond extract to the simple three ingredient recipe to give it that bakery taste.  They were decorated with Wilton Cookie Icing in the squeeze bottles for the bowling pins, and then the bowling balls were iced and covered in black sugar crystals with three white chocolate chips upside down for the finger holes. 

Simple-Sweet-EASY!

 Cupcake toppers were made using a WORD document set for Avery circle labels, and I inserted my graphics and wording.  They were punched with Stampin' Up's circle and scallops punches.

 My boy is simple he is a vanilla-kind-of-kid.  However, there is a chocolate lover out there somewhere so we went with both very vanilla and fudge chocolate.  As I mentioned I am a simple sort of girl, I used a pudding-in-the-mix cake for the cupcakes, but I added a few ingredients.  For the very vanilla I used a white pudding-in-the-mix and added a white chocolate instant pudding to the mix, this was a very moist cake when all said and done.  The very vanilla cupcakes where iced with a simple classic vanilla buttercream (recipe following) and topped with clear coarse dusting sugar.  The chocolate cupcakes started out with a devil foods puuding-in-the-mix cake with a chocolate fudge instant pudding added.  They were frosted with the BEST perfect chocolate buttercream frosting found here at Hershey's website (bottom of the link page).  They too were topped with the clear coarse dusting sugar.

 I used a zipbag to frost the chocolate cupcakes (just add your frosting to a large gallon bag-and snip off the corner and swirl around the cupcake).  The vanilla I used a disposable Wilton bag with a large open star tip.

I know a ton of photos on those cupcakes....I was so excited they tasted better than any bakery I know!

This was a fantastic fun theme, loved the cupcake picks, take home treats, and all the delicious frosted cupcakes! (the bowling was fun too!)

Classic Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Makes 3 – 3.5 cups
Directions:
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks or 1/2 pound), softened (but not melted!)  Ideal texture should be like ice cream.
3-4 cups confectioners (powdered) sugar, SIFTED
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
up to 4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions:
Beat butter for a few minutes with a mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed.  Add 3 cups of powdered sugar and turn your mixer on the lowest speed (so the sugar doesn’t blow everywhere) until the sugar has been incorporated with the butter.  Increase mixer speed to medium and add vanilla extract, salt,  and 2 tablespoons of milk/cream and beat for for 3 minutes.  If your frosting needs a more stiff consistency, add remaining sugar.  If your frosting needs to be thinned out, add remaining milk 1 tablespoons at a time.  Enjoy!

linked up to Favorite Things Friday, and Chic on a Shoestring

Luck of the Irish - GiveAway!

I know, I know.....Life gets in the way a bit...Birthday Parties, Weddings, House is Under Cotnract, Hospital Stays, and much going on from my homefront, but I am back at my desk writing this week.  Everyone is GREAT, Business is TERRIFIC, and wow- kids grow up fast don't they...

I have had to take a mental break for a few weeks to get settled, but ready to BLOG now!  First about a contest.  My own!  I am presenting a $15 Gift Certificate to one lucky ready this FRIDAY.  Why you ask?  to get back in the swing of things and to launch the BRAND NEW SPRING/SUMMER CATALOG from the Pampered Chef!  With 22 Exciting NEW products on the line, what better way to celebrate than offering one of you a chance to buy something for FREE!

So who's going to have the LUCK of the Irish this week!  Comment below (on the blog-not Facebook comments), and tell me how you spent Valentine's Day this year.  For more chances to win blog, tweet, or Facebook about this contest and come back and tell me (one seperate comment for each).  Each entry will be entered in to RANDOM.ORG for the winning comment on FRIDAY!

To take a peak at the Pampered Chef's new SPRING - SUMMER catalog, visit my website @
www.pamperedchef.biz/cookwithbarb  Go to ONLINE ORDERING>Individual ordering and see the whole catalog right there.  There is also a TERRIFIC OUTLET with products up to 70% off.

this post is is listed on Works for Me Wednesday

Oh My Gosh.....SPECIALS!!!

Well here I sit in my VERY quiet hotel room.  No kids...No husband...No roommate...No nothing...Nothing but QUIET time...this is a VERY good thing.  It has been quite the opposite of quiet for a few weeks now-(there are several new recipes/crafts to be posted soon, I promise).

I am in Orlando, FL at a conference to enhance my business with The Pampered Chef.  This year marks my 16 years as a sales consultant with the premier direct sales company in kitchen tools.  16 years, can you believe it!  Why have I stuck around so long... well let me give you a few reasons in case your interested...

• First and foremost because I LOVE TO COOK & CREATE in my kitchen!
• I love teaching others about recipes, simple strategies in thier kitchen, and how to help them save money on their groceries!
• because right now and the last 6 years I have been able to stay home with my preschoolers :) and still earn a paycheck and FREE stuff!
• because of the friendships and professional contacts I have developed.
• because I love FREE vacations, incentives, and products from The Pampered Chef and a paycheck twice a month!
• because I love writing off (taxes) my grocery bill amongst other things each month and OWNING my own business.
• and because I love helping folks start their own business whether it be a hobby or something they would like to develop into a full-time job someday!

...the list goes on and on.  I started as a hobbyist when I was finishing up my senior year in college.  Only about 6 people in the whole state of FL selling Pampered Chef.  WOWSERS!!! If I knew what I knew now...This business has allowed me to have the flexability from having extra money each month aside of my professional jobs in the past (airlines, school principal, counselor, teacher, etc...) to gaining the professionalism of being a hard-working business owner and having the perks of being my own boss.  I adore the fact that 16 years ago I said one day this business will continue to grow because of the moral principals the foundation was built on - gathering familes and friends around a table to share a meal - empowering individuals both men and women to grow their God-given talents by owning a business that fits any lifestyle.  I was right.  The Pampered Chef has with stood the test of time in direct sales.  We sell products that aren't necessarily called luxury items or items of personal taste (jewerly, make-up).  We sell products that are guranteed, and things that most folks use EVERYDAY if you eat!  Boy am I glad I stayed and I am grateful each day for my family for supporting me, and my customers for believing in our products!In 2011 I am staying home with my kiddos- and my hobby money is a REAL paycheck which helps pay private school tutition, take my family out on Pampered Chef-Night-Out (movies, mini golf, dinner, etc...), assist with household bills, vacations, debt-free Christmas',etc...
Having a "job" that you LOVE and still making money at is a big BONUS! 

Do ya'll LOVE your jobs?  Not too many people do these days with the state of our country and economy.

I will stop rambling on and on about my LOVE for this company (side note - did you know we are owned by Warren Buffet/Berkshire Hathaway?)-(okay another side note - Just being a part of PC/Berkshire Hathaway allows me to save 30% of my mobile/internet service from T-Mobile, discounts with FedEx, independant health insurance, college scholarships, and much much more.) Okay, I will stop now...the benefits of a corporate job, but working for yourself...what could be better than that?

I am still sitting in my VERY quiet room anticipating what products our Product Advisory Team came up with for the spring/summer selling season.  Only hours away until the Spring Launch National Meeting tomorrow! YEAH!  In the meantime, I will enjoy this evening with my "Pampered" girlfriends and enjoy a night out in O-Town!

I wish to invite anyone who has read long enough without being bored, laughing informational post to take part in an exclusive opportuntiy this month - FEBRUARY!

• Anyone who books a catalog show will receive an additional $25 in FREE product to choose from with a $300 show- (for locals or out of towners)
• Anyone who books an in-home/office/clubhouse cooking party will benefit from the above special as well as I WILL BUY THE FOOD (savings of approx. $15), theres LOVE in the air this month-try a just dessert show or death by chocolate.
• These offers are in addition to all the regular fantastic and generous benefits from the Pampered Chef.
• This offer is only good for the month of FEBRUARY.  Call/Comment/or email me back to let me know what works best for you.  I cannot wait to "Pamper" you!

I will post back this weekend with all the amazing annoucements that you will want to know for our upcoming season!  New themes, recipes, specials, and bonuses for everyone!  Make sure you check back often or become a "follower" (to the right of this post) I will be giving away NEW products in MARCH which will kick off yet another fabulous season!

Thanks for stopping by...until we eat again...

Barb
contact information at www.pamperedchef.biz/cookwithbarb

Menu Plan Monday

Just a GREAT reminder of WHY I MENU PLAN!

SAVES TIME!!

SAVES $$ MONEY!

IMPROVES NUTRITION!

Start Simple-Write down 5 meals your family likes-or-

5 meals you can start to plan with the ingredients you have in your icebox/pantry

-use your sale ads from the paper or online to create your menu/shopping list (this is the part that saves you $$)-be flexible {plan 5-7 meals and pick from those-instead of saying you will have ___ on Monday-that may throw people for a loop and then not continue}-continue once a week to set aside time to do this-take input from your kids and family members-if you don't blog and you need accountibility to do this EMAIL your menu's to me (cookwithbarb@aol.com)- I would be glad to praise you for your efforts-help you with recipe ideas or give your resources-and overall be your own cheerleader to help you stop asking yourself

at 5 PM "What's for Dinner?"

Here are my 5 menu ideas for the week!

I decided to go old school this week, and scan some of the thousands of recipes I have in books, tear-outs, or my faithful recipe card box.  As another fellow blogger mentioned in the past week, there are tons of recipes in fabulous blogs, and the internet site, but I never want to lose sight of some of my family's favorites and  those tried and true ones handed down!

So here is my 5 days of meals - no specific order - just when we feel like what's on the menu - and the shopping is done for the 5 below!

•  Crustless Spinach & Feta Pie/Fresh Fruit (recipe below)
• Shrimp Alfredo-oh yum! (Low -Fat)
• BBQ Grilled Chicken Quesadillas/Salad
• Southwestern Grilled Chicken Ceasar Salad
• Breakfast for Dinner (Mom's Pancakes, Chicken Sausage, Scrambled Eggs)

Crustless Spinach & Feta Pies (a quick take on Spanakopita)

(Foodnetwork Kitchens Cookbook)

courtesy of Food Network Kitchens Cookbook

1 T extra-virgin olive oil
1 10oz package frozen spinach, thawed
4 scallions, thinly sliced
3 eggs
1 T bread crumbs
2 t dried mint
1 1/4 t kosher salt
fresh ground pepper
pinch of cayenne
1/2 cup Feta cheese

Preheat oven 400 degrees.  Heat oil in skillet, and add drained spinach and scallions and cook, stirring until dry, about 4 minutes.  Transfer to colander and squeeze out any additional mositure.  Brush 4-6oz ramekins with olive oil and place on baking sheet.

Transfer spinach ingredients and rest of ingredients except Feta to a food processor-pulse until finely chopped.  Remove blade and stir in Feta.  Bake until edges are set, but slightly soft in center-about 20 minutes.  Turn oven off and leave for 5 additional minutes.  Invert onto plate and serve with a veggie salad or Tazatiki Sauce-Yum!

My variation:  I added a bit more Feta on the top, and a few cloves of garlic.  I also made mine in a 9x9 and doubled the recipe to have leftovers to share with my neighbor and have for breakfast!  I cut it into 12 pieces and served two per person.  :)

Uploaded to http://www.orgjunkie.com/

Menu Plan Monday

This menu along with hundreds will be linked to orgjunkie

This week will be a fun week!  A fun week creating in the kitchen.  It's my oldest-6th Birthday.  Not only will be have a few celebrations throughout the week, there will be some yummy treats to go along with them-mostly sweets!
Here is one great recipe I will be making first for the family celebration!  Pictures will post tomorrow evening!

Which means, I must stay on track this week with some healthy meals to equal out a bit of that sugar...:)
Here is what will be cooking on my stove this week:

• Easy Lemony Chicken Picatta with a Garden Salad/Linguine/Fresh Fruit (recipe below)
• Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Sandwiches on Crusty Bread/Fresh Fruit
• Guiltless Alfredo with Grilled Shrimp (held over from last week)-(recipe below)
• Buffalo Cheese-Stuffed Burgers/Roasted Potatoes/Fresh Fruit
• Grilled Mahi-Mahi over Field Greens/Fruit Smoothie Shots

Easy Lemony Chicken Picatta
(adapted from The Joy of Cooking)

Prepare Chicken Cutlets by sauteing boneless breasts in canola oil.  I like to put a light coating of flour/panko crumbs on mine.

Sauce:
Green onions or shallots
2 medium lemons
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons of butter
any drippings left from resting chicken


Drain all but a tablespoon of oil in your fry pan from your chicken.
Add 2-3 tablespoons green onions or shallots, chopped and
saute for about 3 minutes.
Add lemon juice from 1-2 lemons based on taste.  Simmer for a minute or two and add broth.  Allow to reduce to 1/3 from original amount.  Finish with a few tablespoons of butter and any drippings that collected on resting chicken, allow to melt into sauce.  Pour over chicken and serve immediately.  **For a thicker sauce you can add a few tablespoons of flour/cornstarch/Wondra to thicken it up before adding the butter.  Capers can also be added for taste.

Guiltless Alfredo
(recipe from buddy Gevay :) )

2 cups low-fat milk
1/3 cup cream cheese
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
Blend these ingredients together in a blender until smooth.

On medium-high heat warm 1 tablespoon of butter, and add 3 minced cloves of garlic and saute about 3 minutes.  Add blended milk mixture, stir and cook for 5 minutes until thick.  remove from heat and stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese.  Cover and let stand for 10 minutes.  Serve over pasta.  Garnish with fresh parsley.

Menu Plan Monday

Dinner this week is going to be a few comforting dishes.  Here in South FL our winter is starting to wind down.  With several days in the high 70's and hitting 80 a few times this week, stews, soups, and casseroles will be far and few between.  Luckily, we are able to grill out year-round which our family enjoys.  We love eating outside under the stars with the brisk Atlantic breeze.  So, before the winter starts to change in the coming weeks, we will be enjoying these comforting favorites.

• Abolutely Delicious Low-Fat Fettiachini Alfredo with Grilled Shrimp, Garden Salad, Fresh Fruit
• Swedish Meatballs with Egg Noodles, Green Beans, Cinnamon Apples
• 30-Minute Itlaian Roasted Chicken, Sauteed Zuchinni, Fresh Fruit
• Breakfast for Dinner - Scrambled Eggs, Cinnamon Rolls, Fresh Fruit, Bacon
• Philly Cheesesteaks, Onion Rings, Deviled Eggs, Fresh Fruit
• Leftover Buffet

This menu and hundreds of other menu's, recipes & links are uploaded to OrgJunkie.com

Vintage Valentine's Day Candle Craft

I am a HUGE sap for Valentine's Day!  I decorate my house, bake sweets to give to everyone to show my appreciation and LOVE, and to shout from the roof tops that I am in LOVE with my God, my hubs, my kiddos, my family & friends!  I believe it isn't all about that one true love in your life, but all those around you that deserve to know your appreciation. I think it is the perfect excuse for yet another celebration!!  Are you guys in?

Remember these?

Well, I designed some more for our upcoming Valentine's celebration!  Take a peek, tell me what you think.  I plan on making more, and now consigning them in some quaint boutiques.  So easy, inexpensive to make, and a super fun project (even with kids)! 

Materials Used:

tall religious candles

scrap paper

Valentine's

Mod-Podge

red/white baker's twine

paper flowers

buttons

crystals

This post uploaded to http://www.wearethatfamily.com/ Blog party

and

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

A Few of My Favorite Things Friday

Skip to My Lou

Menu Plan Monday

This menu was uploaded to orgjunkie.com.

Check out all the varieties of meals and recipes you can plan for your family!

I took a week off last week, and boy was I in a mess.  There was defiantly food in my house, but I felt myself sinking instead of swimming.  We ate out WAY too much last week for convenience instead of enjoyment-although we have had the most incredible weekend with date nights each night with each of our children individually. Our schedule was quite busy, but I still like to have my hot meals for my children at least~

I am back on the wagon this week, with lot's of plans for impromptu meals-ready to go...

Here is what is cooking in our tasty kitchen-

• Roasted Turkey Caesar Salad with Fresh Fruit (left over Rotisserie Turkey Breast)
• Individual Homemade Pizzas with our favorite homemade sauce, garden salad, fresh fruit (see instructions below)
• Grilled Chicken Quesadilla's, Corn on the Cob, Garden Salad
• Cheeseburger Pinwheels, Green Beans, Potato Chips
• Beef Stew with Beer & Paprika, Biscuits
• Leftovers- I just know we will have leftovers!  I plan to freeze some of the stew for another cool evening.

**Individual Pizzas can be made to suit any taste.  Take frozen bread roll dough (not frozen rolls), and place on your pizza stone or baking sheet for about an hour or two before eating and drizzle with olive oil.  When soft enough, pat out (have kiddos help), and top with your favorite toppings.  We like everything from traditional to our own creations.  This is also a quick lunch, so much more healthy than frozen pizzas and cheaper too.
C-man's favorite topping is turkey pepperoni and lotsa mozzarella cheese. Hubs enjoys sauteed Italian sausage and cheese, and my personal fav is pesto sauce with mozzarella and lot's of fresh garlic - watch out!  These can be made in your oven or on your grill.  Just be sure you brush olive oil on your grates before throwing down the dough.  Cook carefully for 1-2 minutes, flip and top~Baked in the oven can be for about 20-25 minutes or until crust is done at 350.  Of course you can make your own dough or purchase pizza dough, but we have come to love the convenience of the bread dough for quick planning in the kitchen.

Have a FANTASTIC week, I cannot believe we are already through the middle of the first month of the year. Time is flying past us, which make me want to remind you how important eating with your family is.  Gather round the nearest table and enjoy talking to one another (a lost art since hand helds have come to adorn every table I see when I dine out with my hubs-sad that people cannot put it away for the littlest time to enjoy real conversation.

I will now step off the box......

Happy Monday!

Resolutions or Goals?

I love the start of a new year.  Anticipation.  A clean slate.  A fresh start.  A new beginning.  But, resolutions vs. goals gets me and half of our world every January.  Hence, if you aim at nothing you hit it every time. You must have at least one resolution or goal.  What's your New Year's Resolution?  Hmmm....I have failed each and every January (much before the end of the first month) with such high expectations on myself in the past.  Often creating a million and one too many ideas.  And you?  Honestly speaking, I think one sets themselves up completely for disappointment, let-down, discouragement, and any of those things that all mean around the same.  I believe in REALISTIC GOALS. 

Over the last three days I have read blog posts, Facebook questions, and personally talked with people about what their outlook is on this subject, I was glad to know that I wasn't the only person on this side of the page.  When looking at what folks were saying here was what my statistics gathered for the top 4, number one being the first:

• Exercise
• Lose Weight
• Save Money
• Organize my home

I couldn't agree more with those top 4 from my scientific research gathered information.  Seems like those are the same ones I hear from folks every year. 

Well, let 2011 be your year!  Make those goals, try to keep them, find someone to share them with the will cheer you on.  Stop saying yes to all those commitments that make you crazy that you only regret days after you commit, stop being a push-over for everyone else's urgency (this includes your kids).  Don't allow all the clutter in your life become a detour for your goals (resolutions).  A friend shared recently with me a famous quote (not sure who originated it) that I heard often growing up, it goes something like this...

"Procrastination on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine." 

I get this one totally.  That's where I would say yes, I'll help, yes, I'll serve, yes, I'll pick up the pieces, yes' I'll be there.  There used to be a lot of yes's and not enough in the areas that mattered most.  This past year, I worked on SIMPLIFYING, which included a little a lot of saying "no".  That was my goal and theme during 2010. With a child that required multiple doctor appointments many times weekly, and working out of my home with not one business, but two, I needed to be ON.  I found myself barely being about to get it together.  I have since (last January) come to conclusion I CAN'T do it ALL-there I said it...ahhhh~  Delegation, saying "no" to personal things as well as things for my children, and learning to sit back and live somewhat in the moment needed to be on the fore-front.  I feel I have successfully accomplished my goal in several specific areas of my life this past year. WHA HOO!

This year I want to take that goal, continue with it so I know it is a habit, and be more intentional in my life.  Giving in where I need to and letting go the things I cannot control (sounds like the serenity prayer).

So here is my two-cents on GOALS:

1) GOALS GIVE YOU PURPOSE:  If there is no meaning to your efforts, there is no purpose.  As I mentioned earlier, "If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time" Purpose is important.

2) GOALS GIVE YOU ACCOUNTABILITY:  Whether you have them privately to look at or you share them with an appropriate friend or your spouse, they are there, and in your face.  Accountability has been proven to help with all sorts of things including business, weight loss, personal success, and so on...  People tend to be more invested when working along someone, sharing ideas, and helping one another.  You tend not to want to let the other person down, and then ultimately you don't let yourself go by the wayside.  Accountability is good.

3) GOALS CREATE AN EXCITEMENT with momentum.   You must write them down and look at them hourly, daily, weekly, monthly- whatever your style.  Track your progress...this keeps you going.  Even if you have a daily, weekly, monthly set back...you can see where you have been to keep you going.  Index cards work great they are easy to tuck in somewhere, just don't lose them.

Most of all DON'T STRESS about your expectations for yourself.  Create something that will work.  After reading all this and you think you have it all together and more...please fill out the comment section below on the post with your solutions...We would all like to know.  These are ideas that have worked for me and I wanted to share them with you.  Happy 2011!  Let the new year bring each of you more happiness, more peace, more love for those around you and your community, and most of all success in all you do and set out to accomplish!

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin



Menu Plan Monday

linked up with hundreds of menus and recipes!

Here I am again...back to reality...I have lived in a fantasy world for the last few weeks of dinner out, to-go, and cooking on the fly...It's back to basics, trying to clean out the pantry/freezer this month from all the grocery shopping done over the last month of cooking and entertaining.

Is menu planning going to be added to your resolutions goals?  It works, it cuts down on your grocery trips and bill, and allows you not to stress at 5 o'clock!

Here is what we will be eating at our home this week!

• Spaghetti & Meatballs/Green Salad/Fresh Fruit - Plain and Simple to get the week started!  I do like our family recipe of  homemade sauce I triple/quad the recipe so I always have it available in the freezer-I have some vegetarian and some with meat added to the sauce.
• Grilled Mahi Mahi/Green Beans/Fresh Fruit
• Chicken Parmesan/Ceasar Salad/Fresh Fruit **using leftover sauce from spaghetti night or vice a versa
• Cheeseburger Pinwheels/Green Salad/Applesauce
• Leftover Buffet

Happy Cooking!

Top 5 Appetizer Recipes for New Year's Eve!

Let's ring in the new year - whether your throwing a house party or attending one (does anyone even go out anymore?) here are my top 5 recipes for delicious appetizers (most include my favorite of some sort of cheese-sorry dairy-free fans) to share among your guests or bring to a party!

#5 Buffalo Chicken Dip

2-8 oz blocks of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup of blue cheese dressing
1/2 cup of ranch dressing
1 cup of Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wing sauce
3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, boiled and shredded
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375.
In a large bowl combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, and buffalo wing sauce. Using a hand mixer, mix until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Fold in shredded chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Pour into a baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until dip is warmed through.
Serve with tortilla chips, bread, crackers, pretzels, and celery. Note: You can substitute one cup of either dressing or split between the two.

#4 Hot Caprese Dip (adorned from How Sweet It Is)

10 ounces fresh Mozzarella, cubed or Whole Milk Mozzarella
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and juiced
3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil (or about 1 tablespoon dried) + more for garnish
Preheat oven to 375.
Make sure tomatoes have as much juiced squeezed out of them as possible – this will prevent the dip from becoming soupy or watery. In a small baking dish, combine chopped cheese, tomatoes and basil and mix. Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes so cheese becomes bubbly and golden. Serve immediately with crackers, melba toast, or french bread.
Note: dip may appear “watery” which is why it is VERY important to get as much moisture out of the tomatoes as possible. Also make sure dip is consumed immediately, as the longer it sits, the more juice that develops. Don’t worry if there is a little bit of juice – it is still delicious!

#3 Brown Sugar Dijon Baked Brie

4 inch round-Brie cheese with rind
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup sliced almonds or pecans
1 French baguette
Additional sliced almonds to garnish

Slice brie horizontally, set aside.  Mix together brown sugar, Dijon, and almonds. With cut side up, place half of mixture on brie.  Top with second half of brie-cut side up (this is so that it doesn't melt all over itself when heating up) and layer with rest of Dijon mixture and sliced almonds on top.  Bake @ 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes until brie just softens.  Remove from oven and serve immediately with slices of the baguette and fresh fruit.

# 2 Gorgonzola-Onion Crustini - These are my absolute favorite appetizer!

1 container of Gorgonzola cheese
1 small wedge of domestic Parmesan or Romano cheese, grated
1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped
3/4 - 1 cup of mayonnaise (not fat-free)
1-2 garlic cloves, pressed
cracked pepper
1 French Baguette
fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Slice baguette in 1/2 inch slices and place on baking sheet. Combine the cheeses, mayonnaise, onion, garlic, and cracked pepper together.  Generously spread mixture on bread slices and bake at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and bubbly.  Remove from oven to a platter and garnish with parsley. 
Note:  This mixure can be combined up to a few days before using.  Just remove from refrigerator and place on bread and cook.

#1 Easiest Elegant Chardonnay Cheese Fondue (okay so this is my favorite too...)

1 can of condensed cheddar cheese soup

1 – 1 ½ cups Cheddar/Swiss shredded cheese

¼ cup beer/wine/apple juice

1-2 clove garlic, pressed

1/8 tsp. Tabasco

Dippers- bread cubes, assorted veggies, apples, pears, ham cubes

Combine all ingredients except dippers in a microwavable bowl.  Stir together and microwave for 3-4 minutes or until smooth.  Pour into heat proof dish with sterno or a lit candle underneath.  Serve immediately with dippers.  Enjoy-EASY!

Some other favorites are:

• Bloomin' Onion Bread - this is super yummy!
• Apple-Berry Salsa (It's Strawberry season here in FL)
• Cranberry-Apple Baked Brie
• Tropical Pineapple Black Bean Salsa (page through the listed recipes to find-so worth it!)

Happy New Year Friends~ What are you making?

Linked up with lot's of delicious recipes...@ Your Homebased Mom

I Didn't.

I didn't blog during the intimate Christmas season because I was busy enjoying my family and friends.

I didn't use super expensive wrapping and bows this year...just because.

I didn't send my Christmas cards out "on time" (according to who?), and everyone just loved them anyway.

I didn't have the family Santa picture this year at the club because we were busy on vacation with our family.

I didn't take enough pictures...because I was busy being in the moment.

I didn't break out into hives when my living space has been trashed for about 24 hours according to what I would like.

My husband and I didn't exchange big gifts this year...just because.

I haven't had shoes on other than my comfty slippers except when we went out and shared a pizza the other night.

I didn't have fancy new Christmas paper goods this year, we used up all the many last years of extras and had an eclectic table.  I started to apologize to our 18+ Christmas dinner crowd, but then stopped because did anyone REALLY care-no they thought I was being smart-rather than frugal.

I haven't taken down any Christmas decor as of yet because my 5 year old wants to leave it up forever (I am getting the bug though).

We didn't have to get out of bed before 6 a.m. this Christmas morning because Hubs had the day off and my kids slept in (super exciting).

We didn't a lot...and things are always just fine.

Each year I have the visions and lists of all the crafts, decor, photos, and seasonal opportunities that I would like to accomplish or attend, but this year I took it down a notch...as every year when the "didn't" list starts to find it's way.  It doesn't matter that I don't use the finest china in the cabinet or have the biggest house on the block to entertain for our Christmas season...all it matters is that we have family and friends around us that we can look in their eyes for the Christmas LOVE that is shared. 


This season we had the magical visit of Santa-we were all excited because little boy believes. 

This season we themed our Christmas dinner around Italian food-all the potluck recipes brought were delicious!

This season we welcomed back a lost relative to our family gathering.

This season we spent over a week with our beloved nephew who lives out of town.

This season our church was over the top to share the Christmas story with over 20,000 people!

This season our family traveled together for a Christmas get-a-way before the busyness.

This season our house was decorated after Thanksgiving for us to enjoy a little longer.

This season my boys was excited to give to the bell ringers everytime we were out and about.

This season we had our active duty Army cousin adorn our Christmas dinner.

This season we welcomed our close friends who celebrate Hanukkah at our celebration of Jesus!

This season our family spent more time with each other through the holiday season.

This season the gifts were bought and wrapped before December.

This season we shared the love of God to neighbors in need.

This season a lot happened, some that was envisioned and some that was not, but most of all we were able to enjoy what this season is all about-the birth of Christ.  The holiday season may not always be what we envision, but for my case it was even MORE...MORE time, MORE family, and most of all MORE love was spread to our community and shared in our home.

A Few Cricut Ideas for the Holidays

 Personalized Recycle Totes-instead of a Christmas gift bag or wrapping paper, a gift within a gift!

 Large-style Bins-Personalized

Wilton Pretzel Rod Candy bags stuffed with Christmas M&Ms, folded topper using Nativity cut-out glued to topper.  These were place setting gifts for a Christmas Gathering.

Menu Plan Monday

linked up with hundreds of menus at http://www.orgjunkie.com/

Welcome to another edition to Menu Planning Monday!  There are only a few more weeks of 2010, hard to believe, and a few more menus.  We have a few events this week, but we still need to have a plan.  Some easy dishes as well as some comfort food added this week since it is FINALLY cold (54 degrees) in south Florida-I know some of you are laughing....).  Enjoy~

• Crunchy Baked Chicken/Mashed Potatoes/Green Beans
• Turkey-Wild Rice Soup/Beer Bread/Salad
• Grilled Asian-Style Mahi-Mahi/Caesar Salad
• Beef Tacos/Yellow Rice/Salad
• Leftover Buffet

Crunchy Baked Chicken

4 large chicken breast
shredded Swiss/Monterrey jack
1 can of fat-free/reduced sodium cream of chicken soup
1/2 can white wine or chicken broth
large handful of croutons, crushed

Place chicken in 9x13 and cover with salt/pepper.  Combine soup and white wine, set aside.  Top each breast with cheese, and pour over soup mixture.  Top off with crushed croutons.  Bake at 375 until chicken is cooked thoroughly.  I like to cover with foil for first 30 minutes, then uncover to finish.

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

1 cup shredded  carrots
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 TBLS butter
1/2 cup flour
2 small cans of chicken broth (I like low-sodium)
1 can low-fat evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups cooked wild rice (I use the quick rice or brown rice)
1 cup diced turkey or chicken
1/4 cup toasted almonds
Salt/pepper to taste

Melt butter in large sauce pan over medium heat and saute carrots, mushrooms, celery and onion for about 4 minutes or until crisp tender.  Stir in flour, gradually add broth and milk, whisking until blended using a whisk.  Bring to a boil.  Stir in rice and turkey, reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.  Serve with toasted almonds on the top. Delish with leftover turkey or chicken!  This is considered a light recipe per 1 1/4 cup serving - 240 calories/8 fat/2 fiber

WINNER WINNER~!!!!!!

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Holly @ KENIMER KIDS wins the $20 GIFT CARD to Stampin' Up! 
Fantastic!  You will be contacted in the next week with instructions on how to redeem!

YEAH!!!!