tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22468335453541818412024-03-13T23:39:28.342-07:00iCookKristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-77220333462176046322009-08-07T07:27:00.000-07:002009-08-07T07:44:50.355-07:00Blueberry cupcakesI bookmark recipes from cooking blogs all the time. I have to make myself go through the bookmarks just to remind myself what I have bookmarked, so I won't forget to try all the yummy things out there. I got some fresh blueberries a while back, but didn't really have a plan for them, so I froze them to use later. Yesterday, we were at home (for the second day in a row) and my sweet angels :) were getting a little stir crazy, so we got in the kitchen together.
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<br />I found <a href="http://howtoeatacupcake.net/2009/06/ironcupcake011-not-so-blue-berry.html">this recipe</a> at <a href="http://howtoeatacupcake.net/">How To Eat A Cupcake</a>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blueberry Cupcakes</span> (plus her specific directions)
<br /><meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/stevenjballard/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>149</o:Words> <o:characters>854</o:Characters> <o:lines>7</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>1048</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>11.1282</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotshowrevisions/> <w:donotprintrevisions/> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:usemarginsfordrawinggridorigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Times New Roman"; panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-parent:""; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
<br />1 cup sugar
<br />2 eggs
<br />1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
<br />1 teaspoon baking powder
<br />1/2 teaspoon salt
<br />1/3 cup milk
<br />2 teaspoons vanilla extract
<br />1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
<br />
<br />Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Insert liners into a regular muffin pan.
<br />With an electric mixer on medium speed, cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs <em><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">(one at a time)</span></em> to the creamed mixture and beat well.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_m-XhZUTwVwoNsDdRfC_5ZbsjL1Nc_cXOQN4sJzLWvUxFa3thBYRphBRJA2eyU07jyxmxHaxwYpETmQAF5cq-T7WltRMlY41UdOmA_NgAtq-gTH7jsMNLjOplJE-wK3uQvVQoQ7RgF0Lf/s1600-h/DSC_0463.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_m-XhZUTwVwoNsDdRfC_5ZbsjL1Nc_cXOQN4sJzLWvUxFa3thBYRphBRJA2eyU07jyxmxHaxwYpETmQAF5cq-T7WltRMlY41UdOmA_NgAtq-gTH7jsMNLjOplJE-wK3uQvVQoQ7RgF0Lf/s320/DSC_0463.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367230378544248850" border="0" /></a>
<br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> <span style="font-size:100%;">In a separate bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DwRos8qnaRV6VqAV_mNMUWt_WDNmKgRejfgg_NUhbE_9-mTUyNmia_o1Tz8Nloj_RpvYwjBmK_qHkVIh-afhoBLBaAot3u197w5OtZSqyIA_phev78eolyJj_ywwTVtQ8Aa7-bZyRvWR/s1600-h/DSC_0465.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DwRos8qnaRV6VqAV_mNMUWt_WDNmKgRejfgg_NUhbE_9-mTUyNmia_o1Tz8Nloj_RpvYwjBmK_qHkVIh-afhoBLBaAot3u197w5OtZSqyIA_phev78eolyJj_ywwTVtQ8Aa7-bZyRvWR/s320/DSC_0465.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367230369428089186" border="0" /></a>
<br /></div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> <span style="font-size:100%;">Beat portions of the dry ingredients into the cream mixture alternating with the milk.</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfybhU5XzTcRvyRsi-z8UmfHuYPj7uqEKeA2tmdhQTeIvquKnw95JtwzJA7WrNgI99IpnHXdUQ6v81tHbJLuFdCmlHVM0rnF7WVieY9HLBFX5NQIcM1UxYobrR1wXsOfGxWvf5QY54ONN/s1600-h/DSC_0466.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfybhU5XzTcRvyRsi-z8UmfHuYPj7uqEKeA2tmdhQTeIvquKnw95JtwzJA7WrNgI99IpnHXdUQ6v81tHbJLuFdCmlHVM0rnF7WVieY9HLBFX5NQIcM1UxYobrR1wXsOfGxWvf5QY54ONN/s320/DSC_0466.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367230362753299938" border="0" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">*Lick the beaters!!!!!!*<span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaj9nksWs9ZOx3-NoMOVhIe0o6iKpvZx_mbKHjIdCiBl-T9L4TFMMz-0n9Nxy-ttUxPfBDMKivH4_II4161n9ow4FxomN6mdA4E7h2EaC0YIGOdQIf9hyphenhyphen8HK1FVFTFc6OhO8rJCcAm-y7/s1600-h/DSC_0470.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaj9nksWs9ZOx3-NoMOVhIe0o6iKpvZx_mbKHjIdCiBl-T9L4TFMMz-0n9Nxy-ttUxPfBDMKivH4_II4161n9ow4FxomN6mdA4E7h2EaC0YIGOdQIf9hyphenhyphen8HK1FVFTFc6OhO8rJCcAm-y7/s320/DSC_0470.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367230166375173170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Mix for 3 minutes <em><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">(I don’t know why the recipe says this. It’s not a good idea. I only mixed until the flour was almost fully incorporated.)</span></em>. With a spatula, fold in the vanilla and blueberries.</span>
<br /></div></div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU2O34WF7NiHMoJfewBoyuOdHtEo6bkH1sHPYlMlrzK081rVBKhyphenhyphen3va50xbz9wpc4oez9EwjDcmNDnlhvIFL7v2tGydreZw08n6giAxrC2ThCUVv6ReDGS2Y-OWQoPhN33-KtTvav5cl0/s1600-h/DSC_0472.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU2O34WF7NiHMoJfewBoyuOdHtEo6bkH1sHPYlMlrzK081rVBKhyphenhyphen3va50xbz9wpc4oez9EwjDcmNDnlhvIFL7v2tGydreZw08n6giAxrC2ThCUVv6ReDGS2Y-OWQoPhN33-KtTvav5cl0/s320/DSC_0472.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367230158725387650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Fill cupcake liners 1/2 to 3/4 full with batter. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVDK5450MZsBWgQjCxbSkCJ2osRcK4mrqkmUYWAzxdGRVbhyphenhyphenmOhYOhHL6VwtlJs8Q-ypad5zmumvlK5QZ6iiZr8at7i27Ld6FPF1NXIw_4QRb1w4K_g_CgQ2exokM_4wBbMmml1-g5dpp/s1600-h/DSC_0474.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVDK5450MZsBWgQjCxbSkCJ2osRcK4mrqkmUYWAzxdGRVbhyphenhyphenmOhYOhHL6VwtlJs8Q-ypad5zmumvlK5QZ6iiZr8at7i27Ld6FPF1NXIw_4QRb1w4K_g_CgQ2exokM_4wBbMmml1-g5dpp/s320/DSC_0474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367230152949463698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:14pt;">
<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Bake for 20-25 minutes <em><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">(mine were done at 18)</span></em> or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in the pan.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwcVhKGDabsVNIHWoe3S7OoWwBeKVvFfYtSNrxLvFDxTLqHcyVYBwIshZJcCk-2Wi7cdsJd35_FYJ40uAJUKOmjd8JxvSxHGnfYimdynNQtHJ29VaHbcaNWrgzNuKWVTL64yevXQHJlT9/s1600-h/DSC_0480.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwcVhKGDabsVNIHWoe3S7OoWwBeKVvFfYtSNrxLvFDxTLqHcyVYBwIshZJcCk-2Wi7cdsJd35_FYJ40uAJUKOmjd8JxvSxHGnfYimdynNQtHJ29VaHbcaNWrgzNuKWVTL64yevXQHJlT9/s320/DSC_0480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367230147832094050" border="0" /></a></p> <!--EndFragment-->
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0pFIq6tRXZiP74dJYIr49BzYBEhO7p9XdkFq5rNk4uq9e05Iy4uXpeELu79b3omzUpAPvV22P5ob1Ai45Y6JLd2EQ3G2Sy_ND9zzVwD4fHH589Flc5u7sXppqZH1LyTLlkhF6Xw4gwxY/s1600-h/DSC_0481.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0pFIq6tRXZiP74dJYIr49BzYBEhO7p9XdkFq5rNk4uq9e05Iy4uXpeELu79b3omzUpAPvV22P5ob1Ai45Y6JLd2EQ3G2Sy_ND9zzVwD4fHH589Flc5u7sXppqZH1LyTLlkhF6Xw4gwxY/s320/DSC_0481.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367230135780808514" border="0" /></a>
<br />I frosted them with a regular vanilla frosting. She made an awesome looking blueberry buttercream, but I was already out of blueberries. YUM! Not blueberry muffins, blueberry cupcakes!
<br />Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-1889966618315952792009-08-06T05:54:00.000-07:002009-08-06T06:11:16.991-07:00Easy BBQ ChickenI love this recipe for so many reasons:<br />- it's in the crockpot, which makes things easier on me<br />- it uses chicken quarters or chicken thighs, which are cheaper<br />- it's barbeque!!<br /><br />I never used to buy chicken on the bone- only boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Well, that is definitely NOT the cheapest option as far as chicken goes. When I started paying attention to my groceries and trying to buy 2 weeks of groceries under $175, buying a couple of packages of boneless, skinless chicken was not helping. My husband doesn't like eating chicken from the bone, but he does like dark meat. In the last year I realized how much I can cook with bone-in chicken, and you don't have to eat it off-the-bone. If you put bone-in chicken in the crockpot, it will get so tender, it falls off the bone. It's so moist and yummy! I have also started buying whole chickens and roasting them, then shredding them to pieces for at least 2 different meals.<br /><br />I didn't find this recipe anywhere, but I'm sure someone else has done it before. Chicken, barbeque sauce and a crockpot. That's all you need!!<br />I used chicken quarters, the leg and thigh are connected. There were 3 in the package. Mine were even still frozen. I placed the chicken in the crockpot, seasoned it with salt and pepper. Then, pour your favorite sauce over the chicken (save some sauce for later). Turn on low. Mine was ready after 6-7 hours. It's not super pretty, and your hands get messy, but I think it's a great meal!<br /><div style="text-align: center;">I drained the chicken from the crockpot and put in this dish.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I let it cool for a few minutes before I started shredding.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW11YIKaUSbXAxtICJwLqGdE_SL7RSBDwKhOkE_fgsL_txxyOPX-o109wT2mdxLJQ13KyqpRWhaJ7f1BXVRMBwH8rByQsM5OcwOoG9NvBX7b-TIU5NrpDxk3eMHdO6xxUu14Kb0jn9DfwD/s1600-h/DSC_0462.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW11YIKaUSbXAxtICJwLqGdE_SL7RSBDwKhOkE_fgsL_txxyOPX-o109wT2mdxLJQ13KyqpRWhaJ7f1BXVRMBwH8rByQsM5OcwOoG9NvBX7b-TIU5NrpDxk3eMHdO6xxUu14Kb0jn9DfwD/s320/DSC_0462.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366835999958208130" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8Opki9F4gtvm_Pq7v9VRy2RBRKaiEnZVhbQ5GRfn3BvgSB-Sxy4AaDciU96-jO1fZqYeeNe2OHZv1oxFFKValDjeJRRD-sNJLAbGD5BqaqLs6RJwitMaZCPEp19YqDjkjpbu_OxGLHFu/s1600-h/DSC_0463.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8Opki9F4gtvm_Pq7v9VRy2RBRKaiEnZVhbQ5GRfn3BvgSB-Sxy4AaDciU96-jO1fZqYeeNe2OHZv1oxFFKValDjeJRRD-sNJLAbGD5BqaqLs6RJwitMaZCPEp19YqDjkjpbu_OxGLHFu/s320/DSC_0463.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366835996582834546" border="0" /></a><br />I used tongs and put all the meat in this bowl.<br />It literally falls off the bone, and comes off very easily.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMKrceCqSxFaCSCNsPQYQ44NFvExmsprFQjGPrdTeNfOvtYfRWlAkSW-qkKN9yvE9k5vp0IQ_-OAkw82BNWqdrX5-MEL5HLRWJM_WLR_5lM6Gn5K0oDF1r2XY-T58ZERREOa4sumOx0k7/s1600-h/DSC_0464.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMKrceCqSxFaCSCNsPQYQ44NFvExmsprFQjGPrdTeNfOvtYfRWlAkSW-qkKN9yvE9k5vp0IQ_-OAkw82BNWqdrX5-MEL5HLRWJM_WLR_5lM6Gn5K0oDF1r2XY-T58ZERREOa4sumOx0k7/s320/DSC_0464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366835991398905074" border="0" /></a><br />I mix the shredded meat with a little more barbeque sauce. To serve, I put some chicken on a soft roll and more barbeque sauce, for me. My husband wanted a slice of cheese. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNfizzYlTcSMxhPHCR5c2p5MqSSf3GMSD-v5w90XsbR_fZy6UpsQBCcqQyLpszssqXP6DoS2M6eIkJ-FuuC_U5PyJIZtog4WrlcQPG1is7JXVMjd1swAEnN9l_5gX-txRql91S_Njmc7z/s1600-h/DSC_0466.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNfizzYlTcSMxhPHCR5c2p5MqSSf3GMSD-v5w90XsbR_fZy6UpsQBCcqQyLpszssqXP6DoS2M6eIkJ-FuuC_U5PyJIZtog4WrlcQPG1is7JXVMjd1swAEnN9l_5gX-txRql91S_Njmc7z/s320/DSC_0466.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366835984534718626" border="0" /></a></div>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-49273512049002109712009-07-25T12:27:00.000-07:002009-07-25T12:40:28.996-07:00Gran's Mac and CheeseI am a mac and cheese lover, but not a mac and cheese snob. I am just as happy eating Kraft mac and cheese as I am eating homemade. I just love it, either way!!<br />My mom makes a cheese sauce first (which can also be used on top of broccoli), then adds it to cooked pasta and covers it in shredded <span style="font-weight: bold;">sharp</span> cheese. Bake it and you have some easy mac and cheese!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Macaroni and Cheese</span><br />Cheese sauce:<br />2 Tbsp. butter<br />2 Tbsp. flour<br />1 cup whole milk<br />1 heaping cup of <span style="font-weight: bold;">sharp</span> cheddar cheese (sharp or extra sharp- anything less will be bland)<br />salt and pepper to taste<br />elbow macaroni or any small pasta<br />more shredded <span style="font-weight: bold;">sharp </span>cheddar cheese for top<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Melt the butter in a saucepan.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX8Bjc6MyEZGVt2V8dF7mLizzsXmXZ859Ym-z4q5d3DPWRb26FpUiZwJ0HMkl6uiKcdrCvKP8tdcNRiSP0k_HrOJ6X4yDxxh8d357gQxxeeqYG-faGSQNb4G9Q32QcIuhzUl3V-Uh5iUz/s1600-h/DSC_0434.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX8Bjc6MyEZGVt2V8dF7mLizzsXmXZ859Ym-z4q5d3DPWRb26FpUiZwJ0HMkl6uiKcdrCvKP8tdcNRiSP0k_HrOJ6X4yDxxh8d357gQxxeeqYG-faGSQNb4G9Q32QcIuhzUl3V-Uh5iUz/s320/DSC_0434.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362482881706652386" border="0" /></a>Add the flour and stir to combine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqlZ5g1-Bm8ScpErc1XD3tBRiQ-YB0zblOm8PoDihV4yBj0VWSNIrOKkDwcCvUUbK2GDChGk4cRiPASZ0u4Bx9DYFzaJDOkfzPibtdCHws43FqZMbfJ4iGhJZxrsuTwymW4Thedcu-q3i/s1600-h/DSC_0436.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqlZ5g1-Bm8ScpErc1XD3tBRiQ-YB0zblOm8PoDihV4yBj0VWSNIrOKkDwcCvUUbK2GDChGk4cRiPASZ0u4Bx9DYFzaJDOkfzPibtdCHws43FqZMbfJ4iGhJZxrsuTwymW4Thedcu-q3i/s320/DSC_0436.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362481970539336226" border="0" /></a>Slowly pour in the milk and stir until it thickens up. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdQ7Y0sd2b_lnQM6oqNA9qppdPcj3Ou13rCy1UgqwCDAhi0qyV2thf201KU_nHxeozbKNkBEgeHD52R31wPJBE8VCgDHwht_Aok8-7YCSuSh7mdeSLzOP-ZLBcWMg1LLnfiIACDFWUDtM/s1600-h/DSC_0437.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdQ7Y0sd2b_lnQM6oqNA9qppdPcj3Ou13rCy1UgqwCDAhi0qyV2thf201KU_nHxeozbKNkBEgeHD52R31wPJBE8VCgDHwht_Aok8-7YCSuSh7mdeSLzOP-ZLBcWMg1LLnfiIACDFWUDtM/s320/DSC_0437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362481961770003906" border="0" /></a>Add shredded cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.<br />That's it!!!! Now you have a yummy cheese sauce to pour over vegetables,<br />or use it instead of Hollandaise for Eggs Benedict. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspt8wV7F7cSEFLfQrh1z7pVEmdzoz8jBjMe-yE-B01Xb95fo3OUVtoet43I1TYH3NIlVgJHch84hjCYWkVVf-41bbCGy0_7aQKnFGiAfhgE3BCfOuMO4ifQkF0csOu5y5SAhZtpFB09ln/s1600-h/DSC_0439.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspt8wV7F7cSEFLfQrh1z7pVEmdzoz8jBjMe-yE-B01Xb95fo3OUVtoet43I1TYH3NIlVgJHch84hjCYWkVVf-41bbCGy0_7aQKnFGiAfhgE3BCfOuMO4ifQkF0csOu5y5SAhZtpFB09ln/s320/DSC_0439.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362481958212304482" border="0" /></a><br />I cooked a package of medium shells and mix with the cheese sauce. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcm1Oe_-iO1xwdMKuRKM5gNO9NyZPJa1iHxCS7SIiQSYh6EnFNZSi2maJUv9zgrr2dryS8fwS3H2J1cosW7sd1HHu2HWKUVu6KMZs2ctTke1Zdv6eb-mR0cb-xzzmHiGZQmG0FHsKCBzi/s1600-h/DSC_0440.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcm1Oe_-iO1xwdMKuRKM5gNO9NyZPJa1iHxCS7SIiQSYh6EnFNZSi2maJUv9zgrr2dryS8fwS3H2J1cosW7sd1HHu2HWKUVu6KMZs2ctTke1Zdv6eb-mR0cb-xzzmHiGZQmG0FHsKCBzi/s320/DSC_0440.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362481951143172834" border="0" /></a><br />Pour into a baking dish and top generously with shredded sharp cheddar (Seriously. Use the sharp cheddar. Mild cheddar just does not have enough flavor for this dish)<br /> Bake for 20-30 minutes, until cheese has melted. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvIYHu44TiClGgz1416QMZwF-0NonVnaA1TwAJi-5E2UwJHvxNm3RDZlmryo72nGifgJCQv_BtIzD7sjqE267qGmiQIyx3rdsBct8NSUPVyxhSb8MKRFCVfvoAd6WAQUXlpq90zKjmuXU/s1600-h/DSC_0441.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvIYHu44TiClGgz1416QMZwF-0NonVnaA1TwAJi-5E2UwJHvxNm3RDZlmryo72nGifgJCQv_BtIzD7sjqE267qGmiQIyx3rdsBct8NSUPVyxhSb8MKRFCVfvoAd6WAQUXlpq90zKjmuXU/s320/DSC_0441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362481949222681746" border="0" /></a></div>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-53241930391181455932009-07-25T10:10:00.001-07:002009-07-25T10:51:20.955-07:00Easy Cheesy ManicottiI used to make stuffed shells and manicotti and lasagna rolls- all kinds of stuffed pasta, but we got so tired of it!! For the first few years of our marriage, I didn't have a very big selection of recipes, and we loved Italian food so much, I made those kinds of dishes alot. But, we haven't had it in years- seriously!!<br />I saw <a href="http://tried-and-truecookingwithheidi.blogspot.com/2009/06/easy-stuff-manicotti.html">a great recipe</a> for easy manicotti stuffed with string cheese at <a href="http://tried-and-truecookingwithheidi.blogspot.com/">Heidi's blog</a>, and I thought that it would something fun for the kids to help me with, and it would be yummy!! I made a batch (12 manicotti) and split it into 2 dishes. I froze one for later, and served the other.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Easy Cheesy Manicotti</span><br />1 package manicotti shells<br />1 package string cheese<br />1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained<br /><a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2008/10/simple-tomato-sauce.html">simple tomato sauce</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">First, I made the sauce and let it simmer. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SplS5PqyWCcbNfVLFWyrdASlQ7saVdOdHJDl7eQF55e28-8GC5TImDDs5wXgu3Z0ODZa115vfoPfwUjFSoBaH4keBYpe427U4JRfLJ3fuJViRXv8338_MzHZ1VQ4xfJH5Pgx9JNbZHhL/s1600-h/DSC_0413.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SplS5PqyWCcbNfVLFWyrdASlQ7saVdOdHJDl7eQF55e28-8GC5TImDDs5wXgu3Z0ODZa115vfoPfwUjFSoBaH4keBYpe427U4JRfLJ3fuJViRXv8338_MzHZ1VQ4xfJH5Pgx9JNbZHhL/s320/DSC_0413.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362447992843055298" border="0" /></a>Then, I browned the beef. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCf1XOLMCKXbvjLkHZsNz-zLvfGuWQJO67KDmzteYMqDJRQewtlZIC3Ssto8G1JxpNt-umxZHWCjdBGJOaPbzKGhDH3G6NXfLxnqI1vsEC3cyeAEU_ztLZI6GQuBx1S1InsLahK9IyHU6/s1600-h/DSC_0411.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCf1XOLMCKXbvjLkHZsNz-zLvfGuWQJO67KDmzteYMqDJRQewtlZIC3Ssto8G1JxpNt-umxZHWCjdBGJOaPbzKGhDH3G6NXfLxnqI1vsEC3cyeAEU_ztLZI6GQuBx1S1InsLahK9IyHU6/s320/DSC_0411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362447983337683250" border="0" /></a>After draining the beef, I added it to the sauce. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoc6HuVFcy-zjCaJ8E-37XDa3GHkXuM5A19PIV03oE_MQf1OBdCidu69TGWxyCKWwx6flWkFtQwf742qWklyXVYaBAPxXrCoU-89U0wYbwXSIQmcnBCbLdrkzznTScG6CBgWZ6ezldRCo/s1600-h/DSC_0415.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoc6HuVFcy-zjCaJ8E-37XDa3GHkXuM5A19PIV03oE_MQf1OBdCidu69TGWxyCKWwx6flWkFtQwf742qWklyXVYaBAPxXrCoU-89U0wYbwXSIQmcnBCbLdrkzznTScG6CBgWZ6ezldRCo/s320/DSC_0415.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362447998423594146" border="0" /></a>Then, I cooked the manicotti shells.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRWLpk_OWdB3cOlzEt8Qb9PjLeuzMcf-dDju3GyqRRHY9y_vtsIB4QTGrep8FwBVcdM7Tm5uLgRxSpd_puCmt5mpnnZzVmfdrZWd2uz7vtUq0bHsh4kLqJx4evtZayvgrBK6IJ1j5p4OF/s1600-h/DSC_0414.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRWLpk_OWdB3cOlzEt8Qb9PjLeuzMcf-dDju3GyqRRHY9y_vtsIB4QTGrep8FwBVcdM7Tm5uLgRxSpd_puCmt5mpnnZzVmfdrZWd2uz7vtUq0bHsh4kLqJx4evtZayvgrBK6IJ1j5p4OF/s320/DSC_0414.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362447995121945810" border="0" /></a> After they cooled, it was assembly time. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7hohQ1iUovMQaEWCSP-40p6D0O55BzjcD8ie0wjan-9mzGUcRT02II0esRrP__KyUq360-x-Ulw3MydoeOd8x6OPbVboqd3Vz-_2Dwui890DfsP2qSn8IAXKf-pA8vh9Eq7vrhv3mJFP/s1600-h/DSC_0418.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7hohQ1iUovMQaEWCSP-40p6D0O55BzjcD8ie0wjan-9mzGUcRT02II0esRrP__KyUq360-x-Ulw3MydoeOd8x6OPbVboqd3Vz-_2Dwui890DfsP2qSn8IAXKf-pA8vh9Eq7vrhv3mJFP/s320/DSC_0418.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362448007678483922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQCsXqD1xNsDDI6aTF-PCgrI5_dlMwBAtdDbebvbipxhH0jX-YDRUiZtwXntc3tWRg7OILDAaxPQN5Nhi_qBKkuYQkErqqkBSxlDyGrNaDEa12CTNT-s3U-lSkRWM3cjl0KbfXwH-hR8i/s1600-h/DSC_0419.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQCsXqD1xNsDDI6aTF-PCgrI5_dlMwBAtdDbebvbipxhH0jX-YDRUiZtwXntc3tWRg7OILDAaxPQN5Nhi_qBKkuYQkErqqkBSxlDyGrNaDEa12CTNT-s3U-lSkRWM3cjl0KbfXwH-hR8i/s320/DSC_0419.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362452115713845970" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4sOS1qWEgXfFdbr5sU9dwpmF8g-z_RIcV4c4MpQKS1Ea88N2PfwG-4vWVQC2yKXqraY13wQevcxwPyCbRIgzEIY29ujdWPJOJoldHB2eAGzovkjTDrb_C8CCuP8j4CGASOasVRqXjMg-/s1600-h/DSC_0421.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4sOS1qWEgXfFdbr5sU9dwpmF8g-z_RIcV4c4MpQKS1Ea88N2PfwG-4vWVQC2yKXqraY13wQevcxwPyCbRIgzEIY29ujdWPJOJoldHB2eAGzovkjTDrb_C8CCuP8j4CGASOasVRqXjMg-/s320/DSC_0421.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362452118009763442" border="0" /></a>Here, my lovely assistant will show you how we stuffed and arranged the manicotti.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vvj_RvkjWTCfqv-BzD2YiOJweEW1bhHiv3Ou7d-AtCsl7PgbfAv6FEwHR7Mr1lPXQdbM_NpNO3dRyDyO3hNMHNOwYaU7c_TLJRoOHzJ3qHfdrRYXjT9btfbPK5VVPVuLP_7C0gqxkJ1K/s1600-h/DSC_0422.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vvj_RvkjWTCfqv-BzD2YiOJweEW1bhHiv3Ou7d-AtCsl7PgbfAv6FEwHR7Mr1lPXQdbM_NpNO3dRyDyO3hNMHNOwYaU7c_TLJRoOHzJ3qHfdrRYXjT9btfbPK5VVPVuLP_7C0gqxkJ1K/s320/DSC_0422.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362452122254091234" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1d0nQHdxy3XbI0WOe3eG4K3aGDCyLJrmmxJoVdAtjSP08exW7Mx1Irxl-8AbQCsOLwEUEO0Lx58e8q5RkVdmmtZW7tsw8lA0xPyO1b291Tq9ttOskl6DrxnCggQNOlKHQxKsarZvZaGn/s1600-h/DSC_0423.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1d0nQHdxy3XbI0WOe3eG4K3aGDCyLJrmmxJoVdAtjSP08exW7Mx1Irxl-8AbQCsOLwEUEO0Lx58e8q5RkVdmmtZW7tsw8lA0xPyO1b291Tq9ttOskl6DrxnCggQNOlKHQxKsarZvZaGn/s320/DSC_0423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362452130505881426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJ2eg2jFzxlWhXT2j5wbjlKNujdExnI6izhmjAaVFgB3KPL1UfLqZ_sMwczsIK2tNmWAsjKwzBBgmd8HDUr7P2ON7_i-J1RoB35jHblBud8CPoWoGco6ZDbZxfwM6fkcFR7zfAskUtX1u/s1600-h/DSC_0430.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJ2eg2jFzxlWhXT2j5wbjlKNujdExnI6izhmjAaVFgB3KPL1UfLqZ_sMwczsIK2tNmWAsjKwzBBgmd8HDUr7P2ON7_i-J1RoB35jHblBud8CPoWoGco6ZDbZxfwM6fkcFR7zfAskUtX1u/s320/DSC_0430.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362452137807619314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLvEpT4ADlxSsx4Ak5dCB78UjBYiO3PkBbMjW_AXAq3mHFRE7Z2BV0pPB5w31M135XzqqhySPVgyHxGtzI8Ab6fTHjV59jZrnUiOLUzqM8zRyTxgB22HzKAKwZEp1xTtfWrbkwJehHrAN/s1600-h/DSC_0431.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLvEpT4ADlxSsx4Ak5dCB78UjBYiO3PkBbMjW_AXAq3mHFRE7Z2BV0pPB5w31M135XzqqhySPVgyHxGtzI8Ab6fTHjV59jZrnUiOLUzqM8zRyTxgB22HzKAKwZEp1xTtfWrbkwJehHrAN/s320/DSC_0431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362453586716074002" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmx6NveWXuQo4wTWdsS9lnvyOJqqWmf94rRKprRLWVwHhJvFlMamMKv2Z2chPE7Pn40QtAVhxkDUsmePnYTjMcN2339bBgICGoVyUEXOYG7V6nHp6HUJGTYGf_xWZ283KOyLP3uMZ90O5s/s1600-h/DSC_0433.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmx6NveWXuQo4wTWdsS9lnvyOJqqWmf94rRKprRLWVwHhJvFlMamMKv2Z2chPE7Pn40QtAVhxkDUsmePnYTjMcN2339bBgICGoVyUEXOYG7V6nHp6HUJGTYGf_xWZ283KOyLP3uMZ90O5s/s320/DSC_0433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362453594464312098" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Top with shredded mozzarella and bake for 30 minutes at 375. YUM!!<br /><br />**While we are on the subject of Heidi's blog, and ground beef recipes (I am always collecting new ground beef recipes), I made <a href="http://tried-and-truecookingwithheidi.blogspot.com/2009/07/meatball-supreme.html">these meatballs</a> last night and they were great!!! I highly recommend them :)Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-76543468427339210022009-07-20T07:37:00.001-07:002009-07-20T07:58:48.037-07:00Cheesy Garlic BreadI saw this on another cooking blog, and bookmarked it immediately. Err, well, apparently I DIDN'T bookmark it because I can't find the bookmark nor can I remember which site I was at. I have found and started following several more cooking blogs recently, and so I don't know which one it was. Well, if it was your cooking blog, feel free to take the credit.<br /><br />Cheesy Garlic Bread<br />one loaf of bread, sliced- but don't slice all the way through to the bottom<br />soft butter, mixed with dry or fresh herbs (whatever you have)<br />mozzarella cheese (the original post used swiss cheese)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I put almost a whole stick of softened butter in a bowl,<br />and mixed in garlic salt, and some herbs I had on hand.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpHRuwtpgz9EPC8zyYCuCakT_SkmMgKeKnaKbUcaiaH8yp0DtmrayZqhv5qmcPx2xsuiTexq_C3WLO83QBtdoK8Ecwu7N8fXE0Je6nDiXDLIkLIds_oyX7uyrImHr88bayyk4PDvq7b8I/s1600-h/DSC_0367.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpHRuwtpgz9EPC8zyYCuCakT_SkmMgKeKnaKbUcaiaH8yp0DtmrayZqhv5qmcPx2xsuiTexq_C3WLO83QBtdoK8Ecwu7N8fXE0Je6nDiXDLIkLIds_oyX7uyrImHr88bayyk4PDvq7b8I/s320/DSC_0367.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360552015237764034" border="0" /></a><br />Slice the bread, but don't slice all the way through. The bread should still be connected. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_An62Qy4tueDt51ndDjqtxCJHv2et2V-Zr0GKlYdLBnpGbaXiU2WFZNK33RhFXF3xcCD_rhAb8nOxJ8EGAwAIazhc6x7GaBKGStzt7cuEhbvC_KAT24z4KtMOu_O2swIm_3lmuaEIrk4b/s1600-h/DSC_0369.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_An62Qy4tueDt51ndDjqtxCJHv2et2V-Zr0GKlYdLBnpGbaXiU2WFZNK33RhFXF3xcCD_rhAb8nOxJ8EGAwAIazhc6x7GaBKGStzt7cuEhbvC_KAT24z4KtMOu_O2swIm_3lmuaEIrk4b/s320/DSC_0369.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360552023467226850" border="0" /></a><br />I used a small spautla, and spread some of the garlic herb butter in each little pocket, so there is butter on each side of the bread. Then, I stuck some shredded mozzarella in each pocket. The original recipe used Swiss cheese and she had a larger loaf of bread (which would definitely work better, but this was all I had. I used one of those small sourdough loaves) and put half a slice of Swiss in each pocket.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfw-X2kxjiQ1LleFrnSLt6fEhdBhWUNEh4XIhuQBcn8ycQoS3KJEWk5AvI6ZtO8ZIJDfmZ0LPQScCoaSApr4ULCuuzClmTfnXMoy29hFsbacKvGFooD-M43q6W2dPkNvbOGd6I_XB_rDE/s1600-h/DSC_0370.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfw-X2kxjiQ1LleFrnSLt6fEhdBhWUNEh4XIhuQBcn8ycQoS3KJEWk5AvI6ZtO8ZIJDfmZ0LPQScCoaSApr4ULCuuzClmTfnXMoy29hFsbacKvGFooD-M43q6W2dPkNvbOGd6I_XB_rDE/s320/DSC_0370.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360552032046262898" border="0" /></a><br />I spread the rest of the butter on top of the loaf and covered it with foil. The oven was at 350.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7jaETz93lpTZDVWP5JnNrOl-iFOOAmdEw4bKB5Ao_gO7L1TGbj4FpDWF1BJLWsooKOs3zWZkuaGmikqWUUiVWSSQvFrZ7tTNdhe-pPjVWM3_XRm1z4xQIefvCmsZrfXVrvjFqRaK5vsS/s1600-h/DSC_0371.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7jaETz93lpTZDVWP5JnNrOl-iFOOAmdEw4bKB5Ao_gO7L1TGbj4FpDWF1BJLWsooKOs3zWZkuaGmikqWUUiVWSSQvFrZ7tTNdhe-pPjVWM3_XRm1z4xQIefvCmsZrfXVrvjFqRaK5vsS/s320/DSC_0371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360552034385648850" border="0" /></a><br />Cover with foil and I baked it for 15 minutes. Then, if you want, you can take the foil off, and bake for a few minutes more. The top will get crispy that way. This was good. I didn't put enough cheese in, but my pockets weren't very big. I will definitely use a regular size loaf of bread, and it will be even better next time.<br /></div>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-57211369867134278902009-07-09T08:46:00.001-07:002009-07-09T08:57:41.047-07:00Fish TacosIn the summer, more than any other time, I want fish. I love salmon, but I only get it when it's on sale. Tilapia is a great choice, because it's cheaper! I like to saute the tilapia, but it will fall apart a bit. So, I started serving it with corn tortillas and a creamy sauce and, voila- fish tacos!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Season the tilapia with salt and pepper.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7UlGvuvISKqBe1Ly9hmZZiAN7QFtuh8KayhFcXejUOZ7PbXj6sGVphwuz0NPMZuoFtbHjMOsUVV1ZZwoGMBunTdgHF0Zqyxu86FrJ7yHCtNIZF9yozFxa2e1DDTQF-TXgsWgsk5Fb5Hm/s1600-h/DSC_0262.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7UlGvuvISKqBe1Ly9hmZZiAN7QFtuh8KayhFcXejUOZ7PbXj6sGVphwuz0NPMZuoFtbHjMOsUVV1ZZwoGMBunTdgHF0Zqyxu86FrJ7yHCtNIZF9yozFxa2e1DDTQF-TXgsWgsk5Fb5Hm/s320/DSC_0262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356487842975103554" border="0" /></a><br />I added herbs, olive oil, chopped garlic for marinating.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOoxxZ64G-btdpe8HxnonieGOeHCYvhjudfMyskc-hFMLSyhqfxOoav4V2kr7F8n1HAo-jYlD6JCXbOVWpDp0RP3oBMne536tdKrQnxeGSwPChufPwUzuysjYsk5USzBIDH-KiPfExXQ-2/s1600-h/DSC_0263.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOoxxZ64G-btdpe8HxnonieGOeHCYvhjudfMyskc-hFMLSyhqfxOoav4V2kr7F8n1HAo-jYlD6JCXbOVWpDp0RP3oBMne536tdKrQnxeGSwPChufPwUzuysjYsk5USzBIDH-KiPfExXQ-2/s320/DSC_0263.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356487830216113058" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ipZpu91DZAfcoA4GOcPPCk2Ku8SnUx4hmx8gTGLfc6ZIqcJpo_gVK_d6Brw8LyiF2Wpg-uk9erNmpi68nThoqH_bre_6xih7EtDpUuy-YNx5PHbII265cZbUFbB3Hf_sLRNdSTWhYNqA/s1600-h/DSC_0270.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ipZpu91DZAfcoA4GOcPPCk2Ku8SnUx4hmx8gTGLfc6ZIqcJpo_gVK_d6Brw8LyiF2Wpg-uk9erNmpi68nThoqH_bre_6xih7EtDpUuy-YNx5PHbII265cZbUFbB3Hf_sLRNdSTWhYNqA/s320/DSC_0270.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356487673297031634" border="0" /></a><br />Sauce: I like a creamy sauce. I mixed Green Goddess dressing, mayo and Parmesan cheese.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8QGyzjyqv8ubMp6YumhWOB093HcPfcq5CwmQDdxT-70VNST8FjBRyS5oRVq-WnkKEdvB2_lok0WZJaEu03qMRjjx0V4BXIj9iyrpxhNE4Za6BGeBMRhjiHJBRK02ZFU5-s8ib8xSDDnW/s1600-h/DSC_0271.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8QGyzjyqv8ubMp6YumhWOB093HcPfcq5CwmQDdxT-70VNST8FjBRyS5oRVq-WnkKEdvB2_lok0WZJaEu03qMRjjx0V4BXIj9iyrpxhNE4Za6BGeBMRhjiHJBRK02ZFU5-s8ib8xSDDnW/s320/DSC_0271.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356487665702505058" border="0" /></a><br />After the fish marinated for at least 30 minutes, I sauteed it with some sliced onions.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoxO8-qEH4GyQCbe0Eg8SX-LP0xLydZGa15daTol59ycwwwUVSgmZxvfFOInPSzTyuxFGUwTOXXH5IUna49Nl_tf7P4bEntDvQdFaz_Xg8Pb_2IZo7OcH6zk8LSOyiDQ_wXYnLzFbOkpb/s1600-h/DSC_0273.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoxO8-qEH4GyQCbe0Eg8SX-LP0xLydZGa15daTol59ycwwwUVSgmZxvfFOInPSzTyuxFGUwTOXXH5IUna49Nl_tf7P4bEntDvQdFaz_Xg8Pb_2IZo7OcH6zk8LSOyiDQ_wXYnLzFbOkpb/s320/DSC_0273.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356487660818627138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKS2pSS5frHNE5q_2WRfaiv9HK_ZzZQVlGVBeMVXb_yvxxUR3UsHX48fcVndf7SgCebpQexiLS2ldagSOJlRs6JHE6m7-JrQJaNh5_5MKuxg_DNp_CttRBiBe4VqWPfin0-09Rv_cXf0ZF/s1600-h/DSC_0275.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKS2pSS5frHNE5q_2WRfaiv9HK_ZzZQVlGVBeMVXb_yvxxUR3UsHX48fcVndf7SgCebpQexiLS2ldagSOJlRs6JHE6m7-JrQJaNh5_5MKuxg_DNp_CttRBiBe4VqWPfin0-09Rv_cXf0ZF/s320/DSC_0275.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356487655962020594" border="0" /></a><br />I heated up some corn tortillas, shredded some mozzarella cheese and I wished I would have had some avocado's and lettuce!!! It was yummy enough with the sauteed onions, fish, cheese and sauce. We will be having this more this summer, for sure.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxwQuBqdL5jwq5QRR8Ozf9jFOJXecoVfXy79lW-XSkBml6uq-9dgveXHd1AO0vWLLfSXtDghhSUG1ravjQyMDD9NKBh4YYuR-IRdFf8ndchcF9oHoKF1d2_JhUFRyDFJiim0jOdoNVAG5/s1600-h/DSC_0279.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxwQuBqdL5jwq5QRR8Ozf9jFOJXecoVfXy79lW-XSkBml6uq-9dgveXHd1AO0vWLLfSXtDghhSUG1ravjQyMDD9NKBh4YYuR-IRdFf8ndchcF9oHoKF1d2_JhUFRyDFJiim0jOdoNVAG5/s320/DSC_0279.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356487647898422290" border="0" /></a></div>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-62595646776944601482009-07-06T17:10:00.000-07:002009-07-06T17:20:20.420-07:00Easy OmeletsWe love breakfast in our house, but my husband and I favor different items. I love french toast, blueberry muffins, and sausage biscuits. He loves omelets, scrambled eggs with all kinds of things in it and pancakes. I recently tried an omelet, and it worked out pretty good. The key I think is a nonstick pan. Mine is a 19.99 from Bed, Bath n Beyond one- nothing fancy, but it always makes great eggs and never sticks!!<br /><br />nonstick pan<br />3-4 eggs<br />butter<br />mushrooms, onions (whatever you want in your omelet)<br />cheese<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Beat eggs in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2d4YNJNQMoBoXPButIULrZjxtFwc14GKmiX3nzKzQbsUHpdu92M6PgmVg4YlR33iGVnfesD8wADkbHtg60NFKzgmggrRH1AMol_kyfJ1qe7eV4OnA_9WqEG09imbJUkYGJ5rkRCy_kVcb/s1600-h/DSC_0284.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2d4YNJNQMoBoXPButIULrZjxtFwc14GKmiX3nzKzQbsUHpdu92M6PgmVg4YlR33iGVnfesD8wADkbHtg60NFKzgmggrRH1AMol_kyfJ1qe7eV4OnA_9WqEG09imbJUkYGJ5rkRCy_kVcb/s320/DSC_0284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355505308461486274" border="0" /></a><br />Saute your onions, mushrooms or whatever veggies you are using.<br />They need to be totally cooked before you add them to the omelet,<br /> because you add them at the end.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Mr1hSx0ESAOWMkIJ8YowH1K5nPcrJLmMEJ_T5oRv1MkTPBfD7pIrOtfVktP7KgvPT95FNUk-IlDqKQ4-zuwRFeC20oYoOuVGdAVSzTWCTu0LRp4tnnhcgjy6Vi0xUKXm4Zki51J2pbM3/s1600-h/DSC_0283.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Mr1hSx0ESAOWMkIJ8YowH1K5nPcrJLmMEJ_T5oRv1MkTPBfD7pIrOtfVktP7KgvPT95FNUk-IlDqKQ4-zuwRFeC20oYoOuVGdAVSzTWCTu0LRp4tnnhcgjy6Vi0xUKXm4Zki51J2pbM3/s320/DSC_0283.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355505316745357266" border="0" /></a><br />Heat skillet to medium high and put a pat of butter in skillet.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsXkCA-TAhinjlafHDOaYrA_Gbm7Nt2LvgDXV9PHdydgff6nj1OVlXrNOax_2GhUKCpmSeRs7qhrBk_NrAhMF9948sR7b5QHZoZWocBKp6sJRFa_1nH2chhBABSSL_EFsqC0hFv6djk4i/s1600-h/DSC_0285.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsXkCA-TAhinjlafHDOaYrA_Gbm7Nt2LvgDXV9PHdydgff6nj1OVlXrNOax_2GhUKCpmSeRs7qhrBk_NrAhMF9948sR7b5QHZoZWocBKp6sJRFa_1nH2chhBABSSL_EFsqC0hFv6djk4i/s320/DSC_0285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355505304101400482" border="0" /></a><br />Pour eggs to totally cover bottom of skillet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCl3wC3wQV3U2wqykO1fcVZTDpd6kXgHqRUvxlenalwwN_XtIhMZ32WoeBxSETb0jlN8bF502Xhj8kITprZrMbq2Wq6qIBG1RWbVfbm6q23EzLvqFgFt5vmVG8EkHSSXU5l6ikka8ocFqw/s1600-h/DSC_0286.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCl3wC3wQV3U2wqykO1fcVZTDpd6kXgHqRUvxlenalwwN_XtIhMZ32WoeBxSETb0jlN8bF502Xhj8kITprZrMbq2Wq6qIBG1RWbVfbm6q23EzLvqFgFt5vmVG8EkHSSXU5l6ikka8ocFqw/s320/DSC_0286.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355504919977679970" border="0" /></a><br />Move sides of eggs away from pan, then tip pan to let uncooked eggs tip over and fill in the pan.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfRHAqtfm6iUbNT9LVYg3iU9ceac39DIg9siLAGaOGM73e59m4tICa36TY-s6GorXKYmO_czMxOL55QN6duRu5Co1HfPWHp1AEfl58MRE31xX1f1KXnA596Mp3fuBiwtJlFQVuQco7mp8/s1600-h/DSC_0287.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfRHAqtfm6iUbNT9LVYg3iU9ceac39DIg9siLAGaOGM73e59m4tICa36TY-s6GorXKYmO_czMxOL55QN6duRu5Co1HfPWHp1AEfl58MRE31xX1f1KXnA596Mp3fuBiwtJlFQVuQco7mp8/s320/DSC_0287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355504913106872850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtq36vwXInWEcc0qOCRWeYzb8DKnOhykoLRELI4TjW-I9Xxp1M0lcuhwgluZ-guc8H_8ySJZ4iOdyQyhMSimKMTIXoe5KrpSPtZpDqwcWy-jDdRACRts1qthvj7aQqtsFS5UlmQlaSCAP/s1600-h/DSC_0288.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtq36vwXInWEcc0qOCRWeYzb8DKnOhykoLRELI4TjW-I9Xxp1M0lcuhwgluZ-guc8H_8ySJZ4iOdyQyhMSimKMTIXoe5KrpSPtZpDqwcWy-jDdRACRts1qthvj7aQqtsFS5UlmQlaSCAP/s320/DSC_0288.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355504905530790930" border="0" /></a><br />When almost all the way set, add veggies to one side of omelet. Sprinkle cheese over whole thing.<br />My hubby likes cheese!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zTes1TXWT1evTcbLgA1coaZ9cUWpLv-8gTbYpazy3uyHKny5Z2p2kPqYQf-frAD6qdt-HEvDUVEc5WsfxkKmS8rilLkUluGZsO8YwrSk2oQ45_jAwmtRIYvjpL6H0bG81QOiglwtlF6O/s1600-h/DSC_0289.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zTes1TXWT1evTcbLgA1coaZ9cUWpLv-8gTbYpazy3uyHKny5Z2p2kPqYQf-frAD6qdt-HEvDUVEc5WsfxkKmS8rilLkUluGZsO8YwrSk2oQ45_jAwmtRIYvjpL6H0bG81QOiglwtlF6O/s320/DSC_0289.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355504902180201458" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Flip one side of eggs over onto the side with veggies on it.<br />Slide onto a plate. Sprinkle the top with more cheese :)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46IYm0FmRp4PvfhXnLxEghWU_AkcOaIEFlWXxaWpFpOTSOUoTKYRYvZUGcpov7OdvKIBvyJIGnmMdC6y8uSdFYRnHAE2JsAqNnnWoF1Mq_kvL-AlPAo4Dfq6ORSafQ-tkD62ZDeHbM1GL/s1600-h/DSC_0290.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46IYm0FmRp4PvfhXnLxEghWU_AkcOaIEFlWXxaWpFpOTSOUoTKYRYvZUGcpov7OdvKIBvyJIGnmMdC6y8uSdFYRnHAE2JsAqNnnWoF1Mq_kvL-AlPAo4Dfq6ORSafQ-tkD62ZDeHbM1GL/s320/DSC_0290.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355504896843260162" border="0" /></a>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-79168765218959839472009-07-05T07:16:00.000-07:002009-07-05T07:38:55.177-07:004th of July food fun- An Exchange programIf there is one positive things to come out of this blogging, I have made friends I never would have "met" otherwise. I started my personal family blog in the fall of '07, and have loved reconnecting with old friends and getting to know some new ones.<br />Even though I am new to the cooking blog scene, there have been several people that found me and continue to check in and actually leave comments! One sweet friend is <a href="http://homecookingwithsonya.blogspot.com">Sonya</a>. She is an American living in The Netherlands, and has a cooking blog. She found me and started commenting, so I started reading her blog. She does a great job of learning and bringing in the Dutch culture, but she frequently laments how hard it is to get good American items. They are either not available or ridiculously overpriced. She drives to Germany just to get chocolate chips!!!!<br />So I proposed an exchange. I would send her items I could get here easily and cheaper, and she would send me fun Dutch treats. Let's be honest- I will more than likely never make it to The Netherlands, but now I feel like I have!!! I sent her a package last month, and I just got my package of Dutch treats a few days ago. I had my family over last night to do fireworks (we live outside city limits), and we opened the box and tried all the treats. It was so fun! We pretty muchly enjoyed everything, and it is interesting to see how other people eat.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Our package of goodies!!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRtaB_OrQdNmy_HuQwES_Kn-TwGLBl0kGZFbJgJ8MJ8t4GuISoOHhAJWN_jOAXgF-nqVKp2QmGI1GDAqHWdsTYbanWmLi_3MRA9jVE-HTtVDt8C3o4-amcClCrpbWukJZWjUSM0nZBLh4/s1600-h/DSC_0290.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRtaB_OrQdNmy_HuQwES_Kn-TwGLBl0kGZFbJgJ8MJ8t4GuISoOHhAJWN_jOAXgF-nqVKp2QmGI1GDAqHWdsTYbanWmLi_3MRA9jVE-HTtVDt8C3o4-amcClCrpbWukJZWjUSM0nZBLh4/s320/DSC_0290.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354983009847956306" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Sonya's 2 favorite cookies from The Netherlands.<br />I loved the waffle cookies with a caramel-like filling.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfvPnXDqGrU-KeFwf_fREX5NHQLu4yUrvZz11Am9CqTwqrVHgPOiYI_6NyvDz4nU9ukSemxYUhrIpNuV00XX-YQevwM0nb7Iv4AoBtx2Kr4pHzOAtVZcnVLQIXDLQyDi5-tNP043Huvau/s1600-h/DSC_0304.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfvPnXDqGrU-KeFwf_fREX5NHQLu4yUrvZz11Am9CqTwqrVHgPOiYI_6NyvDz4nU9ukSemxYUhrIpNuV00XX-YQevwM0nb7Iv4AoBtx2Kr4pHzOAtVZcnVLQIXDLQyDi5-tNP043Huvau/s320/DSC_0304.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354982525237754786" border="0" /></a><br />Lots of yummy lollipops for the kiddos to eat. Even the brown salty caramel lollipops weren't that bad. Apparently, they are crazy about salty treats over there.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxnL5Nfv2-o-EaSQ31efY2M1e_nFQZEQqIqmWjwVS6kQcQO9tCijArKTcILz13eOuQinvKUWPkkEsAgR6h10_ni4Lhe-_O5nJa4VakWNXsIDvWdx04nMBdkDfbgQDop__I25rda3SQK5j/s1600-h/DSC_0303.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxnL5Nfv2-o-EaSQ31efY2M1e_nFQZEQqIqmWjwVS6kQcQO9tCijArKTcILz13eOuQinvKUWPkkEsAgR6h10_ni4Lhe-_O5nJa4VakWNXsIDvWdx04nMBdkDfbgQDop__I25rda3SQK5j/s320/DSC_0303.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354982531661529842" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyW-2AQDftugWL9l2yEeQ0byptRTkLYNvVzybJsS69e56e02nyjGh1z9vPOGtCclw-OoXJYoN_FtHGMkUlKlt6PTM0ZQ4P9hAwKSjZg0IWVKHXrSS4KAIK4nklvPuQo4OX_b_dbGZY7kv6/s1600-h/DSC_0301.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyW-2AQDftugWL9l2yEeQ0byptRTkLYNvVzybJsS69e56e02nyjGh1z9vPOGtCclw-OoXJYoN_FtHGMkUlKlt6PTM0ZQ4P9hAwKSjZg0IWVKHXrSS4KAIK4nklvPuQo4OX_b_dbGZY7kv6/s320/DSC_0301.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354982538395528258" border="0" /></a><br />A cola flavored lollipop<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT9CMrk7JYTvHvlBfDTLgu_LHODeJ6XaDpXGGmiKu6k5qQ1DhnzloqifKFWkWBh4rLvg1GhZjYvIIWwW2AWvlwKSO-9al2yM3G9PYJEw5NFFbMwGtvu_EFEyStjxVJw4FRdYkadVEtp5I/s1600-h/DSC_0302.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT9CMrk7JYTvHvlBfDTLgu_LHODeJ6XaDpXGGmiKu6k5qQ1DhnzloqifKFWkWBh4rLvg1GhZjYvIIWwW2AWvlwKSO-9al2yM3G9PYJEw5NFFbMwGtvu_EFEyStjxVJw4FRdYkadVEtp5I/s320/DSC_0302.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354982537476521170" border="0" /></a></div><br />My sister made the awesome brownie burgers that I saw on <a href="http://bakerella.blogspot.com/2009/06/fast-food-fun.html">Bakerella</a>. She did a GREAT job- they looked perfect and they were so yummy!! I want to do those myself, and the yummy sugar cookie fries.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJtwJWMgQOoBCcdOE5vCHcVcK3hc-m7TrsFf9yh9G01CbRfdxnwUfqgebmfYaiAN7AX7gmSnYB8eOFipHLtxnAXcBhEaNA-DroZHyP2lQO5KaMZ5z19tt_-r6mCvxj72z532LHet_Wbqi/s1600-h/DSC_0293.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJtwJWMgQOoBCcdOE5vCHcVcK3hc-m7TrsFf9yh9G01CbRfdxnwUfqgebmfYaiAN7AX7gmSnYB8eOFipHLtxnAXcBhEaNA-DroZHyP2lQO5KaMZ5z19tt_-r6mCvxj72z532LHet_Wbqi/s320/DSC_0293.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354983001427421218" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lm1gS4jFiK1VXOOFd-2ARr85htWUzEIHPfZCoYJQoIQH3XCjhQVv5mZj97S-kSMA41DxY_ql-21apz5oiVvf9z-AzzUHtdkJBuOJww0ylWW2hTjmBVStdjIpENTQbrG7WFRM-lG-kXC6/s1600-h/DSC_0292.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lm1gS4jFiK1VXOOFd-2ARr85htWUzEIHPfZCoYJQoIQH3XCjhQVv5mZj97S-kSMA41DxY_ql-21apz5oiVvf9z-AzzUHtdkJBuOJww0ylWW2hTjmBVStdjIpENTQbrG7WFRM-lG-kXC6/s320/DSC_0292.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354983003970200658" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NEBAJP1SS6Qso4thziff61CW8U-zK0klHzlnlrNRBu0wejGUQM-2V0G_Rnzx1w858fcWNsvU-grSy5pK984sIQgkmmAHjZLuqFmQUnw2zEWrAVbXRZ7S3raaoM766hmpLwK0vs4lC7iG/s1600-h/DSC_0297.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NEBAJP1SS6Qso4thziff61CW8U-zK0klHzlnlrNRBu0wejGUQM-2V0G_Rnzx1w858fcWNsvU-grSy5pK984sIQgkmmAHjZLuqFmQUnw2zEWrAVbXRZ7S3raaoM766hmpLwK0vs4lC7iG/s320/DSC_0297.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354982992368686466" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjLP6LORno8gbjUlXyntSFzrSLnUIEZwqqhAi-Qy1ea0-KtPFR0mc41DZObqd68rTW6dTztiket4DTn-iYrWYGnOy1Vk_QeN9Kj2IAS7d5PcOm7LbmDHcxPsaaklbe_Pc023OiJqtN_wl/s1600-h/DSC_0299.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjLP6LORno8gbjUlXyntSFzrSLnUIEZwqqhAi-Qy1ea0-KtPFR0mc41DZObqd68rTW6dTztiket4DTn-iYrWYGnOy1Vk_QeN9Kj2IAS7d5PcOm7LbmDHcxPsaaklbe_Pc023OiJqtN_wl/s320/DSC_0299.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354982542220664002" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6pkSo3acDYbrRoySfV2DF9z9VuEp5K51UdSwaHEOuKjvqJBJp7Sas3DIPfQVlc8YlVv0ln7z0S_lK0-0lLihQttWSWptlsPBqiLFlhXoyuIhJBak2J9I9dD9DKK81hZZUlvbpuwKCRIG/s1600-h/DSC_0295.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6pkSo3acDYbrRoySfV2DF9z9VuEp5K51UdSwaHEOuKjvqJBJp7Sas3DIPfQVlc8YlVv0ln7z0S_lK0-0lLihQttWSWptlsPBqiLFlhXoyuIhJBak2J9I9dD9DKK81hZZUlvbpuwKCRIG/s320/DSC_0295.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354982996796810610" border="0" /></a>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-67490267060858704852009-07-04T06:28:00.000-07:002009-07-04T20:07:00.794-07:00Whole Roasted ChickenBefore last week, I had never roasted a whole chicken before. My husband doesn't like eating chicken from the bone, so I never bought a whole chicken. Lately, though, I have been buying the rotisserie chickens when they are on sale at the store ($4.99), chopping them up and getting a few dinners out of the meat. So, this time, <span style="font-weight: bold;">I</span> did the roasting. The whole chicken was on sale and I got it for $3.81, cheaper than the rotisserie. Now, I know how to roast a chicken, so I can buy a whole chicken if it's cheaper than buying the pre-cooked one.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdg_97BhnrnkWWEKyqrhVT7-NxxQj4KLyQYVtDEA-vfuoPyML84PJL24dslwdwdPdoNabgJSwm-lhH5KdXL6zomubv4xZBEMDKICmrQS2a3UjAPgH7o9R1PJy2tq2Zr-VXxuKbZVy2NbpJ/s1600-h/DSC_0242.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdg_97BhnrnkWWEKyqrhVT7-NxxQj4KLyQYVtDEA-vfuoPyML84PJL24dslwdwdPdoNabgJSwm-lhH5KdXL6zomubv4xZBEMDKICmrQS2a3UjAPgH7o9R1PJy2tq2Zr-VXxuKbZVy2NbpJ/s320/DSC_0242.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354807029312444226" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Whole Roasted Chicken</span><br />whole chicken (make sure you remove the what-not from the inside of the chicken)<br />fresh herbs, halved lemon (optional)<br />salt and pepper<br />butter<br /><br />I made a paste with the butter, salt and pepper and rubbed that all over the chicken, and under the skin onto the breasts.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKy7uG7twTZprW9Vd1zbaO0lDhmGBS2zAYO2bTfH-ZyIwbZN-zhzfa_PluXdqvcigN38ZMfdIw3lFuquCCwGhL-FCJ1uwt5XKOEcSQp6r88nrn2WqX1uY0tEAV3-Y2WsJygAYRRotqIxk/s1600-h/DSC_0293.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKy7uG7twTZprW9Vd1zbaO0lDhmGBS2zAYO2bTfH-ZyIwbZN-zhzfa_PluXdqvcigN38ZMfdIw3lFuquCCwGhL-FCJ1uwt5XKOEcSQp6r88nrn2WqX1uY0tEAV3-Y2WsJygAYRRotqIxk/s320/DSC_0293.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354806792091754210" border="0" /></a>I stuffed the chicken with 2 lemon halves, and a bundle of fresh herbs.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEYd8Tz7sX70PQkcemPqpIqoyiGO-RazD_YgPpQpj5Dt4wk2V7AbBGg6RS42Wnq1wJo-N5rutR6LBgHbQ0MALCk31gYSGunu-5A3ogqnHdiQcSdCICngCH_mYDIfWqQ9aDdMuvfId98Qi/s1600-h/DSC_0292.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEYd8Tz7sX70PQkcemPqpIqoyiGO-RazD_YgPpQpj5Dt4wk2V7AbBGg6RS42Wnq1wJo-N5rutR6LBgHbQ0MALCk31gYSGunu-5A3ogqnHdiQcSdCICngCH_mYDIfWqQ9aDdMuvfId98Qi/s320/DSC_0292.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354806798585134818" border="0" /></a>I roasted it for 50 minutes at 450 on a cooling rack with a baking sheet underneath it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnA-7pZzLrtdyJmMBXkfi5j_HrfvNgjd1-sf-pRHCWL0gtSQpXWcOsZezQUfY1oGDBzP4J-M77RbT7pEqxBUADINoYSBS4zWdfgDakQ2kwK97Sg19O75iIMnk-2u-Fu23g8PKwbtsK3-mg/s1600-h/DSC_0294.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnA-7pZzLrtdyJmMBXkfi5j_HrfvNgjd1-sf-pRHCWL0gtSQpXWcOsZezQUfY1oGDBzP4J-M77RbT7pEqxBUADINoYSBS4zWdfgDakQ2kwK97Sg19O75iIMnk-2u-Fu23g8PKwbtsK3-mg/s320/DSC_0294.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354806787499230402" border="0" /></a><br />Then, I let it cool and chopped it up. I made chicken salad for my husband to take to work and we had more of it last night in our avocado caesar salad* with chicken. We still have enough chicken for another meal. Pretty good for $3.81!!<br />*Just add mashed avocado to your regular caesar dressing and mix well, then add sliced avocado on top of the salad with the chicken. YUM! Great summer meal.Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-16068256050292531412009-06-26T07:17:00.000-07:002009-06-26T07:33:29.777-07:00Fettuccine Alfredo with ChickenWe love pasta in our family. We were lucky enough to go to Italy a few years ago, and that only fueled our love for all things Italian. Giada de Laurentiis has always been one of my favorite chefs to watch and make her food. Everyday Italian is a great show- I have 3 of her cookbooks and I use every single one of them, although her Everyday Italian cookbook has been used the most. It is a great resource for basic Italian cooking. The Lemon Spaghetti page and the Fettuccine Alfredo page are splattered the most!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sgMGt5Ex8z_n2XbpE3xsTRgtHZ1mEmcl6rPypc1EB0tN7AxyFNVacZBAd2ztJywpXLcLfSbz603aAkdUKqvYXyMGEpKrr0eqihbj6hjxkrpwKMPbaePoww0ARaks7VjPrQIhkhJdxkFf/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 101px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sgMGt5Ex8z_n2XbpE3xsTRgtHZ1mEmcl6rPypc1EB0tN7AxyFNVacZBAd2ztJywpXLcLfSbz603aAkdUKqvYXyMGEpKrr0eqihbj6hjxkrpwKMPbaePoww0ARaks7VjPrQIhkhJdxkFf/s400/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351641901549714178" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Giada's Fettuccine Alfredo</span><br />1 1/2 cups heavy cream<br />1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 lemon)<br />6 Tbsp. unsalted butter<br />1 to 2 tsp. grated lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)<br />pinch of nutmeg<br />salt<br />9 ounces fresh fettuccine (I used a bag of dried fresh fettuccine, it made a difference)<br />1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese<br /><br />I cooked the chicken first. I had chicken tenders. After thawing them, I put them in a ziploc bag with olive oil, lemon juice (not too much), garlic salt, and any herbs I had on hand. I let that marinate for a bit while I got everything else ready. I heated up a saute pan with olive oil and cooked the tenders through. I set them aside on a paper plate to start the sauce.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V44Nelf_wE5QpH1S2HAO9ny8PaEV0ZLVRHmsGTXB_X3t2v_mf8hJERR3RnsZI38k6fFf0wIlr8MPCmHETHAqqgQTIV3etzVulocPrHGD8NIGCitRF-fOZX_LgjXNdwWXINFpzbyKDWyJ/s1600-h/DSC_0240.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V44Nelf_wE5QpH1S2HAO9ny8PaEV0ZLVRHmsGTXB_X3t2v_mf8hJERR3RnsZI38k6fFf0wIlr8MPCmHETHAqqgQTIV3etzVulocPrHGD8NIGCitRF-fOZX_LgjXNdwWXINFpzbyKDWyJ/s320/DSC_0240.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351641777931755458" border="0" /></a><br />In the same pan, I added 1 cup of cream, lemon juice and butter-stirring occasionally until the butter melts. Add lemon zest and nutmeg.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHAGHqx94xdIq-MrHwM5RFuEuMnqpihhJOSXGhzubzB9Jqu3AyqZ6ogbIccxKarEhDVacmTBjTjlZB7J9NsxG3i5lEJuN8SfBjbneVX8Q3bG5TlFQ8_EJxcm-tIxs0bhkp97YoxwOJqz3/s1600-h/DSC_0241.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHAGHqx94xdIq-MrHwM5RFuEuMnqpihhJOSXGhzubzB9Jqu3AyqZ6ogbIccxKarEhDVacmTBjTjlZB7J9NsxG3i5lEJuN8SfBjbneVX8Q3bG5TlFQ8_EJxcm-tIxs0bhkp97YoxwOJqz3/s320/DSC_0241.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351641779814505810" border="0" /></a> At this point, you can pull it off the heat, cook your pasta and then put it back on the heat to finish up. After your pasta is cooked, drain it and add to the pan with the cream. Add the remaining 1/2 cup cream, the Parmesan, and salt and pepper. Toss over low heat and sauce will thicken slightly, about 1-2 minutes. Serve with chicken.<br />*Sorry for not many pictures! I was in a hurry to get it on the table, and that is usually when I forget to take my pics.<br />This is great alfredo. It will thicken up at the end, so give it a few minutes. Manga!!Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-26289954840698837522009-06-22T06:53:00.001-07:002009-06-22T07:12:00.343-07:00Father's Day BreakfastThis should really be called Gramp's Breakfast. My Gramps ate this every Saturday, and most Saturdays I was with my Granny and Gramps eating with them. I used to think it was gross how the egg was runny, until I tried it!!!<br />This was what I made Sunday morning for my great hubby, an awesome father to our 2 crazy kids!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePhbXbZ5SRL7REloJlLwqVaYL9cBD_U-s9i7dQ6DL8Crq7dijRwwhNmtvtLas2Wp6GUUwJjjsaDvQxC9F8D8uR5oVuJaPY8WJFDpv6FukOyDRXI89aZqbrk1_3OZYYNqyyQiuPsqOM6bt/s1600-h/DSC_0228.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePhbXbZ5SRL7REloJlLwqVaYL9cBD_U-s9i7dQ6DL8Crq7dijRwwhNmtvtLas2Wp6GUUwJjjsaDvQxC9F8D8uR5oVuJaPY8WJFDpv6FukOyDRXI89aZqbrk1_3OZYYNqyyQiuPsqOM6bt/s320/DSC_0228.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350154053719216386" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Eggs, sunny side up<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">maple bacon</div><div style="text-align: center;">Granny toast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLS5iBlRTk3dmgNvx3-1Qb_PJU2uZBhbxL7m3BozngCSEceit9OR9dcMKVv6rsFJedEZAWc-9M8umV0hDcu4VUuGPVu3fPHOLGe4i3m0Tv88TyNMszEOBZUZeRw5OS-_zjiS6lEElINos0/s1600-h/DSC_0230.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLS5iBlRTk3dmgNvx3-1Qb_PJU2uZBhbxL7m3BozngCSEceit9OR9dcMKVv6rsFJedEZAWc-9M8umV0hDcu4VUuGPVu3fPHOLGe4i3m0Tv88TyNMszEOBZUZeRw5OS-_zjiS6lEElINos0/s320/DSC_0230.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350150822939956178" border="0" /></a></div><br />The bacon takes the longest, so get that going first. I placed the bacon on a cooling rack, with a baking sheet underneath it, to catch the grease.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KvSW5DzjmKDRgiBZqbwNQtV00GGtBhElZI0B0-BFBqOl1HpOkvzBKt82iwIt5vYE5x1NJpqIowybOOKFmmuG2jXPkfNyahmpBsWp3kasr5-T64atkNSZqEG4HDVsfnXAZCm9P9nI4zoY/s1600-h/DSC_0206.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KvSW5DzjmKDRgiBZqbwNQtV00GGtBhElZI0B0-BFBqOl1HpOkvzBKt82iwIt5vYE5x1NJpqIowybOOKFmmuG2jXPkfNyahmpBsWp3kasr5-T64atkNSZqEG4HDVsfnXAZCm9P9nI4zoY/s320/DSC_0206.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350151585778276402" border="0" /></a><br />Then, brush it with maple syrup. My hubby loves maple bacon, but we didn't have any and I remembered my Dad telling me about brushing the bacon with maple syrup for a more intense maple flavor.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVDO_97AOWTqMM7_52fohOYGy3JMiSVuEIcw_2aXOb_O7uvyQJpVYj0N7iZYSbnKd1JHAYrVL1Ze4c-M2Gq47mBXc-JAX8qn4YfqGEzlC-hhMGGyxFXCXGe14NXhyphenhyphenAuMS23zSdjyc_Ref/s1600-h/DSC_0209.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVDO_97AOWTqMM7_52fohOYGy3JMiSVuEIcw_2aXOb_O7uvyQJpVYj0N7iZYSbnKd1JHAYrVL1Ze4c-M2Gq47mBXc-JAX8qn4YfqGEzlC-hhMGGyxFXCXGe14NXhyphenhyphenAuMS23zSdjyc_Ref/s320/DSC_0209.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350151577743155122" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Bake the bacon at 375 or 400 for about 30 minutes. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_je29zCRZmLEkz2chtf_hixDO9ycBWM1F8zgBw3yatO-dtb0uIR28Vbmwbxz4QAb0TVqL-pTj7RTEzY4GSRu6LgrYDG0cTqucDH-Y5OEhUcRXwSzC3AyBzuyGZsjGsKHWfDJHTEn7JlC/s1600-h/DSC_0227.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_je29zCRZmLEkz2chtf_hixDO9ycBWM1F8zgBw3yatO-dtb0uIR28Vbmwbxz4QAb0TVqL-pTj7RTEzY4GSRu6LgrYDG0cTqucDH-Y5OEhUcRXwSzC3AyBzuyGZsjGsKHWfDJHTEn7JlC/s320/DSC_0227.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350150825104772162" border="0" /></a><br />Put a pat of butter in a skillet at medium heat. Crack the egg, sprinkle with salt. Cook the egg white all the way through, but don't turn over- you don't want the yolk to cook through. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwg2BjC5bef7nCngc7j-dW9eiLXX9C6mJDvOTxbnHRRRr-gweoyG23A2ZBQD5dU0SMzPFUAp8LH625jGUmVHgXxOWx7odqKjkXU-NC6Ghk0GJLg5tStJH_xmqfT4Vdsd2rhT67CYYfpjh8/s1600-h/DSC_0216.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwg2BjC5bef7nCngc7j-dW9eiLXX9C6mJDvOTxbnHRRRr-gweoyG23A2ZBQD5dU0SMzPFUAp8LH625jGUmVHgXxOWx7odqKjkXU-NC6Ghk0GJLg5tStJH_xmqfT4Vdsd2rhT67CYYfpjh8/s320/DSC_0216.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350151561131802802" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-7DIGr-6tyk5l0iHYy_ETTtGDN_vy-3jZblTAlWF4cekqRgXVBTK6KFi38EKNrxl3wza4rFgZzCRSThmOBNAhU-kFCRQaAO2FSnUkp02nGh5PFOJpviSMSGvGpLcoPWWuCAd4Rovv5ZQ/s1600-h/DSC_0220.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-7DIGr-6tyk5l0iHYy_ETTtGDN_vy-3jZblTAlWF4cekqRgXVBTK6KFi38EKNrxl3wza4rFgZzCRSThmOBNAhU-kFCRQaAO2FSnUkp02nGh5PFOJpviSMSGvGpLcoPWWuCAd4Rovv5ZQ/s320/DSC_0220.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350154043829638194" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurHgBPi0tjRslFf3iaLL-3Esi5V7-gYQj4MVKNQOANDcn4ZED11bY1rWjwmpEYMhhfog6tY2AeU1Z7P2JiR6tZqRXescoUyYugMM2XmPnJ-q9uxNJrH6t5RkRawjilF833WAo_nAuW3Dd/s1600-h/DSC_0224.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurHgBPi0tjRslFf3iaLL-3Esi5V7-gYQj4MVKNQOANDcn4ZED11bY1rWjwmpEYMhhfog6tY2AeU1Z7P2JiR6tZqRXescoUyYugMM2XmPnJ-q9uxNJrH6t5RkRawjilF833WAo_nAuW3Dd/s320/DSC_0224.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350150832831195682" border="0" /></a><br />The Granny toast- My Granny always broiled her toast.<br />Butter the toast on one side, and turn the oven to broil.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjig3pCb1kHB1Ct-G-QrLjMLu4HZ-C891AzqRLmtYGG-czPp7oY1Ew_VpNdWUKfM-GExbJ3-B-a022dqITP3Vxie1pLkN3N98UKmxr67V2bxMfR2cQx6z9Z3NdJT4-WkvHseX2gZUTIEtGt/s1600-h/DSC_0213.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjig3pCb1kHB1Ct-G-QrLjMLu4HZ-C891AzqRLmtYGG-czPp7oY1Ew_VpNdWUKfM-GExbJ3-B-a022dqITP3Vxie1pLkN3N98UKmxr67V2bxMfR2cQx6z9Z3NdJT4-WkvHseX2gZUTIEtGt/s320/DSC_0213.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350151572689870066" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKlUjnUzHrd4I8CmVQmxz53NW7zwgTMqZpRXiI09ZvIK1gVDMq3x-hnef2ZxClEKEDQSH-Ev1TLGQFese0KhqjCKLlIYYFIVIxVK99Zi6Agzfu0qxto0XSOaI3BCgBgBG1bpUybVrIDML/s1600-h/DSC_0215.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKlUjnUzHrd4I8CmVQmxz53NW7zwgTMqZpRXiI09ZvIK1gVDMq3x-hnef2ZxClEKEDQSH-Ev1TLGQFese0KhqjCKLlIYYFIVIxVK99Zi6Agzfu0qxto0XSOaI3BCgBgBG1bpUybVrIDML/s320/DSC_0215.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350151566902141698" border="0" /></a><br />Broil for just a minute or two. Don't forget about it and keep checking it!!!<br />It only takes a minute or two, really.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmUfFMqEHQDtNBV_A7sXPSu2RN40XSDsYewfjQmoucQv2eKGU6T7x0By7rWkuNfABqPspcBs60A-xp7NVzCuKA5KCE536CYWDkHCeJfMVSeRXXg9UTzxiEzfhpyLvb4kOe6Uc8FTNESoZ/s1600-h/DSC_0221.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmUfFMqEHQDtNBV_A7sXPSu2RN40XSDsYewfjQmoucQv2eKGU6T7x0By7rWkuNfABqPspcBs60A-xp7NVzCuKA5KCE536CYWDkHCeJfMVSeRXXg9UTzxiEzfhpyLvb4kOe6Uc8FTNESoZ/s320/DSC_0221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350150849663757474" border="0" /></a><br />The buttered side gets toasty, and the other side stays soft. YUM!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0aApqynSWyO5_lnhxfT-Pe0DM08tdkR5ctiVQVfGeGbgHhWHmnlIjbasRXbzaMNc9_onD5e9z7B3fkZW5-LkVF75yl5jIX4ABLm0Pkr9OHX7r1WJiKxzPxGhNLIYxtWbdPEkF-Ll0J-k/s1600-h/DSC_0223.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0aApqynSWyO5_lnhxfT-Pe0DM08tdkR5ctiVQVfGeGbgHhWHmnlIjbasRXbzaMNc9_onD5e9z7B3fkZW5-LkVF75yl5jIX4ABLm0Pkr9OHX7r1WJiKxzPxGhNLIYxtWbdPEkF-Ll0J-k/s320/DSC_0223.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350150843710706274" border="0" /></a><br />The bacon was really good, very sweet. If you only want a hint of maple syrup, just brush it once. I brushed it 3 times, and it was sticky and sweet!! Really yummy, but maybe too sweet for some. I love making breakfast, and this is one of my favorites. It was a hit!!<br /></div>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-55977872240252080182009-06-13T23:01:00.000-07:002009-06-13T23:07:28.422-07:00Cutest thing EVER<a href="http://bakerella.blogspot.com/">Bakerella</a> is incredible!! This is literally the cutest thing I have ever seen. It's all edible- and sweet!!! I am seriously thinking of trying this. Cupcake buns, brownie burger with frosting condiments and sugar cookie french fries. She even has the links for the templates for the basket and paper. She is so thorough, too. <a href="http://bakerella.blogspot.com/2009/06/fast-food-fun.html">In the post</a>, she shows pictures and outlines every step. Have you ever seen anything so precious?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRu5CatkoBUMc5Kw1-ERPoing4YakPjImlZh-mv-I8TpBRV-bomTnQxrw7hSdLh-3vC8KhmEC38upL2Wf8uXzxlrfZC5RcnwuiugQKyy9od3jDWWqCL1iVWTzVW_4VueWXORwuz8OP-uQ/s1600-h/3624226862_c212409327_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRu5CatkoBUMc5Kw1-ERPoing4YakPjImlZh-mv-I8TpBRV-bomTnQxrw7hSdLh-3vC8KhmEC38upL2Wf8uXzxlrfZC5RcnwuiugQKyy9od3jDWWqCL1iVWTzVW_4VueWXORwuz8OP-uQ/s400/3624226862_c212409327_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347060013984534002" border="0" /></a>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-34700665401190297162009-06-13T08:17:00.000-07:002009-06-13T11:09:13.064-07:00Weekly MenuI was out of commission (well, my computer was) last week, so I have a longer than usual menu list. These are some of the meals we have eaten in the last two weeks. I bought 2 rotisserie chickens last time I went to the grocery store, they were on sale 4.99 each. I came home and immediately chopped up the chicken. We used it for 3 dinners- barbeque chicken sandwiches, King Ranch Chicken and chicken salad sandwiches. I love it when the rotisserie chickens are on sale- it makes my evenings alot easier!!!<br /><br />Barbeque chicken sandwiches, <a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2009/05/potato-salad.html">potato salad</a><br />(chopped rostisserie chicken with barbeque sauce, piled on a toasted bun)<br /><br /><a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2009/03/chicken-fried-steak-and-cream-gravy.html">Chicken fried steak sandwiches</a>, fried potatoes and onions<br /><br /><a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2008/11/weekly-menu.html">Taco Salad</a><br /><br />Breakfast for dinner<br />(pancaked, scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit salad)<br /><br /><a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2008/10/meatloaf.html">Meatloaf</a>, mac n cheese, spinach<br /><br /><a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2009/01/king-ranch-chicken.html">King Ranch Chicken</a><br /><br /><a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2009/05/weekly-menu.html">Chicken Salad sandwiches</a> on croissants, corn on the cob<br /><br />Sauteed tilapia, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted squash and zucchini<br /><br /><a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2009/02/pesto-stuffed-chicken-breasts.html">Stuffed chicken breast</a>, mashed potatoes, broccoli with lemon butterKristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-69848814289094523262009-06-11T08:12:00.001-07:002009-06-11T08:23:34.751-07:00Carrot and Cream Cheese MuffinsI think I have said this before, but I should probably have a "cream cheese" label. Anytime I see cream cheese in a recipe, it is hard for me to pass it up!! I saw this recipe on <a href="http://fullbellies.blogspot.com/">Full Bellies, Happy Kids</a> and got the ingredients I was missing to make this immediately. These muffins are moist, with that line of cream cheese goodness running through the middle- OH!!! They are really great, and easy to make.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJfz0g7EkrZXJoD3mfG1e-Pp6rYM4gh2Z8u7rtb4WaEwUcRJQP9zXKOUQHkXWrRZ-iwCaGjfkuW2xSqpa-MvGEs-Zoy7ae4vvHRtP2wpGlX-viVCXYIzbBVon6n5WdvGpnG9caw5Jm_4K/s1600-h/DSC_0224.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJfz0g7EkrZXJoD3mfG1e-Pp6rYM4gh2Z8u7rtb4WaEwUcRJQP9zXKOUQHkXWrRZ-iwCaGjfkuW2xSqpa-MvGEs-Zoy7ae4vvHRtP2wpGlX-viVCXYIzbBVon6n5WdvGpnG9caw5Jm_4K/s320/DSC_0224.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346089156610707490" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Carrot and Cream Cheese Muffins</span><br /><br />1- 15 oz. can sliced carrots, drained<br />1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />1 cup sugar<br />1-1/4 teaspoons baking soda<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />1/8 teaspoon each ground allspice, cloves and nutmeg<br />egg<br />1/3 cup canola oil<br />FILLING:<br />1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened<br />1 egg<br />1/4 cup sugar<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Puree the carrots in a food processor. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn64zvOX0PIOhdblSEPLdOvgea_y1aOHvbFD8cLxt6ueTE3PUpbRG6jDty83KELRK-J37GdPYM7pU6qtCUJxOXydsWXdrtzbPvtKSjsRDklYleYkDxRaQfwDUKQG1Qdg4ZIkT3RZUM_upA/s1600-h/DSC_0211.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn64zvOX0PIOhdblSEPLdOvgea_y1aOHvbFD8cLxt6ueTE3PUpbRG6jDty83KELRK-J37GdPYM7pU6qtCUJxOXydsWXdrtzbPvtKSjsRDklYleYkDxRaQfwDUKQG1Qdg4ZIkT3RZUM_upA/s320/DSC_0211.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346089976715265042" border="0" /></a>Whisk carrots, egg and oil in bowl.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcY04BvHQJHRmOFuM2c-PgjyFHaDxTWpKRStQFL-euaIBtHxsdvoDkGLbp_FkRBZvzmIolHdlVoGLlGui4sQ6IGSuNl3UTi2VKnwb0gyMDGT5ZQCx5SFs4KDMwaySXUW873GwnUhmz8GX/s1600-h/DSC_0215.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcY04BvHQJHRmOFuM2c-PgjyFHaDxTWpKRStQFL-euaIBtHxsdvoDkGLbp_FkRBZvzmIolHdlVoGLlGui4sQ6IGSuNl3UTi2VKnwb0gyMDGT5ZQCx5SFs4KDMwaySXUW873GwnUhmz8GX/s320/DSC_0215.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346089972905694770" border="0" /></a>Mix dry ingredients- flour, sugar, spices, salt and baking soda<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo428Zp4nPDDXphpM6SOBHMYPE1X6B3PE1wDFJQnVrvwTVjpxC7Ny2bXiI93iAvNY31CNRoUZygAvO9_CFyFbydE3TZJs5GXr5mybFn-RzjyAQyHI1-dfZHeiTPvJfE__mu5kE2aMOgnp/s1600-h/DSC_0216.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo428Zp4nPDDXphpM6SOBHMYPE1X6B3PE1wDFJQnVrvwTVjpxC7Ny2bXiI93iAvNY31CNRoUZygAvO9_CFyFbydE3TZJs5GXr5mybFn-RzjyAQyHI1-dfZHeiTPvJfE__mu5kE2aMOgnp/s320/DSC_0216.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346089967214976370" border="0" /></a>Add dry ingredients to carrot mixture.<br />Fill muffin tin 1/3 of the way full with carrot muffin batter.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhlFyLfy4EBSOuEs5JMFiAVi820u0Itz9sAMb_Ju2OrnJ-gwVuiPml2colAdSu6kY40SXH1tebKl8GFSK8vHZxCpBa5SMmp7X8Uhc4u56d3lfZ-6xSeq-TjUfGXUAQ9zaq1rt99Yp6QjK/s1600-h/DSC_0217.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhlFyLfy4EBSOuEs5JMFiAVi820u0Itz9sAMb_Ju2OrnJ-gwVuiPml2colAdSu6kY40SXH1tebKl8GFSK8vHZxCpBa5SMmp7X8Uhc4u56d3lfZ-6xSeq-TjUfGXUAQ9zaq1rt99Yp6QjK/s320/DSC_0217.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346089962810598210" border="0" /></a>Mix filling ingredients- cream cheese, egg and sugar.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5eRPBZAN2i-mJWHdpypfbWlzQ1LJ9t7eeoLePtZbloYc3SqpeHTH5rQq2ZXEam9MKoNZh9xp2sehXf8TxP_8bitvi6tZ9bd-stWNQjlPeFZXagpmnkvCcIlLhqjTQyWBzzo3UExuDa5w/s1600-h/DSC_0218.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5eRPBZAN2i-mJWHdpypfbWlzQ1LJ9t7eeoLePtZbloYc3SqpeHTH5rQq2ZXEam9MKoNZh9xp2sehXf8TxP_8bitvi6tZ9bd-stWNQjlPeFZXagpmnkvCcIlLhqjTQyWBzzo3UExuDa5w/s320/DSC_0218.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346089173991263490" border="0" /></a>Drop tablespoon size spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture on top of carrot batter.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dSYznmU9LQn4QER2k35tv8ACLFkqTlejEvvOnJ2dMVoDOOIk-Xa0AFpc5NLN8dtoi0f6SJSLLPEo9WU-aKeuwnr5hmTOTATwk2dMKD7lvqXQ9epQO8hDu6prPTIjwclvoam4nEDO2TYn/s1600-h/DSC_0219.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dSYznmU9LQn4QER2k35tv8ACLFkqTlejEvvOnJ2dMVoDOOIk-Xa0AFpc5NLN8dtoi0f6SJSLLPEo9WU-aKeuwnr5hmTOTATwk2dMKD7lvqXQ9epQO8hDu6prPTIjwclvoam4nEDO2TYn/s320/DSC_0219.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346089174288848450" border="0" /></a>Top with a dollup of carrot batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXmcaJqMp7WeUmUo2XVorAHf6BY3smLhNgIXR7bKi6HVeyupsDnjBHoEN9AfWhYgk6ClqrmFxuGekDEEbxgF9FdPghZpSUL8TdYv2L4ykq5HwbN_Ma6qkMGdEodVhJHMMBc8jERDK1FfL/s1600-h/DSC_0220.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXmcaJqMp7WeUmUo2XVorAHf6BY3smLhNgIXR7bKi6HVeyupsDnjBHoEN9AfWhYgk6ClqrmFxuGekDEEbxgF9FdPghZpSUL8TdYv2L4ykq5HwbN_Ma6qkMGdEodVhJHMMBc8jERDK1FfL/s320/DSC_0220.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346089166690684290" border="0" /></a><br />Mine baked for 24 minutes.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAdExEPqvcHaRZODiPYS3IMy5KUoJ7DaW5gJHr26Y2yfBdsO-OA0BKwluv6nw3ZmXSQ8CX6Zl6aLkCifqv53K5exD9PLIsLHVuiAyTtj4zqgBMPVlvqWzHWkEnZEgsSnOpDYkAWFyYvB9/s1600-h/DSC_0222.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAdExEPqvcHaRZODiPYS3IMy5KUoJ7DaW5gJHr26Y2yfBdsO-OA0BKwluv6nw3ZmXSQ8CX6Zl6aLkCifqv53K5exD9PLIsLHVuiAyTtj4zqgBMPVlvqWzHWkEnZEgsSnOpDYkAWFyYvB9/s320/DSC_0222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346089162179797074" border="0" /></a></div>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-56125767732221287162009-05-30T06:26:00.000-07:002009-05-30T06:37:02.489-07:00Weekly Menu<span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday:</span><br />Chicken piccata with creamy lemon sauce<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(the pics for this one got lost... I guess I'll have to make it again so I can post it- Darn!! :)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday:</span><br /><a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2009/04/spaghetti-and-meatball-bake.html">Spaghetti and meatball bake</a><br />cheesey bread sticks (<span style="font-style: italic;">you really don't want to try these...they are TOO good</span>)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL-VGyYc9VQnN6PpJ4hNmIgpbu0EmWLDdueoIJCAj2gsIpiPa2Up2Vj4vuPWmKF9co2qJ6T7F79CNp2dTnKTrOBWbFV08Ixy4CqwdxPgj21eypXB0fdzNIQ7hsRTw-Zo4CwvbIojq60Pv/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL-VGyYc9VQnN6PpJ4hNmIgpbu0EmWLDdueoIJCAj2gsIpiPa2Up2Vj4vuPWmKF9co2qJ6T7F79CNp2dTnKTrOBWbFV08Ixy4CqwdxPgj21eypXB0fdzNIQ7hsRTw-Zo4CwvbIojq60Pv/s320/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341608862546014450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday:</span><br />grilled chicken (<span style="font-style: italic;">hubby was off and grilled outside!</span>)<br />baked potatoes<br />roasted carrots<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday:</span><br /><a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2009/05/fried-pork-chops-with-potatoes-and.html">fried pork chops</a><br />roasted potatoes, zucchini and squashKristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-52955427848448853052009-05-30T05:48:00.000-07:002009-05-30T06:26:35.967-07:00Fried Pork Chops with Potatoes and OnionsThis is some comfort food for you!! My best friend's mom made the best pork chops growing up, and I had lunch with that best friend recently and she told me exactly how her mom made those great pork chops!! I've made them twice since I let with her a few weeks ago :)<br />It's a simple dish, but they are full of flavor. Marinate the pork chops in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes, then dredge them in seasoned flour. Fry 'em up and you have some yummy chops!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fried Pork Chops</span><br />pork chops (<span style="font-style: italic;">I used boneless, but you can use bone-in. You need to butterfly them if they are too</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> thick</span>)<br />Italian dressing<br />flour<br />salt and pepper<br /><div style="text-align: center;">I butterflied the chops, and seasoned them with salt and pepper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7pOe1o28tfc3E7yvCVM2aSRiqsHmQoQd7dCJUUmI-Pku2LDiNh2D_wpZcddZxQftXei-pgfsbhZ5zHTFQfv9sjAcTSRkcFGRuNre78H1BhcBwhvsbniF9vQhyphenhyphenyhc2UotAZdIL5eXtxxp/s1600-h/DSC_0337.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7pOe1o28tfc3E7yvCVM2aSRiqsHmQoQd7dCJUUmI-Pku2LDiNh2D_wpZcddZxQftXei-pgfsbhZ5zHTFQfv9sjAcTSRkcFGRuNre78H1BhcBwhvsbniF9vQhyphenhyphenyhc2UotAZdIL5eXtxxp/s320/DSC_0337.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341606013999990802" border="0" /></a>Marinating in the Italian dressing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIosem7YgXG11qIygYIrsCYladLnOIGAxwVlEc4C7rQ9K4YRalAWR_urfjxOglit40M8z93uvNRFzbZQaYT-xzJfP5xicouzxR2lue_iaFZ7A3tL0PeUQVNotSDtobza2Qr_EvWXSZf6O/s1600-h/DSC_0339.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIosem7YgXG11qIygYIrsCYladLnOIGAxwVlEc4C7rQ9K4YRalAWR_urfjxOglit40M8z93uvNRFzbZQaYT-xzJfP5xicouzxR2lue_iaFZ7A3tL0PeUQVNotSDtobza2Qr_EvWXSZf6O/s320/DSC_0339.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341606004296052050" border="0" /></a>I seasoned the flour with Lawry's season salt, pepper and garlic powder.<br />Dredge the chops well in the flour<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVERklg6hQShugCJQFmzXVo4MnPN886GpWOFOC9Q4XSe-NYfPN-5rY6UxgOP9mCez9CLJxo4fjPQNTRecBfZ9Fy-ej8xvN_u9Wk4UccF7RU4zVt-0ziYPQEucHlT8sUIv8Yd86sK49q4pa/s1600-h/DSC_0354.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVERklg6hQShugCJQFmzXVo4MnPN886GpWOFOC9Q4XSe-NYfPN-5rY6UxgOP9mCez9CLJxo4fjPQNTRecBfZ9Fy-ej8xvN_u9Wk4UccF7RU4zVt-0ziYPQEucHlT8sUIv8Yd86sK49q4pa/s320/DSC_0354.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341605532085438130" border="0" /></a>Fry up in the hot oil, about medium heat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcBAQKCcdq7Mvt22b09R6dOZNWQhgQGPBaCuKVXetKBHdgtGLasJAu-JXPMqLGzJ94akAPCz8eL9otoSPqLuKxOKOfLsfTk65WFkPhtzPWGFVzSzs1FEPwC__qR34EjemPU3qKubTyBU5/s1600-h/DSC_0358.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcBAQKCcdq7Mvt22b09R6dOZNWQhgQGPBaCuKVXetKBHdgtGLasJAu-JXPMqLGzJ94akAPCz8eL9otoSPqLuKxOKOfLsfTk65WFkPhtzPWGFVzSzs1FEPwC__qR34EjemPU3qKubTyBU5/s320/DSC_0358.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341605530437737586" border="0" /></a>Get nice and golden<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNDC5NtipCWXZ9zjJRu8ReDA-QOeDE-r7JByPcs-r-Pru3SvUUiPJ2sEpokrjXVbNk8dbUCiAVRtcQpaH5efHden7bjjGafSGUrG1efBnWD491RGYiQsfu41ykFSZMiDVj7-Z2SK5cfed/s1600-h/DSC_0359.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNDC5NtipCWXZ9zjJRu8ReDA-QOeDE-r7JByPcs-r-Pru3SvUUiPJ2sEpokrjXVbNk8dbUCiAVRtcQpaH5efHden7bjjGafSGUrG1efBnWD491RGYiQsfu41ykFSZMiDVj7-Z2SK5cfed/s320/DSC_0359.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341605526283572130" border="0" /></a><br />Pork Chops, Part 2:<br />I made these again last night. For my husband's chop, I stuffed his with ham and Gruyere cheese after they had marinated in the dressing. Then, I dredged them and fried them like the others. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QgEHz2kKWtIAn_eljDs9ds77doSCpyd65pQt4pPQ1bQi65vDIOWsj3-wsJRoUmVodI_8BNVRFxxzhtvnian_5mf4LOQqO8sQvY1Y1Ujl_jGGVOcaZKv8TUO3d3xUx9sptab-wq7DeRzF/s1600-h/DSC_0042_3_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QgEHz2kKWtIAn_eljDs9ds77doSCpyd65pQt4pPQ1bQi65vDIOWsj3-wsJRoUmVodI_8BNVRFxxzhtvnian_5mf4LOQqO8sQvY1Y1Ujl_jGGVOcaZKv8TUO3d3xUx9sptab-wq7DeRzF/s320/DSC_0042_3_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341606020262581122" border="0" /></a><br />I cut up potatoes and onions, and cooked them in the same pan that I cooked the pork chops in.<br />I told you this was comfort food for you!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnvFyb8wNRtCirdWKAaZl2rFZ3xasmsftWqIoC5Wl8jXZArw-Zo_NYIlBmk6YsilAJCnNaXrD1yRiGRY4DwwtwAiNTZUtl7J1rCJdd4St6D1szWgBSPNb5wTXI8mbktzK-MX_q_ly4TPv/s1600-h/DSC_0363.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnvFyb8wNRtCirdWKAaZl2rFZ3xasmsftWqIoC5Wl8jXZArw-Zo_NYIlBmk6YsilAJCnNaXrD1yRiGRY4DwwtwAiNTZUtl7J1rCJdd4St6D1szWgBSPNb5wTXI8mbktzK-MX_q_ly4TPv/s320/DSC_0363.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341605515563087346" border="0" /></a>Sooo yummy! Crispy on the outside, with all the yummy flavor from the pork chops. Don't forget to season the potaoes and onions with salt and pepper.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PcjHrZOnByZDiBd_oNEWtl_OM7EMwRGjbzW3OCuGWKNFgFnGDzJoINDdNbjrH_UeLuCejbKUTX7KOs8sAx8w1jDhZ9c_yIPxvPFdapfqSZD2FpnZf7-F4gngRXcSblp9PvufX4jGwoL0/s1600-h/DSC_0365.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PcjHrZOnByZDiBd_oNEWtl_OM7EMwRGjbzW3OCuGWKNFgFnGDzJoINDdNbjrH_UeLuCejbKUTX7KOs8sAx8w1jDhZ9c_yIPxvPFdapfqSZD2FpnZf7-F4gngRXcSblp9PvufX4jGwoL0/s320/DSC_0365.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341605512447172370" border="0" /></a></div>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-72093054968242284832009-05-26T20:50:00.000-07:002009-05-26T21:05:29.634-07:00Roasted GarlicI love garlic. One of my favorite smells, not just food smells- any smells, is garlic sauteeing in the pan. It smells SO good!! Roasted garlic is really yummy. Garlic gets sweeter as it cooks, and when you roast it, it gets soft and sweet. It's really good to simply spread on bread, or add it to your mashed potatoes. You could absolutely set it out as part of your appetizer tray with bread or crackers.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Roasted Garlic</span><br />head of garlic<br />olive oil<br />salt<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Cut the end of the garlic head, so it is exposed.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58R65WgXeyiSKf2g-O4IhuUpX1AfJzMYqy3Nwu_QTzJthigbB-5r9exVPp8o_Pd-4RlfSCuFfVbN-4UFaOLPprM5e0xrR4adJp7UGNcto95-GeCkYVL6zi7jrG_uWNR4DESVaBMnN7iQ-/s1600-h/DSC_0001_11.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58R65WgXeyiSKf2g-O4IhuUpX1AfJzMYqy3Nwu_QTzJthigbB-5r9exVPp8o_Pd-4RlfSCuFfVbN-4UFaOLPprM5e0xrR4adJp7UGNcto95-GeCkYVL6zi7jrG_uWNR4DESVaBMnN7iQ-/s320/DSC_0001_11.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340349424981645746" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Place garlic head(s) on a piece of foil. Sprinkle with salt and olive oil.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tfu0LHaGWuScOcVYpijrTI-SSHcuZuhQ7q0Sd2tLHhnpudPzoug7JFk_5y92SYxMNFt7peT1BpLkrz1k8UNSApoEoW_zNlhAEGkkRBKRz2VRHgsAIjIQI_jT3I0LNLVfpb3_7ZbI14VQ/s1600-h/DSC_0003_15.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tfu0LHaGWuScOcVYpijrTI-SSHcuZuhQ7q0Sd2tLHhnpudPzoug7JFk_5y92SYxMNFt7peT1BpLkrz1k8UNSApoEoW_zNlhAEGkkRBKRz2VRHgsAIjIQI_jT3I0LNLVfpb3_7ZbI14VQ/s320/DSC_0003_15.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340349419133519426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2vilZkt421FecG5nLCbZrgS3IfQZIdXd5_KCbyaxScuwprDFwqgEcwYkEwneLj6qYj9KOVvPfk64OP8enNPxnHCSiOW8cuV8IZEq4aXIoxsnG7aEHEYa5uFhA8DHYIfbYupGmKBirvSA/s1600-h/DSC_0004_19.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2vilZkt421FecG5nLCbZrgS3IfQZIdXd5_KCbyaxScuwprDFwqgEcwYkEwneLj6qYj9KOVvPfk64OP8enNPxnHCSiOW8cuV8IZEq4aXIoxsnG7aEHEYa5uFhA8DHYIfbYupGmKBirvSA/s320/DSC_0004_19.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340349411629955602" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wrap and place in hot oven- 400 degrees. Roast for 45 minutes.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdXvcALib7Og5ueCdradKuKD2D5q8hFXKDcY8GSk8BfILJ1itlFnzpIYZ6VZbY5yv616hlCuG2vYm5Y5KW3WS7IFHRtXoJXTNNU4XGoPCFQFWH5mlcYBHXXSpi7czw-qEHBF8vrMlScQ4/s1600-h/DSC_0006_14.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdXvcALib7Og5ueCdradKuKD2D5q8hFXKDcY8GSk8BfILJ1itlFnzpIYZ6VZbY5yv616hlCuG2vYm5Y5KW3WS7IFHRtXoJXTNNU4XGoPCFQFWH5mlcYBHXXSpi7czw-qEHBF8vrMlScQ4/s320/DSC_0006_14.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340348736651870914" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTWqYHABKaCcOkgFwGKn5sFS9QJCtwV3R1YcxJK2JDLE7PO9a5iXBTOOxWMJTQTVmtuPYTiI7_bTvFJ8VaH7KFFZFbomgqE770TNJmzsNWEWmW-vbvyLSzSCqjUv8CitJFprzPizARqEb/s1600-h/DSC_0011_13.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTWqYHABKaCcOkgFwGKn5sFS9QJCtwV3R1YcxJK2JDLE7PO9a5iXBTOOxWMJTQTVmtuPYTiI7_bTvFJ8VaH7KFFZFbomgqE770TNJmzsNWEWmW-vbvyLSzSCqjUv8CitJFprzPizARqEb/s320/DSC_0011_13.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340348729080968082" border="0" /></a><br />Open and let cool. Squeeze out the garlic. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVP0uEi7pYvdOuJ1sHTk2EkxqLYRD_biggUkZ3OMWOKWIqV3SI2ab-lU8tWBx2nMfYnA_W8V56N5a0JQmAZfwE8M1_cYF8h_NAtznRY1LP63Z5_s8MBcM4HLiyt2F-YFswq4aHDaucaUdN/s1600-h/DSC_0017_12.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVP0uEi7pYvdOuJ1sHTk2EkxqLYRD_biggUkZ3OMWOKWIqV3SI2ab-lU8tWBx2nMfYnA_W8V56N5a0JQmAZfwE8M1_cYF8h_NAtznRY1LP63Z5_s8MBcM4HLiyt2F-YFswq4aHDaucaUdN/s320/DSC_0017_12.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340348723540986738" border="0" /></a><br />Spread on bread or add to mashed potatoes.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4Iqq4mjsBPy4nyV5lqunASwIrbcEBiIMokNUJ7tKSt9vkTLETXVpWYtgd7GT7a3LfBJL0Rp4sXQj027ZNohHLPE5-0MqlK0KMsIYwOfwkpzGzDcE7JIeIsGaDuUr0W4xsX5XrKuZE2lb/s1600-h/DSC_0020_11.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4Iqq4mjsBPy4nyV5lqunASwIrbcEBiIMokNUJ7tKSt9vkTLETXVpWYtgd7GT7a3LfBJL0Rp4sXQj027ZNohHLPE5-0MqlK0KMsIYwOfwkpzGzDcE7JIeIsGaDuUr0W4xsX5XrKuZE2lb/s320/DSC_0020_11.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340348719334214930" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0m7WW7pWBi9Pw0oV5z2AKw55wd-kt8Cp-o13II_CZfyVtMUuvkEQPENH0gzxUMFljBIrkZeiDRhZBJdtKbeQOEpjAsa3zwTWlBn7tYZ72BmGSzmz3_7JTOApceb_alMO-0HzrTuc2ZuEm/s1600-h/DSC_0019_10.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0m7WW7pWBi9Pw0oV5z2AKw55wd-kt8Cp-o13II_CZfyVtMUuvkEQPENH0gzxUMFljBIrkZeiDRhZBJdtKbeQOEpjAsa3zwTWlBn7tYZ72BmGSzmz3_7JTOApceb_alMO-0HzrTuc2ZuEm/s320/DSC_0019_10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340348716014594834" border="0" /></a></div>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-91664346278399975982009-05-22T06:54:00.000-07:002009-05-22T07:13:31.855-07:00Weekly Menu<span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday</span><br /><a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2008/10/weekly-menu_25.html">Orange chicken</a>, sauteed zucchini, chow mein noodles<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday</span><br /><a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2008/11/weekly-menu_22.html">mini meatloaf sandwiches</a>, carrots, mac n cheese<br />I made the mini meatloaves, cut them in half and put them in a roll. It was something different! We have meatloaf a lot, so I have 3 different varieties, and am always looking for ways to mix it up a little bit. The sandwiches were great!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday</span><br />Brisket sandwiches, <a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2009/05/potato-salad.html">Red, Hot and Blue potato salad</a><br />This potato salad rocks!! No mustard, no mushy potatoes- just YUM!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday</span><br />chicken Caesar salad with <a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2008/09/tip-for-today_27.html">quick homemade Caesar dressing</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday</span><br />Hubby taking me out!!Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-11828915315681053852009-05-21T15:32:00.000-07:002009-05-21T15:48:39.925-07:00Potato SaladI am not a potato salad fan. I always thought it would be something I would like, so I have continued to try every potato salad passed my way. My uncle brought some potato salad to a family get-together from a barbeque restaurant- Red, Hot and Blue. I tried it, because I always try it, and it looked different. It was not yellow and mushy. AND, I saw hard-boiled eggs in it. I LOVE hard-boiled eggs. Well, it was just about one of the best side dishes, not to mention the absolute BEST potato salad, I had ever had.<br />I had brisket sandwiches on the menu for this week, and was trying to think of a side dish. I thought, "you know what I really want?? That totally awesome potato salad from Red, Hot and Blue" (a restaurant I have never actually been to)<br />I went to the internet and up came several posts and forums from foodie sites about this exact salad!! I was so excited! I looked at almost every recipe, and came up with a consensus recipe.<br />This is easy, and oh-so-good. No mustard, not mushy and served at room temperature.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Red, Hot and Blue Potato Salad<br /></span>8 new potatoes, steamed<br />4 hard-boiled eggs<br />1 cup mayonnaise<br />1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped<br />1/4 tsp. celery salt<br />salt and pepper to taste<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I set 4 large red potatoes in the steamer basket. They took about 30 minutes.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7uqKSZMOcPfGQGJ8NuCWbyaJzB0S7FZHvPhPHl8TEK9HD9ZnuByn0bx15eDbXtaESOLmZVWeTAg70OvE7hdh02rJC9MrduyioJHg-r6cx4xh2r7gBpzjF8hYKeTFpdEagxEbLxWxeA47/s1600-h/DSC_0001_7.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7uqKSZMOcPfGQGJ8NuCWbyaJzB0S7FZHvPhPHl8TEK9HD9ZnuByn0bx15eDbXtaESOLmZVWeTAg70OvE7hdh02rJC9MrduyioJHg-r6cx4xh2r7gBpzjF8hYKeTFpdEagxEbLxWxeA47/s320/DSC_0001_7.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338410243659398962" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hard boiled 4 eggs<br />(I only used 2 for the salad. I made <a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2009/04/ggs-deviled-eggs.html">deviled eggs</a> with the other 2. I know- I have a problem.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsyf5fU_F_omv7APsxOm4vfjl_e04-BhmV5GLpPRe3sXZ6sLpfsoPiQvFuv6pnUPWK2KIrhjnt_f1x6rLTzdGb1RmCBPsPbo7q-wzGOBymqfOtfADM2o5sIMqitD1iUFW9Fliv8zPZwRP/s1600-h/DSC_0002_14.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsyf5fU_F_omv7APsxOm4vfjl_e04-BhmV5GLpPRe3sXZ6sLpfsoPiQvFuv6pnUPWK2KIrhjnt_f1x6rLTzdGb1RmCBPsPbo7q-wzGOBymqfOtfADM2o5sIMqitD1iUFW9Fliv8zPZwRP/s320/DSC_0002_14.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338410242640652802" border="0" /></a><br />Let potatoes cool a bit. Cut into large, bite-size pieces.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-v3NzxWbpCXjX66p9W7PAg7Opdj2B9zW408NSJRRTy5InUKfVRzHa5exhfpAPz-9yc-XslBN-ItAJO-6XBS3yt6RyXfncuxjK824KTXfIrl0oDK9r_3-bY6RCkU5DKc673erLKv0lo_z-/s1600-h/DSC_0005_7.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-v3NzxWbpCXjX66p9W7PAg7Opdj2B9zW408NSJRRTy5InUKfVRzHa5exhfpAPz-9yc-XslBN-ItAJO-6XBS3yt6RyXfncuxjK824KTXfIrl0oDK9r_3-bY6RCkU5DKc673erLKv0lo_z-/s320/DSC_0005_7.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338410238302130754" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVcSQ-94NyC3vOQ17ZfQKyh0vlvarUoo9HDGAtW2WL0GzD3IH5nJHwqepFw583PFnrOENlWBpkmciyHFtGnRkHbxz-FKhyuA5Ie-mV8bf3dbMv0p4L7aJTUaSRJ7YUTD0Trja66YKIgua/s1600-h/DSC_0008_11.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVcSQ-94NyC3vOQ17ZfQKyh0vlvarUoo9HDGAtW2WL0GzD3IH5nJHwqepFw583PFnrOENlWBpkmciyHFtGnRkHbxz-FKhyuA5Ie-mV8bf3dbMv0p4L7aJTUaSRJ7YUTD0Trja66YKIgua/s320/DSC_0008_11.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338409799449152370" border="0" /></a><br />Chop boiled egg (whites only) into chunks.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq7bJec5XLavBlkBMFKT6uv543Cd8uI0R2RjaeH-Pu7AbIWH4oJ8hlSBAiiDYtnb_w4Vn2rVEszAVRxCpuHNOxB2l9y5GMKOVL-JD-FfrFg8avNEfRoyYNWkbE3V54dK3i38NEx4T302V/s1600-h/DSC_0006_11.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq7bJec5XLavBlkBMFKT6uv543Cd8uI0R2RjaeH-Pu7AbIWH4oJ8hlSBAiiDYtnb_w4Vn2rVEszAVRxCpuHNOxB2l9y5GMKOVL-JD-FfrFg8avNEfRoyYNWkbE3V54dK3i38NEx4T302V/s320/DSC_0006_11.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338409808559365666" border="0" /></a><br />Put chunked potatoes and eggs in bowl.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIPBmD1IzDILEvcyaMUt0f_kzLYEkvLpEzkf74TUsbaVEqSg_eSRnoeP1BTHa6H0P2qVyiYRCTuhgBSdmA4muJXgsBObhO9etz6kS-CryzFkmxIgZuH7M-L5I3G8n23fq6Mp_1r27aXdP/s1600-h/DSC_0007_8.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIPBmD1IzDILEvcyaMUt0f_kzLYEkvLpEzkf74TUsbaVEqSg_eSRnoeP1BTHa6H0P2qVyiYRCTuhgBSdmA4muJXgsBObhO9etz6kS-CryzFkmxIgZuH7M-L5I3G8n23fq6Mp_1r27aXdP/s320/DSC_0007_8.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338409802339979106" border="0" /></a><br />Season with salt and pepper. Add mayo, chives and celery salt. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW-npK27cAU_iWxN05-PqlfigLf9HZTS4nRi89PHSPKSuoUd6sWRxC5qXEOyMaOY9tzFJrQKxh4f628ba1oNJe7wDLKTSMCW79va9sTqhoOM4prMyw7O67HyBkC1Yqy5YJy1W1yeAbihi/s1600-h/DSC_0010_11.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW-npK27cAU_iWxN05-PqlfigLf9HZTS4nRi89PHSPKSuoUd6sWRxC5qXEOyMaOY9tzFJrQKxh4f628ba1oNJe7wDLKTSMCW79va9sTqhoOM4prMyw7O67HyBkC1Yqy5YJy1W1yeAbihi/s320/DSC_0010_11.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338409791590289554" border="0" /></a><br />Mix well.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6AVIimYx7ewt9aeXXUpxgrH_8-058M99lOz2veEDBBvKNZkNww9NMheO_LX8_O9K6lCr9typ0LiyaJvIe-DEJZg7wc41-OflkWf0rbYVLiclgbABo0tloYyLBrWrcsQyRzvwHS1G_VDG/s1600-h/DSC_0011_12.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6AVIimYx7ewt9aeXXUpxgrH_8-058M99lOz2veEDBBvKNZkNww9NMheO_LX8_O9K6lCr9typ0LiyaJvIe-DEJZg7wc41-OflkWf0rbYVLiclgbABo0tloYyLBrWrcsQyRzvwHS1G_VDG/s320/DSC_0011_12.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338409785537506018" border="0" /></a><br />IT'S SO GOOD!!! I am bringing it to a get together this weekend, and my husband is demanding it become a staple (and not many things get "staple status"). MAKE THIS!! It's really great and different from most potato salads- I really loved it and I hope you will try it!<br /></div>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-42716215113977771322009-05-18T15:53:00.000-07:002009-05-18T16:10:33.086-07:00Easy Cheese BallsWe had my grandmother's 80th birthday party at our house this weekend. We were smart and did in between mealtimes, so we just had a few snacks, cake and punch. I made my mother-in-laws cheese balls, which are super easy!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cheese Balls</span><br />2 lb. Velveeta<br />8-oz cream cheese<br /><br />toppings for cheese ball- your choice!!<br />Some favorites are: bacon bits, chopped pecans, paprika, garlic salt, dried herbs<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Put softened cream cheese and chunks of Velveeta is large bowl.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXRndEFu2J_92Ju9FsvOHmD5B_jKrZvtK1WmjEUU3q9FdsK5Aix-yt7EeWvgvSo_1-lyYzha2MylcD1OzW6FqUZTOkOBD2WDhYR6O42EOHL-mceLGFOrlOE1k0QPdDHmLN0NhCtH_Zyd2/s1600-h/DSC_0002_14.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXRndEFu2J_92Ju9FsvOHmD5B_jKrZvtK1WmjEUU3q9FdsK5Aix-yt7EeWvgvSo_1-lyYzha2MylcD1OzW6FqUZTOkOBD2WDhYR6O42EOHL-mceLGFOrlOE1k0QPdDHmLN0NhCtH_Zyd2/s320/DSC_0002_14.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337304244601586322" border="0" /></a>Beat until combined.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-ot70iTwAkJqLZRCuFet2tYY3vYeufMHm9H4aj0MfiFn1tY-7qsCNA0_Y6DWaT0dmYtO0hpw4dCx8VT5dzrz2DzXfDYb7UK_kjyFit7_ng_wClUWKH4nm_3yZiJmJN67kYVSprTdO9e7/s1600-h/DSC_0004_18.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-ot70iTwAkJqLZRCuFet2tYY3vYeufMHm9H4aj0MfiFn1tY-7qsCNA0_Y6DWaT0dmYtO0hpw4dCx8VT5dzrz2DzXfDYb7UK_kjyFit7_ng_wClUWKH4nm_3yZiJmJN67kYVSprTdO9e7/s320/DSC_0004_18.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337304239016667138" border="0" /></a>Separate into 2 balls (or 4 smaller logs). Cover and refrigerate.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtaJGYQAS9g1jFc7aER_Mu_D3bv85Ky7XRCZ_f9jCN6uEcX5hP8U2KpFsKl6Et3uy1hl9A0zGBDVBG4E-GDFqwedrwT1FQPKDAN-beRTUPPMeo51BLPBvZNSWfjC8Kf4PYMje8mqUdrtW/s1600-h/DSC_0007_10.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtaJGYQAS9g1jFc7aER_Mu_D3bv85Ky7XRCZ_f9jCN6uEcX5hP8U2KpFsKl6Et3uy1hl9A0zGBDVBG4E-GDFqwedrwT1FQPKDAN-beRTUPPMeo51BLPBvZNSWfjC8Kf4PYMje8mqUdrtW/s320/DSC_0007_10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337304236123470562" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOWC608Xg02LQ71ZNo94Xwf4hq6BBzPDAPuYRaJVULBHNer5U-xOvbSniyIpb3lj-SwARzaqev3jNOg4dVzAN9Pgv7uXVzafwfCayFuEAjVxRNk2OQc_MBCaVKaG_LNLJNBLtCwPIv7wm/s1600-h/DSC_0012_9.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOWC608Xg02LQ71ZNo94Xwf4hq6BBzPDAPuYRaJVULBHNer5U-xOvbSniyIpb3lj-SwARzaqev3jNOg4dVzAN9Pgv7uXVzafwfCayFuEAjVxRNk2OQc_MBCaVKaG_LNLJNBLtCwPIv7wm/s320/DSC_0012_9.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337303669933874482" border="0" /></a><br />Before party, bring balls (or logs) back out and roll in toppings. I did one in paprika, and one in dried herbs. I did a combo of dried herbs- just what I had on hand.<br />Thyme, Herbs de Provence and oregano. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG60mxu5xMCDMU24fbnq3fmIlplG1K2Up91RWDubsx7pBQp__acxoTrqqQ5fA1BJx_vFwKHItNMq_O09PKfvcrgMqmj9S-0QRhmmspyNPXdUrdYmmhcz5VtKpRhXbQ5YobUCPhgEmEcfdz/s1600-h/DSC_0023_7.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG60mxu5xMCDMU24fbnq3fmIlplG1K2Up91RWDubsx7pBQp__acxoTrqqQ5fA1BJx_vFwKHItNMq_O09PKfvcrgMqmj9S-0QRhmmspyNPXdUrdYmmhcz5VtKpRhXbQ5YobUCPhgEmEcfdz/s320/DSC_0023_7.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337303655772213074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirL_GymC4f_lUDlAAy07ZjX8pRz8KAHxh3tEJoWvAR96mfiucDrnNCDpacUcwKY_7iRhtINPSzvvUTnx01haq2dmtRIQXfrhRrax0pH09Xy0RV7sU72m7ASQCi6P1XM_ggmgWPm7WXo-MV/s1600-h/DSC_0020_10.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirL_GymC4f_lUDlAAy07ZjX8pRz8KAHxh3tEJoWvAR96mfiucDrnNCDpacUcwKY_7iRhtINPSzvvUTnx01haq2dmtRIQXfrhRrax0pH09Xy0RV7sU72m7ASQCi6P1XM_ggmgWPm7WXo-MV/s320/DSC_0020_10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337303663366880786" border="0" /></a>Refrigerate again until ready to set out. Serve with crackers.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SArybeGwF7wU8HLZ1aIOHyUQlFCdSWy7_7vpvVZkIZh5mHC20TdmRU3M1WiHd1GpgWRfRBMeSzS15RVDAsjwosfKCFLo-UjCG-0CdJc5uloGqC5QvDY4pfTVxFe8QnVoYORy80RABKl-/s1600-h/DSC_0035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SArybeGwF7wU8HLZ1aIOHyUQlFCdSWy7_7vpvVZkIZh5mHC20TdmRU3M1WiHd1GpgWRfRBMeSzS15RVDAsjwosfKCFLo-UjCG-0CdJc5uloGqC5QvDY4pfTVxFe8QnVoYORy80RABKl-/s320/DSC_0035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337303651075106658" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is a side view of the bar where we had all the food. We purchased the cake (I am NOT a cake decorator). The punch was great! Two 2-liters of ginger ale (or 7-UP), 2 quarts of lime sherbet and one large can of pineapple juice. Easy, but yummy! My kids had about 10 cups and were asking for more this morning when they woke up!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0t0Uvd5u8sgXCLw40c4aPWsZqeygambzXY4wprGhZ3AqIkLRYe0lkvsIje1uWg-Oa6sSDHMumriKMn4jHpffVxbu9Cp32tiVz78DhfVaIHSyw95yb3aSlkrhRf4OfhM8etzPaO6vLcyV/s1600-h/DSC_0032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0t0Uvd5u8sgXCLw40c4aPWsZqeygambzXY4wprGhZ3AqIkLRYe0lkvsIje1uWg-Oa6sSDHMumriKMn4jHpffVxbu9Cp32tiVz78DhfVaIHSyw95yb3aSlkrhRf4OfhM8etzPaO6vLcyV/s320/DSC_0032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337303649478741554" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-26921227427755846242009-05-16T06:07:00.001-07:002009-05-16T07:51:14.876-07:00Our Menu this Week<span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday:</span><br />Roasted chicken tenders and white rice<br />(this was just for the kids. The hubby and I had an unexpected date night!!!)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday:</span><br />grilled salmon, chow mein noodles, broccoli<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday:</span><br /><a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2008/09/chicken-fried-rice.html">Chicken fried rice</a> (with leftover roasted chicken and rice from Mon.)<br />pot stickers<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday:</span><br /><a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2008/11/weekly-menu.html">Taco Salad</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday:</span><br />Cheeseburgers on Hawaiian bread buns<br />french fries<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">These rolls are SO good. Each package is 4 rolls, that are stuck together, and that is your bun.<br />Put the patty and cheese on, then you can slice it into 4 little mini burgers. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46Lr_Cj5W0PYo3bk09hYC2IiE_DHlVUA-PDSWKAHJu9B56NuLVM8ULIds1_CyiKvizJSWGy2FznKyb-DBOl-TCc4LRGnEpuII5aPYpJOj-mDO6hGt5tufH2ZP5X0OzoBFr1ltPmP44R8R/s1600-h/073435000068.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46Lr_Cj5W0PYo3bk09hYC2IiE_DHlVUA-PDSWKAHJu9B56NuLVM8ULIds1_CyiKvizJSWGy2FznKyb-DBOl-TCc4LRGnEpuII5aPYpJOj-mDO6hGt5tufH2ZP5X0OzoBFr1ltPmP44R8R/s320/073435000068.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336408903026929890" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-34010315003200741622009-05-09T06:38:00.000-07:002009-05-09T06:51:45.811-07:00Weekly MenuMonday:<br /><a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2009/05/roasted-chicken-and-veggies.html">Roasted chicken and veggies</a><br /><br />Tuesday:<br />beef burritos and quesadillas<br /><br />Wednesday:<br />chicken salad sandwiches and <a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2009/04/ggs-deviled-eggs.html">deviled eggs</a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5pX_LFqHpx78w7XSCIget-5efi28GgOf7yd05vm2FHzlr9isAtHYWdJbzLECvWMAsGWIhFvfxj8SD1x5q0KtylhJj2CW9QaGhAx4JfmYM7ISBirPJ6_WWOeNX7t71OpJh0Gy0PIYBIxt/s1600-h/DSC_0323.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5pX_LFqHpx78w7XSCIget-5efi28GgOf7yd05vm2FHzlr9isAtHYWdJbzLECvWMAsGWIhFvfxj8SD1x5q0KtylhJj2CW9QaGhAx4JfmYM7ISBirPJ6_WWOeNX7t71OpJh0Gy0PIYBIxt/s320/DSC_0323.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333819785399382546" border="0" /></a><br />My fav chicken salad:<br />chopped cooked chicken (a rotisserie chicken is my favorite)<br />red grapes, cut in half<br />celery, chopped fine<br />mayo (or miracle whip)<br />salt and pepper<br /><div style="text-align: center;">I was thrilled rotisserie chickens were on sale for 4.99 this week at the store.<br /><div style="text-align: left;">I bought one and tore it apart!! We used it for 2 different dinner this week. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpz2W7_VLjHQgBN7F_q3ert02tbJYWCam4amnCFrgYzd7eT3giecR_dIhORgc3idwFGIwrEZBi2vNVwnUVGDOravrdHjXPm_0v5n_aKFRhOCizB61uoHdvns0ZtKlCTFdvArmiEdZ4JGj/s1600-h/DSC_0319.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpz2W7_VLjHQgBN7F_q3ert02tbJYWCam4amnCFrgYzd7eT3giecR_dIhORgc3idwFGIwrEZBi2vNVwnUVGDOravrdHjXPm_0v5n_aKFRhOCizB61uoHdvns0ZtKlCTFdvArmiEdZ4JGj/s320/DSC_0319.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333819769653312754" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPzWzYE3H74DTk-CG2VtLWWEFsM1WLEqCNiuFevc_bwxmtD3rzg1oXbKXS8PnAIMNjpxXo6ECI-pUrgiIUweWh4WU23fYyJ1lyylzOfbGDq74kuyqA1794IH3oE7bLkQ4WoPflCbAP7MQ/s1600-h/DSC_0320.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPzWzYE3H74DTk-CG2VtLWWEFsM1WLEqCNiuFevc_bwxmtD3rzg1oXbKXS8PnAIMNjpxXo6ECI-pUrgiIUweWh4WU23fYyJ1lyylzOfbGDq74kuyqA1794IH3oE7bLkQ4WoPflCbAP7MQ/s320/DSC_0320.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333819777294606498" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUxc3yD62wGzBLFQC91DJAZQxJfxUXXpRnBEqJvORerSE9m1P446zwIQJYfdJ77_kOYYD-_iWb9tF_Stmxfh4S8YSyoaRJgc4y__ZC2IOjiKz1RqGIpcoXvWk9vhBg9dyuEmsQCxUn-Q0/s1600-h/DSC_0321.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUxc3yD62wGzBLFQC91DJAZQxJfxUXXpRnBEqJvORerSE9m1P446zwIQJYfdJ77_kOYYD-_iWb9tF_Stmxfh4S8YSyoaRJgc4y__ZC2IOjiKz1RqGIpcoXvWk9vhBg9dyuEmsQCxUn-Q0/s320/DSC_0321.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333819777972943682" border="0" /></a><br />Thursday:<br />fried pork chopes<br />potatoes and onions<br />chopped spinach<br />(post coming soon)<br /><br />Friday:<br /><a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2008/12/chicken-spaghetti.html">chicken spaghetti</a> (used the rest of the rotisserie chicken for this recipe)<br /><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVw1-G0uvc4L5pmFnaQqMaQqVlBgR-31LERsWcr0UJi2vCyXN2Ue_RQJiIRd5dEf1BYIUE08sD9Q9epjB1gCBm7YpDuX-CL-Xuf9EkTxzf8Dz39_JSc1k7VGmk7aQn2konvMEjNAzHiwi/s1600-h/DSC_0136_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVw1-G0uvc4L5pmFnaQqMaQqVlBgR-31LERsWcr0UJi2vCyXN2Ue_RQJiIRd5dEf1BYIUE08sD9Q9epjB1gCBm7YpDuX-CL-Xuf9EkTxzf8Dz39_JSc1k7VGmk7aQn2konvMEjNAzHiwi/s320/DSC_0136_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333819789012707474" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-82588861518562000352009-05-09T06:25:00.000-07:002009-05-09T06:38:21.942-07:00Roasted Chicken and VeggiesMy favorite thing to do with potatoes and carrots are to roast them, and that has been well documented on this blog. But, last summer- I did a whole meal roasted. It's a favorite summer meal of mine- and I will repeat it often this season. One of the foods I get the most excited about this season is corn on the cob. I LOVE corn on the cob. I could eat it everyday. I always wrapped mine up in foil with butter and salt and cooked it in the oven- it's great, but it takes about 40 minutes. My mother-in-law showed me how she does hers...in about 6 minutes. She puts her ears in a gallon baggie and closes it, then cooks it in the microwave. After the bag pops and the corn is hot- it's ready. It is so crisp!!! I am so excited now to have a quick way to do corn.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Roasted Chicken and Veggies</span><br />chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into large chunks (I just marinated the chicken in a little olive oil and a dry herb blend)<br />corn on the cob, shucked and cleaned<br />carrots, peeled and sliced thick<br />potatoes (preferable gold or new, but I used russet because that's all I had), chopped<br />*Use whatever veggies you like- these are our favs<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The veggies are clean and chopped, the oven is preheated to 375<br />You will need 2 baking sheets<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgqeP095Qk_B_KNClCG5GTyOwOnXOUT0TeRzt_u23UiCqTqmyQ15ci9RCcu9IN0poLLeJLgpYyjZLsumKo0dvqXeL2xeCZQfa6cUPdvzKKHtDv4_2l5wunxuwJPTOX4N1r5g1bZg0nibB/s1600-h/DSC_0310.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgqeP095Qk_B_KNClCG5GTyOwOnXOUT0TeRzt_u23UiCqTqmyQ15ci9RCcu9IN0poLLeJLgpYyjZLsumKo0dvqXeL2xeCZQfa6cUPdvzKKHtDv4_2l5wunxuwJPTOX4N1r5g1bZg0nibB/s320/DSC_0310.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333816263463408370" border="0" /></a>On one baking sheet, toss the carrots with olive oil, salt and pepper<br />Place the chicken on the other end of the baking sheet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbxeeM78xC7PydNyJjldDHJ0HORZ42YEQAat45YCVkbjwQ7QPm5eV3BtYcp8X0uOzjmdYmanz1TQH4QveVPBljGMcD2F7wC7EAK46uifIR-jxHlukkkfKtXMIqOg-3ITwkMSf2tTJJgMV/s1600-h/DSC_0315.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbxeeM78xC7PydNyJjldDHJ0HORZ42YEQAat45YCVkbjwQ7QPm5eV3BtYcp8X0uOzjmdYmanz1TQH4QveVPBljGMcD2F7wC7EAK46uifIR-jxHlukkkfKtXMIqOg-3ITwkMSf2tTJJgMV/s320/DSC_0315.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333816273995931586" border="0" /></a>Potatoes on the other baking sheet- also tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQanFV5OflYaxfEeBhMk7ZVfa7g5_E28MIj4gvmJzZW2pIF4SHmGt6F7zko9zscC7E-6B2ztXvizaz_Ox3X4Ftuwg0j_I0iU87a-8e3I0VoL6Pr992FjhiDdSzDoUyAucOIrHYzSzRpk9g/s1600-h/DSC_0313.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQanFV5OflYaxfEeBhMk7ZVfa7g5_E28MIj4gvmJzZW2pIF4SHmGt6F7zko9zscC7E-6B2ztXvizaz_Ox3X4Ftuwg0j_I0iU87a-8e3I0VoL6Pr992FjhiDdSzDoUyAucOIrHYzSzRpk9g/s320/DSC_0313.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333816270914964946" border="0" /></a>Put a pat of butter and sprinkle salt on the corn, wrap up nice and tight in foil<br />Place them in oven, no need for a baking sheet<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZT4m5-jzW95kaKPZf_cftU64JW4MkoUJlFgeIJTIEuIGKWItfPlBX-gJ-UILKW6-sE0dVyeE8xmLt-RwszCH5uayIc_9FcH5AzEA3SzT7X8h_tgPV0S_3ugKKttyV3rOI3eGJXyv-vMSU/s1600-h/DSC_0312.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZT4m5-jzW95kaKPZf_cftU64JW4MkoUJlFgeIJTIEuIGKWItfPlBX-gJ-UILKW6-sE0dVyeE8xmLt-RwszCH5uayIc_9FcH5AzEA3SzT7X8h_tgPV0S_3ugKKttyV3rOI3eGJXyv-vMSU/s320/DSC_0312.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333816268530953138" border="0" /></a><br />The potatoes and corn go in first- they will each take about 40 minutes. Then after 20 minutes, put in the carrots and chicken. They only take about 20 minutes. And- you're done!!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjZ_VLu2qJZnmZilIIgmryUcvMYREzfdxO-Utp0bafQBekchb57H461xC7yGlWCoofUPl__sJrelUMQd0hbwo3i3FafIPu2pi2k_XUCgu_-eCsQZnOqCVrtLdsbWafZBuammo9e1ZdEas/s1600-h/DSC_0318.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjZ_VLu2qJZnmZilIIgmryUcvMYREzfdxO-Utp0bafQBekchb57H461xC7yGlWCoofUPl__sJrelUMQd0hbwo3i3FafIPu2pi2k_XUCgu_-eCsQZnOqCVrtLdsbWafZBuammo9e1ZdEas/s320/DSC_0318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333816279551993618" border="0" /></a>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-44359099703419119752009-05-07T15:07:00.000-07:002009-05-07T15:26:39.588-07:00Beef BrisketI love BBQ. I really, <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> love barbeque. I regularly crave barbeque and kept seeing brisket on sale at the grocery store. I thought- surely I can figure this thing out. I have made a brisket twice now- in the oven. The grill is my husband's, not mine. So, I cook it low and slow. Basically, my 3 pound brisket cooked for 10 hours. I will tell you how I like my brisket. I like it falling apart, and "wet". "Wet" means the sauce is brushed on the brisket. Here is how I did my brisket. This is not the only way to cook it- this is just how I do it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I rubbed the thawed brisket with a dry rub I had on hand. It was Emeril's Rib Rub.<br />Then wrap it in foil. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGrw3rVGhfHJW1ypl_BfKkO-xhyphenhyphenPVUS_AQMQn3vfPH2NcP3LpxErr7EX17x9TUiycca0fmJFjfVqeaOnOux4IrrVqSeoEfn6FdoN-AmZmO9Zs3Q314ol5GBHHhm9GCkjeY1DNhlb6wWrA/s1600-h/DSC_0008_9.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGrw3rVGhfHJW1ypl_BfKkO-xhyphenhyphenPVUS_AQMQn3vfPH2NcP3LpxErr7EX17x9TUiycca0fmJFjfVqeaOnOux4IrrVqSeoEfn6FdoN-AmZmO9Zs3Q314ol5GBHHhm9GCkjeY1DNhlb6wWrA/s320/DSC_0008_9.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333207526011880162" border="0" /></a>I used this roasting pan (or whatever it's official name is). I filled the bottom halfway up with water- this will put moisture in the air in the oven, and help with not drying the brisket out. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwYpE5szFeiZ5INHLwqHmc95rvaEAxXG2dqEOIThn3lBsILCHjEVU_78nGBshlksC1pe_u0cClCFwwk8GccUYU2rL5P-KDRONErT_ZVyRtPo42ZbHTuxndZtA-UlJHnfJptmXPzHc2fo5/s1600-h/DSC_0018_4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwYpE5szFeiZ5INHLwqHmc95rvaEAxXG2dqEOIThn3lBsILCHjEVU_78nGBshlksC1pe_u0cClCFwwk8GccUYU2rL5P-KDRONErT_ZVyRtPo42ZbHTuxndZtA-UlJHnfJptmXPzHc2fo5/s320/DSC_0018_4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333207525351177570" border="0" /></a>The brisket is well covered in foil. The oven is on 285. I left it alone for 9 hours.<br />Yes, seriously.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF08CH-Oiz8JtQfV9gvOFWPvuJPBeVDy26L2gmk2dD37198xXbOSC1CP4_2BNGSm96YygUqUskwe_6O_NgUupqR8ZhjFbE7bRCtiQBuYUTmVNzXa5z8_C-FffUmD4IHLqBXg1aIdODieDZ/s1600-h/DSC_0009_10.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF08CH-Oiz8JtQfV9gvOFWPvuJPBeVDy26L2gmk2dD37198xXbOSC1CP4_2BNGSm96YygUqUskwe_6O_NgUupqR8ZhjFbE7bRCtiQBuYUTmVNzXa5z8_C-FffUmD4IHLqBXg1aIdODieDZ/s320/DSC_0009_10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333207528488310466" border="0" /></a><br />After nine hours, I started basting the brisket with barbeque sauce. There are alot of juices that have collected in the foil, and I let that out and it goes down into the pan. I tent the foil, so the brisket can breathe a bit. I turn up the heat to 300 (mainly because I will be opening the oven door alot to baste during this hour, and I don't want the oven to lose all it's heat), and baste with sauce every 15-20 minutes for one hour. Take the brisket out of the oven, off of the foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before you start slicing.<br /><br />Slice at a 45 degree angle. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPbcL3qyvj3l44NQ38Nbztj9QN8RmaXOFlDxKMlOqHhbJ7Ysr3KDgfPgHRCUgLaRnKokDpSifXK-DprwbxRuL7KDugLu4AES72auTdGand51lvHH5mXabVjEdGT06DWFjedmdUZkHDAEV/s1600-h/DSC_0020_9.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPbcL3qyvj3l44NQ38Nbztj9QN8RmaXOFlDxKMlOqHhbJ7Ysr3KDgfPgHRCUgLaRnKokDpSifXK-DprwbxRuL7KDugLu4AES72auTdGand51lvHH5mXabVjEdGT06DWFjedmdUZkHDAEV/s320/DSC_0020_9.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333207517758648562" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNBXsA53nzG8IY1cU4wH_7uNPzM2YsmXO11qeWDq3-1MSW2-wwtmDm3YSrffKls2J75Ojh4FOOchIXSNwxOB0-wJW7cK-xtagadeBekLhT5MTSqTowbJKETkU8fcQJO35T0d1pmV1pV2X/s1600-h/DSC_0024_10.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNBXsA53nzG8IY1cU4wH_7uNPzM2YsmXO11qeWDq3-1MSW2-wwtmDm3YSrffKls2J75Ojh4FOOchIXSNwxOB0-wJW7cK-xtagadeBekLhT5MTSqTowbJKETkU8fcQJO35T0d1pmV1pV2X/s320/DSC_0024_10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333207512693827826" border="0" /></a>This was my favorite brisket I have made. I like it low and slow for sure. I have tried it before where I cranked up the temp at the end, and the brisket got scorched on the outside. I always serve it with <a href="http://icooktexas.blogspot.com/2009/02/kicked-up-baked-beans.html">kicked up baked beans</a>.<br /></div><br /><br /></div>Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246833545354181841.post-27226391248495769322009-05-06T14:04:00.000-07:002009-05-06T14:23:53.055-07:00Peanut Butter Rice Kripsie TreatsMy friend made these for a playdate we had a few weeks ago. I love Rice Krispie treats and love recipes that they kiddos can help me with. These are sweet, and yummy! They were absolutely incredible the first day, but a little stale tasting the next day. Not sure if that was the store brand Rice Krispies I used, or that just happens to these. I did make the chocolate topping, but my daughter requested some without chocolate topping, so we had it both ways. I really liked the chocolate, personally, but they were good either way. Get in the kitchen with your kiddos and have fun!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFmJ6W8LaafSon7fmc0CCmxsGAbx0UmSxBiSwriqBeUYfQcbUsOQzwfPL-I5bvfZos9cR7DuaaQ1rfR_3MSsGSdI-yh9NIuF_u9vuKJnpQL_2etDm3uDQDIfOQ3_CnjUqoCJ6JpQvtb-W/s1600-h/DSC_0016_5.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFmJ6W8LaafSon7fmc0CCmxsGAbx0UmSxBiSwriqBeUYfQcbUsOQzwfPL-I5bvfZos9cR7DuaaQ1rfR_3MSsGSdI-yh9NIuF_u9vuKJnpQL_2etDm3uDQDIfOQ3_CnjUqoCJ6JpQvtb-W/s320/DSC_0016_5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332823280899702562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats</span><br />1 cup sugar<br />1 cup KARO syrup<br />1 cup Peanut Butter (I used creamy)<br />5-6 cups Rice Krispies<br /><br />Chocolate topping (optional)<br />1/2 cup butterscotch chips<br />1/2 cup semi sweet chips<br />1 tsp. vanilla<br />1 Tbsp. milk<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Measure 5-6 cups of Rice Krispies, and grease a 13x9 dish.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvakceYxYCPKkFPPmdi0n3asxe6htGCHqMFcP4PKDvMGEXlOF-0a8KznMbcesKYEG4mPWtux7F8BNh8gr0xsftvOFfBGMVkd_ywaIDg3DQFTmPYoz8xdVUCI978mGlHJ0BrjoSO4n5eAq/s1600-h/DSC_0012_5.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvakceYxYCPKkFPPmdi0n3asxe6htGCHqMFcP4PKDvMGEXlOF-0a8KznMbcesKYEG4mPWtux7F8BNh8gr0xsftvOFfBGMVkd_ywaIDg3DQFTmPYoz8xdVUCI978mGlHJ0BrjoSO4n5eAq/s320/DSC_0012_5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332823295222848674" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Put sugar and KARO syrup in a saucepan and bring to a boil.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwz5jl1Tr-RiiRf1KCbYrjR9s54-dZYuW5sBctsD0H8HUApSxjU1-kunqdv-HC8lAcdIrTl4xZH0s0HDGjAUEXybCuge11lruASzz2hetVXfGDEGUJPMiWkpS-xlVfzUJ6Y2QMR4sIEZ_8/s1600-h/DSC_0007_8.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwz5jl1Tr-RiiRf1KCbYrjR9s54-dZYuW5sBctsD0H8HUApSxjU1-kunqdv-HC8lAcdIrTl4xZH0s0HDGjAUEXybCuge11lruASzz2hetVXfGDEGUJPMiWkpS-xlVfzUJ6Y2QMR4sIEZ_8/s320/DSC_0007_8.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332823575338302674" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitebF9Kqt7xIq3QcRXF1ig6rVV_QtuEfHMphi6nsxlxtnfJtCAWjP0N3sEzyC5TZks1qGZOlfg65QgfQqa0ei7_tJqHOP0E67qTBV4NVCd1Lsgbz2FDe_617r0bbrQYx1mcXHu7OgYnWYx/s1600-h/DSC_0009_6.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitebF9Kqt7xIq3QcRXF1ig6rVV_QtuEfHMphi6nsxlxtnfJtCAWjP0N3sEzyC5TZks1qGZOlfg65QgfQqa0ei7_tJqHOP0E67qTBV4NVCd1Lsgbz2FDe_617r0bbrQYx1mcXHu7OgYnWYx/s320/DSC_0009_6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332823568709002930" border="0" /></a>Add peanut butter and stir to combine. Take off heat.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhofcA7mLwMKTB2sNK6JoLNJKwBmjpuq9nAfbjL6XOdesB6aLllQoDPTRoQvPTrL4UJ6_OhVrO7iC-o0FKuuXtFvgMK4wfvdNEixldiJxe0phdsavxC8qfSp3N629UVQl615DIaF1njH4/s1600-h/DSC_0011_5.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhofcA7mLwMKTB2sNK6JoLNJKwBmjpuq9nAfbjL6XOdesB6aLllQoDPTRoQvPTrL4UJ6_OhVrO7iC-o0FKuuXtFvgMK4wfvdNEixldiJxe0phdsavxC8qfSp3N629UVQl615DIaF1njH4/s320/DSC_0011_5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332823561023740082" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Combine Rice Krispies and peanut butter mixture in 13x9 dish and stir together.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs_UBBpfmwnN1jaH1rC6SFnoLh_893plNPkwXZHIekOF54DW8hiBNlOUdk5gMDlzXvkdpFepxLvzJYXEtdi_YwzRrIuRV_d1UlX6Q2VLdcSnFl_TCuklExocJ6V3su9uxzXe0Uz6C9E3m/s1600-h/DSC_0013_4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs_UBBpfmwnN1jaH1rC6SFnoLh_893plNPkwXZHIekOF54DW8hiBNlOUdk5gMDlzXvkdpFepxLvzJYXEtdi_YwzRrIuRV_d1UlX6Q2VLdcSnFl_TCuklExocJ6V3su9uxzXe0Uz6C9E3m/s320/DSC_0013_4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332823296188047346" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74L7W7CFHafGUni8PD7aPfdL8O_nsdSd0LAyO6ArHTLV5Z5PvqG-enGH07FG7MXSNcIN8mGbluvzxmlKjq7tZlVrT6KQUU27_WU18bOQR6hnlZuNuMqkJDCKuwCQwFtVB2R8pQKPIETHj/s1600-h/DSC_0014_3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74L7W7CFHafGUni8PD7aPfdL8O_nsdSd0LAyO6ArHTLV5Z5PvqG-enGH07FG7MXSNcIN8mGbluvzxmlKjq7tZlVrT6KQUU27_WU18bOQR6hnlZuNuMqkJDCKuwCQwFtVB2R8pQKPIETHj/s320/DSC_0014_3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332823287060875362" border="0" /></a> Spread evenly<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzE3fbN8q89pzLVIQZPpwS9uS5fi0anHs2vH_cYT-vFfBFZUrQ8HV0NXNzS9ocLED_88gpmgmTwCcWw-cXLso0Ne7CtRAlfub4bpj-jT49zdEsV4DUbQSM3IJ228TqCdT06g-N0Db2aujn/s1600-h/DSC_0015_5.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzE3fbN8q89pzLVIQZPpwS9uS5fi0anHs2vH_cYT-vFfBFZUrQ8HV0NXNzS9ocLED_88gpmgmTwCcWw-cXLso0Ne7CtRAlfub4bpj-jT49zdEsV4DUbQSM3IJ228TqCdT06g-N0Db2aujn/s320/DSC_0015_5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332823281957496722" border="0" /></a><br />Make chocolate topping. Melt chocolate chips in microwave at 30 second intervals. When melted, add vanilla and milk to chocolate. Pour over Rice Krispie treats, and let cool and set up. I didn't put mine in the fridge because I really don't like cold Rice Krispie treats, but you definitely could do that to get a firmer bar.Kristen Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10939868098608820229noreply@blogger.com3