Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Fastest 2 Minutes!!!

Yum
The fastest 2 minutes in sports around 1 and 1/4 miles.
Speeds of up to 45 mph!
Do you know what that is?
The Kentucky Derby!

In a few short days, the race will be here!
Get your mint juleps ready and cook up some HOT BROWNS!
What is a HOT BROWN?
Well, it's this...


Oh my!
This open faced sandwich has turkey, bacon, tomatoes and Mornay sauce that you broil in the oven until the sauce begins to get some brown flecks in it.  It's a classic dish served up in Kentucky and perfect for celebrating The Kentucky Derby.


Look at how the Mornay sauce melts over the turkey...mmm...mmmm.
Originally from STL Cooks

Ingredients:  
3 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
8 oz. heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese, plus 1 Tbsp for garnish
salt and pepper to taste
1 package of roasted turkey breast sandwich meat
4 slices of Texas Toast
8 slices of crispy bacon
2 Roma Tomatoes, sliced

In a saucepan, melt butter and slowly whisk in flour until combined and forms a thick paste (roux). Continue to cook roux for two minutes over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Whisk heavy cream into the roux and cook over medium heat until the cream begins to simmer, about 2-3 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and slowly whisk in Pecorino Romano cheese until the Mornay sauce is smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
For each Hot Brown, cook the Texas Toast in a 9 x 13 inch pan, according to package directions.  Remove from oven.
On one slice of toast, lay 4-5 slices of turkey lunchmeat. Place 2-3 slices of Roma tomato on top. Next, pour the Mornay sauce to cover. Sprinkle with additional Pecorino Romano cheese. Place entire dish under a broiler until cheese begins to brown and bubble. Remove from broiler, cross two pieces of crispy bacon on top.

Makes 4 Kentucky Hot Browns


The Morney sauce is so creamy!  Each biteful is delicious!
You cook this for your Kentucky Derby viewing and you may just earn a wreath of roses?  Sorry, didn't mean to imply you were like the horses...

So who are your favorites?
California Chrome?  Dance with Fate?  Hoppertunity?  Or some unknown race horse that comes from behind?  

Happy race watching!
Celebrate the little things that can happen in the fastest 2 minutes!

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

May Day Ideas

Yum
I have to tell you...coming from a former Florida girl...May Day?
All I knew was that people danced around a May pole and that flowers were a huge part.  May Day in Florida meant HOT...that Summer was there, for sure!  Oh ye of such little knowledge and experience...
May Day is a BEAUTIFUL time of the year with Spring in FULL BLOOM!  Everyone is out and about and planting flowers as well as items in their garden and praying that we don't get a freeze whereby all Midwesterners scurry around covering every last things with plastic...not pretty, but effective.

So let's celebrate May Day and all things Spring.
The tradition is to hang some pretty flowers on a neighbor's door.  Here are some cute ways to do that...

Akers of Love just attached ribbon and a cute note to the flower pot.

Tater Tots and Jello used strawberry baskets and a ribbon.

Babble created a cone to hold the flowers.  Just attach the ribbon.

I don't think anyone does much with May Day anymore, so you be the one!  Go get some fresh flowers and drop them off at a neighbor or friend's house just because.

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Monday, April 28, 2014

City Winery Field-trip

Yum
There is a radio show on Chicago Public Radio called Chewing the Fat.


It's a weekly podcast that covers cooking and dining and really anything food related.  The hosts are two food journalists that are so fun and knowlegeable at the same time.  I recently had the opportunity to attend their first live podcast held at City Winery in Chicago.
City Winery provided cheeses, charcuterie and wine while you listened and participated in the show. Such a fun evening!  




So, the two hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng had conversations with the owners of 
Pastoral's French Market as they discussed stinky cheeses and beer/wine pairings.  The hilarious owner and founder of Hot Dougs talked about hot dogs of course!  His restaurant has the regular variety and some really interesting combinations.  I definitely need to check them out.  And two sommeliers, one of whom was from City Winery, shared tips on wines from the really expensive ones to you guessed it, Trader Joe's 3 buck chuck.  So interesting!!!

We had a great evening in the city and enjoyed the bread, cheese, charcuterie and wine that City Winery provided.  We also sampled a few of their on the menu items.  Check this out...

Risotta Balls...to die for!


And a flatbread with mushrooms and goat cheese...yummy!

What a great place to try when you head down to the city.  It is located off of Randolph Street and there is plenty of free parking...a HUGE perk when being in Chicago.  If you are a wine lover, this place is a must!

So check out any of the places mentioned, you won't be disappointed and check out food podcasts in your area.  Such interesting topics out there and places to go.

Explore new places and new foods while you celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Beatrix Potter Garden

Yum

Do you know who that is?  Let me give you a clue...

How about this picture?  Recognize these adorable bunnies?
Yes, that is Beatrix Potter the English author of those children's stories about Peter Rabbit.  Remember that? All the trouble Peter Rabbit would get into with Mr. McGregor and his garden.  I loved those books!  I too sometimes feel like Mr. McGregor, trying to keep those bunnies out of the garden and away from my veggies.  But, then I picture them all like Peter Rabbit who is just trying to get a little nibble of those delicious vegetables.  Anyhow, there is a wonderful book out called Beatrix Potter's Gardening Life by Marta McDowell.

The author tells about Beatrix's life, the plants and the places that inspired all the adventures about Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter.  It is filled with Beatrix's sketches and watercolors of those wonderful gardens she created in her books.  Quite a gardener's delight!

What a great idea for the gardener in your family...you know Mother's Day is just around the corner (hope my family is reading this post...always good to give them some ideas).  The book really gives you some inspiration on creating your own Beatrix Potter like garden, choosing plants that will self-sow so that you will have new seedlings popping up in the years to come.  And the next time you see a bunny in your garden, you may picture Peter Rabbit and gently coax him away from your veggies.  :)

Hope you are out and getting your garden ready for planting!  Tell me about what you like to plant...

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Garden To Table - Early Garden Finds

Yum
Our gardening center is officially open!
They did have to close early one day for snow...isn't that crazy for April?
But on a rainy day, my local gardening center hosted a garden to table lecture.
Since I am itching to get out into my garden, I attended the lecture to find out more about what I could do in my own.

This first garden to table lecture was all about strawberries, lettuce and chives...well, not necessarily together...ha ha!  But today, I just want to focus on chives.


I love chives!
They are so versatile and the best part is that they come back every year!

They are already popping out in my garden, just like a Spring bulb.  And before I know it, they will be about 2 feet by 2 feet with a gorgeous purple flower!  If you have never, ever grown chives, I really recommend it.  Plant once and you will have years of productivity.


Look at how pretty they are!  If you run your hand over the plant, you will smell just how good they are.  Imagine what that will do to your recipes.  AND, I learned that you can eat the flowers!!!  Who knew?  Snip off the flowers and add them to a stir fry or even a salad.  
Adding that chive flavor in a pretty way.  LOVE IT!

Head over to your gardening center now and get a couple of these plants.  Get them in the ground.  They are a cool weather crop so they will be just fine no matter what Mother Nature brings...please let there be no more snow or I may not be fine!  :)

So what to do with them?
My favorite way to use them is in scrambled eggs!


To make these decadent scrambled eggs, whisk together 5 eggs, 1/2 cup cream and 1/3 cup chopped chives.  Toss a little butter into the fry pan and when that has melted, add the eggs.  Cook until desired consistency.  

or





These biscuits are chock full of bits of chives, bacon and cheese!  Almost a hearty meal in themselves!
Click Cheddar, Bacon and Fresh Chive Biscuits for the printable recipe.

How do you like to use your chives?  I'd love to hear your ideas!!!

Isn't it great when you can take your own home-grown food from the garden and put it in your own home-made recipe that goes right to your table?

Garden to table, another way to celebrate the little things that make life home-grown sweet!

Friday, April 25, 2014

Monkey Bread Inspiration

Yum
When the weather is good...I am outside this time of year...getting the garden ready.
So...
Keeping it simple today by sharing some of my favorite sweet and savory recipes for monkey bread.

Check it out...

Sweet and tropical

Caramel flavored and sprinkled with chopped pecans

A savory

3 easy ideas!
Back to the garden and getting dirt under the nails...love this time of year!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Grilled Chicken with Corn Salad

Yum
Are you just itching for Summer?
I know, we haven't even had Spring.
Spring is pretty short-lived in the Midwest and I am ready for not only Spring, but Summer!
April showers bring May flowers
and then....
SUMMER!
Well how about a summer like meal to put you in the spirit.


Looks just like Summer!
Grilled chicken that has marinated in a tomato vinagrette and then served over a bed of rice, avocado, corn and cherry tomatoes.  Yum, yum!  Here's what you need:

adapted from Iowa Girl Eats
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
2 cups cooked rice (use white or brown rice)
2 cups fresh or frozen corn, cooked
1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 avocado, chopped
adapted from Skinny Taste
For the Tomato Vinaigrette:
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 clove garlic
3 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbspn lemon juice
1 Tbsp chopped red onion
salt and pepper to taste

To make the tomato vinaigrette,  combine ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Place 6 Tbsp of the vinaigrette into a plastic bag and set the remaining aside. Take chicken breasts and add them to the bag with the vinaigrette and marinate in the refrigerator.

Cook your rice according to package and cool slightly.  Stir corn, cherry tomatoes and red onion into the rice. Add enough of the reserved tomato vinaigrette to coat and stir well. Gently fold in avocado, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Place into the refrigerator.

Heat a grill to high and grill chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes off the grill and then slice across the diagonal.  Divide rice mixture onto plates and top with grilled chicken slices.

Grilled Chicken with Corn Salad printable recipe

The combination of textures and flavors is so good. 
This will definetely make you LONG for summer!  Give it a try!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine 

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Eating a Cupcake at Each Meal?

Yum
So, how do you feel about cupcakes?
Or do I really need to ask?
I LOVE CUCAKES and when I heard about how to eat cupcakes for every meal, well...needless to say, my curiousity was peaked!

Buzz Feed showed how you could eat cupcakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  They have dozens of cupcake recipe ideas for each meal.  You see, cupcakes can be sweet or savory.  So check out Buzz Feed for some awesome ideas.

My favorite idea for breakfast was the cappucino cupcake from Serious Eats.  


Click the link to find out how to make a coffee lover's dream.  You have coffee for breakfast, right?  Well, here you go...a breakfast cupcake.

For lunch I was thinking Mac-n-Cheese Muffin Bites!


How's that for a quick lunch in cupcake form?  These Mac-n-Cheese Bites even have pepperoni, so fun!
And they are easy to make.  You will love the crunchy edges!  Here's how...

Ingredients:
1 package of macaroni and cheese (your choice)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup shredded low moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 package of sliced pepperoni, cut into quarters
1 cup pizza sauce for dipping 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
Grease a 12 muffin tin.
Prepare macaroni and cheese as directed on the box, except stir in garlic powder in addition to the cheese powder.
Once prepared, remove from heat and stir in grated mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.
Spoon macaroni and cheese mixture evenly into prepared muffin tins.
Bake for 17-20 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Cool for at least 5 minutes before removing from the muffin tins. Serve with pizza sauce for dipping. 
adapted from Rachel Cooks


And finally for dinner...Pepperoni Pizza Cupcakes!

Oh my, cheesy goodness.  Check out this earlier post for the complete, easy recipe.  A package of Grands biscuits, pepperoni, shredded mozzerella and some tomato sauce are all you need for this savory cupcake.

Eating a cupcake at each meal?
Totally possible, especially with the help of a cupcake pan.
Small bites that are yummy and fun too!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Fieldtrip - Pastoral's Artisan Producer Festival

Yum
About a week or so ago, my sister and I took the train into Chicago for the 
4th Annual Pastoral's Artisan Producer Festival 
at
 Chicago's French Market.


Coolest thing ever!
Underneath one of the Chicago train stations, 100 artisan producers showed off their goods.  The event was entirely free and was filled with table after table after table of  the most delicious artisan cheeses, breads, kraft beers, wines and confections.  We were in foodie heaven!  If only we could eat like that ALL the time.  Anyhow, we snacked our way through the tables and learned all about the different varities of foods offered as well as how and where they are made.

Before it got super crowded

Everything was really, really good...but here are some of my favorites.  Check out the links to find out more and even order some for your family.

Sweet Margy is known as the confection diva!  She is out of Chicago (Love it!!!) and makes the most delicious toffee.   I know, I tried it!  You know how toffee tends to stick in your teeth?  This toffee actually melts in your mouth and the flavor is just right!  Not too sweet.  It is incredible!  It is preservative and additive free (Love it!!!).  These toffees are gluten free too.  If you are ever in Chicago, check her out!  If not, order some from home.  They are unbelievably good!  You can even get them in dark or milk chocolate.    She makes lots of other confections too, so I can only imagine just how good those are!


I definitely had to mention Ames Farm honey.  I usually get the honey from the bear, you know, the one on the grocery store shelf.  I know, lame.  Sometimes I get honey from the farmer's market, which I thought was pretty good.  But after having tasted the honey from Ames Farm...I will never, ever, ever be able to go back!  The honey comes from Minnesota.  In fact, each jar of honey is marked with the location of the hive and floral source of the honey.  The honey was incredibly flavorful and has a slight textured crunch within it.  You can't get that flavor from grocery store honey.  I can't wait to order some!


Prairie Fruits was another one of my favorites.  They are located in Champaign, Illinois not far from the University of Illinois.  They shared some of their fresh chevre.  Using milk from their goats, this cheese is unbelievably creamy with a little bit of a lemon flavor.  Not only did I love the flavor, but the creamy texture was such a delight!  You can't get that level of freshness and creaminess from the grocery store.  Prairie Fruits offers many other French inspired cheeses, but what I think is really cool is their dinner on the farm.  They offer a multicourse, slow food meal that hi-lights the best seasonal and local foods to be found in the Midwest.  Dinners include a tour of the farm and dining under the open prairie sky!  Where do I sign up???

Check out the local artisan foods in your area.  It is always great to support those farms close to your neck of the woods.  But, there are a lot of artisanal foods across the country that you can support too.  My sister and I tried wine from wineries a few hours away to some out in Oregon.  There wasn't a one we didn't like.

Well, I'll have to wait a whole year to sample my way through all these wonderful artisan producer creations.  Thanks so much to Pastoral Artisan for hosting the events.  If you are in Chicago, make sure to stop by their market where you can find these types of products.

Pastoral Market
But until then...

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Monday, April 21, 2014

Cheddar Biscuit Sliders...Using up Easter Leftovers

Yum
I hope everyone had an awesome weekend!
We had a great time with our college girl home for Easter.
Lots of fun family time, crafting and food...because what's a holiday without those?

Our main Easter dish was ham and you guessed it...we have leftovers.  Here's our favorite way to use up that leftover piggie...

Cheddar Biscuit Sliders


Again, it is an easy recipe.  Just might be something you hadn't thought to combine before.  I make these biscuits all the time for soup, but they are awesome as with ham and cheese sandwiches.  I make them supersize so that they work as sandwiches.  Check out how easy it is to make these biscuits!  With this recipe and making them large, you will get 8 biscuits.

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.


Slice the biscuits in half.  Add slices of the leftover ham and slices of cheddar cheese.  Place back into the oven, reduce to 350 degrees, then cook only until cheese melts.


Yum!  A galic butter biscuit with ham and melted cheese...a delicious way to use those leftovers.  Besides, since it is in a different format than the previous night's dinner, may not even look like leftovers!  Don't you just love the trickery???

Hope you had a wonderful Easter!

Continue to celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Happy Easter

Yum

A Sprinkle of This and That wishes you a
Happy Easter from my family to yours!

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Pop on over for Popover Muffins with Honey Butter!

Yum
So what do I serve for Easter dinner?
Well, I'm glad you asked.

My family enjoys and nice, light meal.  I serve a ham with Spring Radish Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing, fresh fruit and popover muffins.  Popover muffins have become a tradition!


Popover muffins are not quite as tall as the traditional popover, but just as light and airy.  The best part is serving them with honey butter.

Check out how easy...
Ingredients for popover muffins:
4 eggs
2 cups milk
2 cups flour
1 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Grease a muffin pan.
Break eggs into a bowl and beat well.  Add the milk, flour and salt.  Beat until just blended.
Fill the muffin cup 2/3 cup full with the batter.
Place on the center rack in the center of the oven.
Bake for 30 minutes-NO OPENING THE OVEN DOOR!

Ingredients for honey butter:
1/4 stick of butter
2 Tbsp honey

Soften the butter and blend in the honey.  Refrigerate until ready to use.



See how light and airy?


Oh my gosh...the honey butter...I'll just keep eating popover muffins for more honey butter!!!!

Add this to you menu, not just at Easter, but anytime!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Linking up with I Heart Naptime.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Spring Table Setting Inspiration

Yum
Spring sprung over the past weekend!
We have regressed a little, but I am now confident that we are on the way out of winter!!!  After all, it is April!  Come on already!  The grass is actually green and some of the early Spring bulbs have made their appearance.  In no time at all, everything will be at it's full blooming potential.  So, with that in mind, how about some great ideas to bring your table out of the winter drabs and into all the colors of Spring?  Look at the inspiration I have found...


Home is Where the Boat Is shows you how to make this GORGEOUS table napkin.  Some rolling and some folding is all it takes.  Add some pretty flowers and other Easter/Spring trinkets and your table will look soooo dressed for Spring.  


This time you need to hunt in your own china cabinet!  Find some of those vintage pieces and add some fresh Spring bulbs.  Such a simple idea that will look beautiful on your table.  And besides, your grandmother would be so happy you are using them...you know you have a few pieces collecting dust.  Dust them off and add some flowers!  What a great idea from Marquise Style.


Hoosier Homemade has this really sweet centerpiece that you can make in under 5 minutes!  Check the link for the complete tutorial.  Basically, you will need a flat bottom basket, one that you probably already have.  Add some pretty potted flowers.  Leave in the pots!  Place them where you want them in the basket.  Wedge some green floral foam in between the plants to keep them in their spot.  Add some Spanish moss or fake grass.  Stick in some plastic eggs, bunnies or other Spring decorations from you stash and you will have created a one of a kind Spring centerpiece.

Search around your house and see what you already have!  Incorporate some Spring flowers and voila!  Spring is on your table!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Bacon and Cheese Frittata

Yum
Did you know that what you eat at breakfast says a lot about your personality?

Buzz Feed has the complete low down about breakfast foods.
For example, if you are a...

breakfast burrito eater = you are a trendsetter

cereal eater = you have inner magnetism that no-one can resist

cinnamon roll eater = lovable and maybe sticky too :)

donut eater = you like to keep it real

breakfast sandwich eater = you have great taste and knowledge

Who makes up this stuff?
The list goes on and on and I have to say is actually pretty funny.
You know you are wondering about what your typical breakfast says about you!  Make sure to check out the whole low down at Buzz Feed.

Anyhow, I have a breakfast recipe that will surely say you are a winner at life!

breakfast frittata eater = winner

This is a bacon cheese frittata that is so quick and delicious!  No crust (which is why it is a frittata and not a quiche) so it is low in carbs and perfect for working on that bikini body :)...
well maybe that 1 piece bathing suit?  And you know it must be good because I was sooo distracted by the cheesy goodness that I spelled frittata wrong!  Oooops!!!  :)  Regardless, it is great for brunch!

Ingredients:
6 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
1 green onion, chopped
2 Tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
4 oz shredded cheddar cheese (that's 1/2 a block of cheddar cheese)
crumbled, cooked bacon (I used bacon bits to shorten up a step)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Grease a pie pan.  In a medium bowl, whisk together beaten eggs, milk, chopped green onion, melted butter, salt and pepper until well blended.  Pour into pie pan.  Sprinkle bacon bits and cheese over top.  Bake 20-25 minutes or until set.


My sister shared this and I just love how easy it is and how good it tastes.



I love breakfast foods and this one is perfect for a brunch too!
Make sure to save those egg shells.  Lots of ideas in a previous post called "Eggs"ellent Ideas.
Check out what your breakfast eating habits say about you, but know this for sure...eating a bacon and cheese frittata makes you a winner...at least in my eyes! :)

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!