Love it!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Edible
Last night was a rare night-in for me and the Hubby. And forever the question is, "What's for dinner?" Since money doesn't grow on trees, at least none in our "backyard", we've been doing good about cooking at home. And the bbq was calling to me so I decided on bbq chicken. A classic right? And then what to make with it...usually a vegetable and a starch because that's the way Mama raised me! Broccoli, check. Potatos? Sure...but how to cook them...
Every now and then potatoes can get boring. Mashed, baked, boiled. I needed something new! And colorful! And hence, my version of potato skins. I used to think potato skins were reserved for restaurants and happy hours, but not anymore. I made these last night and they were so delish between the two of us alone there were none left! Now we have to think about cardio after dinners....
Okay, so here's the recipe:
Ingredients:
4 Potatoes (medium size)
Olive Oil
Parsley
Basil
Garlic
Shredded Cheese
Bacon (crumpled or bits)
Minced Onion
Salt & Pepper
Directions:
First I sliced the potato into thin, about a half an inch slices. Per potato I yielded about 4 slices each. Lay the slices out on a foil covered baking sheet. Drizzle Olive Oil generously over each slice...they don't need to be drenched, but a light layer over each one. No drops here folks. Next I sprinkle the Parsley, Basil, Garlic, Minced Onion and Salt & Pepper over each slice, followed by the bacon and then the cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes at 500 F and voila! You have a scrumptious new take on potatoes!
Need more inspiration for a new meal at home? Check out Ree Drummond's Stekhouse Pizza! Can't wait to try this one myself...
Every now and then potatoes can get boring. Mashed, baked, boiled. I needed something new! And colorful! And hence, my version of potato skins. I used to think potato skins were reserved for restaurants and happy hours, but not anymore. I made these last night and they were so delish between the two of us alone there were none left! Now we have to think about cardio after dinners....
Okay, so here's the recipe:
Ingredients:
4 Potatoes (medium size)
Olive Oil
Parsley
Basil
Garlic
Shredded Cheese
Bacon (crumpled or bits)
Minced Onion
Salt & Pepper
Directions:
First I sliced the potato into thin, about a half an inch slices. Per potato I yielded about 4 slices each. Lay the slices out on a foil covered baking sheet. Drizzle Olive Oil generously over each slice...they don't need to be drenched, but a light layer over each one. No drops here folks. Next I sprinkle the Parsley, Basil, Garlic, Minced Onion and Salt & Pepper over each slice, followed by the bacon and then the cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes at 500 F and voila! You have a scrumptious new take on potatoes!
Need more inspiration for a new meal at home? Check out Ree Drummond's Stekhouse Pizza! Can't wait to try this one myself...
Steakhouse Pizza
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Inspiration
 |
| If a Basset Hound can leap over bales of hay...then you most certainly can leap over your own "bales" no matter what the world tells you you're draw-backs are! |
The Basset
That's what my sister-in-law calls my puppy, Reeses, "the Basset". How great a title is that! And how many other dogs are referred to in such a way? Have you ever heard "the Shih Tzu"? Or how about "the Pug"? It just didn't roll off the tongue as easily.
Now I have a small "Ranch", or I prefer to call it quaint and that is where Reeses dwells most of the day, which she doesn't seem to mind as Basset Hounds are generally lazy dogs. And with my dream of moving to the country with lots of land I was a little worried about her. Would she run off on all that land? Would she bring a critter to my back door? Would she get kicked by a horse because she was too curious? So many questions...
Well thanks to Charlie I have a few answers! Charlie is Ree Drummond's (The Pioneer Woman) Basset Hound. I've shown Reeses a few pictures and I think she's in love. Her first boy crush. And I don't blame her he's one of the most adorable boy Basset's I've ever laid eyes on and he's a hard worker to boot! Check out The Pioneer Woman's post below:
Charlie, The Cow Dog
Such a cute tale! This is how Reeses works on our "Ranch":
She's really helping "Dad" with that sink...he wouldn't have got it fixed without her!
She's a great pup to have!
And Ree's right, they CRAVE love...you can see it all over her face below: "Just love me!"
Why do I have to sit back here, mom?!
She didn't really think it was fair that Daisy got to ride in the seat...
Well, I hope you enjoyed the "tails" of Reeses and Charlie!
Now I have a small "Ranch", or I prefer to call it quaint and that is where Reeses dwells most of the day, which she doesn't seem to mind as Basset Hounds are generally lazy dogs. And with my dream of moving to the country with lots of land I was a little worried about her. Would she run off on all that land? Would she bring a critter to my back door? Would she get kicked by a horse because she was too curious? So many questions...
Well thanks to Charlie I have a few answers! Charlie is Ree Drummond's (The Pioneer Woman) Basset Hound. I've shown Reeses a few pictures and I think she's in love. Her first boy crush. And I don't blame her he's one of the most adorable boy Basset's I've ever laid eyes on and he's a hard worker to boot! Check out The Pioneer Woman's post below:
Charlie, The Cow Dog
Such a cute tale! This is how Reeses works on our "Ranch":
She's really helping "Dad" with that sink...he wouldn't have got it fixed without her!
She's a great pup to have!
And Ree's right, they CRAVE love...you can see it all over her face below: "Just love me!"
Why do I have to sit back here, mom?!
She didn't really think it was fair that Daisy got to ride in the seat...
Well, I hope you enjoyed the "tails" of Reeses and Charlie!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Fashion
Okay, so if you haven't guessed by now I'm very into clothes, boots, jewlery, FASHION! And what's more? I'm into being sure of yourself and standing up for who you are, CONFIDENCE. Which is why I'm loving this line right now: Modern Cowgirl
About Modern Cowgirl
How it all began.....
Modern Cowgirl opened it's virtual doors in 2000 and has been growing ever since. The idea was simple bring together unique artisans from all aspects of the western industry and make their goods available to a larger audience. Modern Cowgirl focused on this concept for 3 years and noticed that there were several areas in which we could not get the unique and high quality products that we were searching for. So we set off to design several different lines that we think are truly "Modern Cowgirl". Our apparel line is the epitomy of "cross-over". In addition to our apparel we have a line of truly unique jewelry. Modern Cowgirl is constantly changing and growing to meet the demands of today's cowgirls. For a list of stores that carry our products please click on the Find a store link.
Shana Gibson founder of Modern Cowgirl
A Modern Cowgirl is adventurous confident and strong. She is a free spirit and true to what she believes. Shana Gibson is a Modern Cowgirl.
Born in Texas and raised in New Mexico. Shana Gibson has lived the life. Growing up in the wide open spaces of New Mexico and learning to ride at a young age, she has the purest respect for the land and its beauty.
Shana won the title of Miss Rodeo New Mexico in 1998 and competed for Miss Rodeo America. Her skills and experience lead to personal coaching for other contestants. Shana gives clinics on speech, modeling and interviewing for potential Rodeo Queens.
While competing in rodeos, she met many talented artisans and decided to start an online business, Modern Cowgirl. Her site offered products that were not typically found in your local Western store. Shana began to create her own concepts, beginning with a few t-shirt designs. Her business quickly grew. Modern Cowgirl is now in over 400 retailers in the US and Canada.
I wanted to create a line that would be classic and speak to women of all backgrounds.” says Shana. The Modern Cowgirl line has fun edgy tees and a fantastic line of jewelry. The jewelry line incorporates unique stones and bold chunky necklaces. Shana and her quarter horse, Leaner, compete in reining. They travel to events in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Time on the “open road” allows Shana to relax, and create. “Sometimes, while I’m driving, new design ideas come to me and I pull the truck over and jot them down!”
Currently, Modern Cowgirl plants a tree with every purchase sold to support Trees for the Future. Someday Shana would like to create a program for girls and women of all ages that focuses on hope, inspiration, learning, teaching, growth and empowerment. “I gain so much inspiration and strength from other women. I am amazed on a regular basis at the determination and character of the human spirit. I call it your inner cowgirl!”
Merging the boldness and moxie of the cowgirl with sophistication and style of chic couture, Modern Cowgirl focuses on celebrating the spirit and strength of the cowgirl within every woman.
"Empowering the Cowgirl Within Every Woman"
She rides the open range finding serenity and strength on her white horse, a free spirit, the wind in her hair, and the world on her sleeve.
She is a Modern Cowgirl.
She works in the city and longs for the open road. She is strong and true to what she believes. She loves with her whole heart, and gives with every moment she has.
She is a Modern Cowgirl.
She knows what she wants and she takes life by the horns. She has an edgy strength that empowers her to carve her own paths and create her own destiny. She is a maverick in her own right.
She is a Modern Cowgirl.
Through merging the boldness and moxie of the cowgirl with the sophistication and style of chic couture, modern cowgirl focuses on celebrating the spirit and strength of the cowgirl within every woman. She may live freely in her everyday life, or she may come alive on the weekends. But with out a doubt Every Woman, in every walk of life, has a passion for life, for love, and for giving.
We believe that wherever you are, you walk your own walk, inspiring others as you go. The Cowgirl has evolved within each of us.
Embrace, love, celebrate, and set her free. She is within you.
So make sure you check out their website and get in touch with your inner Cowgirl!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Heaven
Recipe: Perfect Iced Coffee
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Coffee (good, Rich Roast)
- 8 quarts Cold Water
- Half-and-half (healthy Splash Per Serving)
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (2-3 Tablespoons Per Serving)
- Note: Can Use Skim Milk, 2% Milk, Whole Milk, Sugar, Artificial Sweeteners, Syrups...adapt To Your Liking!
Preparation Instructions
(Adapted from Imbibe Magazine)
In a large container, mix ground coffee with water. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature eight hours or overnight.
Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth and set over a pitcher or other container. Pour coffee/water mixture through the strainer, allowing all liquid to run through. Discard grounds.
Place coffee liquid in the fridge and allow to cool. Use as needed.
To make iced coffee, pack a glass full of ice cubes. Fill glass 2/3 full with coffee liquid. Add healthy splash of half-and-half. Add 2-3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (can use plain sugar instead) and stir to combine. Taste and adjust half-and-half and/or sweetened condensed milk as needed.
In a large container, mix ground coffee with water. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature eight hours or overnight.
Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth and set over a pitcher or other container. Pour coffee/water mixture through the strainer, allowing all liquid to run through. Discard grounds.
Place coffee liquid in the fridge and allow to cool. Use as needed.
To make iced coffee, pack a glass full of ice cubes. Fill glass 2/3 full with coffee liquid. Add healthy splash of half-and-half. Add 2-3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (can use plain sugar instead) and stir to combine. Taste and adjust half-and-half and/or sweetened condensed milk as needed.
Edible
Okay, so do you remember my blog about cake pops? Well I made my own a few months back for a friend and they turned out A-mazing and so delish! One of my favorite box cakes is Funfetti and I wanted to see how it would taste as a cake pop. Here's how they turned out:
It was very simple. Just follow the cake box recipe, once the cake is baked remove it from the pan and let it cool. I broke the cake in half and then crumpled it up into little pieces in a mixing bowl. I then added 3/4 of a can of cream cheese frosting from Pillsbury and with my hands mixed it in well with the cake. Next was the fun part! Taking small sections of the mixture and rolling it into balls about an inch and half round. If it doesn't stay in a ball then you didn't add enough frosting.
I had already melted some white chocolate with color specks in it, keeping with the funfetti theme. Then I dipped each stick about in inch on the top into the melted chocolate before putting the stick into one ball. Let it dry for a bit then once it's somewhat secure on the stick you can dip the cake ball into the melted chocolate. I took a spoon and spooned melted chocolate over it as well, just so it could get coated evenly. Then place it in styrofoam. I put sprinkles on top then let it dry. I found that if I placed it in the fridge it helped the drying process.
My sister-in-law helped me, which made the whole process even more fun. If I've discovered anything new about baking it's this: It's so much more entertaining with a friend or a group. It just amps the whole process up and it turns into a baking party! Which is never a bad idea in my book.
It was very simple. Just follow the cake box recipe, once the cake is baked remove it from the pan and let it cool. I broke the cake in half and then crumpled it up into little pieces in a mixing bowl. I then added 3/4 of a can of cream cheese frosting from Pillsbury and with my hands mixed it in well with the cake. Next was the fun part! Taking small sections of the mixture and rolling it into balls about an inch and half round. If it doesn't stay in a ball then you didn't add enough frosting.
I had already melted some white chocolate with color specks in it, keeping with the funfetti theme. Then I dipped each stick about in inch on the top into the melted chocolate before putting the stick into one ball. Let it dry for a bit then once it's somewhat secure on the stick you can dip the cake ball into the melted chocolate. I took a spoon and spooned melted chocolate over it as well, just so it could get coated evenly. Then place it in styrofoam. I put sprinkles on top then let it dry. I found that if I placed it in the fridge it helped the drying process.
My sister-in-law helped me, which made the whole process even more fun. If I've discovered anything new about baking it's this: It's so much more entertaining with a friend or a group. It just amps the whole process up and it turns into a baking party! Which is never a bad idea in my book.
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