tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70463503118227744642024-03-13T16:41:23.890-04:00ChickenvilleDelicious family friendly recipes and tales of our backyard poultry flock - yes chickens in our suburban backyard!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.comBlogger299125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-41033763993872968192015-07-17T20:00:00.000-04:002015-07-17T20:00:05.223-04:00Watermelon Feta Salad<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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This is the opposite of complicated. It's so simple, it's not really a recipe. It's the perfect dish to bring to a summertime gathering. I just served it at our family reunion and was reminded how much people like it.<br />
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<u>Ingredients</u><br />
Half a seedless watermelon, cut into chunks<br />
6-8 oz of crumbled feta (or blue) cheese<br />
Bunch of fresh mint leaves, minced<br />
Balsamic vinegar<br />
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Put watermelon chunks, cheese and mint into a large bowl and toss together. Drizzle balsamic over top if desired. You can also add strawberries to this salad if you like.<br />
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This year we celebrated four years old with a Minnie's Bowtique birthday party. We brought three other little girls over for a pampering fun time!</div>
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We decorated minnie mouse sugar cookies because these girls are all so SWEET.</div>
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Then we had a spa visit complete with shopping experience too. The girls were each given a minnie bag and were allowed to pick from the jewelry and hair items on the table (including Minnie ear headbands). Then they placed their spa treatment order with the big girls. They got to have fingernails and toenails painted and lip gloss applied! I think they all loved it. </div>
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The funniest part was the hair salon. I got my hands on my Grandmother's old hair dryer bag and set it up. It still works and the kids thought it was a riot! They couldn't believe it was a hair dryer and just cracked up.</div>
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Of course we ended the party with a Minnie Mouse cake. It was strawberry lemonade flavor cake with strawberry icing. Abigail really wanted a "tall cake" so I did two small layers and split those with icing in between (cause we really didn't need a bunch of cake). I cut the Minnie heads out of fondant with the big end of a some icing tips. The pink bow is piped on as are the white polka dots. The pearl necklace around the bottom is made from large candy coated chocolate beads that I found at Walmart. The Minnie topper was from a toy Mamaw gave Abigail last year while she was in the hospital. That toy cemented her love of Minnie Mouse.<br />
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We did celebrate her birthday at preschool too. For that day I made cupcakes (easier to serve). They were topped with pink swirled icing and little white candy balls. Then I used mini oreos for the ears and a (new to me) product called candy clay for the bow. I tinted the clay pink and hand formed the bows with two pieces of clay. One piece was shaped like a long oval and I pinched that in the middle. Then I rolled out a little tiny snake and wrapped it around the pinched part.<br />
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Happy Birthday my crazy daughter!</div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-67767199709170669992014-11-10T10:48:00.000-05:002014-11-21T10:48:57.526-05:00Arrghh! Walk the Plank! - Happy (late) Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I almost forgot to post our annual Halloween photo. This year we went as pirates because I already had the costumes. When Abigail was granted her wish from Make A Wish, we knew there would be a Pirates In the Caribbean night on the cruise. I scoured our dress up box and some thrift stores to come up with costumes. I wanted us all to tie in together, so I also purchase some "piratey" fabric and made some matching items to finish the costumes. With all of this time and effort invested, I knew we needed a reason to wear them again...tadaa...Halloween costumes!<br />
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We made these incredibly cute Olaf soaps for teacher gifts this year. The idea was based on what we had previously done with the <a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2012/01/soap-snowballs-with-surprise.html">soap snowballs</a>. This time, we took it up a notch and formed OLAF!!<br />
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We first, formed the head and body parts and stacked them together while they were still wet. Like an actual snowman, you need to have some "flatness" where the parts meet so they will stay together. The next day, while the soap was still soft, but not wet, we gently inserted the twigs we cut from our bushes. The hair twigs were short little things and the arm twigs had to have forks in the end to qualify. Then we took a break and left them out on the porch for a week or so.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60yBP0jCCWnqZyrA5aTAOvmloniUCQS5yKOhkTEmmv-F5iV-c-olQYWsw3WFLR-eFgYU01eywzKx3xRJEf0MVT_uBGqFhhKyNYczFDUaG6kiSO9VFNWqm0M1OgUUgCWPpxKUlVbRhepo8/s1600/IMG_4651-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60yBP0jCCWnqZyrA5aTAOvmloniUCQS5yKOhkTEmmv-F5iV-c-olQYWsw3WFLR-eFgYU01eywzKx3xRJEf0MVT_uBGqFhhKyNYczFDUaG6kiSO9VFNWqm0M1OgUUgCWPpxKUlVbRhepo8/s1600/IMG_4651-001.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We purchased Sculpey clay in black and orange and we formed LOTS of buttons, eyes, and noses. The eyes were just round balls, the buttons were flat sort-of hexagons and the noses were bent cone shapes. We baked the clay in the oven and then glued (with Elmers so it would come off when wet) them in the appropriate places. We could have made his tooth too, but I forgot to buy the white and then the kids ran out of steam!<br />
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When Olaf's body was dry and harden, we boxed him up in a clear plastic PVC 5"x5"x7" container with a fancy drink umbrella glued to his hand, and a summery napkin behind for the background. We used playdough for his towel underneath (and a little more glue) to keep him from sliding around on the slippery gold "sand" bottom of the box.<br />
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Once his was all boxed up, the kids added a sun shaped tag cut with my sister-in-laws Cricut that said, "Teachers have fun... IN SUMMER!!" Soooo excited to give it them away to our deserving teachers next week!<br />
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Here's what you need if YOU want to make soapy Olafs...<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fromchape-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B000H6QR8Q&asins=B000H6QR8Q&linkId=O3NXM2MAACWR56RF&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fromchape-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0077CEJR4&asins=B0077CEJR4&linkId=5H3VDO4Y47JJLO37&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fromchape-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00HMGHC1K&asins=B00HMGHC1K&linkId=AT5YU2JX6P4C6LUH&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fromchape-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0045KZOB6&asins=B0045KZOB6&linkId=7RR3EM4FRV7JT2OM&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfcC-SndseUjWZ5-rmvD5cgKoNH8j58ATwN-Vhx4oIy_N-ngMKXf09arKQWrEeWBodAkqLJyOkZ-zsLinfHoN-K3voUBMNNs8t2Lvr-Dk5UslFjIbLJ1fqNNsLks9-N-CSnayA7BMzY7G/s1600/IMG_4477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfcC-SndseUjWZ5-rmvD5cgKoNH8j58ATwN-Vhx4oIy_N-ngMKXf09arKQWrEeWBodAkqLJyOkZ-zsLinfHoN-K3voUBMNNs8t2Lvr-Dk5UslFjIbLJ1fqNNsLks9-N-CSnayA7BMzY7G/s1600/IMG_4477.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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We are still struggling with our younger son around here. Last year, in the midst of everything with Abigail, he was diagnosed with ADHD. He has manic moments and has a really hard time in group settings. After a few weeks in kindergarten, the school suggested I move him to a Special Ed class. Whew - that was a hard one and while I was in the middle of chemo appointments! Still, once I got over myself (cause really it was only hard for me to swallow) I saw how the class was a much better place for Andrew. I adore his teachers and the sweet (only six) kids he is in class with. When his birthday rolled around, he wanted to invite "the boys only" to his birthday party. I came up with the idea of having a Camo Party and decided this one would be pretty low key. I mean, after all, this is the kid that doesn't do well with crowds or chaos! :)</div>
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Everything was outside, including the food. We set out real army facepaint and said anyone could use it (I think only Andrew and his Daddy did). I had some MRE's for decoration - pretty gross to actually eat. We had some army flak jackets for the kids to try on - they are soooo heavy.<br />
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After they dressed out, we had lunch. It was tang, sloppy joes, mac and cheese, Frito's, asparagus spears and clementines. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarVxKlwW5yFKeE7WTalRpe202k5oh3blhJBtl9z_3JD9NlBbcJBaxvXnit3owj4Npark_jcvDBGgRqoBFjPt0Se0oayZuw9nB7M2UI5cWRnAT7cI0UwgTHqPU-n-d5Q4wPE6lmj9Zvxub/s1600/IMG_4473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarVxKlwW5yFKeE7WTalRpe202k5oh3blhJBtl9z_3JD9NlBbcJBaxvXnit3owj4Npark_jcvDBGgRqoBFjPt0Se0oayZuw9nB7M2UI5cWRnAT7cI0UwgTHqPU-n-d5Q4wPE6lmj9Zvxub/s1600/IMG_4473.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET_WvCMQFnG1R_a6OCKEPrvpjBfPgrpDl2xOSzRNQ6S5GLYrr_M4DYtB_GLo-J13wU13ricAi-u1wk0Y8Ke91AyJvLA5EkwveS_kZoCSxUiJ2kk0x7VUOvpwCHfUUclCpK64wSlkOzLli/s1600/IMG_4471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET_WvCMQFnG1R_a6OCKEPrvpjBfPgrpDl2xOSzRNQ6S5GLYrr_M4DYtB_GLo-J13wU13ricAi-u1wk0Y8Ke91AyJvLA5EkwveS_kZoCSxUiJ2kk0x7VUOvpwCHfUUclCpK64wSlkOzLli/s1600/IMG_4471.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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After lunch my husband set up an obstacle course for the kids and just let them run wild. I think they all had a great time and were definitely exhausted when they left.<br />
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For the camo cake, I tried a new technique. I made the colors of icing and crumb coated the cake. then I squeezed blobs of icing in random shapes with a large hole tip. I let that set up and then used a high density foam roller to "meld" the colors together. I was not happy with this technique. It often picked up the icing or smooshed it too hard even when I being gentle. I finally gave up and went back to the trusty paper towel method. It's not a smooth finish when you look up close, but it's good enough for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYtGJtvNPsyLefC7E9wQdN01lHqn8ZBxGhoWenN1VVoxlDKwORQN-FucCHI1jS4heqgqkH7L6XqIl5scg495CBTvedAHyps8YXYSsvT36HVDuiqXVIfu0Ntyt8pCxuGvfeQouUhr1cu4e/s1600/IMG_4477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYtGJtvNPsyLefC7E9wQdN01lHqn8ZBxGhoWenN1VVoxlDKwORQN-FucCHI1jS4heqgqkH7L6XqIl5scg495CBTvedAHyps8YXYSsvT36HVDuiqXVIfu0Ntyt8pCxuGvfeQouUhr1cu4e/s1600/IMG_4477.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22XrQ1oi97nMFTH-SsPM-U_wcgu29kl4iY6QhX1hVNltViyy-tbLO5rSOSYK3IAmLD-aaL4-05IlIndQXhlnlFDIyx71YCnkzz_WaQGvxhuFl8yPp5Q0gxfW_FjIRok0pQulMJFAG5d34/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22XrQ1oi97nMFTH-SsPM-U_wcgu29kl4iY6QhX1hVNltViyy-tbLO5rSOSYK3IAmLD-aaL4-05IlIndQXhlnlFDIyx71YCnkzz_WaQGvxhuFl8yPp5Q0gxfW_FjIRok0pQulMJFAG5d34/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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Preserved Brain Cake...just what everyone needs at a Mad Scientist party. </div>
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As promised, I am posting photos of birthday parties. I'm not doing much other posting, but if you join me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/From-Chapel-Hill-to-Chickenville/459410810299">Facebook</a>, I am posting my weekly dinner menus. Tonight was steak with a Greek barley salad and edamame. I'm hoping you will come over there and tell me what YOU had for dinner too.</div>
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When Banana Girl said she wanted a Mad Scientist Birthday party WITH her best friend - I (of course) said, "yes!". It was a riot. I did the food and the other Mommy did the awesome science experiments. the girls had a super fun time. And they actually learned a few things along the way.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVEj8_c1hjrF_34HzPtzX6LALuUK6bDtFQYZEpJTYX_8oKiL5lYfhy8bnI0i4nouTy0FothzUejsBUn1cKQcxsq2YSot2RQ0-Yf41HAG21J-vg-d_1fPZK7cvbJhm6qh2ihmIaHDD6ZWu/s1600/1012535_10202362853567976_1020172925_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVEj8_c1hjrF_34HzPtzX6LALuUK6bDtFQYZEpJTYX_8oKiL5lYfhy8bnI0i4nouTy0FothzUejsBUn1cKQcxsq2YSot2RQ0-Yf41HAG21J-vg-d_1fPZK7cvbJhm6qh2ihmIaHDD6ZWu/s1600/1012535_10202362853567976_1020172925_n.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Don't you love the backdrop and the labcoats?? Donated by the Grandma and perfect for the occasion!</div>
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Please excuse the photos - they were taken in a garage at night. With all of these experiments we felt like the garage was the best place to set up.<br />
<br />
We made slime - easy and a BIG hit. We packaged a little bit up in petri dishes for them to take home as part of their goodie bag.<br />
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We made "elephant toothpaste". This was pretty cool until the kids wanted to start playing with it. What a mess!<br />
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We made "milk fireworks", learning about oil and water in techicolor.<br />
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The dry ice was a big hit around the punch bowl. Notice the double helix cheese sticks?? We also served: Dissected chicken (whole roasted chickens), Amoeba Porridge (corn pudding), Radioactive Mush (orange colored mashed potatoes), DNA strands (green beans), and Cultured Worms (jello with gummie worms in petri dishes). I made little cards with the names on them and some test tube graphics.</div>
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We also served (the famous ever used) chip and dip tray filled with little goodies so the kids could make their own molecules. There were things like: mini marshmallows, grape tomatoes, grapes, dates, gumdrops and toothpicks to set it all up. I was really impressed at what some kids created!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDF5ZBtpodfw26SBdyfh-CCYajHsbZhguZLUytVUYkk_cDiAsv7nfFRk294tPE80ZZzfzcGK_UIsdXYihb_wXoD94IH8tCeSyapRbu_2JtnT_es2ANlHsLViQBjAxJeXZZa3Hy7THmOtZ/s1600/1688466_10202362842247693_1650138348_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDF5ZBtpodfw26SBdyfh-CCYajHsbZhguZLUytVUYkk_cDiAsv7nfFRk294tPE80ZZzfzcGK_UIsdXYihb_wXoD94IH8tCeSyapRbu_2JtnT_es2ANlHsLViQBjAxJeXZZa3Hy7THmOtZ/s1600/1688466_10202362842247693_1650138348_n.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a><br />
Details of the cake, if you ever need to make BRAINS!! This would be a great cake for Halloween or a doctor.<br />
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The key with brains is to not cross the middle line and keep them moving in swirls.<br />
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-11928795752642790082014-01-31T22:35:00.000-05:002014-01-31T22:35:10.389-05:00Cancer Free!!!!!! (oh and, Jeweled Black Bean Dip)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Thank you for all of your prayers, cards and virtual flowers. We have made it through cancer and out to the other side. Abigail is doing well and is gaining back weight. She is officially cancer free! She will have three years of follow up, but we couldn't have asked for a better result. I am so grateful to God, the doctors and all of our friends and family who supported us. It really DID take a village. I wish I could thank all of you who helped us, I couldn't have done it without you. Each of you said, "Oh it's nothing", but added up it was a HUGE something!<br />
<br />
I am going to be posting very little for this year of 2014 since I have decided to enjoy the last year of my preschooling time, but I do want to record fun birthday parties and a few special recipes - mostly to keep in one place for myself!! ;)<br />
<br />
During the dark days of chemo, so many people brought us great meals. I mean...De...lish..us! I won't ever be able to thank those of you who helped us enough. It was so amazing to be cared for.<br />
<br />
There were meals that we received that I've made over and over. This recipe was one of them and it has become an often requested one (thank you sweet Katie). In fact, I will be making it AGAIN on Sunday for the ten year old's Super Bowl party. (YES! - we ARE back into full fledged party mode and love being able to have people over.)<br />
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<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Jeweled Black Bean Dip</span></h2>
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
2 minced cloves of garlic<br />
3 tbsp minced onion<br />
2 tsp salt<br />
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper<br />
2 tbsp sugar<br />
1/2 c olive oil<br />
6 tbsp fresh lime juice<br />
1 tsp lime zest<br />
1/2 c chopped fresh cilantro<br />
30 oz of black beans (rinsed and drained if you are using canned)<br />
1 1/2 c of corn, fresh or frozen thawed<br />
2 diced red bell peppers<br />
1 pomegranate, seeded<br />
2 avocados, rough chopped (do not use overripe ones)<br />
<br />
Combine first 9 ingredients in a glass jar and shake OR put all except oil in a bowl and then slowly whisk in the oil to the rest of ingredients.<br />
<br />
Combine beans, corn, peppers, and pomegranate seeds in a bowl and pour dressing over top. You can let this sit for a few hours or overnight. Then right before you serve it, chop the avocados and stir in gently.<br />
<br />
Serve with tortilla chips.<br />
<a href="http://s833.photobucket.com/albums/zz252/fromchapelhilltochickenville/?action=view&current=Signature-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz252/fromchapelhilltochickenville/Signature-2.jpg" height="64" width="320" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-30627175625849496192013-06-05T17:33:00.005-04:002013-06-05T17:33:43.999-04:00The Straw that Broke the Camel's Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have debated whether or not to post this. This is first and formost a recipe blog and I know you are coming for that. However, it is also a little of my life and what's going on. I've already shared with you about my <a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2013/04/honey-wheat-seeded-bread.html">Dad's cancer</a> and <a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2013/02/butternut-squash-bean-chili.html">my Father-in-law's car accident</a>, and how each of those events sent us into shock and sadness.<br />
<br />
Today I've decided to be blunt in desperation. This might be the straw that breaks me.<br />
<br />
Today I am reeling.<br />
<br />
Today I am in the hospital with my sweet baby girl, our youngest one, the two year old, <a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2012/10/sesame-street-birthday-party_28.html">she of the Sesame Street party.</a> She has been diagnosed with kidney cancer.<br />
<br />
We came to the emergency dept<br />
and we now reside in the oncology ward.<br />
<br />
Shock.<br />
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We would love to have your prayers for our little girl. We are depending on God and the amazing doctors to pull her through this. Yesterday was removal of her kidney and all went well. Today is recovering from surgery and getting rid of some of those tubes. Down the road is potentially chemo.<br />
<br />
A share this burden with you as a reminder to give all of your loved ones a hug today and let them know how special they are.<br />
<br />
You just never know what might happen.<br />
<a href="http://s833.photobucket.com/albums/zz252/fromchapelhilltochickenville/?action=view&current=Signature-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="64" src="http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz252/fromchapelhilltochickenville/Signature-2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-91134758199172624932013-05-30T17:57:00.000-04:002013-05-30T17:57:00.133-04:00Cranberry Cheesecake Shakes<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw7IhyX7-YlZeMZyvwtYXrMijbkeiSOggwAC1Y5kx4S7s_8coXywtp-ymx4C6gpOECTbmpdBaFo_dv_1EnMs0biKKBGZnOagkWclrGXOy7WK8CfdwWnWz5oYZK806-Tyqq15HUUuO0TXX/s1600/DSC_0218.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw7IhyX7-YlZeMZyvwtYXrMijbkeiSOggwAC1Y5kx4S7s_8coXywtp-ymx4C6gpOECTbmpdBaFo_dv_1EnMs0biKKBGZnOagkWclrGXOy7WK8CfdwWnWz5oYZK806-Tyqq15HUUuO0TXX/s640/DSC_0218.JPG" width="582" /></a> </div>
This was a start of the summer treat for my kids. It turned out with a beautiful pink color that would make a great drink for a girls summer party. Frosty pink happiness!<br />
<br />
I keep cranberries in my freezer year round, because I love their tartness and they freeze so well. And then I always have cranberries to make <a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2010/09/cranberry-coffee-cake.html">Cranberry Coffee Cake</a> or <a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-friends-cranberry-pumpkin-spice.html">Cranberry Spice Granola</a> or good old fashioned cranberry relish, which should not be relegated to just the Thanksgiving table.<br />
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I remembered years ago I tore a page out of Family Fun for a cranberry milkshake. I thought it was a little strange, but why not? Today was finally the day to make them. All the kids liked the recipe, since ice cream before dinner is a big deal. I think next time I'll actually make them with ricotta cheese instead of the cream cheese. I also used sweetened almond milk which I think added another layer of flavor, but you could use the original plain milk.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Cranberry Cheesecake Shakes</span><br /><span style="color: #e06666;">
1 c cranberries</span><br /><span style="color: #e06666;">
1 1/2 c almond milk</span><br /><span style="color: #e06666;">
2 tsp vanilla</span><br /><span style="color: #e06666;">
3 oz cream cheese or ricotta cheese</span><br /><span style="color: #e06666;">
vanilla ice cream</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #e06666;">
Put the cranberries and milk in the blender. Pulse until smooth and a beautiful pink. Add vanilla and cheese, pulse again. Add enough ice cream to fill the blender and make a thick rich shake. </span><br />
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You could also add some vanilla whey protein powder to this one easily.</span><br />
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<a href="http://s833.photobucket.com/albums/zz252/fromchapelhilltochickenville/?action=view&current=Signature-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="64px" src="http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz252/fromchapelhilltochickenville/Signature-2.jpg" width="320px" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-22993203892752682232013-05-24T21:08:00.000-04:002013-05-24T21:08:12.212-04:00Shark and Beach Cupcakes<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawNZwqPUCxJPbeXOK96RBzCetnXnWpuUQ3s7G8jHUmOyI4evi8Fc-T5IeYJlTU4gr-ql4FZbfqnviso-70hdE9eqRYGQEI6l7-2X9ozBsJLfovfnl85-dewwRn1-sTDUXEKHWOgJ5CKlw/s1600/DSC_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawNZwqPUCxJPbeXOK96RBzCetnXnWpuUQ3s7G8jHUmOyI4evi8Fc-T5IeYJlTU4gr-ql4FZbfqnviso-70hdE9eqRYGQEI6l7-2X9ozBsJLfovfnl85-dewwRn1-sTDUXEKHWOgJ5CKlw/s640/DSC_0436.JPG" width="544" /></a></div>
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Aren't these little guys so cute? End of the year meant we needed some summertime cupcakes according to Banana Girl. She insisted on sharks "for the boys" and "beach for the girls". I'm not sure that all were eaten according to her rules, but I know the kids enjoyed them.</div>
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The beach cupcakes are icing and then sprinkled with crushed ginger cookies (which I think taste better than graham crackers, but either would work). Add a little Teddy Graham bear and a drink umbrella that I picked up from the grocery store and...total cuteness!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiZ0R94o3BiU2bbA_SizHcp9o1ApJVRtaLUN4CD2mnpmb-axCc9Oc1ve_zVN9LHbdFmMdYWyI5N37V-mkgzX3NiQQOGqrvH6G3d84XUh76MzgxbITW-rUhfn7s7p0FM6kz7fRJ3BXGJ6K/s1600/DSC_0434.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiZ0R94o3BiU2bbA_SizHcp9o1ApJVRtaLUN4CD2mnpmb-axCc9Oc1ve_zVN9LHbdFmMdYWyI5N37V-mkgzX3NiQQOGqrvH6G3d84XUh76MzgxbITW-rUhfn7s7p0FM6kz7fRJ3BXGJ6K/s640/DSC_0434.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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The sharks were just as easy. Ice the cupcake with blue tinted frosting and make sure to leave peaks for yours waves. Cut out blue shark fins and insert them into the frosting right before serving. If you do it ahead of time the icing will create grease stains on the paper. You could go all out and create fondant fins, but I was a taking the easy way out on this one!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx86NthL31m9K8qBl4vEFFr-xmheNktF08E3M-ApGWRRoZjVPXYCxEmNuususyxSL5F6CQ_dLULezbzAxpdoM3iVc3k3nOE7qbZYiRZ7P-F3FDT-elUpU_mCFuTsakv9sI3FmRGl4loEuI/s1600/DSC_0432.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx86NthL31m9K8qBl4vEFFr-xmheNktF08E3M-ApGWRRoZjVPXYCxEmNuususyxSL5F6CQ_dLULezbzAxpdoM3iVc3k3nOE7qbZYiRZ7P-F3FDT-elUpU_mCFuTsakv9sI3FmRGl4loEuI/s640/DSC_0432.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Happy Summer!<br />
<a href="http://s833.photobucket.com/albums/zz252/fromchapelhilltochickenville/?action=view&current=Signature-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="64" src="http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz252/fromchapelhilltochickenville/Signature-2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-78792934538649520222013-05-23T08:30:00.000-04:002013-05-24T21:08:54.963-04:00Charlotte's Web Party<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXD1JSBJ80m7K7ItG5VjK0iIE1Xck7IRZ5Hf8YdMoegIqcZvUAW58uBopEWvpiaTNDxWOwVKmtuvo0q_a6yQ4wZvRXl-EnUOTN6GehAqcEdABGeW1oY2BJtaDnHws_hGnRrC-VLzUmRr3/s1600/DSC_0399.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXD1JSBJ80m7K7ItG5VjK0iIE1Xck7IRZ5Hf8YdMoegIqcZvUAW58uBopEWvpiaTNDxWOwVKmtuvo0q_a6yQ4wZvRXl-EnUOTN6GehAqcEdABGeW1oY2BJtaDnHws_hGnRrC-VLzUmRr3/s640/DSC_0399.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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I quickly wanted to share these pictures of a Charlotte's Web cake I made for my oldest child's end of the year play. For the most part it was an easy cake: a sheet cake on the bottom, another sheet cake cut into a barn on the top (use chopsticks or dowels to secure the barn). Chocolate cookie crumb path, pretzel fences and plastic Little People barn animals.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQHmwfbb0n6Isz8CVFJBg1OLkuVlnUelW8QPBwrWw89uft-IkElOQ1vhMXRmjr2XN_u6rq2JeLEnwu1SuqlZuf1ha61vx_LoE0VN08EqEIvb98xQe6-d5LlRMxyc-ESJANs9uG4jFIZRd/s1600/DSC_0400.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQHmwfbb0n6Isz8CVFJBg1OLkuVlnUelW8QPBwrWw89uft-IkElOQ1vhMXRmjr2XN_u6rq2JeLEnwu1SuqlZuf1ha61vx_LoE0VN08EqEIvb98xQe6-d5LlRMxyc-ESJANs9uG4jFIZRd/s640/DSC_0400.JPG" width="640" /></a>I also made brownie spiders with a billion black melting candy legs that all fell off and broke in transit! Sometimes things just don't work out the way you hope.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I'll share <a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2013/05/shark-and-beach-cupcakes.html">the shark and beach cupcakes</a> I made for the other kid's end of year party tomorrow.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3whEvSRPdyIgxnPoPRJBQ2LBUotrS5C1-KLwmsMnZFRFxZJ-NcPyE3L8NPI9VyFpZY5N6Q9EL5ankWkRiE0bXWHpjnOvZ0_MsjLk3k4LQy2ujDZvXNdwOXO-uB8BJgI_bSkr07OMv8LD3/s1600/DSC_0402.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3whEvSRPdyIgxnPoPRJBQ2LBUotrS5C1-KLwmsMnZFRFxZJ-NcPyE3L8NPI9VyFpZY5N6Q9EL5ankWkRiE0bXWHpjnOvZ0_MsjLk3k4LQy2ujDZvXNdwOXO-uB8BJgI_bSkr07OMv8LD3/s640/DSC_0402.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-14811528774708338172013-04-18T15:30:00.002-04:002013-04-18T15:30:13.340-04:00Honey Wheat Seeded Bread<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjch1NxAMqzSgI8X4NgPlPIyeetgGgY0DpIcIR8BXOnPGBlpRKRy6C0jOLiogu6uUBweJDS9zqZo8N4y4JVEapwNUkZsXiWeaonCDuZG09reMtzZehHY5p4TT4uaR3qOdUGCa2cAb0Zal-8/s1600/Jan+112.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjch1NxAMqzSgI8X4NgPlPIyeetgGgY0DpIcIR8BXOnPGBlpRKRy6C0jOLiogu6uUBweJDS9zqZo8N4y4JVEapwNUkZsXiWeaonCDuZG09reMtzZehHY5p4TT4uaR3qOdUGCa2cAb0Zal-8/s640/Jan+112.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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This is my Dad's favorite bread recipe. Because of that, it has a special place in my heart. While my father-in-law is recovering from his car accident amazingly, <a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2013/02/butternut-squash-bean-chili.html" target="_blank">my Dad is not getting better</a>. He is still in experimental treatments and wondering what will happen next. I'm so impressed with the way Mom and he are handling all of this...one day at a time. I'm grateful for whatever time we have left, but it's hard to think about what's happening inside his body. Cancer is so unpredictable...it pretty much sucks. Some of the things he loved to eat before, don't even taste good to him anymore. That's where the bread comes in.<br />
<br />
If there is anything I can do to make Dad's life a little happier right now, I'm all for it. And this bread seems to make him happy. Sometimes it's as simple as a loaf of fresh bread. It's really all I can do.<br />
<br />
I love you Dad.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>Honey Wheat Seeded Bread</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Ingredients</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">2 packets yeast (or two tbsp)<br />1 c warm water<br />1 1/2 c warm milk<br />2 eggs<br />1/2 c honey<br />1/4 c sugar<br />2 tsp salt<br />1/4 c oil<br />3 c wheat flour<br />2 c white flour (or go all wheat)<br />1/4 c wheat germ</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">1/4 c sesame seeds<br />1/4 c sunflower seeds<br />1 egg white<br />water<br /><br />Combine water</span><span style="color: #20124d;"> and yeast in a glass measuring cup to allow yeast to proof
{For specifics on bread making and yeast,</span><span id="goog_159333378"></span><span style="color: #20124d;"> <a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2012/02/soft-pretzel-bites-src-recipe.html" target="_blank">see this post</a></span><span style="color: #20124d;"><span id="goog_159333379"></span>.} The water should feel warm to your fingers, but not hot.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Once your yeast is
proofed (or should that be "proved itself") pour it into a large stand mixer bowl. Add the milk, honey, sugar, salt and oil. Blend together. Add the wheat flour and blend together using a dough hook on the mixer. Add 1 cup of the white flour and reserve the rest of the flour. Add the wheat germ and seeds. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">You want to knead the dough
in the mixer for about 5 minutes until the it's smooth, adding small amounts of
the remaining 1 cup of flour a little at a time until the dough pulls away from
the sides of the bowl, forming a ball. You may not use all of the flour if it's
a dry day or you may need a little more if it's a humid day outside, but
you shouldn't vary more than 1/2 c more or less in what you need. <br /><br />Put your dough into a greased bowl
and cover it loosely with plastic wrap. Let it sit in a warm place until it
doubles in bulk. This should take around 1 hour unless your kitchen is pretty
cold. You can figure out if yeast bread is ready with the </span><a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2012/02/soft-pretzel-bites-src-recipe.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #20124d;">poke test</span></a><span style="color: #20124d;">. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">When
the dough passes the poke test, you need to gently deflate it by folding it or
"punching" it down. Then let the dough rest for 5 minutes or
so (which means just leave it alone for a few minutes).</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Cut dough into two portions and shape into loaves. Put in greased loaf pans and cover loosely again. Let rise for 30 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">To make the top look pretty, brush it with a little egg white and water wash (which means use fork to mix some egg white and water). Then sprinkle on oatmeal, seeds, wheat germ. The egg wash works like glue and holds it all on the top - looking like it came from a fancy bakery.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Cool on racks.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9zmxb6GbqPgOthS4nsLQeXKeViQCozepEmJVXPqb38TKq2wGMFsg-eXNb3YsSGwRsQS076EuOQY5sNHxM1dLGvikpyRfxScIvwAKWzMTi2PI4BPA6Ny2trzH6XBHONyOQMMSbeGKsUF3/s1600/Jan+114.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9zmxb6GbqPgOthS4nsLQeXKeViQCozepEmJVXPqb38TKq2wGMFsg-eXNb3YsSGwRsQS076EuOQY5sNHxM1dLGvikpyRfxScIvwAKWzMTi2PI4BPA6Ny2trzH6XBHONyOQMMSbeGKsUF3/s400/Jan+114.JPG" /></a> </div>
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Try giving this loaf of fresh bread to someone you love. Wait til it cools, then wrap in in plastic wrap. Then put it in a old citrus/ apple mesh bag. Tie the ends with pretty ribbon and you have a wonderful gift and you didn't spend a lot of money. Those mesh bags are also great <a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2012/05/healthy-drinkable-teacher-gifts.html" target="_blank">for smoothie gifts</a> and assorted other ideas - like homemade pot scrubbers. How do you repurpose them?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-64930187429434343282013-04-09T21:40:00.000-04:002013-04-18T15:16:19.276-04:00Giveaway to Publix! $25 Gift Card - Closed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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CONGRATULATIONS to the winner...Gina!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabNUDACq8cZs5Mhl1rVASH0hLdXfbzHyLeI2rI3_coJ-Z06b7GswsxXLdeokGEGZT9H6_NupEHaiQ5qv8TojP0w1d_vaO0JT1XCg-EoB3n50u2NE8lOHU0gfqFLonC6W9Pfky7FgPLmnY/s1600/publix+gift+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabNUDACq8cZs5Mhl1rVASH0hLdXfbzHyLeI2rI3_coJ-Z06b7GswsxXLdeokGEGZT9H6_NupEHaiQ5qv8TojP0w1d_vaO0JT1XCg-EoB3n50u2NE8lOHU0gfqFLonC6W9Pfky7FgPLmnY/s1600/publix+gift+card.jpg" /></a></div>
It's HERE AGAIN - Publix GIFT CARD time!!<br />
<br />
I really love shopping at <a href="http://www.everydaysaver.com/publix" target="_blank">Publix</a>, it <em>is</em> a pleasure, especially since they have become so coupon friendly. I never have problems <a href="http://everydaysaver.com/bigg" target="_blank">stacking coupons</a> there. I love their buy one get one free deals!! (today is was Juicy Juice.) Right now they are running a <a href="http://www.everydaysaver.com/publix" target="_blank">special promo on cereals</a> which is nice because we can blow through a box of that stuff over two mornings at our house. The people that work there are so nice to my kids and <strong>always</strong> help me out to the car. The stores and clean and well stocked. Their produce is wonderful and now I have discovered their mango key lime pie - which ROCKS!<br />
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I also love the discounts I get with their two clubs. One is for babies (<a href="https://www.publix.com/clubs/baby/Subscribe.do">Baby Club</a>) and the other is for preschoolers (<a href="http://www.publix.com/preschool/NonMemberHome.do">Preschooler Club</a>). If you haven't signed up, you really should. They send all kinds of great coupons and fun things for the kids. The most treasured item they have ever sent us is the Publix-saures computer game. The game is so easy and comfortable that I have taught each one of my kids about the computer starting with it. The cursor is HUGE and easy to find. The questions are completely age appropriate. For example, you can help Pearl the Polar Bear put away the groceries in the right places. You can play hide-and-seek with Chaz the Cheetah or even learn about safety rules with Barry the St. Bernard. My kids especially loved the coin rewards that the game gives you when you get the right answers. Whoever designed this thing KNEW kids!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Publix (through My Blog Spark.com and General Mills) has given me a $25 gift certificate to giveaway to one lucky reader.</strong> </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-24045448611264215642013-03-20T21:14:00.003-04:002013-03-20T21:14:22.651-04:00Beautiful Berry Cream-Filled Tart: My Favorite Dessert<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2H5UGoZXlDzqwQQH3Q8AYnxymVMoZa9g_gEcoyUm-KvrmgwLMxbiqUjaU89jzM5NsQUYDLUxF7ngT_1G5nNwqiTN8vcdXIU6Q72HzUsdB7cHE2LmDp-6jWXJ8-DIsbiXv82fu1_eAa3E/s1600/DSC_0153-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2H5UGoZXlDzqwQQH3Q8AYnxymVMoZa9g_gEcoyUm-KvrmgwLMxbiqUjaU89jzM5NsQUYDLUxF7ngT_1G5nNwqiTN8vcdXIU6Q72HzUsdB7cHE2LmDp-6jWXJ8-DIsbiXv82fu1_eAa3E/s640/DSC_0153-001.JPG" width="542" /></a></div>
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This dessert seriously makes me swoon. It is my all time favorite dessert, ever since I was a teenager. I was that weird kid that was thrilled to see fruit in my lunch box (thanks Mom). I guess I have a special place in my heart for berries because they are so perishable and the season is pretty short. You gotta get 'em while the getting is good. Kinda like kisses from my kids - I'll take them whenever they are ripe for taking. Even the wet sloppy ones from the 2 year old!</div>
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The tart may look a little difficult because it's so showy (like the <a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2010/08/showstopping-australian-pavlova-dessert.html" target="_blank">pavlova</a>) but it's really not. Pull together the ingredients for the crust and press it into a pie pan or a tart pan (see below) and then make the creamy filling. After that, it's just a matter of piling on the berries!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzrA8smO1jdf06piA4RFfp91uuXptu7KzcYtYdziFEOEVAn0qWOfxPU3edD28C1XDy9U64JVi3YMY79Wsg0X-LgUuwJV6E8tYJb26JCDtHnOPqYr0HhyhGrNacMSVMsJ0bsLYtE3TszZg/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzrA8smO1jdf06piA4RFfp91uuXptu7KzcYtYdziFEOEVAn0qWOfxPU3edD28C1XDy9U64JVi3YMY79Wsg0X-LgUuwJV6E8tYJb26JCDtHnOPqYr0HhyhGrNacMSVMsJ0bsLYtE3TszZg/s640/DSC_0143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Beautiful Berry Cream-Filled Tart</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">Ingredients</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: #990000;">Pastry Shell</span></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">1 1/2 c flour</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">1/4 c sugar</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">1/8 tsp salt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">8 tbsp cold butter, cut into small pieces</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">1 egg yolk, beaten with 2 tbsp heavy cream</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Put flour, sugar and salt into a bowl of a food processor. Pulse to mix. Add the butter pieces and pulse. Add the egg/ cream and pulse until the dough is chunky and holds together when squeezed. (You can also do this in a bowl with a pastry cutter, it just takes more work.) Dump the dough onto was paper and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">Roll dough out into the shape of your tart pan. This dough makes enough for a 9" round pan. (A <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=fromchape-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000QJ253K%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">tart pan has a bottom that comes apart</a> from the sides like a cheesecake pan to make serving a cutting the tart easier. You just lift the bottom of the pan out of the sides and serve the tart on the bottom. You can use a pie pan, just serve it right out of the pan like a pie.) Fit the dough into the pan and cover it with foil or parchment paper. Put some pie weights or dried beans on top of the foil to keep it from puffing up and bake at 425 degrees for 5 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees, remove the weights, prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork. Bake 15-20 minutes, until golden. Cool on a wire rack.</span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #990000;">Cream Filling</span></u><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">2/3 c sour cream</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">2 tbsp lemon juice</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">1/2 c sugar</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">1 tsp vanilla</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">1/4 c heavy cream</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Beat sour cream, cream cheese, lemon juice, sugar, vanilla, and cream together in a large bowl. Spread mixture over cooled pastry shell. Arrange berries over the top and garnish with mint leaves if desired.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">Chill between 1-4 hours before serving. This doesn't keep well in the fridge for more than a day, since the crust gets soggy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_RS3bgrpuk37fntaw-SFpMB2WpXOUDi4xtaspYt04k1R0pjnOCBCtxc5cONE_HVMux53KID3nFFH51L-MSeEdXnVcLTOYBYccHER5fKabsz3Jt6A1Qo5vFdI5_HyRl9np6w22coeN_pM/s1600/DSC_0139.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_RS3bgrpuk37fntaw-SFpMB2WpXOUDi4xtaspYt04k1R0pjnOCBCtxc5cONE_HVMux53KID3nFFH51L-MSeEdXnVcLTOYBYccHER5fKabsz3Jt6A1Qo5vFdI5_HyRl9np6w22coeN_pM/s640/DSC_0139.JPG" width="428" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF_70A1U4FJ2K8LcKm9Jbs5QZQj0vYN3bXG1xkSdGCNzUm5j0oPpYsZuXySe0bGbeGZp4z4lPSt6CoC9ZNcKAwdkuddWJP0eyrlHHtanSJnUMxi11XHluCkyE1N4W-5od3gx9I5Nd2iU0/s1600/DSC_0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF_70A1U4FJ2K8LcKm9Jbs5QZQj0vYN3bXG1xkSdGCNzUm5j0oPpYsZuXySe0bGbeGZp4z4lPSt6CoC9ZNcKAwdkuddWJP0eyrlHHtanSJnUMxi11XHluCkyE1N4W-5od3gx9I5Nd2iU0/s640/DSC_0406.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Easter is coming!! I can't wait since we celebrate with our families at our house. I'm ready to have everyone over and celebrate. Easter brings joy and it's just what we need. I'm ever so grateful for the eternal gift I've been given through Jesus' sacrifice.<br />
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Easter time is also when our Girls are ramping up their laying! We have eggs coming out of our ears right now. I was inspired to create this cute cupcake. They are a totally fun Easter treat I made for the preschool and elementary aged kids. Super easy. Just whip up some cupcakes and top with icing. Then sprinkle on some chow mein noodles and add a few speckled jelly beans or whoppers to the top. How simple is that???<br />
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-71001250637143447362013-02-15T16:04:00.000-05:002013-02-15T16:06:11.042-05:00Lemon Love Note Bars - Sweet and Sour<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSX9Vvk23BeBMtX4aRilVG-PNp2yGACCLs0d_AsYzpux_GEyMv5NzBwh3-LgLEYLklg-lOotuMSb2oyE8479uekkRCOGGUCRKGpZKrzVp8CSmP3xeVQEvw03YsQgMXNvpycfeIaf_Ii4x/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSX9Vvk23BeBMtX4aRilVG-PNp2yGACCLs0d_AsYzpux_GEyMv5NzBwh3-LgLEYLklg-lOotuMSb2oyE8479uekkRCOGGUCRKGpZKrzVp8CSmP3xeVQEvw03YsQgMXNvpycfeIaf_Ii4x/s640/DSC_0042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
These bars are sweet and sour all at the same time<br />
<br />
...kinda like marriage.<br />
<br />
I love my husband. It's true, he's the man for me. He puts up with my moods and endless chatter. He brought me flowers and a huge balloon for Valentine's Day, and the man HATES balloons. He eats <i>everything </i>I put in front of him. He can build me anything I ask for. He's the most supportive and encouraging person I know. He's there for me whenever I need him. (Boy, oh boy, have I realized how much I need him lately.) We are a team and a great one at that. (I'm pretty sure we could win the Amazing Race.)<br />
<br />
However, there are definitely times when we seem to treat each other more "sour" than sweet.<br />
<br />
Everyone has some sour moments - right? At this point in our marriage (ten years) I'm pretty sure it's normal. I mean, you are not <i>really </i>supposed to get along with someone every <i>single </i>day right?<br />
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I logically knew it wouldn't all be roses before we got married. I even engraved it on the inside of his wedding band, "Come What May". And while I don't <i>love </i>being in the down times, I do love the wonderful tenderness that comes after we get out of the funk.<br />
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The sour, just makes the sweet all that much sweeter.<br />
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Honey, MacGuyver, Babe, Husband....this one is for you. I love you...come what may.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Lemon Love Notes</span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000;">Ingredients</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">1 c butter</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">2 c flour</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">1/2 c powdered sugar</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">1 lemon, zested and juiced</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">4 eggs</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">2 c sugar</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">4 tbsp flour</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">1 tsp baking powder</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">1 1/2 c powered sugar</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">1 tsp vanilla</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">2 tbsp butter, melted and cooled</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">3 tsp milk</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Blend butter flour and sugar together with pastry cutter or a fork. Pat into a 9x13" ungreased baking dish. Make sure this is very flat and even. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool until you can touch the baking pan. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">While that is baking and cooling, make the filling. Mix together zest of one lemon and the juice of the lemon with eggs, sugar, flour and baking powder. Pour this on the cooled crust and bake again at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Melt butter. After the bars are cooled off enough you can touch the pan again, make the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, vanilla, melted butter and milk. Pour over the top of the pan. Cut into small bars because these are super rich. They will keep fresh for only a few days.</span></div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-56302752854579915772013-02-09T19:56:00.001-05:002013-02-09T19:56:36.400-05:00Apple Carrot Slaw<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I had some carrots in the fridge that needed a home and I just didn't feel like cooking them since the weather here in GA has been so warm. It's absolutely crazy... my daffodils are trying to come up. I have really missed winter this year. I know those of you up north think I'm crazy, since you are underneath a mound of snow.<br />
<br />
Mom and Dad were flying back from Dad's chemo treatment yesterday and were delayed with all the flights being cancelled. I was a little worried about them, but they are home, safe and sound. Dad is exhausted, but hanging in there.<br />
<br />
On the other side of the family, my father-in-law has moved into an independent living place so we are sleeping better around here, since we don't have to worry about him on the stairs. Thank you all for the kind words and prayers.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This recipe is perfectly refreshing with a roasted chicken and homemade wheat bread. I love the addition of celery seeds. I usually add those to our cabbage slaw because that's how MacGuyver's Mom makes slaw. I never thought to add them to a sweet slaw. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have the perfect imitation recipe for Chik-Fil-A's carrot slaw and this recipe somewhat reminded me of that, so I left the raisins out of the original recipe to make it different to my family. Let me know what you think.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Apple Carrot Slaw</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from <a href="http://feastonthecheap.net/apple-raisin-and-celery-seed-slaw/#comment-6178" target="_blank">Feast on the Cheap</a>, check out their beautiful photo and original recipe</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 crisp sweet-tart apples, cored and cut into matchstick-size strips</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 large carrots, washed, peeled and coarsely grated</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 tbsp sweet onion, minced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 tbsp low-fat mayo</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/3 c cider vinegar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tbsp real maple syrup</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tbsp celery seeds</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Salt and pepper to taste</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Whisk mayo, vinegar, celery seeds, maple syrup, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside. Prep the slaw ingredients and combine in a large bowl. Toss with the dressing, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-56158342012626807292013-02-08T13:28:00.004-05:002013-02-08T13:28:43.498-05:00Moose Munch - Chocolate Covered Caramel Popcorn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
See. I wasn't kidding.<br />
<br />
I've been making everything. Chocolate covered caramel popcorn this go round.<br />
<br />
My Mom made this addicting stuff for us for Christmas. It's a take on Harry and David's Moose Munch. I figured it would make great thank you gifts. One bag to a neighbor who has taken care of my kids during all this chaos and another bag to our marriage mentors, who keep us from taking the stress out on each other. The problem was: I tried it, the kids tasted it and I let my husband taste it. We ate the whole recipe! It's that crazy good.<br />
<br />
There is no way you can eat just a little bit of this stuff. You have been warned. Make a double recipe and give a bag to your loved ones for Valentine's. Attach a note to let them know how much you love them. Send it to someone you haven't seen in a while and you miss. Don't wait for the "perfect time" to reach out. Now is the perfect time.<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Chocolate Covered Caramel Popcorn</span><br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />8 c popped popcorn<br /><div>
1 stick butter, cut into fourths)<br />3 tbsp corn syrup (the recipe will work without this, but the caramel won't be shiny or as crunchy)</div>
<div>
1/2 tsp salt<br />3/4 c brown sugar<br />1/4 tsp vanilla<br />1/4 tsp baking soda<br />chocolate chips (Mom choose dark chocolate)</div>
<div>
peanuts, m&m's, mini marshmallows (optional)<br /></div>
<div>
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Remove all unpopped kernels from popcorn and pour popcorn into a large bowl. Combine butter, corn syrup, salt and brown sugar in microwave safe bowl. Cook on high until mixture boils - watch this carefully - don't let it boil over. Remove, stir and microwave for another few minutes. (Or you can do this in a pot on the stove over med-high heat). Cook and stir until mixture boils. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla.<br /></div>
<div>
Pour caramel over popcorn and stir to coat. Work quickly before the caramel cools. Spread onto silicone lined (or greased) baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes (10 for chewy, 15 for crunchy).<br />Remove from oven and add chocolate chips, stir around on sheet to melt the chips. You can also melt the chocolate and drizzle over the popcorn for a fancier look. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-88165185324873659212013-02-06T21:50:00.003-05:002013-02-06T21:50:54.200-05:00Butternut Squash Bean Chili<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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Difficult season of life right now...</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My Dad is terminally ill with cancer. My father-in-law had a major car accident and is living with us for a bit. </div>
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At this point, functioning is difficult. Writing complete, coherent sentences with correct spelling is a challenge. Please forgive my choppiness. I need sleep. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I'm taking comfort in food which is a dangerous place to be. I know me - stress equals eating. </div>
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I need to make healthy things. Vegetarian chili comes to mind. We have a butternut squash and out came this. Warm comfort in a chocolate bowl.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7Rf1P6foSXoiZLsIiIQLfuHtoYbXnjAC_RaJrtHT-H1fLXDpO_olWZFccAboM4QfAoSFDepAAp4vcQQHxeAhtx0OT6C3XrBqUvCO9g0PmZZXqx2rs8sit8nbARFdj2Gy7qofyU8vautp/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7Rf1P6foSXoiZLsIiIQLfuHtoYbXnjAC_RaJrtHT-H1fLXDpO_olWZFccAboM4QfAoSFDepAAp4vcQQHxeAhtx0OT6C3XrBqUvCO9g0PmZZXqx2rs8sit8nbARFdj2Gy7qofyU8vautp/s400/DSC_0108.JPG" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Butternut Squash Bean Chili</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ingredients</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 onions, chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 garlic cloves, minced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 jalapenos, seeded and minced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 tbsp chili powder</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 tbsp cumin</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tbsp oregano</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tbsp lime juice</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 14.5 oz cans tomatoes, undrained</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 14.5 oz cans any beans (black, red, pinto, etc), drained and rinsed</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 c butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1lb)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Salt and Pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sour cream </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Chopped fresh cilantro</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Heat oil in pot over med-high heat. Add onions and cook until soft and beginning to brown, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and jalapenos, stir 1 minute. Add spices: chili powder, cumin, oregano and lime juice, stir 1 minute. Add in tomatoes with juice, beans, and butternut squash. Cook with lid on until squash is soft, about 20 minutes. Stir the pot around 10 minutes, add water if necessary. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-67126631138709221552013-01-05T18:00:00.001-05:002013-01-05T18:00:45.444-05:00Ambrosia: Orange Pecan Salad<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Ahh, the smell of a fresh new year! What a pleasure this time of year is for me. I love the quiet space after Christmas and before schooling gets in gear again. I have enjoyed laying around and doing...nothing.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And don't worry, my family is still eating, I just have not been posting. I've...been...lazy (gasp). Sometimes I have to take a break from routine or I think I will go crazy. The mundane of laundry, dishes, even getting dressed, just gets old to me every once in a while. I've been this way for as long as I can remember. Even when I was a teenager, life would just get "boring". It usually takes something fun and exciting to bring me back into motivated mode. At this moment in time, I have something REALLY exciting to look forward to!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm taking my two oldest kids to Disney World for the first time. I can't wait to see the magic of Disney through their eyes. I'm practically giddy with joy now that we are in the actual month of departure!! My husband jokes that the kids are along for MY vacation, not the other way around.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
All the planning and waiting is finally coming to fruition and it's going to be great. Of course, there is one down side to Disney - the food. It's expensive and not delicious. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe things have changed since I was there 13 years ago, but I remember being glad I brought my own snacks. As I've mentioned, I can only handle so much junk food before I'd rather not eat. So part of my packing preparations are putting together healthy snacks and thinking about what we can eat quickly in the condo for breakfast or a late night snack.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Since we will be in the Citrus State, we will be enjoying grapefruits and oranges straight from the orchard. I plan on bringing bags home with us to share with the little kids and my husband (who are all staying home). This is one of our families favorite ways to enjoy citrus.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGUsk1kjVWEyy-ouhjChDR0JLKF5ZVLO0YK0TBZNHTcfeM6lNUlODXx-UNCau1PDYPUYaXl10Hr4kMigWrQUbccO_DrAGNFeC1cFWiky1UVhVDhnoobhyltTRE60Iq4-WKoYZ2Yb_Vzug/s1600/DSC_0107.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGUsk1kjVWEyy-ouhjChDR0JLKF5ZVLO0YK0TBZNHTcfeM6lNUlODXx-UNCau1PDYPUYaXl10Hr4kMigWrQUbccO_DrAGNFeC1cFWiky1UVhVDhnoobhyltTRE60Iq4-WKoYZ2Yb_Vzug/s640/DSC_0107.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Ambrosia Salad</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Ingredients</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1/4 c pecans</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">6 oranges</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1 grapefruit (optional)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1 can pineapple pieces (optional)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1/4 c sugar</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1/4 c shredded coconut</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Toast pecans in a dry skillet or toaster oven tray until they smell fragrant and lightly brown. Watch carefully so they don't burn). Let cool.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Slice the peel off the oranges, starting with the top and bottom. Then slice off the sides. When the pith (white part) is gone, slice knife in between each membrane and loosen the orange. Do this over a bowl to catch all the juices. Plop the segmented orange into the bowl. Repeat with grapefruit if you desire. Add pineapple to the bowl. Add sugar and stir. Add coconut. Chop the cooled pecans and add to the bowl. Give a good stir and then store in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Ah-maz-ing!</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-6240973041982452442012-11-19T12:01:00.000-05:002012-11-19T23:00:34.743-05:00Italian Chopped Salad<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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It turns out that<a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-friends-cranberry-pumpkin-spice.html" target="_blank"> last month wasn't my last Secret Recipe Club post</a>. Seems I was a month ahead of myself, which in my crazy, hectic life never happens.<br />
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B.K. (before kids) I was an on-the-ball kinda gal. I mean, I never forgot things, or misplaced things. I managed to remember to comb AND style my hair each morning. Really, I was pretty amazing. </div>
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Now, not so much. Now, there are days when I never brush my hair, forget my sweet friend's birthday and simply not show up to some place where I'm supposed to be! *Gasp* I have become one of <i>those </i>people. </div>
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I used to think my life was busy when I had a career, while rehabbing a house, volunteer work, bible study group, and dating. Ha!</div>
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Silly me. Now I now the truth...kids <b>define </b>the word busy.</div>
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For those of you out there without kids, have pity on people like me. Know that we are still in there somewhere and will (hopefully) re-emerge when the college years are upon us.</div>
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My scattered brain managed to produce another <a href="http://secretrecipeclub.com/" target="_blank">Secret Recipe Club</a> treasure in time for today's deadline. I'm very proud not to have dropped this ball. I have unearthed a delicious chopped salad recipe. This one is very Italian and very delicious. (Sandy, you would even appreciate it.) It comes by way of <a href="http://authenticsuburbangourmet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Authentic Suburban Gourmet</a>.<br />
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Lisa blogs from the sunny San Francisco Bay Area. She has a ton of delicious recipes, but what I was really intrigued about was her photography. Either she has subbed out the photography to a pro, been replaced by an alien expert photographer, or worked her tail off learning how to take better photos. I'm not sure which, but it is incredible to see the transformation of the photos on her blog. Just search "chopped salad" and you'll see some examples of what light can do for a photo. Not to mention her food styling. Her stuff just looks beautiful. Lisa blogs exemplifies how we can each improve our skills. Maybe there is hope for my mommy's brain after all.<br />
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This chopped salad recipe is from “The Mozza Cookbook”<span style="color: #191919; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span>from famed chef, restaurateur and cookbook author, Nancy Silverton. I made a few changes like adding black olives and purple cabbage (because it is so much cheaper than radicchio). Be sure to check out <a href="http://authenticsuburbangourmet.blogspot.com/2011/10/nancys-chopped-salad-with-oregano.html" target="_blank">Lisa's recipe</a> if you like detailed instructions. And she has those beautiful photos to go with it.<br />
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The key on a chopped salad is to chop most everything in uniform sizes. That way you get a little of everything on your fork at the same time. Delicious!</div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Italian Chopped Salad</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://authenticsuburbangourmet.blogspot.com/2011/10/nancys-chopped-salad-with-oregano.html" target="_blank">from Authentic Suburban Gourmet</a></i></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Salad</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">1/2 sm red onion, chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">1/2 sm head iceberg lettuce, cored and chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">1 sm head purple cabbage, cored and chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">1 pint sm sweet cherry tomatoes, halved</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">1 1⁄2 c garbanzo beans</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">1 c chopped black olives</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">4 oz aged provolone, chopped into sm pieces</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">4 oz salami, chopped into sm pieces</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">1/4 c banana peppers, chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">2 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">1⁄2 c oregano vinaigrette</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">1⁄2 lemon juiced, plus more to taste</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">toasted pine nuts (see note at bottom)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Combine the onion, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, olives, provolone, salami, and pepperoncini in a large, wide bowl. Season with salt and toss to thoroughly combine the ingredients. Drizzle 1/2 cup of the vinaigrette and squeeze the lemon juice over the salad, then toss gently to coat the salad with the dressing. Taste for seasoning and add more salt, lemon juice or vinaigrette if desired. Pile the salad on a large platter or divide it among individual plates, piling it like a mountain.</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Oregano vinaigrette</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">2 1⁄2 tbsp red wine vinegar</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">2 tbsp dried oregano</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">2 garlic cloves, 1 smashed and 1 grated or minced</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">1⁄2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">1⁄4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">1 1⁄2 c extra-virgin olive oil</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Combine all ingredients in a glass jar and shake vigorously. Use the vinaigrette or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. Bring the vinaigrette to room temperature, whisk to recombine the ingredients, and taste again for seasoning before using.</span><br />
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UPDATE: I actually tried this salad withOUT the lettuce and it was amazing that way and keeps longer since there is no lettuce to wilt. The general consenses was that it would make an amazing pasta salad! And toasted pine nuts sprinkled on top, take this dish to the next level.<br />
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I <a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2011/11/warm-pumpkin-spice-pancakes-pumpkin.html" target="_blank">posted about this beauty back here</a>, but some of you have asked for the specifics of this recipe, so this one is for you. Just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas parties. Make a big batch of the spiced milk and keep it in the fridge. When company comes, warm some up in a pot on the stove, brew the coffee or espresso and combine the two in mugs. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon. Voila! You have a fancy drink in just minutes and you look like the Hostess with the Mostess (as Mom would always say).</div>
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<b><strong><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Gingerbread Latte</span></strong></b><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">1 cup milk (I use skim)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;">2 Tbsp molasses</span></div>
<span style="color: #741b47;">2 tsp vanilla extract</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (which is basically mostly cinnamon with ginger, cloves and nutmeg added) I just add a little of each, never measuring</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">1/2 tsp ginger (for that gingerbread flavor)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;">1 c strong brewed coffee or espresso</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;">Brew the coffee. While brewing, get out a glass measuring cup, the kind you use for liquids. Measure the milk and then add the sugar and spices. Put it in the microwave on high for 1 min - 1:30. You want it hot, but not boiling. When the coffee is brewed, combine your coffee, spiced milk and vanilla in a large mug. You can top it with whipped cream and cinnamon if you want to go over the top, which I of course did!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">Alternative method: Triple or quadruple the recipe and combine milk, molasses and spices. Heat and stir. Cool. Store spiced milk in a jar in the fridge until you are ready to use. When you want a latte, brew the coffee or espresso and heat up the spiced milk and combine for as many servings as you need. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-90353927817373242552012-11-16T12:29:00.004-05:002012-11-16T12:29:51.432-05:00Apple Pie Smoothie<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: left;">Perfect fall goodness in a cup. It's a guilt free apple pie smoothie. All of the flavor and sweetness of an apple pie, but healthy enough to drink after a run.</span></div>
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I made this one up because I like to drink a smoothie after working out, but I didn't have any fruit other than apples laying around. I have never blended a whole apple, only apple juice. Turns out the fiber makes it pretty filling. The kids tried it the next day and loved it, so we have a new smoothie in the rotation. I wonder how it would work as a popsicle in the summer?</div>
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We had these wonderful apples that we picked in Ellijay at our favorite stop: <a href="http://www.randaorchards.com/" target="_blank">R&A Orchards</a> <a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2011/09/apple-pie-soup.html" target="_blank">like we have in previous years</a>. This year was pretty hard on the harvest. Warm crazy weather will reek havoc on an orchard. All of the apples were dropping right off the trees and the <a href="http://www.georgiaapplefestival.org/" target="_blank">Georgia Apple Festival</a> hadn't even occurred! We managed to pick a few and of course I bought bags and bags of "seconds", which are perfectly good apples in my opinion. I made a <a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2010/11/crock-pot-apple-butter-with-cinnamon.html" target="_blank">bunch of applesauce, but no apple butter</a> this year. I was going to make Apple Pie Soup and that's where the revelation came in - ah ha - I could make a smoothie with apples. Apple Pie Smoothie! </div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Apple Pie Smoothie</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">1/2 small apple, peeled, cored and chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">1/2 tsp apple pie spice</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">2 c vanilla almond milk </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">1 scoop protein powder, optional</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">ice cubes</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Put it all in a blender and whir into a creamy smoothie. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">{Almond milk is a new product in our household and we have enjoyed it. I like it because it keeps much longer than cow milk. I used Silk brand almond milk, pictured here and it's already sweetened, so I didn't add any sweetener to this smoothie. You could use milk and add honey and almond or vanilla flavoring if you like.}</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-64062945463329695892012-11-03T23:03:00.001-04:002012-11-03T23:03:17.033-04:00Happy Halloween 2012 from Narnia<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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Happy (late) Halloween from King Peter, Queen Susan, King Edmund and Queen Lucy!</div>
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<a href="http://s833.photobucket.com/albums/zz252/fromchapelhilltochickenville/?action=view&current=Signature-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="64" src="http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz252/fromchapelhilltochickenville/Signature-2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427599770764350586noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046350311822774464.post-41125110429886250072012-10-28T18:30:00.001-04:002012-11-03T22:58:23.542-04:00Sesame Street Birthday Party<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<i>"C is for Cookie, that's good enough for me."</i> </div>
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We just celebrated the baby's 2nd birthday (I'm gonna have to stop calling her the Baby). She LOVES Sesame Street, especially Cookie Monster so a Street party was just what she needed. I pinned several ideas to my <a href="http://pinterest.com/tochickenville/" target="_blank">Pinterest Board</a> and away I went!</div>
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We invited everyone over for dinner, since I ran a 5k that morning *so proud of this non-running gal* and the kids were all in a parade after the race. I printed off some Sesame Street blank signs to label all of the foods with cute names (thanks Mom- to the rescue again). </div>
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Oscar the Grouch's Trashy Green Beans....</div>
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Abby Cadabby's Sparkly Applesauce (we made the applesauce and added some colored pink and blue sprinkles on the top)</div>
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Elmo's Goldfish, Dorothy was represented</div>
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Bert's favorite friends, the pigeons had Honey Whole Wheat Seeded Bread</div>
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Big Bird's Corn Casserole</div>
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Grover's Hero Ham (the 8 year old's creative naming)</div>
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Elmo himself, made an appearance with friendly veggies and dip</div>
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For games, we kept it simple since this was a 2 year old party. I printed out a large Cookie Monster head and taped it to an empty cardboard box. We then cut out the mouth and the kids were able to "feed" Cookie some fabric cookies that my Grandmother whipped up.</div>
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We also emptied one of the large metal trashcans we keep chicken feed in and set it up in the family room. The big kids went to the recycling bin and pulled out pieces of paper which they wadded up, creating "trash" Then the party-goers all got to clean up Oscar's trash. (Please ignore the shaggy hair. Is there any other Mommy out there that has trouble finding the time to get a haircut???) Also, you can't tell, but I'm wearing my vintage Sesame Street tee, so old Elmo is no where to be found on it.<br />
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We topped the whole party off with Street cupcakes. I saw tons of ideas and loved so many of them. I decided to make Cookie Monster, Elmo and Big Bird. (Notice the Cookie tattoo? Abby Cadabby is on the other arm.)</div>
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The monsters were easy. I mixed up my <a href="http://fromchapelhilltochickenville.blogspot.com/2011/02/cupcakes-reason-to-celebrate.html" target="_blank">buttercream icing</a> and then colored each container. I had store bought black (a color I HATE to make) so I only had to make, red, blue, light blue (just a bit of lesser tinted blue), pink (a bit of the red not tinted all the way to red), yellow, and orange (some yellow icing and red combined). I made green too, thinking I might create Oscar cupcakes, but I decided not to. Looking back, I should have made Oscar and not Big Bird, because the Bird was HARD and I don't love they way he turned out. In any case, I saved the green icing for the next birthday party coming up in a couple of weeks.<br />
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It is full blown birthday and holiday season at our house already.<br />
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I also have black fondant that I rolled out and cut with a bottle cap. I then cut the circles in half so the monsters would have easy mouths. </div>
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Once the cupcakes were cooled, the icing tinted, the mouths cut out, I cut large marshmallows in half for the eye balls. Then I was ready to decorate. The piping was SOOOOO easy! Seriously, I know there are some of you out there, who think I'm kidding, so I had my MacGuyver husband video me piping out a cupcake. I used a star tip and this video is NOT speeded up. Look how fast it goes!!<br />
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Here is Elmo with piping, fondant mouth (be sure to pipe over the mouth a little), marshmallow eyes, piped eyeballs and getting his orange teardrop shaped nose.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHuCHIDquI8G1tWrW8Jqswiwn6kN-vzHSuB0MPE9ZqXSG-bU1bNGD1slmrbo1K2Xr3vLwrUnXQCv6SLR4-prnDQppg1DZGhwgUO9Bl59mUqm9QmkIJfkjDW-lPrhp827ORNbrXpm-cujx/s1600/DSC_0553.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHuCHIDquI8G1tWrW8Jqswiwn6kN-vzHSuB0MPE9ZqXSG-bU1bNGD1slmrbo1K2Xr3vLwrUnXQCv6SLR4-prnDQppg1DZGhwgUO9Bl59mUqm9QmkIJfkjDW-lPrhp827ORNbrXpm-cujx/s400/DSC_0553.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
Big Bird's beak was the hardest part of everything. I use a <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2009/03/03/werewolf-cupcakes/" target="_blank">marshmallow cut like I saw here</a>. You make two cuts into the side of the mallow and then you end up with a beak. Then I put a little red icing inside the beak and yellow on the outside. This was the messy and not beautiful part of the whole thing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhqr9St64KzIoUEyY3jCSsztCV4_Q3mBMcxRjYv_-la2b991PxhYJ9A9Z8GrxWAJPsTes5UrUyAKlvunMd_Pj3vYMfzl7i7fPiesfBCXRWYXrMtA4-IW7dWdwmLy1FeKV8M0ZJvLu17FQ/s1600/DSC_0555.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhqr9St64KzIoUEyY3jCSsztCV4_Q3mBMcxRjYv_-la2b991PxhYJ9A9Z8GrxWAJPsTes5UrUyAKlvunMd_Pj3vYMfzl7i7fPiesfBCXRWYXrMtA4-IW7dWdwmLy1FeKV8M0ZJvLu17FQ/s400/DSC_0555.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gXQHuYt_UIO-JJwDH1EitFAn6HNkvVxJ46jshyphenhyphenT9Q1BXsthOW-hO_LJyoS4qpkdM9NUOu8PLttu-LeLZz5nCS9xNQ7bMLeVcjj63MKt8A0NUNxF3lVVwVaPqKezwlfu11E1MSaeZz4Hs/s1600/DSC_0557.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gXQHuYt_UIO-JJwDH1EitFAn6HNkvVxJ46jshyphenhyphenT9Q1BXsthOW-hO_LJyoS4qpkdM9NUOu8PLttu-LeLZz5nCS9xNQ7bMLeVcjj63MKt8A0NUNxF3lVVwVaPqKezwlfu11E1MSaeZz4Hs/s400/DSC_0557.JPG" /></a> </div>
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I had made Big Bird's feathers with a leaf tip and pulled them out starting from the edges and working in. I piped the white eyeballs and then a thin strip of pink and blue for his eyelids. All of that looked fine, until I added the messy beaks. Of course, once again I had to remind myself it's not a Cupcake Wars competition, but a kids' birthday party!! Ackk! Seriously. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgf8jStNBHgWpZzaN2QvTSOEPHMllDryrVQQTACyY0_Not17y94d2lE0LCW04xxXgneYPLDxEKKepKNFPS-tG1ozfoAqt2JJuHFtWxSbDDQnq5AcGPoEIUj21g57W2UP8pDhtOk89MBfPb/s1600/DSC_0593.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgf8jStNBHgWpZzaN2QvTSOEPHMllDryrVQQTACyY0_Not17y94d2lE0LCW04xxXgneYPLDxEKKepKNFPS-tG1ozfoAqt2JJuHFtWxSbDDQnq5AcGPoEIUj21g57W2UP8pDhtOk89MBfPb/s400/DSC_0593.JPG" /></a><br />
Cookie Monster is just like Elmo, but a little messier with the fur and be sure to put his eyeballs in different spots to give him that googly eye look. I also crushed up some cookies and put the crumbs on his mouth which turned out super cute. </div>
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These are TOTALLY the cupcakes any beginner should start out with. If you wanted to make Oscar, instead of the Bird, it would be very easy. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTizG2BKZDta1HyakAG6x1C4jXwPwSsctyGLcngNz34mCvCIsTcOXu8ga-BetmJGASfNNsqS01XXCXBD2TKuinzlY91bGNZUjDNOIFDt3MCDrYuuEXngOPHQedRjcKMtHH7tjGunCNvw5/s1600/DSC_0601.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTizG2BKZDta1HyakAG6x1C4jXwPwSsctyGLcngNz34mCvCIsTcOXu8ga-BetmJGASfNNsqS01XXCXBD2TKuinzlY91bGNZUjDNOIFDt3MCDrYuuEXngOPHQedRjcKMtHH7tjGunCNvw5/s400/DSC_0601.JPG" /></a> </div>
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I can hear it now, <i>"Sunny Day, sweeping my cares away. On my way to where the air is sweet. Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street?"</i></div>
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