tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73764041125144279242024-03-05T19:18:39.028-06:00Carrie's Cooking and RecipesI am a busy working mom with 2 hungry boys (3 if you count my husband). Here are some of my thoughts and favorite recipes... enjoy!Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-57492408662429977232011-02-13T17:30:00.005-06:002011-03-13T14:08:53.521-05:00Mmm Donuts!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCxoy3mqVugPGM-5hHFZ7DFCqiUwrbM4hznhtZjKknvuEVYAV4X1JH8nFFfyd3n5X40L9kzedH2YMHSLD5Rj5JDeOQVhifJIMxQB_i3uCtUbTQn3wufSiztx5PB0lSR6arsVR13A_WeBI/s1600/Donuts+-+13.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCxoy3mqVugPGM-5hHFZ7DFCqiUwrbM4hznhtZjKknvuEVYAV4X1JH8nFFfyd3n5X40L9kzedH2YMHSLD5Rj5JDeOQVhifJIMxQB_i3uCtUbTQn3wufSiztx5PB0lSR6arsVR13A_WeBI/s400/Donuts+-+13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573311339288970898" border="0" /></a> I loooooove donuts! Krispy Kreme, Supermarket, Duncan, glazed, sprinkled, long john's, filled, I love them all! Well... not all, I don't like cake donuts or those weird fritter/bear claw things. My favorite donut is just a plain glazed donut... followed up by a glass of milk, then a filled long john. That's my Saturday morning order when Justin goes to buy breakfast. I am such a lucky gal :-)<br />Every now and then I treat my family to "homemade donuts". It's really just fried biscuits with glaze but there's something about these donuts. They are very light and I smother them in a Krispy Kreme copycat glaze. They are the best donuts!! I made a double batch this morning (that's 20 donuts and 20 donut holes), we only have 6 donuts remaining and those will be gone by the end of the night... you see why I don't make them very often! We can't help ourselves, they are so good!<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />4-8 cups of oil for frying (the oil needs to be at least 2 inches deep)<br />1 refrigerated tube of 10 biscuits (the smaller tubes, not Grands. I use Pillsbury Country Style biscuits, they come in a 4-pack)<br />1/4 stick butter<br />1 cup powdered sugar<br />1/2 teaspoon vanilla<br />2 tablespoons milk<br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />Start warming the oil in a pot on the stove. I set my stove on 5 (medium heat) and my oil takes around 20 minutes to warm up. I test the oil by dripping a drop or two of water in the oil. If the water crackles and pops then the oil is ready! <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Don't turn your heat higher than medium or your donuts will burn in .2 seconds.</span><br /><br />For the glaze. Melt the butter in the microwave and add the powdered sugar, vanilla and milk. Stir until combined.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jvWQdPo6iMTGz0mZh3gcEqxlRPBlJk902ElJPgX1l60SYDcOEvksP-ff8bzPRP2pYNpTY9w8YBdW-oEXBMZSi4QDMA6bn4N5DHPAEheVLrmc5YuvrFfIFtZr_9Ls-sweKm7_rDg3c2cl/s1600/Donuts+-+01.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jvWQdPo6iMTGz0mZh3gcEqxlRPBlJk902ElJPgX1l60SYDcOEvksP-ff8bzPRP2pYNpTY9w8YBdW-oEXBMZSi4QDMA6bn4N5DHPAEheVLrmc5YuvrFfIFtZr_9Ls-sweKm7_rDg3c2cl/s400/Donuts+-+01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573310061047621938" border="0" /></a><br />For the donuts. Use a small circular cutter (the cap of a 2-liter works well) to cut circles in each biscuit. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcTQGtOB3Z2rflo-23UyFaevkc56tx5Ik7z5RJljAou9AIKdVo_F2X141I_Layet4Pp2Fu1Fbi_x-tQQBBVTn5XSTLs_AxrSPuNSZU3aUuvJt7Kt7hy-_xbLMuD5cpfVaiUAryjMZ3fUV/s1600/Donuts+-+02.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcTQGtOB3Z2rflo-23UyFaevkc56tx5Ik7z5RJljAou9AIKdVo_F2X141I_Layet4Pp2Fu1Fbi_x-tQQBBVTn5XSTLs_AxrSPuNSZU3aUuvJt7Kt7hy-_xbLMuD5cpfVaiUAryjMZ3fUV/s400/Donuts+-+02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573310065721049442" border="0" /></a><br />Place a few donuts in the oil and cook until browned (1-2 minutes). Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until browned. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1riHnmrMx1Tf4L0xhdPBZUfaZzk1FxhiZ8iPZ3cjl1bir6V-p5Pk-A_CJ4eUH3IvtrGTCROIcjyK-uZB2-gV3UhmpO-NGzV08WrDRTCQqDFzmixFZQZQ2rHZ4fTjk3SzGDO9asH6I3I5C/s1600/Donuts+-+03.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1riHnmrMx1Tf4L0xhdPBZUfaZzk1FxhiZ8iPZ3cjl1bir6V-p5Pk-A_CJ4eUH3IvtrGTCROIcjyK-uZB2-gV3UhmpO-NGzV08WrDRTCQqDFzmixFZQZQ2rHZ4fTjk3SzGDO9asH6I3I5C/s400/Donuts+-+03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573310063482059362" border="0" /></a><br />Just look at them! Crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside... excuse me while I go eat another donut! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj183sD7aKmmXiJ3HJoFfaKZGKgGr8JBd5J9CwQGxVLLcHTMuUkhtx0TZsZMJri6GV61NOsSJIVsn-X9Lk_t1x010WzyU7oHZY2mNSxdC_EGVqGDdmq_peWNYCOY-0tr7Nl7RVQU2p5yXVw/s1600/Donuts+-+05.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj183sD7aKmmXiJ3HJoFfaKZGKgGr8JBd5J9CwQGxVLLcHTMuUkhtx0TZsZMJri6GV61NOsSJIVsn-X9Lk_t1x010WzyU7oHZY2mNSxdC_EGVqGDdmq_peWNYCOY-0tr7Nl7RVQU2p5yXVw/s400/Donuts+-+05.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573310074517969762" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirt0-qD1pAdQqdzCek9bbXLEvbvqllVjhuXotHHYN-ghr6MV0sT8_fROZU3mqfBjMvQVgm8a3uOCBkIuS1tEHdABT5yShyonY9P5yD8MGxcx4k6N3MjXPShtOkEwMZkE0tOCsUfTAdmxV4/s1600/Donuts+-+04.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirt0-qD1pAdQqdzCek9bbXLEvbvqllVjhuXotHHYN-ghr6MV0sT8_fROZU3mqfBjMvQVgm8a3uOCBkIuS1tEHdABT5yShyonY9P5yD8MGxcx4k6N3MjXPShtOkEwMZkE0tOCsUfTAdmxV4/s400/Donuts+-+04.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573310067920562146" border="0" /></a><br />Pull the donuts out of the oil and set them on a cooling rack (or paper towels) to drain the excess oil. While the donuts are warm, dip them in the glaze. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUe3q3013Du3kcqp9SsMVI-MGcMikTW3X0verH2hw3Xy9XW0kZceigjxHZAkzqS2b4ATAwmuRMGGKCyKd59Az1F96y6S5NnxCaZSJ8DfuTcylKPIlvJWv6JZ3qYJk7klLzHg0xtLrsCF-4/s1600/Donuts+-+07.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUe3q3013Du3kcqp9SsMVI-MGcMikTW3X0verH2hw3Xy9XW0kZceigjxHZAkzqS2b4ATAwmuRMGGKCyKd59Az1F96y6S5NnxCaZSJ8DfuTcylKPIlvJWv6JZ3qYJk7klLzHg0xtLrsCF-4/s400/Donuts+-+07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573311062531302562" border="0" /></a><br />Flip the donut to get some glaze on the other side... you wouldn't want that side to feel left out!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRAiMM7UIWGjD6Upi2ovxJ1HKix-N2KafE94GSJ2ARhbVSCyh7my_2ChAAs7c4jIoQehG731pr8igKVQc-KyYPJ8jQQDpRVGpbZF2NwuKY1Ct7rgLDhcORoxOU54Lntw8XKGvmEp2XzyU/s1600/Donuts+-+08.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRAiMM7UIWGjD6Upi2ovxJ1HKix-N2KafE94GSJ2ARhbVSCyh7my_2ChAAs7c4jIoQehG731pr8igKVQc-KyYPJ8jQQDpRVGpbZF2NwuKY1Ct7rgLDhcORoxOU54Lntw8XKGvmEp2XzyU/s400/Donuts+-+08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573311063749289058" border="0" /></a><br />Use a fork or tongs to lift the donut out of the glaze and to shake off excess glaze. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqPTZLGu3WKglo00K3-JHxciLdKYL_tf4iT0zX5U6Cr-IwXaX2EWXy0sj1i0UFDnKbsZWARy7_TxQDyz1AIQsTpf-dtvtWAQAN2g1eUbub16FMnuyACTUDvRqAryvr-Yw6yhm8PPm1AFD/s1600/Donuts+-+06.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqPTZLGu3WKglo00K3-JHxciLdKYL_tf4iT0zX5U6Cr-IwXaX2EWXy0sj1i0UFDnKbsZWARy7_TxQDyz1AIQsTpf-dtvtWAQAN2g1eUbub16FMnuyACTUDvRqAryvr-Yw6yhm8PPm1AFD/s400/Donuts+-+06.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573311048093078354" border="0" /></a><br />Place on a cooling rack (or plate) to cool and store. They don't really have to cool off, we eat a couple while they are warm!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCP0sDA6ubBZsWepil7RCnywOp6khFPEKTeFYifdt-45XX9EGaSA1LDSUy8SynA8dgsAi9iLSqo9n6SEiGdZw13WT3aEeUwRnPaTbVlo5JubjV3oLfi6B5ItM9N7sA-E39ZjrgZ1Hw_kS/s1600/Donuts+-+09.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCP0sDA6ubBZsWepil7RCnywOp6khFPEKTeFYifdt-45XX9EGaSA1LDSUy8SynA8dgsAi9iLSqo9n6SEiGdZw13WT3aEeUwRnPaTbVlo5JubjV3oLfi6B5ItM9N7sA-E39ZjrgZ1Hw_kS/s400/Donuts+-+09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573311065473351762" border="0" /></a><br />For the donut holes I fry them and then shake them in sugar instead of using glaze. Growing up, my mom and dad would make these sugar donut holes, I was the official sugar shaker back then!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOw_O7aFuTqDiRo45PiQNPKm21Q4bG9tWBU1Ggm-jQDT1Q5CbkaeNndLpSE6WftLis8I39bcsonwofBqqZUcHhjDK_4vw8Bd7Ky04KKaV8iA7g6aSTLZFY19GDWXru1mrWAIK2CN60FWM/s1600/Donuts+-+10.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOw_O7aFuTqDiRo45PiQNPKm21Q4bG9tWBU1Ggm-jQDT1Q5CbkaeNndLpSE6WftLis8I39bcsonwofBqqZUcHhjDK_4vw8Bd7Ky04KKaV8iA7g6aSTLZFY19GDWXru1mrWAIK2CN60FWM/s400/Donuts+-+10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573311067794385938" border="0" /></a><br />Here they are all lined up and looking gorgeous. I love this picture because it only looks like this for .2 seconds. Once the smell reaches the boys' room they all come running out and start scarfing donuts like it's a contest.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGEyVoYRmKBWXpp-Fl1NbDpFsWqHnsx5ngWhq2znSK6CDTrLFe2lzIFqw6hJhCwyrLzdrd7B2Ikj9ZLFuVo1dRVggSsKAP1x-7bwuqUOLLVjPGd_75Be-0k6AqADHf9Sx8TOvIO3bzpGz/s1600/Donuts+-+12.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGEyVoYRmKBWXpp-Fl1NbDpFsWqHnsx5ngWhq2znSK6CDTrLFe2lzIFqw6hJhCwyrLzdrd7B2Ikj9ZLFuVo1dRVggSsKAP1x-7bwuqUOLLVjPGd_75Be-0k6AqADHf9Sx8TOvIO3bzpGz/s400/Donuts+-+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573311337425521634" border="0" /></a><br />Justin and the boys like glazed donuts. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFBx4WlmM5VYUKrCMfTirGvI-diwD7XQtMyq43H5v_SGo8HsSa0WVtXkZr9MrxXNbn9iUeoxptX-BrzSBoBFk3Vp7trVD1_P_Qa5bZmo3fB1dpHDBVIbUE24LG_dx3084dbs-bgngX-QC/s1600/Donuts+-+11.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFBx4WlmM5VYUKrCMfTirGvI-diwD7XQtMyq43H5v_SGo8HsSa0WVtXkZr9MrxXNbn9iUeoxptX-BrzSBoBFk3Vp7trVD1_P_Qa5bZmo3fB1dpHDBVIbUE24LG_dx3084dbs-bgngX-QC/s400/Donuts+-+11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573311329609752242" border="0" /></a><br />I prefer these little sugary spheres though. I could eat all 20 myself! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQyIcogqCmJfAjWXdABzSbuO1rjZqs5C2LeAnIslkAgOlaIM-CkEeP4h2jL4DJkWK4mJiNc1am_VATRHryp_IGLChSJa8ENPoX_S-XDSGp5HTEiXVwExlOMCq5yN6Nb4dOBhRICQOd74Z/s1600/Donuts+-+15.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQyIcogqCmJfAjWXdABzSbuO1rjZqs5C2LeAnIslkAgOlaIM-CkEeP4h2jL4DJkWK4mJiNc1am_VATRHryp_IGLChSJa8ENPoX_S-XDSGp5HTEiXVwExlOMCq5yN6Nb4dOBhRICQOd74Z/s400/Donuts+-+15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573311347379544994" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXNJmySirNpaQ-PUdOfMMpTGDH-SsE1cavPirkxk5Cd7Pvt-ICPMnKJKxVwJCkYF_lIubRo1lcuALZ_AF9ndhldeFM-8bS4TT1Q1ZPG2peukB_1QXWjwxYzDW7eQmERL9A2h8u_pJ3f3Z/s1600/Donuts+-+14.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXNJmySirNpaQ-PUdOfMMpTGDH-SsE1cavPirkxk5Cd7Pvt-ICPMnKJKxVwJCkYF_lIubRo1lcuALZ_AF9ndhldeFM-8bS4TT1Q1ZPG2peukB_1QXWjwxYzDW7eQmERL9A2h8u_pJ3f3Z/s400/Donuts+-+14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573311345136215746" border="0" /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-81982466157092873002011-02-03T17:19:00.003-06:002011-02-03T17:57:53.014-06:00Chocolate Peanut Butter Parfait<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eSzW3OcXF_LTseLRHysniZmVyYd0EL0wawst_3fG73CgzozlYKV5z0yJA3yvCpKqhzWZwyqv3lz_dpPBsG5lGzOMTKwh5QQUw8m9sWYKuGRBo9mKT8yxMLE4CPxkuX-Nw0F_T2bYNyPq/s1600/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+14.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eSzW3OcXF_LTseLRHysniZmVyYd0EL0wawst_3fG73CgzozlYKV5z0yJA3yvCpKqhzWZwyqv3lz_dpPBsG5lGzOMTKwh5QQUw8m9sWYKuGRBo9mKT8yxMLE4CPxkuX-Nw0F_T2bYNyPq/s400/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569561393160441138" border="0" /></a> I know what you're thinking... yes, I did just post <a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2011/02/banana-pudding.html">Banana Pudding</a> that looked just like this! But my husband Justin doesn't eat fruit (what kind of a person doesn't eat fruit?!!) so I had to make a "Justin" dessert which means peanut butter and chocolate. I'm in my 5th year of blogging now and I have made Justin many chocolate and peanut butter desserts...<br /><a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2009/02/chocolate-peanut-butter-layer-cake.html">Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake</a><br /><a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2009/03/ganache-covered-peanut-butter-frosting.html">Ganache Covered Peanut Butter Frosting</a> (this is Justin's favorite peanut butter frosting)<br /><a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2009/12/chocolate-peanut-butter-mousse-pie.html">Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Pie</a><br /><a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2008/09/peanut-butter-cups.html">Peanut Butter Cups</a> (this is Justin's favorite chocolate peanut butter dessert)<br /><a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2008/09/chocolate-peanut-butter-cupcakes.html">Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes</a><br />... and I still don't like peanut butter and chocolate, it's just so rich and heavy. I had to force myself to try a bite of each of these desserts, and my husband had to force himself to stop eating them, lol! So, I wanted to make Justin a Chocolate Peanut Butter Parfait dessert to go with my <a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2011/02/banana-pudding.html">Banana Pudding</a>. It's like a layered peanut butter pie and Justin's only complaint was that there was too much cool whip... lol (imagine that)!<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />Graham crackers, crumbled<br />1 cup peanut butter<br />1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese, softened<br />4 tablespoons powdered sugar<br />1 (8 ounce) tub of whipped topping<br />1 (12 ounce) bag milk chocolate chips<br />1/2 cup milk<br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />Combine the peanut butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar in a large bowl.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstW2_RrK8y0h_gkvqdyjAN6ylQ6LIbYSKwQeDNL5J_QyWSGVBgLPCptTNaEwa3ZyQzPNq8cwHgseG6ABA_VnahGCLnot1nBdD4Gffrozf8quz7qYYSwRogbl06ipSHyNHS21eMmcuK9M1/s1600/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+01.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstW2_RrK8y0h_gkvqdyjAN6ylQ6LIbYSKwQeDNL5J_QyWSGVBgLPCptTNaEwa3ZyQzPNq8cwHgseG6ABA_VnahGCLnot1nBdD4Gffrozf8quz7qYYSwRogbl06ipSHyNHS21eMmcuK9M1/s400/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569561934653634146" border="0" /></a><br />Mix together until combined into a thick muddy mess (this is how Justin described it... and he would know because he kept sneaking spoonfuls).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmM28SwYvDXR4sWN7o00ur2tfom_UNhxWk5eztu7IicACh-GpqOwGStL4HsRP83_SNX-e8g5K4r6PoBZTLCfsACLuT7njLjUCUmaCyGrxkD-4wghrG6B1YwyGIYp-CIHvGrphLSXRYroRG/s1600/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+02.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmM28SwYvDXR4sWN7o00ur2tfom_UNhxWk5eztu7IicACh-GpqOwGStL4HsRP83_SNX-e8g5K4r6PoBZTLCfsACLuT7njLjUCUmaCyGrxkD-4wghrG6B1YwyGIYp-CIHvGrphLSXRYroRG/s400/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569561917750036786" border="0" /></a><br />Stir in the whipped topping. You can save a little to use on top (I saved around a cup of whipped topping to use as garnish) but Justin says it's better all mixed in.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZY0tSIt19o94RggXRh6M25dSMYAweuuny7GV6lif2qg-II5BedmGuNre_flpesuBjqMa8zrcvTOCDprt0b5dP9YTd8sJCd0F7OHAzOG-MF6TSvUmNexnyQ3echwAbeLOQrT2M9bLTP4f/s1600/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+03.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZY0tSIt19o94RggXRh6M25dSMYAweuuny7GV6lif2qg-II5BedmGuNre_flpesuBjqMa8zrcvTOCDprt0b5dP9YTd8sJCd0F7OHAzOG-MF6TSvUmNexnyQ3echwAbeLOQrT2M9bLTP4f/s400/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569561915821706690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXUfxTlCqIaeKOzA2lSg8RK7Vr6AKdP0T87fjO1_JLyi-hdSXNGERtd-czqa_AAsP-x5YPsQnvKKudG-4LhzYzd3G7g55eXKJ-O8YHENQSpS2ViQjP5vfuSJPinSwdWmrXe_aBdQNugfq/s1600/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+05.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXUfxTlCqIaeKOzA2lSg8RK7Vr6AKdP0T87fjO1_JLyi-hdSXNGERtd-czqa_AAsP-x5YPsQnvKKudG-4LhzYzd3G7g55eXKJ-O8YHENQSpS2ViQjP5vfuSJPinSwdWmrXe_aBdQNugfq/s400/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+05.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569561906408148626" border="0" /></a><br />In a separate bowl add the milk and chocolate chips. Microwave in 30 second intervals stirring after each cycle until it's melted. Mine is usually melted and ready to go after 3 cycles (1 minute 30 seconds).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAS9RHRdJb7PJlqAjwM94yd5obP6Gq_VrQAVrYvwn2c6RdHt0dIBbzT3vu2vJlBDMkmTO0yqS4sZ3MH3T3knTLeNLRZ3Toap2f7jv2Hs_nluOPxUXiMI1HJtJNiC-G2sE0Tq7N1htltjGN/s1600/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+06.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAS9RHRdJb7PJlqAjwM94yd5obP6Gq_VrQAVrYvwn2c6RdHt0dIBbzT3vu2vJlBDMkmTO0yqS4sZ3MH3T3knTLeNLRZ3Toap2f7jv2Hs_nluOPxUXiMI1HJtJNiC-G2sE0Tq7N1htltjGN/s400/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+06.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569561639784869490" border="0" /></a><br />It's time to assemble! You can use a pie plate, large bowl, glass pan, small bowls, etc. I used 4 stemless glasses to match my banana pudding. Start with a layer of crumbled graham crackers.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpRdk6BLIh9dRnYg1pKxCt93nKvSJ38Faieh5PGkteDJ_97EyU_lvL1RblAkdQ509b_V8K0g1VefdwIUdmxIuJDc13myD3XGL-ETtLCsFerBbICT5jL7ts_DHi6x9z2RpOmAhP20hpNqj/s1600/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+04.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpRdk6BLIh9dRnYg1pKxCt93nKvSJ38Faieh5PGkteDJ_97EyU_lvL1RblAkdQ509b_V8K0g1VefdwIUdmxIuJDc13myD3XGL-ETtLCsFerBbICT5jL7ts_DHi6x9z2RpOmAhP20hpNqj/s400/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+04.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569561914363640498" border="0" /></a><br />Then add some of the peanut butter mixture<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HP_t5wrfRY8Vv_NchFwpYbr7E4e63fY67JPaiiqxMx9XTrghVfTbkkcxer12bE9vPWV-pKkUBCOZ3VOXXtYWJPHh7MN69dhNEtm25ktRz8JT7nvdZqieizUXQC-Soyaix3xJe49HdIbW/s1600/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+07.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HP_t5wrfRY8Vv_NchFwpYbr7E4e63fY67JPaiiqxMx9XTrghVfTbkkcxer12bE9vPWV-pKkUBCOZ3VOXXtYWJPHh7MN69dhNEtm25ktRz8JT7nvdZqieizUXQC-Soyaix3xJe49HdIbW/s400/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569561634190426386" border="0" /></a><br />Then chocolate ganache <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGoYOt2VrK8o0CLVcAvtC8rhxj-ufbt0T7du8p2MYQAgX9LjfWGjhZom70qyvKe8T0RMMLqi5j_FhcZgAZnJlizV_kRG7-bNfyjv1aFj2T-M92TKepOtEQZp6bCt3jiMsU9yDdO98ifYm/s1600/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+09.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGoYOt2VrK8o0CLVcAvtC8rhxj-ufbt0T7du8p2MYQAgX9LjfWGjhZom70qyvKe8T0RMMLqi5j_FhcZgAZnJlizV_kRG7-bNfyjv1aFj2T-M92TKepOtEQZp6bCt3jiMsU9yDdO98ifYm/s400/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569561626001996018" border="0" /></a><br />Then some whipped topping (if you want) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNxKU41yaPzRrlcJZ7bwF3PagxIveuZdL1clGW_tgLgIU1I_9LXVP6m-CmyhiRA_5GI8OIYFBhAwOwdaUBaYR00M-rvS-OWKRzYr33XmUo_vq_lFYS5JQ8LC7pR-N_jGQWIAMaDLEc3Pn/s1600/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+10.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNxKU41yaPzRrlcJZ7bwF3PagxIveuZdL1clGW_tgLgIU1I_9LXVP6m-CmyhiRA_5GI8OIYFBhAwOwdaUBaYR00M-rvS-OWKRzYr33XmUo_vq_lFYS5JQ8LC7pR-N_jGQWIAMaDLEc3Pn/s400/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569561626498289954" border="0" /></a><br />Then keep going with the crumbled graham crackers, peanut butter mixture and chocolate ganache until you run out of the peanut butter filling.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6HDeNmk5CPKOfbt00hPUPCxN-FuTa9O5G1G7XsfNClv26OOc_igBnhi26VGdJLEG-Vnf7NkE4_-mGeZxyHmdiR3D8dnc600Gk1xR97FsCJvza0v_VbFPK15I8J2bDIAaChok4E_9UZ1R/s1600/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+11.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6HDeNmk5CPKOfbt00hPUPCxN-FuTa9O5G1G7XsfNClv26OOc_igBnhi26VGdJLEG-Vnf7NkE4_-mGeZxyHmdiR3D8dnc600Gk1xR97FsCJvza0v_VbFPK15I8J2bDIAaChok4E_9UZ1R/s400/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569561413395252354" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilc_N2obmzy6wGdJy8jieid24UM9SL6FcIt2O3HBE0HCJIgRP8XYTF9CWhKLJhES0N_EM7xPNzpc8oOQo0Lkf5NXwuWgBXFsNnkuFB6tuRFXATIOcnzv7bM2GTei1Ce0X-nNQm3CKxW9Wt/s1600/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+12.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilc_N2obmzy6wGdJy8jieid24UM9SL6FcIt2O3HBE0HCJIgRP8XYTF9CWhKLJhES0N_EM7xPNzpc8oOQo0Lkf5NXwuWgBXFsNnkuFB6tuRFXATIOcnzv7bM2GTei1Ce0X-nNQm3CKxW9Wt/s400/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569561405324176386" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKox86ic-kTg3tob6RDeoFronImWOw5tOR5Ze_ZdiOJogU49Q1QeXqdSw1I1Jx_2WuKf0d3cvUoPWxZ0pOCGy1tsrRUstDGQimXDPsZsAe3Gf5Z_cGiI9f92qM5i54xmMCOT0ltb7SF4aZ/s1600/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+13.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKox86ic-kTg3tob6RDeoFronImWOw5tOR5Ze_ZdiOJogU49Q1QeXqdSw1I1Jx_2WuKf0d3cvUoPWxZ0pOCGy1tsrRUstDGQimXDPsZsAe3Gf5Z_cGiI9f92qM5i54xmMCOT0ltb7SF4aZ/s400/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569561397584496626" border="0" /></a><br />Top with whipped topping and a graham cracker (I think crumbled peanut butter cups would look yummy on top) and you're done! Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37MiwsgB9pOPlLaPZERbkwzfDIc1xVn-R0JkxZIQwgICL-Nom2dHOXztXJli17xKdlWqbrE_DTZUDdvpY5pMFO1h3p1expzr-O7ZGJoOZwPuz5jTU9X-ZoJZ1mtzUYPhzv4y_tD1l8wf_/s1600/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+15.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37MiwsgB9pOPlLaPZERbkwzfDIc1xVn-R0JkxZIQwgICL-Nom2dHOXztXJli17xKdlWqbrE_DTZUDdvpY5pMFO1h3p1expzr-O7ZGJoOZwPuz5jTU9X-ZoJZ1mtzUYPhzv4y_tD1l8wf_/s400/Chocolate+Peanut+Butter+Parfait+-+15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569561391444797410" border="0" /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-28103152262212562622011-02-01T14:30:00.001-06:002011-02-01T14:30:01.028-06:00Banana Pudding<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3q3-DeF6d1d2heUHqXfZ9E5BPARGRKmhU5UyW5hJTaab4Z4ZGUpARAAJte05BS3yrcyhsmc-RivLFLVXAY-lZERwvVzhxdBPzfohk4jMuxqevlL0OIsES_w3cpAUwm_jLQX4shi1VonKV/s1600/Banana+Pudding+-+12.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3q3-DeF6d1d2heUHqXfZ9E5BPARGRKmhU5UyW5hJTaab4Z4ZGUpARAAJte05BS3yrcyhsmc-RivLFLVXAY-lZERwvVzhxdBPzfohk4jMuxqevlL0OIsES_w3cpAUwm_jLQX4shi1VonKV/s400/Banana+Pudding+-+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568781251949921714" border="0" /></a> I turned 30 a few days ago and celebrated with one of my favorite desserts, banana pudding! My mom used to make banana pudding all the time growing up! It's easy to make, impossible to mess up, and so yummy! I wasn't depressed turning 30... I've felt 30 for a long time (my kids make me feel old). I think 40 will be the hard birthday! I'll have two boys in college, my house will be empty and quiet, and I'll be OLD! ... just kidding ,-)<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />1 box of vanilla wafers<br />4 to 5 bananas, sliced<br />2 cups milk<br />1 (3.9 ounce) box instant french vanilla pudding<br />1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened<br />1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk<br />1 (8 ounce) tub of whipped topping<br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />First, don’t forget to set out your ingredients, especially the cream cheese, as it needs to be softened and the whipped topping if it needs to thaw.<br />In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using an electric mixer. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sSQpIktacMUK3h_8Fl8o9ZfSqg7f99RnfUg49VGXRVs0xFDoy96R5Au1HJ8qbMr14-UXp3M0mcgjQ5Ve4SWoB6u2eo2mqYDSy2B3rsJNdsSun3gVHF4XfmR-k3qzGwBP0zmh41WdLMMW/s1600/Banana+Pudding-+02.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sSQpIktacMUK3h_8Fl8o9ZfSqg7f99RnfUg49VGXRVs0xFDoy96R5Au1HJ8qbMr14-UXp3M0mcgjQ5Ve4SWoB6u2eo2mqYDSy2B3rsJNdsSun3gVHF4XfmR-k3qzGwBP0zmh41WdLMMW/s400/Banana+Pudding-+02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568809424442739874" border="0" /></a><br />Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJV4gTLAKv9VA2ygQ8AVETdM0YJxwW2X1Xlz6skLUhUOBCv55J1trmBUVsQEbfnWvU4yC3eohmvbotIsxBomDNj4Mrt3n-0Y2qUTo7qZ0rvMr5EvPMLNn8rGJnNOX9kiGRhyphenhyphenIAMzlK94yW/s1600/Banana+Pudding-+01.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJV4gTLAKv9VA2ygQ8AVETdM0YJxwW2X1Xlz6skLUhUOBCv55J1trmBUVsQEbfnWvU4yC3eohmvbotIsxBomDNj4Mrt3n-0Y2qUTo7qZ0rvMr5EvPMLNn8rGJnNOX9kiGRhyphenhyphenIAMzlK94yW/s400/Banana+Pudding-+01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568810309166404930" border="0" /></a><br />With the same electric mixer, blend together until smooth. When mixed, the cream cheese/condensed milk mixture should look something like this...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIqxpZn0tmbSaHQWNtZsFHu1tCPYMhMiayNSUHOa4oSd7x9aQLBm1Ib9AbcQhE1k-2C6lgIAdQ5HKLDLldBT-S_7iXHDYw2DcFg2qK83sSL7JYUGglSOWPgK8nEWW-3uZLg6pkquQZKJ5/s1600/Banana+Pudding-+03.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIqxpZn0tmbSaHQWNtZsFHu1tCPYMhMiayNSUHOa4oSd7x9aQLBm1Ib9AbcQhE1k-2C6lgIAdQ5HKLDLldBT-S_7iXHDYw2DcFg2qK83sSL7JYUGglSOWPgK8nEWW-3uZLg6pkquQZKJ5/s400/Banana+Pudding-+03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568802093040592930" border="0" /></a><br />Add the pudding to the cream cheese mixture.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7GZbCBmHwBz6ur08tcVmIQp2o-qetp44VEkG3hHRJHWN7eaIx5aOjgZ6fEVqI0df2ph9-f9zPJlKU7s37SrZxDMHglBdGPj-3NAcphmh0RBp_wxEOJPhlAQPPvyPA38bU-VPURp_qHEo/s1600/Banana+Pudding-+04.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7GZbCBmHwBz6ur08tcVmIQp2o-qetp44VEkG3hHRJHWN7eaIx5aOjgZ6fEVqI0df2ph9-f9zPJlKU7s37SrZxDMHglBdGPj-3NAcphmh0RBp_wxEOJPhlAQPPvyPA38bU-VPURp_qHEo/s400/Banana+Pudding-+04.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568797993737491570" border="0" /></a><br />Stir until combined<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbO-_g9-aNoxAszJi12B5nRnNiUv73Id1H5FQLuzpp3n7yTViR4ZbJCYoJurXxuT4SMuu80MLdPI8YjV1QZH7pwIT6exOM6jNkBxErZPUQdVpbPvVARJVKEZbylxJrJ_1j3e-SJQxmkH9/s1600/Banana+Pudding-+05.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbO-_g9-aNoxAszJi12B5nRnNiUv73Id1H5FQLuzpp3n7yTViR4ZbJCYoJurXxuT4SMuu80MLdPI8YjV1QZH7pwIT6exOM6jNkBxErZPUQdVpbPvVARJVKEZbylxJrJ_1j3e-SJQxmkH9/s400/Banana+Pudding-+05.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568796552155730226" border="0" /></a><br />Peel and slice the bananas and set aside.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIwZSEjsdA4yGmfyjExKuyTS6f1_SBet6nrCGsEma3Qo8pMrswuVzimuGO9-DCPdmpl19qjQw5x9fF_Qb9STSUZOavPNMFJZsagu0vgMWLGzAnApTo1j0yan0R8pQddpixZLIXQTNytw7/s1600/Banana+Pudding+-+06.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIwZSEjsdA4yGmfyjExKuyTS6f1_SBet6nrCGsEma3Qo8pMrswuVzimuGO9-DCPdmpl19qjQw5x9fF_Qb9STSUZOavPNMFJZsagu0vgMWLGzAnApTo1j0yan0R8pQddpixZLIXQTNytw7/s400/Banana+Pudding+-+06.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568789514557768226" border="0" /></a><br />Now it's time to assemble! You can use a large bowl, 9x13 pan, or small bowls for the banana pudding. I decided to use 4 stemless glasses. Start with a layer of vanilla wafers, then the pudding mixture, then bananas.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRr9-3SMIxMgiW7X3Z6rAGhkEMwqSNQk24tqtHhfKk8JCmm6M8rAUaKD8SpAZmUzgCWwzpZbu9Js3A2wr6huysgNP714jt2P7Zoj9cOLzJvhqRnvwfiSOi_la-JH9e4BqT8uhH_YfumZic/s1600/Banana+Pudding+-+07.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRr9-3SMIxMgiW7X3Z6rAGhkEMwqSNQk24tqtHhfKk8JCmm6M8rAUaKD8SpAZmUzgCWwzpZbu9Js3A2wr6huysgNP714jt2P7Zoj9cOLzJvhqRnvwfiSOi_la-JH9e4BqT8uhH_YfumZic/s400/Banana+Pudding+-+07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568790858546804978" border="0" /></a><br />Then more of the pudding mixture and vanilla wafers. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zAH5yPyUYBz2t9Iz2iNI8-lAdgP_0ORz6XhQGDf6Yv2BTEd3-gmI1KcdFqNJBPU3ucBRUW_EFswUNe4VjEuqkk5_prFdmOBWtjMFPyDpq70372Vr5kLGMWCX6_wH3BEJ6bwzpBfnJ7qh/s1600/Banana+Pudding+-+08.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zAH5yPyUYBz2t9Iz2iNI8-lAdgP_0ORz6XhQGDf6Yv2BTEd3-gmI1KcdFqNJBPU3ucBRUW_EFswUNe4VjEuqkk5_prFdmOBWtjMFPyDpq70372Vr5kLGMWCX6_wH3BEJ6bwzpBfnJ7qh/s400/Banana+Pudding+-+08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568784806497887858" border="0" /></a><br />I add a layer of whipped cream in the middle... just for fun! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4Ygd_xFYXSkn5DLKYnSEhra0QLOrAOhSKtvwhosFmTiNIIpvnAiq6sBNp8fkHeo7c4baUgQhTRySFeJwUOio8imemTzNvlar5MeBiP0lhlzTVj6QtT2yNPYmnw_J2HfmGU4c1Po7UlyY/s1600/Banana+Pudding-+09.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4Ygd_xFYXSkn5DLKYnSEhra0QLOrAOhSKtvwhosFmTiNIIpvnAiq6sBNp8fkHeo7c4baUgQhTRySFeJwUOio8imemTzNvlar5MeBiP0lhlzTVj6QtT2yNPYmnw_J2HfmGU4c1Po7UlyY/s400/Banana+Pudding-+09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568815815659817442" border="0" /></a><br />Then continue with the pudding and bananas and pudding and wafers until you reach the top!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPlnWU6E8XXic4r0BuKrsQFmZf0j4u74mOjzbRLh2A9ggdiV4Obb-zbHIdOSu4WhBWK8-dhHOi9-dmVqA0zN5MfQeVQmY-LDMRLg4vFhWLvp461pZEFw9oiBoTLAQJQFamSu0ef9qlzdP/s1600/Banana+Pudding-+10.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPlnWU6E8XXic4r0BuKrsQFmZf0j4u74mOjzbRLh2A9ggdiV4Obb-zbHIdOSu4WhBWK8-dhHOi9-dmVqA0zN5MfQeVQmY-LDMRLg4vFhWLvp461pZEFw9oiBoTLAQJQFamSu0ef9qlzdP/s400/Banana+Pudding-+10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568782929548610722" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaG4yBW97ODxKM2T9T8W5Nfbe9Uqd1XC_w34TStiQuFYnm3JHSwrrRggqUSBSJ4oQA-E0HXPyDlTQp6abUOC_JNTQ_5OqXRh2wO2L85bw3OUVv-69bPwyjyb9gkH2Sid4vlhSe8cZdB63/s1600/Banana+Pudding+-+11.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaG4yBW97ODxKM2T9T8W5Nfbe9Uqd1XC_w34TStiQuFYnm3JHSwrrRggqUSBSJ4oQA-E0HXPyDlTQp6abUOC_JNTQ_5OqXRh2wO2L85bw3OUVv-69bPwyjyb9gkH2Sid4vlhSe8cZdB63/s400/Banana+Pudding+-+11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568782918709941730" border="0" /></a><br />Top with whipped cream and garnish with a vanilla wafer or wafer crumbles. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3q3-DeF6d1d2heUHqXfZ9E5BPARGRKmhU5UyW5hJTaab4Z4ZGUpARAAJte05BS3yrcyhsmc-RivLFLVXAY-lZERwvVzhxdBPzfohk4jMuxqevlL0OIsES_w3cpAUwm_jLQX4shi1VonKV/s1600/Banana+Pudding+-+12.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3q3-DeF6d1d2heUHqXfZ9E5BPARGRKmhU5UyW5hJTaab4Z4ZGUpARAAJte05BS3yrcyhsmc-RivLFLVXAY-lZERwvVzhxdBPzfohk4jMuxqevlL0OIsES_w3cpAUwm_jLQX4shi1VonKV/s400/Banana+Pudding+-+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568781251949921714" border="0" /></a><br />Cover the banana pudding with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours (this way the vanilla wafers get nice and soft). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNtVgSLEHP72N2neKekHLSvtyjAHdoR1R95g2TO_VVDZeJG6kxi7ZFq7PFwCMWzXim9NSoSWGWTvkybvjC3rgw40CexnDaYWjSW-Kt9HvgGAipBCtxdfEOZD74CvEKgxkBT_TCiZ1lf59/s1600/Banana+Pudding+-+13.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNtVgSLEHP72N2neKekHLSvtyjAHdoR1R95g2TO_VVDZeJG6kxi7ZFq7PFwCMWzXim9NSoSWGWTvkybvjC3rgw40CexnDaYWjSW-Kt9HvgGAipBCtxdfEOZD74CvEKgxkBT_TCiZ1lf59/s400/Banana+Pudding+-+13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568780259410674578" border="0" /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-22731207109123584972011-01-20T20:25:00.002-06:002011-01-20T20:37:52.870-06:00Snow Ice Cream<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJTpkyaRaKwrhPA560LX2Xk3k4iRuB5Oj2hbkSRWjwq3P8UrBbVjh8exyCoiI4NMjohCaCcw9IoAJ65pkQjlUKnAnPYxvKwu2_xtnTAoh2oq9_oOXjOlSlpo_3lmv1_Ch0VEEArxq2JX2/s1600/IMG_0355.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJTpkyaRaKwrhPA560LX2Xk3k4iRuB5Oj2hbkSRWjwq3P8UrBbVjh8exyCoiI4NMjohCaCcw9IoAJ65pkQjlUKnAnPYxvKwu2_xtnTAoh2oq9_oOXjOlSlpo_3lmv1_Ch0VEEArxq2JX2/s400/IMG_0355.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564446168131412002" border="0" /></a> We had another big snow last night and got around 8 inches! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbbpjBzfzHj1i4lf-DUh1pV56Cd2Uky8UlDkFvxvhag-RijNW0diusfjfrLzFN8DcNch_0FtupkIVCQdm3h-CEAy8aqBjLMsWzr6LFdW4EU_bWmT-hHxJng-R3x-uqEvAfnq9N8osUs4g/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbbpjBzfzHj1i4lf-DUh1pV56Cd2Uky8UlDkFvxvhag-RijNW0diusfjfrLzFN8DcNch_0FtupkIVCQdm3h-CEAy8aqBjLMsWzr6LFdW4EU_bWmT-hHxJng-R3x-uqEvAfnq9N8osUs4g/s400/IMG_0127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564442727223252722" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDbN9ZXKXxISQyaKHF6-hdPIgHC1_fZJNEPMMNIwTI1bMzAZ8gEnrDm4D4kMz0H1f8qMR06qGfr7r9cdZHQ0WIXorC-pAj1qMTwXIlxEO7eEF7y7djO_SZKjLUuHzpcOCQG21nfc3H0Zh/s1600/IMG_0116.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDbN9ZXKXxISQyaKHF6-hdPIgHC1_fZJNEPMMNIwTI1bMzAZ8gEnrDm4D4kMz0H1f8qMR06qGfr7r9cdZHQ0WIXorC-pAj1qMTwXIlxEO7eEF7y7djO_SZKjLUuHzpcOCQG21nfc3H0Zh/s400/IMG_0116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564442723881575218" border="0" /></a> The boys were excited because they got another snow day! I have to admit that I'm loving all these days off! As a teacher January is a really slow month but it's flying by this year with all of these snow days! I tried to go into this snow day with a better attitude than my last snow day... I knew the boys were going to play in the snow and bring buckets of it into my house so I decided when God <del>gives me lemons I should make lemonade</del> gives me snow I should make snow ice cream!<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />8 - 10 cups freshly fallen snow<br />1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />Gather your snow in a big bowl. I prefer to set my bowl outside before the snow falls. Then I pluck my ice cold bowl from the snow and bring it inside. I put my bowl out on my back porch, can you spot it? <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKJr10sA5mGrDeBEt-sS5LuEsXOp4Eki0XNl2Bm7Vfu4XhvbE5HgFFMZXFhSY8HhAJ_WDhSbI4KIJrQ4WeBAPzcLzMlqea-9BXFxmyjwOT-f3AUUJJDFHnt9Fmx4t1pkTw8fE2Ooc7d_j/s1600/IMG_0183.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKJr10sA5mGrDeBEt-sS5LuEsXOp4Eki0XNl2Bm7Vfu4XhvbE5HgFFMZXFhSY8HhAJ_WDhSbI4KIJrQ4WeBAPzcLzMlqea-9BXFxmyjwOT-f3AUUJJDFHnt9Fmx4t1pkTw8fE2Ooc7d_j/s400/IMG_0183.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564446132589453426" border="0" /></a><br />Pour in the sweetened condensed milk.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WESSrRy-BGD8MK7b-suND94L35AYFzwTmwX0UbVfaSoDlMqHI0V4np0-HC9f7JZZGYanQ1YmkVPkunylMpRlKPmXHwTM0XIYyiMLuXNcLrXumxzMR1fXutf_vdx9Qktgsf-cc3Iyhppt/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WESSrRy-BGD8MK7b-suND94L35AYFzwTmwX0UbVfaSoDlMqHI0V4np0-HC9f7JZZGYanQ1YmkVPkunylMpRlKPmXHwTM0XIYyiMLuXNcLrXumxzMR1fXutf_vdx9Qktgsf-cc3Iyhppt/s400/IMG_0284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564454868761999554" border="0" /></a><br />Spoon in the vanilla extract. Look at the concentration on Abbott's face, that kid is going to be a great cook one day! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNPmIx_YvV0LHAaB3ccescdK0qCaKK7oeAlFzCVIdumLJJ9dwhZQfrKuJx0DNwN1FowWbE54kdSHBhLgbxtleXuCuuHYRRiGz54fpzf08epmmEWNfnkUqhk7FXo9tsvPlIipMuhuei_-A/s1600/IMG_0292.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNPmIx_YvV0LHAaB3ccescdK0qCaKK7oeAlFzCVIdumLJJ9dwhZQfrKuJx0DNwN1FowWbE54kdSHBhLgbxtleXuCuuHYRRiGz54fpzf08epmmEWNfnkUqhk7FXo9tsvPlIipMuhuei_-A/s400/IMG_0292.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564454873471937778" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZoHXrYnsFXCaqzeLpAoiFv0fM_ppGFV7LHwXxio_2to52OI9yRiwp2nVFHZSZEKpCLyG9NaJM1SQweYpPOifKRZPrqMv5t35Imd3kpw6cGHdAk_dG3QCsSvz4KYVh0i5jXvAAtKIRuOk/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZoHXrYnsFXCaqzeLpAoiFv0fM_ppGFV7LHwXxio_2to52OI9yRiwp2nVFHZSZEKpCLyG9NaJM1SQweYpPOifKRZPrqMv5t35Imd3kpw6cGHdAk_dG3QCsSvz4KYVh0i5jXvAAtKIRuOk/s400/IMG_0297.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564456599995087954" border="0" /></a> Stir it together for a few minutes, until it is all the same color and starts to resemble homemade ice cream... it helps if you have a little brother cheering you on! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhc3Kae_5i8k4ICuuGPg8Ch54OPMJJ3NbzdPyIUGUyaSaJ2lTBd1X-0PQrTGiJG6DlH94xHC_f4xXklxp3UhWSV5BbE8UgfJwHojfackbO1H3Alohs8hcP0MKdWxiqDN-GoRNl_hHJbf8/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhc3Kae_5i8k4ICuuGPg8Ch54OPMJJ3NbzdPyIUGUyaSaJ2lTBd1X-0PQrTGiJG6DlH94xHC_f4xXklxp3UhWSV5BbE8UgfJwHojfackbO1H3Alohs8hcP0MKdWxiqDN-GoRNl_hHJbf8/s400/IMG_0307.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564456602913226706" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9oJTdiCikW1whC1aM2_NET53YYJUHurmbBmnuX-UxC_wZM6UsbbTc4CM8CMy5MTDWk-SGGvZKRHSMcyR1O3TEhiZDBFBKfb71h8JNI7FB2uqCmrqHaf9QSUghe1W8RqYdSYLiJWAFaO6/s1600/IMG_0336.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9oJTdiCikW1whC1aM2_NET53YYJUHurmbBmnuX-UxC_wZM6UsbbTc4CM8CMy5MTDWk-SGGvZKRHSMcyR1O3TEhiZDBFBKfb71h8JNI7FB2uqCmrqHaf9QSUghe1W8RqYdSYLiJWAFaO6/s400/IMG_0336.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564456610560848978" border="0" /></a><br />Andrew likes his snow ice cream plain.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYUx5dZZd_uIyafoJ9bqCvoTB2mIS_DuQCxkWOpwgrrncyQrzm7giTLM98y0lOga4JaWYCeoQB2yKrwc2EP8GFfKohlM6XwgNNP2AFznaVTxJSx6lLqgTg75Sl7lAAs_Ch9gAElW6MUE0/s1600/IMG_0368.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYUx5dZZd_uIyafoJ9bqCvoTB2mIS_DuQCxkWOpwgrrncyQrzm7giTLM98y0lOga4JaWYCeoQB2yKrwc2EP8GFfKohlM6XwgNNP2AFznaVTxJSx6lLqgTg75Sl7lAAs_Ch9gAElW6MUE0/s400/IMG_0368.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564446162674422098" border="0" /></a><br />Justin, Abbott, and I like ours with chocolate syrup! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbq8FODztfD9c6fbfxt4UgzRoyVRNOm2qPxJ-L0NaPCcu8NyGvXYumBV6OvWcQEemAzSDmURv60TlU1zzgfoHWr3He4O1jmuC0IFekr4pJeSMYtL1RWC1PzMZBMeXim-9ioGAOu6WCWUs/s1600/IMG_0377.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbq8FODztfD9c6fbfxt4UgzRoyVRNOm2qPxJ-L0NaPCcu8NyGvXYumBV6OvWcQEemAzSDmURv60TlU1zzgfoHWr3He4O1jmuC0IFekr4pJeSMYtL1RWC1PzMZBMeXim-9ioGAOu6WCWUs/s400/IMG_0377.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564446151174917234" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSV4PFuPM4rGTZbrW-QNTD_TMfd-4bt06wE6Te2BZXfDVBNXHX2He4FsK2-s_5TbCncCaWqDJNXy3k3m2Mb9CNn7APSiDE2ixanRc9XpL6pVKQgQmkN7hvsn8r6qDlkf1htxLbZOZetSk/s1600/IMG_0378.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSV4PFuPM4rGTZbrW-QNTD_TMfd-4bt06wE6Te2BZXfDVBNXHX2He4FsK2-s_5TbCncCaWqDJNXy3k3m2Mb9CNn7APSiDE2ixanRc9XpL6pVKQgQmkN7hvsn8r6qDlkf1htxLbZOZetSk/s400/IMG_0378.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564446139684583634" border="0" /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-13468683248768983102011-01-18T20:06:00.000-06:002011-01-18T20:06:36.716-06:00Mary's Spinach Dip<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0chKy5Ik5eX65CvHtPAmcHEwDO5Rxq5TfcB4R0J_xdfbtb77t0rOaboE23fJEzdF3z0IT73nL0SVjcRMU-tlKexIX-y0yjNCCfpATJ0X4lwMkYjDlO2Wuqmf_2tP-SYKvkatwY-kWU_HQ/s1600/IMG_0005_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0chKy5Ik5eX65CvHtPAmcHEwDO5Rxq5TfcB4R0J_xdfbtb77t0rOaboE23fJEzdF3z0IT73nL0SVjcRMU-tlKexIX-y0yjNCCfpATJ0X4lwMkYjDlO2Wuqmf_2tP-SYKvkatwY-kWU_HQ/s400/IMG_0005_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563712591820812850" /></a> I work with a gal named Mary, she's the best! She knows my looks... my sighs... my pain, and she's always there to step in when our students get to be a handful (which happens around a gazillion times a day). Just today she saw me doing the potty dance and told me to go to the bathroom... that's when you know you have a good friend who cares :-)<br />Mary is a vegetarian, so she's basically an expert on yummy foods that don't contain meat. She always brings the best cake, chips, nuts, etc. to work! I like to tease Mary though because she can't weigh more than 100 pounds and I swear she eats 3 almonds for lunch and says "I'm stuffed", it's disturbing. When talking about food Mary likes to use descriptive words like "huge" and "enormous"... she'll say "Hey Carrie, I brought in a gargantuan bag of pretzels if you want some" only to pull out a ziploc with 10 pretzel sticks in it. It cracks me up!! Mary once described a 1/2 cup of guacamole as a "humongous vat of guacamole". I have to give her kuddos for her positive outlook, she's always a "the glass is half full" kind of gal, I love that about her!<br />Mary brought in this spinach dip a couple years ago and I knew it would be delicious (because it had Mary's endorsement) but I was hesitant to try it because I didn't think cold spinach dip would be very good. Boy was I wrong! I like this cold spinach dip better than <a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2008/11/spinach-artichoke-dip.html">warm spinach dip</a> now! I make this for every potluck and party I go to! It's SUPER EASY and everyone raves about it, even I can't stop munching on it... I feel rude because I stand by my own dish and scarf it down, it's embarrassing!<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />Fritos Scoops Chips (don't try to use any other chip, these go the best with this dip)<br />1 box of Frozen Chopped Spinach, thawed and drained<br />1 packet of Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix (it's next to the dry soups at the grocery store)<br />1 cup of Hellmann's mayonnaise (it has to be real mayonnaise, NOT Miracle Whip)<br />1 (16 ounce) tub of Sour Cream <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyH6EYw2i_XGsU80YwvpA5ZSW5RQVa4UCTfJSA4r0D7kNO66kEOlAV1HFXjsF38kfD6601eUu0YDSPpcqeOjrFXk7j5SnLQRmP_xpPJm-SQYswa1pmgN17ryHTyBKyYLlm3gw5eVDyJL4F/s1600/IMG_0013.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyH6EYw2i_XGsU80YwvpA5ZSW5RQVa4UCTfJSA4r0D7kNO66kEOlAV1HFXjsF38kfD6601eUu0YDSPpcqeOjrFXk7j5SnLQRmP_xpPJm-SQYswa1pmgN17ryHTyBKyYLlm3gw5eVDyJL4F/s400/IMG_0013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563708576039752402" border="0" /></a><br /><u>Directions</u><br />Stir together the spinach, Knorr vegetable packet, mayonnaise and sour cream. Make sure to drain the liquid from the spinach and if your spinach is still frozen just pop it into the microwave for a few seconds to thaw. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve with the Fritos Scoops and keep refrigerated! Oh, and try not to eat all the dip yourself ,-) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOu5D8thQicnlmofdwm0KwEphVNixG4r5I3-FRaTeqj2bu7OLWIbMUi-h2lRb9CCeQTXHgc3P98vZSn5EoIdIEwtHIWTMHL00bBhBzz2_Hgc0NYBEzPnH_49QXdU4ifuv96fshnEivf0CT/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOu5D8thQicnlmofdwm0KwEphVNixG4r5I3-FRaTeqj2bu7OLWIbMUi-h2lRb9CCeQTXHgc3P98vZSn5EoIdIEwtHIWTMHL00bBhBzz2_Hgc0NYBEzPnH_49QXdU4ifuv96fshnEivf0CT/s400/IMG_0020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563709417075593730" border="0" /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-13732226681464807502011-01-10T19:39:00.000-06:002011-01-10T19:39:08.848-06:00Bean Soup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-tpiXgVj4fJJXr-9oa29tdO106v6IapBaPPHZzlXRHT1yXsiSefzZgQPQ3djAXw3Xy8eR8j4xdMH3YSOYN1-uttlzGMpAWgXaMoDqS5bs0t-EspZ4jmYA2Vd5EEdK86Yqy0fs5ME4sae/s1600/IMG_1454.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-tpiXgVj4fJJXr-9oa29tdO106v6IapBaPPHZzlXRHT1yXsiSefzZgQPQ3djAXw3Xy8eR8j4xdMH3YSOYN1-uttlzGMpAWgXaMoDqS5bs0t-EspZ4jmYA2Vd5EEdK86Yqy0fs5ME4sae/s400/IMG_1454.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560697919485595890" border="0" /></a> We had a snow day today, so no work or school! It's the perfect day for some bean soup (yeah!) and playing in the snow (oh crap!)... I consider myself a pretty good mom. I accept that boys will be loud and rowdy at times, I don't freak out when something is accidentally broken/spilt, and I try to be patient as they learn and make mistakes. My downfall is when the boys want to play in the snow!<br />Nothing gets me more frustrated than spending an hour hunting through the house for gloves, scarfs, long underwear, etc. Then, the boys go out and play for maybe 20 minutes (ringing the door bell every two minutes to give me a play by play of everything they're doing). It never fails that at least one of them needs to use the restroom while they're playing (today it was Abbott and that's a disaster in and of itself). Then once they're done playing they pile back inside (usually bringing a couple neighborhood kids with them) to unload buckets of snow and wet clothing onto the floor. Their 20 minutes of fun costs me hours of gathering, cleaning, and washing. Not to mention that after they come in (and I'm huffing and puffing trying to mop up the floor and clean up the humongous pile of clothes) they always ask me to make hot chocolate! So as I'm mumbling under my breath and sloshing around hot chocolate, I happen to look outside to see practically the entire contents of our garage strewn about the driveway. They didn't even clean up the snow toys they got out! Blink. Blink. Sighhhhhh...<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />1 (16 ounce) bag dried navy beans<br />8 cups water<br />2 cups of cooked diced ham<br />1 chicken bullion cube<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />1 pinch ground black pepper<br />1 bay leaf<br />1 cup sliced carrots<br />1 cup sliced celery<br /><i>Ketchup- optional</i><br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />Place rinsed beans into a large stock pot. Add water and bring to a boil. Boil gently for 2 minutes; remove from heat, cover and let stand for 1 hour.<br />Add cubed ham, bullion cube, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until beans are soft. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6l2eHTCLFUbn12fy-a1d33ZwEZQfefP8-QcxStZwW92HHzqMIiVfvrs5vOeG6iVsd23Sd4HQK0q5sPT_xuPZC693MrEyMYPCvKvn9UjTHbT_cojKkpzrF4euC3sS49WgqTC5nVLMaSALS/s1600/IMG_1425.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6l2eHTCLFUbn12fy-a1d33ZwEZQfefP8-QcxStZwW92HHzqMIiVfvrs5vOeG6iVsd23Sd4HQK0q5sPT_xuPZC693MrEyMYPCvKvn9UjTHbT_cojKkpzrF4euC3sS49WgqTC5nVLMaSALS/s400/IMG_1425.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560693015049580434" border="0" /></a> Add carrots and celery and cook until tender (around 45 minutes).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bx65EtuEa93aoYdhph2YIuFZi3xnyXCBgiHJavn29ejbtsDNsbl0OmlpXj3gKCF9hGpNuTxDZ4Gf3JuCLnYwT5Yc6sLeVzqnszU3ctzSlfOaCKdOZvqqvnnWuZ4512QtjhvPKOZGvAM-/s1600/IMG_1436.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bx65EtuEa93aoYdhph2YIuFZi3xnyXCBgiHJavn29ejbtsDNsbl0OmlpXj3gKCF9hGpNuTxDZ4Gf3JuCLnYwT5Yc6sLeVzqnszU3ctzSlfOaCKdOZvqqvnnWuZ4512QtjhvPKOZGvAM-/s400/IMG_1436.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560695741574950914" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBnWO0DQeW1gBpS7uneVm6F4tMDwGNydxOh4c4rV-z0lKDVKR8HXV156wRdRXjDpFnCIw8lDw0soezFDZFUwoayr74hHEpSg8a7m71-n_-Jx_bAeFMMgq3va9mHe-XeViqMCdylk7k6Mu/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBnWO0DQeW1gBpS7uneVm6F4tMDwGNydxOh4c4rV-z0lKDVKR8HXV156wRdRXjDpFnCIw8lDw0soezFDZFUwoayr74hHEpSg8a7m71-n_-Jx_bAeFMMgq3va9mHe-XeViqMCdylk7k6Mu/s400/IMG_1439.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560695748875279698" border="0" /></a> Once the beans, carrots, and celery are tender, remove the bay leaf and it's ready to serve! You may want to get a potato masher and mash some of the beans to thicken the broth... this is just my preference though! I also prefer to add ketchup sometimes, it's just a habit from when I was a kid ,-) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12JkQoEaTMDA4cqCj83cpN0vWiP-TVwkyT8qykx_yHa2zPMp-S4EaS7QFRoNMH686m-YpDaHrB7dwutYaAW29P7OrtbUe0kesnnCfbF8ZAZUj_7eo8RNnfW67bNTuds5X-kaU0Z5-EcMr/s1600/IMG_1445.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12JkQoEaTMDA4cqCj83cpN0vWiP-TVwkyT8qykx_yHa2zPMp-S4EaS7QFRoNMH686m-YpDaHrB7dwutYaAW29P7OrtbUe0kesnnCfbF8ZAZUj_7eo8RNnfW67bNTuds5X-kaU0Z5-EcMr/s400/IMG_1445.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560696980021486850" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDp0IRHFyosuviLApsjlq-2eo4s0Z2fV1DBB8ZGW6MkWsP10CMGaEokgs7f8oxJYoQ51WA2GqFp5-0RaTejj7zbk_JpwPwFC4_0pofHwGRnpkMdnlk0K4qTWBhybSZ6gisnqwHaaqsCE9/s1600/IMG_1446.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDp0IRHFyosuviLApsjlq-2eo4s0Z2fV1DBB8ZGW6MkWsP10CMGaEokgs7f8oxJYoQ51WA2GqFp5-0RaTejj7zbk_JpwPwFC4_0pofHwGRnpkMdnlk0K4qTWBhybSZ6gisnqwHaaqsCE9/s400/IMG_1446.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560696989868360738" border="0" /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-64851850518692973252011-01-01T22:15:00.000-06:002011-01-01T22:15:43.829-06:00Homemade Hostess Cupcakes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0qZJ49aGwgPgtREslGYfGNstG75YbSAcFAHXnlIp983B2MkTNHRPVMpsG7qmVNEjD5dkpLqMK_7iHhloaOHxpLXqnNCRNQ9SJ5f_5JOl2Po4pVdAWU9Pt2Cac5SV3ogW74gftUkN1HwH/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557421981958749346" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0qZJ49aGwgPgtREslGYfGNstG75YbSAcFAHXnlIp983B2MkTNHRPVMpsG7qmVNEjD5dkpLqMK_7iHhloaOHxpLXqnNCRNQ9SJ5f_5JOl2Po4pVdAWU9Pt2Cac5SV3ogW74gftUkN1HwH/s400/IMG_0023.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZjaO1sYgZRt5n4EHy_lh5L4z0lrF4LP9yw8ZrY971wqWxHKUAFFGOZRx8SsnbSkEZy3o4eNRUB1mBRH2DTzkldxdLXU8p_DjcAZQ2i_lj5ZpZS7Qs62-GZo8Ye1dZBhPFpGP_mtqszyL/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557421992139360818" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZjaO1sYgZRt5n4EHy_lh5L4z0lrF4LP9yw8ZrY971wqWxHKUAFFGOZRx8SsnbSkEZy3o4eNRUB1mBRH2DTzkldxdLXU8p_DjcAZQ2i_lj5ZpZS7Qs62-GZo8Ye1dZBhPFpGP_mtqszyL/s400/IMG_0050.JPG" border="0" /></a> Well, our Christmas break is almost over... boohoo :-(<br />It's been a fun couple weeks! It seems like every Christmas break we go through an entertainment trend. This year's trend was board games, especially the game Clue (we played it probably 10 times). This is the first year Abbott has understood Clue and was able to really play, so it was "game on" as we strategized and asked our questions... Mr. Plum, with the candlestick, in the library?<br />It's so much fun playing with the boys! Abbott especially has come into his own recently, he is a witty lil punk! My stomach muscles have been sore from laughing so much!<br />We also celebrated Andrew! Last year he scored in the top 2% on state assessments so he was invited to a scholarship program. Initially I wasn't very excited because it required that Andrew take the ACT... a 7th grader take the ACT?! Eventually though, my school's college counselor convinced me to let Andrew take it. We got Andrew's ACT score a few days ago and he scored a 20! We are so proud of him! 20 is an amazing score for a 7th grader!<div>Here are some pictures of our holiday break... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sfkU2rrKMZ0tg7BzajIYSNrWWc7fatWRlyLP3n5aIMoah9_Ss7JOeXKse7o_IU9nWztcNEZ9eQDALS-Mbie2xFSTpRvtScFBiibTGOMAXF6LiFwAujBxBFG87Qcny56U9jyeORxPKHfK/s1600/IMG_0181.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sfkU2rrKMZ0tg7BzajIYSNrWWc7fatWRlyLP3n5aIMoah9_Ss7JOeXKse7o_IU9nWztcNEZ9eQDALS-Mbie2xFSTpRvtScFBiibTGOMAXF6LiFwAujBxBFG87Qcny56U9jyeORxPKHfK/s400/IMG_0181.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557430582985679010" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3SzBdauvig3zzTSjXxo8X6CijewxiRiZazbgq582UcoMv2yGaTqNL_yPJxGvaVKpldKlFn-9mEtPq4fP_ju78dXROZE9n-wBAbHrsAZGb0u66pQ_xdDEEY4kv_PtbY4KLMZeCoSiI8hm/s1600/IMG_0166.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3SzBdauvig3zzTSjXxo8X6CijewxiRiZazbgq582UcoMv2yGaTqNL_yPJxGvaVKpldKlFn-9mEtPq4fP_ju78dXROZE9n-wBAbHrsAZGb0u66pQ_xdDEEY4kv_PtbY4KLMZeCoSiI8hm/s400/IMG_0166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557430575958312130" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHk3cW9MwuQtP_53u_-Ju_ctU3mo3nL7s-N5de3_-LvvwWPN5vyUmixatGdSah1StIfpVG8IZ8BZYjOlohwndUE27aq492igljoo2uiai24MaLCu-zsdtIRavBb3sIv73qitdephyQOh3/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHk3cW9MwuQtP_53u_-Ju_ctU3mo3nL7s-N5de3_-LvvwWPN5vyUmixatGdSah1StIfpVG8IZ8BZYjOlohwndUE27aq492igljoo2uiai24MaLCu-zsdtIRavBb3sIv73qitdephyQOh3/s400/IMG_0006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557430575472008610" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vUskvVFtWm0Ndi7WjPWWwBArCXjz4bZ9b1As-pB04wHx65MyPSMOqbx9aIbnzKvtkMWq4S_NqD33ebjtrlT1z175qu1dhlhFIi0rRQ-C39GEcE6RYtjSCLHOCKV_29I5p7KK_yRg5jkW/s1600/IMG_0094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vUskvVFtWm0Ndi7WjPWWwBArCXjz4bZ9b1As-pB04wHx65MyPSMOqbx9aIbnzKvtkMWq4S_NqD33ebjtrlT1z175qu1dhlhFIi0rRQ-C39GEcE6RYtjSCLHOCKV_29I5p7KK_yRg5jkW/s400/IMG_0094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557427335841716034" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituu6jfP-rN8cUoX2QuQ2iVnOuUMgsj_gU8ky5IKnVRNPmgXZGFB0rxPoi5F0v2pDUK9M9cgf9SYUEufCApcGzBFJ6OGjsxe8Jc1-Db9G11vkoMaExuE2ZQ4XKrPUm6a8IwYIm9ipEJABp/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituu6jfP-rN8cUoX2QuQ2iVnOuUMgsj_gU8ky5IKnVRNPmgXZGFB0rxPoi5F0v2pDUK9M9cgf9SYUEufCApcGzBFJ6OGjsxe8Jc1-Db9G11vkoMaExuE2ZQ4XKrPUm6a8IwYIm9ipEJABp/s400/IMG_0008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557426850404643218" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtgw-SUzR1n26Xid8bpzZH5F4tv5aldFHQou5PHgv_vUYr4qjuONm0ZY5MOnjx4G1EGBJJlw_UZ2uNDmPLHgcEbaBLQexrOxXOPwN4uTeG87bjtg7jG8-P8G6JNAFfqmZ4mpNrPQJ0A27/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtgw-SUzR1n26Xid8bpzZH5F4tv5aldFHQou5PHgv_vUYr4qjuONm0ZY5MOnjx4G1EGBJJlw_UZ2uNDmPLHgcEbaBLQexrOxXOPwN4uTeG87bjtg7jG8-P8G6JNAFfqmZ4mpNrPQJ0A27/s400/IMG_0014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557425971528518338" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hKUTQH7Rjbr0jQkpAwNHgNiobbVWqO4oyo2VKB_FXLKJehKKGH50JIDMWlpzHfb1sxr_D6NXOyyqQTBeJXKdSgbth62Fn-uqu3ON013k0LKdlEVUIm58i-WUtXbTh7KHrZKrmgnbarbC/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hKUTQH7Rjbr0jQkpAwNHgNiobbVWqO4oyo2VKB_FXLKJehKKGH50JIDMWlpzHfb1sxr_D6NXOyyqQTBeJXKdSgbth62Fn-uqu3ON013k0LKdlEVUIm58i-WUtXbTh7KHrZKrmgnbarbC/s400/IMG_0006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557424921841032626" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZGrjBzEEC0nLQwBydP8d-xl07-sVK6bB8ulDSCH8JqywVTE5biW8xFZ3R7V4jZlRgFjHvuo4LdFJpi1TMr-mBLFZegxk7ArtmmP-2i8yjwOAZGHpihTDiVBHnanRWsvwvpJzBnkAnXuH/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZGrjBzEEC0nLQwBydP8d-xl07-sVK6bB8ulDSCH8JqywVTE5biW8xFZ3R7V4jZlRgFjHvuo4LdFJpi1TMr-mBLFZegxk7ArtmmP-2i8yjwOAZGHpihTDiVBHnanRWsvwvpJzBnkAnXuH/s400/IMG_0011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557430952301959138" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLinEGmbj16HFDVPK0242IcjEFvmjecvWUnobp4BHYjnNfDUm3D8FYdiKIbhKvQesj6DSItq6uTbO56oju6GuezuREwBh9e_k49BLic5NL5ctimmxJ20F33-ItzOYICFdSYvyE6ZO8ypuA/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLinEGmbj16HFDVPK0242IcjEFvmjecvWUnobp4BHYjnNfDUm3D8FYdiKIbhKvQesj6DSItq6uTbO56oju6GuezuREwBh9e_k49BLic5NL5ctimmxJ20F33-ItzOYICFdSYvyE6ZO8ypuA/s400/IMG_0058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557426479079971362" border="0" /></a><br />Now, on to the cupcakes! No joke, this is THE BEST cupcake recipe I have! Justin was shocked when I told him I've never blogged this recipe because I've made it a few times (and they've gotten rave reviews every time), but these cupcakes are gobbled down so quickly I usually can't get any pictures! I decorate the top of the cupcakes with the hostess signature loops, but you could draw words or pictures as well. I tried writing "love" once but my handwriting is so sloppy... I have to stick to the loops ,-)<br /><br /><u>Cupcake Ingredients</u><br />1 box Devil's Food Cake Mix (and the oil, water, eggs to prepare it)<br />1 large jar Marshmallow Fluff<br /><br /><u>Ganache Ingredients</u><br />1 (12 ounce) bag chocolate chips<br />1/2 cup milk<br /><br /><u>Icing Ingredients</u><br />1 stick butter<br />1 1/2 - 2 tablespoons milk<br />2 cups powdered sugar<br />1/4 teaspoon vanilla<br /><br /><u>Cupcake Directions</u><br />Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350. Place paper liners in muffin tin for about 20 cupcakes. Spray liners with non-stick cooking spray.<br />Prepare the Devil's Food cake according to the directions, divide the batter evenly amongst the cupcake liners (about 1/4 cup batter per cupcake) and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 17 minutes. Cool for at least 1 hour.<br /><br />Spoon the marshmallow fluff into a pastry bag... this is the hardest part because the fluff is so sticky (get a helper to hold your bag while you try to fill it). With a medium star tip (I used a Wilton #199 tip). Insert the tip into the center of each cupcake top; fill until the cupcake is heavier or the top starts to split. It's OK if some of the filling peeks out, it will be covered by the ganache ,-)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizU0BTg1WEUnWelbJ9S4m4M7kosncyp1bsawLzurNEvtI9QDCxcxez0TmnBekMKEKszC8-kYwu-qDG6rqLby1l1bdQ9R4qq_Sh4JWgIm2oFZd3c8BZnuGTo1wI2VeOw13FybPMmUvc2SW_/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557420667340859490" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizU0BTg1WEUnWelbJ9S4m4M7kosncyp1bsawLzurNEvtI9QDCxcxez0TmnBekMKEKszC8-kYwu-qDG6rqLby1l1bdQ9R4qq_Sh4JWgIm2oFZd3c8BZnuGTo1wI2VeOw13FybPMmUvc2SW_/s400/IMG_0002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><u>Ganache Directions</u><br />In a tall cup or bowl (I use a 2-cup measuring cup) add the milk and chocolate chips. Microwave in 30 second intervals stirring after each cycle until it's melted. Mine is usually melted and ready to go after 3 cycles (1 minute 30 seconds). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUwRSxopaegbKxsXUAETIFA5dnQ4V2p155fDnytvi2E5u9YSKTQo8LaBQWSjR42aE8dX4FqqPpwFyMdt7CsmM9QOuk-lIgvX3C-UKZ9CnS8Qnxa5PRIlbVLh7dAM1BdQ8848q1MeJd49m/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557420675765668770" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUwRSxopaegbKxsXUAETIFA5dnQ4V2p155fDnytvi2E5u9YSKTQo8LaBQWSjR42aE8dX4FqqPpwFyMdt7CsmM9QOuk-lIgvX3C-UKZ9CnS8Qnxa5PRIlbVLh7dAM1BdQ8848q1MeJd49m/s400/IMG_0010.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMXLKBj_h5UtER5Vas44sqs0y6KGGKXjRDnP87N8JGApQE42DXrl5u3cLo5xAL722zN1VvM7TMXfltghlBrEQcj-Yv-Rc2N-bvT7_OtwFOIGNnxOjys2Ca_vhttMwSocNbr0gXFt1ndGq/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557420678958994722" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMXLKBj_h5UtER5Vas44sqs0y6KGGKXjRDnP87N8JGApQE42DXrl5u3cLo5xAL722zN1VvM7TMXfltghlBrEQcj-Yv-Rc2N-bvT7_OtwFOIGNnxOjys2Ca_vhttMwSocNbr0gXFt1ndGq/s400/IMG_0012.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKBEGBXLLYmQLNabI-LphbLjUYnUeWaShLEo_Mclu0YIsMYyUapqfQkzPKx_ab1xeKV9SoCc02776HL7nc67Li8PDyJl-aTJ4ZWhl_kUvjJxVnqqaKKKbt4qmFVw1IGhGEQkentlzd_ly/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557420683843642658" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKBEGBXLLYmQLNabI-LphbLjUYnUeWaShLEo_Mclu0YIsMYyUapqfQkzPKx_ab1xeKV9SoCc02776HL7nc67Li8PDyJl-aTJ4ZWhl_kUvjJxVnqqaKKKbt4qmFVw1IGhGEQkentlzd_ly/s400/IMG_0014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><u>Icing Directions</u><br />Meanwhile, prepare the icing: Using a mixer, beat the remaining 1 stick butter, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, the milk and confectioners’ sugar until smooth, adding more milk if needed. Spoon into a pastry bag with a small tip (I used a Wilton #4 plain tip); pipe onto the cupcakes to decorate. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-g0C7Qgu8ybefXpy82NKDigRT-F4hysXUQ3vdZP4h5De3bVI0ip3y3vkavvd0BEJGa5K0i9gJm_TLfBtkAoOiAdD1wJYz18Gf_wQlTEaDb9ZMS1afundELKcnlxkW2_GIk79Ifs-bIKNh/s1600/IMG_0038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557421987272506210" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-g0C7Qgu8ybefXpy82NKDigRT-F4hysXUQ3vdZP4h5De3bVI0ip3y3vkavvd0BEJGa5K0i9gJm_TLfBtkAoOiAdD1wJYz18Gf_wQlTEaDb9ZMS1afundELKcnlxkW2_GIk79Ifs-bIKNh/s400/IMG_0038.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Store in the refrigerator, they are yummy cold!</div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-64069189736456053792010-12-24T19:30:00.004-06:002012-02-29T14:55:18.694-06:00Caramel Pretzel Sticks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsLVqluqRZ8XsDs8QbJn-Mbo1rA7tSMZ-WiaNTS9cLdFqF5BERdCvTBlvEnkUWDzk4PfgM8dqhLMeIC0u8zQ6YQnkArU_zeHSruoUJqxxGkjvT3KdPg13Jq5bA9JgwplfPdRQ2C7vUzlJ/s1600/IMG_0154.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsLVqluqRZ8XsDs8QbJn-Mbo1rA7tSMZ-WiaNTS9cLdFqF5BERdCvTBlvEnkUWDzk4PfgM8dqhLMeIC0u8zQ6YQnkArU_zeHSruoUJqxxGkjvT3KdPg13Jq5bA9JgwplfPdRQ2C7vUzlJ/s400/IMG_0154.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554421493038045250" border="0" /></a>Merry, Merry Christmas to each of you! I'm so thankful that you stuck around during the "lean months" and continue to visit CookingwithCarrie. As for what's been going on in the Hubbard household, its been a fun filled week with family visiting, Christmas baking, present wrapping (and unwrapping), and visiting with friends. But from tomorrow on (the Lord willing) the next week will be calm and slow. We have big plans for family time, non-stop pajama wearing, game marathons, movies, and cooking! Most importantly though, we will take time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, this video is a wonderful reminder for all of us as we strive to make this week special for our families.<br /><br />The Real Meaning of Christmas ~ Linus style<br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NYexxEAl8Io?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NYexxEAl8Io?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br />Another reminder for me is this song. O Holy Night by Seven Day Jesus is my all-time favorite Christmas song! It gives me chills and fills my eyes with tears every time I hear it.<br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Rf5i5UdGiqg?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Rf5i5UdGiqg?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br />Blessings to you and your family on this day<br />~Carrie<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYro8PUQo_T6DTwtWdD7h4Jobb9R5aIToKgsOLN5R40bOCmxWDMZy2Q_4gEfQbBexz9JbK674AvP_WJ6hzYzWDcny0kp6DMmqtfAC9SYaUnuGRtuzie34IeVhJajnqAtWKXFazF8qIwyCX/s1600/IMG_0160.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYro8PUQo_T6DTwtWdD7h4Jobb9R5aIToKgsOLN5R40bOCmxWDMZy2Q_4gEfQbBexz9JbK674AvP_WJ6hzYzWDcny0kp6DMmqtfAC9SYaUnuGRtuzie34IeVhJajnqAtWKXFazF8qIwyCX/s400/IMG_0160.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554421488544302658" border="0" /></a> Andrew made these Caramel Pretzel Sticks! Everyone really liked these but I still prefer chocolate dipped pretzels. These tasted like a candy bar, which explains why I wasn't a huge fan... I don't like candy bars (remember my favorite dessert is <a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2010/03/angel-strawberry-bavarian.html">Angel Strawberry Bavarian</a>), but every other candy bar loving person went crazy for these pretzel sticks ,-)<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />1 package caramels<br />1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk<br />1 cup mini chocolate chips<br />1 cup peanut butter chips<br />2/3 cup toffee bits <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg422HLsQYtEfWa3nuiN9YwwtnQy_CO_2eGoJd4GQDMNhJ4G-Vq7U130rd7BSG40-PlffhGtFFOq2mdmuNDwRu30Wp3foUoRPb0sGUBnU_trXIhBF1jZGW34jyzVzx8j0Rqzi6_6upykIn2/s1600/IMG_0014_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg422HLsQYtEfWa3nuiN9YwwtnQy_CO_2eGoJd4GQDMNhJ4G-Vq7U130rd7BSG40-PlffhGtFFOq2mdmuNDwRu30Wp3foUoRPb0sGUBnU_trXIhBF1jZGW34jyzVzx8j0Rqzi6_6upykIn2/s400/IMG_0014_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554421483642971378" border="0" /></a><br /><u>Directions</u><br />Melt caramel w/milk. I melted my caramel in the microwave. It is easier to handle if the caramel is not real runny and when it started to get too firm I just put it back in the microwave for a few seconds.<br />Combine chips and toffee in small shallow bowl (I used a pie pan). Dip pretzels in caramel then roll in chip mixture. Place on waxed paper until set. Store in airtight container. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKM9TmrRAtBeLEyiTZwH6WTtEaeabChcTx9n5FtNsUYSRx3SH7zVJ8KKAONywrQQkjgbbToG8UtmRmVACLojpZ_Hkilhzym-3GTrdvTe1QfvTaGI3GhRX5hgHwqcVirHLzlbnw9mSelu0/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKM9TmrRAtBeLEyiTZwH6WTtEaeabChcTx9n5FtNsUYSRx3SH7zVJ8KKAONywrQQkjgbbToG8UtmRmVACLojpZ_Hkilhzym-3GTrdvTe1QfvTaGI3GhRX5hgHwqcVirHLzlbnw9mSelu0/s400/IMG_0020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554420365741678418" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlclft0p5nA93UFSyf7PyntZwXVEjp4Csr6MP0fOuMCNnwLUplfrNVfYnHNq5haQ0Jd7HesxW-NTohtgmZAhl9jEeFu4VU5KpnvPZi8IWTe68IxT-EYgjbQ4N62LyxckoLQL3SkajMzj9z/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlclft0p5nA93UFSyf7PyntZwXVEjp4Csr6MP0fOuMCNnwLUplfrNVfYnHNq5haQ0Jd7HesxW-NTohtgmZAhl9jEeFu4VU5KpnvPZi8IWTe68IxT-EYgjbQ4N62LyxckoLQL3SkajMzj9z/s400/IMG_0023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554420357825883922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIb-nQlRSVljKkKoSH6Cp3eNpbDLS6fqJgN2zyvYAmK1rK5B9ZrLBZIBQKO5HvHd6DQygritAFPXE4iiRoxnH8bRXV25UUA-sj9gtFR5U2O7Z2zcYjVCO63ZhLscXGhXEjCLBEx9xg00A7/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIb-nQlRSVljKkKoSH6Cp3eNpbDLS6fqJgN2zyvYAmK1rK5B9ZrLBZIBQKO5HvHd6DQygritAFPXE4iiRoxnH8bRXV25UUA-sj9gtFR5U2O7Z2zcYjVCO63ZhLscXGhXEjCLBEx9xg00A7/s400/IMG_0027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554420357639240178" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzOE9zeHwvPNW1TIiCJ4WGMnMozcA76jcBuhgUBrJfH5jCnefBSrPt3QzTA8xvjEhtOUmmHnYF6KnuZNdOS4pV094WdxG7s95QWv99lftkcQsjD8Ot2dF8N0JLH3FecN774L3b5c0xlFJ/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzOE9zeHwvPNW1TIiCJ4WGMnMozcA76jcBuhgUBrJfH5jCnefBSrPt3QzTA8xvjEhtOUmmHnYF6KnuZNdOS4pV094WdxG7s95QWv99lftkcQsjD8Ot2dF8N0JLH3FecN774L3b5c0xlFJ/s400/IMG_0041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554420353279746130" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2ykcmQA9jJIZZRmLd_pJp4Qq1HSv34E-R45dGJt7d7zcKomNl1dHoq8WaV7KDPP_gaFgtqjpEQ4T4rnjnMzW5EPPfosq4faksmR-V02ux4FwMvbQLhHCUWRh5ZpGkX45k8LZ2pw-U4Aj/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2ykcmQA9jJIZZRmLd_pJp4Qq1HSv34E-R45dGJt7d7zcKomNl1dHoq8WaV7KDPP_gaFgtqjpEQ4T4rnjnMzW5EPPfosq4faksmR-V02ux4FwMvbQLhHCUWRh5ZpGkX45k8LZ2pw-U4Aj/s400/IMG_0088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554420348498638530" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_Hub5KmDM4sP1RcO7MqfVlFAPeJDOM8oivesa48ikDO-oL9b8MH9OHtVnYEnT75g8k_Go2Zfs09piKFdHwV85kxGo65smt1XaGHqinWB9eGdQmg4oBFQ4ZVvTGdcBeRuhzDglCp0WnlK/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_Hub5KmDM4sP1RcO7MqfVlFAPeJDOM8oivesa48ikDO-oL9b8MH9OHtVnYEnT75g8k_Go2Zfs09piKFdHwV85kxGo65smt1XaGHqinWB9eGdQmg4oBFQ4ZVvTGdcBeRuhzDglCp0WnlK/s400/IMG_0093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554424511975369298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHkO7xDpF1xXA1x7RtR-M4Je0osneZK-B_UM4OxgPMDYA4nlQyYB0F-627OEpp4kgWoog3v0BEm5LoMW8eymwEhwqGq8Q4kH1aLL-LJdlSRZbOqHJcdCkpp3jkVll9ydzX68mGq0xczxm/s1600/IMG_0094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHkO7xDpF1xXA1x7RtR-M4Je0osneZK-B_UM4OxgPMDYA4nlQyYB0F-627OEpp4kgWoog3v0BEm5LoMW8eymwEhwqGq8Q4kH1aLL-LJdlSRZbOqHJcdCkpp3jkVll9ydzX68mGq0xczxm/s400/IMG_0094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554424518285708898" border="0" /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-74245047700234706322010-12-22T17:41:00.007-06:002010-12-22T18:33:05.710-06:00Snack Printables and Giveaway Winner<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojbxfofkQEu3NlSUc7qDJUnaz8R5GbGY55-Plkonj0AYfR45GFD070JnkNmPvL4Wj3eMZQ-i1qrZ4Cr-kG7NElGBdWcx71x8qsnT0mjXnggRqo3LCL5E6lBNpuhyLNVZwMW3KLsaG6nDm/s1600/Combined.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojbxfofkQEu3NlSUc7qDJUnaz8R5GbGY55-Plkonj0AYfR45GFD070JnkNmPvL4Wj3eMZQ-i1qrZ4Cr-kG7NElGBdWcx71x8qsnT0mjXnggRqo3LCL5E6lBNpuhyLNVZwMW3KLsaG6nDm/s400/Combined.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553668616069589586" border="0" /></a> I'm always looking for snack ideas for the boy's classes (well, Andrew doesn't need snacks now that he's in middle school but Abbott still needs snacks). A fellow blogger (<a href="http://www.gourmetmomonthego.com/">Gourmet Mom On-The-Go</a>) has the best snack ideas and she makes these cute printables to go along with them! So last month I sent Donut Seeds (aka Honey Nut Cheerios) for Abbott's class...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF6qtlU_GoSGDABPkGRcC8oZ_NKE3hsIlSTRE1ATvcflSL0tu9RPGzJLFGDZFkjz3VSLd14Y5SeTprdZ4mMStkN4JBzGy5WrCjgsKv5zZKrhg-PhWsaVhCBBZU7qvg12WmVz0sSeIyXAo/s1600/IMG_1061.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF6qtlU_GoSGDABPkGRcC8oZ_NKE3hsIlSTRE1ATvcflSL0tu9RPGzJLFGDZFkjz3VSLd14Y5SeTprdZ4mMStkN4JBzGy5WrCjgsKv5zZKrhg-PhWsaVhCBBZU7qvg12WmVz0sSeIyXAo/s400/IMG_1061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553662165496109762" border="0" /></a> And yesterday I sent Ernie Elf's Tinker Toys (aka pretzel sticks and cheese cubes) for Abbott's class...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEKs3H7W-mOr5KHyxKDPyB8cOUdHH-WQy0Bqxzw5vYr6iC-Ga1c0prE6cCBGXODHTY-AuApiI3XprsjayLBexO0ox5krvzYwoJoyOop6TkFS72H5gpKi8MCtAL3se6Bmg9riCvTRhO10J/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEKs3H7W-mOr5KHyxKDPyB8cOUdHH-WQy0Bqxzw5vYr6iC-Ga1c0prE6cCBGXODHTY-AuApiI3XprsjayLBexO0ox5krvzYwoJoyOop6TkFS72H5gpKi8MCtAL3se6Bmg9riCvTRhO10J/s400/IMG_0003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553662161518364866" border="0" /></a> They were a hit! It is such a fun way to send a snack!<br /><br /><u>Donut Seeds Ingredients</u><br />Circular Cereal (Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Fruit Loops, etc.)<br />Sandwich sized Ziploc Baggies<br /><a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0Bytrn_28oFzBMWI2OWQ0OWItMjI5NC00MmMxLThjNjEtMzUzY2E5ZjcxNWU2&sort=name&layout=list&num=50">Printed Labels</a> (click the link to open and print)<br /><br /><u>Ernie Efl's Tinker Toys Ingredients</u><br />Pretzel Sticks<br />Cheese Cubes<br />Sandwich sized Ziploc Baggies<br /><a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=1aY1goAqZMQv_d3jypdIFO33wfkuvKkHVZkfsf6a1XO44517fHblzkeMgQ-ps&sort=name&layout=list&num=50">Printed Labels</a> (click the link to open and print)<br /><br /><b>Now for the giveaway winner!</b><br />There were 28 entries<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutqTMVLQ1-IZG283j8Fu5m02ilJFty0jMPEl9ZGbSxTvY77M8ZWsRPLNxr2uIYYjMM6xfX6jprhdSSVg2B2jtjMnoiYGwjRtRTcNypbO4t5EPN5KJ0G6eWg-ndYWfm3BDRF7MHtaf1sIn/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutqTMVLQ1-IZG283j8Fu5m02ilJFty0jMPEl9ZGbSxTvY77M8ZWsRPLNxr2uIYYjMM6xfX6jprhdSSVg2B2jtjMnoiYGwjRtRTcNypbO4t5EPN5KJ0G6eWg-ndYWfm3BDRF7MHtaf1sIn/s400/IMG_0110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553665812196416418" border="0" /></a><br />So we had lots of writing, cutting, and folding<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuM41Ktiz9-3oIxN8DbuD_Lf3Y1TdSLKoBIOWjRIotOTQ58M4ZiET4IbSCCUWJygWz7iy_lZ0f2es3pCwtUuQy9bATcZKFQPUoiIgaMSfLb_ycuEwSi586JW-GRsT2rF0LlZKkYfZeYl8/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuM41Ktiz9-3oIxN8DbuD_Lf3Y1TdSLKoBIOWjRIotOTQ58M4ZiET4IbSCCUWJygWz7iy_lZ0f2es3pCwtUuQy9bATcZKFQPUoiIgaMSfLb_ycuEwSi586JW-GRsT2rF0LlZKkYfZeYl8/s400/IMG_0117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553665821314399346" border="0" /></a><br />In to Andrew's hat they go<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnVxL-SVBN-_fn7ohSufnx7MzIfkgg0zNcF1w6yqAPr-ZD4UXmSYpPTRdWo6uSo7NcundEXi7-pwYXpqGCz_5RmItoVGoVBTqaLZwkC80ILZ3EgeBPDclb07MGSt44gNMV-xo-9ETWJjD/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnVxL-SVBN-_fn7ohSufnx7MzIfkgg0zNcF1w6yqAPr-ZD4UXmSYpPTRdWo6uSo7NcundEXi7-pwYXpqGCz_5RmItoVGoVBTqaLZwkC80ILZ3EgeBPDclb07MGSt44gNMV-xo-9ETWJjD/s400/IMG_0118.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553665827868844626" border="0" /></a><br />Andrew goes in to pick the winner<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnLFEwmwT2qPlSaHfxJdgNqz9IkG0uPS-H1_Qy0-TFTonXOjql6cNjJSufMf19oJLjljtKRS0AlO1rlJJMwm306fBjxRM70uvbdx3TtD8dg22unsu9C8ivo8KGIJxXJpgHYoz6yY4EWbr/s1600/IMG_0121.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnLFEwmwT2qPlSaHfxJdgNqz9IkG0uPS-H1_Qy0-TFTonXOjql6cNjJSufMf19oJLjljtKRS0AlO1rlJJMwm306fBjxRM70uvbdx3TtD8dg22unsu9C8ivo8KGIJxXJpgHYoz6yY4EWbr/s400/IMG_0121.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553665834784108002" border="0" /></a><br />You don't have to close your eyes Andrew, lol<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNUu9UIx5DZzSHmoo8Yq0U5lofhRmEUrmn-HZ-30LRxGCwhU6i8-mRtGuAvznGLOum4lt2HJ-ET-vdJY3-kwzDlAZJDtVBd-0Ybl1v0dI7ySIOlRv0cAwHD321FNXlJqD5K2ngZAw7ZEe/s1600/IMG_0123.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNUu9UIx5DZzSHmoo8Yq0U5lofhRmEUrmn-HZ-30LRxGCwhU6i8-mRtGuAvznGLOum4lt2HJ-ET-vdJY3-kwzDlAZJDtVBd-0Ybl1v0dI7ySIOlRv0cAwHD321FNXlJqD5K2ngZAw7ZEe/s400/IMG_0123.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553665838783133090" border="0" /></a><br />And the winner is<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2Y1OKh3WJU2yLu6YMC535YlucY54QSmxBBijpNjNK4XkpmfCaVSELKzChyphenhyphens9jpRea57SoaJnp3Zbvs5JdGz_2JFfafOPBg5drMufa96KyxrUew42_O8kPgPnjLefcIxHvqtdC7rtS40f/s1600/IMG_0125.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2Y1OKh3WJU2yLu6YMC535YlucY54QSmxBBijpNjNK4XkpmfCaVSELKzChyphenhyphens9jpRea57SoaJnp3Zbvs5JdGz_2JFfafOPBg5drMufa96KyxrUew42_O8kPgPnjLefcIxHvqtdC7rtS40f/s400/IMG_0125.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553666541725492082" border="0" /></a><br />JC! I have emailed JC with the details!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbNnRvGCfE_mL5N5LRw2lRIpLkXpv0kTWYcyyr8JLLtnseJMCZautC5zmzVVdj0TMH_iLvCIwT8yIvn5iGkLkpw8j_syRRBoODsC1oA9vjdukEeYIz54kk02OecYzBk_PXISgrMc100De/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbNnRvGCfE_mL5N5LRw2lRIpLkXpv0kTWYcyyr8JLLtnseJMCZautC5zmzVVdj0TMH_iLvCIwT8yIvn5iGkLkpw8j_syRRBoODsC1oA9vjdukEeYIz54kk02OecYzBk_PXISgrMc100De/s400/IMG_0126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553666545073390674" border="0" /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-21899264656579700742010-12-19T18:07:00.006-06:002010-12-19T19:24:48.048-06:00Chicken Mexi-Ranch Tacos and a Giveaway<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETiu2nT_Z1tpB0nVduxdNyWysNyZ9YtDC6ixP3LSXVOsVJI26b_iok9Dazt__0fSZrmnNg0inQegj6dwfC2_WFEgLrZ0jpfi3RDPIBIQ3_tOPjVhhcU2fLhrnV9UdxAgG9EEIWe6Q1kkQ/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETiu2nT_Z1tpB0nVduxdNyWysNyZ9YtDC6ixP3LSXVOsVJI26b_iok9Dazt__0fSZrmnNg0inQegj6dwfC2_WFEgLrZ0jpfi3RDPIBIQ3_tOPjVhhcU2fLhrnV9UdxAgG9EEIWe6Q1kkQ/s400/IMG_0025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552566104817097890" border="0" /></a> Recently, I was contacted by MyBlogSpark to review the Old El Paso "Family Taco Night" kit and give one away! I was thrilled because we LOVE Mexican food and I LOVE hosting giveaways for my readers!<br /><br />Old El Paso suggested two recipes, <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/double-layer-tacos/b3afd54d-eecd-4f10-a74d-5144e887b1a9">Double Layer Tacos</a> and <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/chicken-ranch-tacos/70165b02-f7ec-4aba-a8d7-4c6f3dbe0342">Chicken Ranch Tacos</a>. I was immediately intrigued by the Chicken Ranch Tacos, but they use plain ole rotisserie chicken and ranch... I had to spice it up! I added some Old El Paso taco seasoning to my chicken and to my ranch and it turned out delicious! We ate the chicken mexi-ranch tacos for lunch and then ate the leftovers as a chicken mexi-ranch salad for dinner!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWv41DMpug32VDQWi-cIrVMkFNgSCGIEpn2EZXVsN48des2cvUakoM92AKElFi1H4xcUAchWQp0fXYXiIUkNz44g-3MLWhqhKggEPPqGi2czrBi94N6C9zISUPwrRy4zgjrv7GDK_eGXj/s1600/Old_El_Paso.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWv41DMpug32VDQWi-cIrVMkFNgSCGIEpn2EZXVsN48des2cvUakoM92AKElFi1H4xcUAchWQp0fXYXiIUkNz44g-3MLWhqhKggEPPqGi2czrBi94N6C9zISUPwrRy4zgjrv7GDK_eGXj/s400/Old_El_Paso.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552560905483612338" border="0" /></a> So, what's the giveaway? An Old El Paso “Family Taco Night” prize pack, which includes a packet of original Old El Paso Taco Seasoning, a Cactus Chip & Dip Serving dish, a set of 3 Fiesta Chili Pepper serving dishes and a $10 gift card to purchase everything for your own family taco night! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a1UBftwmauxIAwDzDTYXEm_Q-m8W2J8yPm2eVFz1e1vW7FSFi7YR-cyyRp5xwHaA4RcsyeKjH7MN2hdDxAZmeUzc07QCu9poO0Fv3m2cyLAEcGsKR6FzfL_MCxEAggN1u_ttbdwUeSjz/s1600/OEP_Taco_Night_Final.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a1UBftwmauxIAwDzDTYXEm_Q-m8W2J8yPm2eVFz1e1vW7FSFi7YR-cyyRp5xwHaA4RcsyeKjH7MN2hdDxAZmeUzc07QCu9poO0Fv3m2cyLAEcGsKR6FzfL_MCxEAggN1u_ttbdwUeSjz/s400/OEP_Taco_Night_Final.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552560900202088946" border="0" /></a> <b>To qualify for the giveaway just leave a comment with your name, telling me what recipe you would make with your Old El Paso taco seasoning! Do you have a family favorite or would you try something new?</b> The giveaway will close at midnight on December 21st. I will draw names and announce the winner on my blog on December 22nd.<br /><br />Want to start cooking now? Download this <a href="http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/b069/">printable coupon</a> for $0.60 off any two Old El Paso products!<br /><br /><u>Chicken Taco Ingredients</u><br />Flour tortillas<br />1 packet of Old El Paso Taco Seasoning<br />Chicken breasts<br />Lettuce<br />Cheese<br />Tomatoes (I omitted)<br /><i>Optional- Avocado</i><br /><br /><u>Mexi-Ranch Ingredients</u><br />1 packet of Old El Paso Taco Seasoning (only use 2 tablespoons of seasoning)<br />1 packet ranch dressing mix<br />1 cup mayonnaise (NOT Miracle Whip!)<br />1 cup milk<br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />Sprinkle raw chicken breasts with taco seasoning (sprinkle both sides of the chicken). Cover with foil and bake at 425 degrees for 45 minutes.<br />Whisk together the mexi-ranch ingredients, cover, and store in fridge (it will thicken after being in the fridge for 30 minutes).<br />When the chicken's done, slice it up and assemble your tacos! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-xcQC2C0ROI4LJJKqfNTg3TMq8n_4xFP4DWcC_S1Q1JnKOAWxSoS2PhvT_rFWZWfqqpvAidgw3sgpirjYsFETfMl6W0r2NfLHEb0KhNC6NzzrlaPlVrAaui2Ew82aQ6QaAmYUYTiScOM/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-xcQC2C0ROI4LJJKqfNTg3TMq8n_4xFP4DWcC_S1Q1JnKOAWxSoS2PhvT_rFWZWfqqpvAidgw3sgpirjYsFETfMl6W0r2NfLHEb0KhNC6NzzrlaPlVrAaui2Ew82aQ6QaAmYUYTiScOM/s400/IMG_0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552567190719999634" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEghZe7G0fn0yHEc6mhL45YO4C8fLkXqaxqyHaLxECitNo2f4mU7Jul_frhm9VJYDAOTBaLxz-hJfRgTLvjUw7qGDkwso6c-nFvYNGCVTxQfJP2MPpARiUM3TjykcGaEifvFbhrrXtesB/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEghZe7G0fn0yHEc6mhL45YO4C8fLkXqaxqyHaLxECitNo2f4mU7Jul_frhm9VJYDAOTBaLxz-hJfRgTLvjUw7qGDkwso6c-nFvYNGCVTxQfJP2MPpARiUM3TjykcGaEifvFbhrrXtesB/s400/IMG_0028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552565498925644786" border="0" /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-15708212524282912832010-12-16T08:13:00.022-06:002010-12-16T19:49:00.468-06:00Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgres5a7SALLjqmnk0nAO4CL7nYOxXPX-oCG6HkGlYWl5VjInW2KTANIqraJMkyYSlLhGgMnWp0cHYw7QxM48KCpHx_vmjIQJJ5zuS4Ik0suO5sjBsIy5t_Z_votLH7iO5FL8JDNWbUqrzB/s1600/IMG_0014_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgres5a7SALLjqmnk0nAO4CL7nYOxXPX-oCG6HkGlYWl5VjInW2KTANIqraJMkyYSlLhGgMnWp0cHYw7QxM48KCpHx_vmjIQJJ5zuS4Ik0suO5sjBsIy5t_Z_votLH7iO5FL8JDNWbUqrzB/s400/IMG_0014_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551398112239492082" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNyV6b1vogMAUrNbiodfZ0yheoslXXfuBzOrTsWVlJCkJWAeBYfyqgBk7ti-V3_prbz8vLXqRji7LyU_V18EYpvc9SwNxCOvqilrKi7D-WYdBBHxEUj6tPshP0WBOjnbwKnoEV5yN-LmA/s1600/IMG_0006_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNyV6b1vogMAUrNbiodfZ0yheoslXXfuBzOrTsWVlJCkJWAeBYfyqgBk7ti-V3_prbz8vLXqRji7LyU_V18EYpvc9SwNxCOvqilrKi7D-WYdBBHxEUj6tPshP0WBOjnbwKnoEV5yN-LmA/s400/IMG_0006_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551398101981846546" border="0" /></a> I love sugar cookies! I have the most DELICIOUS <a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2009/06/soft-sugar-cookies.html">Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe</a>, but they are only good when they are circle shaped and I really wanted to put my Christmas cookie cutters to good use! So, I thought about making a sugar cookie with royal icing, "how hard could it be?" I thought... hahaha, oh, how naive I was! I'd seen those cookie decorating tutorials in magazines and on television that make it look like a toddler could decorate cookies like a pro in 5 minutes. You know which ones I’m talking about..the pictures that show all the pastry bags and squeeze bottles neatly filled with the perfect consistency of icing and the spatulas are color coordinated to the bowls and mixer. The naked cookies are all baked and lined up waiting to be frosted by smiling mothers and angelic children. You can just feel the joy that’s about to be born from this experience.<br /><br />Well, I started exploring online and found the most amazing website, <a href="http://www.universityofcookie.com/">University of Cookie</a>! I spent probably 4 hours reading, watching videos, and learning everything about sugar cookies and royal icing. It scared me to death! I had no idea what kind of work went into making these type of cookies! By the time the icing was made I was exhausted and my kitchen was covered in flour and royal icing! Thankfully I only had one meltdown... I started with the cookie dough recipe from the <a href="http://www.universityofcookie.com/">University of Cookie</a> website and it was a failure! The recipe said "it will be crumbly so knead together" but it was like sand! I couldn't even get the dough to stick together to roll out! So I cried, threw away the dough, called my amazing cousin (who is a professional baker), and started with a new cookie dough recipe. I continued to cry and think "what did I get myself into" but thankfully that was the only bump in the road! Once the cookies were made it was all downhill. I'm actually excited to make these cookies again with new shapes and designs!<br /><br />I credit my success to two tips I picked up from the <a href="http://www.universityofcookie.com/">University of Cookie</a> website...purchase a few plastic squirt bottles (ketchup and mustard squirt bottles would even work) and give yourself at least 4 hours to make and decorate the cookies. I went out and bought a couple of plastic squirt bottles from Hobby Lobby (I heard Walmart had them too but I couldn't find them) and they made the process SO easy! It was time consuming... it took about 3 1/2 hours not including rest time for the cookies to cool and icing to harden but in the end it was worth it, they're beautiful cookies!<br /><br /><u>Sugar Cookie Ingredients</u><br />1 cup (2 sticks) cold butter, cut into chunks<br />1 cup powdered sugar<br />1 egg<br />1/2 teaspoon almond extract<br />1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />1 teaspoon salt<br />2 1/2 cups flour<br /><br /><u>Royal Icing Ingredients</u><br />8 tablespoons meringue powder<br />1 cup cool water<br />2 pounds powdered sugar, sifted<br />1 1/2 teaspoons light corn syrup<br /><i>Optional- a few drops of clear extract (I used almond extract but you could use peppermint, vanilla, cherry, orange, etc.)</i><br /><br /><u>Sugar Cookie Directions</u><br />Cream butter, powdered sugar, egg, almond extract, vanilla, and salt together using a mixer (I used the paddle attachment on my KitchenAid mixer and it worked GREAT). Add in the flour and mix until combined. Roll to 1/4 inch thickness on well-floured surface. Cut with cookie cutters and place on parchment paper covered cookie sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 min. Cookies should not brown. This recipe yielded me 26 3-inch Christmas tree cookies.<br /><br /><u>Royal Icing Directions</u><br />Combine the meringue powder and water. With the paddle attachment of an electric mixer, beat until combined and foamy.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezGBgCXTlAnBBKWfc4hB1Pbj6OENrnk2Vsi5zwA84DaWiqZXSjM9jjb7sJABIGICfaBpCaQWzC3EnB76NSHWcxPltJyjS0-w00nwzFaxCdoW6v7Y0et3opw4CQEaMAPDLWQgMcSdho7Q9/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezGBgCXTlAnBBKWfc4hB1Pbj6OENrnk2Vsi5zwA84DaWiqZXSjM9jjb7sJABIGICfaBpCaQWzC3EnB76NSHWcxPltJyjS0-w00nwzFaxCdoW6v7Y0et3opw4CQEaMAPDLWQgMcSdho7Q9/s400/IMG_0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551396046543602674" border="0" /></a><br />Sift in the powdered sugar and beat on low to combine. Add in the corn syrup and extract if desired (the corn syrup helps keep the icing shiny). Increase speed to med-high/high and beat for about 5 minutes, until the icing is glossy and stiff peaks form. You should be able to remove the beater from the mixer and hold it up and jiggle without the peak falling, however it will be very light and fluffy like meringue!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QiU_886gvKoMIAZTs0uHqwRK471r-2jy0bzcnawDZEl_qtdFRZBtGU-lzQlXIgz6ctDH0B9b8hfeZsubowDUzouomuZ7nH3n0kumln9s5XWhCgzZdOtbAzjV7CGGR-AwqosFnctiYUBW/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QiU_886gvKoMIAZTs0uHqwRK471r-2jy0bzcnawDZEl_qtdFRZBtGU-lzQlXIgz6ctDH0B9b8hfeZsubowDUzouomuZ7nH3n0kumln9s5XWhCgzZdOtbAzjV7CGGR-AwqosFnctiYUBW/s400/IMG_0009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551396079108548162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TupypnznDiUj9C3n0vU_iVbh6Y_Au_-9ffzNe0Fr2OC9qRqQUEUsfr2PSDbP-ayexYBJ7TnAjRu9qyAb1JKtB30FpRn5FqoI1Wdks-bnrYWK5pdOnIj92IJphlBOh48BoXQrQv58xDLO/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TupypnznDiUj9C3n0vU_iVbh6Y_Au_-9ffzNe0Fr2OC9qRqQUEUsfr2PSDbP-ayexYBJ7TnAjRu9qyAb1JKtB30FpRn5FqoI1Wdks-bnrYWK5pdOnIj92IJphlBOh48BoXQrQv58xDLO/s400/IMG_0007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551396071980570498" border="0" /></a><br />Divide the icing into bowls and stir in food coloring. Cover the tops of the bowls with plastic wrap and press the plastic wrap down onto the icing so there is no air (air is the enemy of this icing)! You can store the icing like this for a few days! I divided my icing into 4 bowls, so I had green, red, white, and brown icing. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibelPQCSUCa-dWPAr7nZ_YYDv7_4n_yQo6guR8oiNtcalx37CZEskTcSPTGaVQD8pwcYLauiyxl9guGNBoWaxRYwQngQRdeE3KPeSGEPRGNPn9KWbMzOWNSvdefyYaPZll1o4k1FVAYy3y/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibelPQCSUCa-dWPAr7nZ_YYDv7_4n_yQo6guR8oiNtcalx37CZEskTcSPTGaVQD8pwcYLauiyxl9guGNBoWaxRYwQngQRdeE3KPeSGEPRGNPn9KWbMzOWNSvdefyYaPZll1o4k1FVAYy3y/s400/IMG_0101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551406794947173714" border="0" /></a><br />First you want to outline the cookies. This will dam in the runny "flood icing" you'll add later. I used a Wilton #2 decorating tip to outline my cookies. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijF8xTXj8_lbJe4ig4JeeXR_WN1QfnoFlOTlbYQf7MzKRPDG42YtQ2lt5XjFG8vjyhJaUlqNVVGU-XaiRY0H9kw8rOc6IkoLyxcMFmpSETHSDEeFkopB9urz35qI7OVLDW-nLW5F3oBL0B/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijF8xTXj8_lbJe4ig4JeeXR_WN1QfnoFlOTlbYQf7MzKRPDG42YtQ2lt5XjFG8vjyhJaUlqNVVGU-XaiRY0H9kw8rOc6IkoLyxcMFmpSETHSDEeFkopB9urz35qI7OVLDW-nLW5F3oBL0B/s400/IMG_0011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551396085539167698" border="0" /></a><br />Now you'll need to thin the icing to make "flood icing". This is the runny icing that goes inside the cookie and hardens. I made red, green, and white flood icing (this is the icing you'll put into your squirt bottles). To make the "flood icing" you'll take some of your colored royal icing (I used the green leftover icing from outlining the cookies) and add water a teaspoon at a time. Add a teaspoon of water, stir, evaluate, add another teaspoon of water, stir, evaluate. I ended up adding 8 teaspoons of water to my green icing. You don't want the icing to be too runny so be careful! You'll know it's ready when you pick your spoon up, drizzle icing back into the bowl, and after 5-10 seconds the drizzled icing melts back into the rest of the icing (so you can't see where you drizzled it). It should be the consistency of glue (or corn syrup).<br /><br />Working 1-6 cookies at a time, use the squirt bottles to apply the flood icing and use a tooth pick to move the icing to all the corners. You can add dots or stripes to your icing with other flood icing colors, the dot/stripe will melt into the icing, it's really neat! Here's a slideshow of the process... <object width="470" height="289"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/T5Ec-6otZmw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/T5Ec-6otZmw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="470" height="289"></embed></object> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyDMlb1TADOCgV0LWZq5ZLYHqRYPI9ci8l2Sr8-A21sZgDji_lZvA5nFlOVexHsTMne3Uyu-VQy6vwNvAuUTcPGvy8tkB2dlCQLwN6DdZZ7KwljCSfk1WZ3aL07P8L7f5an_5FD7NFOTt/s1600/IMG_0038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyDMlb1TADOCgV0LWZq5ZLYHqRYPI9ci8l2Sr8-A21sZgDji_lZvA5nFlOVexHsTMne3Uyu-VQy6vwNvAuUTcPGvy8tkB2dlCQLwN6DdZZ7KwljCSfk1WZ3aL07P8L7f5an_5FD7NFOTt/s400/IMG_0038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551408489134786370" border="0" /></a><br />Let the flood icing dry uncovered overnight before you try to add any more detail on top of it. I used red royal icing (NOT FLOOD ICING) and my #2 Wilton tip to draw some garland on the next day. I then sprinkled on some red sugar crystals onto the icing! The sprinkles might stick to your cookies (the first time I tried shaking off the sprinkles they were stuck all over my Christmas tree)! So make sure you wipe the flood icing with a paper towel (eliminating any condensation) before piping on the garland and then use a Q-tip to wipe off any stubborn sprinkles. I am sorry I don't have any pictures of the garland process. I was quickly finishing up so I could send some cookies to work with my husband.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMPWWyQwy-1nJZvD_jQ4K595Usu9DMuoM8eWWMj_7t_1ggiAosq_cMId1YOKYOIlW_Eix7UxJQvK1SjLVoJvdrYDtPTibmrwbu2kg5WS2QjR2RFdbiMPRgkAzor_-7GA09D_kPR09j-RS/s1600/IMG_0010_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMPWWyQwy-1nJZvD_jQ4K595Usu9DMuoM8eWWMj_7t_1ggiAosq_cMId1YOKYOIlW_Eix7UxJQvK1SjLVoJvdrYDtPTibmrwbu2kg5WS2QjR2RFdbiMPRgkAzor_-7GA09D_kPR09j-RS/s400/IMG_0010_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551398107352781858" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4r9Rq9TqHDDEJpeCNcowRtQqhim7JnzmZUXcs-DeASAB9CnciE9Kr1B7Yt3Ufct6npY8BBAaqXdTNVxw9I6ZaEXKImoFhguq3fkQ4Bju4_AzpDvTP20iMwe8GrHFfTq8pLOed2M4JXiRG/s1600/IMG_0037_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4r9Rq9TqHDDEJpeCNcowRtQqhim7JnzmZUXcs-DeASAB9CnciE9Kr1B7Yt3Ufct6npY8BBAaqXdTNVxw9I6ZaEXKImoFhguq3fkQ4Bju4_AzpDvTP20iMwe8GrHFfTq8pLOed2M4JXiRG/s400/IMG_0037_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551398116294278002" border="0" /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-88755742718390956012010-12-10T18:45:00.008-06:002012-11-01T15:29:44.237-05:00BBQ Baked Beans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQj1ch2sVlTfs_yqOhPmBrhY2TQU1Gr_eI8tleVy1x1N5vtlR_OKPdXVf6hhMxOmUrJM0YWsMwfq5mqwuWcCGrWz-F1Wncv8A4HAAw3cXorZQYbgXSjnp2p1zXfy3fTVPf2PSRfdOtV3P/s1600/IMG_1531.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQj1ch2sVlTfs_yqOhPmBrhY2TQU1Gr_eI8tleVy1x1N5vtlR_OKPdXVf6hhMxOmUrJM0YWsMwfq5mqwuWcCGrWz-F1Wncv8A4HAAw3cXorZQYbgXSjnp2p1zXfy3fTVPf2PSRfdOtV3P/s400/IMG_1531.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549226935339475298" border="0" /></a> My favorite Kansas City Barbeque is "Bates City BBQ", and these beans are my own copy cat version of their baked beans! The sauce is sweet with a spicy kick, and the green pepper flavor is infused throughout. These baked beans are STUPENDOUS! I eat these beans as a meal they are so good! But that's just me... some people consider beans the "poor man's meat" but I like to think of it as the "healthy man's meat"! So, I made these beans with some <a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2008/10/delicious-macaroni-salad.html">delicious macaroni salad</a> for dinner, yummm-o!<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />1 green pepper, chopped<br />1/3 cup sugar<br />1/3 cup packed brown sugar<br />1/4 cup ketchup<br />1/2 cup barbecue sauce <br />1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard<br />1/2 teaspoon pepper<br />1/2 teaspoon chili powder<br />1 (16 ounce) red beans, undrained<br /> 2 (16 ounce) cans navy beans, drained<br /><br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />In a large bowl, stir all the ingredients together (stir the beans in last). Pour into a 2-3 quart casserole dish and bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. After an hour I stirred the beans and put them back in for another 1/2 hour (the beans will be hot and bubbly after an hour but you'll want to cook them for another 1/2 hour so the liquid reduces).Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-34044704293829015132010-11-29T19:20:00.003-06:002010-11-29T20:06:01.971-06:00Aunt Kelly's Bread Stuffing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYP8z22IkIO4qIDI_nR9rFSca8eG77f7saUOWAtztMIdoUGiDfgvs3X2KpfhAPExPlP__ZKS5oa237Yif52VQOWEHNTiz1au2qpKniGOTKQNBRjmLvq2ac2fXRJ7HQz3ebybk6lGQamP6/s1600/IMG_1412.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYP8z22IkIO4qIDI_nR9rFSca8eG77f7saUOWAtztMIdoUGiDfgvs3X2KpfhAPExPlP__ZKS5oa237Yif52VQOWEHNTiz1au2qpKniGOTKQNBRjmLvq2ac2fXRJ7HQz3ebybk6lGQamP6/s400/IMG_1412.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545143597731349698" border="0" /></a> Next to my <a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2010/11/grandmas-noodle-gravy.html">Grandma's Noodle Gravy</a>, this is my favorite part of Thanksgiving! Growing up I would go to my mom's side of the family Thanksgiving (famous for the <a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2010/11/grandmas-noodle-gravy.html">Noodle Gravy</a>) and then my dad's side of the family Thanksgiving (famous for my Aunt Kelly's Bread Stuffing). So now when I go to Thanksgiving with Justin's family I bring my <a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2010/11/grandmas-noodle-gravy.html">grandma's gravy</a> and aunt's stuffing. It's like the best of both worlds! Now if I could only get my Aunt Mina's mom's pie recipes... then I may just have the best Thanksgiving dinner possible!<br /><br />On Thanksgiving we went to Justin's parents' house for dinner. Before I tell you what Abbott said you should know that we've never been hunting and we've never eaten game meat. Not that we have anything against hunting, we're just too lazy to get up that early in the morning... that and no one in my family could stomach the thought of killing something ,-)<br />So, while we were getting ready to leave for Thanksgiving, Abbott asked "who’s bringing the turkey"<br />I said "Grandma"<br />Abbott asked "Did she hunt it?"<br />"No" I said<br />"Oh Crap! It tastes terrible when someone didn’t hunt it!" exclaims Abbott<br />"Well grandma bought it from someone who hunted it (meaning the store)" I say<br />"Oh phew! I am glad she bought it from someone. The hunted kind tastes so much better than the kind you buy at the store!" Abbott said<br /><br />So... weird fact about Abbott #1,836- Abbott thinks hunted turkey tastes better than store bought turkey.<br />Weird fact about Abbott #1,837- Abbott's under the false impression that he's eaten a hunted turkey before.<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />2 loaves of sandwich bread, aired out for a few hours to get stale and crusty<br />1 stalk celery, chopped<br />2 cans chicken broth<br />2 eggs<br />1/2 cup white onion, minced<br />1/2 cup butter<br />2 teaspoons poultry seasoning<br />2 teaspoons salt<br />1 teaspoon ground black pepper<br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the butter, onion, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzguEwYxNTVUYCVOgQxzWGxADEo5A3U5xOTB0TitRcWVficlccjK128s-E8I1qkV7TeZjYXOwV0Ph4ldM0DEdHxjtyuhXCltgd_EFvWEs7Wg1twxBjSmJT7CjT1off9XIF9-iYlTRv698/s1600/IMG_1364.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzguEwYxNTVUYCVOgQxzWGxADEo5A3U5xOTB0TitRcWVficlccjK128s-E8I1qkV7TeZjYXOwV0Ph4ldM0DEdHxjtyuhXCltgd_EFvWEs7Wg1twxBjSmJT7CjT1off9XIF9-iYlTRv698/s400/IMG_1364.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545142755602495794" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Slice up the celery stalks and add them to the pan (I stir in each celery stalk after I cut it).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEoUVpRiXgjnfVnjGp_G1HkyzVVlwsy2S5h-H1iF3TonhSnK6Dz5lnMV7x38iMxz2G3Bvw56Nz9304dbvl-y5OVElwwslZm6s3Nr4mB7KlIWA3uj4-h9za4aOpdO3OgIvtcIKDzRJ2ajV/s1600/IMG_1367.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEoUVpRiXgjnfVnjGp_G1HkyzVVlwsy2S5h-H1iF3TonhSnK6Dz5lnMV7x38iMxz2G3Bvw56Nz9304dbvl-y5OVElwwslZm6s3Nr4mB7KlIWA3uj4-h9za4aOpdO3OgIvtcIKDzRJ2ajV/s400/IMG_1367.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545142760956095538" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Once all the celery is cut, add 1 can of chicken broth and turn the heat to medium low. Cook for 8-10 minutes until celery is just soft. Then remove from heat so it can cool.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6ebHjC27F-82HjawPOn2Ot_qVVkBfJYWciDPdqC2CHAIRPFvh99LEuxw_rlOWnLqmcBTWNj-O-Rq1nWqwfM1nxIo_tOsGJZF1jTd8h79Lx3TcBt3L9usCw4pi0fQW1Y4UMkIqmeehSrj/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6ebHjC27F-82HjawPOn2Ot_qVVkBfJYWciDPdqC2CHAIRPFvh99LEuxw_rlOWnLqmcBTWNj-O-Rq1nWqwfM1nxIo_tOsGJZF1jTd8h79Lx3TcBt3L9usCw4pi0fQW1Y4UMkIqmeehSrj/s400/IMG_1369.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545142803164643410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While the celery is cooking cut the 2 loaves of bread into cubes (or if you prefer you can cut the bread earlier in the day, I'm lucky because while I'm cutting and cooking celery Justin cuts up the bread). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRL76lOBMvdxMdNlOV9GJpAK_NvE4d97BO9mOO9M3ruddpQm3Z_AFMD15gCEgZqA3LXbHho5Eic42NfQDjRDxFB7tF53RpdGAS7SitHxp5zCHgtFrfX9RLBlvVtZvGiD3wdLQ7DvInJavW/s1600/IMG_1384.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRL76lOBMvdxMdNlOV9GJpAK_NvE4d97BO9mOO9M3ruddpQm3Z_AFMD15gCEgZqA3LXbHho5Eic42NfQDjRDxFB7tF53RpdGAS7SitHxp5zCHgtFrfX9RLBlvVtZvGiD3wdLQ7DvInJavW/s400/IMG_1384.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545142811486616146" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Whisk 1 can of broth and 2 eggs together. Slowly pour the egg broth over the bread, stopping to toss the bread (with your hands) in-between drizzles. You don't want to soak the bread, just spread the egg broth around evenly.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RJNG0k1NkWOs9I3oYFQGsMMd9gfSPZ_PjEQk2QRcKeaHP3q79-R6CIdWdhENjYglliESY6T-XE-w1lSj-y-i225jZ7uTV-6ipLDLVNvJjmTDkulaUHabQdC4PzxeA93aWk8qCpvwgjs2/s1600/IMG_1388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RJNG0k1NkWOs9I3oYFQGsMMd9gfSPZ_PjEQk2QRcKeaHP3q79-R6CIdWdhENjYglliESY6T-XE-w1lSj-y-i225jZ7uTV-6ipLDLVNvJjmTDkulaUHabQdC4PzxeA93aWk8qCpvwgjs2/s400/IMG_1388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545142818965672130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now, hopefully your seasoned celery broth is cooled to just being warm (you don't want to scramble your egg with boiling broth). Using a spoon (or in my case a measuring cup), ladle on the celery and broth.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfL3ubdI4jiOUMA1n6AGGreYwlRBnStrgrbBN6d_NNvlpz21XaLdOomKqyegn0rTBhUkn1y_2hRJc3HUMauSYGiukoTou46yVGVjv3DCWTw1U6NKs9-wOmnVyCX1ZRuk0xCUV8v1VGnh9R/s1600/IMG_1391.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfL3ubdI4jiOUMA1n6AGGreYwlRBnStrgrbBN6d_NNvlpz21XaLdOomKqyegn0rTBhUkn1y_2hRJc3HUMauSYGiukoTou46yVGVjv3DCWTw1U6NKs9-wOmnVyCX1ZRuk0xCUV8v1VGnh9R/s400/IMG_1391.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545143568157331938" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Toss the bread after every couple ladles, (so the bread doesn't get too runny) you want to evenly distribute the celery and seasoned broth. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI94mYrWwz77kowU6V3kwtr7nW_R2ORqRS2dlzv9R-M9uRldFX3tOYKB4v2g6nSHOZcZ9vO0_JDnRNAg2x9V5QmMJPiC6K_pGu8xGmqm4y4L6plhcoB1jxe73cjZsbnFJOvC8FGxxmuKt/s1600/IMG_1396.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI94mYrWwz77kowU6V3kwtr7nW_R2ORqRS2dlzv9R-M9uRldFX3tOYKB4v2g6nSHOZcZ9vO0_JDnRNAg2x9V5QmMJPiC6K_pGu8xGmqm4y4L6plhcoB1jxe73cjZsbnFJOvC8FGxxmuKt/s400/IMG_1396.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545143577673560114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Spoon on more celery and broth and toss. Repeat until you're out of seasoned celery broth.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0U5lgtRgnm4ipjoPee6P6SyQeHuE77nxQhOteJN6MBuxS27zJw0ZEVtc1mCxUt1fG_SOG90SBFDvVYo8GiX5PX6z2bpXZp5SCI5Afl06TDVgZU0ZXQW68aqRkSLrS0K28viTB22eOfmZT/s1600/IMG_1400.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0U5lgtRgnm4ipjoPee6P6SyQeHuE77nxQhOteJN6MBuxS27zJw0ZEVtc1mCxUt1fG_SOG90SBFDvVYo8GiX5PX6z2bpXZp5SCI5Afl06TDVgZU0ZXQW68aqRkSLrS0K28viTB22eOfmZT/s400/IMG_1400.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545143582364400034" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Put the stuffing in a baking dish and smash it down. I prefer a deeper dish to keep the stuffing really moist (I used a 2.5 quart cast iron pot), but a 9x13 works fine... it's just a little more dry.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYJFodHkWOQ0HUtv_QgJAJ-46qBCsWkRGLeVLzEt3zv3D-Kca2Hs4o_0dzedUBvY6wfiDhUpnvNr-BaKrg59_YlBk0eBFx8tKbawM7uPwk7fH9725FqiKwgfcauAKJwiYDxxZ5SojsDtE/s1600/IMG_1406.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYJFodHkWOQ0HUtv_QgJAJ-46qBCsWkRGLeVLzEt3zv3D-Kca2Hs4o_0dzedUBvY6wfiDhUpnvNr-BaKrg59_YlBk0eBFx8tKbawM7uPwk7fH9725FqiKwgfcauAKJwiYDxxZ5SojsDtE/s400/IMG_1406.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545143596678658066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Uncover for 15 minutes or so until nice and browned on top.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqH7ZVIruhCkn31FBT5JoABrlRoJd2jG4QQz-WpyVTMxCQ24lPhrlsqfNHX3DtiuxQvJKYuGJzET_Th-NqeYXLi9mhWF-Fs4O8iriLcgij9mc9dYYcJOLF0m_mWrJhWUbkmUSuI3opJzsN/s1600/IMG_1414.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqH7ZVIruhCkn31FBT5JoABrlRoJd2jG4QQz-WpyVTMxCQ24lPhrlsqfNHX3DtiuxQvJKYuGJzET_Th-NqeYXLi9mhWF-Fs4O8iriLcgij9mc9dYYcJOLF0m_mWrJhWUbkmUSuI3opJzsN/s400/IMG_1414.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545145738047260402" border="0" /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-56780593277852251962010-11-26T19:45:00.000-06:002010-11-26T19:51:48.866-06:00Grandma's Noodle Gravy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_F56UfZxu6DlebgImwVhJBOyJBdHew_tgRytEkpDZEIX51dQiytVxpQfvwKKGSRhhI1INBqQDMO75o8TquQ9cBk6AUJyX3kjM4F6EkHUmblWwSN5fUV8p3R4xyimBYcYkLfnu434YGfH/s1600/IMG_1411.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_F56UfZxu6DlebgImwVhJBOyJBdHew_tgRytEkpDZEIX51dQiytVxpQfvwKKGSRhhI1INBqQDMO75o8TquQ9cBk6AUJyX3kjM4F6EkHUmblWwSN5fUV8p3R4xyimBYcYkLfnu434YGfH/s400/IMG_1411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544032240647231106" border="0" /></a> This is my grandma's recipe for her famous noodle gravy! We have it for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Everyone lathers it on their turkey and mashed potatoes and it's the best part of the holiday dinner! After Thanksgiving 2003 I called my grandma (while the Thanksgiving preparation of noodle gravy was fresh in her head) to get detailed directions for her noodle gravy. I've made it a few times since then and it's spot on every time! Since we have multiple families to visit I don't always get to go to my grandma's, so I bring this gravy to whatever dinner we're going to! The best part is that this gravy can be prepared without a turkey! Just cook up a couple chicken legs or thighs to get a little drippings, then use a couple cans of chicken broth!<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />De-greased turkey or chicken pan drippings, supplement canned chicken broth if you don’t have enough drippings (you need around 6 cups total. I used 1 cup of drippings and 4 cans of chicken broth)<br />1/2 cup diced turkey or chicken meat<br />1 can cream of chicken soup<br />3-4 tablespoons of flour<br />2 diced hard boiled eggs, minced<br />Homemade egg noodles<br />2 cups flour<br />3 egg yokes<br />1 egg (yoke and white)<br />1/2 cup water<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />The day before, bake some chicken legs and/or thighs for dinner. Save the chicken drippings and the meat of one leg/thigh. Keep the drippings and meat in your fridge over night so you can scrape the fat off in the morning (throw away the fat that gathers at the top).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYD5pgJ2CRMI39IsNl6RmuszuAZE9lzYKGyQRFI68EK2AuF6NYEJHpEwUJpVBFqcNN1cKyVftd9fsPPcJ3ygbiJv6QrU8nyKHGHi9Q-4vywUOcxtCnjsAh8fCsIKqZWO9FvDOdCZK3gysl/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYD5pgJ2CRMI39IsNl6RmuszuAZE9lzYKGyQRFI68EK2AuF6NYEJHpEwUJpVBFqcNN1cKyVftd9fsPPcJ3ygbiJv6QrU8nyKHGHi9Q-4vywUOcxtCnjsAh8fCsIKqZWO9FvDOdCZK3gysl/s400/IMG_1349.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544034485462501794" border="0" /></a><br />The day of, warm the drippings, meat and canned chicken broth in a large pot over medium low heat. You'll want around 6 cups of liquid total.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7d16UwpcplVWxNc4s3_DI88GiL6vQ1d78EyadKSxPp2IMWz72bFwikkJhiCNrmjBe3Y2IbWJYNHuPSEM7ks4K-FP3zKHjQv_TAg52GbgRK5MkcwHn-z4477hy9U7mAWprbhLxEQoG1swb/s1600/IMG_1361.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7d16UwpcplVWxNc4s3_DI88GiL6vQ1d78EyadKSxPp2IMWz72bFwikkJhiCNrmjBe3Y2IbWJYNHuPSEM7ks4K-FP3zKHjQv_TAg52GbgRK5MkcwHn-z4477hy9U7mAWprbhLxEQoG1swb/s400/IMG_1361.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544032284560685682" border="0" /></a><br />While the liquid warms on the stove, prepare the noodles. Put flour and salt in a mixing bowl, make a well in your flour and add the 3 egg yokes and 1 egg.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqhFDb9M9yRLPbg3I6myy3qLJG-0eftlVRQ0Dn_3gPPvbhofBWzSDpS5Mk_T_X7j8SNoFaJ2AgKO1q4KSlCDF4Idv1GYmkyEBFaFZwrHWpKAak7Tz0iMI9dJ5Puua6HklB-tq_GQqhSAP/s1600/IMG_1334.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqhFDb9M9yRLPbg3I6myy3qLJG-0eftlVRQ0Dn_3gPPvbhofBWzSDpS5Mk_T_X7j8SNoFaJ2AgKO1q4KSlCDF4Idv1GYmkyEBFaFZwrHWpKAak7Tz0iMI9dJ5Puua6HklB-tq_GQqhSAP/s400/IMG_1334.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544034499002435634" border="0" /></a><br />Drizzle in the 1/2 cup of cool water. Start stirring with a spoon but once the dry ingredients are sufficiently moistened I press it by hand.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWR6UAOhWcKnS6JmYdW3e5CNN_MrKgYMOsjDurpkqQgwBYOCv1Da6mSD_0D40l7WH1FCJIQK8ocSKv2PaI5Ri0ePGx-aAz4CevdhCKF-gzkQL_VqDAKvihjDNn_UCk-SFEz9nVDpljsGBb/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWR6UAOhWcKnS6JmYdW3e5CNN_MrKgYMOsjDurpkqQgwBYOCv1Da6mSD_0D40l7WH1FCJIQK8ocSKv2PaI5Ri0ePGx-aAz4CevdhCKF-gzkQL_VqDAKvihjDNn_UCk-SFEz9nVDpljsGBb/s400/IMG_1341.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544034487512167970" border="0" /></a><br />Keep pressing the dough until you can get it to hold in a ball (you may need to drizzle in an additional 1/4 cup water).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTuQB71K6-z3bnOVvvSBA7kuW-Rli2W0uegLgN35bjNzijiCJUiq7O6JZiClZz3BlFojI3msh3OdbvuSM_iWIFBazx9Tpa7Bu8MLXj4PDS5PJjz-G9UAUnIq58WsfJKkmkVWWkIHwG55B/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTuQB71K6-z3bnOVvvSBA7kuW-Rli2W0uegLgN35bjNzijiCJUiq7O6JZiClZz3BlFojI3msh3OdbvuSM_iWIFBazx9Tpa7Bu8MLXj4PDS5PJjz-G9UAUnIq58WsfJKkmkVWWkIHwG55B/s400/IMG_1354.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544034472272714898" border="0" /></a><br />Once you have the dough formed into a ball you will cut it into quarters. Sprinkle flour on your counter (or a cutting board) and roll a quarter of the dough out with a rolling pin. As you flip and roll the dough sprinkle more flour on it. You don’t ever want sticky dough; it needs to be dry and dusted with flour. When it is thin, use a pizza cutter to cut small noodles. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9xwlyOcKMsSoiIqxj-2iMyChSMjfHEISKcDnZKuPhj83p9k-hEFAC-qF0RY6nEQSPpSlei0HGejGOCga9_s7FHDi-xq-fCCQd8tIw_UX5rgTusmURrNHUiIQGn36TJR2QXqGI3oT2b8s/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9xwlyOcKMsSoiIqxj-2iMyChSMjfHEISKcDnZKuPhj83p9k-hEFAC-qF0RY6nEQSPpSlei0HGejGOCga9_s7FHDi-xq-fCCQd8tIw_UX5rgTusmURrNHUiIQGn36TJR2QXqGI3oT2b8s/s400/IMG_1356.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544034460756331746" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdf0F8jnkpgw78FnMgDuFvh1m9qQpQPeWzWWUQPZb_C_3Z68cdCocRLJTY6mrdC3CO8opv6mquph6_sPYTfInIWf3zvdIBsDwQPUjsefXlHtAmFO13yTlbGX2bLOQnTFKMO2yQUPDoEE-/s1600/IMG_1357.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdf0F8jnkpgw78FnMgDuFvh1m9qQpQPeWzWWUQPZb_C_3Z68cdCocRLJTY6mrdC3CO8opv6mquph6_sPYTfInIWf3zvdIBsDwQPUjsefXlHtAmFO13yTlbGX2bLOQnTFKMO2yQUPDoEE-/s400/IMG_1357.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544032307522175138" border="0" /></a><br />When all the noodles are cut and ready, add them to the chicken broth and chicken bits. Turn the heat up to medium and let the noodles cook for 15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. After 15 minutes spoon out around 1 cup of broth and whisk in 3-4 tablespoons of flour, then pour the broth/flour mixture back into the pot (this will help thicken the gravy). Add the cream of chicken soup and minced hard boiled eggs to the gravy. Let the gravy cook another 5-10 minutes and it's done! You can serve immediately OR you can hold the gravy for a couple hours by pouring the gravy into a crock-pot and keeping the crock-pot on the warm setting (this is what I do since I take the gravy to our family dinners. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVODbRo_wnc8GBIzebvfchDrWNkphUSCiOxXm868ea7ba6e_Vo-cs-yc3oyaVuzGQdJYl2IhRnz5BxKk3J6rKc1ldhsEJwClFUs7JiX0oyYUZ9S3tyxDW2jF2AmUs0ynbYex3Cz33mZdR/s1600/IMG_1376.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVODbRo_wnc8GBIzebvfchDrWNkphUSCiOxXm868ea7ba6e_Vo-cs-yc3oyaVuzGQdJYl2IhRnz5BxKk3J6rKc1ldhsEJwClFUs7JiX0oyYUZ9S3tyxDW2jF2AmUs0ynbYex3Cz33mZdR/s400/IMG_1376.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544032255472167074" border="0" /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-58830659958021685372010-11-22T21:22:00.002-06:002010-12-18T13:19:27.087-06:00Cream Cheese Chicken<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HAPHbfRol97t0vd8R6yHh4livGON7NyAk0DHWAVc22bSwdHeaRIyjRz9DYduPGImApDEvL1aUmJfWDFVKUM1TXfeUak9cZMUWXNMgIojTKZjY1H0dCyVtWaR7woEaSDa4wsGsFPTn3JP/s1600/IMG_1276.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HAPHbfRol97t0vd8R6yHh4livGON7NyAk0DHWAVc22bSwdHeaRIyjRz9DYduPGImApDEvL1aUmJfWDFVKUM1TXfeUak9cZMUWXNMgIojTKZjY1H0dCyVtWaR7woEaSDa4wsGsFPTn3JP/s400/IMG_1276.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542562736467508626" border="0"></a> We've made this recipe a few times in the last couple weeks, it's cheap and easy but most importantly, it hits the spot! It's very similar to <a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2007/09/creamy-italian-chicken-with-pasta.html">Creamy Italian Chicken and Pasta</a> but I like this version with rice better. We spoon the sauce onto the rice and it's so yummy!<br /><br />We're putting our Christmas tree up on Wednesday and I can't wait! Christmas is our favorite time of year! The boys made a Christmas movie advent calendar, so this year we'll split up our 30 Christmas movies and watch 1 every day! We'll snuggle up, watch Christmas movies, with our fireplace blazing, and twinkle lights shining! There isn't anything better in the whole world! What's your favorite Christmas movie? Justin's favorite is Christmas Vacation, my favorite is Love Actually, Andrew's favorite is Elf, and Abbott's favorite is Home Alone! I can't wait! <br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed (it's ok if they're still a little frozen)<br />1/4 cup butter<br />1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese<br />1 packet, Italian dressing mix (I use Good Seasons Brand)<br />1 can cream of mushroom soup<br />Serve with white rice<br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).<br />In a 9x13 glass casserole dish, warm the butter and cream cheese in a microwave. I put it in for 30 seconds, stir, and then 30 more seconds. When the butter and cream cheese are soft you'll stir in the package of Italian dressing mix and cream of chicken soup. Stir in the cubed chicken breasts, coating the chicken with the sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes in the preheated oven. Serve chicken and sauce over white rice. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqhhcWAk-WvqeqDWiOWRgZPkUAouffIB73iDWj2MAf-8cQh181ISZF_hYbsf3eegGZm8js87pNXHyXMWhwz-o373SQf7zoVBERGnTx-x4zvCMl1LEIlOhFkY55P0sJfXvbmgzFYeQySVf/s1600/IMG_1262.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqhhcWAk-WvqeqDWiOWRgZPkUAouffIB73iDWj2MAf-8cQh181ISZF_hYbsf3eegGZm8js87pNXHyXMWhwz-o373SQf7zoVBERGnTx-x4zvCMl1LEIlOhFkY55P0sJfXvbmgzFYeQySVf/s400/IMG_1262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542562728430739186" border="0"></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-68455956140944601772010-11-03T21:11:00.014-05:002010-12-08T12:30:48.773-06:00First Girlfriend Pie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MjHuxOIfvcaKPWQpkfBbP_apUhBKmovJEWzF9OKS_eniuWFQZyiQAS6kequbi7naNP-AQiBjXHQ128EGKQVpcW2_PseYGX1WFHA8NSvn7XPmS8scCIw27mUeY1qafAuWRFPU4AZPY5YP/s1600/IMG_1234.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MjHuxOIfvcaKPWQpkfBbP_apUhBKmovJEWzF9OKS_eniuWFQZyiQAS6kequbi7naNP-AQiBjXHQ128EGKQVpcW2_PseYGX1WFHA8NSvn7XPmS8scCIw27mUeY1qafAuWRFPU4AZPY5YP/s400/IMG_1234.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535523125581116146" border="0" /></a> We try to celebrate the small things, and I especially like to celebrate the boys "firsts" with pies! Last year I posted <a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2009/08/andrews-first-concert-pie.html">Andrew's First Concert Pie</a> and <a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2009/01/abbott.html">Abbott's First Kiss Pie</a>... both were delicious! Well, today Andrew got his first girlfriend! Her name's Kerri (pronounced Carrie, same as my name)! So we had to celebrate with a "First Girlfriend Pie"! Andrew and Kerri have been flirty with each other for awhile now. Last year Andrew told us a story about an indoor recess where Kerri leaned on him while talking to their friends. Andrew said the whole time Kerri was leaning on him he was thinking "...ok, this isn't awkward"! It was too cute because as Andrew told the story his body language perfectly described how awkward he must have felt.<br /><br />So, Andrew says Kerri wrote him a note yesterday asking him if he liked her. Andrew wrote back admitting that he liked her and asked if she liked him, then Kerri wrote back saying that she liked him too! Andrew said Kerri's friends begged and pushed for him to ask her out, so today at lunch Andrew asked Kerri to be his girlfriend! She said yes! I knew I'd like this girl when Andrew said that Kerri asked if she could pick him up for Wednesday night youth group... she goes to youth group too?!! SCORE!<br /><br />First girlfriends are special and it's something to celebrate! Justin's first girlfriend was Cheryl Hudson when he was in 5th grade. I can't remember who my first boyfriend was, I was more like Abbott... I think I had my first kiss before I had my first boyfriend. My first kiss was in 5th grade, we were on a God's Kids tour, playing truth or dare, and my cousin Brett Rains dared me to put a Spree candy in my mouth and for Nathan Evans to kiss me and get the candy. First's are so special because they can't ever be repeated! We don't ever remember who our second girlfriends or kisses were, just our first. There's a GREAT movie all about that first middle school girlfriend, it's called "Little Manhattan" and it's one of our favorites! If you haven't ever seen it you must rent it immediately... and make this pie to eat while you're watching it :-)<br /><br />So, congratulations Andrew on having your first girlfriend! You are one step closer to becoming a man, and what an amazing young man you are. We are so proud! Your "First Girlfriend Pie" was outstanding! It was fluffy, smooth, and so rich! I can't wait to make this pie for you, your wife, and your family some day! It will always make me smile remembering the grin on your face as you beamed with the pleasure of having your first girlfriend!<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />9-inch deep dish pie crust, baked<br />1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk<br />2/3 cup water<br />1 (4 serving) package chocolate pudding mix (not instant)<br />1 (1 ounce) square unsweetened chocolate<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />1 large (16 ounce) tub of Cool Whip<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Optional- Hot fudge topping</span><br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />In large saucepan, combine condensed milk, water and pudding mix; mix well. Add chocolate and salt. Over medium heat, cook and stir rapidly until chocolate melts and mixture thickens (it won't thicken until it starts to boil). Remove from heat, whisk until smooth, and cool in the fridge. When it is thoroughly chilled, fold in Cool Whip and pour into prepared pie crust. Chill 4 hours until set. Use a pastry bag and tip to pipe on the hot fudge topping into a heart shape. Don't warm the hot fudge topping, it needs to be cool or room temperature to hold the shape of a heart.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-56686783013528959092010-10-30T20:14:00.000-05:002010-11-03T22:14:51.369-05:00Mashed Faux-Tatoes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0usASRWZbIg5it0qSOwH8btQfYyxY8dIw12L-F-BS-M9fNfb6RlZVUeZtk3_Owbi9TfNM2fLffX_4m-XfKLDSB9NbBBOMi4LoydHefRWHPF5wfkpZpYCgKj7deGoPqKtytZg6pk2uMwv/s1600/IMG_0435.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0usASRWZbIg5it0qSOwH8btQfYyxY8dIw12L-F-BS-M9fNfb6RlZVUeZtk3_Owbi9TfNM2fLffX_4m-XfKLDSB9NbBBOMi4LoydHefRWHPF5wfkpZpYCgKj7deGoPqKtytZg6pk2uMwv/s400/IMG_0435.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534056398776617074" border="0" /></a> These mashed faux-tatoes look like mashed potatoes, taste like creamy rice, but it is really cauliflower!<br />... This was my opening line to my family but their response was "it smells terrible"! I admit that boiling cauliflower doesn't smell like roses but I thought it really did taste good! I quite liked these faux-tatoes! They couldn't ever substitute real mashed potatoes but they are great as a vegetable side dish!<br />I've been a reading fool this weekend! I read the Wake Trilogy Books by Lisa McMann in two days! Once I start a book (or book series) I just can't stop though! I've got a whole week full of boy's activities ahead of me though so I need a new book to read! Do you have any book suggestions?<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />2 pounds cauliflower, trimmed<br />1/4 cup low fat sour cream<br />1/4 cup low fat cream cheese<br />2 cloves garlic, minced<br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />Boil cauliflower until soft. Mix cauliflower with rest of ingredients in blender or using a mixer. Cook on stove-top for 15-20 minutes.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-62170582354540314422010-10-25T18:18:00.009-05:002010-10-25T20:31:49.370-05:00Margarita Chicken<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqnjkf4Kai7tbU60gyVIdddeVmwCNXT9GNzCe3z0-a63H3JxOW_Fk8We2OZkZ1cNypfqDn3SvCYgaN7hSJEeHCjSLXiknFwqFXb870Fs9_LOw4X_L64wJLEobgwqDJ3L8NYy5M8ivEbLj/s1600/IMG_0410.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqnjkf4Kai7tbU60gyVIdddeVmwCNXT9GNzCe3z0-a63H3JxOW_Fk8We2OZkZ1cNypfqDn3SvCYgaN7hSJEeHCjSLXiknFwqFXb870Fs9_LOw4X_L64wJLEobgwqDJ3L8NYy5M8ivEbLj/s400/IMG_0410.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532136661206350274" border="0" /></a> This is going to be one of those years with my boys. We've already had way too many conversations with their teachers and Abbott's testing my laundry abilities by wearing the same outfit everyday for a month! Abbott wants to be a doctor so my parents bought him a set of scrubs for his birthday. He wants to wear them everyday so I have to sneak into his room to launder the outfit while he sleeps! This is my doctor... <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04WknxHicxbQcmzIVNzdnbB2ZmEkNaaRUge2RMcTeAi5Wy6z58WgdyVUTisV5P07EbBiKMBP6qnwFAC3ftdLj95Jfxud5-Br0q07hbMzIPT80IMFRPZaxIaAQOvb9ZCuANCH1_Ryr0rxp/s1600/IMG_1077.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04WknxHicxbQcmzIVNzdnbB2ZmEkNaaRUge2RMcTeAi5Wy6z58WgdyVUTisV5P07EbBiKMBP6qnwFAC3ftdLj95Jfxud5-Br0q07hbMzIPT80IMFRPZaxIaAQOvb9ZCuANCH1_Ryr0rxp/s400/IMG_1077.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532137806732112306" border="0" /></a> ...or as a girl in his class calls him, "nurse boy"! Being a mom is so stressful but thankfully my wonderful sister-in-law understands, she shared this hilarious video last week...<br /><br /><object style="background-image:url(http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/Nem0bkErGVY/hqdefault.jpg)" height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Nem0bkErGVY?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Nem0bkErGVY?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br />This video does a pretty good job of summing up my life! It's crazy!<br />However, the upside of Abbott's determination to wear his doctor outfit everyday is that I don't have to buy him a Halloween costume! Have you ever noticed that something weird happens on Halloween? I'm not talking ghosts and goblins... I'm talking about the weather! It feels like summer right up until Halloween blows in and it's frigid every day after! I won't be fooled this year though! It may have been 80 degrees today but I am on to you Halloween... I know this is the last week of warm weather so I wanted to slip one more summery recipe in before it's all soups and spiced breads!<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />5 boneless skinless chicken breast halves<br />1 can (10 ounces) frozen non-alcoholic margarita mix, thawed (I used Bacardi)<br />3 tablespoons lime juice<br />3 garlic cloves, minced<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />1/4 teaspoon pepper<br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />In a small bowl, combine the margarita mix, lime juice and garlic. Pour 1 1/4 cup marinade into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Rotate half way through marinading. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade.<br />Drain and discard marinade, sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, and grill or saute the chicken to cook. As the chicken cooks baste it with the the remaining marinade (that you covered and saved in your fridge).Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-38759345188604429992010-10-20T20:00:00.009-05:002010-10-21T08:12:31.104-05:00Spanish Rice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xRVK5E8x2cP2PsBX_KNBUKMrB-C4j3C6ps-ntkeDXHPQWpNOcUYjxwVHuq16TeiI2KAgCTOAtm7lrJGT8QAKs7Kyl4xwNhOvPrNAP60zGN8X4KhsbJ0DVT-TMcULMM9xqsKIHRRsqY9f/s1600/IMG_0636.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xRVK5E8x2cP2PsBX_KNBUKMrB-C4j3C6ps-ntkeDXHPQWpNOcUYjxwVHuq16TeiI2KAgCTOAtm7lrJGT8QAKs7Kyl4xwNhOvPrNAP60zGN8X4KhsbJ0DVT-TMcULMM9xqsKIHRRsqY9f/s400/IMG_0636.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530309522631652946" /></a> Due to some outrageous medical bills we've been eating at home every night (which I love) but we have to eat the cheapest meals we can (which I hate). Our cheap meals are usually hot dogs, <a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2009/10/easy-noodle-soup.html">noodle soup</a>, hamburger helper, <a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2009/07/beefy-bean-burritos.html">burritos</a>, grilled cheese, etc. All junk type foods with no fresh fruits or vegetables :-( Why are cheap meals also the most unhealthy meals? I gotta tell you, it really tweaks my melon!<br /><br />Anytime someone says "tweaks my melon" I always hear in my head "I gotta tell you Travis, it really tweaks my melon to see a buff bro like Crawl here get weeeeezed on by a greasy scumbag like you! Now let's chow down here and munch on some grindage!" I'll give anyone a hug that can name that movie! Also, anytime someone says "Yippee Ki-Yay" I finish it with something in my head too... but that's not really blog appropriate ,-)<br /><br />So, anyways! To save money I thought I would make my own Spanish Rice! We were bummed though, this recipe wasn't very flavorful. Don't stop reading yet though, this rice has potential! Justin added some salsa to his and it was much better so I'm going to give this rice another try but substitute salsa for the tomato sauce! I'll let you know how my 2nd try turns out ,-)<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />1-2 tablespoons oil<br />2 cups white rice<br />1/2 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce (next time I am using 1 cup of salsa instead)<br />1/2 onion, minced<br />3 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules<br />5 cups water<br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />Heat oil in skillet and fry rice until light brown. Add tomato sauce and stir. Add onion, bouillon and water to the rice, stir well and cover. Bring rice mixture to a boil, over medium-high heat. Once liquid level has dropped below the rice, turn heat down to low and simmer 30-35 minutes. Move rice to see if liquid remains. If so, keep simmering. Once rice is done, you may crack the lid to let steam out and let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving (this helps the rice dry out a little and not be so sticky).Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-59825795073758339532010-10-15T23:09:00.008-05:002010-10-15T23:49:52.820-05:00Taco Cups<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxXyLzjdvXmoZfiggD2qTT4EZpT5xnyD6JSZdu_OZH3vP-hBDVeskp30Amw1hrAinQjS77-B_wCQ5kaKCZKynT16e-pToyAXs9S6XZVdNjRaRLznBlCuVvW3MkS6ee3S_43RaN5i4N4kk/s1600/Taco+Cup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxXyLzjdvXmoZfiggD2qTT4EZpT5xnyD6JSZdu_OZH3vP-hBDVeskp30Amw1hrAinQjS77-B_wCQ5kaKCZKynT16e-pToyAXs9S6XZVdNjRaRLznBlCuVvW3MkS6ee3S_43RaN5i4N4kk/s400/Taco+Cup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528498646009525122" border="0" /></a> After 30 years as a police officer and detective, my wonderful dad retired from the Blue Springs Police Department a few weeks ago! His career was so spectacular that September 17th is now "Troy Pharr Day" in the city of Blue Springs! He had a huge retirement bash at city hall, which was covered by a couple local papers...<br /><a href="http://www.kansascity.com/2010/09/28/2258232/blue-springs-detective-retires.html">Kansas City Star Article </a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.net/features/x1916541756/Retiring-Detective-Troy-Pharr-honored-at-city-reception?img=1">Blue Springs Examiner Article</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_O5OHuAB2Z-DhWRij0Eg_9pXNsGSL-s4AM5VxQ7DtCcmr_USTfRspSumAZCJj4u_UrikXH-MgKJUZUfatoTx0l9lpwUDqbkwdHdkuLyMbfpZDpv_kKQwaH4AVLQS9m1wObu197nl3DTU/s1600/troy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_O5OHuAB2Z-DhWRij0Eg_9pXNsGSL-s4AM5VxQ7DtCcmr_USTfRspSumAZCJj4u_UrikXH-MgKJUZUfatoTx0l9lpwUDqbkwdHdkuLyMbfpZDpv_kKQwaH4AVLQS9m1wObu197nl3DTU/s400/troy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528498643128445810" border="0" /></a> My mom asked my cousin and me to cater the party... yikes! So we made a few appetizers (stuffed strawberries, bruschetta, chocolate covered pretzel sticks, etc.) but the most popular appetizer were these Taco Cups! The boys enjoyed them so much that we had to make them again, they are so yummy!<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />Tostitos Scoops Chips<br />Seasoned Taco Meat<br />Shredded cheddar cheese<br />Salsa<br />Sour cream (put the sour cream in a pastry bag with an icing tip)<br />Sliced black olives, drained<br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />Get a Tostitos Scoop, spoon on some taco meat (I used a melon baller spring scoop), spoon on some salsa, sprinkle on some cheese, use an icing tip and bag to pipe on the sour cream, and top with an olive slice!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XqJQg19xbmnypzqU-JLk_Wawch8OxdWLLMO-Pa1sO_bWycB8JI2tgn2O8OHErymem3eBuD1YKy9Gr5zWwSLlJrO_hqms9oT8XZGfPacPdF4C6zjCf6pke_BI1IpXmzQI0Uym-ncvkDkg/s1600/Taco+Cups.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XqJQg19xbmnypzqU-JLk_Wawch8OxdWLLMO-Pa1sO_bWycB8JI2tgn2O8OHErymem3eBuD1YKy9Gr5zWwSLlJrO_hqms9oT8XZGfPacPdF4C6zjCf6pke_BI1IpXmzQI0Uym-ncvkDkg/s400/Taco+Cups.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528498652015678914" border="0" /></a>These are so easy to make and the boys have a blast assembling them!<br /><a href="http://www.makeagif.com/tsXYiQ" title="Make Animated Gifs Online"><img src="http://www.makeagif.com/media/10-16-2010/tsXYiQ.gif" alt="Gif Created on Make A Gif" /></a><br />This is Andrew making our Taco Cups (for my email readers, I think this animated picture will only work on my website).Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-11396131664334620302010-08-27T20:19:00.007-05:002010-08-27T21:12:20.908-05:00Croque Monsieur<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Mbjd0e8eiCqmsSBtljnpfSv_eOQQq0te2o9Dl1PV8zYRTTdgl9O4-6S_MxfjEst5KSlUGky5Y_RuioF7iQ2JR-KH0JShTOH-GsKIAJwJWdRuDwM0thNR3t8FEYBA2F1WSzE892YElG_u/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510270120780467330" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Mbjd0e8eiCqmsSBtljnpfSv_eOQQq0te2o9Dl1PV8zYRTTdgl9O4-6S_MxfjEst5KSlUGky5Y_RuioF7iQ2JR-KH0JShTOH-GsKIAJwJWdRuDwM0thNR3t8FEYBA2F1WSzE892YElG_u/s400/IMG_0368.JPG" border="0" /></a> When watching movies I am always distracted by the food they eat in the movie! In the movie "It’s Complicated" Meryl Streep’s character makes these incredible looking cheesy, toasty bits of goodness. I actually pulled out my laptop to find out what they were eating. Turns out, it was Croque Monsieur... I had never heard of these French sandwiches before, but I couldn’t get them out of my mind!<br /><br />It's ironic that we watched the movie "It's Complicated" because my life is so much more simple now that I have my cast off! Woohoo!! Exactly 1 month ago I blogged about my broken arm, but I am happy to report that my 6 weeks are up and I am cast free!<br />I can cook again!<br />I can style my hair!<br />I can fold laundry!<br />I can latch my bra!<br />... maybe that's a little too much information!<br /><br />So, back to the Croque Monsieur! Traditionally they are "sandwiches" with two pieces of bread but I didn't think my boys could bite through two pieces of french bread and besides... in the movie Meryl Streep only used one piece of bread! Basically, it's crusty french bread, Dijon mustard, black forest ham, a cheese sauce (it's called a Béchamel sauce), and shredded cheese to top it off. They were good, and a nice change from the flavors we are used to!<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />2 Tbsp butter<br />2 Tbsp flour<br />1 1/2 cups milk<br />Salt and Pepper<br />1 1/2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded<br />1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated and packed<br />Crusty French bread loaf, cut into 1 inch thick slices (sandwich size, not skinny baguettes)<br />8 ounces Black forest ham, thinly sliced<br />Dijon mustard<br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />Using a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until melted. Slowly add flour while whisking constantly. Continue cooking and whisking until mixture turns a light blonde color, a couple minutes. Keep color light, do not let brown. Slowly pour in warmed milk, while whisking. Keep a light simmer and continue to whisk until sauce starts to thicken. Add Parmesan and 1/4 cup Swiss cheese a little at a time while stirring. Do not add all at once, or sauce will clump. Once you’ve combined cheese into sauce, salt and pepper to taste. Turn heat to low under sauce.<br /><br />Lightly toast your bread slices on a baking sheet in a 400 degree oven, turn once. Do not let brown.<br /><br />Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over each toasted slice. Add about 2 slices of ham to each piece. Sprinkle each slice with the Swiss cheese reserving about 1/4 cup. Spoon Béchamel cheese sauce over each slice, then top with remaining Swiss cheese.<br /><br />Bake for 5 minutes in the 400 degree oven. Rotate pan front to back, then turn broiler on High for 3 minutes. Cheese will be bubbling and lightly browned when ready. Be sure to keep a close watch while broiler is on, they can burn quickly.<br /><br />Remove from pan, plate up and enjoy! Have an outstanding weekend, indulge a little, and be thankful for your two healthy arms!Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-17175630975328724282010-07-27T17:25:00.003-05:002010-07-27T17:37:13.168-05:00Enchirito<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Yiq-lNp_aZ4hNrsNmcZP91sGLbpJYmYtZVUPYeksPJeihXSNw4G8sUvZqF5qdqY-BrayDZN2DVUrf-PvxEAXla3gaL-fl4suyiahQQQ3uEUlRpBD6LcVkyDTDSwj5vxWRHzIyGNhgc_0/s1600/IMG_0632.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Yiq-lNp_aZ4hNrsNmcZP91sGLbpJYmYtZVUPYeksPJeihXSNw4G8sUvZqF5qdqY-BrayDZN2DVUrf-PvxEAXla3gaL-fl4suyiahQQQ3uEUlRpBD6LcVkyDTDSwj5vxWRHzIyGNhgc_0/s400/IMG_0632.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498715092959398258" border="0" /></a> It's been a while since I've posted, I haven't been able to type because of this...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMAm4H2bzWITJz0xeHOF_T7CgkM9GxHmp6YEwDXKxi64lzh3PdWfXYFbxJLOzdWIDVTrWPbAGgjLX4uwnRIRKbhlSN4fbgMmju0at_8eqXYpN0ijewy4YBUvWt20p-clZ7cXtSUq40vyD/s1600/IMG_0665.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMAm4H2bzWITJz0xeHOF_T7CgkM9GxHmp6YEwDXKxi64lzh3PdWfXYFbxJLOzdWIDVTrWPbAGgjLX4uwnRIRKbhlSN4fbgMmju0at_8eqXYpN0ijewy4YBUvWt20p-clZ7cXtSUq40vyD/s400/IMG_0665.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498709892382576962" border="0" /></a> *sings* Dun Dun Dun<br />I broke my arm! I wish I could say that I was doing something cool like water skiing but in reality I was putting sunscreen on my legs, fell backwards, tried to catch myself with my right hand, and snap! I broke my RIGHT arm... I'm right handed! So it's been darn near impossible to cook, do my hair, fold laundry, etc. It's been terrible :-(<br />On a positive note, I found the cutest purple purse and wallet at Target last week, I really think it compliments my cast... and for only $30 ($20 for the purse and $10 wallet), I feel just a little bit better about the purple clunky cast on my arm, lol. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz890-s7en82bioXfI1PRh8ZUVM0Vo6LRevLVEX3Sq4pzquhflM6Hh3KESU3OAHR_a4hngyDdXOdv5FULg920wTUbarNlKTknes6LZrHpgb8MlLEnZYSAZe5G39JbZ_i5773cDRJ2laaUk/s1600/IMG_0668.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz890-s7en82bioXfI1PRh8ZUVM0Vo6LRevLVEX3Sq4pzquhflM6Hh3KESU3OAHR_a4hngyDdXOdv5FULg920wTUbarNlKTknes6LZrHpgb8MlLEnZYSAZe5G39JbZ_i5773cDRJ2laaUk/s400/IMG_0668.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498709884760607938" border="0" /></a> We've broken our July challenge and eaten out a few times but we're trying to eat homemade as much as possible. Our wonderful son Andrew has stepped in and made a few easy dinners for the family.... mostly all Mexican food because that's what he likes, lol. These Enchiritos were fairly easy for Andrew to make and they hit the spot!<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />1 pound lean ground beef<br />1/2 onion, diced<br />1 packet of taco seasoning<br />1 can Enchilada Sauce<br />1 can (28 Ounce) Refried Beans<br />1/4 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded<br />12 Burrito-sized Flour Tortillas<br />Extra Grated Cheese, For Sprinkling<br />Extra Enchilada Sauce, For Drizzling<br /><br /><u>Spicy Beef Directions</u><br />Brown the ground beef and diced onions in a large skillet. Drain off excess fat and add the taco seasoning. Stir in 3/4 of the can of enchilada sauce (around a cup of sauce) and set the pan aside.<br /><u>Cheesy Beans Directions</u><br />Stir the shredded cheese and beans together and warm the in the microwave... Andrew is a pro microwave nuke'er ,-)<br /><u>Enchirito Directions</u><br />Nuke some burrito-size flour tortillas for about a minute or so. You want them to be soft and pliable. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVi0jLqOyYwPsPbVp8yOniApYMzpd5PLuvAjfTCYk53_ibiDw63sqaaXMUGlX9CmSbvdN90OZfF3rFRfBWsj3xnDQTWKMD_3Dk_1uwtCtT9CEBQxhZIgeWuwlEvQovAYcbxkAZNmOuOXH/s1600/IMG_0561.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVi0jLqOyYwPsPbVp8yOniApYMzpd5PLuvAjfTCYk53_ibiDw63sqaaXMUGlX9CmSbvdN90OZfF3rFRfBWsj3xnDQTWKMD_3Dk_1uwtCtT9CEBQxhZIgeWuwlEvQovAYcbxkAZNmOuOXH/s400/IMG_0561.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498711672679024242" border="0" /></a> Spread on some warm cheesy beans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNF6Pt0Y6DHNsk9nkTAK_GHnJvqFCeyQOT6w2QtwGPocMPrPPJFQtNS5o-P-FwrMuA_Y75eKp-3O2Luepqp6WuMX6LgSPSJyJxJM6BczPWnB1wY1RRzxP-267yegHgo1vhOjzi3vFu_pJ1/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNF6Pt0Y6DHNsk9nkTAK_GHnJvqFCeyQOT6w2QtwGPocMPrPPJFQtNS5o-P-FwrMuA_Y75eKp-3O2Luepqp6WuMX6LgSPSJyJxJM6BczPWnB1wY1RRzxP-267yegHgo1vhOjzi3vFu_pJ1/s400/IMG_0571.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498711689897438850" border="0" /></a> And some of the spicy meat <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAdqRxs2qGLha7o82f0u53lKBuuArh_1TCMHDSCga7Y2Z5t6jpqPbLG66c5MTVhDCnuLEvWD8Kg8ob8SQrbI1wZTqxIwapHIyjyNl_ezw7_bQ7fmo34nlpvTiYuPCjBwn_Octp5gJ2-Av/s1600/IMG_0574.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAdqRxs2qGLha7o82f0u53lKBuuArh_1TCMHDSCga7Y2Z5t6jpqPbLG66c5MTVhDCnuLEvWD8Kg8ob8SQrbI1wZTqxIwapHIyjyNl_ezw7_bQ7fmo34nlpvTiYuPCjBwn_Octp5gJ2-Av/s400/IMG_0574.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498711697627771602" border="0" /></a> Roll it over <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnBsVSOT8sr1Q3lUp9QaV6PylBhTkKvQ_m_cKNo9hCNcIZY5GyPHQcQTdC_tAhFFFe3vfSpYPUoXuE5EiD5e3ThsVD244YAYnxUgCzdUaCaiQSAl3ABNg4p5lSAWorJQMKepMtcSR1nyJ/s1600/IMG_0577.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnBsVSOT8sr1Q3lUp9QaV6PylBhTkKvQ_m_cKNo9hCNcIZY5GyPHQcQTdC_tAhFFFe3vfSpYPUoXuE5EiD5e3ThsVD244YAYnxUgCzdUaCaiQSAl3ABNg4p5lSAWorJQMKepMtcSR1nyJ/s400/IMG_0577.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498711704357817266" border="0" /></a> Fold over the ends <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDLZzgwRNISs_ZIP59BWcunedPiWhBw8IHKFDqm0YgCMaE93fMjwnEi8dI4uMJMg8CgFDOkhRFGOa8tFPX073jIVLaX88pz3xHDM4odmttuM2wcMGev3IiOfu-CFJRyij7v2sUMMn0y9l/s1600/IMG_0582.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDLZzgwRNISs_ZIP59BWcunedPiWhBw8IHKFDqm0YgCMaE93fMjwnEi8dI4uMJMg8CgFDOkhRFGOa8tFPX073jIVLaX88pz3xHDM4odmttuM2wcMGev3IiOfu-CFJRyij7v2sUMMn0y9l/s400/IMG_0582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498711713518979458" border="0" /></a> And roll it over again<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0af7u_mKsVSkwnq1dVTW7v-IhNNk1VaIl3GTE1veIFXiSqq9V9bkgeJi6Bk-bIR8QR1BI83m742CiaQNH5O18ClN89zOp08K_vkCsKDtzu9u_iMkdm-vw47MTTWuMchnUVVfoR25ZDb9s/s1600/IMG_0585.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0af7u_mKsVSkwnq1dVTW7v-IhNNk1VaIl3GTE1veIFXiSqq9V9bkgeJi6Bk-bIR8QR1BI83m742CiaQNH5O18ClN89zOp08K_vkCsKDtzu9u_iMkdm-vw47MTTWuMchnUVVfoR25ZDb9s/s400/IMG_0585.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498714162352155922" border="0" /></a> Put a couple of the burritos on a plate<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-xiSgTlGSlvuAEnVZi7OGZImqSyOtLb6tbL356dSISDO1O-G_s7OG-FMOKvM1CFlvrDGDQ3a2IimPlw4gbNtfQV9Decbyd05cg4iBd9mUG1RUibr1opAGsUH6JVfl0pFukpdHcjvllQa/s1600/IMG_0587.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-xiSgTlGSlvuAEnVZi7OGZImqSyOtLb6tbL356dSISDO1O-G_s7OG-FMOKvM1CFlvrDGDQ3a2IimPlw4gbNtfQV9Decbyd05cg4iBd9mUG1RUibr1opAGsUH6JVfl0pFukpdHcjvllQa/s400/IMG_0587.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498714172481241346" border="0" /></a> Drizzle on the leftover enchilada sauce<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2w5WCjrX2dBIohNYwa3Vksse_CqSNWLjJY8nN8sB9hffns7jfwX8w3pznw9xvdlhLw_BamWBAfopVI7UB8WXf-TthbO2OtsiPcX0S_eRpfmRS8h79QtdBLrl4ouuun6ko6_-FVMpo_mt/s1600/IMG_0590.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2w5WCjrX2dBIohNYwa3Vksse_CqSNWLjJY8nN8sB9hffns7jfwX8w3pznw9xvdlhLw_BamWBAfopVI7UB8WXf-TthbO2OtsiPcX0S_eRpfmRS8h79QtdBLrl4ouuun6ko6_-FVMpo_mt/s400/IMG_0590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498714180506911266" border="0" /></a> Sprinkle on some shredded cheese <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEg18Yx8C0GPVY8A518i2Cdtg0vU5YlxK0f9vFXccdUj82-NW8ostP713MFEy5eXb-VJ2wsO1jprMG4F1cqZq_PPpOc0irW_RNOAqQTiz7eGafyQCi0DPEYN6hwsNlFRdtm0wseZHbWzs/s1600/IMG_0597.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEg18Yx8C0GPVY8A518i2Cdtg0vU5YlxK0f9vFXccdUj82-NW8ostP713MFEy5eXb-VJ2wsO1jprMG4F1cqZq_PPpOc0irW_RNOAqQTiz7eGafyQCi0DPEYN6hwsNlFRdtm0wseZHbWzs/s400/IMG_0597.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498714187346105826" border="0" /></a> And nuke it for about a minute (or until the cheese is melted)! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBblZmZsagecFiKota9cLfMh_M_z90GhO3MvJUmdlHuZr0eU8tn1I6MhfVjYzAqtZbhSjaM_MJNmDuHzTAVEN1X_OrQJX5qbBO6gO5BGXPQlS6B5FkpcUBwV6UDeJUdgHiO0ErBZWUSwV/s1600/IMG_0600.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBblZmZsagecFiKota9cLfMh_M_z90GhO3MvJUmdlHuZr0eU8tn1I6MhfVjYzAqtZbhSjaM_MJNmDuHzTAVEN1X_OrQJX5qbBO6gO5BGXPQlS6B5FkpcUBwV6UDeJUdgHiO0ErBZWUSwV/s400/IMG_0600.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498714195514008050" border="0" /></a> Did I mention that Andrew is an excellent nuke'er? Thanks for dinner Andrew, I love you buddy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs3LQ6F5OTVgFgyFLldJIB_s033qT981LH2MZdcg-kAVS-ep-lhxqMFfREuoZqKFYGiLkaEHJC7AfC3iCrygCbhyuhtMDWaPx-DkGQPP0EW2GONcTqjHL3Kh7jb1BpqrWp-gx_oI-XAmk/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs3LQ6F5OTVgFgyFLldJIB_s033qT981LH2MZdcg-kAVS-ep-lhxqMFfREuoZqKFYGiLkaEHJC7AfC3iCrygCbhyuhtMDWaPx-DkGQPP0EW2GONcTqjHL3Kh7jb1BpqrWp-gx_oI-XAmk/s400/IMG_0682.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498709872373550754" border="0" /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-91832620811832834632010-07-12T19:01:00.022-05:002010-07-13T21:22:40.979-05:00Pot Roast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqypC4ShxOsupibVhkzdNZsafE4sRHN0O2GmQLBMjRwECSU6qDBW8yf-H9zco7Hut4AqH1zC9vdwvRYs0DfSiP5VR8lt7RqjwSAApVE4FVVzIsOEtz3GeXM9NocfyfgsB4cfgb2IpnwmH/s1600/IMG_0522.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqypC4ShxOsupibVhkzdNZsafE4sRHN0O2GmQLBMjRwECSU6qDBW8yf-H9zco7Hut4AqH1zC9vdwvRYs0DfSiP5VR8lt7RqjwSAApVE4FVVzIsOEtz3GeXM9NocfyfgsB4cfgb2IpnwmH/s400/IMG_0522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493196586478932818" border="0" /></a> We ate a lot of pot roast growing up and I remember it being dry and chewy... I would sip water with it just so I could swallow it down! It was one of my least favorite dinners so I usually gorged myself on the braised celery and carrots... I LOVE braised celery and carrots!<br />Well, this isn't a dry chewy pot roast! This pot roast is AMAZING! The meat was falling apart it was so tender and juicy! The boys got seconds and couldn't quit talking about it... I chose seconds of meat instead of getting more celery and carrots... and even Justin (the non-beef eater) loved it! We are all stuffed but we're super excited to eat the leftovers tomorrow!!!<br /><br /><u>Pot Roast Ingredients</u><br />3 1/2 pound pot roast (I get arm chuck pot roast)<br />1/2 cup flour<br />Sprinkling of Pepper<br />1/4 cup butter<br />1 envelope dry onion soup mix<br />1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup<br />1/2 cup white cooking wine (it's next to the vinegar at the grocery store)<br />Carrots and Celery- Optional<br /><br /><u>Gravy Ingredients</u><br />Pot Roast Drippings<br />2 tablespoons flour<br />1 cup milk<br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />In a large bowl or plate, combine the flour and black pepper to taste. Dredge the rump roast in the flour and cover evenly. Shake off excess. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TwZO29AQw5IZYeeniWV1rUCagdCjVaTfGeHv69_vpWzPqy35a1w0XKzyGLdV3v-0G2FFRNtKOQLWWdlUZh6SDUiVBqWhxs3SMlMdi0OKjIsNhadrokE1-gTXBH2dBgNcBiAoDNQdJgOu/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TwZO29AQw5IZYeeniWV1rUCagdCjVaTfGeHv69_vpWzPqy35a1w0XKzyGLdV3v-0G2FFRNtKOQLWWdlUZh6SDUiVBqWhxs3SMlMdi0OKjIsNhadrokE1-gTXBH2dBgNcBiAoDNQdJgOu/s400/IMG_0459.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493189177393347778" border="0" /></a> Heat a large pot/dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the butter and then set the floured roast into the hot pan and sear it on one side, about 3 minutes. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtWpYu_ZomIaOOFh8mn2FNlyAEB18HRI4iJST27EOnNOzl_mF4gw0lkq1gDxWB2m3s8VMzojewagDizkldI_L9G68MZM_yQ-rU-Pm4dBkyENTokiJafIaIvXv_P7KVEcT3CVCeOdYrzmx/s1600/IMG_0462.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtWpYu_ZomIaOOFh8mn2FNlyAEB18HRI4iJST27EOnNOzl_mF4gw0lkq1gDxWB2m3s8VMzojewagDizkldI_L9G68MZM_yQ-rU-Pm4dBkyENTokiJafIaIvXv_P7KVEcT3CVCeOdYrzmx/s400/IMG_0462.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493189190760716082" border="0" /></a> When that side is nice and brown (the browner the better), flip it over to the other side. When you’ve browned it all over the place, remove the roast to a plate. Oh, and see that brown stuff in the pan? That’s good. That’s real, real good.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrJOzz3AI_sJ_brqemlvf3cuD56TDPFoa1-FX9TF_e_Qw_jI-qAsm73SkpLhgZc-mtDerbG1DybCQhJspg1NWHGXmYQPpH8SsaNp-Ms7WHtHBALAnB_4zUrjcTmjAmFcagYCCXse8zqZa/s1600/IMG_0464.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrJOzz3AI_sJ_brqemlvf3cuD56TDPFoa1-FX9TF_e_Qw_jI-qAsm73SkpLhgZc-mtDerbG1DybCQhJspg1NWHGXmYQPpH8SsaNp-Ms7WHtHBALAnB_4zUrjcTmjAmFcagYCCXse8zqZa/s400/IMG_0464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493189196472472018" border="0" /></a> Now, with the burner on medium-high, we’re going to deglaze the pan...we’re gonna scrape the heck out of the pan and git all that gooooood stuuuuuuff off the bottom. Pour 1/2 cup of white cooking wine in the pan.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrEAf08M0CxNdYxX9-H4rtzpPbgm01EifQcW9tSg6oPYEz-g8IADISRjG7SGxHOA9YhyYGvB_xF8qB-6jKbWpS9I8mdWui6dmsH4hOTLCF18DA6od2rqd6Td-sEQa_G-8Tq6eWfRuUsK5/s1600/IMG_0470.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrEAf08M0CxNdYxX9-H4rtzpPbgm01EifQcW9tSg6oPYEz-g8IADISRjG7SGxHOA9YhyYGvB_xF8qB-6jKbWpS9I8mdWui6dmsH4hOTLCF18DA6od2rqd6Td-sEQa_G-8Tq6eWfRuUsK5/s400/IMG_0470.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493189202473221602" border="0" /></a> Use your whisk to stir and scrape the bottom of the pan. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYQpITauFdWPKccvEVdhaJY_ALRLbzfhNRyNZ-6bcMJ8mNDH1POzIdeZ5TKy8Sav4xAGTQa1nVwpsHly6Dj2ynj8o33VqSREJQreTfr-l-KnECsuSpbAXGMU8k_tJdNOR4ElB0pnrmyNW/s1600/IMG_0474.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYQpITauFdWPKccvEVdhaJY_ALRLbzfhNRyNZ-6bcMJ8mNDH1POzIdeZ5TKy8Sav4xAGTQa1nVwpsHly6Dj2ynj8o33VqSREJQreTfr-l-KnECsuSpbAXGMU8k_tJdNOR4ElB0pnrmyNW/s400/IMG_0474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493189208059687090" border="0" /></a> Now add the onion soup mix and mushroom soup. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNUUADsmYEN06XVdmW9Nt8e7PDQb-gUiBODNedD5eMPDWVJIcJ0g9PwhaW11WiB5dH_TnT5YYZglN-8Ol9yeS8GC-yQemnAcTiCqJhfqyVPOdGXlnHmA9uPS3al13o_CbcdASuuYqZtXf/s1600/IMG_0483.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNUUADsmYEN06XVdmW9Nt8e7PDQb-gUiBODNedD5eMPDWVJIcJ0g9PwhaW11WiB5dH_TnT5YYZglN-8Ol9yeS8GC-yQemnAcTiCqJhfqyVPOdGXlnHmA9uPS3al13o_CbcdASuuYqZtXf/s400/IMG_0483.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493191414651165202" border="0" /></a> Stir together <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DTZ4JZjFeGRDX6VzD7hRG6FEqhAztQOVxGJzI2MCEHXqEnJb_1ldWbuGVyODaBMlpSNsUhUVsD4b8BvuqDrJBld7RNZz3OHNgLq4fnwIapyAXdyxNKmsaK8IA0iCE2AdaaceQJvJRiz-/s1600/IMG_0485.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DTZ4JZjFeGRDX6VzD7hRG6FEqhAztQOVxGJzI2MCEHXqEnJb_1ldWbuGVyODaBMlpSNsUhUVsD4b8BvuqDrJBld7RNZz3OHNgLq4fnwIapyAXdyxNKmsaK8IA0iCE2AdaaceQJvJRiz-/s400/IMG_0485.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493191421283066082" border="0" /></a> Now add the browned meat to the pan and spoon some of the sauce on top of the roast. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-BEgL6dTOYK26YzHMytNIFbfEgxsx7qFTfUipZH5mgBCv9UW2uFADDoDEkYOM1iKO3p6zYz98NNmXFREzxlHq-tdUOTk8MFuIDBRcyTPqKQL9gfk6ejlCBwsa7e8QP4F-C9dlQXiBbZ4/s1600/IMG_0488.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-BEgL6dTOYK26YzHMytNIFbfEgxsx7qFTfUipZH5mgBCv9UW2uFADDoDEkYOM1iKO3p6zYz98NNmXFREzxlHq-tdUOTk8MFuIDBRcyTPqKQL9gfk6ejlCBwsa7e8QP4F-C9dlQXiBbZ4/s400/IMG_0488.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493191431387438434" border="0" /></a> Cover and bake in the oven at 300 degrees for 3 hours. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6J6g3qf_i37qXAArPhsWjflKTTFL1ZLqACiNVnxRohnDZjSC1S5RPS6ygf02jC2omtd9AOclVR0SqXiZi_Fc0Q3kmXmmKIk0Y6hLzvbzbX9fPjYgNwBeNxCsAKzK46KULH0y0Ee8AmscS/s1600/IMG_0491.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6J6g3qf_i37qXAArPhsWjflKTTFL1ZLqACiNVnxRohnDZjSC1S5RPS6ygf02jC2omtd9AOclVR0SqXiZi_Fc0Q3kmXmmKIk0Y6hLzvbzbX9fPjYgNwBeNxCsAKzK46KULH0y0Ee8AmscS/s400/IMG_0491.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493191438830621762" border="0" /></a> After 2 hours I add the chopped celery and carrots (so the veggies slow cook themselves in the sauce... it's heaven)! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGABdh-UT_g-VcSplGJkq1UEHjmMTxtS8_rEbuwpjdb9BmJxFr6dcYDrgNbTaGazPakCFDbwSma9zSvH5C7ALLGmrXQe-KGy4YsRz4E6E8JkO_dsKEZlQql3cLHF4VajGmmgidmEMubcqo/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGABdh-UT_g-VcSplGJkq1UEHjmMTxtS8_rEbuwpjdb9BmJxFr6dcYDrgNbTaGazPakCFDbwSma9zSvH5C7ALLGmrXQe-KGy4YsRz4E6E8JkO_dsKEZlQql3cLHF4VajGmmgidmEMubcqo/s400/IMG_0497.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493191451477563730" border="0" /></a> If your roast is bigger than 3 pounds you'll probably need to cook it for another hour. When it's done you move the meat to a cutting board and test it with a fork. See how easily it splits apart? You can literally see the melted connective tissue between the meat. When it easily “falls apart,” it’s definitely ready.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpmdEAbytCr6_OaS0uhgcoYJ_u_2LGmYYxJRzaQ9fNH859Y5oM-pBnmY34P0IFNs76J_pDJplEFB7sKYVDpms3GInBV5h4hNi0iOuvq-JJPnQbp7th6K5pSFYaHFMwoUIASGh28lXn862/s1600/IMG_0512.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpmdEAbytCr6_OaS0uhgcoYJ_u_2LGmYYxJRzaQ9fNH859Y5oM-pBnmY34P0IFNs76J_pDJplEFB7sKYVDpms3GInBV5h4hNi0iOuvq-JJPnQbp7th6K5pSFYaHFMwoUIASGh28lXn862/s400/IMG_0512.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493192805795234498" border="0" /></a> But don’t stop there! Because you’d never want to miss out on all that flavor, we need to take make some gravy from the drippings in the pan! Set the roasting pan over medium-low heat, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour in the pan. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghT1d_mhfqp6b5wNDAsixQiLV-dF5pGau73nbMSbDWilEN8GfT0uIxCiaUY4hM73a37p9JXS3rbinjoHfo3_sR4RrIac_Of61vaO60CZ8P_a_oWzj8zTQ6bt0VgzjJguYKxEcXcPVRdy1d/s1600/IMG_0518.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghT1d_mhfqp6b5wNDAsixQiLV-dF5pGau73nbMSbDWilEN8GfT0uIxCiaUY4hM73a37p9JXS3rbinjoHfo3_sR4RrIac_Of61vaO60CZ8P_a_oWzj8zTQ6bt0VgzjJguYKxEcXcPVRdy1d/s400/IMG_0518.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493192813225332242" border="0" /></a> Whisk the flour into the drippings until the flour is incorporated. Now, whisk in 1 cup of milk while whisking and scraping off the encrusted bits on the bottom of the pan. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDdojTsEeFaSjRI2S0drCStbSJdNH1y2y3lTC-fBgtMV-moH68D6FeTBrUcGGqThN9UE9QWJV6JnQ1yd8Hh8KbIb6-A9LRnqVzQdAFeKqR7xWximHqxmIDnhoslt2DEHVoTod_y48GVPl/s1600/Creamy+Mashed+Potatoes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDdojTsEeFaSjRI2S0drCStbSJdNH1y2y3lTC-fBgtMV-moH68D6FeTBrUcGGqThN9UE9QWJV6JnQ1yd8Hh8KbIb6-A9LRnqVzQdAFeKqR7xWximHqxmIDnhoslt2DEHVoTod_y48GVPl/s400/Creamy+Mashed+Potatoes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493193590367532898" border="0" /></a> Now’s a good time to have Abbott's favorite <a href="http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2008/11/creamy-mashed-potatoes.html">creamy mashed potatoes</a> handy. Which reminds me, I never addressed The Potato Issue at the beginning of this post. I do NOT like to put potatoes into the pot with the meat. While it’s a handy, convenient way to cook the spuds, I think the potatoes turn out kind of dry and grainy. Instead, I think mashed potatoes really make a pot roast special. Spoon some vegetables onto the plate, with the pot roast, mashed potatoes and gravy... Mmm! You won't want to stop eating!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTY2XvV-9r57hmclXEJxJAzXjszwcHUwXxylj8myEHGY7SWbVOu5q7mnulazDDOtcCGtn0aTybVcUKDB_C6prNRMShyphenhyphenTcNWhQ8kls0ScPfSa_iKVI7XflI0KuHmPTdgDWQgeFqR32S_GaD/s1600/IMG_0543.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTY2XvV-9r57hmclXEJxJAzXjszwcHUwXxylj8myEHGY7SWbVOu5q7mnulazDDOtcCGtn0aTybVcUKDB_C6prNRMShyphenhyphenTcNWhQ8kls0ScPfSa_iKVI7XflI0KuHmPTdgDWQgeFqR32S_GaD/s400/IMG_0543.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493196237815302530" border="0" /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-15141110431330722642010-07-05T17:40:00.008-05:002010-07-05T18:23:26.270-05:00Broccoli Salad<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjPThL53ZcMmT-7lMDVGCIyDGYeA34Uxs6iJoRsM_ZKMYsUGdEIXi2k4WK6S17jznzIogIsyTRhNlXhqOD0oXYKABpq-eqyUt76yyaALjcE5TsBa6Jf4gTzbCfcuD-dsd4JcpF8PVQ4z4/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjPThL53ZcMmT-7lMDVGCIyDGYeA34Uxs6iJoRsM_ZKMYsUGdEIXi2k4WK6S17jznzIogIsyTRhNlXhqOD0oXYKABpq-eqyUt76yyaALjcE5TsBa6Jf4gTzbCfcuD-dsd4JcpF8PVQ4z4/s400/IMG_0303.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490565282014200754" border="0" /></a> This broccoli salad is great for potlucks! I wanted to make it yesterday for the 4th of July but decided that watermelon and cantaloupe was good enough... I love my cooking logic when I get too tired to cook anymore ,-)<br />Justin hasn't ever had this salad and blew me away by eating a couple helpings! He usually hates broccoli! He said that he didn't hate this salad, but he didn't like it either... the sweet, salty, and earthy vegetable tastes confused his taste buds. So he ate bite after bite staring it down like he was trying to figure it out. It was funny!<br /><br />During the summer there's not too much on TV so we've been watching Oprah's debt diet... mostly because it's entertaining to gawk at the people in debt, but it also got us thinking about our spending habits. We do pretty good, we hate shopping so we don't have the debt that Oprah talks about. We spend too much money on eating out though. So, for July we're challenging ourselves, we made 3 rules...<br />1. No eating out- no fast food, no desserts, nothing!<br />2. We must have a fruit or vegetable with every meal!<br />3. Corn and potatoes don't count as vegetables!<br />We're on day 5 of our July challenge and we're doing great! We haven't wanted to eat out once... I get tired cooking every meal though, it would be nice to have a break :-(<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />1 head fresh broccoli, cut into bite size pieces<br />2 tablespoons bacon, crumbled<br />1/2 cup red grapes, cut into fourths<br />3 tablespoons white vinegar<br />2 tablespoons white sugar<br />1 cup mayonnaise<br /><br /><u>Directions</u><br />In a medium bowl, combine the broccoli and grapes. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar and mayonnaise. Little by little, pour the dressing over broccoli mixture... you won't need all of the dressing, it depends on the size of your broccoli head and how much dressing you like on salads. So just pour a little, toss, and then pour some more if you like. Refrigerate for at least two hours. Before serving, toss salad with crumbled bacon.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7376404112514427924.post-81521821132585731512010-07-02T14:57:00.001-05:002010-07-02T15:38:53.446-05:00Parmesan Potatoes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZzGI3ve0X-jzkZzwQ3m7KTmIkE2mfAOT3_a4P_umLDKUh-DBo-O9AtUcNwvLjbSaTrJVwfR8ON555F8wvn9PYyeW0GOJ8BilSPlUOgNqvCI5o89Uj93ypDwIP889eVOcXxiV92QQdd30/s1600/IMG_0268.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZzGI3ve0X-jzkZzwQ3m7KTmIkE2mfAOT3_a4P_umLDKUh-DBo-O9AtUcNwvLjbSaTrJVwfR8ON555F8wvn9PYyeW0GOJ8BilSPlUOgNqvCI5o89Uj93ypDwIP889eVOcXxiV92QQdd30/s400/IMG_0268.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489025368199071682" border="0"></a> These potatoes were tasty and easy to make (a GREAT substitution to use instead of the frozen tator-tots I have been guilty of buying lately)! My boys also love helping me shake foods up in a Ziploc, so that’s an extra bonus for this recipe :-)<br /><br />So, I’m a teacher but I also manage the school’s student information systems… so I don’t get my summers completely off. I work from home almost every day and am on call as issues arise throughout the summer. That’s the back-story you need to know for the following conversation…<br /><br />We’re in the car, we had just finished up a doctor’s appointment and were on our way to another appointment and I said “Hey boys, I’m going to run by home real fast to check something and send an email. I’ll just be five minutes.”<br /><br />Andrew says “you are addicted to working mom, we don’t need to go home so you can send an email”.<br /><br />I say “Well, my boss says that I do… you see I get paid to help answer questions during the summer so if someone asks a question I have to quickly answer it”.<br /><br />Andrew and Abbott break out into uncontrollable laughter.<br /><br />I say “What! You don’t believe me? I actually have the answers when no one else does.”<br /><br />Abbott’s still uncontrollably laughing and between Andrew’s giggles he laughs out a mocking “O.K. mom…. “<br /><br />I say, “It’s true, your mom is actually smart when it comes to this stuff”<br /><br />Andrew says “Mom you don’t even know directions like north, east, south, west”… then both boys bust out into another round of laughter.<br /><br />I sigh and don’t say anything else… I’ve lost them… to them I’ll always be their idiot mom who can’t figure out if I’m going north or south, who can’t fry on the stove because she starts grease fires, who can’t carry in the water jugs because she isn’t strong enough, and who can’t figure out their complicated math homework.<br /><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />6 medium potatoes<br />2 tablespoons olive oil<br />1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />1/2 teaspoon garlic powder<br />1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)<br /><br /><u>Directions</u> <br />Clean the potatoes- a trick I learned working at the hospital cafeteria was to run the potatoes through the dishwasher without any soap, the heat and water spray gets them very clean!<br />Cut potatoes into 1 inch cubes, leaving skins on. In a large ziploc baggie, mix together oil, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and cheese. Add the potatoes to the bag, seal, and shake the potatoes to coat them with the seasoning. Place potatoes on a baking sheet and cook at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until potatoes are fork tender.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497377929118631598noreply@blogger.com3