tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64442569863183018942024-03-14T01:48:09.170-07:00Margaritas and Magnolias: Secrets of a Southern BelleStacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-68669983564203046552014-06-23T15:11:00.001-07:002014-06-23T15:27:48.751-07:00Farewell Supper and 4th decorThis morning, ok well 2:45 a.m., I sent my Oilfield Man off to the Patch again. We have been really lucky to have had him home as long as we did this time. It looks like it will be at least two weeks before his boots are by our door again. So, I wanted to fix him a delicious Sunday supper before he headed out. On the menu was pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon, braised green beans and butter pasta. Don't worry....I was thinking of y'all when I was preparing the farewell meal. The first is the pork tenderloin. My daddy has been making this for as long as I can remember. It is really good with a side of spaetzle and red cabbage if you are feeling a little international and want to take a trip to Germany. <br />
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Take a casserole dish and rack and spray liberally with nonstick spray. These tenderloins usually come two in a pack. I used just the one since it's only the three of us. Sprinkle with as much pepper as you like.<br />
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Now smother the hell out of it with Dijon mustard.<br />
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Ok, this will take probably 4 slices of bacon. You want to wrap it around the whole tenderloin. It should look like this...</div>
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Put it in a 375 degree oven and bake for 45 minutes or so depending on your oven. Below you will see my oven was cooking a little warm last night. SO, I got it a little over done, but it was still yummy!<br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">PORK TENDERLOIN</span></u></em></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">1 pork tenderloin (approx. 1.5lbs)</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Dijon mustard</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">black pepper to taste</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">4 slices bacon</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Liberally season the pork tenderloin.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Smother with mustard</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Wrap with 4 slices of bacon</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until cooked to desired temperature. </span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">To accompany our yummy tenderloin, we needed a green. Green beans are one of our faves around here. This recipe came from my daddy as well. Super easy and super delish. The only part that sucks is having to snap all the beans...unless you have your own little minion that you can put to work. Mine seemed to think he was not eligible for this line of work. Wrong indeed!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I picked up 2 lbs of fresh green beans at the store the other day. Snap the ends and rinse really well.</span></div>
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Slice an onion in half and then slice thin half moon slices. Also, you will need 2 gloves of garlic minced. Set these aside.</div>
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Now that your prep is done, heat a dutch over medium heat and dice up your 6 slices of bacon. I use scissors to snip the pork goodness straight into the pot. Once the bacon is browned, add the onions and garlic and cook until onions are transparent. Make sure to stay right there and stir often to keep your garlic from browning and burning!!! NO GOOD if that happens!!!!</div>
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Add 1/2 chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, add your rinsed beans and lower heat to low. </div>
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Let these guys simmer until limp...which usually takes about 30-45 minutes. </div>
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<strong><em><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">BRAISED GREEN BEANS</span></u></em></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 lbs green beans, snapped ends and then rinsed</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 medium onion, thinly sliced</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">6 slices bacon, diced</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 cloves garlic, minced</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">black pepper to taste</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/2 can chicken broth</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Snap the ends and rinse green beans.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Snip bacon into dutch oven over medium heat and cook until browned.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Add onion and garlic and sauté until onions are transparent.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Add black pepper and chicken broth. When it comes to a boil, add beans.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Turn stove down to low and simmer until green beans are limp.</span></strong></div>
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Serve this up to your lucky little family tonight. They will thank you!! Those kiddos will love these green beans. I mean they are cooked in bacon!!!!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPwyLvO2gfY/U6iWjacU8eI/AAAAAAAAAP8/rJ0XM-lsiYo/s1600/done.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPwyLvO2gfY/U6iWjacU8eI/AAAAAAAAAP8/rJ0XM-lsiYo/s1600/done.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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On to my latest Crafty project. I have been snagging up pallets from our local corner store the past couple weeks and decided to finally do something with the stack on the side of the house. Honestly, it is starting to look like our house is the warehouse on the corner. Not so appealing...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLusjiyp3G0/U6iW-zinmFI/AAAAAAAAAQo/SXV3OjkoRbg/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLusjiyp3G0/U6iW-zinmFI/AAAAAAAAAQo/SXV3OjkoRbg/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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See that one on the right? That one will be transformed into a patriotic decoration by the end of this post!!!</div>
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Along with my little guy, we ran down to Hobby Lobby and picked up some acrylic paint in Red, White, and Blue. How did I not have any in my stash? I seemed to have "every other color under the moon. " - a direct quote from the hubs as he is so fond of my growing supply collection. </div>
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I determined which boards would be what color and instructed my handy helper to get started painting the blue, not to cross the lines. I failed to pay attention to my own instructions and got carried away with the red (as you can see). No fear, the little guy was quick to point out I was painting red on a white board. Good thing he is so much like his daddy...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vcu8P0mQqSQ/U6iW-ug9T8I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/5lNmutnfr_A/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vcu8P0mQqSQ/U6iW-ug9T8I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/5lNmutnfr_A/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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A few months back, we rode down to the National Seashore here in Corpus Christi. There were tons of starfish that were scattered all over. We collected tons of them for future projects. Friday was the day!!! I took 9 out of our stash and painted them white as well. The acrylic paint dries really quick. So, you won't have to wait to long to do your final assembly.</div>
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I was outside chatting it up with the girl across the street about how I was going to adhere these bad boys to the pallet. We weren't sure if the hot glue gun would do the trick. She suggested some super duty sticky stuff 3M makes that she thought might work...and it did for a few minutes. South Texas is H.O.T and HUMID!!!! It didn't hold up. These little guys slowly started making their way down. So, I had to pull the glue gun out and pray for the best. IT WORKED!!!!! Those beautiful stars have not budged since I glued them to their new home. Drum roll.......</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5_Vk9NPP-I/U6iXBmBuihI/AAAAAAAAARI/kmJAU70TB-8/s1600/tada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5_Vk9NPP-I/U6iXBmBuihI/AAAAAAAAARI/kmJAU70TB-8/s1600/tada.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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What do you think? I love it! It takes two of my favorite things (American pride and the beach) and displays them perfectly on our porch!!! </div>
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Now I needed something for the door. Spring is officially over so I needed to take the cute door hanger filled with hydrangea down and put up something a little more patriotic! I saw on Pinterest a link (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/176354885/patriotic-monogram-door-hanger-with?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share)" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/listing/176354885/patriotic-monogram-door-hanger-with?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share)</a> to an Etsy shop where a lady had a patriotic monogram. I was like "I can do that!!!" So I did!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2rl-xENd3XM/U6iWdAWWYhI/AAAAAAAAAP0/OJyBz71GTIA/s1600/b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2rl-xENd3XM/U6iWdAWWYhI/AAAAAAAAAP0/OJyBz71GTIA/s1600/b.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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Now, don't look to close. I didn't tape off my lines. It is more rustic! ;) I free handed those stripes! As for the stars, they are from a stencil I made by cutting a star into some card stock and sponged the white paint. I like burlap with it, so I made a hanger out of some burlap ribbon I had.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFZXo2d3XC0/U6iWo_6hHQI/AAAAAAAAAQE/sL3p7X7RTOw/s1600/door.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFZXo2d3XC0/U6iWo_6hHQI/AAAAAAAAAQE/sL3p7X7RTOw/s1600/door.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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Our porch is on it's way to Americana décor heaven! I hope you love this as much as I do!!!!</div>
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Guess I better get going! My helper said he has worked up a terrible hunger! Until next time....</div>
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Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-48812876196162548282014-06-17T11:19:00.000-07:002014-06-17T11:19:22.304-07:00King of the Castle...but just for a day! ;)Well, Father's Day has come and passed. This year, I decided to make our "King" feel like just that. Since the oilfield NEVER sleeps, "B" had to work on Father's Day. So, in an attempt to make the day special regardless of him spending 13 hours working in 100+ degrees heat, the sidekick and I got up early and started our day of cooking a feast for our King of the Castle!!! Ok, let's be honest...our 5 year old's internal clock has an alarm that goes off no later than 7am (even in the summer)! So, we just told the King we got up early. ;) So let's talk menu. A couple weeks back, Mama had posted something about Hummingbird cake. This grabbed the eye of the hubs, which by the way has NO sweet tooth! He said he wanted me to make it sometime for him. So, it was the perfect time to whip one up for him. My grandma used to make this when I was a child, but I had never even thought of baking one. I am not fruit and nut in baked goods kind of girl. Give me chocolate any day! But, being the good wife, I pulled out all the stops for my man! I found a version of the recipe from <a href="http://www.southernliving.com/" target="_blank">Southern Living</a>. Confession time....it's to die for! I take back all my comments about fruits and nuts in my food! Hummingbird cake is like banana bread with cream cheese frosting. If someone had described this sweet treat in that way, I would have been Betty Crocker'ing it up in the kitchen on a regular basis. Keep in mind though....just because there are fruits and nuts in this, it is a far cry from making the Top 10 healthy snacks list. Below is the recipe and you will see why. Don't let this deter you from getting flour all over your kitchen. You need to make this. Do it on your next special occasion. It will make your Love feel special and you are secretly treating yourself!!!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">Hummingbird Cake</span></div>
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<span itemprop="amount">3 cups</span> <span itemprop="name"> all-purpose flour</span> <span itemprop="preparation"></span> <br />
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<span itemprop="amount">1 tsp</span><span itemprop="name"> baking soda</span> <span itemprop="preparation"></span> </div>
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<span itemprop="amount">1 tsp</span><span itemprop="name"> salt</span> <span itemprop="preparation"></span> </div>
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<span itemprop="amount">2 c</span><span itemprop="name"> sugar</span> <span itemprop="preparation"></span> </div>
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<span itemprop="amount">1 tsp</span><span itemprop="name"> ground cinnamon</span> <span itemprop="preparation"></span> </div>
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<span itemprop="amount">3 </span><span itemprop="name">eggs</span> <span itemprop="preparation"></span> </div>
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<span itemprop="amount">1 1/2 c </span><span itemprop="name"> vegetable oil</span> <span itemprop="preparation"></span> </div>
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<span itemprop="amount">1 1/2 tsp</span><span itemprop="name"> vanilla </span> <span itemprop="preparation"></span> </div>
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<span itemprop="amount">1 </span> <span itemprop="name"> (8oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained</span> <span itemprop="preparation"></span> </div>
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<span itemprop="amount">1 c</span><span itemprop="name"> chopped pecans</span> + a handful for decoration on top of cake <span itemprop="preparation"></span> </div>
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<span itemprop="amount">2 c</span><span itemprop="name"> chopped bananas</span> </div>
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Cream Cheese Frosting:</div>
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1 (16oz) box powdered sugar</div>
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1 stick butter, softened</div>
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1 (8oz) block cream cheese, softened</div>
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2 tsp vanilla</div>
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Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. </div>
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Gradually add powdered sugar, until light and fluffy. </div>
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Stir in vanilla.</div>
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Combine first 5 dry ingredients in mixing bowl. </div>
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Add eggs and oil, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not beat.) </div>
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Let cool completely before frosting.</div>
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Spread frosting between the two layers and around the cake.</div>
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Since I like to do things backwards, I then started on a special dinner for our King. On the menu was homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs! Yes, HOMEMADE! Nothing frozen, in a jar, prepared by your fave Italian spot around the corner. The only thing not homemade is the pasta. Let's face it...I can only amaze myself so much! This is by far our favorite spaghetti meatballs. The hubs has even said it is a restaurant quality. So, I hope you and your family find it just as tasty and special!!<br />
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<span style="color: black;">Meatballs:</span></div>
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1 lb. ground beef(I use 80/20)</div>
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1 c Italian bread crumbs</div>
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1 Tbs. parmesan cheese, grated</div>
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1 Tbs. dried parsley</div>
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1/2 tsp. black pepper</div>
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1/8 tsp. garlic powder (heaping)</div>
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1 egg</div>
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Sauce:</div>
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1/4 olive oil</div>
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1 c onion, chopped</div>
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4-5 cloves garlic, minced</div>
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2 (28oz) cans tomatoes (either diced or whole and peeled)</div>
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2 tsp salt</div>
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1 tsp sugar</div>
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2 bay leaves</div>
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1 (6oz) can tomato paste</div>
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1 tsp dried basil</div>
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1 tsp black pepper</div>
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In a bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Form into golf ball size balls (approximately 15 balls). </div>
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Place on a cookie sheet lined with wax pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. I usually make them a couple hours before I start the sauce.</div>
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When ready to make the sauce, pull out your dutch oven. Over medium heat, sauté your onion and garlic in the olive oil until the onions are transparent. Make sure you stir often to keep garlic from browning.</div>
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Next, stir in the tomatoes, salt, sugar and your bay leaves. Cover, simmer on low for 2 hours.</div>
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Stir in remaining ingredients and the meatballs from the fridge.</div>
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Simmer another 30-45 minutes.</div>
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Ta-da!!!</div>
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Now, no spaghetti dinner is complete without a wonderful green salad. A couple weeks ago, I was up visiting my parents and Mama pulled out a jar of homemade ranch dressing that my just be the tastiest ranch that has crossed my lips. The men in my house think that ranch is nectar of the Gods. The dip anything and everything in it. So, since it has received rave reviews from these two Ranch Judges, I figured it is only right that I let you in on our newest family secret.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Ranch Dressing</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1c Mayo (Hellman's is our fave)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1/2c buttermilk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1/4t black pepper or to taste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1/8t or so garlic powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1/8t paprika</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1t Ranch dressing mix-Buttermilk Recipe</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Combine all ingredients in a jar or whatever you carafe you can find that has a lid. Tighten lid and shake the hell out of it. Refrigerate. (Easy, right?!?!?)</span></div>
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SO, there you have it ladies! This is how I made my man feel like a King while I made memories with my sidekick creating a special meal to bring our little family even that much closer. We shared laughs, dances in the kitchen and a dessert that will change the way you view old classic sweets. Run to your closest grocery store, get all the ingredients (which you more than likely already have everything in the pantry), and make your family a meal that hopefully will provide you moments to remember.<br />
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Until next time...Ciao!!!<br />
Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-30282912764594091232014-06-11T07:31:00.001-07:002014-06-12T15:04:31.175-07:00HOT HOT HOT<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well hello there, Stranger!!!! I might be the worst blogger out there! I think my last blog was months ago! But no fear, I am here now! Today it is hot, hot, hot here in South Texas. I mean really hot!!! The heat index is 108 degrees and it is 630pm!!! School for me and my little guy is out for summer and we couldn't be happier!!!! Recently I asked him what was on the agenda for the summer and this rug rat rattled off 1,001 things he wanted to do! So, we made a bucket list! His very own "5 1/2" year old's Bucket List! We sat down one morning and came up with the top contenders for summer plans. Below is our final product. How impressed are you that I even cut out it into a bucket shape...yes it's a bucket! I recommend doing a list with your little ones this summer. It's not too late! He loves being able to check off his accomplishments. Our "bucket" is posted on the fridge. So, we can't miss it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Since it is so hot, I am trying to not use the oven as much as normal. I'm mean for crying out loud that little sucker turns this house into an inferno! So, with that said, cold meals are the way to go this summer. Salads are great for the summer time. One of our faves is the cucumber, tomato, onion salad. I wish I had a pic, but we devoured it before I could grab a camera! So, use your imagination!!!</span> </div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em><u>Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad</u></em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Get an 8x8 dish</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Slice the cukes, tomatoes and onions the same thickness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Layer them in your dish</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pour Italian dressing over</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Refrigerate for a couple hours</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This salad is great for summer cookouts or potlucks. It will hold up well to heat! I will come back and add a picture when I make it again...probably sometime this weekend! ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I guess I need to go. My sidekick is awfully quiet! Until next time!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">UPDATE: The heat index is 112 degrees here this afternoon. So, this salad is back on the menu!!! I promised I'd get you a pic. So, here it is! Enjoy and stay cool!!</span><br />
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Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-53235171679322001292013-12-31T10:11:00.000-08:002013-12-31T10:16:46.315-08:00Buh-bye 2013! Hello 2014!!!!So as the year comes to close tonight at the strike of 12, I guess I should write a quick post. Seeing that it has been MONTHS since I have chatted with y'all, I figured I would end the year with a quick hey and a project of glitter!!! Has this year been as crazy for you as it has for me? There have been both good and not as good memories made this year. Thank God more good than bad. So, I finished level 2 of nursing school which means only 2 more to go. I can't tell you how ready I am for this to be over. My life comes to a screeching halt when classes start up. That's not easy since it is me and little man the majority of the time. I am so blessed to have such a patient side kick!!! <br />
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What are your exciting plans for NYE??? Mine are wild and crazy this year....little man and I are renting a movie from Redbox and making pizza....oh and a bottle of Mommy Juice (as he likes to call it)! The hubs is out in the oil patch and won't be home to celebrate. So, looks like my date is a 5 year old who can probably out last any adult if given the chance. <br />
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In an ode to the glitz of New Years Eve, I have a glitter project that will surely get you giddy. A friend of mine pinned a glitter monogram, but when you click on the link it was just a pic. Soooo, I decided to look at the supplies they showed in the pic and said "Hey, I can glitter with the best of them". Screech.....I have NEVER used Mod Podge before. Did you know this stuff is like crack??? I love it! MP used with glitter sent me into a craze yesterday. I ran to Hobby Lobby, which by the way has all Christmas stuff 80%, to get my supplies. I picked up a bottle of Mod Podge, a jar of glitter, and a black wood letter (this way I wouldn't have to paint the natural wood). We rushed home in the rain and swept everything off the table so I could get to glittering! I used a sponge brush that I had in my craft closet. This is what I used to apply the Mod Podge. I also had a can of acrylic coating used from previous projects.<br />
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Let's do this...<br />
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The letter is 12" and I used a couple old juice glasses to set it on in the box to balance it while I got my glitter on. I used an old paper box lid to catch the glitter 'cause I knew it was going to get a little messy. The same reason I used the old towel underneath the box. Mama didn't raise no fool!</div>
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I brushed the Mod Podge on evenly over the front and sides of the "B" making sure I got the inside of the "B" as well. This is wear it gets fun girls!!!! Next, sprinkle the glitter all over making sure you didn't miss any spot. I found I didn't have enough Mod Podge is some areas. So, I just dabbed a little more on and the scooped some glitter from the box and covered the sticky spot. </div>
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Once I had covered the whole thing, I let it sit for a few minutes just to set. I have no idea if you need to do this, but it made me feel better. </div>
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You can see for the most part I kept my mess contained. Good thing 'cause you know nobody is going to clean this fun up except for me! Are you as excited about seeing this glitter as me? I mean I can't hardly contain myself looking at it. OK... back to the project. <br />
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After I left it alone a few minutes, I put a bucket on the back porch and set the wet "B" on top. This is when I sprayed it with this acrylic clear coat.<br />
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I gave it a pretty good spray and then let it sit to dry for a couple hours. <br />
Here is the final product! I set it on the pallet shelf the hubs and I made earlier this Spring. <br />
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What do you think??? I absolutely love it! In fact, after I put it up, I decided to "glitterfy" a few other things around the house. I have a bin in our guest room that has ALL the candles from our wedding reception (almost 9 years ago). I grabbed 3 glass votive holders in the tote and sprung to the table to Mod Podge and glitter them up. They are now on the shelf as well. Wanna hear a sappy side note??? The monogram and votives are done in the same blue my bridesmaids wore many moons ago. Awe.......<br />
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Anyway, Happy New Year dolls! Hope it brings you everything you want and more! Cheers!Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-54313180815253787902013-06-16T10:10:00.002-07:002013-06-16T10:14:53.213-07:00Who wants Lemonade???I am pretty sure everyone at some point in their childhood had a lemonade stand. We lived on base at Ft. Knox, KY. I would set up my stand right where the end of the sidewalk met the street and would peddle my 'ade to the soldiers passing by. <br />
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One of my favorite memories of lemonade takes me to a little later when my daddy and I decided to make fresh squeezed lemonade. You can already tell Mama wasn't home and a mess was about to ensue. We both were covered in pulp and the kitchen smelled strong of lemons for days to come. It is a memory that pops up every time my little man orders lemonade when we are out.<br />
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So, since today is Father's Day, I decided to make two boys in my life happy~my little man and my daddy. I thought I would share this fun summertime recipe with you! It can be adjusted to how tart or sweet you like it.<br />
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Enjoy!!!!<br />
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<strong><span style="background-color: yellow; color: black; font-size: x-large;">Fresh Squeezed Lemonade</span></strong></div>
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1-1.5 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice (usually about 12-14 lemons)</div>
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5 cups COLD water<br />
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Squeeze the hell out of those lemons into a measuring cup. Hopefully you are more fortunate than me and have one of those "fancy" lemon juicers. I don't know where ours walked off to. So, I squeezed all of those suckers by hand.</div>
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Make sure you strain your juice so you don't have any seeds floating around. I like to have a little pulp in mine.<br />
Pour into your pitcher and add the sugar. <br />
Next add your cold water.<br />
Adjust your sugar so that you have the perfect combination of tart and sweet!<br />
Stir and then refrigerate until cold.<br />
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Serve with a fresh lemon slice if you think you can look at one more lemon after all this!<br />
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Cheers!Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-59210361183059062162013-06-15T16:56:00.000-07:002013-06-15T17:11:10.633-07:00Hello stranger!!!Hey there! Long time; no post!!!! I know it has been forever since I have posted, but this girl has been insanely, crazy busy. Nursing school is consuming my life now. What it doesn't suck out of me, is absorbed by my sweet little man, husband and our new puppy. That's right. You read right! We had a short moment of no control and got our little family a puppy...a LAB puppy. She is 5 mos old and still takes more energy out of me than the preemie we brought home almost 5 years ago!<br />
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I haven't done much experimenting in the kitchen lately due to my hectic schedule. I have, however, remembered y'all today and felt the need to share a couple of recipes out of my secret recipe binder. I didn't remember to take pictures of the ingredients for the beginning. So, the raw pic will have to do!<br />
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Let's get started with a southern classic..sausage balls. These little suckers are to die for!!! You can serve them at baby showers, bridal showers, cocktail parties, or even breakfast. I happen to love them for breakfast.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sausage Balls</span></strong></div>
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2 lbs. regular breakfast pork sausage in a tube<br />
4 cups shredded cheese<br />
1/2 cup finely chopped onion<br />
1-1/2 cups Bisquick<br />
black pepper to taste<br />
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Preheat oven to 375.<br />
Mix together all the above ingredients.<br />
Roll mixture into golf ball size servings. <br />
Place onto an aluminum foil lined cookie sheet (that has been LIGHTLY sprayed with Pam).<br />
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(Make them smaller if you are serving for a party where you will have a handful of snickie snacks)<br />
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Let sit for a few minutes and then drain on paper towels before serving.<br />
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Heaven on a little plate!!! I promise you won't be able to eat just one! You can make half (but you won't want to).<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ham and Cheese Quiche</span></strong></div>
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1 frozen pie crust</div>
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1 cup diced ham</div>
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1-1/2 cups shredded cheese</div>
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1 teaspoon dried minced onion</div>
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1 cup half and half</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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salt and pepper to taste</div>
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place frozen crust in oven with aluminum foil covering. Bake for 5 minutes. Take foil off and bake for an additional 5 minutes.</div>
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While that is baking, in a bowl, mix together half and half, eggs, salt and pepper. </div>
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When crust is done, pull out of the oven.</div>
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Sprinkle the ham, cheese and minced onion in the bottom.</div>
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Pour egg and cream mixture over and place back in the oven.</div>
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Don't judge me for my broken crust. :)</div>
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Bake for 40 minutes or until custard is firm and cooked through. </div>
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Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.</div>
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So, here ya' have it y'all. Two staple southern recipes for you to try out, Enjoy! Post a comment and let me know what you think.</div>
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...I missed you too! ;)</div>
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Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-1016081092905884412013-02-22T14:35:00.001-08:002013-02-22T15:04:58.436-08:00National Margarita Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Checking in really quick... Nursing school has absorbed any time I have that I don't spend being a mama and a wife. Hope y'all are great!!!!!! Guess what...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy National Margarita Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">CHEERS!!!!!</span><br />
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Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-57284018426223271582013-01-06T11:40:00.000-08:002013-01-06T11:40:10.070-08:00Take the time....Happy New Year, y'all! I hope everyone has enjoyed the first few days of our new beginning. As everyone reflects on their new resolutions I thought I would share a few thoughts. I read somewhere the top resolutions are workout more, lose that unwanted fluffiness, quit smoking...but what I found so surprising was the top one on this list was spend more time with family. Hmm. It made me stop and assess my own life. That has never been a resolution for me. Why not? My family means the most to me. Why would I not resolve to spend more time with them? Is it because that before last year I have always lived with 15 miles from home? Maybe. Then I realized, maybe spending more time with family (for me) means reaching out more; reaching out to our extended family; not just blood but by the grace of friendship as well. <br />
<br />
As an only child as well as an Army brat, you learn early on that family is not necessarily someone who shares the same bloodline. I have family that I share no blood connection. I am sure you do too. The best part of this is that we CAN choose our family, just not all of them. :) When you are blessed to "choose" your family, hold onto them. Make sure they know you think of them often. Miles apart should not keep you from expressing your love for them. I am guilty of this myself. I have let 1000 miles draw me away from what was instilled in me at an early age. I know I should make sure that the people I love the most know it. <br />
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So, my resolution this year is to take the time to let the people that mean the most to me know how much I appreciate them in my life. I want to do this the old-fashioned way. I want to take the time to write quick notes to let them know how much they mean. My Grandma Winn (the epitome of a Southern Belle) always took the time to send a "just because" note. She was a super busy woman who truly never had a minute to spare, but she never let that on. She always made you feel your time was much more important than hers. I want to be like that. I want to take moments out of my busy schedule to let you know I care. <br />
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I challenge you to do the same. Take a moment or two and let someone you love know just how much they really mean to you. Life is a precious gift and can be snuffed out at any time. <br />
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Hope to hear from you soon! ;)Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-11065665601255269552012-12-31T11:42:00.002-08:002012-12-31T11:42:49.118-08:00Bring on the New Year!So, we survived Christmas 2012! This was the first Christmas I didn't spend with my family and it was different, but just as fun. I have found now that I have a little one of my own, it doesn't matter where you are, Santa always finds you! <br />
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With the holidays comes tons of baking and cooking loads of comfort foods! Instead of me attempting to be a good blogger, I am going to put a few recipes all on this post. Shoot me...I never said I would be great at this whole blogging thing. ;)<br />
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SOOO, let's talk chocolate pound cake!!! Bet I got your attention with that, now didn't I? I got this recipe from a Paula Deen cookbook a few years ago. It is worth every calorie....seriously!<br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Chocolate Chip Pound Cake</span></em></strong> </div>
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4 eggs<br />1-1/2 cups
water<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />1 package butter recipe cake mix<br />1
3.4 oz. pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix<br />1 3.4 oz. pkg. instant chocolate
pudding mix<br />1 stick melted butter<br />1/4 cup vegetable
oil<br />6-ounces chocolate chips<br />Powdered sugar for
dusting<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour a tube pan or bundt pan.
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, water, and vanilla on low. Stir in the cake
mix and pudding mixes. Slowly add the butter and oil, and mix well.</div>
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Stir in the
chocolate chips. Pour into the prepared pan.</div>
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Bake for 50-60 mins. Cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a cake plate. Sift
powdered sugar over the cake, or drizzle with chocolate sauce, if
desired.</div>
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Ahhh, chicken and dumplin's how I love thee! Nothing says comfort food like a big ol' bowl of steamy chicken and dumplin's. Fluffy dumplin's and a ever slightly salty and peppery broth makes this one of our family's favorite winter meals. The hubs won't eat chicken and dumplins if the temp rises above 70 degrees. Now, since he is gone the majority of the time little man and I will whip up a batch every now and then in the spring and fall. The secret to this recipe is NOT to stir the pot a bunch. It breaks down the starch and can make the dumplings kinda gummy.<br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Chicken and Dumplin's</span></em></strong></div>
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1 1/2 cup cooked chicken, chopped or shredded</div>
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butter</div>
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1 small onion, chopped</div>
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celery, chopped</div>
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carrot, chopped</div>
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1 32 oz. carton low-sodium chicken broth or (24oz. chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups water)</div>
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1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning</div>
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black pepper to taste</div>
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1 5-biscuit can</div>
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1/4-1/2 cup chicken gravy</div>
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</div>
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In a dutch oven, melt butter and saute onions, carrots, and celery (approx. 10 mins). </div>
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Add broth, poultry seasoning, pepper and chicken. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 mins.</div>
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On a flat surface, dust with flour and press biscuits approximately 1/4" thick. Cut into even strips about 1" wide with a pizza cutter.</div>
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Skim off any fat from from your broth mixture. Stir in chicken gravy. Drop dumplings into pot a few at a time. Slowly stir them all in and cover with a tight lid. Simmer for 10 more minutes. If not thick enough, mix 1 Tbs. cornstarch with cold water and slowly pour into pot. Stir. It will thicken. </div>
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Sorry I was so hungry I forgot to take a pic of the final product. :) Guess you will just have to make it to see!!!</div>
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We always have the same menu for Christmas supper... a spiral sliced Ham (except for this year it is always a Honeybaked Ham), broccoli cheese rice casserole, pea salad, and Parker house rolls. Now, we usually rotate mac & cheese, scalloped potatoes, mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole for our starch to round out our feast! This year I made broccoli cheese casserole and I have to say it was as good as Mama's (and that is saying a lot!). I forgot to take pics of the broccoli casserole, so I will post the recipe next time I make it unless one of you posts that you would like for me to share it sooner! But....I did take pics of the pea salad. It's one of the hubs favorite things to eat. The best thing is, it is SUPER easy to make!<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Mama's Pea Salad</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">1 16 oz. bag frozen baby/petite peas</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">4 green onions, sliced
thin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">¾ to 1 cup diced celery<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">2-3 hard boiled eggs,
chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">¾ to 1 cup mayonnaise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">1 jar diced pimentos,
drained well<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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1 <span style="font-size: 12pt;">8 oz. bag shredded cheese (we use Co-Jack)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mix all ingredients in a bowl and let it set for at least 8 hours (overnight is even better). Serve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">As we wrap up 2012, I wish all y'all the very best in 2013. May the new year be better than you ever wished for!</span></div>
Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-87409220234062656862012-11-19T14:56:00.002-08:002012-11-19T14:56:14.847-08:00I'm Back!!!!Soooo it has been forever since my last post. I have been running around like a crazy person down here! I have been studying like a mad woman, had a birthday, had family portraits taken (good Lord I need to invest in airbrush makeup), enrolled Little Man into karate and got ACCEPTED into nursing school! WHOOP! WHOOP! So, as you see, no rest for the weary! Ooh, I forgot to mention it has FINALLY started to cool off here in South Texas. Although, we hit a record of 90 degrees on my birthday, which is November 11th. Crazy, right? As I celebrated breaking out a couple of long sleeve tops, I decided we had waited long enough to start making "cold weather" food. So, what better dish to kick off the cooler weather than Creamy Potato Soup. Thank you baby Jesus for potato soup! I probably could eat this at least once a week. Along with cooler weather comes the beginning of holiday events. Being that it is close to Thanksgiving, Little Man's pre-K class had their Thanksgiving feast last Thursday. Since I obviously have plenty of time on my hands, I signed us up for dessert. I didn't want to do a pie, so I decided to do something a little more creative. I got the idea to create sugar cone cornucopias from Pinterest. So, I will show that below as well! So, I guess I should correct myself and say "Thank you baby Jesus for potato soup and Pinterest!!! Let's talk potato soup first. I have worked this recipe over and tweaked it to my taste. I hope you find it as comforting as I do!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Creamy Potato Soup</em></span></strong></div>
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4 cups cubed potatoes (red)<br />
1 cup chopped onion<br />
1 cup celery (I use the frawns/leaves at the top of the stalk too)<br />
64 oz. chicken stock (I use 32 oz. low sodium & 32 oz. regular)<br />
Pepper to taste<br />
1 Tbs. seasoned salt<br />
1 Tbs. dry parsley<br />
1 stick of butter<br />
1 cup flour<br />
2 cups half & half<br />
shredded cheese (4-6 oz)<br />
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In a dutch oven, combine first 7 ingredients. Bring to a boil and simmer 15 mins or until veggies are tender. <br />
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In a small saucepan, melt butter and add flout to make a roux. <br />
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Once at a boil, add cream. Add mixture to dutch oven. Add cheese and simmer for 20 more mins. I let mine simmer for the first 20 mins then put it on low and let it simmer for a few more hours.<br />
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Tada!!!<br />
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For the cornucopias, I got the idea from the blog <a href="http://makelifedelicious.com/2011/11/waffle-sugar-cone-cornucopia/" target="_blank">Makelifedelicious</a>. These are super simple and create a really cute presentation. When we took them in last week, the Principal stopped us and took a pic of our little creations. Needless to say, they were a huge hit!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Sugar Cone Cornucopias:</em></strong></span></div>
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To start, in a deep saucepan, bring 2" of water to a boil. Place a steamer on top. Drop a few cones in at a time (otherwise they will steam faster than you can reform them). Cover and let it sit for a minute or until the cones become pliable.</div>
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Take one cone out a time. With a wooden spoon, curl the tip of the cone around the spoon and let cool for a few seconds until it holds its form. You also may have to reshape the top of the cone back into a circle. Place on a cookie sheet to cool.</div>
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Once you have made all your cornucopias and they have cooled, fill them with chocolate candies (like M&M's) or a candy mix. To wrap them up, cut a piece of plastic wrap and then secure with ribbon of your choice. Told you it was easy!</div>
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Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-59487498807643289252012-10-26T14:15:00.001-07:002012-10-26T14:15:52.248-07:00Bakin' Bacon in the Oven!!!!The only smell better in the morning than coffee is the smell of bacon! I love the smoky, fatty smell. I love bacon!!! If bacon wouldn't take years off my life, I would eat it every day. Oh, and I HATE the mess it makes. Grease splattered everywhere....well it just sucks! I loathe cleaning up after a big breakfast because bacon grease seems to spray from one corner of the kitchen to the other. Sad thing is, my little man loves bacon as much as his mama does. If you ask him what he wants for breakfast, he will list of the smorgasbord he craves....like I am Waffle House or something. This "order" always includes bacon! So, I suck it up and make a big breakfast once a week. Now, let me let you in on a little secret about cooking bacon. I have heard in passing you can "fry" bacon in the oven. What?!?! Will it taste just as good as when it is fried in the cast iron skillet? Hold onto your shorts, girls...IT DOES! Who'd a thought, right? This has to be one of the best and worst discoveries I have made!!! Best being I can make it all the time without the clean up and worst is I can make it all the time! You are not going to believe how easy and yummy this is!<br />
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. On a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil, lay your bacon out side by side. <br />
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Slap those suckers in the oven for 15-18 minutes (I cooked mine for 17.5 minutes). When you first pull them out, they may not look crispy enough. They are.<br />
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Let them cool on a paper towel to absorb the excess grease. When you are ready to devour this beautiful sight, they will be ready and waiting to make you slap happy! </div>
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Now go grab you a pound, and getting to baking that bacon! There is about to be a bacon shortage. You don't want to miss out on this!</div>
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P.S. Pour your leftover grease into a jar and stick in the fridge to use for beans and such later. </div>
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Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-6630931058220011642012-10-22T15:09:00.000-07:002012-10-22T19:51:33.036-07:00Ho Ho Ho and it's only October!Is it just me or does Christmas come earlier and earlier every year? We are still days away from Halloween, but the stores have had Christmas stuff out for at least 3 weeks. Crazy! I guess I shouldn't judge these merchants. You see, I already made a Christmas wreath (hanging my head in shame). As a child, Christmas could never come soon enough. Now that I am a parent, it seems to creep right up on me! <br />
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Don't misunderstand me. I LOVE Christmas! It is my favorite holiday! I love that you get to spend time with the ones you love....and there is great food during this season. But what I also love about the season is the decorating! I love wreaths, candles, big bows, decorated packages, snowflakes, deer, Christmas displays and lights. Speaking of wreaths. Since we married in 2005, we have had a different wreath on our door each year. Maybe it's because I haven't found the perfect one, or I just like making a new one. Like I have mentioned before, I am addicted to Pinterest. Recently I saw pins that had a wreath made from rags (maybe burlap...I didn't click on the blog, just the picture). It was made to look like Santa's belly and belt. I loved it, but let's face it, I am not a rag kind of girl. It's just not my thing, but I wanted a wreath like that Santa belly.<br />
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This year, my best girlfriend Tina started making wreaths. She made the cutest Halloween and festive fall wreaths out of deco mesh. Have you used this stuff? It is a Christmas DIY'ers dream! She gave me the run down on how to manipulate the material and turn it into a masterpiece! She said if you can make a bow, you can make a wreath with deco! I also jumped on YouTube and watched several how to videos. So, I am going to be the sweet girl that I am and save you the time watching all these sweet ladies craft away. Below you will find a quick and easy way to make those beautiful full mesh wreaths. It took me about 45 minutes total. The one that I made is a simple design that can be built upon. So, tuck the kiddos in bed, grab you a glass of wine and get your wreath making on!<br />
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What you need:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 14" Styrofoam wreath (mine was pale green)</li>
<li>1 21" x 10 yd. roll of deco mesh, red</li>
<li>1 12" x 10 yd. roll of deco mesh, black</li>
<li>1 sheet of glitter foam in gold (I got mine at Michael's. I think it was 8x10)</li>
<li>1 package of floral pins</li>
<li>Gorilla glue or hot glue gun</li>
</ul>
OK, here we go:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Take your red mesh and gather the free end of the roll. With scissors cut the frayed edges off. Bundle the clean edge and pin to the back of the Styrofoam wreath. Secure it tightly. You will want to start toward the inside of your wreath form. We are going to make an inside and out run around the wreath.</li>
<li>Move your hand down the mesh about 12" from where you made your first pin. Gather and secure it to your wreath form about 3" from your last pin. You should get a nice fluffy "loop". </li>
<li>You will continue around the wreath. Once you have made a full turn around the wreath, don't cut the mesh, just move to the outside of your wreath form. I used the whole roll of red mesh.</li>
<li>Once you have completed securing your red mesh, set it to the side. It should look something like this... </li>
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<li> Next, pour yourself another glass of wine and check on the little ones.</li>
<li>OK, grab your black mesh. This is going to be Santa's belt. Unroll approximately 22-24". I gently held it around the wreath to get my exact measurement. It doesn't need to go all the way around; just long enough to be able to pin to the back of the wreath form..</li>
<li>Now that you have cut the length of your belt. Fold it in half width wise once, maybe twice depending on how wide you want the belt to be. I am going to warn you. It doesn't stay put easily. I had to lay it out on my kitchen counter and hold it down with water jugs and wine boxes. </li>
<li>Once you have it folded, bring in your red wreath and flip it over. Take your floral pins and secure the belt to the back of your wreath. I used two pins on each side.</li>
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<li>For the buckle, measure your belt width and cut a square to fit the dimensions (also round the corners). Next, I moved in about 1.5" and used a razor blade to cut the center square out.</li>
<li>Next, adhere your piece of cut foam to the center of your black belt.</li>
<li>Confession time....I didn't realize the foam was sticky underneath the backing (DON'T LAUGH!). So, I used Gorilla Glue (and a dab or two from my hot glue gun) to stick it on the belt. I don't know how secure the backing is, but I do know it's not going anywhere with my Gorilla Glue and hot glue gun!</li>
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Voila! You now have a cute Santa Belly Wreath! Ho! Ho! Ho!<br />
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Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-27862672485846949752012-10-21T15:19:00.001-07:002012-10-21T15:19:25.099-07:00For the love of dessertI have to admit, I have a HUGE sweet tooth! I love dessert! My hubby....not so much. There are a few desserts he will have a serving of. Peach cobbler, banana pudding and my strawberry shortcake trifle. Since we have yet to feel fall down here (it was 91 degrees yesterday), a strawberry treat sounded good. So, strawberry shortcake trifle it was! Hubs was home from the oilfield for the day, so I wanted to surprise him with something that he can't get off of a roach coach or at a corner store. Sad to say, but that is the "gourmet food" a lot of the guys out there are treated to. <br />
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Years ago, I came across a Paula Deen recipe for strawberry shortcake trifle. It was 4th of July and the strawberries were picked fresh from Adam's Farm just down the road from Mama's house. They have the best strawberries. Don't ask me why...maybe it's the red Georgia clay, or maybe cause they are grown from my hometown! Either way, they are wonderful! This dessert has become my go-to 4th of July dessert.<br />
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I use Ms. Paula's recipe but tweaked it to our liking. Either version is good...but I like mine best! Ha! Below is how I make it:<br />
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<ul class="kv-ingred-list1">
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 large angel food cake</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">3 tablespoons cornstarch</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin </li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup water</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 lb container fresh strawberries, cut in quarters (or you can use frozen strawberries, defrosted)</li>
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Directions:</h2>
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Slice cake, using a serrated knife, horizontally into 3 equal layers. </div>
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In a medium saucepan, stir together sugar, cornstarch, and gelatin; add water. Cook stirring over medium heat until thick. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Fold in strawberries. </div>
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Tear 1 layer of cake into big pieces and lay in a trifle bowl. Top with a layer of strawberry glaze, followed by a layer of cream cheese whipped topping mixture. Repeat layering in this order for remaining cake, glaze and creamy topping. Top cake with a few sliced strawberries. Refrigerate for a couple hours to let it set. <br />
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This is a picture of the one I made the other night. It is not my prettiest version but tasted just as good. I tore my cake pieces too small (I made them bite-sized) and they were weighed down by the custard.<br />
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Warning: This dish is rich and will have you going for seconds. Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-38560842466437415392012-10-13T08:30:00.000-07:002012-10-13T08:30:17.572-07:00Comfort in a CasseroleEven though it is still in the 90's outside here in Corpus Christi, I have been craving fall foods. Nothing is better than a bubbling casserole in the oven and the aroma filling the house. I love to buy rotisserie chickens from the grocery store. When my husband is gone, Little Man and I usually eat a quarter of it and then I bone the rest and freeze it for later. It usually yields about 3 cups. Yesterday I decided come hell or high water we are acting as if it is cooler weather. So, I pulled out a bag of frozen rotisserie chicken and went to work. At the end of last year, I was flipping through my Southern Living Magazine (January 2012) that had come in the mail (a mail highlight!). There was a recipe for King Ranch Chicken Macaroni and Cheese....WHAT?!?!?!? Hello, jackpot!!!! Living 45 minutes from the King Ranch, you find King Ranch Chicken everywhere! Now let's talk mac and cheese. Is there a better comfort food out there besides mac & cheese. No. So, when I saw that they had combined the two, I knew it would be heaven on a plate. The first time I made it I went by the book. It was good. I decided the second time around I would make a few changes....and make it mine. ;) So, here is my version:<br />
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3 Tbs. butter<br />
8 oz. pkg of cavatappi or your favorite short pasta<br />
1 medium onion, diced<br />
1 green pepper, diced<br />
1 (8oz.) package Mexican Velveeta<br />
3 cups rotisserie chicken chopped<br />
1 can cream of celery soup<br />
1/2-3/4 c sour cream<br />
1 tsp. Chili Powder<br />
1/2 tsp. Cumin<br />
1 - 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese<br />
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Preheat oven to 350. Prepare pasta according to package<br />
Meanwhile, melt butter in a large dutch oven over medium- medium high heat. Add onions and bell peppers and saute 5 minutes or until tender.<br />
Stir in Mexican Velveeta, stirring constantly until cheese is melted.<br />
Stir in soup, sour cream, chili powder, and cumin. <br />
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Add chicken and hot cooked pasta and mix together.<br />
Spoon mixture into a greased casserole dish. <br />
Sprinkle with shredded cheese<br />
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Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until golden bubbly!<br />
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This is yummy and comforting. You will love every bite that crosses your lips. Don't worry about the extra calories. It's fall after all!Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-15433796244644808532012-10-10T12:20:00.000-07:002012-10-11T17:43:31.228-07:00My name is Stacy and I am a Pinterest addictMy name is Stacy and I am a Pinterest addict. I am not sure what has come over me this last year. I keep pinning away all the projects I plan to do in the future. I don't deny I have a creative side that rears its head every now and then, but it seems to be a permanent resident now. Now, don't get me wrong. Mama always had some kind of hobby. She is very creative and was the BEST room mom a kid could have. Now in a world with Pinterest, she would have to fight hard for that title. <br />
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It's no secret I like to drink wine. OK, I really like wine. It's something I inherited from my daddy's side of the family. My uncle makes his own in the basement for crying out loud! It's only natural I love the stuff. I have to tell you a funny story. I ran into the corner store with my little guy to get him a juice before a road trip. As we walked toward the back of the store, we had to pass the wine display. My sweet child looked up at me and so innocently asked if we were getting me my "juice" too. Ha! Now that makes you a little uncomfortable. OK, back to Pinterest. I collect wine corks. I keep all of them. I like to use them as a display in the kitchen, but now have found I can be crafty with the excess that I can't fit in my vases on the shelf. I came across a handful of pins with the idea to glue used corks onto a letter. As any southern girl will tell you, we LOVE monograms! We have been known to monogram anything we can get our hands on...sheets, towels, wine glasses. You name it...we monogram it! So as you can see, this had to be a great idea. Let me share my new found craft:<br />
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What you need:<br />
a flat wooden letter (I got mine at Michael's...don't forget your coupon).<br />
80-100 corks (don't judge me)<br />
hot glue gun<br />
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I didn't have a method or layout for my corks. I "free handed" gluing them onto the letter. Your final product should come out something like the picture below.<br />
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As you can see, it makes cute wall art out of something most people throw away. So, not only are you crafty, you are saving the earth one bottle of wine at a time. Cheers!</div>
Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-59531798795871680732012-10-07T14:31:00.001-07:002012-10-07T14:38:24.351-07:00Margaritas and MagnoliasMargaritas and magnolias are two of my favorite things. A perfect world would be a huge backyard with towering magnolia trees and a swimmin' pool filled with margaritas! C'mon now, you know you would forward your mail there if it was a reality! I think the good Lord created these two wonderful things to bring joy to all southern girls. There is nothing better than the smell of magnolias blooming except for maybe the smell of a lime squeezed into a big ol' margarita. So, you Scentsy reps out there, let me know when you get a scent that smells like either of these.<br />
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We live in South Texas and there are no magnolia trees that I know of. If you see one, let me know. I miss them! Coming from Georgia, they are everywhere. I love the big white blooms and their waxy green leaves. I am sure that when a person thinks of greenery from the south, they picture a beautiful magnolia bloom. <br />
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I love to make a margarita but I do have a confession to make. Jose Cuervo makes a pre-made margarita: Jose Cuervo Golden Margarita. Now look, I have tasted margaritas everywhere. I might even toot my own horn and say I am a self proclaimed connoisseur of margaritas. This is the best bottled margarita I have found. How great it this, no need to run to the liquor store, no need to pull all the bottles out to mix up our favorite libation. Just open the fridge, grab the bottle and pour over ice. As a super busy mama, this is FABULOUS! Let me set the record straight, I am not hitting the bottle all the time, but I do enjoy my margaritas every once in awhile. So should you. <br />
<br />Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444256986318301894.post-1671842096949969352012-10-07T13:30:00.003-07:002012-10-07T13:30:45.297-07:00First DayDay 1....or should I say Blog 1. This is kind of like the first day at a new school. So, let me introduce myself. My name is Stacy Kay. I am from a town outside of Atlanta by the name of Peachtree City. It is a community in its own little bubble....think Stepford Wives meets the Truman Show while wheeling through life on a golf cart. With that said, I love where I come from and it will always be home. I am married to a full blooded Texan. In fact, we moved to Texas for his job last July...another story for another day. We were blessed to bring the cutest little man in our lives in 2008. Jackson is 4 going on 40 and full of spunk. I am a stay at home mom taking classes working on my nursing degree. If all this wasn't enough to keep me busy, I LOVE to cook and be creative. So, why not add a blog to my things to do. :)<br />
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I hope by starting this blog I will bring a little southern hospitality to your life. I love all things southern. From the food to the charm, I want to share it all with you. So, pull up a chair and stay awhile.Stacy Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223737124245547268noreply@blogger.com1