I'm totally loving my new ice cream maker! I just made this recipe called Mango Sorbet from Allrecipes.com. This was another activity for my Allstar Ambassador Program...and it was goooood! Below is the ingredients I used to make the sorbet because I didn't have all the ingredients listed in the original recipe. This frozen dessert was so easy to prepare!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Salad Wedges
When I saw this on Pinterest I thought it was a great idea! This is much easier than cutting the head of lettuce into lots of bite sized pieces!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
S'mores Pops
As one of my activities for the Allrecipes.com Brand Ambassador Program for the month of June, I was asked to make some recipes that remind me of summer. I chose the following recipe for that very reason...S'mores is just one of those food items that is made time and time again during the summer months! But these treats are delicious ANY time of year!
This version is a simple idea taken from the traditional S'mores recipe. My family loved it! And I loved how easy it was to make and keep stored for whenever that S'mores craving hits you!
This version is a simple idea taken from the traditional S'mores recipe. My family loved it! And I loved how easy it was to make and keep stored for whenever that S'mores craving hits you!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Oven Roasted Salsa
Wow...what a difference a little roasting makes! I never thought to oven roast my salsa veggies, but it really works nicely! I loved the bold flavors the roasting brings out!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Apple Pie Egg Rolls with a Caramel Drizzle
I love to find new ways to make apple desserts! I also had some leftover won ton wrappers that I need to use before they expired. So I went searching on Pinterest and found a recipe called
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Man Pleasing Chicken
In honor of Father's Day why not serve this to your favorite father! I think he would be very pleased!
Although I think this recipe should be called 'Man and Woman Pleasing Chicken' because I was VERY pleased also!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Amazing Beef Sandwiches!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
A Light and Flavorful Potato Side Dish!
Now that summer is right around the corner, I want to start eating lighter meals, as in lower in fat! This potato recipe tastes very rich, but it's very low fat! I serve this instead of mashed potatoes because it's much easier and tastier! Plus this can be put together a few hours ahead of time, then baked when needed!
These are paper thin sliced potatoes in a
creamy green onion cheese sauce.
Baked until tender. Made with low fat ingredients. This is an easy potato side dish with lots of creamy, cheesy flavor! Perfect with any meat main dish...chicken, beef, pork and even fish!
creamy green onion cheese sauce.
Baked until tender. Made with low fat ingredients. This is an easy potato side dish with lots of creamy, cheesy flavor! Perfect with any meat main dish...chicken, beef, pork and even fish!
Skinny Potatoes |
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Lick the Bowl Clean, Party Dips!
When ever I have a party I love to serve unique and delicious dips! I try to stay away from the same old, same old, basic dips! The two dips on this page fit the bill for me and my guests! When the dip bowls are practically licked clean, you know it was a big success...and with these two recipes, that's exactly what always happens when I serve them!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Wacky Ingredients, With Delicious Results!
I found this recipe on the Internet and its a real gem! The ingredients sound wacky but they become a delicious, dark, rich, earthy, smokey, slightly sweet but savory gravy! You'll want to lick the dish clean, like I did! The ingredients are all the things you probably have in your fridge right now!
This recipe is by a cook known as Divalicious, from Grouprecipes.com. The photo is my own.
This recipe is by a cook known as Divalicious, from Grouprecipes.com. The photo is my own.
Wacky But Amazing Pork Chops in Gravy |
Sunday, June 10, 2012
The Simplest Rib Sauce Ever!
The is the best and simplest rib sauce I ever tasted! It's only 3 common ingredients, but it taste so very good when barbecued with the ribs! It lets the flavor of the ribs shine through but just gives the ribs a nice sweet, savory, smokey flavor!
I got this recipe from my Mom's sister, who we call Zi Zi, which is derived from the Italian word 'Zia', which means 'aunt'...so I'll call this recipe, 'Zi Zi's Rib Sauce'! Italians are not known for making barbecued ribs, but Zi Zi really has a winner with this recipe! This is the only sauce I use on barbecued ribs! And this works on any kind of ribs...baby back, country style, pork or beef! Everyone who tries this sauce, loves it!
Zi Zi's Rib Sauce |
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Tequila Lime Pork Tacos and Mexican Spaghetti Side Dish
I love making easy Mexican food at home! These are two of my 'go to' recipes for Mexican food! I make these a few times a month. It's the kind of recipes that you never get tired of and actually start to crave them, once you've tried them! I'm craving them just by typing about them!
This taco recipe is one that I got from a fellow foodie known as Pleclare. I'm a big fan of LOTS of her recipes, so you may have seen me post other recipes from her. I'm posting this recipe with some slight tweaks that I made.
TEQUILA LIME PORK TACOS
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Friday, June 8, 2012
Egg Boats
This is a great way to make egg sandwiches for a crowd! All you have to do is carve out a wedge in each hero roll and mix the egg, cheese, bacon, green onion, light cream, salt and pepper together in a bowl. Then just pour equal amounts of the egg mixture into each boat (hero roll) and bake in the oven for 25 minutes. I've been making this often since finding this recipe! So easy and delicious!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Estonian Kringel (Cinnamon Braid Bread)
This recipe is from a Romanian food blog. Then it was translated and posted on a U.S. cooking site called 'Totally Love It'. That's where I found it.
Just the unique look of this bread alone, made me want to try it! Then when I saw the simple ingredients I knew I had to try it! I'm not much of a baker so I wasn't sure if I could get this bread to work for me...but I did! It was very easy! I love that the dough has an egg yolk and milk in it. I never made a bread with those ingredients before!
Cinnamon Braid Bread |
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Chicken Enchilada Pasta
Chicken Enchilada Pasta **Click Here For Recipe** |
This was so easy to make...about 40 minutes from start to finish! I didn't bother to pre-cook the chicken and then shred it. I just cut the chicken cutlets into tiny bite sized pieces and sauteed it in the same skillet that I used to saute the veggies. I like to make things as easy as possible.
I love creamy cheesy pasta. And I love chicken. And I love Mexican food. So this was a win, win recipe in my eyes! So, if you want to try this creamy, cheesy and oh so delicious chicken enchilada pasta for yourself, just go to the Pearls, Handcuffs & Happy Hour Blog
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Banana Split Mini Bites!
Aren't these just the CUTEST little desserts you've ever seen?
Well take it from me...don't try these unless your making them for no more than 2 people! What a huge pain in the neck these were to make! Here is a list of problems...
Well take it from me...don't try these unless your making them for no more than 2 people! What a huge pain in the neck these were to make! Here is a list of problems...
Monday, June 4, 2012
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Red White and Blue Drink!
Yes, this is another one that I found on Pinterest...I know, I stalk that site way too much! I just love finding these kinds of fun recipes! This drink is so easy to make!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Cute Lady Bug Crackers!
I'm really loving the recipes I find on Pinterest these days! There are some very unique and fun ways to play with food on that site...which is my favorite thing to do!
Here is an example of what I'm talking about!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Cheesy Cauliflower Tater Tots!
Did you ever find a recipe that sounds really tasty but has an ingredient and recipe instructions that just doesn't appeal to you? That's what I saw with this recipe, but I didn't let it stop me because I just loved everything else about the recipe!
This recipe called for 4 egg whites...and the whipping of egg whites into stiff peaks! I do not like either of those things because I don't want to waste the egg yolks and I'm not that experienced at the stiff peaks egg white whipping thing! It also called for the use of a pasrty bag and star pastry bag tip...I don't own either of those! Plus that's just too much work for making tater tots!
So I used 1 large egg (including the yolk) and just beat it into the cauliflower mixture! Guess what? It worked perfectly! And I used a 10 oz. box of frozen cauliflower florets instead of fresh, to make it even easier! Just thaw and squeeze the heck out of the cauliflower to drain all the excess liquid!
Instead of the pastry bag I just plopped it onto a parchment lined cookie sheet using two spoons. Again, it worked perfectly!
These cauliflower tater tots were delicious! Especially if you're a fan of cauliflower like I am! They have a nice strong cauliflower flavor but are light,fluffy and cheesy! This is a low carb recipe!
Here is the link to the original recipe...'Cheesy Cauliflower Tater Tots'...and below is my photo of how mine turned out! And I included my easy version of this recipe!
This recipe called for 4 egg whites...and the whipping of egg whites into stiff peaks! I do not like either of those things because I don't want to waste the egg yolks and I'm not that experienced at the stiff peaks egg white whipping thing! It also called for the use of a pasrty bag and star pastry bag tip...I don't own either of those! Plus that's just too much work for making tater tots!
So I used 1 large egg (including the yolk) and just beat it into the cauliflower mixture! Guess what? It worked perfectly! And I used a 10 oz. box of frozen cauliflower florets instead of fresh, to make it even easier! Just thaw and squeeze the heck out of the cauliflower to drain all the excess liquid!
Instead of the pastry bag I just plopped it onto a parchment lined cookie sheet using two spoons. Again, it worked perfectly!
These cauliflower tater tots were delicious! Especially if you're a fan of cauliflower like I am! They have a nice strong cauliflower flavor but are light,fluffy and cheesy! This is a low carb recipe!
Here is the link to the original recipe...'Cheesy Cauliflower Tater Tots'...and below is my photo of how mine turned out! And I included my easy version of this recipe!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Apple Pancake Rings and Mini Pancake Stacks
This is another recipe that I found on Pinterest! I thought it looked like a great idea for a breakfast recipe! It tasted very good but it was a pain to make! I tried to make it as easy as possible by using my 'go to' pancake batter recipe. But there were other problems that I did not for see!
Problem #1
Problem #1
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Red, White and Blue Strawberries!
I saw this idea on Pinterest and thought it was so cute for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend! This would also be perfect for the 4th of July...or Veteran's Day...or Election Day...or...well you get the idea!
I don't think I have to write the directions for this, but just in case...this is strawberries dipped in melted white chocolate then dipped in blue colored sugar. The colored sugar can be found in the cake decorating section of most grocery stores!
*~*~*~*~*~*
And this is another fun thing to do with fruit!
White chocolate chips stuffed into blackberries!
This gives the fruit a nice balance of tart and sweet!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
I've been loving cajun recipes lately! Probably because I discovered this easy and perfect cajun spice mix recipe...*click here* I love making my own spice mixes especially when I can't find the ones I need in the grocery store! That's what happened the day I found that recipe! I wanted to make some jambalaya and it worked so well that I decided to try other cajun recipes!
This 'Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta' was so delicious and so easy! I've always loved creamy pasta recipes, but I never tried one with a cajun flare! The leftovers even tasted great cold! Here is the blog post where I found this recipe...*click here* This recipe will be made often in my house!
This 'Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta' was so delicious and so easy! I've always loved creamy pasta recipes, but I never tried one with a cajun flare! The leftovers even tasted great cold! Here is the blog post where I found this recipe...*click here* This recipe will be made often in my house!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Don't Believe Everything You See On Pinterest!!!
I saw this recipe for 'Strawberry Smores' on Pinterest! It was one of those recipes that was 'Re-Pinned' a lot!!! The photo looked soooo inviting and delicious! It also sounded VERY easy to make! WRONG!!!!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
A Cool Way to Make Baked Potatoes!
The recipe caught my eye because of the photo! I love to find new ways to make potatoes and this definitely looked like something new! The recipe is called
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Iced Chai Tea
I love all things Chai! I've tried many Chai flavored teas and the brand that I think has the most flavor is Good Earth...I always buy the decaf version! I love the strong spices that this tea has. Many tea brands are weak and bland. But I never let those other brands go to waste! That's where my Iced Chai Tea idea came from!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Antipasto Salad Bowl
When I have large family dinners (20-24 guests) for the holidays I always make my antipasto platter! Everyone looks forward to it! I serve this before the main dish.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Sauerkraut Balls!
Ohio is well known for their Sauerkraut Balls and now so am I because my guests loved this! This tastes like a cheese dog with sauerkraut! I served this with yellow mustard for dipping. This was a unique and very flavorful appetizer/snack! Perfect for any get-together! These can very easily be made a day ahead and then baked when needed!
Flower Power Eggs!
I saw this recipe idea posted on Pinterest! I thought it was cute! I love the creative food on that site!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
It's Time For Another McCormick Spice Giveaway!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Basil Infused Olive Oil in 10 Minutes!
I received some basil infused olive oil as a gift and loved it! When the oil was all gone I missed having it around! So I decided to make some myself. It's very easy to do! Two ingredients and three simple steps and you'll have this delicious infused olive oil!
I love to dip Italian bread into the oil and eat it with a piece of hard cheese. And a glass of wine goes nicely with that too! It's also delicious drizzled over pasta! Infused oils can be very expensive to buy! So making it yourself is a great way to save money and have the satisfaction of knowing that you can do it!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
You'll Love These Balls!
Chocolate Chip Quinoa Trail Mix Balls |
Monday, May 7, 2012
I Can't Believe I Made It!!!
I never realized how easy it is to make homemade ice cream!!! So why doesn't everyone make their own? Is it because they don't know how easy it is? Do I have the only ice cream machine that makes it this easy? I can't believe that all I had to do was mix a few common ingredients into a bowl and then add it to my ice cream maker! Then I just turned on the switch and 20 minutes later I had this delicious, cold, creamy creation!
This is my new ice cream machine that I won in a Facebook giveaway. This is such a great invention.
There is only one flaw with this machine. The manufacturer should have made it so that the ice cream machine cannot be opened until the ice cream is done being made! I kept eating scoops of fresh made ice cream through the opening in the top. Not a good idea if you want to share this ice cream with your family.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Seis de Mayo
I was so busy yesterday making my Cinco de Mayo recipes, so I decided to post them today!
I made Churros for the first time yesterday! I always buy Churros when I go to carnivals, but now, I'm so happy to say, that I can make them at home!
I made these Churros as part of my activities for the Allrecipes Allstar Brand Ambassador Program, as I've mentioned many times in other posts! Here is my review of this recipe...
I made Churros for the first time yesterday! I always buy Churros when I go to carnivals, but now, I'm so happy to say, that I can make them at home!
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/churros/detail.aspx The link above will take you to the recipe. |
These were VERY good, but a little tricky to get them just right! I love the fact that this is a firm dough because it holds the nice shape of the ridges which Churros are known for! I followed the suggestion of the 'most helpful' reviewer named Cat...I used only 1 tbls. of sugar and oil in the dough batter. But I think the key to getting these to cook perfectly is to make sure the fryer is at 375 degrees and I made sure to fry the Churros for 4 1/2 minutes each. The inside will continue to cook after being removed from the fryer. I made mine about the same size as the Churros I buy from vendors...8 inches long and 3/4 inch thick. I used a cookie gun/press instead of a pastry bag which worked perfectly with this firm dough! I piped all the Churros out onto waxed paper and fried them 2 at a time. These taste just like the Churros I always buy at carnivals!
I also made these tasty little appetizers! They're called 'Potato Nachos' and they were delicious! They are made by slicing cooked potatoes into rounds and topping them with a sprinkle of dry ranch salad dressing, cheddar and Monterrey jack cheese and jarred jalapeno slices. Then bake and top with sour cream and green onions!Here is my photo and the link to the recipe...
As you can see from this inside view of my Churro the center was cooked perfectly! Not raw at all as some reviewers said was a problem. |
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/potato-nachos/Detail.aspx The link above will take you to the recipe.
And the last new recipe I tried yesterday as part of my Allrecipes.com Allstar Program wasn't really a Cinco de Mayo item, but it went very well with all of the above mentioned food!
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/smooth-sweet-tea/detail.aspx Click on link above to see recipe. This was my first time drinking Sweet Tea but I know I'll be making this more often! It was such a refreshing and delicate iced tea drink! This is a strong brewed tea but the taste is not as strong as regular iced tea. The trick to making it taste smooth is a pinch of baking soda in the brew! I made mine decaf and added fresh lemon! This was a perfect recipe for me...not overly sweet! I hope you like the recipes I showed you today! And I hope I inspired you to give them a try! |
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Ice Cream Cake...2 Ways!
Buying store bought ice cream cakes can be so very expensive...and you can't always get the flavors you want! So I decided a few years ago to learn how to make it myself...not the ice cream part! That I still buy, but I will be making that myself soon also!
Here I will show you 2 ways to make ice cream cakes! One way is so simple and only takes minutes. The other way is slightly harder and needs to be prepared a few days in advance. But either way, you'll save lots of money and you can customize the flavors in so many ways!
Ice Cream Sandwich Cake |
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Easy Oven Smoked Steak! No Wood Chips Needed!
There's nothing more satisfying than the taste of freshly barbecued steak on a grill. But sometimes it's just not convenient to barbecue outdoors! Well here's a recipe for those days when you cannot use your outdoor grill. Its easy! No wood chips involved! Just steak plus 5 simple ingredients! And it tastes like you grilled it! I've made this many times! Serve with some potatoes and a green veg of your choice...it's that easy! This recipe was posted on the Internet by a cook named Annieamie. The photo is my own.
A Sandwich That Will Knock Your Socks Off!
My yummy sandwich! |
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Soft Pretzel Bites...2 Ways! Stuffed and Sweet!
I am so hooked on this new recipe I just tried!!! I've been wanting to make my own pretzels for years, but I kept putting it off because I thought it would never work out for me! Then a few days ago I saw this recipe a food friend named Bill Wentz posted on Facebook! This recipe was the easiest I've seen for soft pretzels!!! It's just 5 ingredients! You just mix everything together and then knead, shape, dip and bake for 10 minutes! The hardest part for me was shaping the pretzels! Here's a picture of my first attempt at pretzel shaping.......
First attempt! I know these look bad!!! But they tasted great!
These are coated with cinnamon and brown sugar!
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Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Homemade Lo Mein! It's So Easy!
This recipe tastes JUST like the Lo Mein I get from my favorite Chinese restaurant...but better, because I can add only the vegetables we like! In my photo I show this recipe plain, with just some chopped chives on top, but I have made it many times since then and have added chicken, bean sprouts, yellow and green onion and sometimes water chestnuts! It all depends on who I'm making it for and what they like! I make this recipe often, especially when I'm craving Chinese food! Go ahead and try it...I know you'll love it!
The original recipe is from a cooking site, posted by a member known as Yomomma. I tweaked it slightly to suit my family's tastes! I'm posting the recipe with the changes I made!
Lo Mein |
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