Tasty Tuesday Blog Hop: It's Time to Start Thinking...

About Halloween!!  And FUN FOOD!!

Upside down Keebler fudge stripe cookies, orange frosting and a Hershey's kiss = Witch Hat cookies for Halloween.

Seriously....you have to admit...it doesn't get much easier than this!  Great idea for a quick holiday treat to have on hand!!

I have already told the girlz they are not allowed to eat them...but I promised I'd have sufficient treats for them!!

Tasty Tuesday: The Red, White, and Blue PEOPLE Food Edition!!

I feel compelled to share these delicious recipes with you today...along with the fabulous website.  So, SO many great holiday recipes for your partying pleasure!!  Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!!

http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/festive-fourth-of-july-recipes/138294/

I'd like to thank Alli over at Blissfully Domestic for always providing me with tons of holiday
 inspiration!!

And let me also introduce you to The Cottage Market!!  Tons more great ideas over there too!!

Enjoy!!

Tasty Tuesday: For those HOT Days!!

My girlz LOVE Smoothies!!

Take one half cup of plain yogurt (or the fat free vanilla)

Blend in about a half a cup of blueberries or strawberries.

Turn on the blender and blend it up with some ice...I pour it into their "ice cream" dishes and they just love it!!

LadyBug happens to love Watermelon and would probably eat an entire one if I let her!! Miss Chloe does NOT touch watermelon...to each her own I guess!!

HAPPY Girlz!!

Tasty Tuesday: The Valentine's Addition!!

If you have been reading my blog for awhile, each year I make this addictive Valentine's Chex Mix snack!! Check it out!!!


4 1/2 cups Rice Chex cereal

1/2 cup white vanilla baking chips

1/4 cup peanut butter

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

1/3 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup red, white and pink candy-coated chocolate candies

2 tablespoons red or pink sprinkles



* Place cereal in medium bowl. In small microwavable bowl, microwave vanilla chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth.

* Pour peanut butter mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated.

* Place 1/2 of the cereal mixture in 1-gallon food-storage plastic bag. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper or foil; cool about 15 minutes. (I find it takes closer to an hour...so it's not so sticky!)

~Here's a tip though...you may have to make a double batch if you are sampling as you go along!!

LadyBug's Banana PB Biscuits Gift Idea!!

Today we would like to share a recipe that can be whipped up in a jiffy to give for holiday gifts for your furry friends!! It is called Banana PB Biscuits!!

You will need:

1 banana, peeled
1 cup oat flour
2/3 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup dried parsley
3 tablespoons peanut butter
1 egg, beaten


And here's what you do!!

Preheat oven to 300°F. Put banana in a large bowl and use a spoon or potato masher to mash it thoroughly. Add oat flour, oats, parsley, peanut butter and egg and stir well to combine. Set aside for 5 minutes.

Roll mixture into 24 balls, using about 1 tablespoon dough for each; transfer to a large parchment paper-lined baking sheet when done. Use the back of a spoon to press each ball into a (1 1/2- to 2-inch) circle shape. Bake until firm and deep golden brown on the bottom, 40 to 45 minutes. Set aside to let cool completely.

Storage note: It's best to store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Or, freeze them to give to your pal later; just be sure to thaw the treats before handing them out.

These can be packaged up in little bags and tied with pretty bows to give out for gifts!!

My girlz always prefer their treats heated just a bit in the microwave...gives the treats better flavor!

And...who says my girlz are spoiled????

Tasty Tuesday: for FALL!

Autumn Pumpkin Treats

1-15 oz. can of mashed Pure Pumpkin (NOT the spicy kind used in pie filling!!)
3/4 cup of Cream of Wheat (or you can use Rice Cereal)
--you can mix it in dry...there is no need to cook it first.
1/2 cup of dry powdered milk

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Mix all ingredients together.  Drop small spoonfuls onto lightly greased baking sheet.

Bake at 300 for about 15-20 minutes.

This will make approximately 20 treats depending on the size you make.

Enjoy!!

Tasty Tuesday: For Chicken Lovers!!

I am always searching for good recipes that I think Chloe and LadyBug will enjoy!!  I found this one on my search and want to share as I think there are a number of other pups out there who will love this!  Probably cats too!!  My cats used to love chicken and veggies!!

3 lbs. chopped chicken breast
2 1/2 cups frozen vegetable blend (sometimes hard to find...I usually use carrots and peas)
4 cups of rice
about 6 cups of water

Place chicken, vegetables and rice in large pan.  Stir in water until mixture is smooth.  Place over medium high heat and bring to a boil stirring constantly.

Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer til rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed...usually about 20-25 minutes.  I usually serve it just a little bit warm...with a bit of Blue Wilderness Kibble on top...or a dollop of yogurt!

Cool before serving.  Store covered in the fridge or freeze in portions.  This recipe makes about 12 cups...which is actually enough to feed two large golden retrievers for about 4-5 days...mixed with their kibble (I know this because my sister has tried it!!)

Chow Down and ENJOY!!!

Recipe courtesy of AllRecipes.com/Lucky & Rippy's Favorite Dog Food

Tasty Tuesday: Cold Treats for HOT Dogs!

I also must share a few pics of our day!!

Basic Pupsicles!

This is the basic recipe that can be adapted with different types of fruit...depending on what your particular pooch might like. LadyBug prefers Strawberries!!

You can vary the juice as well...just make sure that you use all natural with no added sugar.

1 ripe banana
4 cups orange juice
1/2 cup plain yogurt

Puree all ingredients in a blender - or simply mash the banana by hand and combine with the juice and yogurt-then pour into a popsicle mold, freeze, and serve to your favorite "hot dogs".

Tasty Tuesday: Delicious Ice Cubes!!

Pour chicken or beef broth into ice cube trays. When frozen, place a few of these delicious doggy ice pops in the bowl with your dog's kibble, or simply add to the water bowl for a flavored beverage.

It is very important for dogs to drink during this oppressive heat!!  Also, make sure they re drinking all kinds of water!!!

Tasty Tuesday: Summer Frozen Delights!!

Ingredients
1 cup plain Yogurt, divided
1 pound Strawberries,  divided
1 Banana
4 Rawhide Sticks

 First Layer
1/2 pound Strawberries, chopped
1/2 cup plain Yogurt
Add strawberries and yogurt to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth

 

Second Layer
1 Banana, chopped
1/2 cup plain Yogurt
Add banana and yogurt to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth

Third Layer
1/2 pound  Strawberries, chopped
Add strawberries to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth

Directions
1. Pour an inch or so of  your first layer mixture into the bottom of each cup.
2. Allow to freeze for 30 minutes, and insert your rawhide stick.
3. Repeat pouring the layers, allowing them to set 30 minutes in between, until  they are all used.
4. Freeze for 8 hours to allow them to fully set.
5. Run warm water around the mold to remove the popsicle.

Makes four popsicles!!   I wanted to credit the person I got this from...I think it's the food blogger?

Tasty Tuesday: Delicious Pumpkin!!

We can't remember where we found this recipe but give it a try....pumpkin is the BEST!!!

Mama just calls 'em Pumpkin Bits

You will need:

2 eggs

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons dry milk

2 1/2 cups of flour

Preheat the oven to 350.

Blend eggs and pumpkin together and then add salt, dry milk and flour.

Add water as needed to make the dough "workable"

The dough will be dry and stiff and there will probably be crumbs left in the bowl :)

This dough is WAY too stiff to use an electric mixer so you will have to mix with your hands.

Roll it out to about a half inch thick.

Cut into whatever shapes you like.

Place one inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes on one side...turn them over and bake another 20 minutes.

Guaranteed...pups will be waiting outside the oven door!!

Give it a try...

SuperBowl Partay Means Great Snacks!!

We are going to be front and center on Sunday for the Superbowl!!!

Love the Superbowl Commercials and this year at least we should have a good half time with Madonna. Those old guys that were on a couple of years ago...just didn't cut it. I don't know who vetted those dudes!!

Anyway, we have several snacks planned...check this one out!!! Valentine's Chex Mix!!! Yumm!!


And by the way...we are actually hoping the Patriots win!!! We are huge Roba Dolce fans...and we know that the Patriots like them! :)

Tasty Tuesday Blog Hop: Tuna Treats!!

We are linking up with Kolchak and Sugar with a brand new recipe for Tuna Treats for Tasty Tuesday! We are going to have mama make these and see how they taste!!

xoxo Chloe and LadyBug

Orion’s Fish Fudgies

12 to 14 oz of canned tuna, salmon or mackerel - do not drain
1 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1 teaspoon minced garlic (optional)
2 eggs
Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Process fish, garlic and eggs in food processor or blender or mix in a bowl, mashing thoroughly with a fork. Add remaining ingredients and mix to a brownie-like consistency. Spread into a 9x9-inch greased pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes. When the fudgies are done, they will have a putty-like texture and the edges will pull away from the sides of the pan. Let cool until easy to handle, then cut into bars. These bars are easy to break up but don’t crumble easily. I usually cut them into three strips one way and eight or nine strips the other way.

Allow to cool thoroughly before putting into a sealed container.

Will keep for one week in the refrigerator or six months in the freezer.

Orion’s Fish Crunchies

Same ingredients as above. After mixing, spread in a 9x15-inch greased pan. The dough will be about ¼ inch thick; if you want thinner crunchies, use a bigger pan or divide into two pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. When the dough is done, it will pull away from the sides of the container. Remove from the oven and allow to cool until easy to handle. Reduce the oven heat to 300 degrees.

Using a pizza cutter (the type with a rolling metal wheel), cut the dough into strips one way and then the other way. This dough does not rise appreciably nor does it shrink. I like to cut it into quarter inch cubes.

Use a spatula to pick up the pieces and spread out in a single layer making sure the pieces aren’t touching. One tray of dough will make about 1 ½ trays of crunchies. Place in the oven and bake for about one hour. The crunchies are done when they feel hard and barely springy to the tip of a spoon pressed on top. If they burn a little on the bottom, don’t worry—most dogs are not connoisseurs and will love them burned. If you want to prevent burning, I recommend using Air-Bake cookie trays.

Allow to cool thoroughly before placing in a sealed container. These will keep for one week at room temperature, one month in the refrigerator and six months in the freezer. My thanks to Shirley for her recipe!!

Halloween TREATS!!!

We are excited about Halloween!!!  How about some of these treats???  Have your mama whip these up for your scary snacks!!

TRICKY TREATS FOR DOGS
Makes 14 treats

2 cups water
3/4 cup canned applesauce
1/8 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
3 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup white flour
1/4 cup chopped nuts
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup oats

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a bowl, mix water, applesauce, vanilla and egg thoroughly.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, nuts, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon, stirring well.

Add wet ingredients to dry and mix well.

Spoon into greased muffin tins, filling each cup completely and bake for about 1 1/4 hours. Cool completely and store in a sealed container.
  

Please remember... If your pet has food allergies or special dietary requirements, check with your vet to see if your pet can eat these!!!!

One Insanely Incredible Sandwich!!

Every now and then I just feel a need to blog about something other than my girlz...so today we are going to talk about one of my favorite recipes!!  


Egg Salad seems like such a basic thing.  I love Egg Salad Sandwiches...and Deviled Eggs!  Check this out if you are looking for an easy recipe....it is insanely good!!

6 large eggs
1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
Salt and pepper
A tiny squeeze of lemon juice
2 stalks celery, washed and chopped
1/2 bunch chives, chopped
2 small handfuls of lettuce
8 slices of whole grain bread, toasted

Place the eggs in a pot and cover with cold water by a 1/2-inch or so. Bring to a gentle boil. Now turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for exactly seven minutes. Have a big bowl of ice water ready and when the eggs are done cooking place them in the ice bath for three minutes or so - long enough to stop the cooking. Crack and peel each egg, place in a medium mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, a couple generous pinches of salt and pepper, now mash with a fork. Don't overdo it, you want the egg mixture to have some texture. If you need to add a bit more mayo to moisten up the mixture a bit, go for it a bit at a time.

Stir in the celery and chives. Taste, and adjust the seasoning - adding more salt and pepper if needed.

To assemble each egg salad sandwich: place a bit of lettuce on a piece of toast, top with the egg salad mixture, and finish by creating a sandwich with a second piece of toast.

Make 4 sandwiches.

Check it out for yourself!!  I'm telling you....you WILL love this!!

Unique Food Combination??

As I have a zillion other things going on these days, I probably failed to mention that my stepson turned 40 and we took him to dinner at the Culinary Center here in town.

We had the most interesting appetizers!!  The food was out of this world!!!  Wonderful!!

The chef delivered an array of different appetizers for us to try...

One of them was Goat Cheese inside of two very thin slices of pear!

I'm not a fan of Goat Cheese....or I didn't think I was...nor do I like pears that much...but it was AWESOME!

Mouth-Watering Goodness!!!

Think I'll be trying this unique combo for some of my own appetizers!!


Do you have a unique food combination that doesn't SEEM like it would go together...but actually does???

OK...So I AM an Addict!

 An Addict of HGTV that is!  Gotcha!!

Anyway...if you get a chance...check out the special they are doing on holiday decorating with Trisha Yearwood, Brooke Burke, and Sherry Shepherd.  It is OUTSTANDING!  I just love what those designers have done!  It is OVER THE TOP Awesome!!!

Anyway...at the end of the show...they have a little partay at Trisha Yearwood's house...and they serve...you guessed it....GREEN Punch!!

Not only did it sound really good when they were talking about it...it looked pretty cool too!  Alcohol does not mix with my medications...so I am always on the lookout for some great non-alcoholic recipes.

This one is a keeper!!

Check it out!!  MMMMMMMMM......

2 packets of unsweetened Lemon-Lime Kool-Aid

2 cups sugar

1 46-ounce can pineapple juice

12 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

32 ounces ginger ale (1 quart)

Put 2 quarts of water in a 1 gallon container.  Add the drink mix and sugar, and stir until the sugar dissolves.  Then add the pineapple juice and the lemonade concentrate.  Stir well.  Then right before you serve it add the ginger ale.

One of My All Time FAVE Christmas Cookies!

I absolutely LOVE Raspberry Almond Linzer Cookies!!

 

My sister makes THE best cookies in the entire world!!  These really are SOOOOO good.

It is impossible to diet during the holidays!

I have never been successful in doing it anyway...so check out this recipe...

It is FABULOUS!!

• 2/3 cup of almonds
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for the work surface
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
• 1 12-ounce jar raspberry jam

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes; let cool.
2. In a food processor, process the almonds and ¼ cup of the brown sugar until the almonds are finely ground.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and the remaining ¼ cup brown sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low and gradually add the almond mixture, then the flour mixture, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Divide the dough in half, shape into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, at least 3 hours.
6. Heat oven to 350° F. On a lightly-floured surface, roll out each piece of dough to a ⅛-inch thickness. Using a 2- to 2 ½-inch round cookie cutter, cut the dough into rounds and place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart. Using a ¾- to 1-inch round cookie cutter, cut out the centers from half of the cookies. Reroll and cut the scraps as necessary.
7. Bake, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until the edges are golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool slightly on the baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
8. Sprinkle the confectioners’ sugar on the cookies with the holes. Spread 1 teaspoon jam on the remaining cookies and top with the sugared cookies. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days

Cherry Vodka Recipe!

Cherry Vodka!!

The Absolute BEST Cherry Vodka!!



2.5 Cups of Cherries

12.7 ounces of Vodka

5 ounces of Simple Syrup*

2-6 drops of Lemon extract





Simple Syrup

• One part water

• Two parts sugar

On medium heat—slowly heat the mixture of water and sugar—stirring frequently to ensure the mixture doesn’t boil. When the sugar is completely dissolved remove from heat and put aside.

(If possible use a double boiler—it is easier).

The mixture can be sealed and kept for several months. You can also use Brown sugar or a Light colored honey in place of sugar


Vodka Cherry preparation

• In a quart jar, add cherries that have been pitted and cut in half.

• Add vodka and water to cover cherries

• Tightly cover contents in jar and let cherries soak for 2-3 weeks

• SHAKE DAILY !!

• Filter the contents thru cheesecloth first, then thru a coffee filter.

• Add the Simple syrup and lemon extract to the remaining filtered liquid

• Top off with distilled water bringing the total volume to 25.4 ounces.
 
This is my husband's FAVORITE part about growing Cherries on OUR Very Own Tree!!!
 
He just loves this stuff!!!

Heart Healthy Cookin!

Lots of people struggle with the common perception that eating whole grains will sacrifice taste and flavor...satisfaction. NOT True!

Only a single gram of fat per serving, Uncle Ben's Boil in a Bag Whole Grain Brown Rice provides 100% of the daily whole grain recommendation in just ONE serving! It is the perfect base for a meal. Just add some tasty ingredients and you are good to go.

I checked out this recipe and it is SUPERB!! I doubled the recipe so that we would be able to have more than one meal out of it.

We will definitely be adding this recipe to the box!

**Heart Healthy Chicken and Brown Rice Sloppy Joes**

1 - 2-cup bag Uncle Ben's Boil in the Bag Whole Grain Brown Rice
1/2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 Pound Ground Chicken
1 Cup Onion, diced
1/4 Cup Green Pepper, diced (I used an Orange Sweet Pepper)
1 Clove Garlic, Minced
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
3/4 cup Ketchup
2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon Mustard
1 teaspoon White Vinegar
1/4 Cup Water
6 Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns

Prepare rice as instructed on the box.

While rice is cooking, begin making sloppy joes.

In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat and add chicken. Stir to separate meat and then add onions, green peppers, garlic, salt and pepper. Continue cooking until meat is cooked and onions are translucent, about five minutes.

In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire Sauce, mustard, vinegar, and 1/4 cup of water.

Once rice is cooked, drain and add to skillet. Add liquid ingredients into meat and rice mixture and stir well to combine all ingredients. Continue to simmer for about five minutes to meld flavors.

Serve between whole wheat buns. Makes about 6 Sloppy Joes