Saw this in the local paper this morning. I'm so making this today.
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
Small splash of vanilla extract
Add dry ingredients to a large coffee mug and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed.
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. Eat! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).
*Make shirt for baby Jonathan
*clean bathroom
*color hair
K? Pretty please!? I waste so much time on line and need a kick in the butt.
2 tbsp adobo seasoning
2 1/2 C apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
One 14 oz. package frozen tamarind fruit pulp, such as Goya, thawed
1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce
3 whole cloves
Grated peel of 1 orange
salt
Chopped cilantro, for sprinkling
In a large bolw, toss the chicken with the adobo season. Pour in 2 cups vinegar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees. in a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and remaining 1/2 C vinegar over medium heat and cook, stirring ovccasionally, until thick and syrupy, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the tamarind, Worcestershire sauce and cloves and cook until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 15 minutes. Stir in the orange peel and season with salt
Drain the chicken. In the same bowl stir in two -thirds of the tamarind glaze to coat. Transfer the chicken to a rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, then brush with more glaze and bake until the juices run clear when pierced with a knife, about 15 minutes more. Sprinkle with the cilantro before serving.
from Everday with Rachael Ray, Recipe by Daisy Martinez
- 2 tablespoons butter, plus more for dish
- 1 small onion, minced
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed, drained and chopped
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar, plus extra for top
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley leaves
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon chopped basil leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a large casserole dish.In a large pan over medium-high heat, saute onions with 2 tablespoons of butter and cayenne until translucent. Add the spinach and cook for 3 minutes. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together milk and eggs.
Add the cheese, rice, parsley, thyme, basil and spinach mixture and combine well. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour into prepared casserole dish and top with extra shredded cheese. Bake for 30 minutes and serve piping hot.
Recipe courtesy The Neelys
Show: Down Home with the NeelysEpisode: Memphis or Bust
Old-School King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Ingredients:
1 cooked 2 1/2 pound fryer (cooked with cumin, onion, celery and garlic) shredded
10 corn tortillas
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, seeds and stem removed, diced
2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 cup of chicken broth
1 can of Ro-Tel tomatoes
1 tsp. of chile powder
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine soups, broth, Ro-Tel tomatoes and chile powder; blend until smooth.
3. Place a layer of chicken in a greased casserole dish.
4. Add layers of tortillas, onion, bell peppers, cheese and sauce.
5. Repeat layers, ending with cheese.
6. Bake uncovered for half an hour or until brown and bubbling.






Well I would use this brownie pan so everyone could have the edge pieces because those are the best!SERVES 6
- DRESSING:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Thai basil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- BURGERS:
- 1/4 cup Vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc nam)
- 4 teaspoons jaggery (palm sugar) or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or other Asian hot chile sauce
- 2 pounds freshly ground pork
- 1/4 cup chunky peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground star anise
- Vegetable oil, for brushing the grill rack
- 6 French rolls, split
- 6 interior butter lettuce leaves
Prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill with a cover, or preheat a gas grill to medium high.
To make the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, basil, cilantro, green onions and lime juice in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate.
To make the patties, place the fish sauce, jaggery, and chile sauce in a medium bowl and combine well. Add the pork, peanut butter, ginger, garlic and star anise and blend loosely with a fork. Form into 6 equal patties the approximate dimensions of the rolls, making a slight depression in the middle of the patties to compensate for the tendency to bulge during cooking.
Brush the grill rack with oil. Grill the patties with the grill top closed for 4 minutes. Turn and grill until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the patties registers 160 degrees (about 4 minutes longer).
During the last 2 minutes of grilling the patties, place the rolls, cut side down, on the grill to toast.
To assemble the burgers, spread the roll bottoms with a thin layer of dressing, followed by a lettuce leaf. Add the patties and top with generous dollops of the dressing. Add the roll tops.
Ingredients
- 1 can pop biscuits, recommended brand Pillsbury
- Cooking spray, for the muffin tin
- 2 tablespoons EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 pound bulk Italian sausage
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1/4 cup pepperoni, chopped
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers from a jar, chopped
Yields: 6 mini pizzas
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Cut the biscuits into three equal discs. Press them into the cups of a sprayed muffin tin, pushing in on the corners and making sure they go all the way up the sides. Place in the oven and bake until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
While the biscuits are baking, place a medium skillet over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Add the sausage and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add in the onions and mushrooms, and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add the pepperoni and roasted red peppers and mix to warm through.
Take muffin tin out of the oven and fill each pizza crust with about a tablespoon of sauce, a tablespoon of sausage-onion-pepper-mushroom mixture and a sprinkle of cheese. Place under the broiler until light brown and bubbling.
I bet Emily would love this! I could use turkey bacon, 2% milk, low fat cheese
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 5 eggs, divided
- Salt and ground black pepper
- 2 1/4 cups baking mix, such as Bisquick
- 1 cup milk for mix
- 1 cups shredded yellow cheddar cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 425ºF.
Place a medium skillet over medium-high heat with 1 turn of the pan of EVOO, about 1 tablespoon. Add the bacon to the pan and cook until golden brown and crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Beat 4 eggs in a small mixing bowl. Add the eggs to the pan that the bacon was cooked in, season with salt and pepper, and scramble them lightly. Transfer the eggs to a plate and reserve.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the baking mix, milk and remaining egg to make the batter. Gently stir in the crispy bacon, reserved scrambled eggs and shredded cheese.
Deposit dollops of the batter onto a greased baking sheet and bake until golden brown, 10-12 minutes.
Cheesy Hash Brown Chili
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper
- 1 15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 1-pound bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Yields: 4 servings
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°F. Position a rack in the upper third of the oven.
In a large saucepan, heat EVOO over medium heat. Add the beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the onion, chili powder and cumin, and cook, stirring, until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add the beans and tomatoes with their juice and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, partially cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Transfer to an 8x11" baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the potatoes and cheese. Scatter the potato mixture over the chili. Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake until the potatoes are cooked through and the chili is bubbling, about 35 minutes.
I hope it works.
Whats one of your favorite Christmasy songs?
Lunner was delicious if I do say so myself. :D
I tried one of the Jennie O oven ready turkeys this year and it turned out amazing, everyone raved about it. Everything else, ok except the dressing & giblet gravy, I made myself and if I do say so myself I did good.
I need my nap now. Courtney and Abner are still here and Eric and Abner are playing x-box, while mom and Mike went out to see some of his family that lives here in town. Emily is patiently waiting her turn to play the kung fu panda game after the boys are done.
Its been a really good day.
Why didn't anyone remind me?
I'm going to do it tonight and will post it tomorrow I promise.
I have tried googling it but I'm not coming up with anything
Anyone know? I wan to make it tonight!
FOUND IT!
Vegetable oil spray for misting the pan
Flour for dusting the pan
1 package (18.25 ounces) plain German chocolate cake mix
1 container (15 ounces) coconut pecan frosting
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
- Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly mist a 12-cup Bundt pan with vegetable oil spray, then dust with flour. Shake out the excess flour. Set the pan aside.
- Place the cake mix, frosting, water, oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat 2 minutes more, scraping the sides down again if needed. The batter should look thick and well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out with the rubber spatula. Place the pan in the oven.
- Bake the cake until it springs back when lightly pressed with your finger, 48 to 52 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for 20 minutes. Run a long, sharp knife around the edge of the cake and invert it onto a rack to cool completely, 20 minutes more.
- Slide the cake onto a serving platter and slice.
I read a story a while back that just had me completely in tears. It was about these local women who started a charity that makes scrubs for abused/molested children at local hospitals. They started this because the children when taken to the hospital would have to give their clothes to the workers as evidence most times and the ladies wanted the children to feel more comfortable and be able to relate to the hospital workers so they make them matching scrubs. How sad is that though that there is even a need for something like this?
This time of year, especially, makes me so aware but its sad because it should be year round.
One of the ladies on the show makes pillow cases for children in the hospital, another makes quilts for children whose parents are in Iraq/Afghanistan, another made playgrounds that are accessible to handicapped children. How selfless are these women? Its amazing and wonderful that there are people like them in the world and its so inspiring.
I had to take this picture and post it this morning...
Yes, $1.63 a gallon for regular unleaded. And then down the road a little ways I see it for $1.61.
I know its not going to last but this little break in gas prices is nice especially during the holidays so I hope it lasts at least thru the new year.
Tomorrow, after Eric gets paid and I got off work, we were taking Emily to eyemasters to get her new glasses since she lost hers but tonight Emily brought in one of her "purses" from the car so I decided to look in it and lo and behold I found the damn glasses!!!!
HALLELUJAH!!!!!
Now I don't have to beat her or put out $100. I am so relieved.
I thought I had looked everywhere and figured I would find them but after almost a month of looking even I was ready to give up.
Where is your mobile phone? hereWhere is your significant other? thereYour hair colour? brown
Your mother?crazyYour father? psychoYour favourite thing? internetYour dream last night? weirdYour dream goal? thinThe room you're in? loudYour hobby? randomYour fear? snakes!Where do you want to be in 6 years? aliveWhere were you last night? homeWhat you're not? saneOne of your wish-list items? houseWhere you grew up? texasThe last thing you did? walkedWhat are you wearing? pj'sYour TV? loveYour pets? lovingYour computer? sexyYour mood? crankyMissing someone? yes
Your car? zippy
Something you're not wearing? bra
Favourite shop? goodwillYour summer? hotLove someone? alwaysYour favourite colour? redWhen is the last time you laughed? tonightWhen is the last time you cried? forever
It was a busy day at work and I was ready to go home at quitting time. Eric forgot to put the chicken in the crockpot today so he had to take us to dinner and we had Kelly's. mmmm...kelly's.
The carpets were cleaned today and they smell so good and look so sparkly clean. I threatened Emily and Eric about wearing their shoes in the house because I would like to keep it clean for the holidays at least. As an added bonus since all the furniture was out of the way anyway I got to rearrange the furniture. I love rearranging furniture!
Early bed time for us tonight. Tuesdays are always killer days for me so I need as much sleep tonight as possible.
Just leave a comment and you are entered, nice and easy.
The book is Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld and has lots of healthy simple recipes that include vegetable purees.

I have liked the copy I have and have made quite a few recipes in it that went over well with the entire family.
So just let me know.
OH YEAH I'LL DRAW THE WINNER THIS COMING WEDNESDAY!!
The back yard was something you never would have thought went with the house. The owner had totally made it over and had over 400 house plants, a covered area for parties and it was just really well thought out and pretty. I ended up buying a few little things like a couple of pretty floral vintage plates, a snazzy wooden box that I could not leave behind and a book of cowboy postcards.
Look at the inside of the pretty box, green velvety material. I was going to give the box to my dad but then I decided I needed it
to put some of my super secret stuff in and hide it away. I'll probably end up giving it to him though but it'll hurt.
The cowboy boots postcard book I'm going to use for a christmas present for dad as well. I'm going to take some the more manly
pictures of boots out and frame them in rustic frames for dads house to put in his entry way. That will look pretty neat I think and
he will like it or else.
When getting toothpaste on your hands make sure to wash it all off thoroughly before attempting to put contacts in your eyes because it will burn badly and make you scream like a little girl and you won't be able to get the contact out of your eye fast enough.
You are welcome.
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 (1.5-ounce) package taco-seasoning mix (preferably low-sodium)
1 (1-ounce) package ranch-dressing mix
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
11/2 cups frozen corn kernels
4 cups water
Tortilla chips, for garnish (optional)
Shredded Cheddar cheese, for garnish (optional)
Brown the meat in a Dutch oven or medium stockpot over medium heat, breaking up chunks with the back of a spoon. When the meat is no longer pink, drain off and discard the fat. Add the taco mix and ranch dressing mix, then the kidney and pinto beans, the tomatoes, the corn and the water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Serve with tortilla chips and cheese, if desired.
Makes 6 servings, each 412 calories (27.8 percent from fat), 33.3 grams protein, 12.7 grams fat (4.7 grams saturated), 68 milligrams cholesterol, 1,542 milligrams sodium, 43.6 grams carbohydrates, 10.2 grams fiber.
BEST CHEESE BALLS
Prep time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
1 cup neufchatel cheese, softened
1/2 cup goat cheese, softened
6 tablespoons butter, softened (divided use)
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon minced horseradish or horseradish mayonnaise
3/4 cup walnut halves
1 teaspoon sea or kosher salt
1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
Heat the oven to 300 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the neufchatel and goat cheeses and 4 tablespoons of the butter. Use a rubber spatula to mix until well-combined. Mix in the Cheddar, garlic and horseradish. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
While the mixture chills, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. In a small bowl, combine the butter and walnut halves; toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle in the salt and cumin, then toss again.
Spread the walnuts over the prepared baking sheet and toast for 7 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned and aromatic. Remove the nuts from the oven and transfer to a plate to cool.
When the nuts are cool, use a knife to finely chop them. The pieces should be small but not pulverized.
In a wide, shallow bowl or baking pan, mix the chopped walnuts and parsley.
Once the cheese has chilled, put on latex gloves and use a measuring spoon or scoop to form 1-tablespoon balls. Gently roll the balls between your hands to smooth, then roll each through the nut and parsley mixture. Arrange on a serving platter.
Makes 20 to 25 cheese balls.
Why you ask?
Ok you probably don't care but there is a brand new, shiny Goodwill Store opening up right down the road from work not even a mile away.
Yeah, I know what I'll be doing for a lunch quite a bit now.
I was going to use it as the desk for desktop computer but now I want it use it as a makeup/vanity for myself especially after seeing this post.
How cute is that desk? Mine looks like it except without the curves on top.
I need to do that now.
The video is pretty sexy.
I feel like a dirty old woman.
Eric and I took Emily to the county fair and we walked all over that place and she rode tons of rides. It really wore me out!
But I had funnel cake so that makes up for all the walking.
one of the best songs ever
if you pass this post without listening to the song you are just hurting yourself
The red felt is the little cheapy kind you find at wal-mart craft section in squares but the yellow part is the nice felt I bought at a fabric store, it was a little more but a nicer quality. Not the best but I thought it was kind of cute and Emi loved it. and she kept it in her hair all day.
How do some little kids come home at the end of the school day looking perfect? Neither of my ever have, they come home looking like they have played and played all day long with wild hair!
Here is my new hair. I haven't colored it yet again but if you click on the picture and look at it larger you can see the lighter streaks are the lavender purple streaks now. It may be hard to see though but I promise its there. Its a little shorter than last time but the lady didn't have a choice since the other guy butcherd it. I really like it.
My chin is broke out so bad that I'm seriously considering buying proactive for my face.
I'm so damn relieved right now I can't even tell you.
Thinking of going to a few thrift stores today but not sure I want to get out in the rain with the bad drivers. If I stay here though I'm pretty sure a nap will be in store for me because napping while its raining is wonderful.
I made Emily a cute little hair barrette last night and did the sewing by hand. I practiced the blanket stitch and I think I have it down now. It doesn't look perfect but its cute and Emily loved it when she saw it this morning so I fixed her hair with it. I made it with yellow and red felt and a button so it looks like a little flower. I'm going to try and make some more today or tonight.
Time: About 1 hour, plus 4 1/2 hours' resting
3 cups bread flour
1 ( 1/4 -ounce) packet instant yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Oil as needed
Combine flour, yeast and salt in a large bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups water and stir until blended; dough will be shaggy. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rest about 4 hours at warm room temperature, about 70 degrees.
Lightly oil a work surface and place dough on it; fold it over on itself once or twice. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest 30 minutes more.
At least a half-hour before dough is ready, heat oven to 450 degrees. Put a 6- to 8-quart heavy covered pot (cast iron, enamel, Pyrex or ceramic) in oven as it heats. When dough is ready, carefully remove pot from oven. Slide your hand under dough and put it into pot, seam side up. Shake pan once or twice if dough is unevenly distributed; it will straighten out as it bakes.
Cover with lid and bake 30 minutes, then remove lid and bake another 15 to 30 minutes, until loaf is beautifully browned. Cool on a rack.


