Looking for something really good to drink on New Year's Eve? Check out these great recipes from Bacardi.com.
BACARDI? RAZZ? Chocolate Fondue
4 ? 3 oz. chocolate bars
1 cup heavy cream
4 Tbsp. BACARDI? RAZZ?
In a saucepan or fondue pot, combine all ingredients.
Stir over a low flame until melted. Dip in fresh strawberries, fresh bananas, graham cookies or marshmallows.
BACARDI?
Superior & Ginger Ale
1 part BACARDI?
Superior Rum
4 parts ginger ale
Pour over ice in tall glass.
Garnish with lime wedge.
BACARDI? Pomegranate Mojito Cocktail
1 ? oz. BACARDI? Superior Rum
12 fresh spearmint leaves
? lime
Muddle mint leaves and lime in a shaker. Cover with BACARDI? Rum, pomegranate juice and simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with a splash of club soda.
Garnish with lime wedge and sprigs of mint.
BACARDI? Mojito Cocktail
1 ? oz. BACARDI? Superior Rum
12 fresh spearmint leaves
? lime
Muddle mint leaves and lime in a tall glass. Cover with simple syrup and fill glass with ice. Add BACARDI? Rum and club soda; stir well.
Garnish glass with lime wedge and sprigs of mint.
BACARDI Party Punch
750ml bottle BACARDI Gold Rum
1 L cranberry juice
2 L ginger ale, chilled
8 oz. orange juice
1 oz. lime juice
1 ? oz. lemon juice
Extra citrus fruit for garnish
Ice
In large container, combine rum and fruit juices. Chill.
Just before serving, pour into large punch bowl. Add
ice and gently stir in chilled ginger ale. Garnish by
floating orange, lemon and lime slices on top.
Makes 16 cups.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Caramelized Onion Lasagna
Caramelized Onion Lasagna
* 8 ounces lasagna noodles, preferably whole-wheat
Caramelized Onion Filling
* 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 3 large sweet onions, thinly sliced (about 10 cups)
* 4 medium portobello mushroom caps, gills removed, diced
* 1/2 cup red wine
* 1 teaspoon salt
* Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Spinach & Cheese Filling
* 4 cups baby spinach
* 2 cups nonfat ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
White Sauce & Topping
* 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 cups low-fat milk
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
* 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Preparation
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook noodles until not quite al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain; return the noodles to the pot and cover with cool water.
2. To prepare onion filling: Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and very soft, about 25 minutes. (If they begin to stick, add water 1/4 cup at a time to release them and prevent burning.) Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, until just beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Add wine and 1 teaspoon salt and continue cooking until most of the liquid is absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in pepper.
3. To prepare spinach filling: Place spinach, ricotta, basil and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a food processor and process until smooth.
4. To prepare white sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour and stir until bubbling, about 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in milk and 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking, until the sauce has the consistency of thick gravy, about 1 minute. Add Gorgonzola and gently whisk until it is melted. Remove from the heat. (The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits.)
5. To assemble lasagna: Preheat oven to 375?F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
6. Drain the noodles and spread out on a kitchen towel. Spread 1/2 cup white sauce in the prepared pan. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the spinach filling over the noodles and top with one-third of the onion filling. Evenly spread 1/2 cup white sauce over the onions. Repeat with another layer of noodles, the remaining spinach filling, half the remaining onion filling and half the remaining white sauce. To finish, top with a third layer of noodles, spread the remaining onion filling over the noodles and then spread or dollop the remaining white sauce on top. Sprinkle with walnuts and basil.
7. Bake until hot and bubbling, about 30 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Notes
* Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate the caramelized onion filling (Step 2) for up to 1 day.
* Kitchen Tip: Onions contain a volatile compound called lachrymator that reacts with the fluid in your eyes and makes them water. To chop them without crying, try wearing goggles, burning a candle nearby or cutting them under cold water. To mellow the bite of a raw onion, soak it for an hour in 1 cup cold water, 1/4 cup vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt and then rinse thoroughly.
* Kitchen Tip: The dark gills found on the underside of a portobello mushroom cap are edible, but can turn a dish an unappealing gray/black color. Remove the gills with a spoon, if desired.
Nutrition
Per serving: 345 calories; 14 g fat (3 g sat, 7 g mono); 9 mg cholesterol; 39 g carbohydrates; 16 g protein; 8 g fiber; 680 mg sodium; 514 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (23% daily value), Calcium (16% dv), Vitamin A (15% dv).
2 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 2 fat
* 8 ounces lasagna noodles, preferably whole-wheat
Caramelized Onion Filling
* 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 3 large sweet onions, thinly sliced (about 10 cups)
* 4 medium portobello mushroom caps, gills removed, diced
* 1/2 cup red wine
* 1 teaspoon salt
* Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Spinach & Cheese Filling
* 4 cups baby spinach
* 2 cups nonfat ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
White Sauce & Topping
* 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 cups low-fat milk
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
* 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Preparation
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook noodles until not quite al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain; return the noodles to the pot and cover with cool water.
2. To prepare onion filling: Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and very soft, about 25 minutes. (If they begin to stick, add water 1/4 cup at a time to release them and prevent burning.) Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, until just beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Add wine and 1 teaspoon salt and continue cooking until most of the liquid is absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in pepper.
3. To prepare spinach filling: Place spinach, ricotta, basil and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a food processor and process until smooth.
4. To prepare white sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour and stir until bubbling, about 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in milk and 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking, until the sauce has the consistency of thick gravy, about 1 minute. Add Gorgonzola and gently whisk until it is melted. Remove from the heat. (The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits.)
5. To assemble lasagna: Preheat oven to 375?F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
6. Drain the noodles and spread out on a kitchen towel. Spread 1/2 cup white sauce in the prepared pan. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the spinach filling over the noodles and top with one-third of the onion filling. Evenly spread 1/2 cup white sauce over the onions. Repeat with another layer of noodles, the remaining spinach filling, half the remaining onion filling and half the remaining white sauce. To finish, top with a third layer of noodles, spread the remaining onion filling over the noodles and then spread or dollop the remaining white sauce on top. Sprinkle with walnuts and basil.
7. Bake until hot and bubbling, about 30 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Notes
* Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate the caramelized onion filling (Step 2) for up to 1 day.
* Kitchen Tip: Onions contain a volatile compound called lachrymator that reacts with the fluid in your eyes and makes them water. To chop them without crying, try wearing goggles, burning a candle nearby or cutting them under cold water. To mellow the bite of a raw onion, soak it for an hour in 1 cup cold water, 1/4 cup vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt and then rinse thoroughly.
* Kitchen Tip: The dark gills found on the underside of a portobello mushroom cap are edible, but can turn a dish an unappealing gray/black color. Remove the gills with a spoon, if desired.
Nutrition
Per serving: 345 calories; 14 g fat (3 g sat, 7 g mono); 9 mg cholesterol; 39 g carbohydrates; 16 g protein; 8 g fiber; 680 mg sodium; 514 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (23% daily value), Calcium (16% dv), Vitamin A (15% dv).
2 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 2 fat
Garden Pizza
Ingredients
? 4 whole baby or 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
? 1 pint cherry tomatoes
? 2 tablespoons tomato paste
? 8 fresh basil leaves
? 2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano
? 1/4 teaspoon salt
? 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
? Yellow cornmeal, for dusting
? 1 pound Easy Whole-Wheat Pizza Dough or other prepared dough
? 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
? 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
? 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
1. Preheat grill to medium-high. (For charcoal grilling or an oven variation, see below.)
2. Grill zucchini until marked and softened, about 4 minutes. Thinly slice. Reduce heat to low.
3. Process tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt and pepper in a food processor until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
4. Sprinkle cornmeal onto a pizza peel or large baking sheet. Roll out the dough (see Tip, below) and transfer it to the prepared peel or baking sheet, making sure the underside of the dough is completely coated with cornmeal.
5. Slide the crust onto the grill rack; close the lid. Cook until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Using a large spatula, flip the crust. Spread the tomato mixture on the crust, leaving a 1-inch border. Quickly top with mozzarella, bell pepper and the zucchini. Sprinkle on Parmesan.
7. Close the lid again and grill until the cheese has melted and the bottom of the crust has browned, about 8 minutes.
Tips & Notes
? Tip: To roll out pizza dough: When you're ready to get your pizzas on the grill, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Dust the top with flour; dimple with your fingertips to shape into a thick, flattened circle?don't worry if it's not perfectly symmetrical. Then use a rolling pin to roll into a circle about 14 inches in diameter.
Variations
? Pizza on a charcoal grill: Light 6 quarts (about 1 large chimney starter full) of charcoal and burn until the coals are mostly white, about 20 minutes. Spread the coals in an even layer. Place a grate over the coals. Let the coals burn until they are about medium-low. (Grill any toppings for the pizza while the coals are burning down.) To test the heat, hold your palm about 5 inches above the grill rack; if you can hold it there for about 8 seconds before you need to move it away, the fire is medium-low. Transfer the crust to the grill rack, cover the grill and cook the crust, checking once or twice, until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the crust, quickly add the toppings, cover the grill and cook until the toppings are hot and the bottom of the crust has browned, 5 to 8 minutes. If your crust browns faster than your toppings are cooking, slide a baking sheet under the pizza to keep the crust from burning while the toppings finish.
? Pizza in the oven: Place a pizza stone on the lowest rack; preheat oven to 450?F for at least 20 minutes. Roll out the dough and place on a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel or inverted baking sheet, using enough cornmeal so that the dough slides easily. Slide the dough onto the preheated stone and cook until the bottom begins to crisp, about 3 minutes. Remove the crust from the oven using a large spatula and place it uncooked-side down on the peel or baking sheet, making sure the underside of the crust is completely coated with cornmeal. Quickly add the toppings and slide the pizza back onto the stone. Continue baking until the toppings are hot and the bottom of the crust has browned, 12 to 15 minutes.
Nutrition
Per serving: 375 calories; 9 g fat (5 g sat, 1 g mono); 26 mg cholesterol; 58 g carbohydrates; 17 g protein; 8 g fiber; 531 mg sodium; 566 mg potassium. Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (80% daily value), Folate (46% dv), Calcium (32% dv), Iron & Vitamin A (20% dv).
? 4 whole baby or 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
? 1 pint cherry tomatoes
? 2 tablespoons tomato paste
? 8 fresh basil leaves
? 2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano
? 1/4 teaspoon salt
? 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
? Yellow cornmeal, for dusting
? 1 pound Easy Whole-Wheat Pizza Dough or other prepared dough
? 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
? 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
? 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
1. Preheat grill to medium-high. (For charcoal grilling or an oven variation, see below.)
2. Grill zucchini until marked and softened, about 4 minutes. Thinly slice. Reduce heat to low.
3. Process tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt and pepper in a food processor until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
4. Sprinkle cornmeal onto a pizza peel or large baking sheet. Roll out the dough (see Tip, below) and transfer it to the prepared peel or baking sheet, making sure the underside of the dough is completely coated with cornmeal.
5. Slide the crust onto the grill rack; close the lid. Cook until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Using a large spatula, flip the crust. Spread the tomato mixture on the crust, leaving a 1-inch border. Quickly top with mozzarella, bell pepper and the zucchini. Sprinkle on Parmesan.
7. Close the lid again and grill until the cheese has melted and the bottom of the crust has browned, about 8 minutes.
Tips & Notes
? Tip: To roll out pizza dough: When you're ready to get your pizzas on the grill, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Dust the top with flour; dimple with your fingertips to shape into a thick, flattened circle?don't worry if it's not perfectly symmetrical. Then use a rolling pin to roll into a circle about 14 inches in diameter.
Variations
? Pizza on a charcoal grill: Light 6 quarts (about 1 large chimney starter full) of charcoal and burn until the coals are mostly white, about 20 minutes. Spread the coals in an even layer. Place a grate over the coals. Let the coals burn until they are about medium-low. (Grill any toppings for the pizza while the coals are burning down.) To test the heat, hold your palm about 5 inches above the grill rack; if you can hold it there for about 8 seconds before you need to move it away, the fire is medium-low. Transfer the crust to the grill rack, cover the grill and cook the crust, checking once or twice, until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the crust, quickly add the toppings, cover the grill and cook until the toppings are hot and the bottom of the crust has browned, 5 to 8 minutes. If your crust browns faster than your toppings are cooking, slide a baking sheet under the pizza to keep the crust from burning while the toppings finish.
? Pizza in the oven: Place a pizza stone on the lowest rack; preheat oven to 450?F for at least 20 minutes. Roll out the dough and place on a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel or inverted baking sheet, using enough cornmeal so that the dough slides easily. Slide the dough onto the preheated stone and cook until the bottom begins to crisp, about 3 minutes. Remove the crust from the oven using a large spatula and place it uncooked-side down on the peel or baking sheet, making sure the underside of the crust is completely coated with cornmeal. Quickly add the toppings and slide the pizza back onto the stone. Continue baking until the toppings are hot and the bottom of the crust has browned, 12 to 15 minutes.
Nutrition
Per serving: 375 calories; 9 g fat (5 g sat, 1 g mono); 26 mg cholesterol; 58 g carbohydrates; 17 g protein; 8 g fiber; 531 mg sodium; 566 mg potassium. Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (80% daily value), Folate (46% dv), Calcium (32% dv), Iron & Vitamin A (20% dv).
Spiced Orange Tea
From the kitchen of Emeril Lagasse
Servings: 6-8
Difficulty: Easy
Cook Time: 1-30 min
Ingredients
Thinly peeled strips of orange peel, about 1/2-inch wide, from 1 orange
3 cups freshly squeezed orange juice, about 6 large oranges
3 cups water
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 small toe of fresh ginger, 1/2 ounce, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
3 Orange Pekoe teabags
1/2 cup sugar
Cooking Directions
In small pot combine the orange peel, orange juice, water, lemon juice, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove pot from the heat. Add the tea bags and let steep for 5 minutes. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve set over another pot or into a warmed tea pot. Serve hot.
Yield: 6 cups, 6 to 8 servings
Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, courtesy MSLO, Inc.
Servings: 6-8
Difficulty: Easy
Cook Time: 1-30 min
Ingredients
Thinly peeled strips of orange peel, about 1/2-inch wide, from 1 orange
3 cups freshly squeezed orange juice, about 6 large oranges
3 cups water
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 small toe of fresh ginger, 1/2 ounce, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
3 Orange Pekoe teabags
1/2 cup sugar
Cooking Directions
In small pot combine the orange peel, orange juice, water, lemon juice, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove pot from the heat. Add the tea bags and let steep for 5 minutes. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve set over another pot or into a warmed tea pot. Serve hot.
Yield: 6 cups, 6 to 8 servings
Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, courtesy MSLO, Inc.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Twelve Days of Christmas
The Christmas season begins at sundown on 24th December and lasts through sundown on 5th January. For that reason, this season is also known as the Twelve Days of Christmas.
The idea to celebrate Christmas on December 25 originated in the 4th century. The Catholic Church wanted to eclipse the festivities of a rival pagan religion that threatened Christianity's existence. The Romans celebrated the birthday of their sun god, Mithras during this time of year. Although it was not popular, or even proper, to celebrate people's birthdays in those times, church leaders decided that in order to compete with the pagan celebration they would themselves order a festival in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Although the actual season of Jesus' birth is thought to be in the spring, the date of December 25 was chosen as the official birthday celebration as Christ's Mass so that it would compete head on with the rival pagan celebration. Christmas was slow to catch on in America. The early colonists considered it a pagan ritual. The celebration of Christmas was even banned by law in Massachusetts in colonial days.
The idea to celebrate Christmas on December 25 originated in the 4th century. The Catholic Church wanted to eclipse the festivities of a rival pagan religion that threatened Christianity's existence. The Romans celebrated the birthday of their sun god, Mithras during this time of year. Although it was not popular, or even proper, to celebrate people's birthdays in those times, church leaders decided that in order to compete with the pagan celebration they would themselves order a festival in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Although the actual season of Jesus' birth is thought to be in the spring, the date of December 25 was chosen as the official birthday celebration as Christ's Mass so that it would compete head on with the rival pagan celebration. Christmas was slow to catch on in America. The early colonists considered it a pagan ritual. The celebration of Christmas was even banned by law in Massachusetts in colonial days.
Santa's On His Way!!
Santa has begun delivering presents to the children of the world :) He is currently in the Andaman Islands, heading to Thailand next!! Keep up with all his schedule by visiting the NORAD Santa Tracker. Merry Christmas everyone! :)
Candy Cane Centerpiece
This is super quick and very simple. I use margarita glass, but really any kind of glass or vase could work. You just need to make sure it's big enough to hold the candle. then hang candy canes all around it. Next take your favorite Gold Canyon pillar candle and put it in the center. Light the candle and enjoy :)
Homemade Christmas Centerpiece
Materials:
2 white styrofoam dinner plates
stapler
natural greenery/leaves/flowers from your yard or garden, OR "scraps" from a Christmas tree lot
votive candle w/glass cup
holiday-motif place mat (paper OK), optional
matches (for when you light the candles later)
Instructions:
Invert one paper plate over the other. Staple these together around the rim, at about '12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock' positions. Insert decorative plant materials all around the rim of the top plate. Place the centerpiece on tablecloth on its optional place mat, place the votive candle cup in the center of the centerpiece. Put your favorite Gold Canyon candle in the candle cup, light it and let the party begin!
2 white styrofoam dinner plates
stapler
natural greenery/leaves/flowers from your yard or garden, OR "scraps" from a Christmas tree lot
votive candle w/glass cup
holiday-motif place mat (paper OK), optional
matches (for when you light the candles later)
Instructions:
Invert one paper plate over the other. Staple these together around the rim, at about '12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock' positions. Insert decorative plant materials all around the rim of the top plate. Place the centerpiece on tablecloth on its optional place mat, place the votive candle cup in the center of the centerpiece. Put your favorite Gold Canyon candle in the candle cup, light it and let the party begin!
Sugar Cookies Recipe
I love Sugar Cookies!! They are one of my favorite things :) Check out this recipe and enjoy!!
Sugar Cookies:
Makes about 6 dozen cookies.
Preparation time: 45 minutes.
Chilling time: 2 hours. Cooking time: 8 minutes.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter or margarine (at room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
multicolored sugar sprinkles (optional) For icing:
2 1/2 cups sifted confectioners sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 to 4 tablespoons cold water
assorted food colors.
Step 1:
Onto a piece of waxed paper, sift 2 1/2 cups of the flour, the baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on high, cream the butter and sugar until light yellow and fluffy.
Step 2:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla and lemon rind. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the flour mixture. Divide into three equal pieces, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
Step 3:
Preheat the oven to 350? butter three baking sheets. On a surface lightly floured with about 1/3 of the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, roll out 1 piece of dough, 1/4 inch thick, and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
Step 4:
With a spatula, transfer to the baking sheets, sprinkle with the sugar if you wish, and bake for 8 minutes or just until edge starts to brown. Let cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool. Repeat with the remaining dough. Decorate as desired using the icing. Store in an airtight container, but do not freeze frosted cookies.
Step 5: Making the Icing
In a small bowl, stir the sugar with the vanilla, then add enough water to make a stiff icing. Divide into small cups and color as you wish. When the cookies are cold, pipe out designs, such as smiling faces, zigzags, bow ties for men and aprons for women. If using different colors of icing, let one color dry before piping the next.
Sugar Cookies:
Makes about 6 dozen cookies.
Preparation time: 45 minutes.
Chilling time: 2 hours. Cooking time: 8 minutes.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter or margarine (at room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
multicolored sugar sprinkles (optional) For icing:
2 1/2 cups sifted confectioners sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 to 4 tablespoons cold water
assorted food colors.
Step 1:
Onto a piece of waxed paper, sift 2 1/2 cups of the flour, the baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on high, cream the butter and sugar until light yellow and fluffy.
Step 2:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla and lemon rind. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the flour mixture. Divide into three equal pieces, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
Step 3:
Preheat the oven to 350? butter three baking sheets. On a surface lightly floured with about 1/3 of the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, roll out 1 piece of dough, 1/4 inch thick, and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
Step 4:
With a spatula, transfer to the baking sheets, sprinkle with the sugar if you wish, and bake for 8 minutes or just until edge starts to brown. Let cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool. Repeat with the remaining dough. Decorate as desired using the icing. Store in an airtight container, but do not freeze frosted cookies.
Step 5: Making the Icing
In a small bowl, stir the sugar with the vanilla, then add enough water to make a stiff icing. Divide into small cups and color as you wish. When the cookies are cold, pipe out designs, such as smiling faces, zigzags, bow ties for men and aprons for women. If using different colors of icing, let one color dry before piping the next.
Whiskey Egg Nog
This traditional holiday drink is saved from raw-egg problems by cooking the custard. Brandy or rum can be substituted for whiskey.
Makes 6 cups.
Total time: 3 hours 45 minutes.
Ingredients
4 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whiskey
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup heavy cream
Step 1:
In a saucepan, beat the eggs and sugar until creamy. In a second saucepan over low heat, heat 2 cups of the milk until hot. Slowly add to the egg mixture, stirring continuously. Cook over low heat, stirring, for 15 to 20 minutes or until the mixture reaches 170?F and has thickened. Stir in the remaining milk, vanilla, whisky, and half the nutmeg. Chill 3 hours.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, beat the cream until soft peaks form. Fold into the milk mixture. Ladle the eggnog into a punch bowl and sprinkle with the remaining grated nutmeg.
Makes 6 cups.
Total time: 3 hours 45 minutes.
Ingredients
4 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whiskey
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup heavy cream
Step 1:
In a saucepan, beat the eggs and sugar until creamy. In a second saucepan over low heat, heat 2 cups of the milk until hot. Slowly add to the egg mixture, stirring continuously. Cook over low heat, stirring, for 15 to 20 minutes or until the mixture reaches 170?F and has thickened. Stir in the remaining milk, vanilla, whisky, and half the nutmeg. Chill 3 hours.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, beat the cream until soft peaks form. Fold into the milk mixture. Ladle the eggnog into a punch bowl and sprinkle with the remaining grated nutmeg.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Gold Canyon Clearance Sale!!!
It's the end of year so that means it's time for Gold Canyon's end of the year clearance sale!!! With products on sale for 20-75% off regular prices this is the perfect time to stock up on your favorite candles!! If you haven't tried Gold Canyon before than this is a fantastic way to get introduced to the world's finest candles. Contact me for more information on ordering today :)
Christmas Poem for Soldiers
I received a copy of this poem in my email today. It's very touching and wanted to share it here.
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF
PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
'SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY! COUNTRY, MY CORPS.'
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.
I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, 'CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.'
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
'MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,!
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.'
This poem was written by a Marine.
The following is his request. I think it is reasonable.. ...
PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending
this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men, women, and Canadian Forces for our being able to celebrate these festivities.
Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we
owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF
PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
'SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY! COUNTRY, MY CORPS.'
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.
I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, 'CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.'
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
'MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,!
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.'
This poem was written by a Marine.
The following is his request. I think it is reasonable.. ...
PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending
this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men, women, and Canadian Forces for our being able to celebrate these festivities.
Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we
owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Dr. Who
I'm a huge Dr. Who fan and I'm going to be so sad to see David Tenet leave. He's my favorite Doctor :) Plus, he's cute too LOL
Here's a preview of the final Dr. Who with David. The show airs on Christmas day in England. Enjoy!!
Here's a preview of the final Dr. Who with David. The show airs on Christmas day in England. Enjoy!!
A joke to start the day :)
Here's a funny little joke I came across. Enjoy!!
A student comes to a young professor's office hours. She glances down the hall, closes his door, and kneels pleadingly. "I have to pass this class," she pleads.
The professor looks at his grade book and shakes his head. "You've missed most lectures, you haven't done the homework, and the one paper you wrote was terrible -- it shows you don't know the material."
"But you don't understand!" she says. "If I don't pass your class, I can't graduate."
"The final is 50 percent of your grade," the professor says. "If you get 95 percent, you would end up with a D, which is passing."
"I would do anything to pass the final," she says.
She leans closer to him, flips back her hair, gazes meaningfully into his eyes.
"I mean..." she whispers, 'I would do anything!"
"Anything?" he says, returning her intense gaze. "Do you really mean ...anything?"
"Absolutely!" she says, finally smiling broadly.
His voice turns to a whisper: "Would you... study?"
A student comes to a young professor's office hours. She glances down the hall, closes his door, and kneels pleadingly. "I have to pass this class," she pleads.
The professor looks at his grade book and shakes his head. "You've missed most lectures, you haven't done the homework, and the one paper you wrote was terrible -- it shows you don't know the material."
"But you don't understand!" she says. "If I don't pass your class, I can't graduate."
"The final is 50 percent of your grade," the professor says. "If you get 95 percent, you would end up with a D, which is passing."
"I would do anything to pass the final," she says.
She leans closer to him, flips back her hair, gazes meaningfully into his eyes.
"I mean..." she whispers, 'I would do anything!"
"Anything?" he says, returning her intense gaze. "Do you really mean ...anything?"
"Absolutely!" she says, finally smiling broadly.
His voice turns to a whisper: "Would you... study?"
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Spiral Lights in the Norwegian Skies
These spiral lights are definitely strange, but unfortunately it doesn't look like aliens are here. Just a misfired Russian rocket.
Exploding Tacos
I just ran across this video and thought it was hilarious :) The music really makes it even funnier.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Quote of the Day:
We have a criminal jury system which is superior to any in the world; and its efficiency is only marred by the difficulty of finding twelve men every day who don't know anything and can't read.
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Keeping Your Pets Warm and Safe This Winter
Everyone knows to stock up on supplies during the winter just in case, but do you remember your pets? Our beloved four-legged friends need to be prepared too. These tips from the Humane Society of United States can help you keep your pets safe and happy this season.
1. Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. Dogs and cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for supervised exercise.
2. Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Use plastic food and water bowls outside rather than metal. When the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
3. Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
4. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet and may be harmful if ingested. Wipe their feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them to remove snow packed between your pet's paws. Pet-friendly ice melts are available at many pet supply stores across the nation or online.
5. Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that can attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol, which is less toxic in small amounts than traditional ethylene glycol antifreeze.
6. No matter what the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet's life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog spends significant time outdoors, however, it must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in body heat.
7. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
8. If you're feeding homeless cats, be sure to provide an insulated shelter for them. Information about building a shelter, spaying and neutering and more is available at humanesociety.org/feralcats.
1. Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. Dogs and cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for supervised exercise.
2. Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Use plastic food and water bowls outside rather than metal. When the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
3. Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
4. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet and may be harmful if ingested. Wipe their feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them to remove snow packed between your pet's paws. Pet-friendly ice melts are available at many pet supply stores across the nation or online.
5. Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that can attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol, which is less toxic in small amounts than traditional ethylene glycol antifreeze.
6. No matter what the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet's life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog spends significant time outdoors, however, it must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in body heat.
7. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
8. If you're feeding homeless cats, be sure to provide an insulated shelter for them. Information about building a shelter, spaying and neutering and more is available at humanesociety.org/feralcats.
Charlie Brown Christmas
While I might not be a Christian and agree with all of the religious feelings about the holiday, I do love the Christmas specials :) Especially the Charlie Brown Christmas special!! It's one of my favorite things about the season. Here's a clip for all of you to enjoy :)
Christmas mis-information
I came across this while doing some stuff for work today.
"God is a smart Creator. It?s almost as if he knew that Christmas needed to be placed at the end of the year, because it gives us a chance to cool down from all the stress and frustration that?s built up over the first 11 and 3/4 months."
While, I'm sure it has been a stressful year for the author, they really should check their facts before writing. Especially the part where God didn't choose the date of Christmas. It was chosen by the early Catholic church. They picked this time of year for Christmas since there were already several different celebrations being held for various pagans religions at the time. It's just another way that the Catholics co-oped most of their faith instead of taking the time to create their own. Also, many scholars believe that the time of Christ's birth would have actually been in summer. A long ways away from December!!
"God is a smart Creator. It?s almost as if he knew that Christmas needed to be placed at the end of the year, because it gives us a chance to cool down from all the stress and frustration that?s built up over the first 11 and 3/4 months."
While, I'm sure it has been a stressful year for the author, they really should check their facts before writing. Especially the part where God didn't choose the date of Christmas. It was chosen by the early Catholic church. They picked this time of year for Christmas since there were already several different celebrations being held for various pagans religions at the time. It's just another way that the Catholics co-oped most of their faith instead of taking the time to create their own. Also, many scholars believe that the time of Christ's birth would have actually been in summer. A long ways away from December!!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Our National Debt
Here's a look at our current national debt. It's a staggering number. The personal amount is more than I'll ever make!!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Baked Spaghettie
Here's what we're having for supper tonight. I love spaghetti in all forms :)
Baked Spaghetti
2- lbs. ground beef
1- lg.onion, diced
1-T.minced garlic
1-tsp.Lawrys seasoned pepper
1/2- tsp.Lawrys seasoned salt
1/2-tsp garlic salt
2-15 oz.cans tomato sauce
1 can water
1-1/2lb.pkg. thin spaghetti
1-pkg.grated cheddar cheese
Brown over low heat ground beef, onion and seasonings until the onions are transparent. Drain.
Add tomato sauce and water. Let simmer for an hour.
Cook spaghetti in boiling water till tender. Drain and pour into a 9X13X2 inch pan. Pour sauce over top and mix all together. Sprinkle on cheese. Pop into a 400 degree oven for 30 min.till cheese melts and browns slightly.
Baked Spaghetti
2- lbs. ground beef
1- lg.onion, diced
1-T.minced garlic
1-tsp.Lawrys seasoned pepper
1/2- tsp.Lawrys seasoned salt
1/2-tsp garlic salt
2-15 oz.cans tomato sauce
1 can water
1-1/2lb.pkg. thin spaghetti
1-pkg.grated cheddar cheese
Brown over low heat ground beef, onion and seasonings until the onions are transparent. Drain.
Add tomato sauce and water. Let simmer for an hour.
Cook spaghetti in boiling water till tender. Drain and pour into a 9X13X2 inch pan. Pour sauce over top and mix all together. Sprinkle on cheese. Pop into a 400 degree oven for 30 min.till cheese melts and browns slightly.
Egg Drop Soup
My hubby's not feeling well so I'm making his some egg drop soup when I get home.
Original Recipe Yield 4 servings
Ingredients
4 cups chicken broth, divided
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
Directions:
1. Reserve 3/4 cup of chicken broth, and pour the rest into a large saucepan. Stir the salt, ginger and chives into the saucepan, and bring to a rolling boil. In a cup or small bowl, stir together the remaining broth and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
2. Stir in the cornstarch mixture gradually until the soup is the desired consistency.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and egg yolk together using a fork. Drizzle egg a little at a time from the fork into the boiling broth mixture. Egg should cook immediately.
Original Recipe Yield 4 servings
Ingredients
4 cups chicken broth, divided
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
Directions:
1. Reserve 3/4 cup of chicken broth, and pour the rest into a large saucepan. Stir the salt, ginger and chives into the saucepan, and bring to a rolling boil. In a cup or small bowl, stir together the remaining broth and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
2. Stir in the cornstarch mixture gradually until the soup is the desired consistency.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and egg yolk together using a fork. Drizzle egg a little at a time from the fork into the boiling broth mixture. Egg should cook immediately.
Turkey Recipes
I'm always looking for new recipes for my favorite foods. One of them happens to be turkey! I can't get enough of it. My husband laughs at me because there are always a couple in our freezer :) Here's some recipes I'll be trying out this Christmas for our dinner. I hope they're as good as they look!
Savory Turkey Brine
2 gallons cold water
10 ounces Kikkoman naturally brewed soy sauce
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons dried sage
2 tablespoons dried celery seed
1 tablespoon dried thyme
The night before roasting, remove giblets and turkey neck. Rinse turkey inside and out. In a large stockpot or 5 gallon bucket, mix water with remaining ingredients. Stir until all the salt is dissolved. Place turkey in pot, cover with a lid and refrigerate overnight, or at least 8 hours. Remove turkey from brine and rinse well. Now, follow your regular cooking instructions.
(Recipe for a 16-24 pound turkey)
Turkey Fried Rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 green onions, chopped
1 cup diced turkey meat
1 carrot, cut into julienne strips
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 cups cold cooked rice
2 tablespoons Kikkoman soy sauce
Heat oil in a large skillet. Add next 3 ingredients; stir-fry until carrots are tender, yet crisp. Add egg; cook, stirring gently until cooked. Mix in rice and soy sauce. Cook until rice is thoroughly heated.
Turkey Tetrazzini
3 pounds turkey, cooked
1 pound sliced mushrooms
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
6 tablespoons flour
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups Kikkoman Pearl Original Soymilk
1lb. spaghetti noodles
1 cup parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
Cut turkey into bite-sized pieces. Melt the butter in saucepan. Then, stir in flour; cooking until it starts to bubble. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring until sauce thickens, then add soymilk, salt and pepper, and cheese. Add turkey and mushrooms and slowly simmer. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and stir into the turkey mixture. Pour into a non-stick baking dish. Bake at 450 degrees until heated thoroughly and the cheese has melted.
Savory Turkey Brine
2 gallons cold water
10 ounces Kikkoman naturally brewed soy sauce
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons dried sage
2 tablespoons dried celery seed
1 tablespoon dried thyme
The night before roasting, remove giblets and turkey neck. Rinse turkey inside and out. In a large stockpot or 5 gallon bucket, mix water with remaining ingredients. Stir until all the salt is dissolved. Place turkey in pot, cover with a lid and refrigerate overnight, or at least 8 hours. Remove turkey from brine and rinse well. Now, follow your regular cooking instructions.
(Recipe for a 16-24 pound turkey)
Turkey Fried Rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 green onions, chopped
1 cup diced turkey meat
1 carrot, cut into julienne strips
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 cups cold cooked rice
2 tablespoons Kikkoman soy sauce
Heat oil in a large skillet. Add next 3 ingredients; stir-fry until carrots are tender, yet crisp. Add egg; cook, stirring gently until cooked. Mix in rice and soy sauce. Cook until rice is thoroughly heated.
Turkey Tetrazzini
3 pounds turkey, cooked
1 pound sliced mushrooms
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
6 tablespoons flour
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups Kikkoman Pearl Original Soymilk
1lb. spaghetti noodles
1 cup parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
Cut turkey into bite-sized pieces. Melt the butter in saucepan. Then, stir in flour; cooking until it starts to bubble. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring until sauce thickens, then add soymilk, salt and pepper, and cheese. Add turkey and mushrooms and slowly simmer. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and stir into the turkey mixture. Pour into a non-stick baking dish. Bake at 450 degrees until heated thoroughly and the cheese has melted.
Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Soup
Ingredients
500g sweet potatoes (or kumera)
500g pumpkin (Jap or butternut.)
1L vegetable stock
1/4 cup of chopped continental/Italian/flat-leafed parsley
1 med brown onion, finely diced
50g butter
250ml cream (I used light thickened cream)
Remove the skin and cut up kumera and pumpkin roughly into smaller pieces. Place them, onions, butter, parsley and stock in a big saucepan. Bring it to the boil, lower the heat and simmer for about 20 mins until the pumpkin and kumera are soft.
Cool the soup for 10 mins. Puree the soup. Now if you like you soup thick but would like to omit the cream, you could at this stage. Otherwise, add cream for a creamier texture and return the soup to the stove. Bring it to a slight gentle boil.
500g sweet potatoes (or kumera)
500g pumpkin (Jap or butternut.)
1L vegetable stock
1/4 cup of chopped continental/Italian/flat-leafed parsley
1 med brown onion, finely diced
50g butter
250ml cream (I used light thickened cream)
Remove the skin and cut up kumera and pumpkin roughly into smaller pieces. Place them, onions, butter, parsley and stock in a big saucepan. Bring it to the boil, lower the heat and simmer for about 20 mins until the pumpkin and kumera are soft.
Cool the soup for 10 mins. Puree the soup. Now if you like you soup thick but would like to omit the cream, you could at this stage. Otherwise, add cream for a creamier texture and return the soup to the stove. Bring it to a slight gentle boil.
Asian-style Ginger Vinaigrette
I'm making this for our dressing tonight. I don't know if my hubby will like it, but I'm sure I'll love it :)
Ingredients:
* Tamari
* Ginger
* Fish Sauce
* Brown Rice Vinegar
* Some Sesame Seeds to Garnish
* Flax Seed Oil
Instructions:
1. Peel and mince your ginger. You?ll need a piece that?s about an inch long or so.
2. Mix all your ingredients up and shake it furiously. You?ll need about 1/3 cup flax seed oil, about 1 Tablespoon Tamari, 1 Teaspoon Fish Sauce and 2 Tablespoons Vinegar plus the minced ginger.
3. Drizzle the dressing over mixed greens and garnish with sesame seeds.
This recipe was found at the Nourished Kitchen. Visit them for more fabulous recipes.
Ingredients:
* Tamari
* Ginger
* Fish Sauce
* Brown Rice Vinegar
* Some Sesame Seeds to Garnish
* Flax Seed Oil
Instructions:
1. Peel and mince your ginger. You?ll need a piece that?s about an inch long or so.
2. Mix all your ingredients up and shake it furiously. You?ll need about 1/3 cup flax seed oil, about 1 Tablespoon Tamari, 1 Teaspoon Fish Sauce and 2 Tablespoons Vinegar plus the minced ginger.
3. Drizzle the dressing over mixed greens and garnish with sesame seeds.
This recipe was found at the Nourished Kitchen. Visit them for more fabulous recipes.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Golden Girls on Gay Marriage
Here's a clip from the Golden Girls on gay marriage. I think they put the argument perfectly.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Fundraising With Gold Canyon
Elements of a Great Fundraising Product:
A popular product that sells itself
A product people are already buying
A product that is a gift item
A non-seasonal product
A product with a high perceived value
A fairly priced product
A new and different product
A product that promotes repeat and future fundraising
Gold Canyon has them all !!!
Did you know?
90% of schools rely on fundraising
8 out of 10 parents purchase from fundraisers
2 Billion dollars a year is spent on fundraisers
Women will purchase approximately 30 candles per year
70% of women burn candles
What fundraisers have you experienced?
Candy bars ~ Cookie dough ~ Gift wrap ~ Greeting cards ~ Coupon cards ~ Trinkets
Sales of 250 candy bars = $ 187.50 profit
Sales of 250 candles = $1560.00 profit
2080 candy bars sales = $1560.00 profit
What would YOU prefer?
Your organization will earn up to 40% profit on your sales!
Let Gold Canyon be your Fund Raising Solution!
A popular product that sells itself
A product people are already buying
A product that is a gift item
A non-seasonal product
A product with a high perceived value
A fairly priced product
A new and different product
A product that promotes repeat and future fundraising
Gold Canyon has them all !!!
Did you know?
90% of schools rely on fundraising
8 out of 10 parents purchase from fundraisers
2 Billion dollars a year is spent on fundraisers
Women will purchase approximately 30 candles per year
70% of women burn candles
What fundraisers have you experienced?
Candy bars ~ Cookie dough ~ Gift wrap ~ Greeting cards ~ Coupon cards ~ Trinkets
Sales of 250 candy bars = $ 187.50 profit
Sales of 250 candles = $1560.00 profit
2080 candy bars sales = $1560.00 profit
What would YOU prefer?
Your organization will earn up to 40% profit on your sales!
Let Gold Canyon be your Fund Raising Solution!
Shatner vs. Limbaugh on Healthcare
This is kinda interesting. Take a look and see what you think. Personally, I think that Rush Limbaugh is an ass and really should learn to keep his mouth shut.
Muppets Bohemian Rhapsody
This is a great video and possibly the best remake of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody out there!! I love the Muppets!
Quote of the Day
"Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money and power and influence. It is no more or less than faith in action." - Henry Chester
Gold Canyon Candles
"A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle..."
As an independent demonstrator for Gold Canyon candles, my opinion might seem a bit biased, but I do have to say that I love them!! They are fantastic! Even if I decided to stop selling these wonderful candles I'd still have to buy them. It seems like they burn forever, and the scent holds strong all the way through. My favorite part is that they last all way to the bottom. When your finished there is barely enough wax left to cover the little metal piece that holds the wicks in place. If you haven't tried these candles yet then you're really missing out. :)
If I was doing a review for these candles I would definitely give them 5 stars LOL
As an independent demonstrator for Gold Canyon candles, my opinion might seem a bit biased, but I do have to say that I love them!! They are fantastic! Even if I decided to stop selling these wonderful candles I'd still have to buy them. It seems like they burn forever, and the scent holds strong all the way through. My favorite part is that they last all way to the bottom. When your finished there is barely enough wax left to cover the little metal piece that holds the wicks in place. If you haven't tried these candles yet then you're really missing out. :)
If I was doing a review for these candles I would definitely give them 5 stars LOL
New Scent Blending Recipe: Christmas Kitchen
Scent Blending Recipes are carefully selected recipes of individual candles that when burning together, create their own unique, blended scent experience.
To maximize your fragrant experience, use the exact sizes and quantities noted in each recipe ? a slight alteration can be like adding salt when you needed sugar.
FIRST: Arrange the candles on a heat-safe surface with the largest in the middle and smaller candles interspersed throughout. For votive and Tealight candles, use a holder to protect the surface.
SECOND: Place each candle approximately two inches apart in your arrangement.
THIRD: Light each candle and let the aromas mingle for at least 30 minutes to create your new fragrance experience.
Christmas Kitchen
Feel like you?re a kid again savoring the smells of Grandma?s kitchen during the holidays. All of the classic holiday scents are included to make this blend a sweet tradition.
*16 oz. Heritage Sugar Cookie
*13 oz. Coconut Pecan Brittle
*5 oz. Heritage Caramel Apple
*Cinnamon Vanilla tealights (3)
To maximize your fragrant experience, use the exact sizes and quantities noted in each recipe ? a slight alteration can be like adding salt when you needed sugar.
FIRST: Arrange the candles on a heat-safe surface with the largest in the middle and smaller candles interspersed throughout. For votive and Tealight candles, use a holder to protect the surface.
SECOND: Place each candle approximately two inches apart in your arrangement.
THIRD: Light each candle and let the aromas mingle for at least 30 minutes to create your new fragrance experience.
Christmas Kitchen
Feel like you?re a kid again savoring the smells of Grandma?s kitchen during the holidays. All of the classic holiday scents are included to make this blend a sweet tradition.
*16 oz. Heritage Sugar Cookie
*13 oz. Coconut Pecan Brittle
*5 oz. Heritage Caramel Apple
*Cinnamon Vanilla tealights (3)
Host The Most Contest
There's still plenty of time to enter Gold Canyon's Host the Most Contest!! Just click on this link to enter. There is no purchase required to enter, but you can get an extra 5 entries for each party you host! Just imagine what you can do with $10,000!!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Salvation Army Online Kettle Drive
Help me support the Salvation Army this year by making a donation to their wonderful cause. Every little bit helps :) Just click on the banner to donate today!!
Banner Ad for Red Kettle
Going Back To College!!!
I got all my financial aid completed yesterday so I can go back to college starting on January 4th. I'm so excited!!! I'll be taking classes online through Rasmussen College. It looks like a really good school and seems like it will be a little fun too :) I'm going to be studying internet marketing. Hopefully it'll help be get better at this blogging thing LOL
Monday, November 30, 2009
Candle Facts
Here are some interesting facts about candles. Candles can be the perfect gift for anyone you know. Contact me to find out how to enjoy the fantastic candles that Gold Canyon offers. Once you try them you'll never want to use anything else!!
U.S. retail sales of candles are estimated at approximately $2 billion annually, excluding sales of candle accessories.
Candles are used in 7 out of 10 U.S. households.
Candles generally can be categorized into 11 basic types: tapers, votives, pillars, container (or jar) candles, tea lights, liturgical candles, outdoor candles, floating candles, novelty candles, utility candles, and birthday candles.
Manufacturer surveys show that 90% of all candles are purchased by women.
Votives, container candles and pillars are currently the most popular types of candles with American consumers.
Candle industry research indicates that the most important factors affecting candle sales are scent, color, cost and shape.
The retail price of a candle generally ranges from approximately 50? for a votive to $30 for a large pillar or jar candle. Highly unusual or embellished artisan candles can be $200 or more
Approximately 35% of candle sales occur during the Christmas/Holiday season. Non-seasonal business accounts for approximately 65% of candle sales.
Consumers are increasingly purchasing candles as a focal point for their home decor, and for aromatherapy- like relaxation and stress reduction.
Fragrance is by far the most important characteristic impacting candle purchases today, with three-fourths of candle buyers saying it is "extremely important" or "very important" in their selection of a candle.
The majority of U.S. consumers use their candles within a week of purchase.
Nine out of ten candle users say they use candles to make a room feel comfortable or cozy.
Approximately three-fourths of candle users say they typically burn candles for 4 hours or less per sitting.
Candle users say they most frequently burn candles in the living room (42%), followed by the kitchen (18%) and the bedroom (13%).
Approximately one in five women say they use candles to decorate the yard, patio or other exterior areas, as well as the interior of their home.
Both men and women consider candles to be an always-acceptable and highly appreciated gift for a wide variety of occasions.
Candle purchasers say they view candles as an appropriate gift for the holidays (76%), as a house warming gift (74%), a hostess/dinner party gift (66%), a thank you (61%) and as adult birthday gifts (58%).
U.S. retail sales of candles are estimated at approximately $2 billion annually, excluding sales of candle accessories.
Candles are used in 7 out of 10 U.S. households.
Candles generally can be categorized into 11 basic types: tapers, votives, pillars, container (or jar) candles, tea lights, liturgical candles, outdoor candles, floating candles, novelty candles, utility candles, and birthday candles.
Manufacturer surveys show that 90% of all candles are purchased by women.
Votives, container candles and pillars are currently the most popular types of candles with American consumers.
Candle industry research indicates that the most important factors affecting candle sales are scent, color, cost and shape.
The retail price of a candle generally ranges from approximately 50? for a votive to $30 for a large pillar or jar candle. Highly unusual or embellished artisan candles can be $200 or more
Approximately 35% of candle sales occur during the Christmas/Holiday season. Non-seasonal business accounts for approximately 65% of candle sales.
Consumers are increasingly purchasing candles as a focal point for their home decor, and for aromatherapy- like relaxation and stress reduction.
Fragrance is by far the most important characteristic impacting candle purchases today, with three-fourths of candle buyers saying it is "extremely important" or "very important" in their selection of a candle.
The majority of U.S. consumers use their candles within a week of purchase.
Nine out of ten candle users say they use candles to make a room feel comfortable or cozy.
Approximately three-fourths of candle users say they typically burn candles for 4 hours or less per sitting.
Candle users say they most frequently burn candles in the living room (42%), followed by the kitchen (18%) and the bedroom (13%).
Approximately one in five women say they use candles to decorate the yard, patio or other exterior areas, as well as the interior of their home.
Both men and women consider candles to be an always-acceptable and highly appreciated gift for a wide variety of occasions.
Candle purchasers say they view candles as an appropriate gift for the holidays (76%), as a house warming gift (74%), a hostess/dinner party gift (66%), a thank you (61%) and as adult birthday gifts (58%).
Quote of the Day
"It has been my philosophy of life that
difficulties vanish when faced boldly."
- Isaac Asimov
difficulties vanish when faced boldly."
- Isaac Asimov
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Maxine On Border Patrol
Maxine on Border Problems
Courtesy of MckLinky Stuff - FREE!
Everyone concentrates on the problems we're having in this country lately; illegal immigration, hurricane recovery, alligators attacking people in Florida.
Not me. I concentrate on solutions for the problems. It's a win-win situation.
1. Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border.
2. Send the dirt to New Orleans to raise the level of the levies.
3. Put the Florida alligators in the moat along the Mexican border.
Any other problems you would like for me to solve today ?
Courtesy of MckLinky Stuff - FREE!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons cold milk
1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
6 Fuji apples, cored and sliced
3/4 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. To Make Crust: In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, oil, milk, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar and salt until evenly blended. Pat mixture into a 9 inch pie pan, spreading the dough evenly over the bottom and up sides. Crimp edges of the dough around the perimeter.
3. To Make Filling: Mix together 3/4 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle over apples and toss to coat. Spread evenly in unbaked pie shell.
4. To Make Topping: Using a pastry cutter, mix together 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar and butter until evenly distributed and crumbly in texture. Sprinkle over apples.
5. Put pie in the oven on a cookie sheet to catch the juices that may spill over. Bake 45 minutes.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons cold milk
1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
6 Fuji apples, cored and sliced
3/4 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. To Make Crust: In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, oil, milk, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar and salt until evenly blended. Pat mixture into a 9 inch pie pan, spreading the dough evenly over the bottom and up sides. Crimp edges of the dough around the perimeter.
3. To Make Filling: Mix together 3/4 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle over apples and toss to coat. Spread evenly in unbaked pie shell.
4. To Make Topping: Using a pastry cutter, mix together 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar and butter until evenly distributed and crumbly in texture. Sprinkle over apples.
5. Put pie in the oven on a cookie sheet to catch the juices that may spill over. Bake 45 minutes.
Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground sage pork sausage
4 onions, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
6 cups crumbled cornbread
6 cups cubed soft white bread
1 cup chicken broth
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon steak sauce
1 tablespoon salt
Directions
1. Place the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Cook, breaking sausage apart with a fork, until evenly brown. Set aside, reserving pan drippings.
2. Mix onions and celery into skillet, and cook in the pan drippings until browned. Drain remaining drippings.
3. In a large bowl, toss together the sausage, onions and celery, cornbread, white bread, broth, and eggs. Mix in poultry seasoning, steak sauce, and salt. Stuff turkey just before roasting.
1 1/2 pounds ground sage pork sausage
4 onions, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
6 cups crumbled cornbread
6 cups cubed soft white bread
1 cup chicken broth
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon steak sauce
1 tablespoon salt
Directions
1. Place the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Cook, breaking sausage apart with a fork, until evenly brown. Set aside, reserving pan drippings.
2. Mix onions and celery into skillet, and cook in the pan drippings until browned. Drain remaining drippings.
3. In a large bowl, toss together the sausage, onions and celery, cornbread, white bread, broth, and eggs. Mix in poultry seasoning, steak sauce, and salt. Stuff turkey just before roasting.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Enter for Your Chance to Win $10,000!!
This holiday season, Gold Canyon is giving away thousands in cash prizes to your Party Hosts with our Host the Most Sweepstakes!
Here?s what you can win:
Weekly Cash Drawings ? Winners Announced Every Week!
1-$500 Cash Prize
1-$300 Cash Prize
1-$200 Cash Prize
15-$100 Cash Prizes
At the end of the sweepstakes, there will be a grand prize drawing for $10,000!
How To Enter:
Go to http://HostTheMost.GoldCanyon.com to register for the sweepstakes and get your first entry.
Schedule to host your party as soon as possible.
Every host will get 5 additional entries into the $10,000 sweepstakes and weekly cash drawings for parties submitted before December 31!
Everyone could use extra cash around the holidays! Don?t miss this chance win $10,000!!! Just imagine the shopping you can do with that!!
Here?s what you can win:
Weekly Cash Drawings ? Winners Announced Every Week!
1-$500 Cash Prize
1-$300 Cash Prize
1-$200 Cash Prize
15-$100 Cash Prizes
At the end of the sweepstakes, there will be a grand prize drawing for $10,000!
How To Enter:
Go to http://HostTheMost.GoldCanyon.com to register for the sweepstakes and get your first entry.
Schedule to host your party as soon as possible.
Every host will get 5 additional entries into the $10,000 sweepstakes and weekly cash drawings for parties submitted before December 31!
Everyone could use extra cash around the holidays! Don?t miss this chance win $10,000!!! Just imagine the shopping you can do with that!!
Going back to school
After a lot of thought, debates and discussions with my husband, I have decided it?s time to go back to college. It?s been just a little over 10 years since I took any classes so I?m kinda nervous about starting over again.
I?ll be studying Internet Marketing through Rasmussen College?s online program. As long as everything goes ok with my financial aid I?ll be starting classes in January and I can?t wait!!! Being able to go to school online has to be one of the greatest innovations ever! It?s going to so convenient and I would never have been able to study this if I was restricted to going to a real ?brick and mortar? type school. I love the internet :)
Since I?ll be studying Internet Marketing I?m gonna make more of an effort with this blog and will definitely be posting as I move through this new adventure. I?m still searching for my ?niche? for this blog, who knows, this might be it :) I have decided to work more on learning about how to market and make money off this blog as I move through the course. It would be fabulous to make enough money off it in the next two years so that once I?m finished with school I can just write on big check to the loan company and be done with them forever!! I don?t see that happening, but it?s fun to dream.
Be warned though, I?m sure I won?t always be happy about this decision so I may make nasty, mean or down right evil posts occasionally. LOL
There is also the possibility that promotional opportunity may be coming open at work which I would have to go for. If I get that then I will officially be biting off more than I can chew. But that?s ok. I work best under pressure, so bring it on!!
I?ll be studying Internet Marketing through Rasmussen College?s online program. As long as everything goes ok with my financial aid I?ll be starting classes in January and I can?t wait!!! Being able to go to school online has to be one of the greatest innovations ever! It?s going to so convenient and I would never have been able to study this if I was restricted to going to a real ?brick and mortar? type school. I love the internet :)
Since I?ll be studying Internet Marketing I?m gonna make more of an effort with this blog and will definitely be posting as I move through this new adventure. I?m still searching for my ?niche? for this blog, who knows, this might be it :) I have decided to work more on learning about how to market and make money off this blog as I move through the course. It would be fabulous to make enough money off it in the next two years so that once I?m finished with school I can just write on big check to the loan company and be done with them forever!! I don?t see that happening, but it?s fun to dream.
Be warned though, I?m sure I won?t always be happy about this decision so I may make nasty, mean or down right evil posts occasionally. LOL
There is also the possibility that promotional opportunity may be coming open at work which I would have to go for. If I get that then I will officially be biting off more than I can chew. But that?s ok. I work best under pressure, so bring it on!!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Beef And Broccoli With Garlic Sauce Recipe
1/2 pound beef boneless sirloin or round steak
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash white pepper
1 pound broccoli -- cut into flowerets and 1-1/2-inch pieces (4 cups)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic (6 cloves)
1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger root
2 tablespoons brown bean paste
1 (8 ounce) can sliced bamboo shoots -- drained
2 cups hot cooked rice
Trim fat from beef. Cut beef lengthwise into 2inch strips. Cut strips crosswise into 1/8inch slices. Toss beef with salt and white pepper. Place broccoli in 1 inch boiling water; heat to boiling. Cover and cook 2 minutes. Immediately rinse with cold water; drain. Mix cornstarch and soy sauce; stir in sesame oil and broth. Spray nonstick wok or 12inch skillet with nonstick cooking spray; heat over medium high heat until cooking spray starts to bubble. Add beef; stir fry about 2 minutes or until brown. Remove beef from wok. Cool wok slightly. Wipe clean and respray. Add oil and rotate wok to coat sides. Heat over medium high heat. Add garlic, ginger root and bean paste; stir fry 30 seconds. Add bamboo shoots; stir fry 20 seconds. Stir in beef and broccoli. Stir in cornstarch mixture; cook and stir about 30 seconds or until thickened. Serve over rice.
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash white pepper
1 pound broccoli -- cut into flowerets and 1-1/2-inch pieces (4 cups)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic (6 cloves)
1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger root
2 tablespoons brown bean paste
1 (8 ounce) can sliced bamboo shoots -- drained
2 cups hot cooked rice
Trim fat from beef. Cut beef lengthwise into 2inch strips. Cut strips crosswise into 1/8inch slices. Toss beef with salt and white pepper. Place broccoli in 1 inch boiling water; heat to boiling. Cover and cook 2 minutes. Immediately rinse with cold water; drain. Mix cornstarch and soy sauce; stir in sesame oil and broth. Spray nonstick wok or 12inch skillet with nonstick cooking spray; heat over medium high heat until cooking spray starts to bubble. Add beef; stir fry about 2 minutes or until brown. Remove beef from wok. Cool wok slightly. Wipe clean and respray. Add oil and rotate wok to coat sides. Heat over medium high heat. Add garlic, ginger root and bean paste; stir fry 30 seconds. Add bamboo shoots; stir fry 20 seconds. Stir in beef and broccoli. Stir in cornstarch mixture; cook and stir about 30 seconds or until thickened. Serve over rice.
Deep Fried Carp is Eaten Alive
This video shows one of the most disgusting things I've ever seen. Who really wants to eat anything alive? I'm really not into sushi, let alone a partly cooked, live fish. YUCK!!!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Easy Poached Egg
This is so easy I make it at work for breakfast! Everyone thought I was nuts until the tried it too :) Enjoy!
Ingredients
1 large egg
1/8 tsp. white vinegar
1/3 cup water
Salt and pepper
Directions
Add the water and white vinegar to a 6 oz. custard cup. Break egg into cup, pierce egg yolk with toothpick, and cover dish loosely with plastic wrap. Place in microwave and cook for 1 minute or until desired doneness. You may need to experiment with cooking times based on the wattage of your microwave and taste preference. Immediately remove egg from hot water with a slotted spoon as it will continue to cook. Serve with salt and pepper to taste.
Ingredients
1 large egg
1/8 tsp. white vinegar
1/3 cup water
Salt and pepper
Directions
Add the water and white vinegar to a 6 oz. custard cup. Break egg into cup, pierce egg yolk with toothpick, and cover dish loosely with plastic wrap. Place in microwave and cook for 1 minute or until desired doneness. You may need to experiment with cooking times based on the wattage of your microwave and taste preference. Immediately remove egg from hot water with a slotted spoon as it will continue to cook. Serve with salt and pepper to taste.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Chocolate Mousse Recipe
Chocolate Mousse
* Separate the eggs, placing the whites into a roomy bowl.* 400g strong dark eating chocolate
* 150g unsalted butter
* 6 eggs
* 6 tbs sugar
* pinch of salt
* Break the chocolate into small pieces and put them in another roomy bowl set over a pan with a centimeter of barely simmering water. Add the butter and allow both to gently melt. Stir occasionally.
* In the meantime, add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and whisk to the soft peak (floppy) stage.
* In a separate bowl, break up the yolks with sugar.
* When the chocolate and butter have melted and have been allowed to cool for a couple of minutes stir in the yolks.
* Cut and fold in the whites in three batches until seamlessly combined. Pour into ramekins and refrigerate for a couple of hours to set.
* Serve with strawberries, raspberries or whipped cream.
Submitted to MckLinky by:
Ave Taar - Visit their blog ~
Get hundreds of recipes and free blog tools at MckLinky.com - Submit your recipe here and include your blog address so people can visit you!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Friday Funnies :)
Here's a little humor for everyone. Enjoy!!
A blonde was swimming. She swam deeper and deeper until she drowned. Her husband came home and found her dead in the bathtub.
It was Grandpa Jones' 100th birthday and he was still in perfect health. At his birthday party he was asked how he managed to live so long and stay so fit. He explained "I put my long life down to spending so much time out of doors. I've been in the open air, day after day, rain or shine, for the last 75th years." "How do you manage to keep up such a rigorous fitness regime?" we asked. "It's simple" he said. "When I married my wife 75 years ago, we both made solemn pledge on our wedding night. We agreed that whenever we ever had a fight, whoever was proved wrong would go outside and take long walk."
A blonde was swimming. She swam deeper and deeper until she drowned. Her husband came home and found her dead in the bathtub.
It was Grandpa Jones' 100th birthday and he was still in perfect health. At his birthday party he was asked how he managed to live so long and stay so fit. He explained "I put my long life down to spending so much time out of doors. I've been in the open air, day after day, rain or shine, for the last 75th years." "How do you manage to keep up such a rigorous fitness regime?" we asked. "It's simple" he said. "When I married my wife 75 years ago, we both made solemn pledge on our wedding night. We agreed that whenever we ever had a fight, whoever was proved wrong would go outside and take long walk."
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Clash of the Titans Trailer
I am a huge fan of Clash of the Titans. The original might be a big dorky, but hey I'm sucker for all the Greek tragedies. The trailer for this new version looks awesome!! Check it out here
Blackwater Used Child Prostitutes
Even if there weren't already a hundred reason why this company should be dismantled here's another one. MSNBC's has reported that members of the company used child prostitutes while serving Iraq. These men need to be locked up and the keys thrown away. How can the US be the beacon of freedom for the world when we allow bastards like this to get away with such hideous crimes.
Jarlsberg Potato Dippers
Jarlsberg Potato Dippers
1 cup shredded Jarlsberg cheese
1 cup instant potato flakes
1/2 teaspoon EACH black pepper and garlic powder
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
Preheat oven to 375o. Mix cheese with potato and
seasonings; add broth and mix.
For lacy, crispy dippers, sprinkle mixture evenly on parchment-lined or (oil-sprayed) foil lining a 10x10-inch baking pan. Bake 25 minutes or until brown around the edges. Break into free-form pieces.
For a more solid, flexible dipper, spread mixture on parchment or foil, patting down for an even layer. Bake 35 minutes or until beginning to brown. Invert on wire rack, peel off parchment and return to pan to bake 10 minutes more. Cut into 2-inch squares. Serve with your favorite salsa. Makes 25 pieces.
1 cup shredded Jarlsberg cheese
1 cup instant potato flakes
1/2 teaspoon EACH black pepper and garlic powder
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
Preheat oven to 375o. Mix cheese with potato and
seasonings; add broth and mix.
For lacy, crispy dippers, sprinkle mixture evenly on parchment-lined or (oil-sprayed) foil lining a 10x10-inch baking pan. Bake 25 minutes or until brown around the edges. Break into free-form pieces.
For a more solid, flexible dipper, spread mixture on parchment or foil, patting down for an even layer. Bake 35 minutes or until beginning to brown. Invert on wire rack, peel off parchment and return to pan to bake 10 minutes more. Cut into 2-inch squares. Serve with your favorite salsa. Makes 25 pieces.
Shrimp Scampi recipe by Chef Bruno
This might be what we're having for supper tonight :)
Ingredients:
8 tbsp. butter
4 tbsp. olive oil
3 large cloves garlic, minced
32 pcs. large shrimp, cleaned and deveined
4 tbsp. parsley, fi nely chopped
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Pinch of salt
Parsley sprigs and lemon wedges for garnish
New York?s Finest Chef Bruno
Directions:
Rinse shrimp and set aside. Heat and melt the butter and olive
oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. When the butter
foams, stir in the garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the
garlic is lightly golden (about 8 minutes). Do not let the garlic
brown. Increase the heat to medium-high, and add the shrimp
and salt. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turning the shrimp once, until
they are pink. Add parsley and lemon juice; cook 1 minute more
(avoid overcooking). Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley
sprigs. Serves 4.
Ingredients:
8 tbsp. butter
4 tbsp. olive oil
3 large cloves garlic, minced
32 pcs. large shrimp, cleaned and deveined
4 tbsp. parsley, fi nely chopped
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Pinch of salt
Parsley sprigs and lemon wedges for garnish
New York?s Finest Chef Bruno
Directions:
Rinse shrimp and set aside. Heat and melt the butter and olive
oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. When the butter
foams, stir in the garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the
garlic is lightly golden (about 8 minutes). Do not let the garlic
brown. Increase the heat to medium-high, and add the shrimp
and salt. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turning the shrimp once, until
they are pink. Add parsley and lemon juice; cook 1 minute more
(avoid overcooking). Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley
sprigs. Serves 4.
Mexican Meatballs
I came across this recipe while surfing around the web. It looks delicious and I can't wait to try it :)
Mexican Meatballs
Makes 20 appetizer servings
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs extra-lean ground beef
1 large egg
1/2 cup plain, dried bread crumbs
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 1/4 tsp salt
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup water
1 can (28 oz.) tomatoes
1 chipotle chili in adobo
2 tsp canola oil
1 small onion, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
In large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, wheat germ, pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, one third of minced garlic and water until blended. With hands, shape meat mixture into 3/4-inch meatballs.
In blender at low speed, blend tomatoes with their juice and chipotle chili until smooth.
In 5-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring often. Stir in cumin and remaining minced garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in tomato mixture, chicken broth and 1/4 teaspoon salt; heat to boiling over high heat.
Add raw meatballs; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes. Place mixture in chafing dish and serve with cocktail picks. Sprinkle with cilantro.
Mexican Meatballs
Makes 20 appetizer servings
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs extra-lean ground beef
1 large egg
1/2 cup plain, dried bread crumbs
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 1/4 tsp salt
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup water
1 can (28 oz.) tomatoes
1 chipotle chili in adobo
2 tsp canola oil
1 small onion, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
In large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, wheat germ, pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, one third of minced garlic and water until blended. With hands, shape meat mixture into 3/4-inch meatballs.
In blender at low speed, blend tomatoes with their juice and chipotle chili until smooth.
In 5-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring often. Stir in cumin and remaining minced garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in tomato mixture, chicken broth and 1/4 teaspoon salt; heat to boiling over high heat.
Add raw meatballs; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes. Place mixture in chafing dish and serve with cocktail picks. Sprinkle with cilantro.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Mechanical Turk
Recently I signed up to work at the Amazon site Mechanical Turk. The site provides a way for various people/companies to get small tasks done that computers just can't do. The premise is simple, to begin work you find a HIT: that fit your unique qualifications. (HITS are Human Intelligence Tasks, and for the purpose of the Amazon Mechanical Turk, these are tasks that other people are willing to pay you to do.) Complete the assigned task and then wait for the work to be approved. Once the work is approved you get paid. Simple enough :)
At any given time there are thousands of assignments available. These can range from looking up information, answering questions, rewriting articles or sentences, transcribing and more. Some of the HITs require qualifications. These qualifications can be gained either through taking different tests or simply requesting the qualification. Many of the HITs do require that you have a certain job acceptance percentage.
While there are some HITs that pay more than $1.00 each, the majority of them pay just a few pennies. However, with the easier ones that only pay a penny or two you can do a lot of them in a short amount of time. Generally, if a HIT is only paying a few cents and takes more than a few minutes to complete I just avoid them. I understand they are looking for cheap labor, but I do have a few standards. :)
This site is good for people looking for something to do in their spare time that will generate them a little extra cash. It's not a way to get rich! They have a $10 minimum earned level before you can cash out and if all you're doing is penny HITs then you have to do 10,000 before you can get some money out of it. Once you do reach a point where you want to cash out Amazon makes it very easy. They have various payment options including direct deposit to your bank account or even getting an Amazon gift certificate.
So far I've made a little money from this site, but nothing to write home about. I'm sure a person could make it a decent little side job if they were willing to put in the time and take the qualification tests that lead to higher paying tasks. Overall it's not that bad and I will keep going back. With the holidays approaching I need all the extra money I can get :)
At any given time there are thousands of assignments available. These can range from looking up information, answering questions, rewriting articles or sentences, transcribing and more. Some of the HITs require qualifications. These qualifications can be gained either through taking different tests or simply requesting the qualification. Many of the HITs do require that you have a certain job acceptance percentage.
While there are some HITs that pay more than $1.00 each, the majority of them pay just a few pennies. However, with the easier ones that only pay a penny or two you can do a lot of them in a short amount of time. Generally, if a HIT is only paying a few cents and takes more than a few minutes to complete I just avoid them. I understand they are looking for cheap labor, but I do have a few standards. :)
This site is good for people looking for something to do in their spare time that will generate them a little extra cash. It's not a way to get rich! They have a $10 minimum earned level before you can cash out and if all you're doing is penny HITs then you have to do 10,000 before you can get some money out of it. Once you do reach a point where you want to cash out Amazon makes it very easy. They have various payment options including direct deposit to your bank account or even getting an Amazon gift certificate.
So far I've made a little money from this site, but nothing to write home about. I'm sure a person could make it a decent little side job if they were willing to put in the time and take the qualification tests that lead to higher paying tasks. Overall it's not that bad and I will keep going back. With the holidays approaching I need all the extra money I can get :)
Monday, November 9, 2009
Donating to Kiva?
Many people donate to the organization Kiva in hopes of helping people get loans directly and not through some sort of bank or other micro-finance organization. However, that doesn't appear to be the case. Read this article from the NY Times for more information: Confusion Over Where Money Lent on Kiva Goes
Learn more about Kiva here: kiva.org
Learn more about Kiva here: kiva.org
The History of Chain Letters
Here's a great little article I found about the history of chain letters. Click here to read it. You'll be surprised at how long these things have been around.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Pumpkin Face Mask
Here's a great natural face mask. Give it a try and enjoy the nice clean feeling it brings. Plus, if you enjoy the smell of pumpkin you'll love this!!
Mix up a mask of your own by combining:
? Two tablespoons cooked (or canned) pumpkin
? One-half teaspoon organic honey
? A dash of organic milk or soy milk
? Optional: one-half teaspoon of brown sugar for extra exfoliation
Slather it on and allow to dry completely before rinsing off. Clean, open pores will put a smile on your face and allow you to follow up with your favorite natural moisturizer, promising ultra hydration that?s perfect for fall?s blustery winds.
Mix up a mask of your own by combining:
? Two tablespoons cooked (or canned) pumpkin
? One-half teaspoon organic honey
? A dash of organic milk or soy milk
? Optional: one-half teaspoon of brown sugar for extra exfoliation
Slather it on and allow to dry completely before rinsing off. Clean, open pores will put a smile on your face and allow you to follow up with your favorite natural moisturizer, promising ultra hydration that?s perfect for fall?s blustery winds.
Pres. Obama On Sesame Street
Pres. Obama opened the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street. People might not agree on him or his performance, but as president I think it's fantastic that he took a few minutes for this wonderful show. Anything that teaches children about the little life lessons as well as the basics is worth supporting in my opinion.
Sesame Street!!
Congrats to Sesame Street turning 40! I remember watching this when I was a little kid. I use to have the coolest stuffed Cookie Monster! He was such a good friend :) Course, I did love Oscar the crouch too. As a grown up I really appreciate his unique look at life LOL Here are a few videos about this landmark program.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Gay marriage rebuttal stickers
I found this list of possible rebuttal stickers for the gay marriage opponents. It's a really great list of some of the most prominent people from the Bible and I love it :)
A theological poke at the bumper stickers that read "Marriage = 1 Man + 1 Woman".
Rebuttal stickers:
"Moses = 1 Man + 2 Women"
"Abraham = 1 Man + 3 Women"
"Esau = 1 Man + 4 Women"
"David = 1 Man + 7 Women"
(The number just keeps going people)
"Rehoboam = 1 Man + 18 Women"
(Holy crap! Now that's a playah)
"Ruth = 1 Woman + 1 Woman"
"Lot = 1 Man + 2 Daughters"
(WTF?)
"Marriage = Rape + 50 shekels"
(You better believe it bro)
A theological poke at the bumper stickers that read "Marriage = 1 Man + 1 Woman".
Rebuttal stickers:
"Moses = 1 Man + 2 Women"
"Abraham = 1 Man + 3 Women"
"Esau = 1 Man + 4 Women"
"David = 1 Man + 7 Women"
(The number just keeps going people)
"Rehoboam = 1 Man + 18 Women"
(Holy crap! Now that's a playah)
"Ruth = 1 Woman + 1 Woman"
"Lot = 1 Man + 2 Daughters"
(WTF?)
"Marriage = Rape + 50 shekels"
(You better believe it bro)
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
What Are Some Of The Projects From The $787 Billion Stimulus Bill
The $787 billion stimulus bill was passed in February and was promised as a job saver and economy booster. Not sure if all of these will create new jobs. I know they could've sent me a bit of that and I would've done my part to stimulate the economy LOL
- $300,000 for a GPS-equipped helicopter to hunt for radioactive rabbit droppings at the Hanford nuclear reservation in Washington state.
- $30 million for a spring training baseball complex for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.
- $11 million for Microsoft to build a bridge connecting its two headquarter campuses in Redmond, Wash., which are separated by a highway.
- $430,000 to repair a bridge in Iowa County, Wis., that carries 10 or fewer cars per day.
- $800,000 for the John Murtha Airport in Johnstown, Pa., serving about 20 passengers per day, to build a backup runway.
- $219,000 for Syracuse University to study the sex lives of freshmen women.
- $2.3 million for the U.S. Forest Service to rear large numbers of arthropods, including the Asian longhorned beetle, the nun moth and the woolly adelgid.
- $3.4 million for a 13-foot tunnel for turtles and other wildlife attempting to cross U.S. 27 in Lake Jackson, Fla.
- $1.15 million to install a guardrail for a persistently dry lake bed in Guymon, Okla.
- $9.38 million to renovate a century-old train depot in Lancaster County, Pa., that has not been used for three decades.
- $2.5 million in stimulus checks sent to the deceased.
- $6 million for a snow-making facility in Duluth, Minn.
- $173,834 to weatherize eight pickup trucks in Madison County, Ill.
- $20,000 for a fish sperm freezer at the Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery in South Dakota.
- $380,000 to spay and neuter pets in Wichita, Kan.
- $300 apiece for thousands of signs at road construction sites across the country announcing that the projects are funded by stimulus money.
- $1.5 million for a fence to block would-be jumpers from leaping off the All-American Bridge in Akron, Ohio.
- $1 million to study the health effects of environmentally friendly public housing on 300 people in Chicago.
- $356,000 for Indiana University to study childhood comprehension of foreign accents compared with native speech.
- $983,952 for street beautification in Ann Arbor, Mich., including decorative lighting, trees, benches and bike paths.
- $148,438 for Washington State University to analyze the use of marijuana in conjunction with medications like morphine.
- $462,000 to purchase 22 concrete toilets for use in the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri
- $3.1 million to transform a canal barge into a floating museum that will travel the Erie Canal in New York state.
- $1.3 million on government arts jobs in Maine, including $30,000 for basket makers, $20,000 for storytelling and $12,500 for a music festival.
- $71,000 for a hybrid car to be used by student drivers in Colchester, Vt., as well as a plug-in hybrid for town workers decked out with a sign touting the vehicle's energy efficiency.
- $1 million for Portland, Ore., to replace 100 aging bike lockers and build a garage that would house 250 bicycles.
Source: Washington Examiner
- $300,000 for a GPS-equipped helicopter to hunt for radioactive rabbit droppings at the Hanford nuclear reservation in Washington state.
- $30 million for a spring training baseball complex for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.
- $11 million for Microsoft to build a bridge connecting its two headquarter campuses in Redmond, Wash., which are separated by a highway.
- $430,000 to repair a bridge in Iowa County, Wis., that carries 10 or fewer cars per day.
- $800,000 for the John Murtha Airport in Johnstown, Pa., serving about 20 passengers per day, to build a backup runway.
- $219,000 for Syracuse University to study the sex lives of freshmen women.
- $2.3 million for the U.S. Forest Service to rear large numbers of arthropods, including the Asian longhorned beetle, the nun moth and the woolly adelgid.
- $3.4 million for a 13-foot tunnel for turtles and other wildlife attempting to cross U.S. 27 in Lake Jackson, Fla.
- $1.15 million to install a guardrail for a persistently dry lake bed in Guymon, Okla.
- $9.38 million to renovate a century-old train depot in Lancaster County, Pa., that has not been used for three decades.
- $2.5 million in stimulus checks sent to the deceased.
- $6 million for a snow-making facility in Duluth, Minn.
- $173,834 to weatherize eight pickup trucks in Madison County, Ill.
- $20,000 for a fish sperm freezer at the Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery in South Dakota.
- $380,000 to spay and neuter pets in Wichita, Kan.
- $300 apiece for thousands of signs at road construction sites across the country announcing that the projects are funded by stimulus money.
- $1.5 million for a fence to block would-be jumpers from leaping off the All-American Bridge in Akron, Ohio.
- $1 million to study the health effects of environmentally friendly public housing on 300 people in Chicago.
- $356,000 for Indiana University to study childhood comprehension of foreign accents compared with native speech.
- $983,952 for street beautification in Ann Arbor, Mich., including decorative lighting, trees, benches and bike paths.
- $148,438 for Washington State University to analyze the use of marijuana in conjunction with medications like morphine.
- $462,000 to purchase 22 concrete toilets for use in the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri
- $3.1 million to transform a canal barge into a floating museum that will travel the Erie Canal in New York state.
- $1.3 million on government arts jobs in Maine, including $30,000 for basket makers, $20,000 for storytelling and $12,500 for a music festival.
- $71,000 for a hybrid car to be used by student drivers in Colchester, Vt., as well as a plug-in hybrid for town workers decked out with a sign touting the vehicle's energy efficiency.
- $1 million for Portland, Ore., to replace 100 aging bike lockers and build a garage that would house 250 bicycles.
Source: Washington Examiner
William Kamkwamba and Library Book on Windmills
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| William Kamkwamba | ||||
| ||||
In The Know: Has Halloween Become Over Commercialized?
Here's a great video about Halloween from the Onion. They're take on the news is always great for a laugh :)
Meatless Mondays
The yummy pumpkin recipes below are all courtesy of Meatless Monday.com. It's a great site with tons of delicious recipes! Be sure to check it out :)
Pumpkin Pie Yogurt
Serves 1
* 1 6oz container Greek vanilla yogurt
* 1/4 cup canned pumpkin or roasted pumpkin pulp*
* ? teaspoon sugar
* 1 honey graham cracker, crumbled
* 2 teaspoons chocolate chips
* 2 teaspoons pumpkin seeds
*please note that canned pumpkin is not the same as canned pumpkin pie filling, which should not be substituted. To make your own pumpkin pulp, cut a pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and roast, cut side down, in a 400 degree oven for 50-60 minutes, or until pumpkin flesh is soft when poked as a fork.
Fill a small bowl with yogurt and sprinkle with 3/4 of the graham cracker.
Mix pumpkin with sugar and add to yogurt.
Garnish with remaining 1/4 crushed graham cracker, chocolate chips and pumpkin seeds.
* 1 6oz container Greek vanilla yogurt
* 1/4 cup canned pumpkin or roasted pumpkin pulp*
* ? teaspoon sugar
* 1 honey graham cracker, crumbled
* 2 teaspoons chocolate chips
* 2 teaspoons pumpkin seeds
*please note that canned pumpkin is not the same as canned pumpkin pie filling, which should not be substituted. To make your own pumpkin pulp, cut a pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and roast, cut side down, in a 400 degree oven for 50-60 minutes, or until pumpkin flesh is soft when poked as a fork.
Fill a small bowl with yogurt and sprinkle with 3/4 of the graham cracker.
Mix pumpkin with sugar and add to yogurt.
Garnish with remaining 1/4 crushed graham cracker, chocolate chips and pumpkin seeds.
Ravioli with Pumpkin Seed Pesto
Serves 8
For the pumpkin-sweet potato ravioli
* 1 cup canned pumpkin puree or roasted pumpkin puree*
* 1 cup sweet potato, cooked and mashed
* pinch nutmeg
* dash of salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 72 wonton wrappers**
*please note that canned pumpkin is not the same as canned pumpkin pie filling, which should not be substituted. To make your own pumpkin puree, cut a pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and roast, cut side down, in a 400 degree oven for 50-60 minutes, or until pumpkin flesh is soft when poked as a fork. For the smoothest consistency, puree the roasted pumpkin pulp in a food processor or blender.
**available in the refrigerated food or specialty food sections of most grocery stores.
For the pumpkin seed pesto
* 1/2 cup hulled green pumpkin seeds
* 1 1/2 cups fresh parsley
* 1 small clove garlic
* 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* salt, to taste
To assemble the ravioli:
In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, mashed sweet potato, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Place about 6 wonton wrappers on your lightly floured work surface. Mound 1 tablespoon filling in the center and wet the edges of the wrappers with a little water. Place a second wrapper over the first, pressing down around the filling to expel any air. Seal the edges and trim the excess dough around the filling with a sharp knife or a decorative cookie cutter. Transfer the ravioli to a dry towel.
Repeat the process with the remaining wontons. Turn over the resting ravioli occasionally to let them dry slightly.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil over medium heat. Do not let the water boil vigorously.
Cook the ravioli in batches of 8 to 12 for about 2 minutes, or until they rise to the surface and are tender. Transfer the cooked ravioli to a dishcloth, cover and keep warm while you make the sauce.
To prepare the pesto:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spread pumpkin seeds on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven for 5 minutes. Let cool.
Combine seeds, parsley and garlic in a food processor and process until finely chopped.
With motor running, add oil in a steady stream and process until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary.
Scrape mixture into a bowl and stir in the parmesan cheese, cayenne and cinnamon. Season with salt to taste.
To complete the dish:
Drizzle pumpkin-seed pesto on 3-5 raviolis per person. Finish the dish with a sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
For the pumpkin-sweet potato ravioli
* 1 cup canned pumpkin puree or roasted pumpkin puree*
* 1 cup sweet potato, cooked and mashed
* pinch nutmeg
* dash of salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 72 wonton wrappers**
*please note that canned pumpkin is not the same as canned pumpkin pie filling, which should not be substituted. To make your own pumpkin puree, cut a pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and roast, cut side down, in a 400 degree oven for 50-60 minutes, or until pumpkin flesh is soft when poked as a fork. For the smoothest consistency, puree the roasted pumpkin pulp in a food processor or blender.
**available in the refrigerated food or specialty food sections of most grocery stores.
For the pumpkin seed pesto
* 1/2 cup hulled green pumpkin seeds
* 1 1/2 cups fresh parsley
* 1 small clove garlic
* 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* salt, to taste
To assemble the ravioli:
In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, mashed sweet potato, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Place about 6 wonton wrappers on your lightly floured work surface. Mound 1 tablespoon filling in the center and wet the edges of the wrappers with a little water. Place a second wrapper over the first, pressing down around the filling to expel any air. Seal the edges and trim the excess dough around the filling with a sharp knife or a decorative cookie cutter. Transfer the ravioli to a dry towel.
Repeat the process with the remaining wontons. Turn over the resting ravioli occasionally to let them dry slightly.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil over medium heat. Do not let the water boil vigorously.
Cook the ravioli in batches of 8 to 12 for about 2 minutes, or until they rise to the surface and are tender. Transfer the cooked ravioli to a dishcloth, cover and keep warm while you make the sauce.
To prepare the pesto:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spread pumpkin seeds on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven for 5 minutes. Let cool.
Combine seeds, parsley and garlic in a food processor and process until finely chopped.
With motor running, add oil in a steady stream and process until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary.
Scrape mixture into a bowl and stir in the parmesan cheese, cayenne and cinnamon. Season with salt to taste.
To complete the dish:
Drizzle pumpkin-seed pesto on 3-5 raviolis per person. Finish the dish with a sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Curried Pumpkin Lentil Soup
Serves 3
* 1 small onion, sliced
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 3 cups vegetable broth
* 1/2 cup red lentils
* 1 cup canned pumpkin puree or roasted pumpkin puree*
* 1 tablespoon curry powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon garam masala**
* 1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder, or to taste
* 1-2 apples, cubed or pureed
* salt/pepper to taste
* pomegranate molasses, for garnish***
*please note that canned pumpkin is not the same as canned pumpkin pie filling, which should not be substituted. To make your own pumpkin puree, cut a pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and roast, cut side down, in a 400 degree oven for 50-60 minutes, or until pumpkin flesh is soft when poked as a fork. For the smoothest consistency, puree the roasted pumpkin pulp in a food processor or blender.
**optional. Garam masala is a spice mix found in the Indian specialty shops or the ethnic food section of most grocery stores.
***optional. Pomegranate molasses is a syrup frequently used in Middle-Eastern cooking, which can be found in the specialty food or ethnic food sections of many grocery stores.
Line a medium pot with a thin layer of water.
Over medium-high heat, add onions and cook 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Add garlic and cook for 3-5 minutes or until water is absorbed.
Add broth, lentils and apple pieces. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until lentils are orange and soft.
Add pumpkin, curry powder, cinnamon, garam masala, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes.
Finish with a drizzle of pomegranate syrup and enjoy!
* 1 small onion, sliced
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 3 cups vegetable broth
* 1/2 cup red lentils
* 1 cup canned pumpkin puree or roasted pumpkin puree*
* 1 tablespoon curry powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon garam masala**
* 1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder, or to taste
* 1-2 apples, cubed or pureed
* salt/pepper to taste
* pomegranate molasses, for garnish***
*please note that canned pumpkin is not the same as canned pumpkin pie filling, which should not be substituted. To make your own pumpkin puree, cut a pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and roast, cut side down, in a 400 degree oven for 50-60 minutes, or until pumpkin flesh is soft when poked as a fork. For the smoothest consistency, puree the roasted pumpkin pulp in a food processor or blender.
**optional. Garam masala is a spice mix found in the Indian specialty shops or the ethnic food section of most grocery stores.
***optional. Pomegranate molasses is a syrup frequently used in Middle-Eastern cooking, which can be found in the specialty food or ethnic food sections of many grocery stores.
Line a medium pot with a thin layer of water.
Over medium-high heat, add onions and cook 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Add garlic and cook for 3-5 minutes or until water is absorbed.
Add broth, lentils and apple pieces. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until lentils are orange and soft.
Add pumpkin, curry powder, cinnamon, garam masala, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes.
Finish with a drizzle of pomegranate syrup and enjoy!
Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins
Serves 18 (36 mini-muffins)
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup whole wheat flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree or roasted pumpkin puree*
* 1/3 cup olive oil
* 2 large eggs
* 2 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice**
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
*please note that canned pumpkin is not the same as canned pumpkin pie filling, which should not be substituted. To make your own pumpkin puree, cut a pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and roast, cut side down, in a 400 degree oven for 50-60 minutes, or until pumpkin flesh is soft when poked as a fork. For the smoothest consistency, puree the roasted pumpkin pulp in a food processor or blender.
** if you can?t find pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon is a good substitute.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line mini-muffin pan with muffin cups.
Mix together pumpkin, oil, eggs, pumpkin-pie spice, sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir together the flours and baking powder.
Add dry ingredients the pumpkin mixture. Mix until just combined.
Pour batter into each muffin cup, so that each cup is about 3/4 full.
Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until muffins are puffed and golden brown. When muffins are done, a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin should come out clean.
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup whole wheat flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree or roasted pumpkin puree*
* 1/3 cup olive oil
* 2 large eggs
* 2 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice**
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
*please note that canned pumpkin is not the same as canned pumpkin pie filling, which should not be substituted. To make your own pumpkin puree, cut a pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and roast, cut side down, in a 400 degree oven for 50-60 minutes, or until pumpkin flesh is soft when poked as a fork. For the smoothest consistency, puree the roasted pumpkin pulp in a food processor or blender.
** if you can?t find pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon is a good substitute.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line mini-muffin pan with muffin cups.
Mix together pumpkin, oil, eggs, pumpkin-pie spice, sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir together the flours and baking powder.
Add dry ingredients the pumpkin mixture. Mix until just combined.
Pour batter into each muffin cup, so that each cup is about 3/4 full.
Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until muffins are puffed and golden brown. When muffins are done, a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin should come out clean.
20 Quotes from the Nonviolent Resistance
Mohandas Gandhi?s birthday is October 2nd. In honor of him, the United Nations in 2007 adopted this day to be International Day of Nonviolence. Here are some inspirational quotes to reflect on:
1. Nonviolence is an intensely active force when properly understood and used. ? Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)
2. If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children. ? Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)
3. The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions. ? Thich Nhat Hanh (1926- )
4. If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone, will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work. ? Thich Nhat Hanh (1926- )
5. I had no idea that history was being made. I was just tired of giving in. ? Rosa Parks (1913-2005)
6. As long as people use tactics to oppress or restrict other people from being free, there is work to be done. ? Rosa Parks (1913-2005)
7. To make peace with an enemy one must work with that enemy and that enemy becomes one?s partner. ? Nelson Mandela (1918- )
8. We fought injustice wherever we found it, no matter how large, or how small, and we fought injustice to preserve our own humanity. ? Nelson Mandela (1918- )
9. One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty. ? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)
10. Today we struggle for the soul of our country. ? Charles Perkins (1936-2000)
11. If we?re full of hatred, we can?t really do our work. Hatred saps all that strength and energy we need to plan. ? Cesar Chavez (1927-1993)
12. I have nothing to lose by standing up and following my beliefs. So I?ll go to jail, so what? We?ve been in jail for 400 years. ? Muhammad Ali (1942- )
13. Our common humanity is more important than all the things that divide us. ? Mairead Corrigan (1944- )
14. Nonviolence is the weapon of the strong. ? Betty Williams (1943- )
15. You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right. ? Aung San Suu Kyi (1945- )
16. I believe history teaches us a categorical lesson: that once a people are determined to become free, then nothing in the world can stop them reaching their goal. ? Bishop Desmond Tutu (1931- )
17. We must not only speak about forgiveness and reconciliation ? we must act on these principles. ? Bishop Desmond Tutu (1931- )
18. I really do inhabit a system in which words are capable of shaking the entire structure of government, where words can prove mightier than ten military divisions. ? Vaclav Havel (1936- )
19. We are called to assist the earth to heal her wounds and in the process heal our own ? indeed, to embrace the whole creation in all its diversity, beauty, and wonder. ? Wangari Maathai (1940- )
20. We are constantly being astonished these days at the amazing discoveries in the field of violence. But I maintain that far more undreamt of and seemingly impossible discoveries will be made in the field of nonviolence. ? Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)
I found this list atReach And Teach's Just Lists They've got tons of interesting facts and is definitely worth checking out.
1. Nonviolence is an intensely active force when properly understood and used. ? Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)
2. If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children. ? Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)
3. The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions. ? Thich Nhat Hanh (1926- )
4. If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone, will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work. ? Thich Nhat Hanh (1926- )
5. I had no idea that history was being made. I was just tired of giving in. ? Rosa Parks (1913-2005)
6. As long as people use tactics to oppress or restrict other people from being free, there is work to be done. ? Rosa Parks (1913-2005)
7. To make peace with an enemy one must work with that enemy and that enemy becomes one?s partner. ? Nelson Mandela (1918- )
8. We fought injustice wherever we found it, no matter how large, or how small, and we fought injustice to preserve our own humanity. ? Nelson Mandela (1918- )
9. One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty. ? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)
10. Today we struggle for the soul of our country. ? Charles Perkins (1936-2000)
11. If we?re full of hatred, we can?t really do our work. Hatred saps all that strength and energy we need to plan. ? Cesar Chavez (1927-1993)
12. I have nothing to lose by standing up and following my beliefs. So I?ll go to jail, so what? We?ve been in jail for 400 years. ? Muhammad Ali (1942- )
13. Our common humanity is more important than all the things that divide us. ? Mairead Corrigan (1944- )
14. Nonviolence is the weapon of the strong. ? Betty Williams (1943- )
15. You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right. ? Aung San Suu Kyi (1945- )
16. I believe history teaches us a categorical lesson: that once a people are determined to become free, then nothing in the world can stop them reaching their goal. ? Bishop Desmond Tutu (1931- )
17. We must not only speak about forgiveness and reconciliation ? we must act on these principles. ? Bishop Desmond Tutu (1931- )
18. I really do inhabit a system in which words are capable of shaking the entire structure of government, where words can prove mightier than ten military divisions. ? Vaclav Havel (1936- )
19. We are called to assist the earth to heal her wounds and in the process heal our own ? indeed, to embrace the whole creation in all its diversity, beauty, and wonder. ? Wangari Maathai (1940- )
20. We are constantly being astonished these days at the amazing discoveries in the field of violence. But I maintain that far more undreamt of and seemingly impossible discoveries will be made in the field of nonviolence. ? Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)
I found this list at
Quote of the Day:
All truth passes through three stages.
First, it is ridiculed.
Second, it is violently opposed.
Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
Arthur Schopenhauer
German philosopher (1788 ? 1860)
First, it is ridiculed.
Second, it is violently opposed.
Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
Arthur Schopenhauer
German philosopher (1788 ? 1860)
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Gold Canyon Scent Recipe
Here's a new scent recipe for everyone to try:
To maximize your fragrant experience, use the exact sizes and quantities noted in each recipe – a slight alteration can be like adding salt when you needed sugar.
FIRST: Arrange the candles on a heat-safe surface with the largest in the middle and smaller candles interspersed throughout. For votive and tealight candles, use a holder to protect the surface.
SECOND: Place each candle approximately two inches apart in your arrangement.
THIRD: Light each candle and let the aromas mingle for at least 30 minutes to create your new fragrance experience.
Featured Blend:
Cinna-Morning Blend
The wafting scent of a sweet breakfast will entice your senses every time. A combination of alluring aromas from the coffee house, freshly baked vanilla and spicy cinnamon creates the perfect Cinna-Morning blend. Sit back, relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of a warm winter morning.
* Caramel Macchiato - 17 oz.
* Cinnamon votives - 3
* Birthday Cake – 16 oz. Bella
* Cinnamon Vanilla – 5 oz.
To maximize your fragrant experience, use the exact sizes and quantities noted in each recipe – a slight alteration can be like adding salt when you needed sugar.
FIRST: Arrange the candles on a heat-safe surface with the largest in the middle and smaller candles interspersed throughout. For votive and tealight candles, use a holder to protect the surface.
SECOND: Place each candle approximately two inches apart in your arrangement.
THIRD: Light each candle and let the aromas mingle for at least 30 minutes to create your new fragrance experience.
Featured Blend:
Cinna-Morning Blend
The wafting scent of a sweet breakfast will entice your senses every time. A combination of alluring aromas from the coffee house, freshly baked vanilla and spicy cinnamon creates the perfect Cinna-Morning blend. Sit back, relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of a warm winter morning.
* Caramel Macchiato - 17 oz.
* Cinnamon votives - 3
* Birthday Cake – 16 oz. Bella
* Cinnamon Vanilla – 5 oz.
Quote of the Day:
"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." - Thomas Edison
Monday, November 2, 2009
How Smart is your right foot?
This is hysterical. You have to try this. It is absolutely true. I guess there are some things that the brain cannot handle.
I could not believe this! It is from an orthopaedic surgeon............. This will confuse your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but, you can't. It is pre-programmed in your brain!
1. While sitting at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction.
I told you so! And there's nothing you can do about it! You and I both know how stupid it is, but before the day is done you are going to try it again, if you've not already done so. :)
I could not believe this! It is from an orthopaedic surgeon............. This will confuse your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but, you can't. It is pre-programmed in your brain!
1. While sitting at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction.
I told you so! And there's nothing you can do about it! You and I both know how stupid it is, but before the day is done you are going to try it again, if you've not already done so. :)
It's Monday again....
I really hate Monday's. It's always so dreary knowing I've got a full week of work ahead of me. Oh well, I'll make it :) Plus, it's the beginning of the month, so I have work that lets me spend a bit of time goofing off and blogging while the programs run!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Need a great fundraiser?
Gold Canyon has a great fund raising program and with free shipping it's even better!! For the first time ever, organizations that hold fundraisers of $2,500 or
more between November 1 and December 15 will receive FREE shipping on
their fund raising order with no limit to the number of orders they can
place! Check this out to see what Gold Canyon can do for you!! Contact me for more information :)
more between November 1 and December 15 will receive FREE shipping on
their fund raising order with no limit to the number of orders they can
place! Check this out to see what Gold Canyon can do for you!! Contact me for more information :)
Looking for extra cash?
If you're looking for a little extra cash then Gold Canyon is the company for you! They have just announced the return of the stimulus starter package. With this package you can join for only $20!! You get everything you need to get started in this great opportunity! The package also includes a personal GC website and email free for 90-days! Once you have party sales of either $350 or $700 then you're automatically upgraded to the next starter package! You don't have to do anything, GC will just send it to :) The starter package is only available through November so don't miss out!! Sign up today!!
If you want to get all the great products immediately then you can go for either the full demonstrator or sampler kits. Contact me for more information or with any questions you may have.
1. FULL DEMONSTRATOR KIT
3 Easy Payments of $49.99* (or earn it FREE with $700* sales)
WAS $175, NOW $149.97
2. SAMPLER KIT
3 Easy Payments of $24.99* (or earn it FREE with $350* sales)
WAS $99, NOW $74.97
If you want to get all the great products immediately then you can go for either the full demonstrator or sampler kits. Contact me for more information or with any questions you may have.
1. FULL DEMONSTRATOR KIT
3 Easy Payments of $49.99* (or earn it FREE with $700* sales)
WAS $175, NOW $149.97
2. SAMPLER KIT
3 Easy Payments of $24.99* (or earn it FREE with $350* sales)
WAS $99, NOW $74.97
Quote of the day
I had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalog: "No good in a bed, but fine against a wall."
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
What's Your Favorite Gold Canyon Scent?
Let me know what your favorite Gold Canyon candle scent is! Mine is clean sheets :) It just makes everything smell so nice and fresh.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Halloween Night Scent Blend with Gold Canyon
Try this fragrance recipe for a fun Halloween treat!!
Scent Blending Recipes are carefully selected recipes of individual candles that when burning together, create their own unique, blended scent experience.
To maximize your fragrant experience, use the exact sizes and quantities noted in each recipe – a slight alteration can be like adding salt when you needed sugar.
FIRST: Arrange the candles on a heat-safe surface with the largest in the middle and smaller candles interspersed throughout. For votive and Tealight candles, use a holder to protect the surface.
SECOND: Place each candle approximately two inches apart in your arrangement.
THIRD: Light each candle and let the aromas mingle for at least 30 minutes to create your new fragrance experience.
Halloween Night
· Apple Spice tealights – 3
· Toffee Drizzled Popcorn tealights – 2
· Old Fashioned Licorice - 5 oz.
· Candy Corn – 15.5 oz.
· Butterscotch Caramels – 13 oz.
Scent Blending Recipes are carefully selected recipes of individual candles that when burning together, create their own unique, blended scent experience.
To maximize your fragrant experience, use the exact sizes and quantities noted in each recipe – a slight alteration can be like adding salt when you needed sugar.
FIRST: Arrange the candles on a heat-safe surface with the largest in the middle and smaller candles interspersed throughout. For votive and Tealight candles, use a holder to protect the surface.
SECOND: Place each candle approximately two inches apart in your arrangement.
THIRD: Light each candle and let the aromas mingle for at least 30 minutes to create your new fragrance experience.
Halloween Night
· Apple Spice tealights – 3
· Toffee Drizzled Popcorn tealights – 2
· Old Fashioned Licorice - 5 oz.
· Candy Corn – 15.5 oz.
· Butterscotch Caramels – 13 oz.
Holiday Shopping!!!
Have you started your holiday shopping yet? Christmas will be here before you know it so get a head start on your shopping today! Go to Julies Wax Shop for great deals on candles, home products and more! You're sure to find something that everyone will love!
Halloween Quotes of the Day
'Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world.
~William Shakespeare
I'll bet living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween. ~Author Unknown
Where there is no imagination there is no horror. ~Arthur Conan Doyle, Sr.
On Hallowe'en the thing you must do
Is pretend that nothing can frighten you
And if somethin' scares you and you want to run
Just let on like it's Hallowe'en fun.
~Author Unknown
When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam,
May luck be yours on Halloween.
~Author Unknown
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world.
~William Shakespeare
I'll bet living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween. ~Author Unknown
Where there is no imagination there is no horror. ~Arthur Conan Doyle, Sr.
On Hallowe'en the thing you must do
Is pretend that nothing can frighten you
And if somethin' scares you and you want to run
Just let on like it's Hallowe'en fun.
~Author Unknown
When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam,
May luck be yours on Halloween.
~Author Unknown
Sinister Skulls
plastic wrap
1 small party favor plastic skull candy container
1 package cream cheese
1 jar chili sauce or salsa
crackers for spreading
Set the cream cheese out to thaw to room temperature. Line the inside of the plastic skull dish with plastic wrap leaving enough edges to wrap around later. Spoon the softened cream cheese into the plastic-lined skull dish, mashing in as much cream cheese as possible to pick up the most detail in the mold. Scrape any extra cream cheese off the top so it is flat. Close the plastic wrap over the flat cream cheese top and place in the freezer to set. Once set, remove the plastic wrap from the skull dish, and carefully wrap in foil to cushion the face shape. Line the skull dish with fresh plastic wrap to make more cream cheese skulls. Store in the freezer until night before the party, then thaw in the refrigerator. To serve, place the skull in a shallow dish, garnish with your preferred bloody salsa or chili mixture, including inside the eye sockets, and stab with your favorite spreader. You can extend the time before needing to refill by placing the skull on half a block of cream cheese, but cover the plain cream cheese with enough sauce so you can only see the skull above the "blood."
1 small party favor plastic skull candy container
1 package cream cheese
1 jar chili sauce or salsa
crackers for spreading
Set the cream cheese out to thaw to room temperature. Line the inside of the plastic skull dish with plastic wrap leaving enough edges to wrap around later. Spoon the softened cream cheese into the plastic-lined skull dish, mashing in as much cream cheese as possible to pick up the most detail in the mold. Scrape any extra cream cheese off the top so it is flat. Close the plastic wrap over the flat cream cheese top and place in the freezer to set. Once set, remove the plastic wrap from the skull dish, and carefully wrap in foil to cushion the face shape. Line the skull dish with fresh plastic wrap to make more cream cheese skulls. Store in the freezer until night before the party, then thaw in the refrigerator. To serve, place the skull in a shallow dish, garnish with your preferred bloody salsa or chili mixture, including inside the eye sockets, and stab with your favorite spreader. You can extend the time before needing to refill by placing the skull on half a block of cream cheese, but cover the plain cream cheese with enough sauce so you can only see the skull above the "blood."
Fried Spiders
For each fried spider:
1 frozen ready-to-bake breaded cream-cheese-filled jalapeno popper
4 frozen ready-to-bake breaded onion rings
egg wash
wooden toothpicks soaked in water
Thaw the jalapeno poppers and onion rings enough to be able to use toothpicks and knives on them. Cut the onion rings in half to make the curved legs. Attach the 8 legs to the jalapeno pepper body with egg wash and hold in place with the wet toothpicks. Bake in the oven according to the jalapeno popper package instructions, taking care not to burn the legs. Carefully arrange on a serving platter, since the legs might fall off, just like real fried spiders!
1 frozen ready-to-bake breaded cream-cheese-filled jalapeno popper
4 frozen ready-to-bake breaded onion rings
egg wash
wooden toothpicks soaked in water
Thaw the jalapeno poppers and onion rings enough to be able to use toothpicks and knives on them. Cut the onion rings in half to make the curved legs. Attach the 8 legs to the jalapeno pepper body with egg wash and hold in place with the wet toothpicks. Bake in the oven according to the jalapeno popper package instructions, taking care not to burn the legs. Carefully arrange on a serving platter, since the legs might fall off, just like real fried spiders!
Decayed Corpse Chips with Entrail Salsa
blue corn tortilla chips
coffin
salsa
This isn't so much a recipe as it is a creative display. Arrange the blue corn chips in a coffin in the shape of a long-dead corpse. The natural blue corn chips have almost a dusky shade of brown in them that hints of decayed skin. Serve with a nice blood-red chunky salsa as accompanying entrails.
If you cannot find a coffin, find a clean plastic skull or assorted bones, put them in a large serving bowl, then arrange the blue chips around the bones as the decaying flesh!
coffin
salsa
This isn't so much a recipe as it is a creative display. Arrange the blue corn chips in a coffin in the shape of a long-dead corpse. The natural blue corn chips have almost a dusky shade of brown in them that hints of decayed skin. Serve with a nice blood-red chunky salsa as accompanying entrails.
If you cannot find a coffin, find a clean plastic skull or assorted bones, put them in a large serving bowl, then arrange the blue chips around the bones as the decaying flesh!
Happy Halloween
I hope that everyone has a fun and safe Halloween this year. I was going to dress up, but unfortunately I didn't have the extra cash for it this. It's too bad, I was really looking forward to being Smurfette for a the day :)
Legend Of The Jack-O-Lantern
A stingy drunkard of an Irish blacksmith named Jack had the misfortune to run into the Devil in a pub, some say on Halloween night. Jack had too much to drink and was about to fall into the Devil's hands, but managed to trick the Devil by offering his soul in exchange for one last drink. The Devil turned himself into a sixpence to pay the bartender, but Jack quickly pocketed him in his purse. Because Jack had a silver cross in his purse, the Devil could not change himself back. Jack would not let the Devil go until he promised not to claim his soul for ten years.
The Devil agreed and ten years later Jack came across the Devil while walking on a country road. The Devil wanted to collect, but Jack, thinking quickly, said "I'll go, but before I go, will you get me an apple from that tree?" The Devil, thinking he had nothing to lose, jumped on Jack's shoulders to obtain the apple. Jack pulled out his knife and carved a cross in the trunk of the tree. This left the Devil in the air, unable to obtain Jack or his soul. Jack made him promise to never again ask for his soul. Seeing no way out, the Devil agreed.
When Jack finally died years later, he was not admitted to Heaven, because of his life of drinking and being tightfisted and deceitful. When he went to apply for entrance to Hell, the Devil had to turn him away because he agreed never to take Jack's soul. "But where can I go?", asked Jack. "Back where you came from!", replied the Devil. The way back was windy and dark. Jack pleaded with the Devil to at least provide him a light to find his way. The Devil, as a final gesture, threw a live coal at Jack straight from the fire of Hell. To light his way and to keep it from blowing out in the wind, Jack put it in a turnip he was eating.
Ever since, Jack has been doomed to wander in darkness with his lantern until "Judgment Day." Jack of the lantern (Jack o'Lantern) became known as the symbol of a damned soul.
The Devil agreed and ten years later Jack came across the Devil while walking on a country road. The Devil wanted to collect, but Jack, thinking quickly, said "I'll go, but before I go, will you get me an apple from that tree?" The Devil, thinking he had nothing to lose, jumped on Jack's shoulders to obtain the apple. Jack pulled out his knife and carved a cross in the trunk of the tree. This left the Devil in the air, unable to obtain Jack or his soul. Jack made him promise to never again ask for his soul. Seeing no way out, the Devil agreed.
When Jack finally died years later, he was not admitted to Heaven, because of his life of drinking and being tightfisted and deceitful. When he went to apply for entrance to Hell, the Devil had to turn him away because he agreed never to take Jack's soul. "But where can I go?", asked Jack. "Back where you came from!", replied the Devil. The way back was windy and dark. Jack pleaded with the Devil to at least provide him a light to find his way. The Devil, as a final gesture, threw a live coal at Jack straight from the fire of Hell. To light his way and to keep it from blowing out in the wind, Jack put it in a turnip he was eating.
Ever since, Jack has been doomed to wander in darkness with his lantern until "Judgment Day." Jack of the lantern (Jack o'Lantern) became known as the symbol of a damned soul.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Mushroom Pie
To Make the Dough:
1 cup full-fat, plain yogurt
1 egg
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
About 3 cups of flour, with an extra cup or so for kneading
1 teaspoon baking soda
Mix the yogurt, egg, butter, and salt in a bowl. Add flour by the cupful, stirring until it?s absorbed. Knead dough on a floured surface for a few minutes, adding the baking soda. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes before using. (This recipe makes enough dough for two 8- to 9-inch pies. Kolker usually makes one pie at a time, so she cuts the dough in half and freezes half for future use.)
To Make the Topping:
1 medium onion, chopped
8 ounces mushrooms, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Havarti cheese
In the meantime, saut? a bunch of chopped onions on medium heat in butter for 10 minutes, until they?re translucent and soft. Add mushrooms chopped into ?-inch chunks. (Kolker used white button mushrooms, but adds that portabellas would work well, too.) Saut? until the mushrooms are cooked, about 10 minutes. Add a minced garlic clove and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme during the last 30 seconds of cooking. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let cool 10-15 minutes. Add cheese ? what kind and how much is up to you, Kolker says. ?I used havarti, and a lot of it.? (Although cheese isn?t traditional in Russian savory pies, she says she likes using feta and Parmesan in this recipe, too.)
Preheat oven to 425. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness using a floured rolling pin until you have a 9- or 10-inch round. Drape the dough over the rolling pin and transfer it into a buttered 9-inch pie pan. (Kolker lines hers with foil.) Spread the mushroom filling over the top. Fold the edges of the dough about a 1/2-inch over the filling to create a crust, so the pie ends up looking a bit like pizza. (The dough does not cover the filling here.) Bake 15-25 minutes, until the dough is golden brown. Let cool before eating.
Milwaukee Home & Fine Living
1 cup full-fat, plain yogurt
1 egg
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
About 3 cups of flour, with an extra cup or so for kneading
1 teaspoon baking soda
Mix the yogurt, egg, butter, and salt in a bowl. Add flour by the cupful, stirring until it?s absorbed. Knead dough on a floured surface for a few minutes, adding the baking soda. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes before using. (This recipe makes enough dough for two 8- to 9-inch pies. Kolker usually makes one pie at a time, so she cuts the dough in half and freezes half for future use.)
To Make the Topping:
1 medium onion, chopped
8 ounces mushrooms, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Havarti cheese
In the meantime, saut? a bunch of chopped onions on medium heat in butter for 10 minutes, until they?re translucent and soft. Add mushrooms chopped into ?-inch chunks. (Kolker used white button mushrooms, but adds that portabellas would work well, too.) Saut? until the mushrooms are cooked, about 10 minutes. Add a minced garlic clove and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme during the last 30 seconds of cooking. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let cool 10-15 minutes. Add cheese ? what kind and how much is up to you, Kolker says. ?I used havarti, and a lot of it.? (Although cheese isn?t traditional in Russian savory pies, she says she likes using feta and Parmesan in this recipe, too.)
Preheat oven to 425. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness using a floured rolling pin until you have a 9- or 10-inch round. Drape the dough over the rolling pin and transfer it into a buttered 9-inch pie pan. (Kolker lines hers with foil.) Spread the mushroom filling over the top. Fold the edges of the dough about a 1/2-inch over the filling to create a crust, so the pie ends up looking a bit like pizza. (The dough does not cover the filling here.) Bake 15-25 minutes, until the dough is golden brown. Let cool before eating.
Milwaukee Home & Fine Living
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