tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75245368370412579752024-02-19T06:48:53.076-08:00Mama MadeFrom your family table to what hangs on your walls. Homemade goes hand in hand with family, but it doesn't have to be perfect. Take back the art of family meals together, evenings gathered in your cozy family room, and the simplicity of home-making. From my best chocolate chip cookies to how to create your own living space...I'm cheering you on here and sharing a few tips along the way!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-83378662393408868222014-06-13T19:49:00.002-07:002014-06-13T19:49:32.082-07:00messenger Quick, its <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2014/06/five-minute-friday-messenger/">Five Minute Friday</a> and I've got a few hours to sneak a post in before times up. A few minutes if you count the time I plan to be awake much later tonight. So here's a little message about my Mama Made blog and why I spend a little time here...hoping you want to hang out here a little, too.<br />
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The thing is...when I became a housewife I didn't know a lick about making a home. I tried and failed many times in those early days and I'm still struggling through knowing how to run a home well as each season changes. When I became a mother...making home got amped up times 10. My attempts never outweighed my desire to do it well though. I love nothing more then creating home... home for my people, home for friends who enter here, home for our neighbors, home for all who enter. It's been a piece of my heart from the day I rented my first home as a young college newbie. I love to make home.<br />
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What home is though for so many is more then 4 walls and a place to sleep at night. It's a place to grow your heart. And that, my friends, looks very different to everybody. The beauty with making a home is we are all different in what we need to feel at home. I blog here to share some of my favorite things along the journey of home-making. I love to see nothing more then Mama's create their home and offer a safe heart landing place for all who enter. I truly enjoy home-making and believe that hearts are grown when the home is created with feeding the souls that hang in it.<br />
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I want our homes to be comfy and cozy and real and tasty and fun and creative and faith filled and family focused and life-giving. I keep trying things and sending some of what I love your way through this blog. Kinda like the messenger bringing you a little something to open up and try for yourself. You may love it. You may hate it. Either way, I know we can all give the message to our home dwellers that they are loved and valued and welcomed in the way we make home... What we do, how we live, and where we spend our time sends the message of home. I'm simply giving you what I love about home-making here so you can be the messenger in your house... making home as you give it all away.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">Welcome to Five Minute Friday </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">We write for five minutes flat. All on the same prompt that Lisa Jo Baker post on her website starting at 10pm EST on Thursday night and all through Friday. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">It started because Lisa-Jo had been thinking about writing and how often our perfectionism gets in the way of our words. And she figured, why not take 5 minutes and see what comes out: not a perfect post, not a profound post, just five minutes of focused writing.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">So now on Fridays a group of people who love to throw caution to the wind and just write without worrying if it’s just right gather to share what five minutes buys them. Just five minutes.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">Your words. This shared feast.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">It’s easy to join in. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fiveminutefriday/info">Link up on Facebook here!</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-8780861862152346752014-06-11T13:16:00.002-07:002014-06-11T13:16:25.476-07:00Blueberry Greek Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's the time of year when berries all across the state are ripe and fresh and oh, so sweet. I'm addicted to berries this time of year, all kinds. But one of my favorite is the blueberry! Warm blueberry muffins right out of the oven could be one of the things served in heaven as far as I'm concerned. Along with loving blueberries, I also love exploring in the kitchen. It's like an art, really. One everybody can play around with. That's the beauty of foods... its a fun way to express your preference and your taste buds and your creativity. There aren't too many kitchen experiences you can't give something to or take something away... </div>
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Today I fell in love with the blueberry muffin all over again. Here's my latest masterpiece...</div>
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<b><i>Blueberry Greek Muffins</i></b></div>
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<b><i>(Easy 1-2-3 Directions)</i></b></div>
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<b>1. Mix together: 2/3 C Sugar, 1 Tsp Baking Powder, 1 Tsp Baking Soda, 1/2 Tsp. Salt, 2 Large Eggs, 4 Tbsp. melted butter, 1 Tsp Vanilla, 1 1/2 Cups Greek Vanilla Yogurt, 2 Tbsp Raw Honey. Whip this until a smooth, creamy consistency. </b></div>
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<b>2. Add in to your above ingredients: 2 Cups Flour, 1 Cup Raw (plain) Oats. Throw in 1 Cup fresh or frozen Blueberries. </b></div>
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<b>3. Spray a muffin pan, spoon muffin batter evenly amongst muffin cups, and bake at 350 for about 15-25 minutes. Depending on your muffin size!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLBDMd4q8DSdDOjV15oWRfB8kQLzWHEGF66hSUpme4uLwibsgbc8uWFpUVrMvlkJoobx4btwx3GPXY1EOOpm5qsgsB6E_gKZoAYYOCQwCbzflOCoMshbSRgpaUuwizgIs4R_T-s7BFzK8/s1600/berries1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLBDMd4q8DSdDOjV15oWRfB8kQLzWHEGF66hSUpme4uLwibsgbc8uWFpUVrMvlkJoobx4btwx3GPXY1EOOpm5qsgsB6E_gKZoAYYOCQwCbzflOCoMshbSRgpaUuwizgIs4R_T-s7BFzK8/s1600/berries1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pre-wash fresh berries and taste as you go...:Obviously :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXISzAPQsOPLIew9XFBOCAfzoWACmWOCQVKsqU5l4sncLF9oa0r45bAkwGQqMP7irpsgWcyO9cfSRJgt24ZE_uqyAHEw1uzQZ65Evue6dj2wObGLyBEWOSHUrO0aHeG65L7jpEh4awbJ_R/s1600/berries2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXISzAPQsOPLIew9XFBOCAfzoWACmWOCQVKsqU5l4sncLF9oa0r45bAkwGQqMP7irpsgWcyO9cfSRJgt24ZE_uqyAHEw1uzQZ65Evue6dj2wObGLyBEWOSHUrO0aHeG65L7jpEh4awbJ_R/s1600/berries2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sprinkle dry oats on the top right before you bake them for a finished look to your muffins.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLkwJib5Ok-u7o9xCpxczHnAjX93HqdeSeuDe-BePYd158iI6zNPPWrANLsst80GBYiU1fmrbD1Wi1YNBfLOBnjg7Flkufc3zhQSdDkDWuYwfyz10JkZIL7VvlTMJGNnLFE41y3oCRO2Z/s1600/berries3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLkwJib5Ok-u7o9xCpxczHnAjX93HqdeSeuDe-BePYd158iI6zNPPWrANLsst80GBYiU1fmrbD1Wi1YNBfLOBnjg7Flkufc3zhQSdDkDWuYwfyz10JkZIL7VvlTMJGNnLFE41y3oCRO2Z/s1600/berries3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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And serve to all your big and little people around the table. Especially the littlest. They're my favorite. </div>
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As always, serve with joy in your heart...a smile. Enjoy!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-64755468097048505432014-06-05T10:53:00.003-07:002014-06-05T10:55:01.116-07:003 easy ways to say Welcome!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
No matter what stage of life we are in, our home is one place we can all open doors up at. Whether it's a a few minutes or a few days...home is one of our easiest places to invite people into our lives. Mama's often set the tone for home. Saying welcome to friends and family need not be a time to cover up imperfections or hide the mess. Saying welcome can come easily when you first open your heart before you open your door. There are some very easy solutions to making a welcome come naturally for you when those beloved guests arrive...</div>
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1. Nothing says "we're glad you're here" better than fresh flowers. Pick them from your yard, buy them at the market, or arrange a handful of them on a walk through the woods. Wherever you pick your bouquet from, simply set them as a center-piece on the table, place them on your kitchen counter, or have them by the front door. Fresh flowers always say welcome. By the bedside for over-night guests is cozy, too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievW5kz0XTzyhJo23Tg-2r26K-1xCkGkg1JmVwvWJkCyZ2FuXdbxKmt2W9mgVtNo8o1DDrE-iRb2JF-N4NYg8u7xi4Z4MuVD5Xf2ay4aaIKs2tSVFY9ffgcofhrmTIIa9FcY5j0BP0UtSB/s1600/home1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievW5kz0XTzyhJo23Tg-2r26K-1xCkGkg1JmVwvWJkCyZ2FuXdbxKmt2W9mgVtNo8o1DDrE-iRb2JF-N4NYg8u7xi4Z4MuVD5Xf2ay4aaIKs2tSVFY9ffgcofhrmTIIa9FcY5j0BP0UtSB/s1600/home1.png" height="400" width="398" /></a></div>
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2. A first glimpse into a home is always calming and comforting when you first see... nothing. Cleared counter-tops, empty tables, and clean spaces give a calming effect to those living in your space. Spend 10 minutes and clear off your counters, wipe down the table, and give the impression you have room to invite people in...because you do. Walking into a cluttered, over-stimulated home often leaves guests feeling a tad bit unsure of their warm welcome. Cleaning counters is an easy way to make that welcome a happy one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqIu-fGGGa7VIHlQQMXqXBNFLZW_abSIREHxUhyOTpkNHHeUgLf3g2BCWpw3PPj1vkf05ARIl9t4wsYrQT8gKTmYli1ypiSDSoZgEDADvb98HiAJUVx8jCyWWI9ilIGB4lGanD7AGyzlh/s1600/home2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqIu-fGGGa7VIHlQQMXqXBNFLZW_abSIREHxUhyOTpkNHHeUgLf3g2BCWpw3PPj1vkf05ARIl9t4wsYrQT8gKTmYli1ypiSDSoZgEDADvb98HiAJUVx8jCyWWI9ilIGB4lGanD7AGyzlh/s1600/home2.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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3. And last, and maybe most important. Just be real. So sometimes the flowers can't be cut and the counters still have dishes on them and the floors are a kid marked mess. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect to just let people in. A little realness makes us feel comfortable, like we're just home. Live in your space, let those who come in see the real way you do just that, and be yourself. A cup of coffee over a milk stained floor can go a long way...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdYsqvWglLQd9nj7BYf1peoHnBkhBXVYZRBKE1k-utA2PqDghUhJRfBP9hyphenhyphenJOuPt1RFiNBSFBK8yCt54NEziwE5Yj21HOybz49C_gOGo3-KfQPygso43Hq2q-p_jYMWIy08lO3pjdOJiu/s1600/home3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdYsqvWglLQd9nj7BYf1peoHnBkhBXVYZRBKE1k-utA2PqDghUhJRfBP9hyphenhyphenJOuPt1RFiNBSFBK8yCt54NEziwE5Yj21HOybz49C_gOGo3-KfQPygso43Hq2q-p_jYMWIy08lO3pjdOJiu/s1600/home3.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Open your doors today. Tomorrow. Sometime soon. Home is meant to be lived in together. Mama's make home happen when they say...welcome!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-37303592306071783192014-05-12T13:31:00.000-07:002014-05-12T13:34:35.159-07:00Krispie Coconut Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Around here we eat pretty healthy. But don't get me wrong. We enjoy foods, too. Food brings people together and sometimes that means whipping up what most consider "good" food. and everybody considers cookies good food! </div>
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I love coconut and peanut butter in home-made granola bars. And these coconut cookies with rice krispies is one of my kids favorites...as well as the kids from the neighborhood who finds themselves in our yard this time of year. I can see why...</div>
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Butter.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0_1DPVSgyjE/U3Ed26u0gcI/AAAAAAABAVo/xcuHx4lMzs8/s1600/DSCN7876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0_1DPVSgyjE/U3Ed26u0gcI/AAAAAAABAVo/xcuHx4lMzs8/s1600/DSCN7876.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Home-made baking.</div>
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Gallops of peanut butter. </div>
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Rice Krispies for the crunch effect!</div>
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Perfectly even baking on stoneware. (Ya'll should get a stone pan if you haven't yet!)</div>
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Perfection. Well, to this peanut butter, coconut, crunchy eating gal anyways.</div>
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Warm up the oven and throw these out today!</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><u><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Krispie Coconut Cookies</span></b></u></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 c. unsalted butter, softened</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 c. white sugar, granulated (I cut back to 1/2)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 c. brown sugar, tightly packed</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 tsp. salt (I hand tossed in, estimate here)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 c. shredded unsweetened coconut</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 c. Rice Krispies</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 large eggs </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tsp. vanilla extract </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 c. Peanut Butter </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 c. all-purpose flour </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tsp. baking soda </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 c. oatmeal (I used old fashioned rolled oats here.)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Preheat oven to 350°.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla. Hand stir in flour, soda and salt. Fold in coconut, oatmeal and Rice Krispies, mixing just until you have a firm dough. Shape cookies into large balls (approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie) and arrange on a stoneware or baking sheet. Bake cookies for 13-15 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We especially love these warm out of the oven. One of my go-to cookies for after school snacks! And when doing that...serve with a smile and enjoy! :)</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-36813793559754674242014-04-09T14:33:00.000-07:002014-04-09T14:35:03.116-07:00superfood granola<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDW_skqSSRAHN511ZbKLCjVqvTTFcUMQIsCVghIUKz_av4p4GrwgVTeou2mDdp9OGJVMWoGn3Q67mesLWedWRcvhBKCouVZUD_NsTspx-QOQwrGLb0zgZwrbPSYukWfoHjS4I8R57lPAe/s1600/unnamed+(7).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDW_skqSSRAHN511ZbKLCjVqvTTFcUMQIsCVghIUKz_av4p4GrwgVTeou2mDdp9OGJVMWoGn3Q67mesLWedWRcvhBKCouVZUD_NsTspx-QOQwrGLb0zgZwrbPSYukWfoHjS4I8R57lPAe/s1600/unnamed+(7).png" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
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As a food junkie, crunchy food during the week is a must. Just something about a tasty, crunchy treat that makes my mouth happy! I have a really bad habit of throwing things in a pan and guessing how it will turn out. It makes a really good habit though of discovering new ways to indulge in some of the boring old basics. Home-made granola is not a new trick in the kitchen, but I had fun playing around with some good ole super-food granola. Crunch (plus) toasty oats (plus) good for you (equals) perfection! Well, perfection for this gal's taste buds... you can be the judge of your own :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1EQblNretXJ9mUV3OYL_2SVSCuPq0hV4QIvWSlf-FVDOkB3MrDqGsf1cT6fWolskt5_NR5Xi6TVRAP-9TZtlkmhfaDE9W1DpM2yS0yElue88_aw1Uyhg58BihI8U156Rw4KmWTGB-1vs/s1600/DSCN7596%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1EQblNretXJ9mUV3OYL_2SVSCuPq0hV4QIvWSlf-FVDOkB3MrDqGsf1cT6fWolskt5_NR5Xi6TVRAP-9TZtlkmhfaDE9W1DpM2yS0yElue88_aw1Uyhg58BihI8U156Rw4KmWTGB-1vs/s1600/DSCN7596%5B1%5D.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><u>You'll need:</u> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>1 Cup Rolled Oats</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>1/2 Cup Steel Cut oats</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>1/2 Cup uncooked Quinoa</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>3 Tbsp. Flax Seed</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>2 Tbsp. Chia Seed</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>1 Cup chopped Raw Almonds</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>1 Cup chopped Raw Cashews</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>1/2 Cup Raw Sunflower Seeds</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>1 Tbsp. Cinnamon</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>2 tsp. Vanilla</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>2 Tbsp. Raw Organic Honey</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>3 Tbsp. Virgin Coconut Oil (heated to liquify)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><u>Easy Directions:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>In a large bowl combine dry ingredients.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Blend heated coconut oil with your honey and vanilla.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Drizzle your wet mix over your dry ingredients. Stir well.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Layer on a baking stone or baking sheet/pan.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Sprinkle with a pinch of salt (I didn't measure, just sprinkled)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Bake at 250 for about 2 hours, stirring a few times as it bakes. </b></span></div>
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And simply serve with a smile and enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVzUt41HAA_TiDn5tH-vS_8d9mvNQZNKgvStHy_QUgAKicKojM9Df0jud-V2Gjoh3VxzLjqGfYZmeylz16RopnSZhvv-T6jApS0OqvA0NetOSxVOm4JIuhkwWKQf9DR396iUEucxUbmaT/s1600/DSCN7597%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVzUt41HAA_TiDn5tH-vS_8d9mvNQZNKgvStHy_QUgAKicKojM9Df0jud-V2Gjoh3VxzLjqGfYZmeylz16RopnSZhvv-T6jApS0OqvA0NetOSxVOm4JIuhkwWKQf9DR396iUEucxUbmaT/s1600/DSCN7597%5B1%5D.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-75273525952385244482014-04-05T14:03:00.000-07:002014-04-05T14:26:37.910-07:00friday night pizza dough<div style="text-align: center;">
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I blogged about this before. It's one of my most asked for recipes though, so here it is again! I love traditions and my kids love pizza. Someday Friday nights will be filled with too many things to have us all home at the same time for family pizza night. I know we will go through seasons when one or two or five of us will have commitments outside of home. But I am hoping that by building these early traditions of a simple home-made pizza and movie night, that Friday nights will eventually bring us all back together. Traditions don't have to be fancy or big or overly planned... they just have to mean something to you and yours. You can do anything! Just build traditions! Or eat pizza on Fridays. Both are fun.</div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Friday Night Pizza Dough </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">2 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">1 tsp brown sugar</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">1 1/2 cups warm water</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br />1 tsp salt<br />2 Tbsp olive oil<br />3 1/3 cups flour (unbleached white and whole wheat is what I use)<br /><br />Dissolve yeast and sugar in water. Let sit 10 minutes. Stir in salt, oil, flour. Knead, form ball. Let dough rise to doubled its size. Roll out. Use favorite toppings, bake at 425, 15-20 minutes.</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-52019641747937150712013-10-19T14:20:00.003-07:002013-10-19T14:20:59.706-07:00Caramel Corn <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It has only taken me 11 months, 15 days, and 1 week to finally post this recipe for my most patient friend. Okay, I don't know the exact numbers, but I do know she asked for this recipe almost a year ago! I remember making this, capturing the photos, and laying the dirty spilled on recipe card...??? Well that's just it. I did not remember where I placed the recipe card at. For months. Until I opened my pie recipe book this fall and there nestled in nicely between freshly picked cherry pie and sweet potatoe filling was the surprise of my caramel corn recipe. Still stained and much more then book-mark worthy and bringing the thoughts of my patient friend all back to me while I saved it from the pie book and placed it safely back in it's "Sweet Things" recipe box spot. So here it is, friend...sorry it took so long!</div>
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<u><b>Caramel Corn</b></u> (worth waiting for :)</div>
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<b>6 Quarts Popped Corn</b></div>
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<b>1 Cup Butter</b></div>
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<b>2 Cups Brown Sugar</b></div>
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<b>1/2 Cup Light or Dark Corn Syrup</b></div>
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<b>1 Tsp Salt</b></div>
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<b>1/2 Tsp Baking Soda</b></div>
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<b>1 Tsp Vanilla</b></div>
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<b><u>Directions:</u></b></div>
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<b>1. Preheat oven to 250. Coat large baking pans with cooking spray. Place your popped corn in the pans.</b></div>
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<b>2. In a stove top pan slowly melt butter, stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.</b></div>
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<b>3. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.</b></div>
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<b>4. Boil without stirring for 5 minutes.</b></div>
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<b>5. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla.</b></div>
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<b>6. Pour over your popcorn and mix well together.</b></div>
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<b>7. Bake for 1 hour stirring every 15 minutes.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttr9lbcu-YI-w8Fey1EyKjJ4eYhGSU-3P9K6q8KToO8Ci6LBIKdpMgxT0iFL3Mzekjdm87IVLuJKbivEfRMpCrpq6MGIKiKZJzt36pFAkPBs0rmAYlEXm-8_0i4BnYdYlNoFVX6GRHWc4/s1600/IMG_7666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttr9lbcu-YI-w8Fey1EyKjJ4eYhGSU-3P9K6q8KToO8Ci6LBIKdpMgxT0iFL3Mzekjdm87IVLuJKbivEfRMpCrpq6MGIKiKZJzt36pFAkPBs0rmAYlEXm-8_0i4BnYdYlNoFVX6GRHWc4/s400/IMG_7666.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Do not use margarine or some light thing... only the real good stuff.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQvtZ08u9LDXkOtFpeHiy0BU_TMUeciikRxJmKzbb8xpfo9dRktT9Uh60MEyN5OeiUbJ5YZZZwlJWTIpdhGHOYULt3adxDbcbJWKpuVSkS_lti2ugmrnyIrnogcxZGlhZe0kslYsOwiw4/s1600/IMG_7667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQvtZ08u9LDXkOtFpeHiy0BU_TMUeciikRxJmKzbb8xpfo9dRktT9Uh60MEyN5OeiUbJ5YZZZwlJWTIpdhGHOYULt3adxDbcbJWKpuVSkS_lti2ugmrnyIrnogcxZGlhZe0kslYsOwiw4/s400/IMG_7667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Get your kids involved for this one!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpSrNgzxxqtoCJVCBIPbl5OfiQNm7RaKWCWgQE25YIWyaD4n8g8ZvAvmekG8iSKdyqVfCiVdG1NdlBqad2m5IebTkLrpnaNzuhdaw35ylGC3hOyUfSkIt485bhkQlZjDEwh8NHWMi5rlN/s1600/IMG_7668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpSrNgzxxqtoCJVCBIPbl5OfiQNm7RaKWCWgQE25YIWyaD4n8g8ZvAvmekG8iSKdyqVfCiVdG1NdlBqad2m5IebTkLrpnaNzuhdaw35ylGC3hOyUfSkIt485bhkQlZjDEwh8NHWMi5rlN/s400/IMG_7668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Especially since the science experiment with the baking soda looks so cool...</div>
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Mix well so every kernel gets some lov'in</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcWBYGSYH35cwYxPFrGkv_pg6SkubpHOTAcb5Q6mX9ib8i7J-itRHWu-I3TYlCMh_Do2ZPVifVmv82WYJ8NLRh1OgoBNM1OY5_tRqHSo_yw3HuFHFh0rJIyjIa6TV7gmZVs0ImMy-uA9R/s1600/IMG_7675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcWBYGSYH35cwYxPFrGkv_pg6SkubpHOTAcb5Q6mX9ib8i7J-itRHWu-I3TYlCMh_Do2ZPVifVmv82WYJ8NLRh1OgoBNM1OY5_tRqHSo_yw3HuFHFh0rJIyjIa6TV7gmZVs0ImMy-uA9R/s400/IMG_7675.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And use a plenty big enough pan for stirring it around...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bxnqq3KkuZpAsfUDAm0NU5IM0-NK11RQ-A3VvJPbGFk7_WQqV9AbHaZqSFhvrdZJiwGMNrNbH3tglCAe4IE61iyOnz2uZoer2I8sF5cqlQk-aHB1G3fT6Gza-72JQpYGjRNpAGOHR194/s1600/IMG_7680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bxnqq3KkuZpAsfUDAm0NU5IM0-NK11RQ-A3VvJPbGFk7_WQqV9AbHaZqSFhvrdZJiwGMNrNbH3tglCAe4IE61iyOnz2uZoer2I8sF5cqlQk-aHB1G3fT6Gza-72JQpYGjRNpAGOHR194/s400/IMG_7680.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And as always, serve it with a smile and enjoy!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-63185042878212196482013-07-02T07:18:00.000-07:002013-07-02T07:18:02.875-07:00Frozen Fruit Cups<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know, right... it's been awhile! That's why the return of my posting to this food blog is such a fun yummy one for a summer day such as this! I have been making these frozen fruit cups for years and my kids, my hubs, and whoever else is here when we get them out of the freezer love them. My favorite is the frozen banana pieces, my firstborn is all about the strawberries, and my second boy loves the slightly melted juice that shows up as it gets munched on. Whichever it is, you are sure to love every melting moment of this treat!</div>
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<b><u>Frozen Fruit Cups</u></b></div>
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<b>1 can frozen pineapple juice, 12 oz, thawed</b></div>
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<b>1 can frozen orange juice, 6-12oz, thawed</b></div>
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<b>1 Cup water or apple juice</b></div>
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<b>1/2 Cup Sugar (optional)</b></div>
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<b>2 Tbsp. lemon juice</b></div>
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<b>3-4 Medium firm bananas, sliced</b></div>
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<b>1 Quart Fresh strawberries, sliced</b></div>
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<b>1 can Mandarin Oranges, drained</b></div>
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<b>1 can Crushed Pineapple</b></div>
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<b>18 Clear plastic cups (or I use about 12 9oz cups and 10 small clear plastic dixie cups for kid sized servings)</b></div>
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<b><u>Directions</u></b></div>
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<b>In a large bowl prepare all your above ingredients. Stir well together. Spoon 3/4 full cups with the fruit mixture. Simply freeze in the freezer (setting them on a pan is helpful to avoid tipping). Ready to serve frozen fruit cups in a few hours! As always, serve with a smile and enjoy!!</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vVXuOZWRj6Y/Ucs0sJTuCHI/AAAAAAAAUO4/djF-mUEmfZY/s1600/DSCN2979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vVXuOZWRj6Y/Ucs0sJTuCHI/AAAAAAAAUO4/djF-mUEmfZY/s400/DSCN2979.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A yummy, fruity filled frozen option on summer days!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhuAGdVM7SbEWYH1FmVjSulcXt5CNK8a9RlAcUmZpdvjPqavtZ4qOIdLbvqIuWw2WU-loXFiGbCStcGHjPYi1CaOuL6BcjH0VT0X-3Oz3jMLUCnFneUcQFwuBG_31cc7Xl_8aRFBu9ECx/s1600/DSCN2981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhuAGdVM7SbEWYH1FmVjSulcXt5CNK8a9RlAcUmZpdvjPqavtZ4qOIdLbvqIuWw2WU-loXFiGbCStcGHjPYi1CaOuL6BcjH0VT0X-3Oz3jMLUCnFneUcQFwuBG_31cc7Xl_8aRFBu9ECx/s400/DSCN2981.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love having a freezer full of these!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqC3kdQaK2V6cU9ZxyaRYdBrsqBUliclgcAPxPcijrBasLxLdfu4rD97uemE5dTeWYJASvI7LgPzI6Jqo3f-TwGfrxC8FLxzVcpI97nSqVWSqmxsCr0IVhokWofKZT5FAgtVtnOyHnLJB/s1600/DSCN2982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqC3kdQaK2V6cU9ZxyaRYdBrsqBUliclgcAPxPcijrBasLxLdfu4rD97uemE5dTeWYJASvI7LgPzI6Jqo3f-TwGfrxC8FLxzVcpI97nSqVWSqmxsCr0IVhokWofKZT5FAgtVtnOyHnLJB/s400/DSCN2982.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Enjoy!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-59864181295628947632013-03-25T08:12:00.001-07:002013-03-25T08:13:33.855-07:00Homemade Granola <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In our house, we eat a lot of yogurt. There are so many tasty yogurt options and most the time we love to pile ours with fresh berries, raw honey, and granola! I came across this granola recipe from my Southern Cooking recipe book, made only a couple small changes, and it is so good...especially warm out of the oven! (And might I add, anything Southern style is usually delish! But this one you actually don't feel too guilty eating!!) I doubled this recipe for our family of 5 and it is already time to bake some more.</div>
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<b><u>Homemade Granola</u></b></div>
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<b>3 Cups uncooked regular oats</b></div>
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<b>1/2 Cup flaked coconut</b></div>
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<b>1/2 Cup natural sliced almonds</b></div>
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<b>1/4 Cup regular wheat germ</b></div>
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<b>1/4 Cup plus 2 Tbsp. Raw Honey</b></div>
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<b>1/4 Cup Vegetable oil</b></div>
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<b>2 Tbsp. Brown sugar</b></div>
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<b>1 tsp. Vanilla extract</b></div>
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<b>1/4 tsp. Salt</b></div>
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<b>(Optional- 3/4 Cup Raisins or Dried Cranberries)</b></div>
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<b>1. Preheat oven to 350. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl and set aside.</b></div>
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<b>2. Combine your honey and next four ingredients. Pour over your oat mixture and stir well. Spread granola mixture onto a lightly greased 15 by 10-inch jelly-roll pan (or large stoneware which is what I used).</b></div>
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<b>3. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Not dark brown. Stir every 5 minutes or so and stir raisins or dried fruit of choice in once done cooking. </b></div>
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<b>4. Eat right away or store in an airtight container. (Also so tasty served warm with a little milk poured over it in a bowl...just like cereal :) And as always...serve with a smile and enjoy!</b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-72756991202367635232013-02-21T11:54:00.000-08:002013-02-21T11:57:07.074-08:00Blueberry Donuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My first memories with my husband are waking up at the crack of dawn to walk over to Dunkin Donuts in downtown Chicago and get freshly baked donuts. We were on a mission trip and somehow started almost every morning treating ourselves to one of his favorite sweets. So it comes as no surprise that our middle son has a love for donuts similar to his dad's and my house of boys has been known to drive 45 minutes one way to pick up an order of their favorite baked fresh donuts from the closest Donutland. When I realized there was such a thing as a donut pan and you could bake them, not fry them, I added this to my list of wants and our roomie gifted us with a set she found on clearance for Christmas! Yeah, we all benefit! I've tried a few recipes and tweaked it a bit...so far this is our fave. Though my boys will tell you they prefer chocolate chips in theirs over the blueberries....but this ole' mama likes to sneak in their fruit wherever I can! </div>
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<u><strong>Donuts</strong></u></div>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-1">2 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-2">2 teaspoons baking powder</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3">3/4 teaspoon cinnamon</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-4">1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-5">3/4 cup sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-6">3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-7">2 eggs</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-8">1 teaspoon vanilla</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-9">2 tablespoons melted butter</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-10">1/4 cup vegetable oil</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-11">1/2 -1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (or chocolate chips)</li>
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Preheat oven to 325. Mix all your dry ingredients in a bowl together. Add yogurt, eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and oil. Fold in your blueberries. Spray your donut pan with cooking spray. Fill each donut space 3/4 full (donuts will rise above). Bake 10 minutes or until donuts seem firm and pop out of your pan easily. Cool on wire rack or wax paper. </div>
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<u><strong>Glaze</strong></u></div>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-15">2 cups powdered sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-16">1 teaspoon almond extract</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-17">3-4 tablespoons milk</li>
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Once donuts are cooled I like to drizzle this frosting topping over the top. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYL-OZS_a505BPPz6X-tuU8vRrlRECX1PVCyf9fLSbD2uKvXTPt-GrOnTJOtNJIR9MnFHryVg650orpjULobjZDwG60nZsdIMM93o4aVmnHF249KaQXb4UW0WS5uIqGPjM2eooN5SsuzK2/s1600/DSCN1221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYL-OZS_a505BPPz6X-tuU8vRrlRECX1PVCyf9fLSbD2uKvXTPt-GrOnTJOtNJIR9MnFHryVg650orpjULobjZDwG60nZsdIMM93o4aVmnHF249KaQXb4UW0WS5uIqGPjM2eooN5SsuzK2/s400/DSCN1221.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Donut pan! Best invention in the donut world!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6EAnLMcP-aARtiJdfSFyJxvV_N1jtXPBcHCJmcwQGi8GYqDMyq6UmrMjcROe9id2ScLqxCjB2dTkLaL5YUZ896Uk3R-5E6hNCC-s11BcDkGi7Dh1u6U0CSz9Ra4d7eImInVu9_A-ytJT/s1600/DSCN1222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6EAnLMcP-aARtiJdfSFyJxvV_N1jtXPBcHCJmcwQGi8GYqDMyq6UmrMjcROe9id2ScLqxCjB2dTkLaL5YUZ896Uk3R-5E6hNCC-s11BcDkGi7Dh1u6U0CSz9Ra4d7eImInVu9_A-ytJT/s400/DSCN1222.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Your cooling donuts...also pretty tasty warm!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOU8BEqsp94nmA_raDovFGAGgtX3xhJRb9R__mlKLsu6w97DxHRl0MH8MrmWtr6WDmXk1UXuJBwVmrYhrLyWXQ2njFi1oR7ogomYZ3QJUWjfJvbYzR4Ehg_NwDfXMeHgflUaBQv7TC_1F/s1600/DSCN1229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOU8BEqsp94nmA_raDovFGAGgtX3xhJRb9R__mlKLsu6w97DxHRl0MH8MrmWtr6WDmXk1UXuJBwVmrYhrLyWXQ2njFi1oR7ogomYZ3QJUWjfJvbYzR4Ehg_NwDfXMeHgflUaBQv7TC_1F/s400/DSCN1229.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Call the kids, it's time to eat! Serve with a smile and...enjoy!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-33543947068465983772013-01-27T10:20:00.003-08:002013-01-27T10:21:28.098-08:00Home-made Hamburger Buns (Quick)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you have never attempted home-made bread before, don't let this scare you off! YOU can make these...I promise! Next time you grill, surprise your family with these perfectly baked hamburger buns fresh from your very own oven. It takes less then an hour and it is a perfect back-up if you forgot buns at the store.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCc1srdgC6us68nPq7n-qRjOjZn6O6ZsSmOE5-JNenP3gZeFDUsxi4Bah7hluE8Hy34YsStye0wr_6SpjfaCZ2ofPszrDdABhcT9_PxrSDG7lRfQs7eh2QnrPKEtiGXff7qs4EiOLE2x6m/s1600/DSCN0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCc1srdgC6us68nPq7n-qRjOjZn6O6ZsSmOE5-JNenP3gZeFDUsxi4Bah7hluE8Hy34YsStye0wr_6SpjfaCZ2ofPszrDdABhcT9_PxrSDG7lRfQs7eh2QnrPKEtiGXff7qs4EiOLE2x6m/s400/DSCN0534.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<u><b>Quick Hamburger Buns</b></u><br />
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<b>2 Tbsp active dry yeast</b><br />
<b>1 cup plus 2 Tbsp warm water</b><br />
<b>1/3 cup olive oil</b><br />
<b>1/4 cup sugar</b><br />
<b>1 egg (room temp eggs work best)</b><br />
<b>1 tsp. salt (I like Kosher salt)</b><br />
<b>3 to 4 cups flour (I use basic white flour)</b><br />
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b>1. I like to use a glass bowl to dissolve yeast in the warm water. Add your sugar and oil here and let stand for 5-10 minutes. </b><br />
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<b>2. Add the egg, salt, and enough flour to form a soft dough (should not be sticky).</b><br />
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<b>3. Roll onto a floured surface and knead until smooth, about 3-5 minutes. (I put butter on my hands to help keep dough from sticking to me and form together better). You do not have to let it rise.</b><br />
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<b>4. Divide dough into 12 balls and place on a greased stone-ware (or cookie sheet) about 3 inches apart.</b><br />
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<b>5. Cover with a tea towel and let rise for 10 minutes. Bake at 425 for 19-12 minutes or until a golden brown color on top. I like to rub some butter and garlic salt on top for flavor when they are almost done browning in oven.</b><br />
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I love to serve these warm with burgers fresh off the grill... Yum, taste so good every time. These are a bit heavier then your typical white flour 99 cents buns from the store, but I think you'll enjoy the difference! Serve with a smile....and enjoy with your crew!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-1418810444310754462013-01-14T08:13:00.002-08:002013-01-14T08:17:20.123-08:00Sweet Blueberry MuffinsLooking for an easy, but oh so tasty home-made muffin recipe? This will honestly take you 10 minutes to throw together and another 20ish to bake. Make it in the morning, take your shower, and they will be done when it is time to feed the crew. This is also a yummy option for afternoon guests or an after school snack or over-night guests! I love fresh blueberries and when I find a good price on them I stock up my freezer. Those come in handy for days like today...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77Wzkdm4v_-vYVfUdIroKvJzfhEgKW3M7QNaJr078NpSW357WcJSmaTaVC8xZ4WCwKBNam_JTAK7POzpmD_xF63NMBxS4lNOhwJKq2IFjWFAW8XMuJWr6VHAbK8vtPX3OWngzUjeEvJKK/s1600/DSCN0512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77Wzkdm4v_-vYVfUdIroKvJzfhEgKW3M7QNaJr078NpSW357WcJSmaTaVC8xZ4WCwKBNam_JTAK7POzpmD_xF63NMBxS4lNOhwJKq2IFjWFAW8XMuJWr6VHAbK8vtPX3OWngzUjeEvJKK/s400/DSCN0512.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<u><b>Sweet Blueberry Muffins</b></u><br />
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<b>3 cups flour</b><br />
<b>1 cup sugar (I use only 3/4 cup for mine usually)</b><br />
<b>4 Tsp Baking Powder</b><br />
<b>1 Tsp salt</b><br />
<b>1/3 cup buttermilk</b><br />
<b>1/3 cup milk</b><br />
<b>1 Tsp lemon juice</b><br />
<b>1/2 cup vegetable oil</b><br />
<b>2 large eggs (fresh from your backyard chickens if you have them!)</b><br />
<b>1-2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries</b><br />
<b>2 Tbsp Sugar (for sprinkling before you bake them)</b><br />
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<b>Heat your oven to 400. </b><br />
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<b>Combine your dry ingredients in a large bowl, make a well in the center and add rest of your ingredients Fold your blueberries in last. This will be a thick batter, just moistened enough to mix all your ingredients. Spoon into a well greased or paper-lined muffin pan. (I highly recommend investing in a good stone muffin pan for perfectly baked muffins every time! I love my Pampered Chef!) Sprinkle tops of muffins with a bit of sugar.</b><br />
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<b>Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes. Muffins should be a light golden brown. Makes 12.</b><br />
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Serve 'em up with a smile...and enjoy sweet blueberry goodness!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-84003961825876467642013-01-12T08:15:00.001-08:002013-01-12T08:17:17.008-08:00Garlic Chicken Pasta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a little background information about me...I waitressed my way through college at one of the best family owned restaurants in town. Five years at one place and I still love going back. The Brown Bottle taught me a lot about taking care of people well during their dining experience. I actually loved this job, despite long hours on my feet and up and down the stairs, but mostly loved the people that mentored me through those years of my growing up. Today it is still, in my opinion, the best place to eat in town and I still love the owners and manager! </div>
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The Brown Bottle's garlic chicken is my absolute favorite dish there and I would never even come close to preparing such a fine dish...but I did attempt to make a close version of it for my own taste bud's sake. I am happy with the outcome, but if you want the real deal...head on over to the Brown Bottle in Cedar Falls!! You'll get the best service and food in town! But if you want a meal at home...may I suggest trying this?</div>
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<u><b>Garlic Chicken Pasta</b></u></div>
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<b>1 double breast of chicken</b></div>
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<b>veggies of choice: (for this batch I used)</b></div>
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<b>1 green bell pepper</b></div>
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<b>1 small head of broccoli</b></div>
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<b>half bag of baby carrots</b></div>
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<b>fresh mushrooms</b></div>
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<b>(could use: onion, tomatoes, pea pods, yellow bell peppers, zucchini)</b></div>
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<b>pine nuts (1 small bag or about 1 cups worth)</b></div>
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<b>olive oil</b></div>
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<b>fresh ground pepper</b></div>
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<b>garlic salt</b></div>
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<b>garlic powder</b></div>
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<b>1 box of angel hair pasta</b></div>
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Dice your raw chicken and sprinkle with garlic salt. Pour 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet. Once oil is warm, throw your chicken in and cook evenly for a white but not brown look. Once chicken is all cooked through, set your chicken aside in a separate bowl for now.</div>
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Boil your water for your pasta at this time and toss your noodles in the boiling water to cook as you start your veggies.</div>
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As your chicken cooks, slice your veggies to your liking. I slice my baby carrots in fourths to help them cook faster. </div>
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Add another Tbsp of olive oil to your skillet and add your more dense veggies first. I add my carrots and let them saute for a bit, then add my peppers, next my broccoli, and last my mushrooms. This way I don't have some veggies overly done while my heavier veggies finish cooking through. As my veggies cook, I sprinkle with pepper, garlic salt, and garlic powder to my tasting. Season away as you please! </div>
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Once all my veggies are done, I throw in the pine nuts to toast for just a couple minutes. You might need to add a bit more olive oil if it seems dry or your veggies are sticking to the bottom of your skillet.</div>
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Your noodles should be ready to drain by now and your veggies are done. Throw your chicken back into the skillet, drain noodles, and simply toss the skillet veggies and chicken with your noodles. </div>
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You should have yourself a light pasta dish ready to eat right away! I had no problem serving this dish with a smile and fully enjoying! Yum!!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-81353474943238274072013-01-10T12:09:00.000-08:002013-01-10T12:09:00.086-08:00Cheesy Potato Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If I lived by myself, I would live off of soup. But, I don't (thank goodness), so I have a hand full of soup recipes that I love and can even convince my house full of boys to enjoy for a meal or two with me! Soup is my go-to meal on weekends in the winter. You can throw it together in the morning and it is warm in the crock-pot all day. My husband says cheese is the compliment to every dish...so this cheesy potato soup might be towards his fave of the soups I place before him when I am sure he would rather have meat and potatoes!! I have been making this for years and it never disappoints. I hope you'll give it a try.</div>
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<u><b>Cheesy Potaoe Soup</b></u></div>
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<b>1 1/2 cups chopped carrots</b></div>
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<b>5-8 cups diced potatoes (I like thicker soup, so I do more potatoes)</b></div>
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<b>2 tsp. salt</b></div>
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<b>1 can evaporated milk</b></div>
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<b>2 Tbsp fresh parsley (or flakes)</b></div>
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<b>1 cup milk or half & half</b></div>
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<b>1 lb Velveeta cheese </b></div>
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<b>1/4 cup butter</b></div>
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<b>2 cup cubed ham or bacon (we prefer ham)</b></div>
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<b>pepper (to your tasting)</b></div>
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<b>Chop all your veggies and place in a soup pot.</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>Cover your veggies just enough so the water is barely covering it. Add your salt and boil this for about 20 minutes. Mash your potatoes just a bit as you stir it.</b></span><br />
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<b>Turn the heat off and add all your remaining ingredients.</b></div>
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<b>Turn your heat on medium and bring to a bubbley stage. once it is bubbely, turn to low and stir occasionally. </b></div>
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<b>I like to let it sit for awhile to thicken, but you can eat it right away too!</b></div>
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<b>Mmm-mmm...and as always, serve with a smile and enjoy :)</b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-69250713956859351102012-12-31T07:53:00.001-08:002012-12-31T07:57:35.779-08:00Frozen Hot Chocolate!I don't know why I never attempted this before? I have heard people rave about it all the way from New York's famous Serendipity and I love a good hot chocolate ...so why did I not think of this before!?!? Well, good thing it's never too late and we made a quick run to our local all night grocery store last night to create this oh-so-tasty masterpiece before we snuggled in for a movie. Worth spending an hour reading about different recipes, worth going out into the cold to get just perfect ingredients, worth making mess in kitchen after all other dishes were done for day, and worth baby making art with it all over the table as the rest of us indulged. If that doesn't convince you...just make it, you won't regret it! It is really too easy and too tasty not to.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frozen Hot Chocolate</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><b>2 cups whole milk (I would not exchange with anything different)</b></span></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Five 1.25 ounce packets of Hot Chocolate mix (You can do less, but we loved it with five)</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">1 cup heavy cream</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">mini chocolate chips</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Chocolate syrup</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 21px;">I have a really nice blender, so it made the ice blend into a perfect </span><span style="line-height: 20.995996475219727px;">consistency.</span><span style="line-height: 21px;"> Use the highest powered blending machine you own! Simply pour your whole milk and hot cocoa packets into blender. Blend well. Add your ice and blend until a whipped like frozen </span><span style="line-height: 20.995996475219727px;">consistency</span><span style="line-height: 21px;">. You will </span><span style="line-height: 20.995996475219727px;">have</span><span style="line-height: 21px;"> yummy ice crystals gathering to top. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><b>Once this is done, pour your heavy whipping cream into a bowl large enough to use your hand mixer in. Add your sugar and blend until you have home-made whipped topping! You could swap for ready made Cool Whip, but I promise this extra step is worth it!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 21px;">Give your frozen </span><span style="line-height: 20.995996475219727px;">chocolate</span><span style="line-height: 21px;"> mix a quick last minute blend and pour into cups, spoon a big dallap of whipped topping on it, sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, and drizzle </span><span style="line-height: 20.995996475219727px;">chocolate</span><span style="line-height: 21px;"> syrup over it. And as always, serve with a smile and enjoy!!!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.995996475219727px;"><b>(This serves about 4-5 people...we doubled it :)</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-55161716407077222982012-11-13T08:06:00.000-08:002012-11-13T08:06:43.149-08:00brrr...it's Chili!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As the cooler temps have settled in to stay, most find a big of pot of chili resting on their stove-top. If you haven't yet, now is the time to try it! Chili is one of my favorite soups to make because a.) it's filling b.) it's good and c.) it's easy. Served with some home-made cornbread and you've got yourself a real treat for a few days! The beauty of it too, is that you can pretty much do whatever you want with it. Make it simple or zesty as you please...it turns out different every-time here and that's just the fun of a good chili "recipe".</div>
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<b><u>Mama's Chili</u></b></div>
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<b>1lb ground beef</b></div>
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<b>1lb pork sausage</b></div>
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<b>hand full of carrots</b></div>
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<b>few celery stalks</b></div>
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<b>1 red onion</b></div>
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<b>1-3 peppers (I used sweet peppers this round)</b></div>
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<b>purple cabbage (only because I needed to use it up)</b></div>
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<b>1-2 can red kidney beans</b></div>
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<b>1-2 cans chili beans</b></div>
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<b>tomatoes (This can vary)</b></div>
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<b>I used 9 frozen tomatoes from my garden, just puree them</b></div>
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<b>2 cans tomato soup</b></div>
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<b>2 cans diced tomatoes</b></div>
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<b>dash of garlic salt or powder</b></div>
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<b>chili seasoning to taste</b></div>
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<b>Simple chop all your veggies and cook over medium heat with your beef and sausage. Once this is all cooked through, start dumping in your tomato varieties and beans. Once you have the consistency you'd like (some like more liquid, some like thick chili), add your seasoning. Let it simmer for an hour for best results and eat with warm cornbread! As always, serve with a smile and enjoy! (Best enjoyed with friends added to your table too...just sayin!!)</b></div>
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As much as I can, I get veggies into my meals. Chili is just too easy to sneak a little or a lot in!</div>
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Cooking your veggies with your meat is a must to get the desired non-crunch feeling in your mouth.</div>
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There are so many bean and tomato varieties... get creative and use whats in the cupboard!<br />
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I love, love fresh garden tomatoes pulled from my freezer for winter cooking!! It adds so much real flavor.</div>
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Now, don't be like me...I burnt this batch. Awful, just awful. Another easy option is to throw it into a crock-pot for the day...no burning and plenty warm for dinner still.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-25028256489308367312012-11-02T12:46:00.000-07:002012-11-02T12:46:03.232-07:00Mama's Chicken Noodle Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love food. I was going to type I love fall foods, but then come spring I would write I love fresh spring salads and come summer I would write I love summer foods with grilling and sweet corn. So I might as well be honest and just say...I love food, all seasons of it. Food leaves a taste in your mouth and memory from when you ate it and with who and what is represents. The way cherry cheesecake makes me think of my grandma's table and eating it after many of her yummy meals and ham and potato soup reminds me of my other grandma's house on Christmas day and home-made bread makes me think of my mama in her own kitchen. Food for me is a connection to many hearts in my life and with it I hope to do the same. Food brings people together and good food keeps people coming back! Good food and good people...doesn't get much better!</div>
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With fall comes my taste buds ready for soup season. I personally could live off soups this time of year, but my house full of growing boys would tell you something very different. I have made a variety of the basic chicken noodle soup and this one is my favorite. I never make two soups the same, so bear with me as I walk you through this one...one of my weakness's....I never write my recipes down as I make them and often can't remember what exactly I did. Just tweak this a bit to your tasting as you go :)</div>
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<b><u>Mama's Chicken Noodle Soup</u></b></div>
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<b>1 bag frozen chicken breasts or tenderloins </b></div>
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<b>olive oil</b></div>
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<b>kosher salt</b></div>
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<b>fresh ground pepper</b></div>
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<b>fresh or dried parsley</b></div>
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<b>chicken broth (anywhere from 3-6 cups)</b></div>
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<b>carrots</b></div>
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<b>celery</b></div>
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<b>Reames frozen home-made noodles (Do not use anything else! These are the best, I promise! I think the Amish would even agree :)</b></div>
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<b>heavy whipping cream </b></div>
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Begin by baking your chicken. I put olive oil on a good stoneware pan, lay my frozen chicken out, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 350 just until chicken turns white. Do not over cook or it will be tough meat in your soup.</div>
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In a pan large enough to hold soup, pour in your chicken broth. I use 2-3 boxes depending on how much I want to make. Then start adding your veggies...<br />
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I almost always use carrots and celery, but sometimes I just clean my fridge out too with left-over veggies like corn or peas. Chop your veggies and throw into pot of broth. Let cook until carrots are tender. As your veggies cook throw in some seasoning...I like kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, and some freshly chopped parsley. You could use anything you like though and even add some onions if you wish.<br />
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This is where you must follow exactly, the only thing I always do the same. use Reames frozen home-made egg noodles. I can't even make home-made noodles that taste this good. I love these. I will say it again, I love these. Once your veggies are tender, pour a bag of these tasty things in your soup. While they soak up some juice, you have two options...1.) leave your soup as is with broth. 2.) Give it a creamy taste and texture by pouring in some heavy whipping cream. I usually do about 1- 1 1/2 cups. Its the good stuff!</div>
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Your soup is ready to enjoy once the noodles are cooked and it's nice and hot! As always, serve with a smile and enjoy!!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-70388921487717310752012-10-11T09:35:00.001-07:002012-10-11T09:39:06.191-07:00Favorite Pumpkin Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's pumpkin season!! Whoo-hoo! I love baking in October. Windows slightly opened, kitchen warm from toasty oven heat, fall colors coming through the windows, candles burning, piano music humming from the ipod. Anything pumpkin makes the house smell amazing and the mouths water. Welcome fall!! These bars are a result of some of the first recipe experimenting I did over 10 years ago in the little kitchen my husband and I used while we lived in our church's old parsonage apartment. There was a variety of cook-books left in that old kitchen and I had so much fun flipping through them and trying some recipes on my new little family...my man and me. After trying a few pumpkin bar recipes, I tweaked a couple to come up with this one...my favorite. And wah-la...one of my first creations as a home-maker. </div>
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These are simple and oh so tasty. If you bake anything pumpkin this fall, I strongly suggest these! You won't be sorry!</div>
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<u><b>Pumpkin Bars</b></u></div>
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<b>4 eggs</b></div>
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<b>2 C sugar</b></div>
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<b>1 can pumpkin </b></div>
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<b>1/2 tsp Cinnamon</b></div>
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<b>1/2 tsp nutmeg</b></div>
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<b>1 C Oil</b></div>
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<b>1 tsp baking powder</b></div>
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<b>1 tsp baking soda</b></div>
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<b>2 C Flour</b></div>
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<b>Mix together eggs, sugar, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and oil. Add remaining ingredients and blend well. Bake in greased 15 by 10 pan (stone-ware works best!) and bake at 350 for 25 minutes.</b></div>
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<u><b>Cream Cheese Frosting</b></u></div>
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<b>1- 8oz pkg. cream cheese</b></div>
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<b>1/2 C margarine, softened not melted</b></div>
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<b>3 1/2 C powdered sugar</b></div>
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<b>2 1/2 tsp vanilla </b></div>
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<b>Cream all ingredients together until smooth, should not be lumpy. Spread over cooled bars.</b></div>
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I actually added this recipe to our church recipe book years ago. I think it was my only addition to the book!<br />
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If you have stoneware, I strongly encourage doing your baking in it. It makes such a big difference for even baking and no burnt bottoms. Big fan of Pampered Chef stoneware!<br />
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Mmmm, this frosting is everything tasty and nothing lite :) Don't say I didn't warn you!</div>
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Once these are frosted they last about 1-2 days here...</div>
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And off they go to neighbors and kids mouths and friends and family. Share the fall love! And as always, serve with a smile and enjoy!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-7596361562072316342012-09-28T10:14:00.002-07:002012-09-28T10:15:31.958-07:00Multigrain Hot Cakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Brrr, cold mornings make me crave something warm to put into my tummy. I've been playing with multigrain hot cake recipes to replace my basic white flour pancake recipe. My boys eat pancakes, they are easy to make big batches of batter, and they are a good solid breakfast food when loaded with some good grains and a few veggies snuk in. Whip this together in seriously like 15 minutes...save the extra batter in the fridge and have fresh hot cakes a few days in a row!</div>
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<b><u>Multigrain Hot Cakes</u></b></div>
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2 cups white flour</div>
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1 cup wheat flour</div>
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1/2 cup cornmeal</div>
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1/2 cup rolled oats</div>
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4 Tbsp brown sugar</div>
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4 tsp baking powder</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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3 cups fat free milk</div>
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6 Tbsp canola oil</div>
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2 Tsp vanilla</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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4-6 Thawed Cubes Mama Made fruit or veggie of your choice (optional) ~ we love apple/pumpkin flavors added!</div>
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Simply dump all your ingredients into a mixing bowl. Mix well and let sit for 5 minutes before you bake over a hot skillet on low to medium heat. Serve with warm maple syrup pr honey...a smile too...and enjoy!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-22106807130120907492012-09-20T11:59:00.000-07:002012-09-20T11:59:35.340-07:00Pretty in Pink Parfaits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some mornings are just busier then others and getting everyone out the door by 8:30 can sometimes feel like a mini marathon. So.Many.Details!! There are mornings where my hair-washing goal or the extra time to shave my legs quickly get bumped off the morning to-do list, but sending everyone off with a full tummy and eating well to start the day just doesn't happen here. I truly think breakfasts is one of the most important meals of the day and my kids brains and bodies need that boost to start well. So even on the days we are going a little faster pace then most mornings, I try to keep some basics around the house to throw these together. You probably have almost everything you need as I write this and if you don't...get creative with what you do have :) It's got all your basic breakfast items all made into one easy to take in the van jar!</div>
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<b><u>Pretty in Pink Parfaits</u></b></div>
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Starting with the bottom layer:</div>
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cheerios</div>
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strawberry yogurt</div>
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crushed frozen strawberries (use your blender "ice crush" mode)</div>
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vanilla yogurt</div>
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granola</div>
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crushed frozen raspberries</div>
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strawberry or raspberry yogurt</div>
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crushed frozen berries</div>
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*You could totally use a variety of fruit, cereals, or yogurts.</div>
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Serve with a smile and enjoy!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-54326353564935514152012-09-04T12:21:00.002-07:002012-09-04T12:21:39.021-07:00it's apple season!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While I love the season of grilled food every night and fresh veggies from the garden, I also must admit...I love fall foods. Or maybe I just love food? Either way, apple season is here! Down at market the apple farmer made his appearance for the first time this last weekend, so it's safe to say the fall's finest dishes can start being made to enjoy! Between applesauce and apple dumplings and apple crisp comes the most looked forward to apple dish in our home..apple pie :) Probably my husband's favorite dessert I make, next to strawberry pie and for sure a must to smell up the house real nice and serve at the end of the back-yard dinner meal. And the best part? You can make this....fairly easily! (yes, YOU, who have never attempted a home-made pie!!) I promise! So gather your apples and warm up that oven. Fall is ready to visit your table!</div>
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<b><u>Easy Crust</u></b></div>
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1 cup flour</div>
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1/2 cup crisco</div>
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1 Tbsp butter</div>
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1/4 cup very cold water</div>
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<b><u>Apple Pie Filling</u></b></div>
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5 cups of peeled, sliced, and rinsed Granny Smith apples</div>
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1 cup sugar</div>
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2 Tbsp flour</div>
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1/2 tsp. cinnamon (I think it's around 1/2 tsp...I just sprinkle some in)</div>
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dash of nutmeg</div>
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dash of salt</div>
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2-4 Tbsp butter (slice and place on top of filling before you lay top crust in)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2Bed1Rm-UzhzLbhgHMINBKkNOFgDq1FM-w4RE8sSDgdDF2MChP5V2U6eWbYEqabdrcTWBAT_j7KJZ-faK2lwYJtdJjb3RVmeiI7DRag_V0DjeK5RLBk7o-5pd5ra-BYthG-g7FFgbp7e/s1600/August+2012+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2Bed1Rm-UzhzLbhgHMINBKkNOFgDq1FM-w4RE8sSDgdDF2MChP5V2U6eWbYEqabdrcTWBAT_j7KJZ-faK2lwYJtdJjb3RVmeiI7DRag_V0DjeK5RLBk7o-5pd5ra-BYthG-g7FFgbp7e/s320/August+2012+049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think the best apple pie apples are Granny Smith, but any apple can do the job.</div>
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I like to add my crust ingredients together in my glass mixing bowl and knead together. Once it is fairly mixed I dump the pile onto a floured surface and knead away the rest until I have a nice round ball of dough. (and I double this crust recipe for two pie crusts)</div>
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Once your ball of dough is not too sticky that it sticks to the rolling pin, but not too dry that it crumbles, you are ready to roll out those crusts! You can do this...seriously.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9m3UPB2mA_OFUDA2Al7cIlNFalui28lw7uYgRLZNDu-BfGyUbkE0rt108_LxF1x1G3V67ubyTrjYx12iqTT8ixD46V2qukACGbfqKI0PEUJLhHaAmA2kFAqZijaOh4lfpa_kRKbI45_n/s1600/August+2012+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9m3UPB2mA_OFUDA2Al7cIlNFalui28lw7uYgRLZNDu-BfGyUbkE0rt108_LxF1x1G3V67ubyTrjYx12iqTT8ixD46V2qukACGbfqKI0PEUJLhHaAmA2kFAqZijaOh4lfpa_kRKbI45_n/s320/August+2012+054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I sprinkle a little flour on the top of the dough ball and roll out in each direction until big enough to fill the pie pan. Roll both crusts out. Lay your first one in the pan and set the 2nd one aside for the top.</div>
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Pinch your crusts down against the edge and leave just enough to pinch the top crust together when you are done filling it. You will have a little hanging over the edge of your pie pan.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OKCxwOCdC2cYWeyY7_FC78OChVsgn4CahsLfCL9dS02orbr88a3WNwKr00L3gm1MjwA8yJVCCy0CBSPVEvey8Cc4TZqZE9pAy3hmq2moFUhPK71l-JJoopEtCnMPePFQ67Vsetg14HyT/s1600/August+2012+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OKCxwOCdC2cYWeyY7_FC78OChVsgn4CahsLfCL9dS02orbr88a3WNwKr00L3gm1MjwA8yJVCCy0CBSPVEvey8Cc4TZqZE9pAy3hmq2moFUhPK71l-JJoopEtCnMPePFQ67Vsetg14HyT/s320/August+2012+056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Next, prepare your filling. Slice your apples and throw together with sugar, flour, nutmeg, salt, and cinnamon.<br />
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Set your butter pats on top.</div>
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Lay your top crust on top and cut along edge of pie pan to get rid of extra crust. Pinch together or use a fork to mold two crusts together.</div>
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Poke a cute design or poke at least a few air holes to let it breathe while it bakes.</div>
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Bake in your pre-heated oven at 400 degrees. If you time it well, put it in an hour before your hubs gets home from work... who doesn't love to walk into an apple pie scented house?</div>
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And the best part! Serve with a smile and enjoy! Happy pie making mama's!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-73040673575620363272012-08-16T08:39:00.001-07:002012-08-16T13:14:08.592-07:00Banana Cup-cakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love traditions. We always bake a cake or cup-cakes for the first day of school and this year was no different. This year, we had a bag of my banana-spinach baby-food to use up, so we found a recipe to tweak and add some fresh flavor! If you like banana bread, you'll love these. These are seriously too easy! The cinnamon peanut-butter frosting tops it off deliciously. Happy 1st day of school week, mamas! Cheers to a new year! </div>
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<u><b>Banana Cup-cakes </b></u></div>
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour </div>
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3/4 cup sugar</div>
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1 teaspoon baking powder</div>
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda</div>
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1/4 teaspoon salt</div>
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted</div>
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1 1/2 cups mashed bananas or 6 <i>Banana/Spinach Mama Made</i> cubes (thawed)</div>
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2 large eggs (farm fresh is best :)</div>
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1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</div>
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Mix all ingredients together and spoon evenly into 14 cup-cake fillers. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until lightly golden brown. For extra fluffiness, set a bowl of water in your oven as you bake your muffins! Let cool completely before frosting.</div>
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<b><u>Peanut Butter/Cinnamon Frosting</u></b></div>
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1 1/4 cup powdered sugar</div>
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature</div>
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1 tablespoon peanut butter</div>
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1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon</div>
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1/2 tsp vanilla </div>
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1/4 to 1/2 cup milk</div>
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Whip your butter. Add your peanut butter, vanilla, and cinnamon and whip well. Slowly add powdered sugar. Then add milk as you need to get consistency you want. Frost cupcakes, sprinkle, and as always...serve with a smile and enjoy!</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_25RJrn_acSqu-4NkZkNx4ssZ-_fWfdryOId2x9nC5Y1Sfco82GMQTekZ6PaV1E9wIUO3uDidcSeV1UuW2PMxHRxI_XvjiQMhXALS3A_06FuBFFvPHzx8odkyQNcAAk6smyXRjFq_3Zw/s320/August+2012+129.JPG" width="240" /></div>
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Little helpers make the baking more fun!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-34634714852716781522012-07-08T13:28:00.001-07:002012-07-08T13:28:22.372-07:00Blueberry Bran Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's blueberry season! I am always looking for ways to sneak a little extra fiber into my children's diet. My kids do not like plain bran flakes, but they sure make for some good baking basics when it comes to making a kid friendly snack. And it is perfect time of year to gather some fresh blueberries for the mixing! If you were at market last weekend, this is what you found at our booth...feel free to share and enjoy!</div>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9jLlxSYWwVYqiqRxvNWbS9KWFNqHKjosnsDGie1rW5w-QUgnkLtAjH7QSoX5cKLHn_DfAR3zjm1WMtVCaJerr8owBr4F64lHxgXnWDghVbi5-nuBpHkjol2IGBSlsob-oxvKGR1bAqBD/s320/July+2012+068.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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<b>Blueberry Bran Muffins</b><br />
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<u><b>Topping:</b></u><br />
<b>3/4 cup Bran Flakes, crushed</b><br />
<b>3 Tbsp packed brown sugar</b><br />
<b>1 Tbsp melted butter</b><br />
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<b><u>Muffins</u>:</b><br />
<b>1 3/4 cup bran flakes</b><br />
<b>1 cup buttermilk</b><br />
<b>1 egg</b><br />
<b>2 Tbsp veg oil</b><br />
<b>3 cubes Mama Made Apple, thawed</b><br />
<b>1 cup flour</b><br />
<b>1/2 cup rolled oats </b><br />
<b>1/3 cup brown sugar</b><br />
<b>1 Tbsp baking powder</b><br />
<b>1 tsp ground cinnamon</b><br />
<b>1 cup fresh blueberries</b><br />
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<b>Pre-heat oven to 400. Grease muffin tins. (I prefer stoneware pans for this recipe). Combine cereal, buttermilk, egg, oil, apple in bowl. Let sit for 5 min, cereal should get soggy. Combine rest of ingredients and stir in blueberries last using a folding motion. Batter will be thick! Divide evenly into muffin cups and sprinkle with crunchy topping. Bake for 20-25 min. As always, serve with a smile and enjoy! (Each muffin has 2g of fiber)</b><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-77214205571569402852012-06-29T13:18:00.001-07:002012-06-29T13:30:42.023-07:00Summer Smoothie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Summer is my favorite season to eat! So many fresh fruits and veggies at markets, in stores, and growing in back-yards. Summer around here often is heard by the humming of the blender and the taste of sweet smoothies while we hang out on the back-porch swinging our days away. If you have picky kids, this is one of the easiest ways to sneak in some of their daily vitamins! Really, smoothies are so flexible. I often times just throw in whatever we have around, but there are a few favorite fruits/veggies that have my kids asking for more when their cup gets low. With the heat index in the 100's this last week, I suggest trying these out sooner then later... a perfect summer treat that you can feel good about serving :)</div>
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<b><u>Summer Smoothie</u></b></div>
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<b>1-2 bananas</b></div>
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<b>large handful of raw spinach leaves</b></div>
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<b>small handful of fresh Kale </b></div>
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<b>1-2 cups vanilla yogurt (Greek yogurt is best) </b></div>
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<b>1 Tbsp flax seed or wheat germ</b></div>
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<b>frozen strawberries (or frozen fruit of choice)</b></div>
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<b>4-5 cubes Mama Made carrots baby-food</b></div>
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<b>100% apple juice </b></div>
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This is a really flexible recipe. If you want, you can just use bananas, yogurt, frozen strawberries, and juice to get it to the consistency you want. Or you can add the extra's for some great added nutrients. I start by using a really good blender :) I first put in my greens, yogurt, bananas, wheat-germ or flax seed, and a little tiny bit of juice. Blend that up. Add some frozen berries and your carrot cubes (if you have them). I add a bit more juice to help the frozen berries puree up nice. You've got yourself a sweet summer treat! As always, enjoy and serve it up with a smile!</div>
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PS If your blender won't finely blend your greens, purchase Mama Made, Banana/Spinach or Carrots/Kale, to get your greens into your frozen treats easier. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524536837041257975.post-57377886565932325182012-06-01T09:09:00.002-07:002012-06-01T09:10:32.188-07:00Fresh Guacamole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxEqqW3qnviVto37hUEmNc8UykXBs7XRjJT7_ULCZtAZN7wVrTPEcqqOCMehp489EqaqIissAWDcpFDKrHzhUzzirtNOVgZqT-vVA-pCzR2br6QiSXL9LWrarWZKaLJ7LrLUgYnry0QG4/s1600/May+2012+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxEqqW3qnviVto37hUEmNc8UykXBs7XRjJT7_ULCZtAZN7wVrTPEcqqOCMehp489EqaqIissAWDcpFDKrHzhUzzirtNOVgZqT-vVA-pCzR2br6QiSXL9LWrarWZKaLJ7LrLUgYnry0QG4/s320/May+2012+071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I have an addiction. To avocados. I am so thankful our local ALDI has them for a good price, because I eat enough a week to keep them in supply and demand there! I have been playing around with some guac recipes and finally created the perfect one. This mixes up in about 5 minutes and you probably have everything you need on hand, minus the avocado (which, if you want some cheap, you better beat me to ALDI or I may have bought them all :)<br />
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Not only do these taste good, but they are good for you! Did you know avocados are a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins C,K,
folate, and B6? Half an avocado has 160 calories, 15 grams of
heart-healthy unsaturated fat, and only 2 grams saturated fat. One globe
contains more than one-third daily value of vitamin C, and more than
half the day’s requirements of vitamin K. This so called "alligator pear" is a good source of nutrition and even my 10 month old loves them. How can you feel bad eating this guacamole recipe almost everyday? :)<br />
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<u><b>Fresh Guacamole</b></u><br />
<b>1 avocado</b><br />
<b>1-2 cap fulls of lemon juice (great flavor add and keeps it from turning brown so fast)</b><br />
<b>1-2 good shakes of garlic salt</b><br />
<b>1-2 good shakes of chili powder (or taco seasoning) </b><br />
<b>1/4 cup of fresh salsa (you can also buy this at your local grocery store in the refrigerated area)</b><br />
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<b>Simply scrape out your avocado and mash with a fork. Stir in the remaining ingredients. A perfect dip for chips, veggies, or mixed in a wrap! Serve with a smile and enjoy!</b><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08318995629371721448noreply@blogger.com1