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
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