Sweet & Savory

DIY Sunday: Closet to Home Office Makeover

2012-02-12T00:00:00.001-06:00

It's no secret we've had to get a little creative in our house when it comes to space. These little challenges are sometimes fun, sometimes not. This current project was actually one of the fun ones.

Little misses' room is what used to be our spare bedroom. Thankfully it's a decent sized room, so it can still hold a double bed, as well as her crib and dresser, for when family stays over.

But, it was also holding a desk and computer, which made it to be a little cramped. Enter in Pinterest and I saw a solution - turning your closet into a home office area. This closet wasn't used for any of her clothes, but rather random things - suitcases, my husband's work clothes, my preserved wedding dress, scrapbooks and well, just junk.

I brought the idea up to him and he was all for it. The only problem is he isn't a well-known handy man, but we conquered!

Here are the results.

Our home office now holds a hand-made desk, a new chair and shelves for all our papers (bills, tax info, important documents, files, etc.) I'm still debating on getting a cute curtain and/or fabric shower curtain to hang in the doorway to keep the office "closed off" when not in use. What do you think?

There are even two additional shelves up higher I didn't show, still holding some work stuff and my wedding dress!

What is even better about this, is getting rid of our hold desk freed-up a TON of space in her room. I actually enjoy walking in here now.

Now, if I could just get that iPad, Kindle Fire or laptop to have out of her room when I need to use the computer, I will be set.

Ha!

Million Dollar Casserole

2012-02-10T06:00:00.003-06:00

I've showcased this dish before, but this version is a little different. The original name of this dish is Million Dollar Spaghetti.

But, I was out of spaghetti. So, enter in elbow macaroni. Pretty much the same dish, just a slightly different look.

I texted my good friend that gave me this recipe years ago last weekend saying I was making it. You know it's a keeper when she texted back that she was just talking about it and she is also putting it into charity cookbook she is working on. Keeper!

Here are the step-by-step directions. Sorry for the not so great pictures, the steam coming off the hot pasta was out of control! Make this when you need to feed a crowd. It makes a LOT.

Cook l lb. pasta (leaving a bite to it), lay half in a 9x13 baking dish.

Spoon a mixture of: 1/4 c. sour cream, 8oz. cottage cheese, 4 oz. cream cheese,
1/3 c. chopped onion, 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese, 1 t. garlic salt, 1 t. pepper.

Layer on the rest of the pasta.

Pour on 28 oz. spaghetti sauce (preferably homemade - with or without meat).

Sprinkle on any other veggies - mushrooms, green peppers, etc.

Top with cheese.

Refrigerate overnight, then bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

We ate this for three meals this week. I'm not kidding. And lunches. It makes that much. Luckily it reheats well and tastes great the second....and third time!

Stay tuned for my Sunday post. I'll be revealing our latest DIY project. We turned a closet into our home office.

Intrigued?

Chewy Kitchen Sink Cookies

2012-02-08T08:05:00.002-06:00

I bake one sweet treat a week. My intentions are for them to last at LEAST a few days, but that never happens. Between snacks for the little man and us, along with after-dinner treats, we are lucky if they last two days.

I've been experimenting with oat flour and we are really liking it. A much healthier flour, also gluten free, it holds up very well in baking with a sweet taste. It is usually processed in facilities with other wheat ingredients, so if you know someone with very, highly sensitive gluten issue you may want to try it slowly at first. You can read more about it here, from Chef Lauren Hoover. She uses it a lot in her cookbook and definitely knows a lot more than I do.

Kitchen Sink cookies are typically a "free for all" cookie, where you throw in whatever needs to be used up around the house (food related, of course). In this cookie I threw in some peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, crushed mini Health bars and a few chopped up Whoppers.

Definitely kitchen sink style.

These cookies are so chewy and delicious, we loved them! And for the added health benefit I threw in 1/2 c. flax seed, as we always need more fiber in our diet right?

Chewy Kitchen Sink Cookies

1 1/2 c. oat flour (or any flour you like)

1 c. oats

1/2 c. flaxseed

1 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. cinnamon

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

1 c. sugar

3/4 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

1 t. vanilla

1 1/2 c. of kitchen sink stuff (chocolate chips, chopped nuts, candy bars, etc.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a bowl whisk together all dry ingredients. In a stand mixer or hand-held mixer combine butter and sugars until creamy. Add in eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Slowly add in flour mixture until just combined.

Drop by tablespoonfuls on baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Let cookies cool for a few minutes before moving to cooing rack. Store in a tight container.

If you saw my Facebook post yesterday I told you I thought I broke my toe. Walking in a dark kitchen at 5:45 a.m. and trying to let out two dogs that cannot hold their pee for one more milla-second, inevitably causes a tired mom to stub her toe....HARD...on a wooden high chair/booster seat.

Today it looks like I dropped a two ton elephant on my foot and the comfy, casual loafer style shoes I'm wearing with my dress clothes really make me stand out.

It's quite a sight.

Chicken Cutlets in a Mushroom Cream Sauce

2012-02-06T09:59:00.000-06:00

So I had a package of chicken and a carton of mushrooms staring at me in the fridge and this is what I came up with. Pretty darn good for winging it and not having a recipe.

The trick to good sauteed chicken is seasoning throughout each step - before you start, while cooking, and then again while it's simmering away in this rich creamy sauce. If you don't, trust me your chicken will be bland. And we all know how I feel about bland chicken.

Boring.

If you aren't a mushroom lover (which I know many aren't), you could simply omit, or swap with some sun dried tomatoes or other fresh veggies. But, if you love mushrooms like us - don't swap! Keep them in.

Chicken Cutlets in a Mushroom Cream Sauce

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half to make 4

1 carton button mushrooms, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups milk

1/2 c. flour

1 t. parsley

3 T. oil

salt

pepper

In a bowl pour in flour, season with salt and pepper. Preheat a skillet to medium-high heat. When hot, dredge seasoned chicken in flour, shaking off the excess. Pour oil in skillet and lay in chicken. Sprinkle minced garlic into the pan. Cook chicken 2-3 minutes a side, or until just cooked through. Remove from pan and keep warm.

Turn down the heat in the skillet to medium-low. Pour in milk and start scraping the bits from the bottom of the pan. Season again with salt and pepper. Turn up the heat a little and add in mushrooms and let cook for a 4-5 minutes, continuing to stir. Once this mixture starts to thicken, place chicken breasts back into the skillet to heat through, sprinkling with parsley. When sauce is thick and chicken is reheated, serve.

I served this with some roasted potatoes and we called it good!

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I came across this sign the other day and I think it fits me perfectly. You've often heard me ramble on about having a part-time job, two kids under the age of 2, a husband, two dogs, a blog, a life....so when I saw this sign I felt it fit me to a tee.

I started this blog back in 2009 shortly after our son was born. I was staying at home and needed something just for me. Something that would calm me down when the spit-up, crying and endless amounts of laundry just about put me over the edge.

I can honestly say that blogging keeps me calm and gives me just "enough" of something else in my life to keep me sane. When the husband and I finally finish our little home office project I hope to hang up this sign.

Until then, I'll just keep eating this chicken.

Banana Bread French Toast

2012-02-04T09:02:00.000-06:00

While the kids napped yesterday, I made banana bread. Anytime the grocery store has big paper sacks full of over-ripened bananas for 99 cents I snag a bag. You should be proud our deep freeze currently only has one big bag of them.

I've been known to have many more.

I used this tried and true recipe that has become our favorite, cutting back 1/3 of the sugar and replacing it with organic honey. I honestly think it makes this bread what it is. Moist and full of banana flavor. I'm not lying when I say one loaf is almost gone.

This morning while the little miss munched on scrambled eggs and the little man was downing Stonyfield strawberry yogurt (the only kind we buy), I knew that wouldn't fill him up and needed something else. Out of bread, I figured why not use the banana bread?

Genius.

If I owned a restaurant I would most certainly put this on the menu. Great for a Saturday or Sunday morning breakfast splurge.

Banana Bread French Toast

4 thick slices banana bread (1 inch)

1 egg

1/2 c. milk

1 t. cinnamon

butter

maple syrup

Mix egg, milk and cinnamon. Soak banana bread in mixture and place in hot skillet, browning each side. Serve with butter and syrup.

Who wants to dig in?

Some Great Super Bowl Grub

2012-02-02T14:29:00.000-06:00

The Super Bowl is just 3 days away! And whether you are a football watcher or not (we are), it is still a great excuse to get together with friends and family and EAT.

Just like a holiday in my opinion. All diets are off.

We'll be staying at home this year (husband is working...bleh), but that doesn't mean I won't bring out the snacks for dinner on Sunday. Remember the movie Mermaids with Cher? And how she as a mom, made every meal as an appetizer? Hilarious. I'm not joking when I say I could live on appetizers, just like her.

So here are some recipes from the past year that are easy and crowd pleasing. Pick out one, try it, serve it and tell me if the crowd liked it!

Boneless Buffalo Wings

Barbecue Chicken Nachos

Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Dessert Style Fruit Dip

Florentine Turkey Meatball Sliders

Gooey Butter Bars

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Sassy Tailgate Sandwiches

Snickerdoodle Blondies

So, did you find one that you liked?

If not, what are you serving this Super Bowl Sunday?

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken

2012-02-01T08:17:00.000-06:00

I just realized my last two posts start with the word "crispy". Guess I'm in a crispy mood or am just lacking in any descriptive words.

Someone once told me that the number one googled food is chicken. Mainly because people always have it on hand, set it out to thaw and then have no idea what to do with it. Chicken can be bland and boring, so finding new ways to spice it up will make your family happy.

This dish is one of them.

I know it looks like your basic crispy baked chicken, but the flavor is beyond good. Marinating makes all of the difference. This chicken soaks in garlic oil all day (or night) and that keeps it moist and flavorful. I think the little man even thought it was a chicken tender after I cut it up for him, as he gobbled it down in a hurry.

The original recipe called for tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce to be poured over this and trust me I would have but didn't have any on hand. You know my love all of things Italian. This time garlic mashed potatoes and green beans just had to do. Next time I'm cutting this chicken up and putting it on a salad - yum.

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)

1 c. olive oil

2 T. minced garlic

1 t. poultry seasoning

2 c. panko breadcrumbs (whole wheat, regular or gluten free)

1 c. parmesan cheese

In a large Ziploc bag, place chicken. In a small sauce pan, heat oil, garlic and seasoning just until warm. Pour over chicken and seal the bag. Marinate chicken anywhere from 4-12 hours.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a baking sheet. Dip chicken in breadcrumb/parmesan cheese mixture until well coated and place on baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, until crispy and juices run clear.

A tried and true meat and potatoes meal. Your hubby will be happy. He might even clean up and do the dishes.

It's worth a shot right?

Is your significant other a meat and potatoes man/woman?

Crispy Southwestern Chicken Wraps

2012-01-30T13:32:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I feel like I'm making the same thing over and over for the little man and I for lunch - PB&J, veggies and dip, grilled cheese, homemade pizza, leftovers from dinner the night before, crackers and cheese, fresh fruit, quesadillas...the list goes on and on.

When I saw these wraps on Pinterest the other day, I quickly "repinned" them onto my Food & Recipes board so I'd remember to make them. Yesterday was the day when they came to life!

These portions make 4 good sized wraps. I even froze one so I could take it to work later this week for lunch. I should have made more!

Crispy Southwestern Chicken Wraps

4 large tortillas

1 cooked, shredded chicken breast

2 c. salsa

2 c. cooked brown rice

1 c. sour cream

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1 c. black beans

Cook chicken breast however you prefer. I sprinkled mine with garlic powder, pepper and chili powder, then baked at 375 for 30 minutes. Shred once cooled.

Layer open tortillas with rice, sour cream, salsa, chicken, black beans and cheese. Roll up like a burrito, folding sides in as you roll. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes until crispy and heated through.

Dip in salsa, sour cream, guacamole, Greek yogurt, whatever sounds good!

The husband gave rave reviews and then complained as to why I didn't make more. Never enough. But, I do have to agree with him, next time I'll make a double batch and freeze some for later.

Are you following me on Pinterest yet? You should! Just click on the "Follow Me On Pinterest" logo on the right hand side toolbar or click here.

Trust me, it will give you so many neat ideas to float around in your brain, that you won't be able to sleep at night and you'll wonder who ever in their right mind actually has time to do it all. Prepare to feel bad about yourself.

Ha!

DIY Sunday: Rollin' is the new Foldin'

2012-01-29T06:30:00.000-06:00

Who wants a little history on our house?

We moved to the house we live in now when I was 8 months pregnant with the little man, which is definitely not recommend, but due to my husband's job transfer we found ourselves trekking from the Des Moines area to a small county just east of Iowa City.

Needless to say I was emotional and not very happy about it.

My husband still remembers the "worst day of our lives" as he likes to call it, when we took a day trip to the county we needed to live in, only to find NOTHING and his pregnant, emotionally, pissed off wife, crying in the passenger seat. It was not a good day.

Long story short, we eventually settled into a small ranch style home in a small community. There wasn't a ton of housing available in our price range, so this cute little white house with burgundy shutters was going to have to do. Obviously the next few months included unpacking and birthing a child. Honestly, it was all kind of a blurr.

But there is one thing I do remember very vividly. My new house was small. Just under 1,000 sq. feet, it had three bedrooms, one small bathroom and NO basement. There isn't much privacy in our house, we've grown to live with it, but it can sure make a mom cranky sometimes.

I had to get creative. Where was I going to put everything? I am definitely not a "stuff" person. Trinkets are not my friends, but organization is. I would rather drop stuff off to Goodwill any day then fill a shelf in a living room with "junk".

Here is what I had to do with our drawers and closets that hold towels. Instead of folding, I roll.

Hand towel door in kitchen

Hall closet holding bath towels

By rolling everything, instead of folding, I easily can fit twice as many towels in each drawer/closet. It's a godsend. When my mom or MIL come to visit they still sometimes struggle with how to roll them extra tight and get them squeezed in there nice and pretty like I like....but I forgive:)

Someday we will move. We know this house is small and is temporary for our family. But it fits us now (barely). You don't have to have the biggest, grandest house to have a family, so we are embracing it just about as much as we can stomach it.

What space saving ideas have you come up with? Frankly, I could use more ideas! The husband and I are working on a project in the spare bedroom/little misses' bedroom. I cannot wait to show you...

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

2012-01-27T06:47:00.002-06:00

I am so glad I ate one of these bars after I went to the dentist for a cleaning on Monday. They are stick to your teeth good and very rich. I tempted y'all with these last week promising the recipe...well, here it is!

Imagine pecan pie, but with added chocolate bits and a buttery, flaky crust. Then multiple that times 10. Then you might be close to what these taste like. Oh my gosh, perfect to gift to someone, a bake sale or a weekend stuck in the house because of snow.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Crust:

2 c. flour

1/3 c. sugar

3/4 c. butter, softened

1/4 t. salt

Filling:

4 eggs

1 1/2 c. corn syrup

1 1/2 c. sugar

3 T. butter, melted

1 1/2 t. vanilla

2 1/2 c. chopped pecans

1 c. chocolate chips

Combine flour, sugar, butter and salt with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly and evenly into a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

For filling combine all ingredients and pour/spread over hot crust. Bake an additional 25-30 minutes or until set. Cool on wire rack and cut into squares. Yields 4 dozen small bars.

No, the little miss did not get a bite of these bars, but rather munched on Cheerios while watching me bake. I don't know about your kids, but anytime I'm in the kitchen they are ubber-interested in what I am doing. Not sure if we have budding-bakers on our hands or they just like to be involved.

Either way, I try and let them help as much as I can, until I want to pull my hair out or walk outside for a breather for a few minutes. Whichever comes first.

Happy Friday everyone!

Honey Cornbread Muffins

2012-01-26T06:00:00.001-06:00

I'm not going to lie. The path of existence with cornbread and I has been that little blue and white box called Jiffy. Although she got me through many years and she tasted pretty darn good, I've found a replacement.

I like to find homemade recipes of boxed versions, not only because they tend to be better for you, but you just feel proud after you make them. Like you accomplished something. Anything.

Take these muffins for instance (which could easily be made in loaf form for bread). They went great with our spicy taco soup a couple of weeks ago and for mid-morning snacks the next day. And not to mention the taste...so much better than their boxed cousin! My goodness, they are good.

Please, I'm begging you give them a try.

Honey Cornbread Muffins

1 c. cornmeal

1 c. flour

1 T. baking powder

1/2 c. sugar

1 t. salt

1 c. milk

2 eggs

1/2 stick butter, melted

1/4 c. honey

Mix together all ingredients until just combined, do not overmix. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, grease a muffin pan or use liners, fill 3/4 of the way full and bake for 15 minutes.

Top with more honey. Or if you grew up in my family maple syrup.

I know, people think we are weird.

Slow Cooker Meatballs {two meals in one!}

2012-01-24T08:27:00.000-06:00

The kids and I spent the whole weekend at my parents house. With wintry weather outside we spent all our time indoors, which of course meant lots of cooking and baking! The little man LOVED it and I think spent 50% of his time sitting at the kitchen island helping Grandma.

Maybe a budding chef?

The recipe I'm sharing today is one of the easiest and most delicious recipes I feel I've passed on in a long time. The slow cooker does all the work and it can be made into two meals. The traditional way as spaghetti and meatballs and the most delicious meatball subs. Both were equally satisfying.

~~Working moms~~, ~~stay-at-home moms~~, ~~single folks~~, every living, breathing soul on this planet, needs to try this one.

Spaghetti & Meatballs

Meatball Subs

Slow Cooker Meatballs
Meatballs
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. ground pork or pork sausage
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
1/4 c. breadcrumbs
3 T. fresh parsley
1 egg, beaten
2 t. minced garlic
2 T. olive oil

Sauce
28 oz. tomatoes, drained
28 oz. tomato puree
1 t. dried basil
1/4 t. crushed red pepper
1/2 t. salt

Combine meat ingredients and stir until just combined. Form into 24 meatballs. In a large slow cooker, combine all sauce ingredients, then add in meatballs. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.

*If sauce seems a little thin when done, combine a little cornstarch and water to thicken*

Then divide up. Eat half of the meatballs with pasta, then reheat a couple of days later and make meatball subs (sub rolls, provolone cheese, meatballs and sauce).

If you are a meal planner I've taken care of two meals for you!

Now tell me, who is going to try this one???

DIY Sunday: Treat Bags for Your Girlfriends

2012-01-22T07:23:00.000-06:00

I try and never go empty handed when meeting friends that I haven't seen in what seems likes ages. A little something small, I feel, lets them know I value their friendship, even if we haven't seen each other in over a year (or longer!).

I really value the friendships I've made over the years from various jobs and places we've lived. Do you keep in touch with your friends?

Yesterday I made up the most delicious Chocolate Pecan Bars. See them? They are heavenly, and every bit of sugar filled that they look like they are. There is no hiding the calories in this bar. But it's okay - only two are packaged up in each treat bag, just enough to get your sweet tooth on.

Here is what you'll need to make these cute bags:

Cellophane bags - found cheap at any Dollar Store, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.
Treats (preferably homemade!)
Ribbon or wire to tie bags
Wax or parchment paper

Bake your treats, let them cool, layer between sheets of wax or parchment paper, place in bags, secure with ribbon or cute wire and your done! I put two large bars in each bag, which used up the 9x13 pan I baked them in.

If your waiting for this recipe, you'll just have to wait a little longer - I won't be revealing till later this week. Think of it as saving you some fat and calories....

Friday Fun Foods

2012-01-20T10:19:00.000-06:00

We are snowed in and at Grandma's house. The kids couldn't be happier. All this snow, wind and cold temps gets me screaming comfort food.

The little man just helped Grandma put together a casserole for tonight and next we'll be making dough for my artisan bread. It's a good day to be stuck inside.

Here are some Friday Fun Foods I thought I'd share. All of which are going on my list to make. Being stuck inside is not good for your waist line! Thank goodness I'll be helping to shovel the drive later...

Old Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts. Need I say more? If I had to chose a doughnut, this would be it. There are many that "claim" they don't get doughnuts. Yeah, right.

Kung Pao Chicken. I love dishes like this. It makes you forget you're inhaling tons of vegetables because they are covered in a decadent sauce. Not to mention the fire from the spice - right up my alley!

Nutella Hot Cocoa. What I wouldn't give for a swig of this right about now. But, let's be honest, I'd eat Nutella in or on anything. Toast, bananas, a flip-flop, whatever.

So, have these three recipes have you dreaming up comfort food today? During a snowstorm, what food is on your mind?

Mini Italian Meat Loaves

2012-01-18T18:27:00.000-06:00

This morning I woke up craving meatloaf. Tonight I made meatloaf. Simple as that.

After work I reached down in the cupboard for a loaf pan and grabbed the muffin tins by mistake. But...ah...what about mini meat loaves I thought?

Yes, perfect.

Each time I make meatloaf I dump in different ingredients. The premise stays the same (egg, some sort of breadcrumb/crushed cereal/oatmeal, seasonings, etc.), but more often than not each loaf has a different flavor. Tonight I went to Italy. As we all know I love Italian food.

Mini Italian Meat Loaves
1 lb. ground turkey or beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1/4 c. Italian style breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/2 c. marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 t. pepper
1 t. salt

Stir together all ingredients until just combined. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 6 regular sized muffin tins with cooking spray. Form meat into large balls and place in tins (they will make 6). Spread additional marinara/spaghetti sauce on top.

Bake for 40 minutes. Remove from muffin tin and let cool 5 minutes before eating. This will prevent a burnt tongue and lip (I didn't listen to my own advice).

Oh, and of course serve with baked garlic fries. That's a given.

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So tomorrow is Thursday, which essentially is my Friday (yep, only work 3 days a week!), which always makes the night seem so much better. Even though I love my job. I start looking forward to the long weekend - which this weekend includes a trip to the rents, a lunch at Newton's Paradise Cafe with some old friends and co-workers, and a visit to the dentist. Ugh.

I like everything but that last one.

I know one person in my life who loves the dentist (who I will be seeing this weekend, hopefully). She's crazy. Does anyone really love the dentist???

Banana Oatmeal Chip Cookies

2012-01-17T00:00:00.003-06:00

I love this picture. Some insane, healthy cookies sitting in front of our two beautiful kids. I won't pretend that I didn't set that picture up...

I finally got that picture up, in a frame and on display in our family room. The pictures were taken by my friend Shawna back in October. I'm so behind.

You should all be shocked I'm even posting recipes these days. As each and everyday, I have the little miss hanging on my pant legs. Everywhere I go. She follows. I leave the room, she cries. I pick her up, she's happy.

I'm keep telling myself, it's the age. As right around 9-10 months most babies get really attached to mommy. We have not been the exception.

But, with a smile this cute, I don't really mind. As much work as babies are, they really can lift your spirits at any given moment.

After the kids are in bed I've been reading this book. At Christmas, my sister said she was reading it, so of course, I prompted her to mail it to me as soon as she was done. I can't help it - I have an addiction to Hollywood gossip.

Let me just say this. Kris Jenner works hard and from what I've read has been through some tough times in her life, made some bad, bad decisions, but in the end sounds like a pretty good lady to me. Moving on.

These cookies! I received the Carrots 'N Cake book for Christmas and this recipe comes from Tina herself. Not a single person in this house disliked these healthy cookies, although the husband complained they had a few too many chocolate chips. Whats with men and too much chocolate? I don't get it.

Banana Oatmeal Chip Cookies

*makes 2 1/2 dozen*

1/2 c. flour (whole wheat, regular, almond, whatever)

1 c. oats

1/2 t. baking powder

1/2 t. baking soda

1/4 t. cinnamon

1 T. flax seed

1/4 c. agave nectar or honey

1/4 c. milk (regular or soy)

1/2 t. vanilla

1 T. canola oil

1 ripe, mashed banana

1/2 c. chocolate chips

1/4 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a large baking sheet. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well, dough will be wet.

Place a tablespoon size of dough on sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, removing cookies and allowing to cool on a wire rack.

I made these on Saturday, they are gone today. Enough said.

DIY Sunday: Making Your Own Granola Bars

2012-01-15T00:00:00.001-06:00

We tend to eat a lot of granola bars at our house, or at work or on the road. Our favorites are Larabars and KIND bars, but as you know they can get expensive with each being over $1 a bar. When you have a husband who could easily eat 2 a day, your stash you had thought you stockpiled is suddenly very low.

So, I make my own.

I used to make this version and sell at the farmer's market. But, as with anything sometimes you get sick of eating the same thing over and over, so I found a new recipe - which is pretty darn good!

I try and make a batch on the weekend to last us awhile, but let's be honest an 8x8 pan is often gone within 3 days or so. Between the husband and our 2 year old, I seem to be constantly running out of groceries. Unfortunately, I have a feeling it is only going to get worse.

Chocolate Nut Granola Bars

2 c. oats

1/4 c. flax seed

1/4 c. silvered almonds

1/2 c. chopped peanuts

1/4 c. flaked coconut

3/4 c. seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower, etc.)

2/3 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. honey

4 T. butter

1 t. vanilla

1/2 t. salt

1/2 c. chocolate chips

Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper, spray with cooking spray.

In a large bowl mix all dry ingredients together. Meanwhile in a small sauce pan combine brown sugar, honey, salt and butter. Bring to a boil, constantly stirring, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Pour into dry ingredients, stirring to combine. Fold in chocolate chips. Press mixture down into pan, using buttered fingers or back of wooden spoon. Place in the fridge to set for at least 2 hours, this will help to harden.

Once set, lift up on parchment papers and cut gently into bars. Press straight down with knife, not sawing back and forth, or bars will crumble. Immediately wrap in plastic wrap for individual bars. Keep in fridge for storage.

Don't you want to bite into one of these? We'll I'm not shipping you any, so get baking!

This weekend has us pretty much stuck in the house because of the recent snowfall, which for any other mothers out there, can make me want to pull my hair out sometimes. I hope I'm not the only one who sometimes goes a little insane with two little ones in a confined space.

Please tell me I'm not alone...

I'll be keeping myself busy with laundry (never ends!), movie watching with the little man, cooking, cleaning and whatever else I step on (literally). Have a great Sunday!

Baked Chicken with Vegetables {gluten free}

2012-01-12T07:54:00.000-06:00

It finally is feeling like winter here in Iowa. We always seem to have the weather of extremes - yesterday sunny and 50 degrees (in January!) and today snowy, cold and windy. So, very wonderful.

I don't mind it other than having to drag out two little kids in it. There is nothing more annoying than car seats, bulky winter coats and the blowing wind!

But, yet I have a solution. This dish. A perfect warm and comforting meal for this cold weather. Plus it's full of hearty veggies and is gluten free. Yum-o.

Baked Chicken with Vegetables
4 T. olive oil
1 T. Italian seasoning
2 t. garlic
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
1 c. chopped red bell pepper
2 c. broccoli florets
2 c. sliced fresh mushrooms
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 c. spaghetti sauce
1/2 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.

In a bowl or plastic baggie combine oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat and let sit for at least 10 minutes.

In a large skillet saute chicken with the marinade until juices run clear, about 7-8 minutes. Add in peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, tomatoes and spaghetti sauce, toss to coat. Pour into baking dish, top with parmesan cheese. Bake for 45 minutes.

Serve as is, or with a side of pasta.

This was really, really, really good. Did I say it was good? Hearty, filling and great as a leftover the next day. If you like leftovers...

I'm heading into work later today, so for once my morning is free. No kids, no husband, no responsibilities. And guess what I'm choosing to do with it? Clean out a closet. Yes, so very exciting. But...it is leading to something really neat in our guest bedroom/little misses room. You'll just have to wait and see.

Have a great Thursday!

Ranch Chicken Pizza

2012-01-10T09:02:00.000-06:00

It's not a secret that I love pizza. I love all things about it, minus the unhealthy qualities, but more often than not, I simply ignore those.

Since the NCAA Football National Championship game was on last night, I thought pizza was a good fit. Football is on (and any sport for that matter) in our house all the time. We love sports and the food that goes with it.

I used my classic pizza dough recipe and the little man helped. It ended up in tears (for him, not me), flour all over my kitchen and a huge mess. We started out with good intentions. Toddlers just don't understand many rules of the kitchen, like 'not throwing flour' or 'touching a hot oven'.

But he loves to help, so I continue to add the stress to my cooking life.

Chicken on pizza used to be an absolute NO for me. Then I had Papa Murphy's Chicken Garlic Pizza and loved it. This version is almost a recreation of their pizza. Maybe a little better, because it is homemade. You need to try this one!

Ranch Chicken Pizza

classic pizza dough

1 grilled chicken breast, cut into chunks

1 c. ranch dressing

2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 c. sliced green onion

1 c. chopped tomato

Preheat oven to 500 degrees, placing a pizza stone in the oven while it is preheating. Lay dough on a piece of parchment paper to assemble pizza. Spread ranch dressing on dough for the sauce. Sprinkle on chicken breast, cheese, green onion and tomato.

Transfer pizza (still laying on the parchment paper) to the pizza stone. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

*After many stressful attempts to take the pizza fully assembled off the parchment paper and transfer to the stone, I finally realized why am I doing this? Simply bake it on the parchment paper. You will still receive an extra crispy crust.

I have leftovers for lunch today which makes for a happy mom. The little miss cried for an hour during the night (used to sleeping on mom's chest over the weekend while she was sick), so I laid awake from 2:45 a.m. to 5:20 a.m. Then finally falling asleep, only to be awoken by my alarm at 5:45 a.m. Lovely.

But, I'm not complaining...because I have leftover pizza for lunch!

What is your favorite leftover meal to take to work?

DIY Sunday: Cinnamon Vanilla Honey Butter

2012-01-08T08:08:00.001-06:00

It's Sunday! Which means DIY!

Has anyone out there ever made their own flavored butter? Sweet or savory? This one is sweet and painstakingly delicious. I saw it posted over on One Lovely Life (a beautiful blog by the way...), and knew I had to put it on my "to make" list.

Do not be afraid of flavored butter, it is as simple as throwing softened butter in the food processor, along with seasonings. Very easy.

Cinnamon Vanilla Honey Butter
*makes 1 cup, or 1/2 pint*
1 stick softened unsalted butter
1/2 c. powdered sugar
1/2 c. honey
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. vanilla
pinch of salt

Combine all ingredients in a food processor, blending until smooth. Keep cold in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for many weeks.

And what do I have the pleasure of spreading this on?

French toast (this morning's breakfast)
Pancakes
Bagels
Toast
English Muffins
Dinner Rolls
A scoop in oatmeal

The possibilities are endless. Tragically, if you cannot find anything to put it on, give it away as a gift. Isn't this little jar cute?

What is your DIY project this Sunday?

Spicy Taco Soup

2012-01-06T18:41:00.000-06:00

Before I get to this hearty (and might I say healthy) bowl of soup, I've got a winner to announce! Thanks to everyone who entered my 2 Year Blogging Anniversary Giveaway. The winner is...

NewWeighofLife who said:

Wow - 2 years already?! That's awesome - congrats!! I think I'd make some sort of sweet bread.

Congrats winner! Shoot me an email with your mailing address and you can start baking!

This soup comes courtesy of my sister. She brought it to Christmas, the husband loved it, and long story short we were eating it again a week later. It is quite possibly the easiest soup known to man (or woman). Literally you brown meat, dump in ingredients and simmer. I'm fairly confident to say you could be eating it in 30 minutes start to finish.

Spicy Taco Soup

1 lb. ground beef or turkey

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 can Rotel (mild or hot)

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can corn

1 dry package ranch seasoning mix

1 dry package taco seasoning mix

1 t. pepper

Cook meat and drain. Add in all other ingredients and simmer for 25-30 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

I told you it was simple.

Well, today I've spent the majority of the day with the little miss on my chest. Yesterday she had her 9 month appointment and we walked out with a double ear infection and running a temp. Who knew? Just call me mother-of-the-year.

She's been a trooper, but clearly she'd much rather lay on my chest all day than crawl around and annoy her brother. So, not much has gotten done around here!

2 Year Blogging Anniversary Giveaway

2012-01-04T13:39:00.000-06:00

Want a chance to win these two beautiful Ruff Hewn loaf pans? I'm celebrating two years of food blogging. Can you believe it? Well, the actual anniversary was in December but life got in the way - babies, Christmas, parties, you know the drill.

So one month late and here we are!

I have no affiliation with Ruff Hewn I just like their products. Their home line is influenced by the outdoors. (You all know I want to live in a log cabin one day right?) I love the rustic look of their products and thought these two reddish-orange loaf pans were just the right fit.

No crazy gimmicks to win these. Just simply leave a comment and tell me what would be the first item baked in these pans if you were to win. I'll pick one random winner Friday night (1/6).

And, as always thanks for being a faithful reader. This is the reason for this wonderful gift!

Roquefort Cheese Ball

2012-01-03T09:40:00.001-06:00

I'm not sure if a cheese ball screams party food or the 1970's, but in my book it just screams excellent snacking food.

After two years of falling asleep well before midnight, we actually had plans on New Year's Eve. Us and two other couples, along with everyone's kids, gathered in the afternoon and partied well into the night. We had enough food to feed an army - smoked pork ribs, potatoes, dips, dips and more dips, cupcakes, s'mores bars and of course drinks.

I'm in another food coma just thinking about it all.

This cheese ball recipe comes from a cookbook I received for Christmas, The Homesick Texan. If you love Tex-Mex food this is the cookbook for you - holy yum! From a gal who moved to NYC and dreamed of the Texas food she grew up with, she showcases everything in her new book. It's lovely.

Roquefort Cheese Ball

*If you don't like bleu cheese, just swap with any soft cheese you like, maybe feta? My cheese ball is adapted from this recipe.

16 oz. package of cream cheese

4 oz. of Roquefort cheese (or any other soft and creamy blue cheese)
2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
2 clove of garlic, minced
2 cups of crushed pecans

Mix the cream cheese, Roquefort cheese, Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic until well blended. Roll into a long tube shape and refrigerate for at least an hour. When chilled roll in the crushed pecans and keep chilled until served.

Serve with crackers.

I have to say yesterday, although tired from a full weekend, was relaxing. My in-laws came down and watched the kids while the husband and I actually went out for a late lunch with NO KIDS. We headed to one of our favorites, Granite City, and enjoyed a leisurely lunch, while taking in a college football bowl game. Then headed to the grocery store (much to the husband's groans and moans) and stocked up on supplies.

For everyone who has kids and has family in the town they live in, please be appreciative of it! Both of our parents live 1.5 hours away and we do not live in the town either of us grew up in, so babysitters are hard to come by. A big thanks to the in-laws for letting us have a short afternoon break.

Guess what is coming next?

Cinnamon Vanilla Honey Butter
Spicy Taco Soup
Crispy Parmesan and Garlic Chicken

DIY Sunday: Organizing Your Cookbooks & Recipes

2012-01-01T17:04:00.000-06:00

Reading material I got for Christmas!

Happy New Year!

We've had quite the 2011 at our house - never a dull moment. From the birth of our 2nd baby, our little miss in March, who brings us constant smiles, jabbers and drooling kisses, to a healthy and loving older brother who never misses a beat.

Not to mention both of us changing jobs and loving the results. Like I said, we are grateful and blessed. With that being said I do need to thank my blog readers. Without you, this past year just wouldn't have been the same!

On to today's DIY Sunday project. I thought I'd share my cookbook and recipe organization technique. It works for me, and in case your cupboards are overflowing with cookbooks, recipe cut-outs from magazines along with hand-written recipes from years back, my technique just might get you organized too.

I counted my cookbooks today. 38. I was actually thinking it would be more! Here is how I keep them organized and not a nuisance.

All cookbooks are stored in one cupboard, neatly lined, always in order.
Any recipes we like, usually giving a 4 thumbs up sign or higher, get written down and placed in a recipe binder. This gives me easy access when I'm needing to find them.
Every few months I pull a few different cookbooks out for "display" in my kitchen. It helps me in trying new recipes and giving the kitchen a different look. I have one shelf on the wall holding a few and one book holder on my counter always holding one.
If I have a cookbook that somehow was given to me or I picked up somewhere that never gets used, or the recipes don't appeal to me, I simply get rid of it. No sense in taking up space. I'll donate to the Salvation Army, Goodwill or give to a friend.

So, the question of the day. Are your cookbooks organized or just taking up space?

Candy Bar Pudding Cups

2011-12-30T06:00:00.002-06:00

What to do with endless amounts of candy bars in your house, due to overloaded Christmas stockings? Throw them into cookie batter.

At least that was my solution this week.

Crumbled up kit kat and snickers bars got sliced and diced and dumped into a mess of butter, sugar and flour. I'd have to say it worked out rather well. The little man and I kept a few at home, I packaged some up for work and took the rest in this pretty little box to daycare.

I'm sure the other mothers just love me.

Candy Bar Pudding Cups

1 c. butter, softened

1 pkg. French Vanilla dry pudding mix

1/2 c. sugar

2 eggs

2 1/4 c. flour

1 c. oats

1 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

2 c. chopped up candy bars

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together butter, sugar and pudding mix. Add eggs, one at a time to combine. Stir in vanilla.

In a separate bowl combine flour, oats, baking soda, salt and gradually stir into wet mixture. Fold in candy bar pieces. Place by large spoonful into greased mini muffin tins. Bake for 12 minutes, let cool in pan for 2-3 minutes, then remove to finish cooling on a wire rack.

Well...I'm blogging from my in-laws as we are having our final Christmas today and tomorrow. Then on to 2012! I've got a special post lined up recapping 2011, including the highlights and most popular recipes. Stay tuned.

I'm curious what are you goals for 2012? I've got a few.

Get organized. Our house is small and sometimes I just feel like it is collapsing upon us. I want to take some ideas from Pinterest and in return incorporate them into our house.
Start moving. I need to get moving more after the birth of baby #2.
Continue to develop this food blog and hopefully reach out to an even bigger fan base.
Stick to a budget. Enough said.

So...what are your goals?

Cranberry Orange Mimosas

2011-12-28T06:00:00.001-06:00

We drank mimosas Christmas Eve morning at my parent's house, courtesy of my mom. She always has something special for us no matter what we are feasting upon.

Alcohol always seems to make everyone cheery on Christmas! Right? Well, the breakfast casserole, cinnamon rolls and fruit weren't too bad either. I often think holidays with family is making a meal, cleaning up a meal, preparing the next meal, with snacks in between. At least that is how my family works.

But, it's once a year so I'm not fretting.

Cranberry Orange Mimosas

3 c. orange juice

1 c. cranberry juice

1 bottle champagne

raspberries for garnish

Combine all liquid ingredients in a pitcher and stir, making sure they are already chilled. Place raspberries in your glass and fill with mimosa mixture.

Drink and enjoy!

If you have a fruit phobia (like my brother) you can omit the floating fruit, but I'm imagining most can tolerate a raspberry!

So I need to vent. I went to pick up our mail after work today, only to find our post office box STUFFED with political ads (there is a whole different post on why we have a post office box, yet live in town). I live in Iowa.

Home to farms, Ashton Kutcher, pigs, the original State Fair, Herbert Hoover, Johnny Carson, and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

But wait, yes, also the Iowa Caucuses. Every four years all attention focuses on our state to determine who will be the front runner for the next election. Needless to say our TVs, radios and mail boxes are full of advertisements. I know they have a job to do, but when I cannot even get my mail out because of them, it's quite annoying! One more week...

Enough of my rant.

Off to drink a mimosa.

Sassy Tailgate Sandwiches

2011-12-26T07:33:00.000-06:00

Well, it's the day after Christmas and I'm imagining we are all recovering. Or still attending gatherings. We are at home, still have one Christmas left to attend later in the week, but for the most part done. It was another great year for family, friends and food.

Did I mention food?

Whoa, I ate way too much of it. These sandwiches included.

I brought these to my parents, as we had two different kinds of soups on Friday night, many appetizers, drinks and other snacks. Found out of a recent Taste of Home magazine, they looked super simple and a great accompaniment to a hot bowl of steamy soup.

Sassy Tailgate Sandwiches
12-18 Hawaiian sweet rolls, split (found mine at Wal-Mart)
1 lb. shaved Black Forest Ham
12 oz. Grueyere or Swiss cheese
8 oz. chive and onion cream cheese
1/2 c. butter, melted
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 t. dried minced onion

Arrange bottoms of rolls in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Layer with ham and cheese. Spread each roll top with cream cheese, place over the cheese.

In a small bowl, combine butter, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce and onion. Pour over sandwiches. Let stand for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until heated through.

So simple and so easy. If you are attending a New Year's Eve party this coming weekend or tailgating with friends for a bowl game, these sandwiches would be perfect to bring!

Sorry I missed out on DIY Sunday yesterday, but it was Christmas and we were all busy! I'll be back next Sunday with a DIY post. Until then I have a fun new twist on a mimosa coming up and a few other fun creations.

What yummies did you have a Christmas this weekend?

Buttermilk Cinnamon Coffee Cake

2011-12-23T06:00:00.002-06:00

So my coffee cake is in loaf form. I hope that is okay. I have one bundt pan that I received for our wedding and oddly enough it is shaped as a castle, and it really annoys me, so I usually end up baking things in a loaf pan instead.

I should have put a new bundt pan on my Christmas list.

This coffee cake has been my breakfast all week. I know, not enough protein, but it is easy to be wrapped up and taken to work. Then once my sugar high plummets around 10am, I throw in a banana. Hey, it works for me.

I've been making this since college. My sister back in the day gave my mom and I a banker's cookbook one year from where she worked. I still to this day find good recipes in there, and this was definitely one of them. Easy and delicious.

Buttermilk Cinnamon Coffee Cake
1/2 c. canola oil or applesauce
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 c. buttermilk
2 t. baking soda
4 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
1/4 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Streusal Topping: 3/4 c. sugar and 2 1/2 t. cinnamon

Mix together all ingredients, except topping. Pour half of the batter into two greased loaf pans, or one bundt pan. Sprinkle half of the streusal topping over the batter. Pour in the remaining batter. Sprinkle the rest of the streusal topping on top of each loaf. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Can be much easier right?

Little Miss liked it as well, she got many, many crumbs. Have I told you she is now on the move? Crawling up a storm. No, army crawl for this girl, straight on, full speed, getting into everything crawl. And pulling herself up on almost anything!

Her brother is just beside himself, as she now takes everything away from him. They are constantly fighting over toys.

Our house is like a damn circus.

But, we love it.

Daily Buzz Moms 9x9: Deck the Doors!

2011-12-20T12:00:00.005-06:00

Is your front door looking a little dismal? Mine was. Nothing was on it, until recently. Yes, I created this. Our very own monogrammed initialed button plaque. Long description for such a cute piece, right?

I was recently chosen and selected to participate in the Daily Buzz Moms 9x9: Deck the Doors special. On Thursday, December 22, my blog will be featured, along with 8 others, showcasing their front doors. I wonder what everyone else made?

Fortunately, I work in the "Button Capital of the World". Yes, that is their claim to fame. Located right on the Mississippi River, it once made enough pearl buttons out of clam shells to clothe the world. Today, there are two small factories left, one that I visited last week to get some buttons. Free!

This monogrammed plaque is beyond easy. Here is what you'll need:

A wooden board or plaque (got mine at Wal-Mart for 2.99)
Spray paint
Ribbon
Buttons
Glue gun
Drill (if needing to drill hole for ribbon)

Close-up of the buttons.

Directions:

Drill hole in top of board for ribbon to be tied later (enlist your hubby, he'll be beyond excited).
Spray paint the board your desired color. Let dry.
Trace your letter with pencil on the board.
Place buttons within that trace to see how it will look, before gluing.
Glue buttons one at a time, until filled in.
Tie ribbon in bow for hanging effect.

So, do you think you can do it? I promise you can. It's simple, easy and inexpensive. Total cost for mine was well under $5.

I may even do some custom orders, if anyone is interested, but it will cost you more than $5!

If you're not into buttons, or cannot find any in surplus, try this hanging initialed frame. Another great idea for your front door. I featured it a few weeks ago on one of my DIY Sunday posts. All directions and pictures for this frame can be found here.

Gosh, I promise I'll be back to chatting about food soon. Next up is a great coffee cake like bread. I've been baking it since college, from a bank cookbook my sister gave me years ago. An oldie but a goodie!

Think buttermilk and cinnamon.

Stay tuned!

DIY Sunday: How to Throw a Budget Friendly Holiday Dinner Party

2011-12-18T00:00:00.003-06:00

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to help throw a holiday themed dinner party for a combined group of our friends. After tons of planning, we were able to put on this fun-filled party with few expenses, but yet giving our guests a bucketload of goodies. We fittingly named it Eat, Drink & Shop, because frankly that is what they did!

Here is how we did it.

We drank a lot of wine.

Mackenzie, Terrie and I got beautified and smiled even though we were tired!

We practiced our games...free entertainment!

We baked our hearts out.

And drooled over what our guest could purchase.

We hit up the Dollar Store for guest party bins and filled them to the brim!

We gave away one huge door prize.

We decorated with thrifty finds.

I cooked up a menu that came out to be just around $2/person!

We sold our homemade gifts.

And in the end we marveled at our decorating skills and wished we were sitting at the table!

To recap, this is how the night went...

Our guests arrived, each paying $15 to attend the dinner party. They got seated, we served drinks, played an opening game, served the first course, re-filled drinks, handed out a door prize, re-filled drinks, served the main course, played another game, re-filled drinks, handed out another door prize, re-filled drinks, served dessert, and re-filled drinks.

Thank god we got cheap wine! These girls were thirsty!

Each of us that took part in the dinner was also selling our homemade items. At this point we opened the shopping area for our guests to browse, mingle and you guessed it, drink more wine. We had everything from jewelry, greeting cards, stocking stuffers, blankets, cookbooks, cupcakes, breads, cookies, clothes, hats, the list goes on and on. All handmade.

In the end, we were exhausted, but it was so much fun we are already thinking of doing a spring dinner/show. And we all came out ahead and made some money! We shopped for deals, made items ourselves and in general just kept costs low.

So...would you come to our Eat, Drink & Shop party?

Grandma's Chicken Noodle Soup

2011-12-16T06:00:00.002-06:00

Let me start off by saying my grandmother has no affiliation with this soup. It just sounds better saying Grandma's Chicken Noodle Soup. Much cozier, don't you think?

I made a big batch of this a week ago when the whole house was sneezing, coughing and catching snot left and right. Of course the hot soup made my nose run more, but it was worth it. Even better, I baked up some of my No-Knead Artisan Bread to go along side for dunking purposes.

If you've been a reader for awhile you'll know I'm a lover of any and all things that cook in the slow cooker and require little work. I'm happy to say this dish is one of them! Low and slow.

Grandma's Chicken Noodle Soup

1 small onion, diced

2 carrots (or about 15 baby carrots), diced

2 stalks celery, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

8 c. chicken stock

1 c. water

1 t. lemon pepper seasoning

1 t. dill

1 t. salt

1 t. parsley

1/2 lb. dry pasta

4 c. shredded chicken

Place all ingredients in a large slow cooker (minus the noodles) on low. Cook for at least 6 hours, or all day if at work. Stir in uncooked noodles 30-45 minutes before serving. Soup is ready when noodles are tender.

Pretty heavenly looking, right?

I cannot believe it is only 10 (TEN!) days left until Christmas. I am by no means ready. I'd say about 60%. Thankfully my husband's side isn't meeting until a few days after Christmas, so it gives me more time! Each year, I'm envious of those that have their shopping done way prior to the holiday season. I've never been one of those. For me, it's needs to be reeking Santa, Christmas trees, tinsel, holly, eggnog and grumpy shoppers to get me into the spirit of shopping.

Is your shopping/gift-making all done?

Before I head out, I'm taking suggestions for my next cookbook. Desserts? Simple Family Dinners? Appetizers & Finger Foods?

What do you want to see? Please tell me by leaving a comment.

In the meantime if you are interested in ordering my current cookbook, buying two or more before December 17 (Saturday) will get you 25% off your order! Just enter the promo code: REDHAT at the checkout. Remember it comes in an iPad/iPhone version, softcover or hardcover.

In the meantime, what topic should I tackle next?

Jalapeno Popper Dip

2011-12-14T07:33:00.000-06:00

Before I dive head first into this dip, can I talk about something really mind blowing? In the past two weeks I've had two "fan" encounters. I've never had anyone recognize me in public because of my blog, and here it happened twice in a row.

First, a friend and I were having lunch at a local cafe and this random man (yes, a man, not a woman!) came up and said, "I made your white lasagna, it was great!". It took me a moment to figure out what in the heck he was talking about, but soon realized he must be reading my blog! Crazy.

My next thought was how does he recognize me? Do I show pictures of myself on here often? Maybe I just had a distinguishable face?

Then yesterday, at a work luncheon, about good/bad sugars, nonetheless, the speaker, who happens to be a chiropractor in town recognized me. We had a really nice chat about health, my aching back, and my daycare provider who she also will be using in the spring. Small world.

Have you ever been recognized in public by a total stranger?

Back to this dip. This heavenly, ooey, gooey, creamy, cheesy, dip. My friend Jess, provided it for us to munch on this past Sunday when my high school friends and I got together to do our holiday baking. We need our garbage food to make all those treats!

Jalapeno Popper Dip

2 - 8oz. packages cream cheese, room temp

1 c. mayonnaise

1 c. shredded Mexican blend cheese

1/2 c. Parmesan cheese

1 - 4 oz. can chopped green chilies

1 - 4 oz. can sliced jalapenos - double if you like heat (OR LESS!)

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1/2 stick butter, melted

Mix the first 6 ingredients and process until smooth. You do not need to drain either can of peppers. Spread the dip into a greased 2-quart casserole. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter; mix well. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over the dip and bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for about 20 minutes. You want the top to get browned and the dip to be heated through and bubble gently on the edges.

Serve with Ritz crackers or tortilla chips.

This dip will knock your socks off. Literally. It's hot, but a good hot. The combination of mild cheeses also mellows out the heat. Try it for an appetizer at Christmas!

Well, I'm at home today with the whole family. The daycare provider is sick, so I'll try and do some work from home, and then be back at it tomorrow. I've got about a bazillion posts lined up for you guys, some yummy food and some really cute DIY decorations. One in fact that was chosen as DailyBuzz Moms Top 9x9 for next week.

Cannot wait to share!

Honey Wheat Banana Muffins

2011-12-12T19:41:00.000-06:00

She's so tired in this picture, recovering from a cold...but still all smiles!

I'm a lover of all things banana, and so is this little girl. Who also happens to be taking her first "crawling" steps and pulling herself up on everything, this toy included.

My little baby is growing up:(

Instead of sulking around about her growing up, I guess I'll just eat more of these muffins. They are healthy so why not!

Honey Wheat Banana Muffins

1 c. all-purpose flour

1 c. whole wheat flour

1/2 c. honey

3/4 t. baking powder

3/4 t. baking soda

1/2 t. cinnamon

1/4 t. allspice

1 egg white

1 c. buttermilk

1 1/2 T. canola oil

2 mashed bananas

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl, mixing well. In another bowl combine wet ingredients, adding to the dry until just combined. Fill cups two-thirds full. Bake until lightly golden, about 20 minutes.

Honestly, though, since I probably shouldn't eat all these muffins in one sitting (the kids got some), I put the rest wrapped individually in the freezer for later. This makes them easy to grab when heading to work, car seat in one hand, toddler in the other, purse under an arm, and enough coats, hats, gloves between all of us to keep an army warm.

Who else has mornings like me?

Stay tuned this week for a recap of Eat, Drink & Shop, along with a delicious bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. You don't want to miss this easy recipe!

DIY Sunday: Cookie Jars

2011-12-11T08:48:00.000-06:00

It's my 2nd DIY Sunday - on a roll! I had the choice of a few things to show you, but opted for these cute cookie jars. Just in time for the holidays.

Do you have a baker friend, neighbor, daycare provider or family member? I think these cute little jars are perfect for them. It takes over half the hassle out of baking cookies and you are left with a full belly and neat jar to use later (found mine at the Dollar Tree for $1).

I'm giving these to four of my closest high school friends today as we are gathering for our 3rd Annual Holiday Baking Extravaganza. I feel like all I've done this weekend is bake, cook and have flour up to my elbows. A big thanks out to mom for watching the kids!

Here is how to make these cookie jars. By all means use whatever cookie recipe you like, this is just an example.

Layer ingredients into a clean jar, in the following order, pressing down on ingredients as you go.
Flour (2 1/4 c.)
Sugar (1/2 c.)
Baking soda (1 t.)
Salt (1/2 t.)
Oatmeal (1 c.)
Dark chocolate chips (1/2 c.)
Mint chips (1/2 c.)
Seal and attach with cute ribbon.
Attach a "how-to" tag for baking instructions. Mine said this: "Cream 2 sticks butter, 4 oz. cream cheese, 2 eggs and 1 t. vanilla. Slowly pour in dry ingredients and mix well. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes."

Easy enough right? Who doesn't have an old jar laying around, some ribbon, plus baking ingredients? I'm guessing you can make this without having a big run to the grocery store. Perfect last minute DIY Holiday gift this year.

Well, I'm off to bake, and fall into yet another sugar induced coma. Wish me luck.

Beef Taco Bowls

2011-12-09T06:55:00.000-06:00

Need a simple dinner? This one is perfect. We have these beef taco bowls quite a bit, as they are easy to throw together and filling.

Essentially a glorified taco salad! Layer in lettuce, meat of your choice (in this case, ground beef), cheese, black beans, salsa and sour cream.

All together now. Who else has to mix their salad up completely before eating like me? A little bit OCD...

Today is crazy. Last night was crazy. I baked/cooked from 4-10pm getting ready for our Eat, Drink & Shop party tonight.

In case you missed it, two friends and I are hosting a dinner/shopping party. Nice sit down dinner, drinks, games, door prizes and in the end opening up two of her bedrooms for shopping! Each of us have prepared "homemade" gifts so to speak for our guests. We have everything from jewelry, handmade scarves, hats, greeting cards, cupcakes, a zillon baked goods, my cookbook, the list goes on and on.

It should be a ton of fun. Thankfully the kids are heading to daycare today so we can prepare and get ready! Pictures and recap will be coming.

Have you ever been to a party like this? I'd like to think I'm the first one to think of it...

Homemade Twix Bars

2011-12-06T16:47:00.000-06:00

Call the dentist. You can just feel the sugar sinking in your teeth on these bars. It might almost be worth the trip to the dentist or the insurance claim for the filling.

They are just that good.

I originally saw a version of these posted on Hey, What's For Dinner Mom?, and a year later still see variations of these using a shortbread or club cracker crust. I was stuck at home all weekend with a sniffly, snotty baby and a crazy toddler, so I went the lazy route with the club crackers.

Clearly, I was not disappointed. Made on Saturday and gone by Monday. A large plate did get sent to daycare! Don't judge.

Homemade Twix Bars
2 sleeves Club crackers
3/4 c. butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
3 T. corn syrup
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 bag milk chocolate chips

Spray an 8x8 pan and layer the bottom with crackers. In a medium saucepan on medium high heat, add butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and condensed milk. Stir and bring to a boil, always stirring (don't walk away!). When boiling, reduce heat and continue stirring and simmer for 7 minutes. Remove from heat.

Pour some of the caramel mixture over the crackers and spread. Add another layer of crackers, more caramel and spread. Add a third layer of crackers, more caramel and spread. Place chocolate chips over hot caramel, let them melt a little and spread.

Place in the fridge and let harden for at least 2 hours, best overnight. Cut into bars and serve. Keep in fridge.

While stuck at home, I did manage to put up this little tree while the little man was napping. I caught him starring when he rounded the corner. Seriously, he didn't move for about 2 minutes.

I also made a large crock pot full of Chicken Noodle Soup. So good. That recipe is coming. The little man loved it, as did we and thankfully there is enough left over for a late supper tonight, which means no cooking. This mama is tired!

My two-year blog anniversary is also this month (a lot to chat about today, sorry). In fact, this week I think. I'm thinking a cool giveaway, what about you? Stay tuned.

On that note - how long have you been reading Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats? The full two years? One year? One month?

Take the challenge and comment telling me how long you've been reading. I dare all those people out there who have never commented!

DIY Sundays: Homemade Initialed Frames

2011-12-04T13:40:00.001-06:00

I've decided to start dedicating each and every Sunday post to a DIY project. Something lately has triggered the inner Martha in me (maybe Pinterest?) and I keep thinking up ideas to do around the house whether it be organizational, crafty, a homemade version of a store bought item, or something that caught my eye saying 'I can do this'.

So I hope you start looking forward to DIY Sundays as much as I do. This doesn't mean I actually do this activity on a Sunday (come on, I have two kids under the age of 2, nothing is ever really planned), but I will definitely post about it on Sunday.

Let's dig into my first project.

A few weeks back I posted on DIY Holiday Gifts. I'm pretty sure that is what started this whole 'I can do everything' craze. I featured a homemade initialed frame, that really caught my attention.

Well, over the weekend I made a couple of my own. If you are a family member and reading this, and have figured out that one may be for you for Christmas, please act surprised when you open it...

For a young girl's room

For a front door or over the fireplace

Another one for a young girl's room

Honestly, I didn't even research this one. I just took the bull by the horns and made them. All you need is:

Picture frame
Spray paint
Wooden letters (some letters may require a hole to be drilled for the yarn)
Yarn

Use old picture frames if you have them, the more rustic looking the better. Choose your color scheme and run with it. Wrap yarn tightly around frame sides and use small slip knots on the back side to secure. A great decorating piece for your front door, a kid's bedroom or above the mantle or fireplace.

Aren't they cute?

The husband even helped by drilling a hole in one of the letters for me. And when I wasn't looking I'm sure he was rolling his eyes.

What DIY Projects have you tackled lately???

Paula Deen's Sweet Potato Biscuits

2011-12-02T08:13:00.001-06:00

Paula Deen has a new cookbook out called Paula Deen's Southern Cooking Bible. It's on my Christmas list. If you get the Food Network magazine, she does give you a sneak peek with this recipe, her Fluffy Sweet Potato Biscuits.

I've never met a biscuit I didn't like, and our house really likes sweet potatoes, so it seemed like a win win in my book.

We had these over the course of a couple nights, once with our leftover turkey casserole and the other with our staple when I don't feel like cooking, scrambled eggs. What is your staple when you don't feel like cooking?

Paula Deen's Sweet Potato Biscuits

3/4 c. cooked, mashed sweet potato

1/3 to 1/2 c. whole milk, as needed

1 1/2 c. flour, plus more for dusting

2 T. sugar (I used agave nectar)

1 T. baking powder

1 t. salt

6 T. cold, unsalted butter, cut into bits

Preheat oven to 425 degrees, grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet potato, 1/3 c. milk and agave nectar (if using), set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar (if using), baking powder and salt. Cut in butter with pastry blender or hands, until it's crumbly. Add sweet potato mixture and fold to combine. Add remaining milk a little at a time until flour is moistened.

Sprinkle some flour on a work surface. Turn the dough out and knead lightly 2 to 3 times with palm of hand until the mixture comes together. Pat dough into a 1/2-inch thick round. Using a biscuit cutter or circle cookie cutout, cut biscuits and place on baking sheet. Brush with milk. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until a light golden brown.

The kids and I are off to the library this morning for reading group and then back home to stay in out of the cold! A light dusting of snow and frigid temps really just wants me to stay in, curl up on the couch with a book, watch trashy TV and drink hot cocoa.

Too bad I have children to tend to.

I am going to try and tackle my first DIY holiday craft of the season - pictures to come this weekend, stay tuned! Let's "hope" it turns out.

And check out my Pin It tab on the bottom of each post next to the comment section. Yes, I finally joined Pinterest! Who knew I'd be put on a waiting list??? Regardless, start pinning my posts to your boards!

Leftover Turkey Casserole

2011-11-30T06:00:00.003-06:00

It's not a secret that I'm a fan of casseroles. Meat, starch and veggies are all taken care of in one dish. Ideal in my opinion.

With this being said, they usually aren't healthy. This one I'm showing you today definitely isn't healthy, but you'll be happy to know I had just a small portion. Enough to get my fix of creamy, comforting casserole. I can't say the same for my husband who polished off the remaining portions in two days, but his metabolism is beyond good and well, he works like a dog some days, so he can do it.

I cannot. Therefore I limited myself to two scoops.

If you threw pieces of leftover turkey in the freezer after Thanksgiving this dish is perfect for it. Otherwise substitute with chicken. Chicken goes with everything.

Leftover Turkey Casserole

4 c. shredded turkey or chicken

1/2 c. mayo

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 c. leftover gravy

1 c. frozen peas

1/4 c. dijon mustard

2 c. dry pasta

1 t. dill weed

1 t. pepper

1 t. garlic salt

1/2 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese

dots of butter

In a large bowl combine all ingredients, except last two. If too thick, thin out with a little milk. Bake covered at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove lid or foil, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and dots of butter. Bake an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.

Paula Deen's Sweet Potato Biscuits were served with this meal. Yeah, pretty good. Recipe to come.

This is a great one to make a day or two ahead if you know you'll be having a busy night during the week. Nothing makes me happier than dinner already made before I get home.

But, what is really making me happy this week is getting in the holiday spirit. It's automatic, once I know December 1st is nearing, my head automatically turns to Christmas music, Christmas cookies, Christmas decorating, Christmas gift giving, on and on.

Too bad, I haven't done any of that yet. This week (or weekend) I promise!

Cyber Monday Deal Right Here!

2011-11-28T09:26:00.000-06:00

I know, another shameless plug for my cookbook, but I just cannot NOT tell you about the Cyber Monday deal going on!

Through the end of today (28th), if you purchase 2 or more, you receive 25% off your order! Enter the code: HURRY in the checkout. And if you can't get around to it today, I'll still give you 15% off if you order one the 30th, enter the code: HOLIDAY in the checkout. It is available in the following formats: ebook, softcover or hardcover.

To order, click here.

Again, this Christmas I am trying to take simpler approach to everything. Making some homemade gifts, purchasing local gifts knowing they were made with love, and trying to not let the Christmas chaos take over.

This is were my cookbook comes into play. I tried compiling my most requested recipes, my best looking photos, my most interesting stories...so I hope you enjoy.

Try and take the challenge of purchasing gifts this year that you know people enjoyed making. Happy Cyber Monday!

S'mores Cookie Bars

2011-11-27T06:00:00.002-06:00

It doesn't need to be summer in my house, nestled next to the campfire, for us to have s'mores! Quite possibly one of the best bars I've made recently. They come from Lovin' From The Oven. Check out her blog, you won't be disappointed.

I took this along to Thanksgiving, as they travel easy, and desserts are always a happy hit at family gatherings, right?

Honestly, they taste almost exact to an actual s'more. Minus the the smokiness from the fire. Wish I didn't miss.

S'mores Cookie Bars

1/2 c. butter, room temperature

1/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. sugar

1 large egg

1 t. vanilla

1 1/3 c. flour

3/4 c. graham cracker crumbs

1 t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

1 king sized milk chocolate bar

1 1/2 c. marshmallow creme/fluff (not melted marshmallows)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 8x8 square baking pan.

In a large bowl cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. In a small bowl whisk together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture until combined.

Divide the dough in half, pressing half into bottom of pan. Break apart chocolate and place over the dough. Spread chocolate with marshmallow creme/fluff. Place remaining dough in a single layer on top of marshmallow creme/fluff. (Most easily achieved by pressing pieces of dough flat between hands and laying them together).

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until lightly browned. Cool completely and cut into bars. Makes 16 bars.

After spending today with my parents and grandma, tomorrow is going to be all about getting myself in order. Ever just feel unorganized? That is how I feel right now. I'm a list maker and and currently have no lists made, nor any checks next to those important items.

Sometimes I write something down on a list I already have done, just to place a check mark next to it, as it makes me feel better.

Insane, I know.

I need to make a Christmas gift list, an items-to-make-those gifts list, a to-do checklist for household areas I've been neglecting, a meal-planning list....hell, the list game could go on and on. May sound crazy, but makes me feel better!

Who else is a list maker?

Crustless Spinach & Potato Quiche

2011-11-25T07:09:00.001-06:00

As I am typing this, there is some crazy shopping going on. Just checking Facebook quick, it seems like everyone I know is out there or already back home!

I do enjoy Black Friday shopping, but not this year. Taking two kids out? Are you crazy? I personally cringe at those mothers that drag their little ones out and fill up the aisles with their strollers. It just isn't a place for kids in my opinion - too nuts. And this year, I vying to take a simpler approach to the holidays. You can read about it here.

So, if you aren't out there, already back home or plan to tackle more shopping this weekend, come home to this quiche. It can be made ahead and popped into the oven and eaten thirty minutes later. Not to mention it's pretty darn healthy!

Crustless Spinach & Potato Quiche

6 eggs

1/2 c. milk

1 large potato, diced into small chunks

1/2 box spinach, thawed and drained

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 t. pepper

1 t. salt

1 c. sharp cheddar cheese

Spray a pie pan with cooking spray and preheat oven to 375 degrees. Meanwhile in a skillet cook potatoes on medium high heat, turning edges brown. Put in garlic when potatoes have cooked a bit. (You do not have to cook the potatoes fully, just so they get a little crispy with some color, they will finish cooking in the oven).

In a bowl whisk eggs, milk, spinach, salt and pepper. Combine with potatoes and garlic. Pour into pie pan and sprinkle with cheese.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Letting it cool slightly before slicing.

----------------------------------------

In other news...

Don't forget about my cookbook this holiday shopping weekend! A very nice deal is happening if you purchase before Monday, November 28. Buy 2 or more and receive 25% off! Just put in the code: HURRY in the checkout. It comes in an ebook, softcover or hardcover version.

And by the way....Tami, from Nutmeg Notebook...you were the winner of my giveaway and I still haven't heard from you? Please email me by Monday or I'll need to pick another winner.

Lastly, if you are going shopping this weekend, this Saturday is the nationally recognized day of Small Business Saturday. Try and spend money at all the local, cute, ma and pa shops in your area. Trust me, they will appreciate your business!

All Day Simmering Marinara Sauce

2011-11-22T06:00:00.001-06:00

If you've been reading my blog for any period of time you know I'm a fan of easy, simple meals. This one falls into that category. Don't be fooled by the post title All Day Simmering Marinara Sauce. I did not stand over the stove stirring this pot all day long.

Rather I went to work for a few hours, let the little miss sleep on my chest while I watched old episodes of Oprah, and basically did anything but tend to this sauce. It is really, a no fuss dish.

I did ponder the many, many things going on between now and Christmas swirling around in my head while trying to focus on Oprah's wisdom, but that is entirely another post all together. Think a holiday dinner/shopping party my friends and I are throwing, DIY holiday gift projects and our annual holiday baking extravaganza. A lot going on!

Back to this sauce. Pour it on everything. Bread, pasta, veggies, grilled chicken, rubber tires, your morning coffee. You get the idea, it makes everything taste good.

All Day Simmering Marinara Sauce
28 oz. can tomato sauce
8 oz. can tomato paste
15 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 t. dried oregano
1 t. dried basil
1/4 c. parmesan cheese
pinch of sugar

Place all ingredients in a slow cooker on low. Cook all day or at least 4-5 hours.

Bookmark this one if you like red sauce!

Caramel Cream Sandwich Cookies

2011-11-19T09:19:00.000-06:00

I typically am off work on Fridays, so it is my chance to catch up on everything that got shoved to the side Tuesday - Thursday. Which is usually pretty much everything.

I try and make a dent in the laundry, run errands, hit up library reading group with the kiddos, and if I'm lucky bake something. Honestly, I usually grab a cookbook, start flipping through, and try and find something that doesn't require a trip to the store.

There little beauties didn't require a trip to the store.

And are well worth it I might add. I'm thinking of even adding them to my holiday baking round-up? A little food coloring in the frosting would definitely make them a Christmas cookie.

Caramel Cream Sandwich Cookies

3/4 c. brown sugar

1 c. butter, softened

1 egg yolk

2 c. flour

Frosting: 2 T. butter, 1 1/4 c. powdered sugar, 1/2 t. vanilla, 4-5 T. milk

In a large bowl, beat together brown sugar and butter until light and creamy. Beat in egg yolk. On low speed, beat in flour until well blended. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes for easier handling.

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Shape dough into 1 in. balls, place on ungreased cookie sheet. With fork dipped in flour press down and flatten each ball to 1 1/2 in. round. Bake 10-14 minutes until golden brown. Place on cookie rack to cool.

Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, heat butter over medium heat, stirring constantly, until light golden brown. Remove from heat, add in remaining frosting ingredients, adding enough milk until smooth and spreadable. Spread 1 t. of frosting between bottoms of cooled cookies and press together.

This little pumpkin slept through the whole baking experience. Can't blame her, looks pretty comfy.

And now for the BIG news! The winner of a soft copy of my cookbook is....drumroll....

Comment #32

Tami@NutmegNotebook

Tami is a new follower, so I'm very happy to know she can get caught up on some of my recipes! Tami, shoot me an email with your shipping information and I'll be in touch.

Have a great Saturday everyone!

DIY Holiday Gifts

2011-11-17T08:18:00.001-06:00

I am pledging to live simple during the upcoming holidays. Who wants to pledge with me? Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner and everyone is making their lists, checking ads and preparing for a long shopping day.

I've been known to be at Target at 6 a.m. (this year they are opening at midnight!) and I really do love it. I especially love making a day of it - early morning hot chocolate, shopping, lunch with family, more shopping, collapsing on the couch at night.

But, this year I have vowed to take simplier approach. I recently read somewhere that one family was only giving homemade gifts to their kids this year. Another family was going to implement the rule of only 3 gifts per child, like in the Bible, after years of giving them everything under the sun. I truly like both of these ideas. The Holidays are a time of giving and I think we need to remember that.

Luckily my kids are still very young and don't even understand Christmas yet, so hopefully we haven't ruined their life yet!

Since I already have one homemade gift done, I have been researching some other cute ideas. I challenge all of you reading to really make something for a family member or friend this year that is truly from the heart that you know they will enjoy.

I've picked a few of my favorites.

Homemade Initialed Frame

I think this one is absolutely adorable. It would be perfect hanging on a front door, a mantle or even in a kid's room. Frame, yarn, wooden initial, it doesn't take much!

I'm also pretty sure people would go crazy for these at upcoming Holiday craft shows.

Homemade Eco-Friendly Soy Candle

Candles! Who doesn't love candle? Especially in the winter, I love lighting them throughout the house for that cozy warmth. These are homemade, eco-friendly, soy candles and not to mention super cute.

I've never made a candle before, but honestly the steps look very easy!

Meal in a Box

Last year I put together two huge food baskets for some gifts. They were filled with quick breads, cookies, jam, etc. I think both receipents really liked it. They were able to freeze the breads for later eating and have good homemade snacks around during the holidays.

This idea takes it one step further and I love it. Think of a meal that is easy to assemble, place all of the ingredients (minus the perishables, of course) in a cute container, attach a recipe with directions and give to a friend or family member who you know is often short on time and would appreciate dinner in a flash.

Magnet Board

Who doesn't have an old cookie sheet that is brown, cruddy and on its last leg? If you do turn it into this magnet board, that can be hung in a home office, at work, or your kitchen for all those to-do lists, pictures, kid's artwork, etc. that usually clutters the refrigerator.

I hope one of these DIY Holiday Gifts called out to you and has put you on the path of a simplier holiday. Remember, most people would just enjoy being around family, eating a good meal and maybe receiving something small as a token of the Holiday.

It doesn't have to be big, cost a fortune or state-of-the-art. It just needs to come from the heart.

What DIY gifts have you made in the past? I'd love to have more ideas!

***Don't forget to enter my cookbook giveaway! You have until Saturday to enter***

Chicken Chalupas Casserole

2011-11-15T09:07:00.000-06:00

***Don't forget to enter my cookbook GIVEAWAY! Not just any cookbook, my cookbook. I wrote it. You have until this Saturday!***

So this weekend was spent at home, not really doing much, but at the same time tackling a lot. Quality family time with the husband actually off from work, cooking, cleaning, football watching, etc, etc.

Ideal, in my book.

This recipe comes from Plain Chicken. She has great, easy, family-friendly recipes. Check out her blog, it is worth your time! Nothing fancy, just good, quality food. Love it.

I would technically call these enchiladas, but she said it's a casserole, so I'm going with that! Our family gobbled them up for two dinners in a row. Yes, it makes a lot!

Chicken Chalupas Casserole

12 flour tortillas

1 qt cream or half and half
1 3 lb rotisserie chicken, pulled & chopped
4 cups cheese, shredded (I used a Mexican blend)
1 can Mexican Rotel diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp hot sauce
1/8 tsp pepper

Put chicken pieces and half of grated cheese in tortilla and roll up. Lightly spray a 9x13 pan. Lay rolled tortillas in pan. Top with remaining cheese and Rotel tomatoes.

Combine 1 qt cream, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, ½ tsp hot sauce and pepper. Pour mixture over casserole and let stand overnight in refrigerator.

Bake covered at 375 for 30 minutes.

Any big plans for your week?

I Wrote a Cookbook, Here is Your Chance to Win a Copy

2011-11-12T07:03:00.000-06:00

I patiently waited (ha!) for the Fed-Ex man to arrive at my doorstep with this cookbook yesterday. At 4:00 p.m. he finally came.

I am coming on 2 years of food blogging next month. Since I started this process I cannot count how many times people have asked if I'm writing a cookbook. Well, up until last month, I hadn't. I submitted several cookbook proposals last summer only to be denied more times than I care to mention. Then I realized I needed to get my butt in gear and write one on my own so friends, family and blogging friends could have it before the holidays came.

Enter in a toddler. a seven month old, a husband, a part-time job, many mouths to feed, laundry to be done and oh did I mention two dogs? I didn't think I would find the time nor the patience to tackle this feat, but I did.

There were times I was sitting at the computer when I should have been tending to a dirty diaper, and times when I'd get all situated only to type out one sentence when some catastrophic event would come crashing down in the little man's room and my writing/editing for that day was shot.

But, in the end I finished it. It's no Paula Deen, Bobby Flay or Rachael Ray production. I didn't have an agent or book editor for that. It is a simple 40-page, full color with photos, cookbook showcasing everything from appetizers to main dishes to desserts.

Since the holidays are now in full force with Halloween past us, here is your chance to purchase or win a copy for yourself, or if you are feeling generous give it to a family member or friend.

If you'd like to purchase, it is available in an iPAD/iPhone version, soft cover and hard cover. You can buy it here. If you purchase before November 30th, enter in the discount code: HOLIDAY to receive 15% off.

I will pick one random winner next Saturday, November 19th, to receive a free soft cover copy! Many ways to enter so get commenting!

Tell me why you'd like to win a copy of Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats.
Tell me how long you've been reading my blog.
Become a follower of my Facebook page.
Become a follower of my blog via Google Reader (on right side of page).
Become a follower of my Twitter page.
Tweet this: "I want to win a copy of @sweetsavoryeats new cookbook, http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2643986!"

Count 'em. That is 6 different ways to enter. Each entry is counted separate. Good luck!

Pecan Brownies with Dark Chocolate Drizzle

2011-11-09T17:45:00.000-06:00

I'll admit it. I have never, up until this past weekend, baked a batch of brownies from scratch. I was truly a boxed girl at heart. Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, whoever, I didn't judge.

Well, the wheels have turned. These could quite possibly be the best brownies I've ever made. And simple! Did I forget to mention that? Dump and mix. My kind of dessert recipe.

If you are one of my lucky friends who live in the area and are getting a personal invite to Eat, Drink & Shop (a holiday dinner party me and a few friends are throwing), you'll be able to taste a version of these for the last course.

That party will be an entire different post in itself. The planning has begun, invites are going out this week, vendors are ready. I'm excited.

Pecan Brownies with Dark Chocolate Drizzle
1 c. butter, softened
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
2 c. flour
1/2 c. baking cocoa
1 c. chopped pecans

In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour and cocoa, add to creamed mixture until just combined. Fold in pecans.

Spread in an ungreased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 23-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

For Drizzle: In microwave melt 1 c. dark chocolate chips, 3 T. powdered sugar, 1 T. milk. Heat in 10 second intervals until melted and combined. Add additional milk, if too thick. Drizzle over brownies.

The majority of these were brought to work yesterday, and today I came home with an empty pan.

Enough said.

Stuffed Pasta

2011-11-07T08:26:00.000-06:00

Hey Mom! I really liked the pasta dish you made!

Well, not really.

Her diet consists of mushed up peas, carrots, squash, bananas and milk. But, I'm hoping someday she'll like this dish!

So, the other day I was cruising around the food world and saw a pasta dish that had pureed chickpeas in it. I was intrigued. I immediately thought that was a good way to get in some extra protein without even noticing.

Enter in the night I served this and there were no complaints. The chickpeas gave it a rich creaminess, that I will definitely use again when I need a filler. If you've got some guts try this.

Stuffed Pasta

1 lb. pasta (I used corkscrews)

1 jar spaghetti sauce

1 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes

1 can chickpeas

4 oz. cream cheese

1/2 c. parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

2 cloves garlic

1 t. oregano

1 t. parsley

mozzarella cheese

Cook pasta until al dente, do not overcook as it will cook more while pasta bakes. In a food processor blend chickpeas, cream cheese, parmesan cheese and garlic until smooth. Stir this mixture into hot pasta, add in crushed tomatoes, half of the spaghetti sauce, oregano and parsley.

Once combined pour pasta into a large baking dish, or two smaller ones (one can be frozen). Pour remainder spaghetti sauce over pasta and sprinkle with more parmesan cheese. Top with mozzarella. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

This could be classified as a perfect comfort fall dish.

At least it was in our house.

Southwestern Chicken Soup

2011-11-04T14:40:00.000-05:00

'Tis the season for soup weather. I love all soups - creamy, brothy, thick or thin. This one falls into the brothy thin category, but with delicious chunks of seasoned chicken and veggies.

And with a little kick. Don't worry not much, just enough to give it some spice. You'll be fine. And better yet, it is yet another one of my recipes that doesn't require a run to the grocery store. Most, if not all, ingredients, I am betting you already have.

In fact, if you do have all of these ingredients, tell me in the comments. I'd love to see how well stocked our pantry's and freezers are!

Southwestern Chicken Soup

4 c. chicken stock

1 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes

1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 lb. cooked diced chicken

1 small onion, chopped

2 c. frozen corn or 1 can corn

1 4 oz. can chopped green chiles

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 t. chili powder

1 t. cumin

1/2 t. oregano

1/4 t. cayenne pepper

tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream as toppers

In a skillet cook onion for a few minutes until a bit softened, then add garlic. Cook for a few more minutes on medium heat.

Dump all ingredients, including onion/garlic mixture, into a crockpot. Simmer on low for 4-6 hours. Serve topped with tortilla chips, cheese or sour cream.

We ate this on Halloween night.

I shared the Little Misses' bunny costume earlier in the week. Well, this is the ONLY picture I could manage from the Little Man. My little Mickey Mouse wanted nothing to do with his costume. He refused to wear the big white Mickey gloves and only kept the ears on for a measly 2 minutes.

You're lucky you're getting this picture.

Have a superb weekend everyone! I'm off for a girl's night! No kids! Just friends from way back, food, drinks and I'm sure LOTS of laughs.

No-Knead Artisan Bread

2011-11-02T08:29:00.000-05:00

No, I did not pick up this beautiful bread at a bakery. I made it myself. Pretty proud, if I do say so myself.

I've never been known as a bread maker, minus the occasional loaf in my bread machine, but this bread didn't even use that! Baking with yeast can be scary at first (at least I think so), but I will admit once you get the hang of it, it isn't as complex as once thought.
And with the help of my Kitchen Aid mixer, this was no work at all.

What I particularly liked about this recipe is this:

No kneading required.
Extra dough can be refrigerated for up to 7 days.
It can be made into other things - pizza dough, cinnamon rolls, etc.

No-Knead Artisan Bread

3 c. lukewarm water

6 1/2 c. flour

1 T. salt

1 1/2 T. instant yeast

Mix and stir everything together to make a very sticky dough. If you have a stand mixer, beat at medium speed for 30 to 60 seconds.

Place dough in a large bowl or food-safe bucket, cover, and let rise at room temperature for 2 hours. Then refrigerate, for up to 7 days.

When you are ready to bake bread, scoop out a piece the size of a softball. Round into a ball, and place on a piece of parchment paper (if using a baking stone); or onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Sift a light coating of flour over the top, to keep the dough moist as it rests. Let the dough rest for 60 minutes. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Place a shallow pan on the lowest rack of the oven.

When you are ready to bake, take a sharp knife and slash the top of the bread 2 or 3 times, make a cut about 1/2" deep. Place the bread in the oven, and carefully pour 1 cup hot water into the shallow pan on the rack beneath, to create steam. Close the oven door quickly.

Bake the bread for 25 to 35 minutes (mine went about 30 minutes), until it's a deep, golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

Yields: 3 to 4 loaves, depending on size.

(Mine made two large loaves, plus enough for a good sized homemade pizza)

So, what do you think? Can you tackle this bread?

I promise you won't be disappointed.

Boneless Buffalo Wings

2011-10-31T06:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Halloween! From the Little Miss to you...boo, hoo, hoo. If you can't tell she has a terrible cold and wanted absolutely nothing to do with these bunny ears, other than chewing on them.

Her first Halloween will not be that memorable. Little man and I are also sick with the same thing. It's a rip roaring time here at our house. We did manage to hand out candy to the trick-or-treaters, but that was about it.

There is always next year?

In the meantime, check out these beauties. I haven't met too many people who don't enjoy buffalo wings. Except for those who can't handle heat of any kind. You're missing out! They were perfect for our Saturday football watching and snacking.

Better yet, they were boneless so I didn't have to gnaw my way around a bone. I just don't have time for that with two kids! Little man ate his minus the sauce, but I did let him try mine as he was asking none stop...should have seen that face!

Boneless Buffalo Wings

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

2 c. Bisquick

1/2 c. parmesan cheese

1 t. garlic salt

1 t. paprika

2 eggs

buffalo sauce

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In one bowl beat egg. In another bowl combine Bisquick, parmesan cheese, garlic salt and paprika.

Dip chicken strips in egg, then coat in flour mixture. Place on greased rack on top of a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping half way through. While wings are still hot, place in bowl and pour over buffalo sauce. Toss to coat.

Serve with your favorite bleu cheese or ranch dressing.

Messy? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

Dark Chocolate Almond Joys

2011-10-28T18:24:00.000-05:00

Yes, technically Almond Joys are covered in milk chocolate and do not have dark chocolate, Mounds do, but I bent the rules. It's just been one of those days.

Two sick kiddos, mom now catching it, shots today for both, and that makes for a Friday night without rules. A night of cuddling, watching TV and having a sweet treat in these homemade Almond Joys.

I'm pretty sure I'll be including this recipe in my cookbook for family and friends I am working on. You just can't beat a four ingredient recipe - people love those! Well, at least I hope you love this one. Try them and let me know.

Dark Chocolate Almond Joys (makes six large, or 12 small)

1/2 bag dark chocolate chips

2 T. milk or coconut oil

almonds

shredded coconut

In a microwaveable bowl, heat chocolate chips and milk in 15 seconds intervals, stirring after each until melted and smooth.

Using flexible muffins tins (makes them extremely easy to pop out when done), pour in enough chocolate to fill bottom layer of muffin tin. Place spoonful of coconut and top with almonds. Spoon additional chocolate on top to cover coconut and almond mixture.

Place in freezer to harden, about 10 minutes. Pop out of muffin tin and enjoy! Keep in the fridge for best storage.

Big weekend plans? Not us. We're staying in. No plans and I'm loving every minute of it. In true geeky mom fashion, I plan on tackling the laundry room (the storage space is out.of.control.), stocking the fridge up with next week's meals, watching football, working on the cookbook, and getting these darn kids outside in the fresh air in hopes that all germs will float away.

They will not ruin my weekend with no plans.

Now stop reading and get to making these!

Cubed Steak with Tomato Gravy

2011-10-26T15:56:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you just have to trust the label on a can of veggies. Tomatoes in this case. Just before I threw the can in the recycling bin, I noticed a recipe printed on the side label.

We are taking a trip back to 1950 folks. Something about cubed steak, salisbury steak, anything sizzling away in a skillet with gravy makes me get all Joan Cleverish...

I'm always pulled towards recipes with few ingredients, with many of them already found in my pantry. This recipe is one of those. My guess is that you'll just be buying the cubed steak, or making the short walk to your freezer to set it out to thaw.

Cubed Steak with Tomato Gravy

4 cubed steaks

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 potatoes, chopped

15 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 c. water

2 T. olive oil

salt

pepper

Preheat a large skillet to medium heat. Drizzle in olive oil with garlic. Let cook just a minute until fragrant, do not burn. Season steaks with salt and pepper and place in hot skillet. Cook 3 minutes, flip an cook an additional minute before adding in other ingredients.

Pour in tomatoes, water and chopped potatoes. Put lid on skillet, turn down to low, and let simmer for 35-45 minutes, stirring halfway through scraping the bits off the bottom of the pan into the sauce. Sauce will continue to thicken.

Serve as is, or over rice.

I was already feeling starchy, so I didn't take the extra step for rice. Trust me, the meat is so tender and the gravy is so good, you won't miss the rice. But if you like to follow recipes to a T, then make the rice.

Whew. This week is crazy. I need a glass of wine.

Or another piece of this steak.

Pumpkin Agave Muffins

2011-10-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

Our house woke up to these on Sunday morning. The sun was streaming in the window at just the right time and I caught this beautiful photo. I wish every morning was like this.

Unfortunately most mornings are not as lazy and require a "rush, rush" mentality. So I relish days like this one.

After hopping on the computer this morning to check emails, work on this post, read some food blogs, I came across a statistic on another blog that disturbed me.

Only 1% of blog readers actually comment on the blog they are reading. Currently I am getting close to 1,000 page views a day (yes, it has jumped quite considerably in the last weeks), which in turn means about 10 comments. Let's all be honest, this is a very real and true statistic for my blog.

I cannot count how many times I have people come up to me, old friends and new, family members, co-workers, the list goes on and on saying they read my blog, but I never knew! The bottom line is this. If you don't comment, I have no idea you are reading. And without those comments I sometimes wonder if I am cooking, baking and posting for cyberspace.

Not to get on a soapbox - but your comments fuel my fire. They are what keep me cooking, baking and taking photos. So if you like what you are reading (or don't like), please comment. If you are just browsing and passing by and nothing really attracts you to the post that day, that is fine. I do that all the time. I'm busy, the kids are screaming, dinner is ready and I simply don't have time to comment or I just have nothing to say. It happens to all of us. BUT - if you do have something to say, than say it.

Like I said it keeps me motivated.

There. Enough said. I don't usually ramble like this...forgive me?

Back to these muffins that made my Sunday a pretty darn good day. I adapted them from this recipe, one received from my recent visit to the Taste of Home Cooking School.

Pumpkin Agave Muffins
1 c. agave nectar
4 eggs
1 15 oz. can pumpkin
1 c. canola oil
2 1/4 c. flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
2 t. cinnamon
1 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare muffins tins with paper liners. In a large bowl combine agave, eggs, oil and pumpkin. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients and blend into batter. Pour into liners, filling 3/4 full.

Bake for 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack.

Are you sick of pumpkin recipes yet? Or should I keep going?

One Pot Baked Chicken Risotto

2011-10-22T07:49:00.000-05:00

Before I start chatting away about risotto, check out these. I won a giveaway and yesterday received a box full of assorted chocolate covered stuffed dates. They are out of this world. So far we've tried the dark chocolate almond and they have not disappointed, so I'm sure the others will tag closely behind.

Sweet Pillar & Co. you have done these right!

Now on to dinner. More often than not, I'm asked about easy, family meals. Ones that require little to no prep time and don't make a disaster of the kitchen.

This one fits into that category perfectly. One pot, easy ingredients, happy family.

One Pot Baked Chicken Risotto
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 c. diced carrots
1/2 c. diced celery
2 c. arborio rice
2 1/2 c. chicken stock (warm)
1 T. lemon pepper seasoning
2 t. salt
4 cloves garlic, minced

Grease a large dutch oven or casserole dish. Place chicken breasts, garlic, carrots, celery, seasonings and rice in bottom of dish. Pour warm stock over ingredients and stir to combine. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes, covered.

Open the lid and you have this.

Folks, it has the flavor of chicken noodle soup, minus the fuss. A perfect comfort meal for the upcoming cold, fall days.

Today, I'll be tackling a homemade Christmas gift project I am stirring up (just wait and see!), watching my beloved Hawkeyes, doing laundry, grocery shopping, muffin baking and chasing kids.

A typical fall Saturday.

I hope yours is as fun as mine.

Peanut Butter Cup Blondies

2011-10-20T15:22:00.000-05:00

Honestly, I am stuffed to the gills right now and the last thing I feel like talking about are these peanut butter cup blondies.

But...I'll do it for you.

After a workday filled with food - breakfast pizza, plus a huge pumpkin whoopie pie courtesy of Elly's this afternoon, I frankly don't give a rat's you know what about another dessert right now. Did I just say that out loud?

Write that down.

I know there are many of you out there that are wondering what to make for your kid's birthday party this weekend, for tailgating on Saturday or a food day at work tomorrow. We'll here you have it folks. Make these. They will not disappoint.

Plus, they are easy. You know I wouldn't give you anything too difficult.

Peanut Butter Cup Blondies

Adapted from this recipe

2 eggs

1/2 c. sugar

1/4 brown sugar

1/2 c. creamy peanut butter

1/4 c. butter, melted and cooled

3 T. milk

1 c. flour

1 t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

4 peanut butter cups, chopped

1/2 c. dark chocolate chips

Beat eggs and sugars together until smooth and creamy. Add in peanut butter, butter and milk, mix well. Combine flour, baking powder and salt, gently adding to mixture until just combined. Fold in peanut butter cups and dark chocolate chips.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread batter into a greased 8x8 square pan/baking dish. Bake for 25 minute or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool and cut into bars.

Serve with a glass of ice cold milk to wash down the evidence.

Let's see...what do I have coming up? Stay tuned for these treats.

Homemade Nut Butter
Pumpkin Agave Muffins
Cubed Steak with Tomatoes & Rice

Which one are you most excited about?

Florentine Meatball Sliders

2011-10-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

Check out these little meatballs sizzling away. Aren't they cute? I'm the first to admit I probably think a little too much about food. These beauties were thought up when I was trying to take a cat nap while the kids were also napping.

Enter in one toddler who doesn't want to sleep that day (stripping off the sheets, blanket, pillow, etc.) from his bed, a 7 month old who is sleeping well, but a little restless due to her brother being noisy across the hall, and me laying on the couch attempting to shut off my brain for 30 minutes.

Not happening.

All I want is 30 minutes of shut eye. If kids only knew how they would relish a nap later in life.

So my mind turned to food. I had ground turkey thawing in the fridge, crushed tomatoes in the cupboard and a huge spaghetti squash that needed to be eaten. I first thought was spaghetti, then meatballs, then...meatball sliders.

This is the final vote.

I even whipped up my homemade foccacia rolls. Not really sure where the energy came for those, but it happened. These would be the perfect finger food for a party, a casual Sunday evening meal and a great one for the kids.

Who doesn't love a meatball sub? In slider form?

Florentine Meatball Sliders
1 lb. ground turkey
1/2 box thawed and drained spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
1/2 c. breadcrumbs or crushed plain cereal
1 egg
1 T. hot sauce
salt/pepper to taste

Gently combine all ingredients in a bowl. Preheat a large skillet to medium heat. Form meat into 1 in. balls and place in skillet. Brown on all sides, turning several times, about 1 minute a side.

To finish cooking, place meatballs in simmering spaghetti or marinara sauce, homemade or store bought. Let simmer on medium heat for at least 30-40 minutes, or until ready to eat. Place on toasted slider buns and top with mozzarella cheese.

The only problem with this meal is that they only made it till lunch the next day for leftovers and then they were gone.

I hope you don't have the same problem.

Sour Cream Corn Cakes

2011-10-15T07:40:00.000-05:00

The last time I posted a recipe two days in a row was when I was staying home with the little man. I did a great job back then putting up a new post each morning. Well, enter in another child and a part-time job and that has just gone out the window.

So give me a little praise this morning - two days, two posts. I just could not share this delectable pancake recipe for everyone who is climbing out of bed this weekend wondering what to make the kids for breakfast.

Do not be scared of homemade pancake batter. This one is as easy as mixing up a boxed cake mix.

And look at these eggs? There is just something to be said for farm fresh eggs. I love them.

As I was browsing The Pioneer Women's Cookbook yesterday I came across her recipe for sour cream pancakes. Well, I've been staring at a bag of cornmeal in my cupboard for about a month now, wanting to use it, but just not sure how.

Enter the cornmeal.

You need to make these. Throw away your Aunt Jemima pancake mix and do I dare say Betty Crocker's homemade version? Yes, do it. This pancake recipe will become your families new favorite.

Sour Cream Corn Cakes (makes 12, 4 in. pancakes)
1 c. sour cream
4 T. flour
3 T. cornmeal
1 T. sugar
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
2 large eggs
1/2 t. vanilla

Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle to medium heat. Put sour cream in the bowl, then add flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir together very, very gently. Stop short of just being combined. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl along with vanilla. Pour egg mixture into sour cream/flour mixture. Stir together gently until just combined. Do not over mix.

Melt butter in skillet and place 2 T. of batter in the skillet, cooking for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes on the first side, 45 seconds on the flip side. Serve with butter and maple syrup.

Don't you just want to dig right in? The cornmeal in this batter gives these pancakes the best texture. I think I'll be putting cornmeal in my pancake batter from here on out.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Crazy for Casseroles

2011-10-14T07:51:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lame picture - it's gets dark early now!

Imagine the horror when I realized I hadn't made this casserole in over a year? I know, tragic. I brought it back this week, thanks to an evening of flipping through my recipes and seeing my neglected 'chicken cordon bleu casserole' sitting in the back with a big 'ol frown.

I'm sorry buddy, but summer has been crazy and casseroles don't usually jump out at me during the months of June through August, when the oven isn't exactly my best friend.

I think he forgave me.

If you love chicken, ham, swiss cheese and crunchy goodness, you'll love this one. It is a tried and true recipe from a dear friend's mom - we go way back - and I just wouldn't be sharing it with you if it wasn't delicious. So here you have it folks, the ultimate comfort casserole.

And remember, calories don't count on this one.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

4 1/2 c. diced chicken
4 1/2 c. diced ham
1 c. cheddar cheese
1/3 c. flour
1 t. dill
1/4 c. butter
2 c. cream
1/8 t. mustard
1/4 c. silvered almonds

Topping: 1 box stuffing (or homemade croutons like I made), 1/4 c. cheese, 1/4 c. silvered almonds, 2 T. butter

In a pan saute onion in butter until tender. Add flour, stir to form a paste, about a minute. Gradually add cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil for 1 minute, until thickened. (I took mine off the heat after that minute and it thickened pretty quickly). Add seasonings once thick.

Layer chicken, ham and 1 c. shredded cheddar in bottom of a 9x13 pan. Pour cream mixture over the meat. Add toppings and drizzle with butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

*I didn't use a box of stuffing, so I simply cut up 1/2 loaf of french bread, mixed it with some canola oil, garlic and parsley and baked the croutons still just crispy, I also omitted the butter at the end, as I simply forgot!*

Put this on your grocery list for the weekend. Your family will LOVE it.

You can thank me later.

Cinnamon Sticks

2011-10-12T06:57:00.000-05:00

These little morsels of yumminess came courtesy of my Mom this weekend. After the little miss was baptized on Sunday, we had friends and family back to our house for a light breakfast - caramel pecan rolls, these cinnamon sticks, cookies, cinnamon sugar donut muffins, a ton of fresh fruit, coffee and juice.

I had intended on making breakfast burritos as well, but the crazy week got the best of me, and time ran out. I'm pretty sure no one went hungry because of my lack of time.

This recipe only has 7 ingredients and two of those are the cinnamon and sugar you roll them in. Can't yell at me for a long ingredient list today!

Cinnamon Sticks
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. Crisco
5 T. sugar, additional for rolling
2 c. flour
1 t. salt
1 t. vanilla
1 T. cinnamon

Mix first six ingredients in order given. Shape dough into rolls about the size of your finger. Cut into 2 inch lengths. Bake at 350 degrees until light tan, about 20 minutes. While warm roll in mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

Store in an airtight container and they will last several days.

For freshness that is. I'd be shocked if they aren't gone within two days, and if you are taking them to an event, much shorter. These would be great for the holidays all wrapped up for neighbors, co-workers, or a cookie swap.

Hear that girls? I'm making this one come December!

Oh, and for those that are interested. The article in the newspaper featuring me, the fam and my blog will be coming out next Thursday, October 20th. Here's to crossing my fingers and hoping I don't come off like a dork.

Baked Chicken Bites {Kid Friendly, Mother Approved}

2011-10-10T08:49:00.000-05:00

We don't buy a lot of processed food in our house. Yes, you'll find the occasional fruit snack or Cheez-It. And yes, on road trips we will swing through McDonald's to buy chicken nuggets for the little man in the back seat who is starving.

And yes, I too eat fast food every once in awhile. Everyone's guilty pleasure right?

But for the most part, I try and buy whole ingredients at the grocery store and then "create" fun foods at home for both us and the kids. Not only is it cheaper, but healthier. These homemade chicken bites are the perfect example.

Baked Chicken Bites
1 c. buttermilk, divided
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts,
cut into 1 in. cubes
3/4 c. flour
1 c. finely crushed cereal (I used a mixture of cornflakes/rice chex)
1/2 t. onion powder
1/2 t. garlic salt
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. oregano
1/8 t. pepper
2 eggs

Pour 1/2 c. buttermilk into a large plastic bag; add chicken. Seal bag and turn to coat. Let set up to 2 hours. Place flour in another plastic bag. In third bag place crushed cereal and seasonings. In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs and the remaining buttermilk

Drain chicken, add to flour and shake to coat. Coat with egg mixture, then add to cereal mixture, shake to coat. Arrange chicken on a large greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until juices run clear. Serve with a side of barbecue sauce, ranch, ketchup or honey mustard.

Like I said, kid friendly, mother approved. These were inhaled fairly quickly at our house, but shockingly we did have some leftovers for lunch the next day!

Here is our latest family photo op. The little miss was baptized yesterday at church, so it meant a day of church, family and food. I have a great, simple dessert to share later this week from the baptism. It's like eating a mini pie crust covered in cinnamon and sugar. Yeah, pretty delicious.

Have a great Monday and start to your week!

Fried Apple Pancake Rings

2011-10-08T10:15:00.000-05:00

Has anyone seen the new talk show The Chew? I am able to catch it on Mondays and Fridays when I'm not working, and so far love it! They seem to have endless ideas on cooking and home decorating, along with the latest trends in both.

This recipe comes courtesy of The Chew. It's a new twist on the usual pancake. Your kids will devour them, and more than likely you'll eat a few yourself. With apples in peak season right now, here is another way to use them up.

Fried Apple Pancake Rings

3-4 apples, cored, peeled, sliced to 1/8" thick

pancake batter

1 t. pumpkin pie spice

1 t. cinnamon

maple syrup

Using your favorite pancake batter, add pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon. Dip apple slices into batter, coating all slides. Cook like a pancake, one minute the first side, about 30 seconds after you flip. Serve with your favorite maple syrup or top with powdered sugar.

After shouting out on Facebook last night, "What should we have for dinner?". The resounding answer was pancakes. So here was our version - delicious!

The rest of today is all about housekeeping and watching football (Go Hawks!). The little miss gets baptized in the morning, so we'll be busy with family and friends tomorrow, with a yummy breakfast spread I hope to share for you - simple and easy, yet scrumptous.

Here's a double sided question for you...

What are you doing today and where are you from?

I love hearing what people's weekend plans are and where they hail from. Oregon? Florida? North Carolina? Canada?

Taste of Home Cooking School

2011-10-06T16:35:00.000-05:00

This week has been a whirlwind. And it's not done yet. I feel like I haven't been home at all, until tonight, and even then I have to prepare and prep for tomorrow (more on that in a bit).

After spending the last three days on the road for various things (little kiddos pictures, a visitation, and cooking school last night) I'm ready to grill out with the family tonight and relax a bit. But, first how about a recap?

I had the best Buffalo Chicken Salad sandwich from Elly's Tea & Coffee House earlier this week. Why haven't I thought of this? Wheat berry bread, buffalo chicken salad, cheese and lettuce. Pretty heavenly. I just might be recreating this at home soon.

Last night my good friend Jess and I headed to Riverside Casino & Golf Resort for a Taste of Home Cooking School. Let me just say we were NOT expecting such a huge turn out! We easily guessed there were between 1,000-2,000 people there. It was insane.

Being a field editor for Taste of Home, I wanted to visit one of their cooking schools, not only because it was in my area, but I was curious to see what it was all about. In case you are interested in going, it is like a mini trade show, a cooking stage upfront, with the audience learning around 6-8 recipes from one of their chefs.

Last night she showed us everything from desserts, meat dishes, salads and even a vegetarian soup/stew. Our favorite were the pumpkin whoopie pies. I was not one of the lucky viewers who got to take those home...

I'm not bitter.

I have yet to go through the large goodie bag filled with magazines, free samples, coupons, etc. I'm saving that for when I have some peace and quiet, i.e. after everyone is in bed. Nothing seems to get done before then!

So today, yes this is me, and yes I am holding a hedgehog. I really can't believe it myself. A co-worker got two for her little girls and she brought them by. I'm now wondering did I disinfect my desk after this? It wrapped up an insane day of my computer not working, switching to a different laptop, and finally get one thing accomplished. Ugh.

Now for tomorrow. I have the local newspaper coming to my house bright and early to feature me, the kiddos and my blog. I'm very excited about it, as we are relatively new to this community and frankly I'm pretty sure not many people even know about my blog here locally.

Tonight's agenda? Make up some cookie dough, figure out what I'll be chatting about, compiling recipes, etc, etc. Once again after everyone is in bed. As we all know nothing gets done before then. Stay tuned for another recap!

Bake & Bubbly Cookbook Winner

2011-10-05T10:44:00.000-05:00

And the winner is...

Comment #30

Julie S
I'm a casserole lover so count me in! I love a good bubbling dish of some really great chicken enchiladas...yum!

Julie, since you were so kind in leaving your email address, I will be contacting you shortly! Are you ready to fill your belly with some yummy baked dishes?

--------------------------------------

On another note, my good friend and I are headed to Riverside Casino & Resort tonight to attend a cooking show with Taste of Home magazine. I'm stoked! Recap to come!

Happy Hump Day...

'Forget Your Bikini Body' Cookies

2011-10-03T08:07:00.000-05:00

I don't often try out new cookie recipes unless it is the holiday baking season, as I have found the ones my family likes and generally stick to the basics. But, times are a changing.

Last week I asked my Facebook followers for good cookie recipes, as I needed to bring some to my husband's work function over this past weekend. I didn't want regular old chocolate chip. Boring. Seventeen entries later, I decided on a version of Toffee Malted Cookies. You can find the original recipe here.

But, in true form, I changed them up a little. I'm not a huge fan of malted milk balls, and I was just imagining someone chopping down on one and breaking a crown at the open house. So, here is my version. These are quite possibly one of the greatest cookies of all time. No kidding.

'Forget Your Bikini Body' Cookies (makes 3 dozen)

1 c. butter, softened

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. sugar

2 eggs

1 t. vanilla

2 1/4 c. flour

1 c. oats

1 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

1 c. chocolate covered toffee bits

1 c. dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together butter, cream cheese and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time to combine. Stir in vanilla.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, salt and gradually add to mixture. Dough will be very thick and stiff. Fold in toffee bits and dark chocolate chips.

Place large spoonfuls on a greased baking sheet, 12 to a sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or just until golden around the edges.

I kept four of these for us and the rest the husband took to work. I have yet to receive back my Tupperware container or any cookies, so I'm guessing they were a hit. In my opinion, you need to make these for your next function. You will not be disappointed.

*Don't forget to enter my cookbook giveaway! You have until Wednesday to enter. Get crackin'!*

Operation Cleanup = Cookbook Giveaway

2011-09-30T13:07:00.000-05:00

This mess was the before picture of my cookbook collection this morning. In nice words, a disaster.

This was the after photo. Certainly looks like there is a lot less junk in there right? I only threw away one rancid cookbook, that looked like a bowl of spaghetti exploded all over it, then simply organized the rest.

When people ask what I collect, I only have one answer. Cookbooks. These aren't all of them. I have some more scattered about the kitchen, on shelves, in a cookbook holder, etc. I would probably have a trillion more if my kitchen space allowed.

I'm curious, what do you collect? Anything?

This is my only thing, as I like to keep a fairly, clean and simple house. Clutter and I don't get along very well. And we just don't have the space, so most times it isn't even an option.

Another good thing that came out of Operation Cleanup this morning? I found two of the exact.same.cookbooks. I have no idea how that happened, and frankly didn't even know I had them. That is what happens when you let your cupboards get to the point I did. You find things you didn't even know existed.

But, to you, my readers, it is your lucky day. I am giving away the additional copy of Baked Until Bubbly. It is a HUGE cookbook filled with baked, gooey, melty, comfort food heaven.

I have no affiliation with this author or this book, I am just simply giving one of my copies away. No reason to have two, right?

I will choose one random winner on Wednesday, October 5th. I'm giving you 4 different ways to enter, giving you 4 easy entries, please take advantage of this!

1. Leave a comment telling my your favorite Baked & Bubbly dish.

2. Become a follower of Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats on Facebook and leave a comment saying so.

3. Become a follower of Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats on Twitter and leave a comment saying so.

4. Follow Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats via Google Reader (on the right side of this page) and leave a comment saying so.

Enjoy folks!