Happy Halloween! - A Monster Brownie

It's HALLOWEEN!

Happy Halloween everybody!

Tonight, you will either be:

1.  walking around with your little trick or treaters

2.  handing out candy while answering the door

3.  eating the candy you should be giving to trick or treaters

4.  thinking about all the candy your kiddos will be eating for the next month and plotting how to make it disappear

5.  wishing you could turn off the exterior lights, have a glass of wine and pretend you aren't home

Maybe you are doing and thinking all of the above?

Well I have an idea for what to do with all that candy!  You could give it away or put it in the garbage or lie and say it must have been stolen?  But wait just one second, because you might like this...

Candy Brownies

This came from The Daily South via Southern Living.

Brownies and candy?????  Heaven!!!

Take your favorite brownie mix and follow the directions.  Bake them accordingly.  Remove them from the oven and add on the candy...no wrappers please!  You can even add some pretzels for a salty, sweet combo.  Pop back in the oven for a couple of more minutes, just so that the candy melts slightly.  Remove and cool.

Kind of like you are creating your own mish-mosh brownie.
You are like a mad scientist creating life into a brownie...not evil at all!!!
A monster brownie of utter goodness!

Leftover candy be gone!!!
(cue the lightening bolt sounds and sadistic laughter)

If you are in between trick or treaters and want to find out what kind of mad scientist you are...take this fun quiz to find out.

Mad Scientist Quiz

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

National Candy Corn Day-Halloween Bark

Halloween Eve is National Candy Corn Day!

Whether you love candy corn or hate it, everyone has an idea on how to eat these bits of Halloween!

So it looks like the majority of us eat the whole piece at once or start with the white tip.  I start with the white tip and then pop the whole piece in!  Only a few of us actually start with the yellow end.  

So, I am wondering...how do you eat your candy corn?

I read that more than 35 million pounds of candy corn will be produced in a year.  I guess if you lined up each piece, it would be enough to circle the moon 21 times!  Who knew someone would actually figure that out???  Anyway, I am impressed!  Our nation is a candy corn eating kind of people!

So what to do with that candy corn besides just eat it plain?

iheartnaptime.com has a salted caramel candy corn bark that is perfect for adding some candy corn.

Salted Caramel Candy Corn Bark

You will need:

80 waffle style pretzels

1 pkg of white chocolate chips

1 pkg of caramels (11 oz)

Some fall M&Ms and candy corn

Take out a cookie sheet and line it with some waxed paper.  Place the pretzels side by side on the waxed covered cookie sheet.  Melt caramel and pour on top of the pretzels so that each piece gets some.  Cool for 3 minutes.  Next, melt the white chocolate chips.  Pour that on top of the caramel layer.  Let sit for just a minute or two and then add the M&Ms and candy corn.  Give time for the candy to harden and then break off into pieces, disposing of the waxed paper.

Halloween Bark is perfect for putting out in small dishes, taking as a hostess gift or sending to a college student (I was lucky enough to take mine in person...parents' weekend).

The trick or treaters are coming!!!!

Keep calm and eat some candy corn!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Perfect Pumpkin Cupcakes

So are you ready for Halloween?

If you need something to help get you in the mood, how about some Pumpkin and Cinnamon Chip Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing???

Try saying that three times fast!

Pumpkin and Cinnamon Chip Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing

Don't those look good?

My husband walked into the house while these were baking and his eyes just lit up!!!

He is a cupcake fan and just loved the aroma while those babies were baking.  Your house will special delicious!

Here's what you need:

Pumpkin Cake Mix

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1 Tbsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp cloves

1/2 tsp salt

1 Tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

3/4 cup milk

1 can pumpkin pie filling

1 cup cinnamon chips

Combine all the dry ingredients.  Beat together the butter and sugar.  Then add the brown sugar.  Add the eggs and the milk.  Beat together until well blended.  Stir in (do not beat) the dry ingredients.  Once everything is combined, add the cinnamon chips.

Use cupcake liners or grease your cupcake pan.  Add the batter to fill each slot about 3/4 of the way.

Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.  Remove from oven and cool in the cupcake pan for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack.  Frost when cool.  Add candy corn and cinnamon chips, if desired.

Frosting

8 oz package of cream cheese

1/4 cup butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp cinnamon

cinnamon chips, if desired for decorating

Beat the cream cheese and butter.  Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time.  Beat well.  Add vanilla extract and cinnamon.  Beat until creamy.  Frost your cupcakes.  You will need to keep these in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese icing.  Right before serving, pop them into the microwave for about 10 secs to warm them up.  Perfect!!!

You have got to try one of these!

What a tasty fall treat!  I just love the cinnamon with the pumpkin.  YUM!!!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Apple Cider Chicken

Apple Cider Chicken!

 A perfect fall recipe that will fill your kitchen with an A-MAZ-ING aroma!

I can't get away from apples!  There are so many this time of year and I can't stop cooking with them.  Good my family likes 'em!

I found this recipe from Ali at www.gimmesomeoven.com

Apple Cider Baked Chicken

You will totally want to add this to your fall repertoire of recipes!

Here's what you need:

• 1 large onion, peeled and cut into eighths
• 1 large lemon, sliced into thin rounds
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
• 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 6-8 chicken legs or thighs
• 2 large apples, each sliced into eighths
• 1 lb. small, red or gold potatoes, halved

Place a gallon size zip-loc bag into a large bowl. Place the onion and next 10 ingredients into the bag, combining well. Add the chicken to the marinade. Close the bag, place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange the chicken pieces in a large roasting pan skin-side up. Pour all of the marinade, including onions and lemons over and around the pieces. Tuck the apples and potatoes around the chicken. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through to re-coat everything with the marinade.

Arrange chicken and potatoes on a platter and sprinkle with chopped fresh thyme.

The aroma will make your family come running to dinner!  The chicken is so tender and flavorful...looks, smells and tastes delicious!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Frito Pie Oh Me Oh My!

You know about my addiction, I mean passion for fritos...so do I really need to say more?

Frito Pie!!!!

Oh me, Oh my!

Frito and Pie together?

Gracious me...

Frito Pie

This is sooooo easy!

All you need are some fritos, chili, cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.  Make your favorite chili one night and use the leftovers for a quick weekday meal or on football watching day.  Place fritos in a baking dish, add some warmed up chili and sprinkle on the cheese.  Bake in your oven until the cheese melts.

That's it!  If you love fritos like I do, this will satisfy your craving!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Shrimp Chowder and Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Our first frost has come and gone.

We have had our first flurries and it is still fall...not winter!

But, I have decided that THIS IS THE YEAR!

THIS IS THE YEAR THAT I AM GOING TO EMBRACE WINTER!!!!  Really!?!

I have been freezing, even at work but I am embracing WINTER, right?

I...WILL... LOVE...IT...even if I have to dress like this...

Whole Body Sweater

Looks warm don't you think?

I guess I better learn how to knit and start knitting quickly if I am to get this done in time for the real cold!!!

In the meantime, I am thinking soup.

I LOVE soup when it is cold.  So how about some Shrimp Chowder and Cheddar Biscuits for supper!

Shrimp Chowder

I found this recipe at http://musingmainiac.com and it is so creamy good.  Tastes just like chowder from the North East!  And, it wouldn't be complete without some Cheddar Bay Biscuits!

Here we go to make the soup you will need:

1 pkg. frozen, chopped onion

3 Tbsp olive oil

3 cups of chicken stock

10-11 small red onions that have been chopped into bite size pieces

2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 can of shrimp, drained or 1/2 lb of cooked fresh shrimp

4 cups milk

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

In a large pot, saute the onions in olive oil.  Cook until tender.  Add the chicken stock, potatoes, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil and then simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 30-40 minutes.  Add the shrimp, milk and cheddar cheese.  Stir until combined.  Voila!

Cheddar Bay Biscuits

To make the biscuits you will need:

2 cups of Bisquick Mix

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2/3 cup milk

2 Tbsp melted butter

1 tsp of additional garlic salt

Preheat oven to 375.  Grease your baking sheet.  Combine the Biscuick, garlic salt and cheese in a bowl.  Add the milk and stir until just combined.  Drop clumps of the dough onto a greased baking sheet.  Bake for 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, melt the butter and add garlic salt.  Brush the butter mixture onto the tops of the biscuits and then return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes.

Pretty easy for a delicious warm meal!

Hurry on over because as long as it is cold...soup's on!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

No Monkeying Around Here

Do you hear this all week?

I bet your kiddos do!

By Friday I am ready for letting loose (aka monkeying around)!!!

How about you?

Ever had monkey bread?  It is a sweet, delicious breakfast treat that we usually save for special occasions.  But how about a savory monkey bread?  For pizza this week, I am making a pizza monkey bread!

Here's what you need...
2 packages of Grand Biscuits
your favorite pizza toppings, chopped into small pieces
1 cup pizza sauce
1 package shredded mozzarella cheese
1 stick of butter, melted
pizza seasonings (1 tsp garlic salt, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil)
a bundt pan

Take each biscuit and slice it open on the side in order to make a pocket.

Pizza Monkey Bread pocket

This is how the pocket should look.
Place 1 Tbsp of pizza sauce into the pocket, followed by some of your pizza toppings and then 1 Tbsp of cheese.  Seal up your pizza pocket by pinching all of the opening closed.

Mix together your melted butter and the Italian seasonings.  Once that is mixed, dredge each pizza pocket into the melted, seasoned butter and place (seam side up), side by side in a bundt pan.  Drizzle any leftover, seasoned butter over the top.  Place the bundt pan into a 350 degree oven and bake about 15 minutes or just until slightly browned on top.

Pizza Monkey Bread after cooking

Let sit about 3 minutes and then turn over onto a plate.

Pizza Monkey Bread with toppings

I took the extra pizza sauce, cheese and any leftover toppings and sprinkled those on top.  Put the pizza monkey bread into a microwave oven and heat for 1 minute, or until cheese melts.

Pizza Monkey Bread

Look at all the toppings on the inside along with the sauce and cheese.  If you haven't started monkeying around, DO IT!!!  It is the end of the week...I give you permission...let loose and have some Pizza Monkey Bread!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Chicken Croquettes

NPR recently had a post about chicken nuggets and how you probably don't want to know what is really in those yummies.  So I didn't read the story.  Figured I had better stay in the dark.  Yep, I like those golden nuggets and I especially like dipping them!  Honey, BBQ or Ranch or all three!

But, what if you can have something just as good...

just as chicken"y"...

AND is a blast from the past!!!

Do you remember Chicken Croquettes?

My mom used to make them and I love them just as much now as I did then!

My family loves when these are on the family menu.  Check these out!

Chicken Croquettes

I make these often, especially when it is cold.  Just good comfort food!

Chicken Croquettes Insides

Chicken and onion and chive cream cheese blended together and then surrounded in a crispy, breaded crescent roll and then topped off with some chicken gravy???  Say no more!  Down home, honest to goodness cooking at it's best and it just brings me back to my mom's kitchen.  Wait til you see how easy they are to make!  But don't let on because it is a great meal for company!

Gather the following:
1 package of crescent rolls
2 cooked, shredded chicken breasts
1 container cream cheese onion and chive flavored
1 stick of butter
1 to 1 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1 can chicken gravy

Mix your shredded, cooked chicken breasts with 1 container of onion and chive cream cheese.  Set aside.  Melt 1 stick of butter in the microwave. Unroll each crescent roll and slightly spread each one out a little.  Now set up an assembly line.  One bowl for the melted butter and one bowl for the Italian bread crumbs.  Onto each crescent roll, spoon about 4 Tbsp of the chicken mixture.  Close up the crescent roll, sealing all the edges and shaping into a square...yes, you can do it.  Then coat in the melted butter and dredge through the Italian bread crumbs.  Place on a cookie sheet.  Repeat for each crescent roll.  Place into a 375 degree oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly brown for a crisp coating.  While that is baking, heat your chicken gravy.  When the croquettes are finished, serve them on a plate with chicken gravy spooned on top.

On these cold evenings...notice I said COLD...not cool around here anymore...step back into your momma's kitchen and whip up these down home, good old fashioned chicken croquettes.

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

So Flippin' Good!

Over the weekends, we try and have bigger breakfasts.

During the week is much to hectic.  Breakfast is on your own.

Every man, woman and child for his or her self.
Cereal is usually a top pick, so watch out if you are the one who drank the last of the milk!!!
It is usually our friend "not me."  Do you have one of those friends in your house too?

So Saturdays or Sundays we have a nice hot, hardy breakfast and this past Saturday was a good one!

APPLE CIDER PANCAKES WITH APPLE CARAMEL SYRUP

Oh my goodness!  So flippin' good!  Just take a look...

Apple Cider Pancakes

These pancakes are light and fluffy.  Once the syrup is added...

Apple Cider Pancakes with Apple Caramel Syrup

oh my...the syrup is incredibly good!  I ate more pancakes just so I could have an excuse for more syrup.

So how do you make this fall breakfast of champions...easy, get your spatula ready for flippin' !

Pancake Mix:

2 cups flour

2 Tbsp sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/4 cup vanilla yogurt

1 cup apple cider

2 eggs, separate the yolks from the whites

In a large bowl combine all the dry ingredients.  In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt, cider and egg yolks.  Now combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.  Fold the egg whites into the pancake batter.  This will help keep your pancakes light and fluffy.  Now cook the pancakes like you normally do.  (I made my pancakes silver dollar size which seem to make it easier to flip.)

Syrup Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup apple cider

1 cup brown sugar

In a small pot, melt the butter.  Once the butter is melted, add the apple cider and then stir in the brown sugar.  Cook until the syrup comes to a boil.  Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

If you do nothing more than make the syrup, it will jazz up your regular pancakes into something really special!

One morning get out your spatula and surprise your family with a delicious fall breakfast of champions.

The apple cider pancakes with apple caramel syrup is worthy of a gold medal!

Celebrate the little things that make life syrupy sweet because sometimes it is so flippin' good!

Christine

Where Have I Been?

Oh my goodness, gracious!

Where have I been? 

 I must have head my head stuck in a bowl full of candy corn?  You haven't been peeking in my windows have you?

Why have I not seen these before???

Pumpkin Decoration

OK, I just ran across these at www.spoonful.com,  but I believe this adorable craft originally was posted by Family Fun magazine.

For those of us living with our heads stuck in a bowl full of candy corn (me), you won't believe how simple they are to make.  First thing you need to do is round up ALL the full toilet paper rolls in your house.  If your family needs to go, send them to the neighbors because YOU ARE GOING TO GET CRAFTY!

Crafters, gather your supplies:

Toilet tissue rolls

22 x 18 inch piece of fall colored fabric

Brown paper bag

Glue

12-inch green pipe cleaners

Green felt leaves

Set each toilet paper roll in the center of a 22- by 18-inch piece of fabric, gather the fabric around it, and tuck the edges into the top hole.

For a stem, roll a strip of brown paper bag into a tube and glue the loose edge.

For the vine, glue one end of a pipe cleaner to a felt leaf, then curl the pipe cleaner around the stem. Insert the stem in the hole.  Or, find a stick out in the yard and cut it to size to give a more realistic look.

Wow!  Adorable!

Make several in coordinating fabrics to create pumpkin patches all over your house!

GO CRAZY and celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Caramel Apple Day

Today is officially Caramel Apple Day!

So why not celebrate with a Caramel Apple Day party???

I have no idea where this came from, but I love this image and would love to give credit where it is due.

Anyhow, how fun!  All you need are your favorite apples and toppings.

Take your apple and insert a stick so your guests can dip the apples easily.

In crock pots, put melted caramel into one and melted chocolate into another.

Now put out your toppings.  Some suggestions include:  fruity pebbles, crushed Oreos, Cocoa Krispies, butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, raisins, marshmallows, white chocolate chips, toffee bits, peanut butter chips and mm's.  

Your guests will be delighted with all the choices for toppings as well as what to dip their apple into first.  

Celebrate the little things, like Caramel Apple Day, with family and friends because that is what makes life sweet!

Christine  

"Nacho" Average Pizza

Pizza Nachos

Nope, these are not your average nachos...they are so much more and yet, they are soooo easy!  The secret is that you use a baguette, rather than chips?!  Yes, way!

The football fans in your house will be so pleased with you!  These nachos are so fast and yummy that even you will have time to watch the game OR secretly pretend you are watching the game while you search through Pinterest!  Teee!  Heee!  Heee!

Here's what you need:

1 whole wheat or white baguette

olive oil

2 cups pizza sauce

1 pkg shredded mozzarella cheese

parmesan cheese

fresh basil

Heat your oven to 375 degrees.  Slice the baguette diagonally into 1/4 inch slices.  Toss the slices onto a baking pan and then sprinkle on some olive oil.  Toss slightly to coat.  Note-every slice will not be coated in olive oil and the slices do not need to lie flat on the pan.  Go for the jumbled, nacho look!  Top with the pizza sauce and then the shredded mozzarella.  Bake until the cheese melts and looks bubbly.  Remove from the oven.  Sprinkle on the parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Pizza Nachos

Yum!  I am so going to need a second helping!

You will totally get a first down with these pizza nachos!  I told you, this is "nacho" average pizza!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Bobbing for Apples...Apple Cookies

Do you remember bobbing for apples?

Such a fun Halloween event as a kid.  I don't think I would even attempt it as an adult...the runny mascara look would not be good!  Maybe I would "bob" with goggles?  That would make a funny sight!

But, seriously...here is a recipe for apple cider caramel cookies...no goggles needed!

Apple Cider Caramel Cookies

These cookies are soft and chewy with flavors of apple and caramel!  What could be better this time of year?

I found this recipe at http://mooshujenne.com and changed some of the quantities because I was having some trouble with the cookie dough.  These changes fixed the dough and didn't harm the taste at all.  The recipe makes about a dozen large cookies, but the cookies are rich so you will probably only need one...or not?

Here we go...

3 cups of flour

1 Tbsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 stick of melted butter

1/3 cup apple cider

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 granny smith apple, chopped into tiny pieces

1 bag of caramels, split the caramels in half

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Grease cookie sheets.  

Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.  

Melt butter in the microwave.  Add brown sugar and white sugar to the melted butter.  Mix in the apple cider and eggs.  Fold in the chopped apple pieces.  Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture.  If you find the cookie dough to be too moist for rolling, add more flour.  If it is too dry, add a bit more apple cider.  Once the dough is the right consistency, roll the cookies into 3/4 inch balls with half the caramel candy in the center of the cookie ball.  

Place the caramel filled cookie onto the greased cookie sheet.  Keep cookie balls spread far apart because they will spread while baking (only do 5-6 cookies per cookie sheet).

Bake for 12-15 minutes.  Remove from oven and cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before removing to a wire cooling rack.  Cool completely.

These cookies are so gooey good!  Get a tall glass of milk and "bob" for the cookies!  You will so be in fall cookie heaven!!!  (You know there is such a place!)

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

A Love Affair-Meatball Sub Casserole

I think I am having a love affair with baguettes and cheese!

I can't help it!

Anytime those two ingredients are on a recipe, I am all over it!

This recipe is no exception!!!

Meatball Sub Casserole...yum!  You too will have a love affair!

Meatball Sub Casserole

This recipe originated from http://pearls-handcuffs-happyhour.blogspot.com

Don't you just love the interesting blog names?

Anyhow...

Here's what you need:

1 baguette cut into 1/4 inch slices

olive oil

1 lb of your own meatballs or a pkg of frozen meatballs

1/4 cup of frozen onions

1/4 cup of frozen bell pepper mix

2 cups of spaghetti sauce

1 8oz pkg of shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Brush some olive oil on one side of each of the 1/4 inch baguette slices.  Line the bottom and sides of a deep dish pie pan with the baguette slices, olive oil side up.  Kind of like you have created a crust.

Bake the bread in the pie pan for about 8 minutes until the edges are golden brown.

In a separate bowl, mix meatballs, onions, bell pepper and spaghetti sauce.

Remove the bread from the oven and spoon the meatball mixture on top of the bread.  Return to the oven and bake 30 more minutes or until heated.

Again, remove from the oven and sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella cheese and put it back in for another 7 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Meatball Sub Casserole

Check out that meatball and pepper just smothered in cheese!

A slice of Meatball Sub Casserole

Don't you just want to dig in?  A perfect, hot meal that will satisfy your craving for a meatball sub and your craving for pizza!

I am not sure which part I like better?  The bread?  The meatball?  The cheese?  Better take a bite with all three!

Ahh...my love affair...

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Coconut Lime Chicken Soup

As the temperature begins to fall, it is time to heat it up in the kitchen!

Soup's On!

I decided to try a new soup from Better Homes and Gardens.

It's called Coconut Lime Chicken Soup.

Not only will it warm my belly, but it reminds me of the tropics and staying warm is a state of mind, right?

Not by a long shot, but good in theory.

Coconut Lime Chicken Soup

You will need 1 pkg of deli roasted chicken (Purdue), cut up

1 13.5 oz coconut milk

2 cups of water

1/2 cup 2% milk

1/4 cup lime juice

3 med. carrots, sliced thinly on the diagonal

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cumin

crunchy chow mein noodles for the top

Mix everything together in a large pot.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat.  Simmer for about 8-10 minutes or until carrots a crisp yet tender.  Pour into bowls and sprinkle on some crunchy chow mein noodles.

There you go.  Soup to warm the body and soul.  You will love the mild coconut and lime flavor mixed in with the chicken, has kind of a Thai flavor and would be great with some egg rolls!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Ahhh...Monterey, California

Ahhh, Monterey, California.  When you think of that town, isn't this just what you pictured?  Rocky coasts along a gorgeous shoreline.  Just breathtaking!

Or maybe you think this...

Is that what you think of?  A pack of seals (is that what you call a group of seals?) lazing about on the docks?  Perhaps it is a little bit of both.  Monterey is a beautiful area of the country and when we traveled there with our children, when they were young, they were fascinated by the seals.  Not sure the residents feel the same way.

But, actually I was thinking chicken?  I sure was!  We had a chicken dish out there called (yes, it really was) Monterey Chicken and I think Chili's actually serves something very similar.  It really has nothing to do with Monterey other than the type of cheese, but it is delicious and reminds me of that trip!

Monterey Chicken

You will need:  

2 boneless chicken breasts

3 Tbsps honey

3 Tbsps soy sauce

3 Tbsps Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsps chopped garlic

salt to taste

1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese

8 slices of cooked, crisp bacon (cook this first and have it ready when chicken is done)

8 Tbsps BBQ sauce (see an earlier post about making your own)

Mix together the honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and salt in a shallow dish.  Cut each chicken breast in half, so that you now have 4 chicken breasts.  Place chicken breasts into the mixture.  Marinate for 30 minutes, flipping chicken over several times to coat in marinade.  Place the dish with the chicken and the marinade in a 375 degree oven.  Bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in the middle.

When the chicken is done, top each breast with 2 Tbsps BBQ sauce, strips of bacon and Monterey Jack cheese.  Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Who knew Monterey Jack cheese could magically transport you to Monterey, California even if it is just in your mind!!!  (Hey, it's a lot cheaper that way!)

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Boo! Get Your Scary On!

With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to get your scary on!

I love to watch scary movies, but my scary movie buddy is away at college, so I am not sure I am brave enough to watch by myself.  I love to scream during the scarier moments, much to my husband's dismay...he thinks the neighbors will think something is wrong, so I guess I need to close the windows during the movie?  

My husband hates those kinds of movies; says they are so predictable.  Blah, blah, blah!  Really, I think he is just a 'fraidy cat!  He was one of those kids who was afraid of the flying monkeys from the Wizard of Oz.  I too was afraid of things like the abominable snowman in Rudolph, but I grew out of it!  Ha Ha!  Even though I know it's coming and I question why the lead character feels compelled to enter the darkened, spooky basement because of the noise...I still get scared, but in a fun way!  Now, I do have my limits!  Anything with heads spinning around is WAY TOO SCARY for me!  Scary clowns, Freddy Krueger under the bed or Jason chasing a character down the street and I'll bring the popcorn!  I may not sleep for a week, but all in good fun!

That leads me to my next idea...the scariest, most horrific Halloween decoration ever!

I mean EVER!!!
(3 explanation points must mean really scary!!!)

Boo Halloween Decoration

You can open your eyes in case you were too scared to look!

Isn't he cute?

I made this years ago when my children had just out grown some toddler clothes.  Now, Boo, as we lovingly refer to her, is a family heirloom.  Both girls think I need to clarify who gets her in my will!  So, I am thinking I should share how easy she or he is to make.

Used child size blue jeans, well-worn looks best
Used child size tennis shoes, distressed
1 yard white fabric
Black felt
Glue
Scissors
Wood scraps for frame
Nails
Hammer
Large Styrofoam ball

Any other embellishments to personalize your trick or treater

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make a Decorative Halloween Ghost Trick-or-Treater
1. Assemble the bottom portion of the frame using wood scraps. You'll need 2 equal length pieces for the legs and a short piece to attach them together on top (think upside down u-shaped). Make to your desired size, making sure it will fit the jeans.
2. Nail shoes into the wood stand.
3. Dress bottom portion of frame with jeans. Be sure to nail the waistband of the jeans to the connecting piece of wood so that the jeans do not sag.
4. Assemble the top portion of the frame using 1 piece of wood for the torso and the Styrofoam ball for the head.
5. Attach the upper frame to the bottom frame with the nails and hammer.
6. Push the Styrofoam ball onto the top end of the upper frame. You may choose to add glue for extra security.
8. Hem your white fabric, if desired. You can leave the edges more ragged for a ghostly look.
9. Cut two eyes from the black felt.
10. Glue the eyes to the white fabric.
11. Drape the white fabric over the Styrofoam ball and upper frame.

Basically, you are creating a frame to decorate with clothes.  Think scarecrow like, only miniature to fit the clothing you have chosen.

Here is our little Boo inside the house.  She mysteriously moves from location to location!  Just adds to the scary fun!

So next time you think about watching a scary movie...I want you to take a quiz at www.youthink.com

It will ask you a series of 6 questions that tell you which part you would play in a horror movie.
Like, you receive a phone call from a haunting voice threatening to kill you, what do you do?

-laugh and assume it's a prank

-stay on the line, unsure of the outcome but too afraid to hang up

-you know who it is and run off to warn others

-cry and question everything the voice says

Hmmm...my result said I would be the lead victim and get away MOST of the time and may even make it to a sequel!  Wow!  Who knew?

Get your scary on with spooky movies or the milder "Boo" decoration!

Celebrate the little, scary things that can make life sweet!

Until next time,

Christine

An Apple a Day

An apple a day keeps the doctor away or so the saying goes.

Standing by that saying, you have got to try apple quesadillas 'cuz it's what the doctor ordered!

Apple Quesadilla

Holy moly this is good!  It tastes like you ordered it in a restaurant and besides, it's what doctors prescribe to stay healthy!  Are you with me?

To make this delightfully, sinful dish you will need the following per quesadilla.  You may want to share, but I don't think so...MAKE YOUR OWN!

2 flour tortillas

2 Tbsp brown sugar

2 Tbsp chocolate chips

2 Tbsp chopped walnuts

5-6 thinly slices of apple (I used Granny Smith)

butter

vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce to finish that bad boy up!

On one tortilla, sprinkle on the brown sugar, chocolate chips, walnuts and slices of apple.  Top with the other tortilla to make a quesadilla.  Put some butter in a fry pan and melt it.  Add your apple quesadilla and brown for 2-3 minutes, then flip carefully to the other side.  Brown an additional 2-3 minutes or until you can tell the chocolate chips have melted.  Slice into quarters and plate it up.  Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel and put some extra apple slices on top...restaurant presentation style.

I really cannot express how delicious this is!

You may want to lick your plate...I'm just saying!

If you need a prescription, by all means, I can help you out.  :)

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Linked up at Skip To My Lou, Inside Bru Crew Life, Chef in Training, Lady Behind the Curtain,
Stone Gable and Wine and Glue

Jump Off the Treat Train for a Skinny Burger

September started me on this slide of eating goodies.

Started off with yummy apple desserts and breads and will continue to Halloween treats, Thanksgiving pies and Christmas goodies.  I just keep sliding further and further onto the treat train!

So I decided to lighten things up with a skinny burger recipe I found at www.mostlyhomemade.com

It's actually good and it makes me feel a little better about all the goodies I have been consuming!

I CAN SO RATIONALIZE!!!

Skinny Burger

Here's what you need:

1 lb of ground beef

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsp ketchup

pepper and salt

5 large flour tortillas

shredded cheddar cheese

sliced tomatoes

Brown the ground beef and drain.  Add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt and pepper to the beef.  Cook and additional 3 minutes.  Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the center of each large flour tortillas.  Add some of the cooked, ground beef and some slices of tomato.  Roll up the tortilla "burrito style" and place on a preheated indoor grill or in my case, the George Foreman.  Grill for about 5 minutes.  Cut in half and then serve.

Pretty easy, yummy and less carbs for sure.

I think it makes up for all the apple desserts, don't you?  Maybe even enough to have MORE desserts???

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Owl Always Be Here For You!

We sleep with the windows open as much as we possibly can.  I feel like once winter comes we are closed up for what seems like FOREVER!  So, I enjoy it while I can...most of the time.

You see, ever since I had children, I hear everything!!!!

When I was in my 20s, I could sleep through an explosion, really, I kid you not.

I was once in a hotel and the fire alarm went off.  It was blasting!  I had to be awakened to evacuate the building!  But then children came and yep, I heard everything and my husband didn't hear I thing.  Funny how that works?

It's fall and the evenings are cool around here so the windows are open, but I am losing sleep.  Every evening or should I say every early, EARLY morning I hear an owl hooting.  There is a Great Horned Owl who spends the wee hours of the morning in a tree by the house and boy is he or she loud!  It is actually pretty exciting, but not good for circles under the eyes.  I try to tell myself to just enjoy the hooting calls that it is like he or she is saying, "Owl always be here for you."  A nice thought, right?  

With all of our talk, around the house, about our feathered friend, I saw just the cutest project!

www.homedecorpark.com made these for picture frames, but I thought they would be really cute as cards.

Just purchase a pack of cards/envelopes from the local craft store.  They could be white or brown paper bag colored.  You will need some craft paints.  Use this picture as your guide.  It would be great to make this with your kids since they will have smaller hands.  If you lack kids, borrow some.  I am sure someone close by is willing to lend their's out for a little while.  Use the handprint to make the owl on a branch and add all the other details the picture shows.  This could also be really fun to make with a bunch of girlfriends over a glass or two of wine.  You provide the paints and they provide the cards.  Girl's night in!

Think about how cute would this be as a note card that had the sentiment "Owl Always Be Here For You" written on the inside.  You would make someone's day!

Help someone else celebrate the little things that make life sweet like special friendships!

Until next time,

Christine

A Fall Flatbread: Spinach and Gorgonzola Flatbread

To me, this flatbread recipe seems to speak fall.

I don't know why...

Maybe the colors or maybe just because I served it in October.

Who knows?

But, that is what I am calling it.  A fall flatbread.

I may call it a flatbread, but it works as PIZZA.

Variety is the spice of life, so who says there are only certain ways to have pizza?

Not me!
Now grant you, I don't always like change.  I don't like when we change cable companies...a whole new set of channels to learn.  Upgrading to a new operating system...again, prefer the old way.  But this fall flatbread is so worth the change from standard pizza!

This recipe was inspired from a recipe I saw on www.everafterhappily.com

I changed up some of the ingredients, so you could use my recipe or go to the above link for a slight variation.

Spinach and Gorgonzola Flatbread

Here's what you need...

1 frozen pizza dough loaf, defrosted

spinach

shredded mozzarella

gorgonzola crumbles

pecans, chopped

minced garlic

salt

olive oil

balsamic vinegar

Note, I did not put quantities for each ingredient.  There is a lot of sprinkling here, so each ingredient can be added based on how much you want.  Make it your own!  

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.  Stretch you pizza dough to fit your cookie sheet or pizza stone.  Now, here we go with the sprinkling...onto the dough, sprinkle on some minced garlic and a bit of salt.  Sprinkle on the spinach, pecans and gorgonzola. Top with shredded mozzarella and drizzle on a bit of olive oil.  Bake in the oven for about 15-18 minutes.  Once the cheese has melted and is slightly brown, remove from the oven and drizzle on some balsamic vinegar.

Spinach and Gorgonzola Flatbread

Doesn't that look yummy?  I actually ate more than the two slices of flatbread you see!  I'm not telling how much more!  A girl has to have some secrets!

Hope you are enjoying all that fall has to offer.

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine