4/27/2011

Whose with me?


I could so use a break by the beach for a few days.
Sure last week was Spring Break for the kiddos but seriously I so want to pack my backs and hit the beach.

Whose with me?



beautiful photo by of Nutdanai Apikhomboonwaroot

Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips...Mine all Mine...



These little gems of Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate taste as good as they look!
I am not a fan of dark chocolate but I took a chance and purchased these chocolate chip to put in a batch of chocolate chip cookies.
er... they never made it there.
I sort of ate them all. 
*blush*
 80 calories in 16 pieces one can't go wrong
Can they?
Perfect for me to eat when I want something sweet and not feel guilty because dark chocolate is good for you. 
The next bag I purchased did make it into a batch of peanut butter cookies. 
*Drool*
Get yourself to the store and pick up a bag.
Trust me you will not be sorry.










4/26/2011

Beef Roast - Recipe



Mmm... roast beef
You can never, ever go wrong making a roast for dinner.
I found a roast beef recipe two weeks ago and just had to try it.
Normally I just place it in my Nesco roaster with a bit of garlic, pepper and perhaps yellow mustard over top. This recipe however used tomatoes and onion soup and it had to be made.
The end result was one wonderful, flavorful mouthwatering beef roast.
Do you see it up there?!
Topped with that mouth watering gravy...mmmm...gravy.
This is really one recipe you will want to try and make again & again.
original recipe was called Family Favorite Beef Roast
                     
* Exported from MasterCook *

                                Roast Beef

Recipe By: Jeanie Beasley
Serving Size: 8   
Categories:  Dinner Ideas

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  4            pounds  beef chuck roast -- boneless
14 1/2      ounces  Cream of Mushroom Soup 98% FF
14 1/2      ounces  stewed tomatoes -- low sodium
  1            envelope  onion soup mix
1/4           cup  cornstarch
1/2           cup  water

  1. Cut roast in half
  2. Transfer to a 5 quart roaster.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, soup and soup mix; pour over meat.
  4. Cover and cook on low for  6-8 hours or until meat is tender.
  5. Remove meat to a serving platter; keep warm.
  6. Skim fat from cooking juices; transfer to a large saucepan.
  7. Bring liquid to a boil
  8. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; gradually stir into the pan.
  9. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 mintues or until thickened.
  10. Serve with roast.

Source:
  "Taste of Home Simple & Delicious Magazine"
Copyright:
  "April/May 2011"
Yield:
  "8 "
                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 517 Calories; 36g Fat (63.3% calories from fat); 37g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 131mg Cholesterol; 567mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 5 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 4 Fat.

NOTES : 
  • The original recipe calls for beefy onion soup mix but I simply used onion soup mix.
  • I used my stick blender to cut up the tomatoes a bit.
  • Excellent with green beans, rolls, tossed salad, boiled or baked potatoes.






First Strawberry....


Nothing like the first strawberry of the season.
This little gem did not last long and was oh.so.sweet.
I am one happy camper with fresh strawberries in the morning.

4/25/2011

Garden Helper....


I LOVE my new garden helper.
I was using a tarp to collect all my weeds, leaves, dead plants and twigs then lug the beast out to the road to dump. I enjoy working in the yard but my trusty old tarp was beginning to become a bit of a paint.
*phew*
I picked up my best helper at Aldi's on sale two weeks ago and have been thrilled with it ever since. 
The boys actually put it together for me without me even asking.
Hmm...wonder what they will be asking for in the near future.
Gardening will never be the same again.





Ground Beef Macaroni Casserole - Recipe

 This past week DH was away which meant it was the perfect time to test out some new recipes on the kiddos. I was sort of surprised that this one was a huge hit with Nate for he is not a fan of tomatoes but he went to town on this dish.
The meal was filling, flavorful and made a HUGE amount. I can tell you that I went ahead and froze a good portion for a later date. Most of the ingredients you probably have in your kitchen and the whole meal can be put together in less than 10 minutes. 
Simple. 

The soup, butter, milk, parsley, and egg.

      Enjoy!


* Exported from MasterCook *

                      Ground Beef Macaroni Casserole

Recipe By: Taste of Home Simple & Delicious
Serving Size  : 10   
Categories: Dinner Ideas

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  7                ounces  elbow macaroni
  1                pound  ground beef, extra lean
  1                medium  onion -- chopped
  15              ounces  Italian tomato sauce
  1                 large  egg
  10 3/4         ounces  cream of chicken 98% Fat Free Condensed Soup
  1 1/2           cups  milk, 2% low fat
  2                 tablespoons  butter -- melted
  1                 tablespoon  parsley -- fresh, minced
  4                 ounces  cheddar cheese -- shredded

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
  • Stir in tomato sauce; heat through.
  • Drain macaroni; transfer to a greased 13x9 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the egg, soup, milk, butter and parsley; pour over macaroni.
  • Spoon beef mixture over top; sprinkle with cheese.
  • Bake uncovered, at 250 for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Source:
  "Taste of Home Simple & Delicious Magazine"
Copyright:
  "Feb/March 2011"
Yield:
  "10 "
                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 296 Calories; 16g Fat (49.2% calories from fat); 17g Protein; 20g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 77mg Cholesterol; 344mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 1 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 2 Fat.

4/24/2011

Happy Easter

Wishing you a Happy Easter and a wonderful Spring.

Hope the Easter Bunny treated you well. =)

4/22/2011

The Stig...

Really?
The Stig.
Here in SC.
Wonder if he Top Gear guys know he took a trip across the pond?

4/21/2011

I have supplies...


I have supplies which means that I am feeling creative. 

I ordered some white glycerin soap base and 4 fragrance oils from Nature's Garden. I have never purchased anything from this suppliers and I have to say the shipping was lightening fast. 
My fragrance oils smell oh.so.good.
I purchased:
Cucumber Melon
Fresh Peach
Sun and Sand type (I adore this fragrance)
Caribbean Fragrance (lovely mix of coconut & vanilla & pineapple)

I can't wait to get crafting!  Promise I will share the end results with you.

Books....



Not sure if you have noticed that I have had the same book posted over there as reading for the past few months. Yes, I said months. I was hot on reading the series of books by Kate Collins but it seems that I have burnt myself out on them. *sigh* 
I have not picked up a book since about the end of October. I had a gift cert to Barnes & Noble  so I went ahead and purchased two books. I love Sophie Kinsella books and I thought it might be a good place to start reading again. =) The other book caught my interest so I figured why not give it a try. Now.. I have had them for a week and I have yet to crack the book open. Seriously this is a major issue because I love to read. Hopefully, that little book title on the side will be changing soon. At least I hope.

4/20/2011

Colorful Kielbasa


A fast, tasty, and filling meal that will become a fast favorite.
This meal has become a go to meal for us lately when we are not sure what to have - this is what we have. 
Kielbasa is something that I grew up with (homemade-nothing like it) and the boys have fallen in favor of this delicious form of pork.

                     
* Exported from MasterCook *


                            Colorful Kielbasa

Serving Size  : 6   
Preparation Time :0:15
Categories: Main Meal

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  1                can  cream of celery soup -- undiluted
  1 1/2           cups  water
  1                Tbl  butter
  1              pound  kielbasa -- smoked - cut into 1/2 inch round pieces
 3/4           cup  long grain rice
  10            ounces  frozen peas
  4 1/2         ounces  sliced mushroom -- drained
  4             ounces  shredded cheddar cheese

  • In a large skillet, combine the soup, water and butter; bring to a boil.
  • Add kielbasa and rice.
  • Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 18 minutes or until rice is almost tender.
  • Stir in peas and mushrooms.
  • Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and peas are heated through.
  • Sprinkle with cheese; cover and let stand until melted.

Source:
  "Taste of Home"
Copyright:
  "ToH 2010"
Yield:
  "6 servings"
Start to Finish Time:
  "0:30"
                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : Huge hit with the family!

I also like to add in about 1/2 a cup of peas.

4/12/2011

Yogurt Streusel Muffins

 
 Not the best picture but trust me these are tasty little breakfast muffins.
They are light, airy and have a wonderful taste. I only made half a batch to try out  the recipe and I have to admit that I was quite sad when they were all gone.
This recipe made a great quick breakfast that went so well with a cup of tea - I'm sure coffee would be good too. :)
I subbed in walnuts because I was too lazy to go to the freezer and get out the pecans. (Yeah, I admit it)
Quick and easy to make and sure to please all. 

Happy Baking!



                   





* Exported from MasterCook *

                          Yogurt Streusel Muffin

Serving Size  : 12   
Categories    : Breakfast

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     2/3           cup  walnuts -- chopped
     1/3           cup  light brown sugar -- packed
     1/2      Teaspoon  cinnamon
       2        tablespoons  unsalted butter -- melted
           
           
  2               cups  all purpose flour
  1           teaspoon  baking powder
  1           teaspoon  cinnamon
1/2      teaspoon  baking soda
1/2      teaspoon  salt
  4                tbl  unsalted butter -- melted and cooled
 2/3           cup  sugar
  2              large  eggs
  1           teaspoon  vanilla
  1                cup  plain low-fat yogurt

Make streusel: In a bowl, mix streusel ingredients and pinch together into large crumbs. Place bowl in freezer

Make Muffins: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Line cups of a muffin tin with paper liners. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. In a large bowl, whisk butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and yogurt. Stir flour mixture into yogurt mixture until just combined.

Divide batter among muffin cups. Scatter streusel topping over each cup and press lightly on crumbs to help them adhere to batter. Bake until tops are golden, 17 - 20 minutes.

Let Cool.

Source:
  "All You Magazine"
Copyright:
  "11/19/2010"
Yield:
  "12 "
                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Serving Ideas :
  • Cup of tea or coffee
  • With a scrambled egg

NOTES :

* I used walnuts but pecans were called for in the original recipe. Using pecans will change the calories in the muffins.

Light & Tasty

The face of a true fan....

The Face of a True Fan

Nate is modeling a lovely tattoo (washable) of our local hockey team The Greenville Road Warriors.
*Go Warriors!*
Our wonderful treasurer had some team tattoos that she passed out to those willing to wear them. I was surprised that Nate put one on because that is so not his thing but he made me super proud. *grin*
We (the boosters) all 33 of us were loud and proud cheering the team on to victory!
It was a wonderful day and so worth it to see Nate get into the spirit!

On a side note - the team is now onto the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs!
Needless to say our cow bells are ready to make some noise for the team.

4/06/2011

Falling by the wayside again...

So, here we are into April already.

Uh, how can that be?!

I have been incredibly busy with the boys and their school work, trying (but not doing so well) to keep the house & laundry somewhat done, going to home & away hockey games and yes, fumbling to get the yard ship shape since it is warming up here.

My poor blog has been left in the dust. *sniffle*

I had it all spiffed up and wham! everything just came to a head. I am learning that I need to schedule my time better than what I am currently doing so I can post. I miss posting. I miss writing and sharing. *sigh*

I did download an app that will allow me to post from my phone, thinking here that this will help me out a bit. :)

Be on the look out for a yummy yogurt muffin recipe that I tried two weeks ago (*gasp* seems just like yesterday)

Hope all is going well in  your neck of the woods and I shall be back soon with a lovely give away.
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