Super Bowl Idea - Buffalo Chicken Salad

Super Bowl Snacks would not be the same without dips and chips, but if you are looking for something a little lighter, how about a Buffalo Chicken Salad?  Yummy!

Buffalo Chicken Salad

I saw this on The Food Network.  It is a great idea for a lighter offering during the big game or anytime you crave that buffalo wing/blue cheese flavor!

Ingredients:

2 boneless chicken breast halves

1/4 cup wing sauce

1 bag of lettuce

2 carrots cut into small strips (you can purchase them already done that way)

1/2 cup Blue Cheese Dressing

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Cut the chicken into strips and toss with the wing sauce of your choice.  Arrange the chicken in a baking pan and bake for about 10-12 minutes.  Remove from oven.

Toss your carrots and lettuce together.

Top with chicken and then add the Blue Cheese Dressing.

Buffalo Chicken Salad printable recipe

Pretty simple and an awesome, lighter alternative to add to your Super Bowl Snack Feast!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Super Bowl Idea - Meatless Pizza Nachos

MEATLESS PIZZA NACHOS FOR THE SUPER BOWL

What a great idea!  It is light and makes a great appetizer...I am thinking Super Bowl!  Kraft Recipes created this recipe with Triscuits!  Here's what to do...

Ingredients:

24 Triscuit Crackers

2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/3 cup chopped zucchini

3 Tbsp chopped green peppers

1/2 cup spaghetti sauce

1 Tbsp Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp oregano

Heat broiler.

Arrange crackers in a pie pan, overlapping slightly.

Top with 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese, zucchini and green peppers.

Cover with sauce.

Top with remaining mozzarella cheese, Parmesan and oregano.

Broil 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted.

Meatless Pizza Nachos printable recipe

The fun thing about this recipe is that you could change up some of the toppings.  Just keep the Triscuit base, the spaghetti sauce and the cheese.  All the vegetarians at your party will LOVE that you have this choice!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Super Bowl Idea 3 - Dips

What's a Super Bowl Party without dip?

Sure you can put out some chips or even some veggies, but doesn't just seem like something is missing?

Here are some ideas so your chips and veggies won't be lonely.

Loaded Baked Potato Dip from Brown Eyed Baker

All the tastes from a loaded baked potato in dip form.  You get it and now your potato chips need it!  Click on the link above to find the recipe.

BLT Dip from Gooseberry Patch

Bagel chips and a BLT flavored dip.  YUM!  Click the link to find the recipe.

White Pizza Dip from How Sweet Eats

Wow!  Pizza in a bowl!  Add some crostini to scoop it up.  Lots of cheese, roasted tomatoes, garlic and basil!!!!  You can find the recipe at the link above.

Oh my dipness...I don't know which one to have during the super bowl?  So many dip ideas...so little time...sigh....I know, one per quarter?  Wait, there are four quarters...I'll need another dip idea!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Super Bowl Idea 2 - Chili Bowls

Yeah, it's cold.

I am beginning to think I live in Alaska!  I wouldn't at all be surprised to see a polar bear strolling down my street.  Basically, I live inside of a freezer!

BUT....

Super Bowl Sunday IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

None of my fav teams are there.  They didn't even make it to the playoffs.  However, that doesn't stop me from watching the big game and it will be an outside game in the North!!!!  No more indoor stadium.  No more warm, sunny stadium.  This is the real thing and it could be brutally cold.  But you know what?  The game isn't the best part.  Actually, for me it is the snacks and commercials!  So here is an idea for a quick one...Chili Bowls!

Chili Bowls

This is so simple!  All you need is your favorite chili recipe, some shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream and a package of pretzel dinner rolls.  You could use any dinner roll, but these in particular were "slider" size and oval shape.  Don't they kind of look like footballs?  Anyhow, carve out the center of the roll first.  Then spoon in the chili and top with your favorite toppings.  That's it.  Fun...yummy...perfect Super Bowl snack food, especially considering it is so cold out there!  I wonder what it will be like for the big game?

Stay warm and go Seahawks and Bronos!  I'm giving equal support!

Can't wait to eat some snacks and watch those commercials!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Other Chili recipes you may like:

Cornbread Chili Stacks

Chili Mac

Super Bowl Idea 1 - Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes

I bet you are wondering about Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes.

Hmmmm, those items together?  I too thought it was kind of an odd combination, but I wanted to try it.  I love buffalo chicken and the blue cheese that accompanies it.  Cupcakes, sweet or savory...what's not to love?  This cupcake is similar to cornbread and has a little kick.  The frosting is slightly sweet, yet mimics the blue cheese that accompanies buffalo chicken.  Check this out...

Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes

These cupcakes are really something different for your Super Bowl party!  The blogger over at Cupcake Project came up with these savory cupcakes.  She used actual chicken wings.  You could use some from a box, make your own or just do boneless chicken bites like I did.  Now don't forget...they are savory cupcakes.  Click on over to Cupcake Project to find all the ingredients and directions on how to make this fun and unique Super Bowl Snack.

A very clever and yummy idea indeed.  Your Super Bowl Fans will love it!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

1/2 cup hot sauce (I recommend a hot sauce that is typically used for Buffalo chicken. Frank's is the classic choice. I used Bella's Medium Wing Sauce.)

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sour cream

1 egg

1 cup flour

1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

For the blue cheese buttercream frosting

2 ounces crumbled blue cheese

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

2 cups powdered suga

Read more at http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2012/01/buffalo-chicken-super-bowl-cupcakes.html#5g6FwVAXiZV2DWAd.99

1/2 cup hot sauce (I recommend a hot sauce that is typically used for Buffalo chicken. Frank's is the classic choice. I used Bella's Medium Wing Sauce.)

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sour cream

1 egg

1 cup flour

1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

For the blue cheese buttercream frosting

2 ounces crumbled blue cheese

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

2 cups powdered suga

Read more at http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2012/01/buffalo-chicken-super-bowl-cupcakes.html#5g6FwVAXiZV2DWAd.99

Gung Hoy Fat Choy-Chinese New Year

Are you looking for a lucky year?

Chinese New Year is this coming Friday, January 31 and it is the Year of the Horse.

Here are some ideas for what to eat to have a lucky year...

From the Steamy Kitchen - Chinese New Year Foods to Eat

Check those out to fill out your wishes.

Whatever you decide to eat, have a prosperous new year.

Gung Hoy Fat Choy!

Christine

Chinese New Year - Chicken Ramen Noodle Salad

Chinese New Year is upon us!

In this family, we love to celebrate all the holidays regardless of our background.  Why?  It's just fun!  But since my sister adopted two children from China, we now have a real reason to celebrate Chinese New Year.  My sister and I have not lived close to each other until the last few years, so now we can celebrate together.  Where do we go?  Chicago's Chinatown, of course!

What a beautiful day!  Sun was out and it was in the teens!  Warm for a Chicago winter day!

I use the term beautiful in kind of a sarcastic way :)

But, it was fun to take in the festivities from dragons, to fireworks and fun shops.  The best part is heading inside into a warm Chinese restuarant for food!  We love dim sum!  If you don't know what that is, dim sum is a small dish of steamed or fried food...basically Chinese food appetizers.  This past year we got brave and ordered chicken feet!

Dim Sum Chicken Feet

Now when you order dim sum, the waiter/waitress brings out small plates that go in the center of your table. In the center of the table is a lazy susan so that the food can be shared with all.  I'll admit it.  Once the chicken feet arrived, they kind of sat on the lazy susan for quite a while before anyone dared to try them.  Hmmm, not sure how to evaluate them. Let's just say I won't be ordering them again...but glad I tried them!

So in honor of The Year of The Horse, I have a good recipe that you can serve on Chinese New Year.  You can go out to a Chinese restuarant or just stay home to celebrate.  Today's recipe is an easy one that the whole family will love...Chicken Ramen Noodle Salad.  Kind of an Americanized version with Chinese ingredients.

Chicken Ramen Noodle Salad

This recipe is super simple.  It originated from Greene Acres Hobby Farm Blog, but I added some chicken strips to make it into a main meal.
Here's what you need and what you need to do...

Ingredients:

1 pack slaw

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions 

1/2 cup toasted almonds

2 packs ramen noodles (chicken flavor) broken into small pieces

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1 Tbsp pepper

4 Tbsp vinegar

4 Tbsp sugar

1 of the chicken pack flavorings in ramen noodle package

some cooked chicken strips to add on top (2-3 chicken strips per person is plenty)

Pour, Toss, and Chill all but the chicken strips! That's it.  Just put the cooked chicken strips on top, right before serving.  Or leave the chicken out for a vegetarian version.

Chicken Ramen Noodle Salad printable recipe

Chicken Ramen Noodle Salad

The ramen noodles add the crunchy texture to this delicious recipe.  It's a great weeknight meal too!

Check back tomorrow for another Chinese New Year celebration idea!

Gung Hoy Fat Choy!

(That means good luck)

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Parmesan Meatloaf

Meatloaf is kind of a classic.  It is one of those comfort foods that we all turn too, especially if we are meat lovers!  Check out this classic twist on an old American classic.

Parmesan Meatloaf from Mommy I'm Hungry

Ingredients:

1 lb ground turkey

1 lb ground beef
2 eggs
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp oregano
1-2 tsp minced garlic
1 small onion, grated
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup marinara pasta sauce
1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a loaf pan.

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey and beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, thyme, oregano, basil, garlic, onion, salt, pepper and Parmes.an cheese. Try not over handle the mixture otherwise it will get tough. Place the mixture in the greased loaf pan and form into a loaf. Top the meatloaf with pasta sauce.

Place filled loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes - 1 hour. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheese. Place the meatloaf back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving/slicing.

Parmesan Meatloaf printable recipe

It's like eating a giant meatball!

Serve it up with some parmesan mashed potatoes and you are good...real good!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Bacon Beer Cheeseburger Soup

I am in LOVE with this soup!  It is rich and creamy with a restaurant style flavoring that can't be beat!  Your family will never believe you made it!  It is Bacon Beer Cheeseburger Soup!

Don't worry, about the beer in it.  It burns off while cooking...at least I think it does.  Ha Ha!

Let me get right to it...this recipe comes from The Slow Roasted Italian and I just love it!

Ingredients:

12 ounces thick cut bacon, uncooked
1 pound lean ground beef
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons Montreal steak seasoning
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 (12 ounce) beer
4 cups half and half
16 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded
croutons and chopped green onions for garnish

Put an 8 quart pot over high heat.  Using clean kitchen scissors; cut bacon into pot.  Cook bacon until lightly crisp, stirring occasionally.

Add beef into pot.  Break beef up with a wooden spoon.  Cook until cooked through, stirring occasionally.  Drain bacon/beef drippings as necessary; only leave about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pan.  

Into pot, stir in flour, seasoning and paprika.  Stir until thickened paste forms.  Add beer and scrape the bottom of the pot with a spoon to deglaze the pan, allow to cook for 3 minutes. Add half & half.  Stir to combine and bring to a bubble.  Add cheese and stir until cheese is melted.  Return the cooked ground beef and bacon to the pot.  Allow to simmer until ready to serve, stirring occasionally.
Garnish with croutons and green onions.

Bacon Beer Cheeseburger Soup printable recipe

Bacon Beer Cheeseburger Soup

I wish you could taste it right now!  It is LOADED!  It is such a hearty soup that will stick to your bones!  It has all the flavors of a really cheesey cheeseburger combined with bacon and beer.  Rich...Creamy...Perfect on a cold evening.  Easy too, so great for a weeknight meal.

Cheeseburger...cheeseburger...Bacon Beer Cheeseburger soup!  Your family will love it!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Butter Almond Cake

Every few weeks at work, there are treats in the break room.  These are not just your average treats.  Oh no, these treats are AWESOME!  There is usually something sweet and something salty to choose from and of course the best way to experience everything is to have a little bit of it all!  Some may see this as grazing...but I see it as sampling.  Not too long ago a coworker made a Butter Almond Cake that was incredibly good!  It required many samples...everytime I walked by, I need a bit more!

Butter Almond Cake

She was willing to share the recipe so that I could recreate it at home.  Then I could have many, many, many samples without looking piggy at work!

Here's what you need and how to do it...

1 1/2 cups sugar

3/4 cup melted butter

2 eggs

1 tsp almond extract

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 cup flour

3 Tbsp silvered almonds

1 Tbsp sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour a round 9" pan.

Blend sugar and melted butter.  Beat in eggs and stir in extracts.  Add the salt and flour.  Mix well.

Batter will be thick, but spread it evenly into the prepared pan.

Sprinkle with almonds and sugar.

Bake 30-35 minutes and cut into wedges.

Butter Almond Cake printable recipe

This is very rich, so slices can be pretty small.  Then I say you can eat more...just sampling right?

Butter Almond Cake has a wonderful almond flavoring that would be perfect with a cup of coffee!  Thanks so much to my coworker for sharing!

Celebrate the little things, like sharing recipes, that make life sweet!

Christine

Partying with Skip to My Lou, Inside Bru Crew Life, Chef in Training, Lady Behind the Curtain and
Wine and Glue.  I love when they host link parties!

Hot Chocolate Snack Mix

Hot Chocolate Snack Mix!!!

Mouthfuls of a crunchy, sweet, yummy snack that has the flavors of hot chocolate?  Check it out!

Hot Chocolate Snack Mix

Butter with A Side of Bread has this delicious recipe!  This did not last long in my house!

Ingredients:

8 cups Rice Chex cereal

16 ounce bag miniature marshmallows

2 cups Golden Grahams cereal

5 Tbsp instant hot chocolate mix, divided

1 tsp hot water

1/2 cup butter

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

3 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup baking cocoa

Combine the Rice Chex, marshmallows and graham crackers cereal in a large bowl and mix together.

In a different microwave-safe bowl, stir 1 Tbsp of the hot chocolate mix with the water until the mix is dissolved.  Stir in the chocolate chips and butter.  Microwave for 1 minute and stir. Continue microwaving in 20 second intervals until mixture is melted and smooth.  Pour the mixture over the cereal and stir until well coated. 

In a different bowl, combine the powdered sugar, the remaining 4 Tbsp of hot cocoa mix and the baking cocoa.  Once this has been well mixed, pour the dry ingredients over the chocolate-coated cereal and stir until the cereal is well coated.

Cool on waxed paper before storing in an airtight container.

Hot Chocolate Snack Mix printable recipe

Pour yourself a cup of hot chocolate to eat with the hot chocolate mix...perfect for the chocoholic in the family.  The flavors of hot chocolate come right through, especially on the marshmallows.  It would also be great sent to college student!  You may not want to share though...I love having easy to make yet deeelishus snacks available in the pantry.  I bet you do too!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

National Coffee Break Day is Today!

Whether you work in or outside the home, taking a coffee break is integral to work productivity.  You know you change diapers much better after having a warm cup of joe!

Really, isn't taking a coffee break necessary to living...like breathing, eating and sleeping?  For sure a basic need.  Well, maybe I am exaggerating.  But in any case, I need to have a daily coffee break.  My husband's dream would be to live above a coffee shop where he could have an unlimited supply of the beverage for his coffee breaks.  I have to say, that would be kind of cool.  However, that isn't our reality.  So to celebrate National Coffee Day, how about a couple of fun coffee drinks you can make at home...in the event you don't live above a coffee shop.

Cinnamon Spiced Cafe Latte

Dine and Dish has created this latte.

First, stir together ground coffee (3/4 cup ground coffee) and  1 teaspoon cinnamon. Brew coffee in coffeemaker using 3 cups cold water.  Pour 1 (14 ounce can) sweetened condensed milk into a separate large coffee pot. Add the hot brewed coffee, stirring until thoroughly blended.  Pour coffee mixture into mugs. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with additonal cinnamon, if desired. Serve immediately. 

Wouldn't that be great for a coffee break?  Or how about this...

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Starbuck's may have stopped their seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte, but no worries!  You can have it all year!  Take that Starbuck's!  Check out Recipes of My Natural Market for this coffee recipe.  You won't be sorry!

Look at what time it is...time for a coffee break!  No need to head out, get your coffee maker going!

Sit down, put up your feet and breathe because it is National Coffee Break Day and I think that entitles you to celebrate it with a cup of coffee a few times during the day today.

Take time to celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

It's That Time of Year - The Girl Scout Cookie is COMING!

Yep, it is that time of year when the Girl Scouts are out and about selling the infamous Girl Scout Cookies!!!!

This time of year was both a curse and a celebration in our family.

Let's start with the positive...a celebration...

Yummy Girl Scout Cookies!

The curse...

My girls had to sell cookies in the dead of winter and it was also when many people had started their new year's diet resolutions.  A double whammy.

Whether you see this season of Girl Scout Cookies as a curse or a celebration...it's here!  But I have a cause to celebrate!!!  I have discovered some recipes that use Girl Scout Cookies!  So order away!!!  No need to eat them just out of the box.  However, that way is good too :)

My Baking Addiction has an awesome recipe that uses Thin Mints...a personal favorite!

Thin Mint Pie

OMGoodness!  Thin Mint Pie????  That would have to be carazeeey good!  Click on the link above to find the recipe.

Thin Mint Gooey Cookie Bars

Picky Palate has used Thin Mints in a Gooey Cookie Bar recipe.  This recipe works with Thin Mints or Tagalongs...another favorite of mine.  Click on over to the link to find the recipe.  It is so easy!  Only seven ingredients?  Wow!  You use a cake mix in addition to the box of cookies.  Easy and good.

OK.  This is awesome!  My mouth is watering already!!!
Check this one out for sure!  Blend together a 1/2 box of crushed Tag-a-Longs, 6 cups of vanilla ice cream and 1 cup of milk.  Add some whip cream and you have one delectable milkshake.

A Tagalong Milkshake from a Girl Scout Troop in Ohio...I am speechless...in a good way!  I am puckering up and about to get out my blender.  Might need a spoon for this one.

You better place your order for cookies now...some to eat right out of the box and some for recipes...more than some...LOTS!

Time to celebrate that time of year because the Girl Scout Cookie is COMING!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Beat the Winter Blues with a No Sew Project

So we finally had a string of days where I almost didn't need a coat...well not exactly, but after having subzero temperatures, freezing feels pretty dang good!  There were a few days where I could almost go the speed limit, no ice or snow to slow me down!  There were even a few days where I didn't slide down the driveway to get the mail...a few days.  But it (it being winter) is BACK!  I know, it's only January but accumulating snow every third day and subzero temps...again?  Sometimes winter just sets in and I need a project to keep me occupied.  Something to beat the winter blues.  How about you?  Maybe you are one of those people who actually spends time outdoors?  Me?  I am more bear like and only go out when absolutely necessary.  I guess I like to hibernate.  So when I found this project by one of my favorite bloggers, The Stone Gable Blog, I knew it was for me!

Snowflake Button Pillow - No Sew

I love it because no needle or thread needed!

Here's what you do need:

 white buttons in random sizes and "whiteness"

pillow cover

hot glue gun

pencil

ruler
pillow insert

You can check out The Stone Gable Blog for a detailed explanation of how to create this pillow.  Basically you need a white pillow cover and pillow insert.  If you are really good, you could probably start with a white pillow that is already set up.  You will be creating your snowflake design in pencil on the front of the pillow.  Find the center of your pillow and draw and  X to fill most of the space.  Then add "spokes" for the snowflake, about 8 total spokes.  You may already have many white buttons hanging around, so just add some more from the fabric store.  Variety is key!  You will hot glue the buttons onto the "spokes" of your snowflake.  Each button on the "spoke line" should touch.  Intermix sizes and whiteness to evenly distribute the buttons.  You may want to lay out your buttons in the design before you hot glue them.  Use the picture above to help you create the design.  Remember, no snowflake is alike!  So create whatever design you want!

I love it when no sewing is involved and such a cute product is made!  It is also awesome when you can put your own spin on a design!

If winter is getting you down, find a nice project to keep you occupied...especially one that is indoors!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

French Onion Soup in the Crock Pot - Oui!

Check out this French Onion Soup recipe that is made in your crock pot!  You will totally say oui!

French Onion Soup

Oui!  Oui!  Oui!

Before you start, you will need some carmelized onions!  Very simple to do...

Carmelized Onions:

Slice 5-7 onions.  Place 1 Tbsp butter and 2 Tbsp olive oil into a pan.  Heat up the oil and then add your onions.  Add some salt.  Carmelize the onions for about 10-12 minutes.

Carmelized Onions printable recipe

Now for the soup!

Ingredients:

1 32 oz beef broth

1 32 oz chicken broth

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

5-7 carmelized onions

salt and pepper to taste

1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

french bread slices

Swiss cheese slices

shredded mozzarella

Mix everything but the balsamic vinegar and place into the crock pot.  Cook on low heat for 4 hours.  Add in the balsamic vinegar.

Slice french bread.  Brush each slice with some olive oil.  Place under a broiler until lightly browned.

To assemble, put soup into oven ready crocks.  Top each crock with a slice of the french bread, 2 slices of Swiss cheese and 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.  Place the crocks in the oven until the cheese melts.

French Onion Soup printable recipe

This soup is full of sweet onions and the crock pot blends all the flavors together so well!  The cheese baked on top...just like what you would get in Paris!

Plug in the crock pot and say oui!  French Onion soup on the way!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Spud Bar - Beat Cabin Fever!

Hopefully you read that as spud bar and not stud bar...although that could be interesting...ha ha!

You may be experiencing some cabin fever (maybe that explains my stud bar comment) or your friends might be.  So invite them over for this fun gathering...

A SPUD BAR

Spud Bar

What a fantastic idea!  Gets everyone out of the house to socialize and gripe, I mean share about their winter experiences!  Celebrations at Home Blog used every kind of potato possible! Mashed potatoes, french fries, tater tots, potato wedges, potato skins, baked potatoes, and of course all the toppings to go with them.

Use this as an inspiration for creating your own Spud Bar.  You will love gathering with your neighbors and getting away from shoveling, at least for a little while.  You could probably assign toppings too and you just provide the studs, ooops, I mean spuds.  I really must have cabin fever!

Come on over!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Got Snow? How About Snow Ice Cream?

Got Snow?

This will only work with the white variety!

Steer clear of the yellow tinted snow!  Not good!

Snow Ice Cream

This is so wholesome!  Just like Laura Ingalls Wilder!!!

The Country Drawers Blog has this great idea!  She even suggests changing the cream or milk to coconut milk for a more tropical flavor.

Just add your favorite toppings!

I think this may become a new, fun snow day tradition!  Get the kiddos away for the video games and outside for some old fashioned fun!

Just remember...white snow only!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

"Wine"ing in Winter

Winter started not even a month ago.

We have had snow!  The 5th snowiest in 86 some odd years!

We have had cold!  Many days not only below freezing, but below zero!

We have had ice!  I have slid through parking lots and down my driveway!

I have been brave!  I have shoveled!  I have embraced the season with open, well layered arms but there are a few moments when I think...

Ever get that feeling?  But I am NOT "whining" about winter because I ran across a great idea for those nights beside the fire and you want a quick, "appetizer" like meal without the kiddos.  If you set this up, there will be "wine"ing in for sure!

Wine and Cheese

This is a great reference for creating a wine and cheese plate for you and your special someone.  The cheese will perfectly compliment the wine!  It will be a quick appetizer type meal while sitting next to your roaring fire.  You get the image!

So before the next blizzard, when your hubby arrives home with an extra shovel for you (yep, my "special" husband bought me that "special" gift the night of the blizzard of 2011), redirect that "special" someone to the fireplace and your perfectly arranged wine and cheese table.  'Cuz that would be way more fun than shoveling!

Whether I am made for winter or not, there will be "wine"ing around here...not "whining."

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

A Jolly, Happy Soul-Snowman Art

From Frosty to a backyard snowman...have you even seen one that is grumpy?  The snowman always seems to be a jolly, happy soul!

With the weather frightful and the fire delightful, lets get crafting!

What else are you going to do?

Here are some fun easy projects to fill those short, freezing winter days and celebrate the snowman!

Snowman Art Idea 1

This one is for the kiddos, but somehow I think you may want to join in!  The shaving cream and glue mixture feels great on your hands!
Mix equal parts of the shaving cream and glue. Mix well. Have the kiddos draw an outline of a snowman with a pencil first and then use foam paint brushes to fill it in with the mixture. Cut out black hats and orange noses. Use a hole punch for the eyes and pieces of coal. After the mixture dries glue on the hat, eyes, pieces of coal and nose. Then decorate the picture with markers.

Snowman Art Idea 2

The Crafty Crow created this adorable idea for cards.  Buy a set of blank cards, white paint and grab a potato from your refrigerator.  Use paint pens and markers to embellish.  You can cut an orange carrot nose out of cardstock and the heart is made out of felt.  This may even work for Valentine's Day or as just a set of fun winter cards!  I love that the print is made with a potato!!!

This last idea would be good for a dip and sip party with the girls!

Snowman Art Idea 3

You provide the paints and brushes.  Let your guests provide the wine and canvas!

I am sure if you do one of these projects, your soul will be a jolly, happy one too!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Tex-Mex Corn Tortilla Quiche

Wait until you try this quiche!  You can make Tex-Mex Corn Tortilla Quiche spicy or pretty plain depending on your family's tastes.  Breakfast, lunch or dinner!  This recipe would work for any meal!  And wait until you see what the crust of this quiche is made out of...

Tex-Mex Corn Tortilla Quiche

Ingredients:

5-6 6 inch corn tortillas

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

6 beaten eggs

1/2 cup whipping cream

1/2 cup small curd cottage cheese

sour cream for topping

Lightly grease a 9 inch pie plate.  Overlap corn tortillas along the sides of the plate, leaving a 1/2 inch hangover.  Place last corn tortilla on the bottom, in the center.

Place shredded cheeses on top of corn tortilla "pie crust."

Beat the eggs and add the whipping cream and cottage cheese.

Pour into the pie plate and bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes.  Once golden brown, remove from the oven at let sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tex-Mex Corn Tortilla Quiche printable recipe

Now if you want it spicy, mix in some chopped green chiles with the shredded cheese.  If you want some meat in there, add some browned, ground sausage and lay it on the crust before you add the cheese.

That's the best part about quiches, you can really customize them to the way you want it.  As for making it tex-mex, that's where the corn tortillas come in!  The corn tortilla crust really adds a good flavor to the quiche.

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

A Tale of Two Cities

Ahh, A Tale of Two Cities...

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."

I think Charles Dickens may have been referring to this...

Seaside, Florida - "The Best of Times"

Chicago area, Illinois - "The Worst of Times"

Hmmm...

That would be quite a tale for each of these two cities!

Some of us may be dreaming about the first picture:  a warm, sunny city like Seaside, Florida one of my favorite places!  Where as others of us are living the picture of the second city:  Chicago, Illinois or someplace else north of the Mason Dixon line.  No dreaming there...2 feet of snow may be the reality.  Icy roads?  Lack of sun?  You know what I am talking about...

So to embrace the reality, how about some snow fun!  You may have some melting snow today, but I am sure the next snow storm is just around the corner.  Afterall, it is only early January!

Whatever your reality,

whatever your city,

create your own fun tale!

Even being in the, at times, harsh Midwest, some fun can be had!  Really!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Snow Day Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes

Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes

So not only did we just have 1 snow/cold weather day, but we got 2 out of it!  With high temps significantly below zero, school was CANCELED!  Time to celebrate with a yummy, sinful, hot breakfast.  I love oatmeal cookies, so oatmeal cookie pancakes would have to be good AND THEY TOTALLY WERE!

Ingredients:

1 cup old fashioned oats

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

3/4 cup sour cream

3/4 cup milk

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 ripe, mashed up bananas

1/2 stick melted butter

Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl.  Mix the wet ingredients in another bowl (not the bananas or butter).  Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry mix bowl.  Now add the mashed up bananas.  Then stir in the melted butter.  Cook your pancakes like you normally do.

Serve with powdered sugar, honey or syrup.

Oatmeal Cookie Pancake printable recipe

I think a snow day or any day deserves having oatmeal cookies, I mean oatmeal cookie pancakes, don't you!  'Cuz you can't eat cookies for breakfast, but you can eat pancakes!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

(especially snow days!!!)

Christine