Saturday, November 21, 2009

HOLIDAY IDEAS BLOG #8



BEST KEPT SECRET IN TOWN.  BUT NOT FOR LONG! 
SERIOUSLY!
Straight from my hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana
Better Get Your Orders in.


A friend of mine, Lauren Cotter Wilson, has just recently launched her new home-cooked meals to go business.  Does "Wilson" ring a bell? As in Justin Wilson! Take a look at her bio and you will see that she came by the passion for cooking honestly.  Just seems to be in her blood.
I am guessing this venture is going to be a complete success as Lauren is one of those individuals who is going to put a 110% percent into anything she does. I can honestly say there was not one thing on her menu that didn't sound delicious.  Now, if I could just figure out how to get her in my neck of the woods.   Something tells me it won't take long.  Knowing Lauren she will be franchising by this time next year.  Take a look!  Her success is going to be fun to watch.  I just love go-getters.  
Go ahead and put this in you favorites and add it to your address book, Your going to need it!

"Get home cooked meals prepared and delivered to you. Order gourmet gift baskets for special occassions and holiday party fare when you want to entertain but don't have time to cook! Need to take a casserole to a friend who just had a baby or for someone recovering from an illess? Let Gourmet To Geaux help you out!"


EVERYTHING IS COMING UP SWEET POTATOES:
Bourbon Sweet Potato Cupcakes
"I call it BLURBON".


Take a look at the Bakerella site- More detailed instructions and step by step pictures for this recipe can be found at the above link

1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup butter, room temperature
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour

1 Tbsp baking powder                      
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup whole milk
1 cup cooked sweet potatoes
1/3 cup bourbon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line cupcake trays with 24 baking cups.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt in a large bowl.
In another large mixing bowl, mix brown sugar, butter and eggs until fluffy.
Add sweet potatoes and vanilla. Mix well.
Add 1/3 of flour mixture to sugar mixture until combined. Add bourbon. Add second 1/3 of flour mixture. Add milk. Add final 1/3 flour mixture.
Mix well with each addition.
Fill baking cups.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until done.
Cool completely.
Candied Pecans
sugar
water
pecan halves
Add equal parts sugar and water to a pot. (I used 1 cup each.) Add pecans. Simmer for about six minutes. Drain syrup off.

In a deep fryer at about 375 degrees add pecans to oil. Heat for about 30 seconds to a minute or until frying noise stops. Be careful. The first attempt I made with these, I burned my pecans to a crisp. I guess my oil was too hot.
Lay on parchment paper lined tray and cool slightly.
Sprinkle some extra sugar on top to make them prettier.
Allow to dry completely.
***I really think just baking the pecans would be fine.  One step I would eliminate! 
Vanilla Glaze
2 cups sifted confectioner’s sugar
1 Tbsp butter, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla
3-4 Tbsps milk
In a medium bowl, mix sugar and butter. Add vanilla.
Add milk 1 Tbsp at a time until you get the desired consistency. (Adding more milk will make it thinner.) Mix until smooth.
Transfer glaze to a small, deep bowl and you can just dip the tops of your cupcakes in it.
Bourbon Syrup/Glaze/Frosting Concoction
1 1/2 cup sugar (book says 1 cup)
1/2 cup water
1 tsp butter
2 tsp vanilla (book says 1/2 tsp)
2 Tbsp bourbon
In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil.
Boil for five minutes and add remaining ingredients. Cook until a syrupy consistency.
Then, I removed it from the stove and let it cool for a minute. I added 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar and 2 Tbsp milk to get it more like the consistency of the vanilla glaze. Either dip the tops again or spoon it on top so you can see the vanilla glaze underneath.
Add one candied pecan to each cupcake if you don’t eat them all first.

 Cider-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
 


THIS RECIPE CAUGHT MY EYE FOR SEVERAL REASONS.

1. It's cooked on the grill.  So Just hand this recipe over to the men.  They need to feel important.  Yea Sure!
2.  Because its cooked on the grill you will free up your oven space for the other important dishes. 
3.  It's just a flat out simple recipe, unlike the incredible cupcake recipe listed above.

Ingredients
6 medium sweet potatoes, about 5 pounds
1/2 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
Sea salt
Procedure
1.  While the fire is lighting, peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 2-inch wedges or chunks. Whisk together the cider, oil, vinegar, and sugar and toss the mixture with the potatoes. Place the potatoes and liquid in a large shallow roasting pan.
2. When you pit is hot. place the roasting pan with the potatoes in the center of the grill and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the potatoes are browned on the edges and soft on the inside, about 45 to 60 minutes.
3. While still hot, season to taste with sea salt. Serve warm.


These are so dang cute.  You can order them, but only if your pockets are deep.  So, I have decided to try to recreate them myself.  How hard can this be?  Take a look at a couple of the endorsements.
"There's something special about these cookies and I don't just mean their unusual shape and bright colors...They're the result of a partnership between Margie Greenberg and her Daughter Abbey, co-owners of The Flour Pot...These cookies taste as good as they look."
Al Roker, Roker on the Road
 "THANK YOU SO MUCH for making and delivering the special gift for my assistants! It made their day and everyone in my division VERY HAPPY!"
Account Executive, FOX Station Sales- HE'S FROM THE FOX STATION AND HE HAS ASSISTANTS.  No wonder he can afford to order them!

BUT THEY SURE ARE CUTE!







Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur - $28.99
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THIS LITTLE BOTTLE OF JOY.


Godiva Chocolate Martini



1 oz Godiva Liqueur
1 oz vodka
Pour into shaker, mix and pour into cocktail glass. Indulge!

Hard for me to tell you where to find these Godiva products.  I'm guessing they are sold in most Liquor stores.  You see we don't have liquor stores here in our area.  It's all sold in our groceries.  It took me forever to get used to it when I moved here from Shreveport.  I can remember my mom and dad and at some point, myself saying "I'm going to the Liqour Store"  It was bad news the day I found out my parents had a charge account at Thrifty Liquor.  Even worse news when I found out I could go to my dad's Country Club and charge a case of beer and they would carry out to my car.  Oh Life was Good!

I SEEM TO HAVE FOOD ON THE BRAIN TODAY.  EVERYTHING I HAVE BLOGGED ABOUT TODAY HAS TO DO WITH EDIBLES. MY HUSBAND IS ABOUT TO TAKE ME ON MY FIRST OUTING (TARGET)  SINCE MY SURGERY.  I AM SO EXCITED IT'S BEEN ABOUT A MONTH SINCE I STEPPED FOOT IN ONE OF MY FAVS AND I AM TRULY HAVING WITHDRAWL SYMPTOMS.  THEN, IT WILL BE TIME FOR THE TIGERS.  FOR SOME REASON I AM NOT AN OLE MISS FAN.  VERY UNCLEAR AS TO WHY I FEEL THAT WAY BUT NEVERTHELESS IT IS WHAT IT IS.  HAPPY TAILGATING to all.  DON'T SHOOT YOUR WAD CAUSE TOMMOROW WILL BE ANOTHER BIG DAY FOR THE SAINTS!  SAINTS AT BUCCANEERS-NOON!

Well our trip to Target was successful!  Sorta.  My husband parked about as far away from the door as you could possible get. So the walk to and from the store took more time then our actual time spent inside. I knew by the time I had hit the dollar aisle I was in trouble.  It was 12:30 and knowing that kick off was 2:30 I casually mentioned, "Fred, the way I see it I have a couple of hours to roam the store.  His reposnse was "Are you kidding me, you can't even get from the parking lot to the front door.  How are you gonna shop. Very seriously he says "I need to be home by 2:00 to give myself time to get my soft pants on and a cold beer".   SERIOUSLY!  I knew my destination (the Christmas section) was as far away from the entrance as the car situation.   By the time I got back there I had broke out in a full fledged hot flash, dodged several buggies and run into one our closes friends. THE SAD NEWS IS I FORGOT TO GRAB ONE OF THOSE MOTOR-SCOOTERS.  A DREAM OF MINE.   So bottom line I spent the remainder of my outing talking to a favorite friend that I talk to almost everyday.  But my mission was accomplished.  I found my little pearl lights that I needed to replace. It about killed me to have to pay full price but you gotta do what you gotta do.   Of course Fred  had to hit the Target Deli.  Popcorn that truly numbed my lips from all the salt.  But it sure was good.



THE CUPCAKE VINEYARD

YOU KNEW IT WAS COMING!


and only $13.00 a Bottle. WOW

STAY TUNED FOR SOME ADD-ONS THIS EVENING AND TOMORROW.




Thursday, November 19, 2009

Holiday BLOG #7




HOLIDAY RECIPE OF THE DAY:

                                                             
WELL FIRST LET ME GIVE YOU THE LOW DOWN ON SOMEONE WHO I DON'T EVEN KNOW BUT CONSIDER TO BE A COMPLETE GENIUS. HER NAME IS REE DRUMMOND AND SHE IS THE PIONEER WOMAN. I found her through my friend Katie from one of my first and most favorite blogs that I follow. http://www.tulsadetails.blogspot.com/ and or http://www.tulsadetails.com/

Instead of typing you a long and drawn out introduction to Mrs. Drummond, I have decided to just link you straight to her site. http://thepioneerwoman.com/
Bookmark her site or if you are a blogger just follow her. When you have time really go in and explore her great writings. Now here is the bonus. She has written a cookbook and as we speak, she is on tour with her book signings to promote her Pioneer Woman Cookbook. Wouldn't this be a great Christmas present! To top it off she is very pretty! http://thepioneerwoman.com/my_cookbook/

I found the following recipe on her blog. If you will remember, I am really not a big sweet eater but when I tell you I love sweet condensed milk I am not kidding. I have been known to eat it straight from the can. The recipe looks simple but with quite a few steps. I'm pretty sure it will be time well spent. If you will go to the Pioneer Woman web site and click on this recipe you will find a step by step recipe with pictures to go along. My mouth is watering already.
Make sure you read the history behind this yummy concoction


Tres Leches
Prep Time: 45 Minutes Cook Time: 1 Hour Difficulty: Easy-Servings: 12





Ingredients
1 cup All-purpose Flour
1-½ teaspoon Baking Powder
¼ teaspoons Salt
5 whole Eggs
1 cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
⅓ cups Milk
1 can Evaporated Milk
1 can Sweetened, Condensed Milk
¼ cups Heavy Cream
1 pint Heavy Cream, For Whipping
3 Tablespoons Sugar
Preparation Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray 9 x 13 inch pan liberally until coated.
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
Separate eggs.
Beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar on high speed until yolks are pale yellow. Stir in milk and vanilla.
Pour egg yolk mixture over flour mixture and stir very gently until combined.
Beat egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. With mixer on, pour in 1/4 cup sugar and beat until egg whites are stiff but not dry.
Fold egg white mixture into other mixture very gently until just combined.
Pour into prepared pan and spread to even out surface.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Turn cake out onto a rimmed platter and allow to cool.
Combine condensed milk, evaporated milk, and 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small pitcher.
When cake is cool, pierce the surface with a fork several times.
Slowly drizzle all but about 1 cup of the milk mixture—try to get as much around the edges of the cake as you can.
Allow the cake to absorb the milk mixture for 30 minutes.
Whip 1 pint heavy cream with 3 tablespoons of sugar until thick and spreadable.
Spread over the surface of the cake. Decorate cake with whole or chopped maraschino cherries. Cut into squares and serve.

FINISHED PRODUCT
"Somebody get me a Fork"

HOLIDAY DECORATION IDEAS FOR THE DAY


CHRISTMAS DINNER PLATES THAT ARE CUTE AND DIFFERENT!

I WOULD LOVE TO DECORATE A CHRISTMAS TABLE WITH THIS PASTEL COLOR COMBINATION.  IT'S JUST DIFFERENT!

$54.00 for 4 Plates
Noritake Aria Platinum 8.25" Christmas Plates (Set of 4) 
List Price:$104.95 You Save:$50.00 (48%) Sale Price:$54.95 Shipping: Free Total Price:$54.

HOW ABOUT A WINE   THEMED   GIFT?
Giant Wine Glass Cooler
Can you believe this? 
The never ending glass of wine.
Now you really can say "But I just had one"



Price: $299.95
Prod. Code: 70002
This giant wine glass cooler will get your party started right. This acrylic wine glass stands almost four feet Tall, 44 inches.
 This giant party glass is perfect as a wine bottle chiller and giant ice bucket.
This jumbo wine glass can be used as a fun holiday decoration, decorative fish bowl or fill it with water and floating candles for a stunning focal point. The possibilities are endless! This great wine gift is designed for indoor or outdoor use. This giant red wine glass does require some assembly. Cheers

Group Therapy Beach Towel
and it to top it off it matches my bathing suit.


http://www.sterlingwineonline.com/catalog/item/5006579/group-therapy-beach-towel.htm
 Price: $24.95
Prod. Code: 47700
Show your love of wine this summer with this wine themed beach towel. 
This Group Therapy beach towel is made of 100% cotton velour. They measure a generous 30 inches by 60 inches.
This fun wine towel displays 4 glasses of wine with purple and black accent colors.


GOTTA LOVE THIS T-SHIRT!
Doesn't my dad look cute in this?
To bad he doesn't like Merlot!



http://www.cafepress.com/+you_had_me_at_merlot_red_tshirt,79795393

 $22.00 YOU HAD ME AT MERLOT -Red T-Shirt
Select Size: size chart + description S M L XL 2XL ($3) 3XL ($3) Color:
Red Cardinal Navy Military Green Brown Royal Charcoal Kelly Green
Product ID: 79795393

Wine Glass Charms
 from http://www.sterlingwineonline.com/index.html


http://www.sterlingwineonline.com/catalog/item/4659379/oscar-wine-glass-charms.htm
Oscar Wine Glass Charms - Academy Awards Wine Glass Charms
Choice of color Pewter (silver color) Gold Gift Message Quantity
See full size photo Price: $16.99
Prod. Code: WS112
Made with quality pewter and Swarovski Crystal in the USA
Each set comes with six wine charms- Available in Pewter or Gold
You would not believe the assortment.  
Hairdresser, Denist, Breast Cancer, Sports Themed.

Wine Cork Candles from  Beau-Coup
http://www.beau-coup.com/wine-cork-candles.htm
Info# 1735 Price: $7.20 per set of 4.



How about a Paula Deen Magazine Subscription?
My Mom and I share one.  Ok well let me clarify that.  My mom has a Paula Deen Subscription and when she recieves it I go over and steal it and then she calls looking for it and I don't give it back.  Love how that works!
 Subscriptions (monthly magazine, journals etc.)

http://www.pauladeenmagazine.com/

YOU REALLY WILL LOVE HER RECIPES!

HOLIDAY GIFT CARD OF THE DAY
http://www.sonicdrivein.com/home.jsp#/msc



ORDER ONLINE NOW
For $1.00 they will send them in the mail.
Saves me a whole lot of Calories!








Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Holiday Blog #6




HOLIDAY RECIPE FOR THE DAY

JINGLE JUICE


Prep: 10 min.
Yield: Makes 1 1/2 qt.

Ingredients
5 cups orange juice
1 cup vodka
1/3 cup orange liqueur
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
 If you don't have orange liqueur, such as Triple Sec, substitute an equal amount of orange juice.
Garnishes: fruit-flavored candy cane sticks, cherries with stems, orange and lemon slices
Preparation
Stir together orange juice and next 4 ingredients; serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.
Southern Living, DECEMBER 2007

A PICTURE FRAME CHRISTMAS WREATH
I can't wait to make this! 


This looks so easy.  I found this in Southern Living. 
Supplies:


Frames: To re-create this look, purchase inexpensive frames from a crafts or hobby store. They go on sale quite frequently, so watch for flyers in your local paper, and then stock up. The style doesn't matter because the base won't show in the end.

Wire: Use green florist wire that comes on a paddle (see photo above, right). It's easier to handle when applying the greenery in a continuous fashion. Use green wire, which blends in nicely with the garland.

Greenery: Here's the secret: Use garland to completely cover the frames. Look for deals at home-improvement stores or large wholesale clubs. We found a 25-foot cedar garland for less than $20. Simply start at one corner of the frame, and continue to wire the garland completely around the piece. Cut the garland, and tuck in pieces of greenery to fill holes.

Clippers: You'll need a good pair of clippers or wire cutters to cut the garland into pieces that perfectly fit each frame.

Floral Birds Pillow




Do you ever just see something and  think,  I just gotta have it!  Well I ran into this pillow about a month ago at Pier one.  I LOVE IT!  I have no place to put it and it goes with nothing that I own but it makes me happy.  Please someone buy this.  Then paint your walls the green in the birds and find a really cute stripe fabric to accompany it.  LOVE IT!

 
Orig. $29.95
NOW $22.46


Gianna Rose Atelier
Oh my, this is cute It is Soap. -Make sure you check out all the other merchandise. 

Le Petit Labrador Noir - Black Lab
Three is never a crowd when it comes to these adorable soaps. Our newest addition, a Black Labrador puppy joins his Chocolate, Yellow Lab,  Scottie and Pug friends in our canine collection.
$ 20.40 ea















http://www.giannarose.com/grastore.cfm?view=product&Category=pets&do=list

VICTORIA'S SECRET

Very much dislike the name of this perfume, however it is one of my favorites. Sounds so Cheesy!   I have the lotion, body wash and spray mist.  Actually I'm almost out so FRED you can add this to your list right after my number one item the MotorCoach I have picked out.  SURE!  A girl can dream!
Very Sexy® Fragrance

Very Sexy® Sheer Sexy Mist
$22
Very Sexy® Body Lotion
$20
Very Sexy® Luxe Body Butter
$18
Very Sexy® Body Wash
$15






How about a cute sweat top from Victotia's Secret.  It comes in quite a few colors.
Match it with some leggings and a pair of cute boots
UGGS?


http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/onlineProductDisplay.vs?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=EF-245778&page=1
NEW! Fleece boatneck tunicFrom our Plush and Lush Fleece Collection.  Imported cotton/polyester.
Sizes XS-XL. #245-778 Orig. $45.50. Sale $39.50.
  purple pizazz. navy, vibrant red, winter white 


http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/onlineProductDisplay.vs?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=EF-215645&page=1&cgname=OSCLOTOPHOO&rfnbr=6533
Fleece hooded jacketHas sporty chic under wraps. Front zip. Imported cotton/polyester.


Sizes XS-XL. #215-645 Special $59.50.

Size Chart

: size XS (0-2) S (4-6) M (8-10) L (12-14) XL (16-18) winter white, black,, charcoal, purple pizazz, vintage red 

THE HANGOVER  $15.99
You can pre-order this movie at Amazon.com
The release is December 15th.
I have not seen it yet but I can't wait.




The Hangover (R-Rated Single-Disc Edition)  Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper, Justin Bartha, and Ed Helms (DVD - Dec 15, 2009)
Available for Pre-order. This item will be released on Dec 15, 2009.

Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping.

The Sweet Potato Queens
also from Amazon. com
No. I haven't read this either but I have heard about it.
 This is on my "To Do List".


Only $9.32

The Sweet Potato Queens' First Big-Ass Novel: Stuff We Didn't Actually Do, But Could Have, And May Yet (Paperback)

Jill Conner Browne (Author)
List Price: $12.95
Price: $9.32  eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.
Want it delivered Tuesday, November 17? Order it in the next 3 hours and 24 minutes, and choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details


Saturday, November 14, 2009

Thanksgiving Gone Wild....




Anonymous

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

I DARE YOU!!!!


$29.99

http://www.buycostumes.com/Indian-Tan-Adult-Ankle-Boots/34394/ProductDetail.aspx?REF=AFC-showcase&AID=10390395&PID=2004442&SID=

My intentions were to post a Thanksgiving blog to help prepare for the big Turkey day that's just around the corner.  Don't panic!  What some people don't quite understand is that often this Holiday does not just consist of one day and one meal.  It could include days and multiple feast depending on your family plans.  Are your parents coming for a week?  Are all thirteen of the grandchildren attending?  Is your aunt lazy?  So with that line of thinking I decided that this blog would gravitate toward the other meals.  So take a look..

Edible Salad Tossers and a Bowl 

I thought I had seen it all.  But take a look at this.   





Here is the bad news.  The instructions are in French.  I have included the the link to this ever so clever baker. So all of you well-rounded individuals who speak other languages, GO for it.  That would not be me.  IF THIS DOESN'T STRIKE UP A CONVERSATION,  NOTHING WILL!  IF THIS DOESN'T IMPRESS YOUR MOTHER IN LAW.   NOTHING WILL!  

This recipe isn't exactly a Thanksgiving themed dish, however I thought it would be a good choice for a non-traditional option . If you have family and/or guest for several days this might be a easy and delicious choice for one of the other meals. 

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Ingredients:
1 pound ground chuck
10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 (8-ounce) package sharp Cheddar, grated
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup bread crumbs, toasted
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 (3-ounce) can French fried onions


Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck and next 8 ingredients, mixing well.
In a small bowl, combine the ketchup and mustard. Stir 1/4 cup ketchup mixture into meat mixture, reserving remaining ketchup mixture.
Press meat mixture into a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan, or shape into a loaf and place on a rack in a broiler pan. Spread remaining ketchup mixture over loaf. Bake 40 minutes. Top with French fried onions; bake 10 to 15 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink.
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen
Servings: 1 (9x5 inch) loaf
Show: Paula's Home Cooking/May/June 2006 issue



CAJUN CORN MAQUE CHOUX
"I love this stuff" 



Ingredients
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups frozen shoepeg corn, thawed
2 plum tomatoes, diced
1/4 pound andouille sausage, cooked and diced
1/4 cup chopped green onion tops
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Preparation
Sauté onion and bell pepper in hot oil in a large skillet over medium heat 8 minutes or until tender. Add corn, tomato, and sausage; cook, stirring often, 15 minutes. Stir in green onions, salt, and pepper; cook 5 minutes.

This is truly delicious.  This is a repeat from a previous blog but we like it so much I decided to share it again.  I have made it several times and have had several of my blog followers try it out.  Thumbs Up!  It doesn't have to be the sourdough loaf.   I actually used a jalapeno loaf that I found at the Fresh Market.  It worked perfect.  So easy!.



You may want to double this recipe. It went fast!


Insanely Amazing Jalapeno Cheese Dip
Take this delicious, 5-minute prep, jalapeno cheese dip to BBQs, cookouts, parties, or any other occasion. This dish will make you the most popular person there! Serve with bread, crackers, or chips.
1 (4 ounce) can diced jalapeno peppers
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
1 round loaf sourdough bread

DIRECTIONS

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Combine jalapeno peppers, Parmesan cheese, Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and green chilies in a bowl. Cut the top off of the sourdough bread and hollow out the center to create a bowl. Fill the bread bowl with the jalapeno mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

And a drum roll please............


Your going to have to get creative with this one.
But we can do it! And we can keep it simple.

It appears to be a regular sized cupcake and small muffin size for the face. 
If you have your own cupcake recipe go for it, if not I would just use a store bought cake mix and icing. Obviously you would want to use chocolate for the icing. 
The chocolate sprinkles are available at most groceries, Target and even Michaels.
Now for the creative part.  The sky is the limit.  The paper products can be found at Michaels and many other party and paper stores.  I think you could just use a regular cupcake liner.  The cupcake wrap may be hard to find this late in the game.  You can order them all day long on line but it's getting a little late.  I would probably just eliminate the Save the Turkey inserts or substitute them with a name on your guest list. But that's just me.  I happen to love Turkey.  Are you wondering what those eyes are made of?  Baby marshmellows.  Easy enough!  How about a candy corn for the nose?  Get creative!

I know you have left over Pumpkins.  Use them!  If your on a budget then downsize on the flowers.  This is a lot of flowers.  Add your own greeenery from your yard.





WOW FACTOR!




Friday, November 13, 2009

Christmas Ideas- Blog #5


Holiday Decorating Idea of the Day:






Another work in progress! I call this my whimsical decor.  I just got started on it and it still has a long way to go.  I will be adding some Polka Dot Ribbon and some little twinkle lights.  And whatever else I find along the way.  The adorable Christmas Trees were given to me by my cousin Susan Shuey.   I believe they came from
The Boutique de Noel in Shreveport which by the way is coming up real soon.
A Williamsburg Christmas
Thursday, November 19th – Saturday, November 21st
Bossier Civic Center


THE PINK MONOGRAM
I've posted a few items but this is another one of those stores that you just have to settle in and stay a while.  So wait until your in the mood because you really could get some Christmas Shopping done.
GET READY FOR SOME CUTENESS IN THIS LITTLE BOUTIQUE
http://www.thepinkmonogram.com/


Monogrammed Shoes



Any and every color!



CAR MATS




NEEDLE POINT SHOES
MY FAVS ARE THE FROGS AND FLUER DE LIS



Godiva Chewy Turtle Tarts

Ok, I know this recipe looks a bit time consuming but if you have ever had any sort of dessert with Godiva Chocolate you know that it is well worth the time.  There are easier recipes so I have provided you this link for you to see for yourself.



Yield: 6 servings
Difficulty: **Intermediate
Preparation: 2 hours and 15 minutes plus cooking, baking and cooling times
Special Equipment: Six 3 1/2-inch nonstick tartlet pans; 3 3/4-inch round cutter
11 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons ground pecans (ground in food processor)
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour


Caramel Filling:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/4 cup heavy cream
Chocolate Ganache:
2 bars (1.5 ounces each) Godiva Dark Chocolate, finely chopped
6 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
Candied Pecans:
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 cup pecans
Make tart shells:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugar in bowl until light, using electric mixer at high speed. Beat in ground pecans, then egg, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. Add flour at low speed, mixing just until combined. On lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thick. Using 3 3/4-inch round cutter, cut out 6 circles from dough. Place one dough circle in each tart pan and gently press dough onto bottom and up sides of pan. Using paring knife, trim off excess dough. Cover with round of wax or parchment paper and fill with rice or beans to weigh down dough while baking. Arrange tart pans on baking sheet and bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove shells from pans and cool completely.
Make caramel filling:
Place 1 tablespoon butter and granulated sugar in heavy-bottomed saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is light brown and fragrant. Add remaining ingredients (including remaining butter) and mix well. Bring to boil and cook 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately divide mixture among tart shells. Let cool completely.
Make chocolate ganache:
Place chocolate in medium bowl. Pour heavy cream into heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Pour cream over chocolate and mix until smooth. Stir in butter until smooth. Let cool for about 5 minutes.Pour ganache over caramel filling in each tart shell, dividing it evenly.
Make candied pecans:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Place corn syrup in small microwavable container and microwave on HIGH (100% power) for 30 to 45 seconds or until very warm. Place pecans in small bowl. Pour warm corn syrup over pecans and toss until fully coated. Arrange pecans on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Cool and set aside until ready to use.
Garnish edge of each tart with candied pecans. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.


SKECHERS-THE NEW TREND IN FITNESS
Now these are around $100.00 bucks but there is another brand that cost about $250.00.  I could not make myself do it.   COMFY!!!!


FREE SHIPPING COMING AND GOING





PLOW AND HEARTH

Softie Wrap $39.95


http://www.plowhearth.com/welcome.asp

Wrap Yourself In Cozy, Quilted Softness and it can be monogramed and gift wrapped,


You won't believe how cozy our Softie Wrap is until you try it on! Step into the quilted cotton blanket and zip it up, then pull the "cape" over your shoulders and zip it up for adjustable warmth that stays put! Use it as a couch throw, too. Machine-washable 100% cotton micro-twill exterior is lined with micro-plush. 100% polyester fill. Two-way zipper. Imported.
Available Colors
Brick
Chocolate
Navy
Size 6" x 68" when open

Banjees™ Reversible Wrist Wallet-$14.95
I have been looking for something like this when I run or bike.
This is perfect!





Perfect for exercise or travel
When you don't want the hassle of a purse or wallet, the Banjees reversible wrist wallet is the perfect way to carry your money, ID, or house key. An in-seam zipper keeps your valuables secure, especially handy when you're traveling. It will hold a digital music player and a credit when you step out for an evening stroll or take a trip to the gym. One side features a bright, vibrant print, while the other side has a more subdued solid color, so you can match your mood or your attire.
Convenient protection for your valuables when you're on-the- go
Zippered pocket to secure items
Reversible from print to solid
95% polyester, 5% spandex
Measures 4" x 3.5" x .25"
Available Colors
Black Orbital
Black Zebra
Brown Paisley
Pink Flower
Hot Pink Paisley
Turquoise Wave

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA FOR KIDS
My brother and I use to have one of these when we were growing up.  My mom would send us to the garage with all our supplies and we would feed the entire neighborhood. Brings back fond memories of our growing up. 
Cotton Candy Maker

List Price: $49.99
http://www.amazon.com/Nostalgia-CCM505-Cotton-Candy-Maker/dp/B0000AR7OR




Well that's it for the day. Another full week-end of some good Football. Thanks to all of you who sent well wishes for my surgery. Hard to believe that I was just having surgery 24 hours ago. GUESSING YOU WILL RUN ACROSS A FEW TYPOS AND MISTAKES. THE HAPPY PILLS HAVE GOT ME A LITTLE FUZZY.
Remember your "TO DO LIST" Have a great week-end.