tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48769977082487216562024-03-05T23:07:25.253-05:00~ Keep it Simple, Keep it Right~Simple tips and rants of everyday living.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-41581522173398006322013-09-03T10:33:00.000-04:002013-09-03T10:33:06.541-04:00It's Pumpkin Time!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hehe! </div>
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Sorry I have been MIA, but you will be happy to know (or at least I hope you are) that I finally finished my Bachelor of Science and my diploma came in the mail on Saturday! {{{{Yayy!!!!}}}</div>
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However, I am now onto my post bacc program, which means I'm still a student . . . and as such, have a student's budget. Did I mention that we are like the king & queen of all things pumpkin at my house? Or so we've been told, by my very close friend who asked me how to make pumpkin butter last fall . . . She knows who she is. lol And I love her!!! :)</div>
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Ok, so Saturday the hubby was whining about craving a Pumpkin Spice Latte . . . in August (barely). . . whilst we were picking out Orange paint for our living room. The decade of my Island Palm (green) living room is coming to an end. </div>
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Which got me thinking . . . I could make that stuff on my own and we could have Pumpkin Spice Lattes whenever we want. I had discussed making my own simple syrup with another friend earlier in the summer, to put in my cold brewed coffee . . . and came across the delight that is <a href="http://cocktails.about.com/od/mixology/r/simple_syrup.htm" target="_blank">Rich, Simple Syrup</a>. I had added a vanilla bean to it, sliced lengthwise, during the simmering process. I doubled the batch & refilled the Starbucks' Vanilla Spice Syrup bottle I had just emptied. </div>
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So, this time I decided to jump off the bridge and delve into Pumpkin Spice Syrup. I looked up a few recipes. <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2011/10/03/diy-pumpkin-spice-syrup-for-pumpkin-spice-lattes/" target="_blank">One </a> didn't have enough pumpkin, did I mention we really love pumpkin at our house? <a href="http://www.savvyeat.com/improved-coffee-shop-pumpkin-syrup/" target="_blank">Another</a> didn't make enough to last a weekend at our house. However, they got me thinking and that is the important part.</div>
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So here is what I did.</div>
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Started with my Rich Simple Syrup: Which can use any variation of sugars. If you really like Frapuccinos, I recommend half Brown Sugar half Turbinado Sugar! <i>You're welcome!</i></div>
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2 cups cold, filtered water</div>
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4 cups of sugar</div>
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Bring to a simmer and turn down heat (don't wanna scorch it) and stir until sugar is dissolved, then for five more minutes. Do not continue to simmer, we are not trying to make caramel here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmaisa7knLqT0Z5Q0caUdPYfp-cS3lvXeU1E4_NS4gXoNOgxo9Be5f6rg6mzG78O2nvYexHZYxU2TmE6P_ufLRzrQ59-II5STYf8aEXXApo6lqp2c9wFFsZxhY8wZuZUTKmQPZ15q0PF3/s1600/2013-09-01+10.12.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmaisa7knLqT0Z5Q0caUdPYfp-cS3lvXeU1E4_NS4gXoNOgxo9Be5f6rg6mzG78O2nvYexHZYxU2TmE6P_ufLRzrQ59-II5STYf8aEXXApo6lqp2c9wFFsZxhY8wZuZUTKmQPZ15q0PF3/s400/2013-09-01+10.12.57.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Now, if you want to flavor the syrup, add your seasonings before adding heat. However, in this case, I waited until it was done to add the pumpkin.</div>
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To make Pumpkin Spice Syrup I added</div>
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- a vanilla bean sliced lengthwise</div>
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-Cardamom, Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Nutmeg, Ground Cloves & Allspice to taste. Start with a little. You can always add more. Too much Cinnamon or Nutmeg, especially can get bitter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgghgC_96SLS2SWdAhyphenhyphenHvqH6sP_snjro2fk0L6gbGURQUeQ6N0-Kf6OPfRE2kfn6Dn-OksiOwdHoeVLa8TjNRrjkuNv6gQxpt8PGDPnFJV2zf8rPTZDR2p5GxaJQ_-el2Dtz4HMiUB1n4k/s1600/2013-09-02+09.01.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgghgC_96SLS2SWdAhyphenhyphenHvqH6sP_snjro2fk0L6gbGURQUeQ6N0-Kf6OPfRE2kfn6Dn-OksiOwdHoeVLa8TjNRrjkuNv6gQxpt8PGDPnFJV2zf8rPTZDR2p5GxaJQ_-el2Dtz4HMiUB1n4k/s320/2013-09-02+09.01.19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After the sugar is dissolved and you have removed the pan from heat, add 1 cup of pumpkin puree and stir well. Let the syrup cool. Just before transferring it to a jar, add 2 Tbsp of Vodka to increase its shelf life.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0Q0q_CIXSCY988QzpBw77OCdM1OSViy3L3kZmEoi0tq9y2DCBc6aN0rjCQMpaKWISAr93Bs86EwzPEOVd6938ndzxG_ffHZIh42BIRqX52ao9oBIYmLarg5K7hFGJBEReFZptHzB00dR/s1600/2013-09-02+09.01.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0Q0q_CIXSCY988QzpBw77OCdM1OSViy3L3kZmEoi0tq9y2DCBc6aN0rjCQMpaKWISAr93Bs86EwzPEOVd6938ndzxG_ffHZIh42BIRqX52ao9oBIYmLarg5K7hFGJBEReFZptHzB00dR/s320/2013-09-02+09.01.41.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Now, my vanilla syrup (with the vodka) was fine at room temperature for 2 months, but I'm not taking chances on the pumpkin going bad here. I'm refrigerating that stuff!!!</div>
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So let's recap:</div>
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Items needed:</div>
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-2 cups cold, filtered water</div>
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-4 cups of sugar, your choice</div>
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-1 vanilla bean (or more if you wanna go crazy here!)</div>
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- Warm kitchen spices of your choice (cinnamon, allspice, cloves, ginger, cardamom & nutmeg/mace) or you can go for just Pumpkin Pie Spice.</div>
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-1 cup of canned pumpkin puree (Not the bigger jar of Pumpkin Pie Mix, it is runnier and already has spices in it).</div>
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-2 Tbsp Vodka</div>
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-Storage Jar.</div>
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This makes roughly 42 oz.</div>
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I am gonna try to make a sugar free version with stevia . . . It will be a smaller amount and I'm not even sure if it will be successful, but if it is, you WILL hear about it!</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-71943431519958402032013-04-21T16:02:00.000-04:002013-04-21T16:02:16.470-04:00Rhubarb Season!!!<br />
Did you know it is the start of Rhubarb Season?<br />
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My hubby is a huge rhubarb fan and, in the right recipe, I am too.<br />
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I could never find a recipe that quite fit what I was looking for, so a few years ago, this is what I came up with:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">Filling:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">2 quarts of strawberries, trimmed and sliced</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">3/4 lb of rhubarb stalks, chopped coarsely</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IDYNO2?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001IDYNO2&linkCode=xm2&tag=keitsikeitri-20" target="_blank">zest</a> of two clementines (mandarin oranges) & 1 small organic lime (it was all I had)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">1/2 c or so Of orange juice (I <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002JNMEU?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0002JNMEU&linkCode=xm2&tag=keitsikeitri-20" target="_blank">juiced</a> the Clementines and Lime)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">12 Tbsp of granulated sugar (I used turbinado because it was what I had on hand)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">3 Tbsp. of Tapioca (to thicken)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">Cook over medium-low heat until juices are thickened.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">Let rest, covered for a couple of hours (this lets the flavors meld)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">Topping (sweet biscuit type):</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">2 cups of Buttermilk baking mix</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">1/2 cup of turbinado sugar, brown would work well too</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">1/2 cup of milk (can substitute almond, soy, etc. if you are vegan or sensitive to dairy)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">blend until just mixed.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">In a<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TME21C?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000TME21C&linkCode=xm2&tag=keitsikeitri-20" target="_blank"> 9x13 inch casserole</a> pan, spray likely w/ Pam cooking spray.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015QV5S4?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0015QV5S4&linkCode=xm2&tag=keitsikeitri-20" target="_blank">Pour</a> filling in</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">Spread topping buy spoonfuls over the filling.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">Bake at 350 until topping is golden brown.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">Allow to cool.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">Serve as is or with vanilla ice cream.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">Enjoy!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">You can also double the rhubarb and omit the strawberries if your are like my hubby and a HUGE rhubarb fan!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 19.49652862548828px;">As soon as I get the first one of the season made, I will add photos!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-36681265326640512492012-12-19T10:40:00.001-05:002012-12-19T10:40:43.092-05:00Holiday Wish List<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Just a few things that have caught my eye this year:<br />
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A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E1WA7Q?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000E1WA7Q&linkCode=xm2&tag=keitsikeitri-20" target="_blank">Lodge Logic Reversible Griddle</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E1WA7Q?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000E1WA7Q&linkCode=xm2&tag=keitsikeitri-20" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.lodgemfg.com/images/productimages/grill_pans_griddles/LSRG3.jpg" /></a><br />
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A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EGA6QI?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000EGA6QI&linkCode=xm2&tag=keitsikeitri-20" target="_blank">Cuisinart Immersion Blender</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EGA6QI?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000EGA6QI&linkCode=xm2&tag=keitsikeitri-20" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31MDJZQP5XL._SY355_.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GTR2F6?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000GTR2F6&linkCode=xm2&tag=keitsikeitri-20" target="_blank">Keurig B70 Platinum Brewer</a> (we have one of the first Keurig Brewers, which was fine when it was just me drinking coffee, but the Hubby has recently began drinking three to four cups per day . . . and my water reservoir is too small for both of us.)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GTR2F6?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000GTR2F6&linkCode=xm2&tag=keitsikeitri-20" target="_blank"><img alt="Keurig® Platinum Plus Brewing System" src="http://www.keurig.com/Content/ProdImages/KRG-LG-B79.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MMNBO8?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B005MMNBO8&linkCode=xm2&tag=keitsikeitri-20" target="_blank">KitchenAid Food Processor</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MMNBO8?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B005MMNBO8&linkCode=xm2&tag=keitsikeitri-20" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51iHnyxj9FL._SY355_.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N501BK?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000N501BK&linkCode=xm2&tag=keitsikeitri-20" target="_blank">Lodge Logic Dutch Oven</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N501BK?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000N501BK&linkCode=xm2&tag=keitsikeitri-20" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41rbpv-CwFL._SX355_.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008M4K5MY?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B008M4K5MY&linkCode=xm2&tag=keitsikeitri-20" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008M4K5MY?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B008M4K5MY&linkCode=xm2&tag=keitsikeitri-20" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91opqGu0s4L._SL1500_.jpg" /></a><br />
So, what is catching your eye this season?<br />
Happy Holidays all!!!</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-87727635440793907642012-12-18T18:48:00.001-05:002012-12-18T18:48:47.025-05:00Non-Stick Pizza?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Do you make pizzas, even frozen pizzas, at home?<br />
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Have you sprayed you pizza pans with non-stick spray before putting the pie on it?<br />
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Or is it just me? Figures.<br />
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Well, I have and the spray seems to make the crust brown too much. <br />
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So I took a twist on what the pizza parlor down the street from where I grew up (and I'm pretty sure most do) do to keep their fresh pies from sticking. Corn Meal!! Well, in my house polenta, because I have a ton on hand and I'm the only one who likes polenta, grits or other corn meal-esque meals.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlXK6k1gJN9IAzb3mqgyT9btyPhN_oztyrR7ktMdsyVbn2vDP5KJaIaCKVctJSn57MjywO8VizyTA5TdjRIwrll__0ljc4-bSnW26NOfxuAnzQp5iDdvYsIYYWScwK0XeLPDHdRYK5D44/s1600/2012-12-07+20.24.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlXK6k1gJN9IAzb3mqgyT9btyPhN_oztyrR7ktMdsyVbn2vDP5KJaIaCKVctJSn57MjywO8VizyTA5TdjRIwrll__0ljc4-bSnW26NOfxuAnzQp5iDdvYsIYYWScwK0XeLPDHdRYK5D44/s320/2012-12-07+20.24.57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSIGqv3oebPgySZ2pNpMqAcs1HPWlPUZWyGNHNxJq_K9-sDaMAiMmus9fz4tK1dsKzVAAFWTUB4mU8YxkiupcKeoV6mY4juf25YNLyUnzCeoWj0rApzitV2zKypukGPUUkj39DVZRnCMU/s1600/2012-12-07+20.58.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSIGqv3oebPgySZ2pNpMqAcs1HPWlPUZWyGNHNxJq_K9-sDaMAiMmus9fz4tK1dsKzVAAFWTUB4mU8YxkiupcKeoV6mY4juf25YNLyUnzCeoWj0rApzitV2zKypukGPUUkj39DVZRnCMU/s320/2012-12-07+20.58.30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The corn meal keeps them from sticking, without affecting the crust in a negative fashion. And it makes cleaning up so easy! I just brush the leftover corn meal into my compost bucket, soap the pan up, rinse and set upside down on my oven rack to air dry!</div>
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And an aside, this also works with doughy dishes like my buffalo chicken roll, etc.</div>
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Oh, you should also use the ugliest seasoned pizza pans in the county! :)</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-40440385669531389172012-07-02T21:24:00.000-04:002012-07-02T21:24:29.411-04:00Fruit infused water . .I've been making some changed in my diet . . . mostly just moving closer to vegetarian/vegan . . .<br />
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I was a vegetarian for 10 years, then in 2001 after I had my gall bladder out my surgeon advised me to add 2 to 3 servings of lean chicken per week to get me enough protein so I could heal. I couldn't handle more than 12 grams of fat per day for at least 9 months post op.</div>
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Any who, for the last six months, I have been down to one soda per day max.</div>
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Last week, I cut out all soda. I've been on a fruit infused water kick . . . watermelon & lime, mixed berries, granny smith apple (not very strong, but it is there!) and clementine.</div>
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I was chopping up fruit last night and decided to try putting the mango pit in a Mason jar and cover with cool water. I can never get all of the pulp off of the stone. After I put it in the jar, I scraped the dickens out of it with the back of a fork.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWa0TNQQsE0sCY-PhI5wJLl_eIt951V2JFG3dBIMcVMr_-C15teEkbY_n8VM5C-Or-zyHjbzN9sTERTFcv5LOsghLlmUmbb3ZKHvq2mVuJw3oL6SDBcSgCw5HLyxvIne1-7RezTfN6kv-5/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWa0TNQQsE0sCY-PhI5wJLl_eIt951V2JFG3dBIMcVMr_-C15teEkbY_n8VM5C-Or-zyHjbzN9sTERTFcv5LOsghLlmUmbb3ZKHvq2mVuJw3oL6SDBcSgCw5HLyxvIne1-7RezTfN6kv-5/s320/photo.JPG" width="197" /></a></div>
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I let it sit overnight, remove the stone. Top off with more water and refrigerate . . .</div>
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Or, if you are anxious to get one going, like I was for my watermelon one this morning.</div>
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Fill a water bottle with Ice and pour the mixture over it. Cap and enjoy! Refrigerate any remaining amount.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-51666140944925698102012-06-23T17:41:00.001-04:002012-06-23T17:41:20.785-04:0039dollarglasses.com<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Two Fridays ago, my hubby and I had our eye appointments. Neither of us had had new glasses in many, many moons. For him it was ~5 years, for me it was more like 7. Ok, my frames were 7 years old and so was one of my lenses, but I had <b>1</b> lens swapped out 6 years ago. Since then. my prescription hadn't changed and my glasses were in fairly good shape.<br />
I snagged a copy of my prescription and went online for sunglasses. I had had a coupon for Coastal.com that would make them $25, plus $10 in shipping. It had expired. I had read several reviews online and seen videos on YouTube reviewing their service. When I went to purchase said glasses, they were like $70 with shipping. I just couldn't justify spending that without a little research.<br />
I found some glowing reviews from <a href="http://www.39dollarglasses.com/">www.39dollarglasses.com</a> so I went to check them out. I immediately found a <a href="http://www.39dollarglasses.com/sun-glasses/3616_Burgundy.html?lens_tint=GREY" target="_blank">pair</a> I liked. Shipping was reasonable, $5.95 USPS Priority and there was a coupon code for 10% off. Total Shipped was $50<br />
They come with UVA/UVB & Scratch Resistant coating and Resin Lenses. I have a pretty heft prescription (-2.50 (with prism for astigmatism) and -4.50) and I elected not to get polycarbonate. Would they have been lighter, yeah, but you can't tell how thick they are since they blend in rather well with the frames. Since they aren't for full time wear, I don't mind!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CKfN2Tdx0qAPMtFO59GQrdJuFLcfpKMhvS_MlRgZnPtYIBlx59LpGizun6aQNHjwVtsMGpODrmM8AO-vDEAdFmNdLmgDI-kFnvy-I2fpPDPjT8-GqK1VQMG0AmFsEuf7W0BBTeBxk-F8/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CKfN2Tdx0qAPMtFO59GQrdJuFLcfpKMhvS_MlRgZnPtYIBlx59LpGizun6aQNHjwVtsMGpODrmM8AO-vDEAdFmNdLmgDI-kFnvy-I2fpPDPjT8-GqK1VQMG0AmFsEuf7W0BBTeBxk-F8/s320/034.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The glasses come with an adjustment screwdriver for your keychain, a microfiber cleaning cloth, microfiber bag and hard clamshell case.</div>
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Please note that I have not been paid or offered merchandise by 39dollarglasses.com</div>
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Nor am I affiliated with them in anyway!</div>
<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-69223339330029395492012-06-01T23:52:00.000-04:002012-06-01T23:52:10.004-04:00Roasted Red Peppers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I cannot remember where I saw a tutorial on how to roast red peppers. Obviously, it was a cooking show, but I cannot remember if it was the Food Network or PBS . . . I've been doing it for over ten years. I've learned a few tricks along the way.<br />
Roasted Red Peppers (well, you can pretty much use the same technique to roast <i>ANY</i> pepper) are great on sandwiched, in pasta sauce, blended in with pesto . . . the list goes on and on!<br />
The summer before I got married we had a HUGE garden! Nom! I was cooking down tomatoes and roasting peppers all summer . . . saving the best ones for our wedding feast! Chicken scallopini and lasagna with homemade sauce, including roasted red peppers.<br />
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This is an awesome way to use sad, soft, wilting peppers. They can be stored in a jar, covered with olive oil, in the fridge and/or frozen. This week, I found some huge red peppers on sale at <a href="http://www.chuppasmarketplace.com/" target="_blank">Chuppa's</a> for $0.99 a lb. They were a little soft, but perfect for roasting!<br />
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Wash them, Cut in half and remove pith by pinching it away from the flesh. Rinse the inside of the peppers with cool water.</div>
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There were a couple of really firm chunks that I diced up for hubby's salad and as a snack for me! I <3 sweet red peppers!</div>
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You can easily roast peppers on the grill, in the oven under the broiler or [as I chose to do this week] in the toaster over under the broiler.</div>
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Roasting evenly can be tricky. I have found the best way is to cut them into chunks so the flattest surface is level with the broiler element/flame.</div>
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You want the skins to get blackened, this allows the steam to separate the skin from the flesh.</div>
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Getting there . . . . I found that if I stopped staring at them, I wasn't nearly as bored.</div>
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Perfect! Now, carefully remove them from the oven and plop them in a ziploc bag to sweat.<br />
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If you do it like I did, it will take several rounds, just keep adding peppers, zipping the bag shut in between. Sweating them allows them to cool and the skin loosens.<br />
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The skin should easily push away with a slip between your thumb and forefinger.<br />
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Perfecto!!! Now, if you're gonna use them right away, slice them up and put them in your pan, food processor, etc. I didn't have a use for them right away, so I put them in a Mason jar and topped it off with olive oil. The oil gets a nice smoky flavor. You can pour some out and dip bread in it . . . or whatever else tickles your fancy! Just remember to top the jar off.<br />
I peeled about half of them, but found the middle to still be really warm. So I sealed the bag back up and spread the chunks out in the bag (gallon size for the 3+ lbs I roasted last night) and set it on the counter to finish cooling off.<br />
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I saw a recipe on Pinterest for Grilled Goat Cheese, spinach and avocado sandwiches . . . I'm gonna add a little roasted red pepper too!<br />
Enjoy!!!!<br />
<span id="goog_1506298431"></span><span id="goog_1506298432"></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-77672381015588297832012-05-12T00:39:00.000-04:002012-05-12T00:39:09.008-04:00Mamma Chia!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am not new to the benefits of Chia Seeds, I've recently switched from Ground Flaxseed to Chia in my smoothies . . . . but ever since I read <a href="http://www.crunchybetty.com/chia-lookin-swell-baby" target="_blank">Chia Lookin' Swell</a> over at Crunchy Betty (Subscribe, she rocks and is very humorous!) whenever I look at one I giggle . . . *fairy eyes*<br />
My mom has had me using them from six months. They are a complete protein source (read: brain food!) and a balanced ratio of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Which my inflamed body can always use! <br />
Which I had not read before I started adding them to our morning oatmeal . . .but really helps explain my 10 year old stepson's reaction to them. Of course, he didn't notice that I had been adding them to his oatmeal for at least a week. <br />
<br />
I had to run to the East side of town today for an account, so I stopped at Pet People for rat food. Our rats are picky, they refuse to eat anything but <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GABM1K?ie=UTF8&tag=keitsikeitri-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000GABM1K" target="_blank">Oxbow Regal Rat Food</a>. I've tried, they choose to redecorate with any other food. I think if it would fit through the bars of their <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001VJ0APE?ie=UTF8&tag=keitsikeitri-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001VJ0APE" target="_blank">cage</a>, they would throw anything else back at me. Seriously, they are awesome pets! They will be a year old in a couple of weeks!<br />
<br />
Whenever I stop there, I park in between Pet People and Whole Foods and hit two birds with one stone. (Which reminds me, I forgot to grab more Chia Seeds! Oops!)<br />
<br />
Anywho, I grabbed a snack for on the way home. Cut fresh mango and a bottle of Mamma Chia. I decided on the Coconut Mango! Yum!!! <a href="http://www.mammachia.com/coupons" target="_blank">Click Here for a Coupon</a><br />
<br />It is a juice drink, lightly sweetened with agave and it has a serving of Chia Seeds in it. It is delicious! However, it was also $3. Yipes!<br />
<br />
It got me to thinking that I can make something very similar, using stuff I regularly keep on hand.<br />
So, I washed the bottle out and put a tablespoon of Chia Seeds in it. Added about 4 ounces of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001KUSITY?ie=UTF8&tag=keitsikeitri-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001KUSITY" target="_blank">Lakewood Organic Tart Cherry Juice</a>, a teaspoon of raw honey and topped off the 10 Ounce Bottle with filtered water.<br />
If you've heard the Buzz about <a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/sleep-doctor-sleep-slim-smoothie" target="_blank">Tart Cherry Juice from Dr. Oz</a>. Tart Cherry Juice is a good source of melatonin. When I can find them, I buy bags of frozen tart cherries and make a smoothie with them and a scoop of vanilla whey protein powder. Since I need to take my immunosuppressants with food, this helps protect my tummy and helps me sleep.<br />
<br />
Anyway, my DIY Chia Drink was delicious!<br />
When I'm on the West Side tomorrow, I'll stop at Earth Fare and see if they have <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032JKWGI?ie=UTF8&tag=keitsikeitri-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0032JKWGI" target="_blank">Organic Tart Cherry Concentrate</a>. So I can mix up my own, as $4.50 a bottle is a bit steep . . .<br />
I'll take a pic of my drink tomorrow and <a href="http://pinterest.com/kpsimplekpright/keep-it-simple-keep-it-right/" target="_blank">Pin it!</a><br />
Sweet Dreams Folks! Let me know how you like this drink. Or if you have any other recipes! I'd love to hear . . . This would probably be really good with Tamarind Nectar (If anyone knows of a brand WITHOUT high fructose corn syrup, PLEASE let me know!) . . . .a la <i>Agua Fresca</i> . . . yum!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-45075718482310893432012-04-28T18:32:00.000-04:002012-04-28T18:32:00.541-04:00Finally A Calculator that I can use on Standardized tests . . .<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, as you know, I am a full time student at Cleveland State University.<br />
Last year (2010-2011) I was taking classes at Cuyahoga Community College. One of my classes required a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001EMM0G?ie=UTF8&tag=keitsikeitri-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0001EMM0G" target="_blank">TI-84</a>, which is a great calculator, but since it is programmable it is not approved for standardized tests. I recall, in high school, when we needed a TI-81, we learned really early on that you could store info in it . . . Portable cheat sheet . . .<br />
<br />
I have ordered several calculators this semester, trying to find one that did everything I needed, but was standardized test approved. Finally I found a winner, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NBZB2Y?ie=UTF8&tag=keitsikeitri-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B004NBZB2Y" target="_blank">TI 36X Pro</a> . . . .<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This baby even has a quadratic function . . . which saves a LOT of potential error and TIME!<br />
So, please learn from my disdain! This calculator does all of the basic functions of a TI-84 and then some! And, at Amazon, it is Prime eligible! <br />
I highly recommend a Prime Student account to any and all students . . .Free shipping, during special events free 1 day or 2 day shipping, Streaming Video online (ours goes through our Blu-ray Player), all for one annual fee . . . (No, I don't get anything for that recommendation, I'm just trying to save you some fundage! ;) )<br />
With all of these calculators, once I am done with them, my stepson will be ready for them . . .</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-29253614969034958662012-04-08T18:18:00.000-04:002012-04-08T18:18:32.689-04:00Easter Eggs . . . .<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Have you ever had farm fresh eggs?<br />
They are my absolute favorite . . .<br />
In honor of the holiday, I made eggs for my hubby yesterday morning (he adores farm fresh eggs), as a classmate had brought a few dozen in to share.<br />
<br />
Now, the eggs you buy at the store have been washed prior to packaging. <br />
<br />
However, farm fresh eggs are usually just wiped off, so as not to disturb the <a href="http://www.chickenkeepingsecrets.com/chicken-eggs/washing-chicken-eggs-with-soap-water/" target="_blank">bloom</a> (a protective coating on the egg shell). That doesn't mean you should wash your fresh eggs before you refrigerate them. Just wash them with cool water and soap right before use.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9xORJICUgQw6C4-56xv5JTx9EQrsqnyhJGO_Zdsg9B4PVkcT4IqctuaKjqKeEWh7hJX8n7DvUckcoScmkB7WdQVByuki4VnfChJYW5LnFnNJTsK-ejlM4jmgLEhLSYc9ZePPNaNgr2nu/s1600/IMAG0093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9xORJICUgQw6C4-56xv5JTx9EQrsqnyhJGO_Zdsg9B4PVkcT4IqctuaKjqKeEWh7hJX8n7DvUckcoScmkB7WdQVByuki4VnfChJYW5LnFnNJTsK-ejlM4jmgLEhLSYc9ZePPNaNgr2nu/s320/IMAG0093.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> One thing you will notice about your eggs is that the yolks will be a brilliant yellow-orange. They whites will also be less runny.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwb8DmzKBVBYPGtL2k4Tqd050EfOWumhxShyphenhyphen-qxpJRD4gSh3TNPBuOmPFrp5ymFx5_Njq69XeKZS30tW-VsNxtillxzfC_zLVGm0VIjCPgG2Wgvd349jx3geI3A6bAs97ouDGflQWfmEv/s1600/IMAG0094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwb8DmzKBVBYPGtL2k4Tqd050EfOWumhxShyphenhyphen-qxpJRD4gSh3TNPBuOmPFrp5ymFx5_Njq69XeKZS30tW-VsNxtillxzfC_zLVGm0VIjCPgG2Wgvd349jx3geI3A6bAs97ouDGflQWfmEv/s320/IMAG0094.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> This egg was from my classmates' <a href="http://www.farmersalmanac.com/home-garden/2010/05/24/what-are-easter-egg-chickens/" target="_blank">"Easter Egg" Chicken</a>. Instead of a white shell, it has a bluish tint! I thought it was perfect for this weekend!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNoZXS4fh0DEUemOqE8xT9NEkUBbXixLBFsCO0UBvYn_FPrd5-lyJtPsAQDVDTUZ8hmZ83L5CAmnB5qmQmfuEnC_btbRE99qLDKHuMoZBroTNwq1YsJNcphh4hbPejgPvQiDtiJln9GDc/s1600/IMAG0095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNoZXS4fh0DEUemOqE8xT9NEkUBbXixLBFsCO0UBvYn_FPrd5-lyJtPsAQDVDTUZ8hmZ83L5CAmnB5qmQmfuEnC_btbRE99qLDKHuMoZBroTNwq1YsJNcphh4hbPejgPvQiDtiJln9GDc/s320/IMAG0095.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>If you have never had farm fresh eggs, I highly recommend them! Check out this post from <a href="http://www.simplebites.net/the-beauty-of-farm-fresh-eggs-and-how-to-source-them/" target="_blank">Simple Bites</a> about how to find fresh eggs in your area!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-81738548424105560012012-03-13T15:15:00.001-04:002012-03-13T15:17:54.407-04:00Buffalo Sauce<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A friend asked me to write down my "Buffalo Sauce" recipe for her.<br />
<br />
So, I thought I'd share it with all of you as well. Warning, it isn't for those on a "low fat" or "low sodium" diet . . . . which is probably why I only make it on special occasions. It's super easy.<br />
Here's what you'll need:<br />
1 to 1 1/2 cups (or to taste) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001004CV2?ie=UTF8&tag=keitsikeitri-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001004CV2" target="_blank">Hot Pepper Sauce</a> (Frank's or Red Devil work well)<br />
4 Tbsp Butter (Unsalted if you like)<br />
2 to 3 Tbsp Blue Cheese Crumbles <br />
Ground White Pepper, to taste.<br />
<br />
Now, if you don't like Blue Cheese, hear me out . . . You really cannot taste it, but it provides a fuller flavor. My husband adores this sauce, but if I am out of Blue Cheese, "It's Missing something!" He's not a blue cheese kinda guy!<br />
<br />
Melt Butter on low.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2WKkdLST57YBp3PSGsHJ0BsQKQjJgAw9ny2b3f7d9pZDTtSR6Fikf54kD-9JsIlY_QrliHVX9JgyQRfQoEpovN3gFqLOaFILLyY5yoDEPlZN6zHVts9L6dLUaCFIWeE5EhQD1Lget8n_/s1600/IMAG1950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2WKkdLST57YBp3PSGsHJ0BsQKQjJgAw9ny2b3f7d9pZDTtSR6Fikf54kD-9JsIlY_QrliHVX9JgyQRfQoEpovN3gFqLOaFILLyY5yoDEPlZN6zHVts9L6dLUaCFIWeE5EhQD1Lget8n_/s320/IMAG1950.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
Add Pepper Sauce. Stir. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikH1u8zcA8xohDPfk5lOQxWy96-ADiCesQUlANempgsMR1B4BPp1GXRWSu57UmzeSaw7nIZMD0qiqJ4WEEczUBPOTMlb2bh06I-cKw8DZWkurQ8t125ZXTxX4LHkViCNuMKvSZJOULam3O/s1600/IMAG1951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikH1u8zcA8xohDPfk5lOQxWy96-ADiCesQUlANempgsMR1B4BPp1GXRWSu57UmzeSaw7nIZMD0qiqJ4WEEczUBPOTMlb2bh06I-cKw8DZWkurQ8t125ZXTxX4LHkViCNuMKvSZJOULam3O/s320/IMAG1951.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Add Blue Cheese, stirring until thoroughly melted and combined. <i>Dang it! I forgot to take a pic before stirring.</i> Can you see how it looks creamier?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTX74qvpiYjaWEx0hzP_JYouOB6E9-Y5ZhyphenhyphenZlWVBOoCkOLVoE6aVfY341B620S0lYV4yIpFcqbherYCVJW3iqrEGBy7fLSwlr219gamDZGQOsYXbNHNSSqIMru3eBOSPuOluUbuxqWCs0/s1600/IMAG1952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTX74qvpiYjaWEx0hzP_JYouOB6E9-Y5ZhyphenhyphenZlWVBOoCkOLVoE6aVfY341B620S0lYV4yIpFcqbherYCVJW3iqrEGBy7fLSwlr219gamDZGQOsYXbNHNSSqIMru3eBOSPuOluUbuxqWCs0/s320/IMAG1952.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Add White Pepper.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3t7_xSZThzaCTKuWcuXnf2uYJz7-t4PNOesF84jsbOcVg9LmviVxFEZM4Y-whZOfCs53Ho9xxKZv7Xd2rUlgN4WtkTKMEktgUEc8Lq6-cGNgQCFOuIGpBPhHbvaM3FveTyT1BdUfOHlEb/s1600/IMAG1953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3t7_xSZThzaCTKuWcuXnf2uYJz7-t4PNOesF84jsbOcVg9LmviVxFEZM4Y-whZOfCs53Ho9xxKZv7Xd2rUlgN4WtkTKMEktgUEc8Lq6-cGNgQCFOuIGpBPhHbvaM3FveTyT1BdUfOHlEb/s320/IMAG1953.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
Allow to simmer on low for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.<br />
<br />
Voila! It takes about 30 minutes and you can make buffalo wings in the comfort of your own home.<br />
<br />
You can put this in a jar and store it in the fridge.<br />
<br />
Obviously, you can toss wings in it.<br />
More often, I place boneless/skinless Chicken in a Baking dish, cover with sauce and bake until cooked through.<br />
It is also great to make "loaded fries" with . . .<br />
<br />
Oven bake fries, place on a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007D813S?ie=UTF8&tag=keitsikeitri-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0007D813S" target="_blank">platter</a>, layer with shredded cheese (cheddar) and drizzle with Buffalo Sauce. Garnish with green onions if you choose. Serve with a side of Blue cheese dressing. Great for a Super Bowl Party!<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-77984227135901550562012-03-09T23:26:00.000-05:002012-03-09T23:26:44.107-05:00Would you help my friend . . . .<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">If you are on Facebook, please check out the following:<br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody">"We're trying to win a contest that will help us pay for the rest of our wedding. Anyone that has ever had to pay for anything for a wedding let alone a wedding themselves should know what I mean. This should be the link: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/davidsbridal?v=app_166505043464802&app_data=action%3Dcontest_view_entry%26id%3D1982821" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/davidsbridal?v=app_166505043464802&app_data=action%3Dcontest_view_entry%26id%3D1982821</a><br />
<br />
If it doesn't bring you to the "Share your love" contest please log on to Facebook and go to David's Bridal: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/davidsbridal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/davidsbridal</a><br />
<br />
Then click on the tab that says "VOTE NOW: Share Your Love. We are on page 150 with the name Jessica. You can vote once daily. <br />
<br />
Sharing this amongst your friends would be much appreciated also!"</span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody"> </span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody"><span style="font-size: small;">I am helping Jessica by making customized accents for her wedding:</span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody"><span style="font-size: small;">Card Box: </span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody"><span style="font-size: small;">https://apps.facebook.com/offerpop/Contest.psp?c=73108&u=14756&a=254553244581393&p=7884763294&v=Entry&id=238685&rest=1</span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody"><span style="font-size: small;">Guest Book:</span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody"><span style="font-size: small;">https://apps.facebook.com/offerpop/Contest.psp?c=73108&u=14756&a=254553244581393&p=7884763294&v=Entry&id=238685&rest=1</span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks in advance folks! </span> </span></h6></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-71219881114480824102012-02-28T17:49:00.001-05:002012-02-28T17:52:20.225-05:00Storing the other half of that large onion . . . .If you're like me, you don't always use the whole large onion in the same recipe. So what to do?<br />
You could put it in a ziploc bag and place it back in the fridge, where it may get lost and turn into a creepy, gooey, bluish mass . . . <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011ZVAR0?ie=UTF8&tag=keitsikeitri-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0011ZVAR0" target="_blank">Tupperware made these cool containers</a> specifically for this purpose that my mom has. It hangs below the shelf of your fridge, where you can see it!<br />
<br />
I don't have room in my tiny kitchen for extra containers (appliances, etc) with only one use.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFxU9YwfzArbDCY4evWCPcMAmNwz7NiJ0wnIuwbClDuRwkMbeQ0UILchmZkhPl_e40BmP3bzWpV_R27JUoLv8-aTOyPntSTWvqqj1sOgCwE1Z6aeU5dM8Zx32zRvhIsD_BYppEGayblP6/s1600/IMAG1871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFxU9YwfzArbDCY4evWCPcMAmNwz7NiJ0wnIuwbClDuRwkMbeQ0UILchmZkhPl_e40BmP3bzWpV_R27JUoLv8-aTOyPntSTWvqqj1sOgCwE1Z6aeU5dM8Zx32zRvhIsD_BYppEGayblP6/s320/IMAG1871.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>I decided to use an idea for making smoothies, etc that I saw on Pinterest a while back. I popped the onion that I was going to use into a mason jar,, placed my blender base on it and blended.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHFcvTgGsdkWbLFC1q_JdLx-zC1xzULCPAMw-JX25ElshyvhCmXRPjfhXOsaTrYuMg4mB_lgqOAOAmvEUJbj7w1qgXkTrZpvzWeHfu6VSB-iXfcd1oW4-ThQVUSfvn1AODTB8LQAEJM7S/s1600/IMAG1872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHFcvTgGsdkWbLFC1q_JdLx-zC1xzULCPAMw-JX25ElshyvhCmXRPjfhXOsaTrYuMg4mB_lgqOAOAmvEUJbj7w1qgXkTrZpvzWeHfu6VSB-iXfcd1oW4-ThQVUSfvn1AODTB8LQAEJM7S/s320/IMAG1872.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I chose to puree it . . . it is going in soup and I didn't have time to sautee it this morning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywLJIdeLQwQE3nRFsUQVN-6QGbFWnw8KvaK1fglTwL7VC82LVhPi5WcSo2jFAAnAddu3XqY_7Y41R7rsrbXAWT5bWw_ewR7D9kyDGa7xQ-Cs06lIhl0AByiTBYyzZwqjB_bziiMd_Qon-/s1600/IMAG1873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywLJIdeLQwQE3nRFsUQVN-6QGbFWnw8KvaK1fglTwL7VC82LVhPi5WcSo2jFAAnAddu3XqY_7Y41R7rsrbXAWT5bWw_ewR7D9kyDGa7xQ-Cs06lIhl0AByiTBYyzZwqjB_bziiMd_Qon-/s320/IMAG1873.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>You could easily use a larger, small mouthed jar and chop it with your blender.<br />
<br />
I flipped it over, wiped the rim, placed and lid & ring on top and set it in the fridge for later this week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrad7JYH5-qgif68QIp3zUkHLcG9WVWFsxjjqna6XvOUo74oH68IkI9S7KZzqe8Vpn7vL_kjgdfuHKlnP4SIuYJgb6xfA9bh1J64AniHmV0s2dwoL2DspMHXQ3wor9r2bPoJYTpjwcJtj/s1600/IMAG1874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrad7JYH5-qgif68QIp3zUkHLcG9WVWFsxjjqna6XvOUo74oH68IkI9S7KZzqe8Vpn7vL_kjgdfuHKlnP4SIuYJgb6xfA9bh1J64AniHmV0s2dwoL2DspMHXQ3wor9r2bPoJYTpjwcJtj/s320/IMAG1874.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-8251095969560672692012-02-26T20:03:00.000-05:002012-02-26T20:03:26.599-05:00Sponge Sanitation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgJMSI_RMj5DpkxH88PBdrHL2_y3mvkOF4ojgUCn40tSj1URqyUKeUhFu6t12DwqKtBu1QnxqS2p9niGRm6Pzgm7xLlLTk3AQgHKokqJ8fd08NXD24qMQSuEpneX43d1Iv0mp4SCELiYH/s1600/IMAG1822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgJMSI_RMj5DpkxH88PBdrHL2_y3mvkOF4ojgUCn40tSj1URqyUKeUhFu6t12DwqKtBu1QnxqS2p9niGRm6Pzgm7xLlLTk3AQgHKokqJ8fd08NXD24qMQSuEpneX43d1Iv0mp4SCELiYH/s320/IMAG1822.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A month or so ago, my beloved dishwasher died . . . or at least its $500+ control panel did. It has now been re-purposed as an extra large drying rack.<br />
Since all of our dishes are now washed by hand, we have the lovely task of keeping kitchen sponges clean and stink free.<br />
Previously, prior to my dishwasher dying, I would throw one on the dishwasher with each cycle. Rotating, so one was always fresh.<br />
<br />
Now that I no longer have that luxury, at the end of every wash session I throw one in the microwave for a minute and thirty seconds. Making sure that it is thoroughly saturated and slightly soapy. If it is too dry, it will burn . . . alas, I know this from experience.<br />
<br />
My mom turned me on to this technique when I was in college. Circa 1997/1998, when the only way we had to clean our dishes wash the teeny tiny sink in our dorm room. The first time my roommates and I tried this, the sponge was not wet enough, it was winter and our 6th floor dorm room (on the side of a mountain) wreaked of "burn sponge" (so did the rest of the floor .. . . oops). We had the windows open for a few days, only closing them at night.<br />
<br />
Another plus to this is, once you've nuked the sponge and let it cool for a minute or two, you can also use it to scrub the inside of the microwave. The steam will have softened any particles or over flow. . . .</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-34852067966563097762012-02-21T22:05:00.000-05:002012-02-21T22:05:09.973-05:00Homemade Mac n Cheese<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Sorry I am a day late!<br />
I was running late, so I purchased pre-shredded cheese . . . it simply melts quicker . . .<br />
Start pasta water, salted, about the same time that you start melting butter. <br />
<br />
4 Tbsp of butter<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAeTw51u6f7ULpcOhTW0gmdydcumL2XpBSdWGOdNSEle9HSgbCFtYixwfBYhXIBNKh8yslXTmmwv385xuluNulFhMrnmg0ADOIfp7GNTib8MngLHIqULqtrh-_XAo1jBbVZloY5Ki2pjg/s1600/IMAG1801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAeTw51u6f7ULpcOhTW0gmdydcumL2XpBSdWGOdNSEle9HSgbCFtYixwfBYhXIBNKh8yslXTmmwv385xuluNulFhMrnmg0ADOIfp7GNTib8MngLHIqULqtrh-_XAo1jBbVZloY5Ki2pjg/s320/IMAG1801.jpg" width="191" /></a></div> Melt butter on low heat<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApbJtU5AsgnkRfpmEwKLS0fXrHD9dvhPwTTlwT9UruS5_YI9Bq6JW8Pmh8CTbmnFwg7c5D_dIRWyIzHzL4m2chn7n0AnhComZFyj92N22JPtSptvSlY4fKntg2GhFR4XmLeBo_tPfCTgM/s1600/IMAG1802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApbJtU5AsgnkRfpmEwKLS0fXrHD9dvhPwTTlwT9UruS5_YI9Bq6JW8Pmh8CTbmnFwg7c5D_dIRWyIzHzL4m2chn7n0AnhComZFyj92N22JPtSptvSlY4fKntg2GhFR4XmLeBo_tPfCTgM/s320/IMAG1802.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>Add 4 Tbsp of Unbleached white flour<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGT51kdkG9xNDKTkUInHeSksxMIpDTCA8zB9P65p2tybFCtTGc8Dr_vigaBXa68iIWQKKJGwexeDyv06AX4AfeasmgKn1g4Wg1cKQF6vzCcnGwGXb7lxZjHL8a6Vu9uELZqrtxy1PKgdBP/s1600/IMAG1805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGT51kdkG9xNDKTkUInHeSksxMIpDTCA8zB9P65p2tybFCtTGc8Dr_vigaBXa68iIWQKKJGwexeDyv06AX4AfeasmgKn1g4Wg1cKQF6vzCcnGwGXb7lxZjHL8a6Vu9uELZqrtxy1PKgdBP/s320/IMAG1805.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Stir, allow the flour to absorb the butter. You will need to keep it warm on low. (If you add too much flour, your sauce will be kinda grainy). Stir until clumped up. Grab a whisk and your milk.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5Fuipy_M6nJCYcY9K2AScTxodIZUM6K4mTfvHPI_yeutRdxWyJS6tT5JCFqHz6T_lvpktIJPUkn7mVx4WX1FAOeBJ6XywmiDpyUUIyULxpkdqwE_fHjOhcvOYVmkonCaTOlGF74H9pps/s1600/IMAG1808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5Fuipy_M6nJCYcY9K2AScTxodIZUM6K4mTfvHPI_yeutRdxWyJS6tT5JCFqHz6T_lvpktIJPUkn7mVx4WX1FAOeBJ6XywmiDpyUUIyULxpkdqwE_fHjOhcvOYVmkonCaTOlGF74H9pps/s320/IMAG1808.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAzeeQotxmWaxlz493CJZNEsGIppVBe-EB8OrZKq1Oh7WxLHnTCQpmsl6tuB1-7XRJxzaGl31tw2KZi84ew8REBsqUsBuS02ILTv_XLyq5w_yGiqRnLEjnEtrG5UjYKd1XmA_u4tMlcKX/s1600/IMAG1809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAzeeQotxmWaxlz493CJZNEsGIppVBe-EB8OrZKq1Oh7WxLHnTCQpmsl6tuB1-7XRJxzaGl31tw2KZi84ew8REBsqUsBuS02ILTv_XLyq5w_yGiqRnLEjnEtrG5UjYKd1XmA_u4tMlcKX/s320/IMAG1809.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ItiZM2EH6cWOsBqqSQWODb9DTWAED9V2dZuK3db2UCYec4oWZc4RozCyzlbfhLeBTKbx5dJI3MICXpxl80iLlpNug51vzzV-JSwFaLhZwRwbv4nSHnh3E7kQyVH5PMCnAo8o9zkIMENJ/s1600/IMAG1810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ItiZM2EH6cWOsBqqSQWODb9DTWAED9V2dZuK3db2UCYec4oWZc4RozCyzlbfhLeBTKbx5dJI3MICXpxl80iLlpNug51vzzV-JSwFaLhZwRwbv4nSHnh3E7kQyVH5PMCnAo8o9zkIMENJ/s320/IMAG1810.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>Add 3 cups of milk. Whisk milk and roux (your flour and butter mixture), until smooth and milk steams slightly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-v-HbbV-Ii8vBbbroU6BCTM4bD5HbIkIvRfxXqBrQOG9NS_STJyEpcMXUkJ2MK4JhuZB5QkYGr_04Xengcc2LNQOoJIgk3INV_WMYWd5vGr4_b5vc9cO912h0lvqpMrhJR4AcewHgOcNF/s1600/IMAG1811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-v-HbbV-Ii8vBbbroU6BCTM4bD5HbIkIvRfxXqBrQOG9NS_STJyEpcMXUkJ2MK4JhuZB5QkYGr_04Xengcc2LNQOoJIgk3INV_WMYWd5vGr4_b5vc9cO912h0lvqpMrhJR4AcewHgOcNF/s320/IMAG1811.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTEiD4FuYL7RpPgBihIYQBPQh5hfSw56K5vGnUVoyaP7QENLRm6m83U1M9v6zOQQPI-F6uH4HUPdNbuYKuH1qbn4RoO7pvkSLwEp7ZDuS4yxTsmLEGzoNiOw-FoG2pHhTcTjLv-IyYWDs/s1600/IMAG1812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTEiD4FuYL7RpPgBihIYQBPQh5hfSw56K5vGnUVoyaP7QENLRm6m83U1M9v6zOQQPI-F6uH4HUPdNbuYKuH1qbn4RoO7pvkSLwEp7ZDuS4yxTsmLEGzoNiOw-FoG2pHhTcTjLv-IyYWDs/s320/IMAG1812.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA6z6H1ZDEK0CA89yBnt6GOt0vWUDmY9y-4h_L_HVajSSpwmOKMXwiC0HAGaxp5WRicbds6FBQmAj77GpnC9BtrQKoAgZpWAu8huSkwEHmcCCnii-Vw5_gYsFzTf-d20B1Ky8Qi4hN9Jh/s1600/IMAG1813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA6z6H1ZDEK0CA89yBnt6GOt0vWUDmY9y-4h_L_HVajSSpwmOKMXwiC0HAGaxp5WRicbds6FBQmAj77GpnC9BtrQKoAgZpWAu8huSkwEHmcCCnii-Vw5_gYsFzTf-d20B1Ky8Qi4hN9Jh/s320/IMAG1813.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Add 4 to 5 cups of shredded cheese, 1 cup at a time, whisking as it melts. About halfway through 1 to 2 tsp (to taste) of brown mustard, ground pepper. Wait until cheese sauce is finished to salt, as your cheeses may be saltier than others.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AgnKFNtWnjl6VJLx6SsmO-l_eTXX7wraJG0yf9SuAQ4DYFFwXeYdRMl_5MUVfblaRI2xQlgMfvksA96U0MHPKAR2b_rnLokuc_yAqAygdBhmpWJoQus_HtO6Bg43xWZvyk_6DS2BeOCN/s1600/IMAG1814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AgnKFNtWnjl6VJLx6SsmO-l_eTXX7wraJG0yf9SuAQ4DYFFwXeYdRMl_5MUVfblaRI2xQlgMfvksA96U0MHPKAR2b_rnLokuc_yAqAygdBhmpWJoQus_HtO6Bg43xWZvyk_6DS2BeOCN/s320/IMAG1814.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAzzj7ODCNETyyLMMqaVYA3iqaFF5SU2nV3jfJgto9sQKzmUqFYSfVHU18ydFCuIGru8Hlid2a5rJSIin2o_USYJ4XaNXuBFEk0RE0_vARoBqT0ALBPww0y3GUhr6oZoreqzthNAUtkHg/s1600/IMAG1815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAzzj7ODCNETyyLMMqaVYA3iqaFF5SU2nV3jfJgto9sQKzmUqFYSfVHU18ydFCuIGru8Hlid2a5rJSIin2o_USYJ4XaNXuBFEk0RE0_vARoBqT0ALBPww0y3GUhr6oZoreqzthNAUtkHg/s320/IMAG1815.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DHxCI1ff_Z1EhRLN1tOzyq17apnDoSVt968uzHgeXvdXe0dU_mfNdnridjgUr8bcuJaeDfccGF35lOlZRhJjxdzUZOiC1GYKI3Kk5qM3848Y4R2GPejOTqXY2iLY_xS74o38qtBXo8XJ/s1600/IMAG1817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DHxCI1ff_Z1EhRLN1tOzyq17apnDoSVt968uzHgeXvdXe0dU_mfNdnridjgUr8bcuJaeDfccGF35lOlZRhJjxdzUZOiC1GYKI3Kk5qM3848Y4R2GPejOTqXY2iLY_xS74o38qtBXo8XJ/s320/IMAG1817.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>Drain pasta when cooked and return to larger pot. Pour Sauce over. <b>Note:</b> The "shaped" pastas tend to hold cheese better.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3p8_ZE6pLeCcWbAxrDj7RZ6jmQlYL1qPhPQJGoe7z-RJPV3toyBrHVsbwyV3_DS2nMb0t-ahD1g9XgjR0D-8wxbivWZuI9HJ1_EmnniIOS6fmGFKeKvlLV-2PJEFpBYIOrRRIFI-ACpK-/s1600/IMAG1816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3p8_ZE6pLeCcWbAxrDj7RZ6jmQlYL1qPhPQJGoe7z-RJPV3toyBrHVsbwyV3_DS2nMb0t-ahD1g9XgjR0D-8wxbivWZuI9HJ1_EmnniIOS6fmGFKeKvlLV-2PJEFpBYIOrRRIFI-ACpK-/s320/IMAG1816.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpOc1MlFKkMYM90TIzeL7uP7G6Dt_eeJRCvLVIu9nmyDMrYEV_g29fj7C-iYoxcxkEC2x_5TVe_wBtT8czxDOEtXEaDHkJlbc3GzODOCRQnSWzpKuFAV-FVcE1u_Zq-8AcJ2BRJiS_rWf/s1600/IMAG1818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpOc1MlFKkMYM90TIzeL7uP7G6Dt_eeJRCvLVIu9nmyDMrYEV_g29fj7C-iYoxcxkEC2x_5TVe_wBtT8czxDOEtXEaDHkJlbc3GzODOCRQnSWzpKuFAV-FVcE1u_Zq-8AcJ2BRJiS_rWf/s320/IMAG1818.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Fold over with wide spoon or spatula.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaOT0ntygBZVrsQ4c0o6B90m2sbCELW3yPmemKOyvttAhyphenhyphen2YLMMg246AbeJendBhrhggIDAR2bPbojtVnUliw5MX3YZF280D5cwlKbgIlgMd9K26j-dVdhZJ0_EcaEcPKFxb_T9t7j9Zf/s1600/IMAG1819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaOT0ntygBZVrsQ4c0o6B90m2sbCELW3yPmemKOyvttAhyphenhyphen2YLMMg246AbeJendBhrhggIDAR2bPbojtVnUliw5MX3YZF280D5cwlKbgIlgMd9K26j-dVdhZJ0_EcaEcPKFxb_T9t7j9Zf/s320/IMAG1819.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EAzdwLMJqeLKzcs1VkvoGGvBZzG4kXKxSw2kNyEj-IxXjWV27c01pbam8rSUJo7aEcfpc2gOc9hFihUJ29UvgLFOQoJF5XgAJOCopJOHVBiFQnrLq1Y5KrsB0yUYInxszwIz4uA_Rp0x/s1600/IMAG1820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EAzdwLMJqeLKzcs1VkvoGGvBZzG4kXKxSw2kNyEj-IxXjWV27c01pbam8rSUJo7aEcfpc2gOc9hFihUJ29UvgLFOQoJF5XgAJOCopJOHVBiFQnrLq1Y5KrsB0yUYInxszwIz4uA_Rp0x/s320/IMAG1820.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
At this point, you can choose to bake it in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N4WMUE?ie=UTF8&tag=keitsikeitri-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000N4WMUE" target="_blank">cast iron dutch oven</a> or serve.<br />
Plate, salt to taste. Enjoy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CDeoj2tehofoXy8EjGRH2nZRsVfCsu0m1j2PtD9bEQPOLqrpm2KKtD5ErP1IfitgQCTEO6kissvAS698tx7Z581e5rw7-Nt35A5qfPTxRwh8wIPFMisz5rq9EfUCsvY9lKOe_ZG5rZFy/s1600/IMAG1821-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CDeoj2tehofoXy8EjGRH2nZRsVfCsu0m1j2PtD9bEQPOLqrpm2KKtD5ErP1IfitgQCTEO6kissvAS698tx7Z581e5rw7-Nt35A5qfPTxRwh8wIPFMisz5rq9EfUCsvY9lKOe_ZG5rZFy/s320/IMAG1821-1.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><br />
Enjoy this perfect "Fat Tuesday" dish! <br />
Since it is so calorically dense, this is a special occasion dish that I make once or twice a year. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-90534681443856899242012-02-17T21:50:00.000-05:002012-02-17T21:50:40.976-05:00Home Made Mac N Cheese<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Growing up, my mom made the best Homemade Mac N Cheese. She would send me down to the corner store to get a One Inch chunk of C.B. Sharp (Brand) & a One in Chunk of New Yorker (brand) American Cheese.<br />
<br />
After the Cheese sauce was made, she would mix it up with the cooked macaroni in a Cast Iron Dutch Oven (Check out the Cookware Section of: <a href="http://keepitsimplekeepitright.blogspot.com/p/products-i-recommend.html" target="_blank">Products I recommend</a>) and bake it. We used to fight over who got the crunchy, cheesy outer ring!<br />
<br />
Check back this week. Since Monday is a Holiday, I am off school. I will be making My Homemade Mac N Cheese.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to make it, here's what you will need:<br />
Unbleached white Flour<br />
Unsalted Butter (2 to 3 Tbsp)<br />
3- 8 oz chunks of cheese (I typically use sharp cheddar, extra sharp cheddar, fontina or Gouda; Or I buy 2 large flats of cheese chunks at Chuppa's)<br />
1 one pound box of pasta (macaroni or a curly type work best)<br />
Milk <br />
Brown Mustard<br />
Fresh Ground Pepper to taste. <br />
<br />
You don't have to bake it. My hubby and little man don't like it baked. So, I generally put leftovers in a Fiestaware bowl and bake it in the toaster oven the next day. Kinda like lasagna, this stuff reheats well.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-15588072146972842822012-02-16T08:13:00.000-05:002012-02-16T08:13:44.545-05:00Card Box for a Halloween Wedding Complete<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So yesterday, we lined the inside covers of the guest book with this really cool, stiff felt! Brought it all together!<br />
We also wrapped a paper mache box (You can find them in various sizes at most craft stores!).<br />
It looks super cute!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1as8CltQY3M368S9N0kqCxd-nWwTk3l6kaghCi1cYC9LCrRh29V9JdiRchMcGuPuJcsIPd7k5dZaKmRpYOXlSRd5BJTbHVjF2UNO88T-stR7D1gyKdW19vvbnTmDjAF8Q6y4N2YAxJnU/s1600/IMAG1770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1as8CltQY3M368S9N0kqCxd-nWwTk3l6kaghCi1cYC9LCrRh29V9JdiRchMcGuPuJcsIPd7k5dZaKmRpYOXlSRd5BJTbHVjF2UNO88T-stR7D1gyKdW19vvbnTmDjAF8Q6y4N2YAxJnU/s320/IMAG1770.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0FY3fKznsYrXxmo-SGWIegRZNMD3X0g3i1neI3VKRwzZM3aF65OKFnk0nhmGiYTbxyz4m5KHN-V7HMTCse-TIsMODjlDW95yEcbUDUYCI0pDXE1INQMBEhhYVDrOXqRIfrowYz5tOHA2/s1600/IMAG1771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0FY3fKznsYrXxmo-SGWIegRZNMD3X0g3i1neI3VKRwzZM3aF65OKFnk0nhmGiYTbxyz4m5KHN-V7HMTCse-TIsMODjlDW95yEcbUDUYCI0pDXE1INQMBEhhYVDrOXqRIfrowYz5tOHA2/s320/IMAG1771.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If I do say so myself!</div><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-2485169092751611402012-02-05T15:12:00.000-05:002012-02-05T15:12:10.779-05:00Tuna Melts with a TwistThis dish is inspired by Rachel Ray's <a href="http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/baked-jalapeno-poppers/" target="_blank">Baked Jalapeno Poppers</a> . . .<br />
<u>Tuna Salad</u><br />
2 cans chunk light tuna, drained<br />
1 Tbsp Spice Smuggler's Kitchen Herb<br />
Garlic salt, to taste<br />
2 Tbsp Pecorrino Romano<br />
2 Tbsp Parmesan<br />
3 Tbsp Light Mayo (I like Kraft's Light mayo made with olive oil)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgxf2wfWevBSdJachnCT0zUZ_pTi9HmrCummBPws4fTdxuYHnD8Ypc_v5ZSfr04Pwbkpp6_g15fL94_Ayw6vNE2hipShxmJIHJq3WJ-oSmdkYCJ63R_U0wZoperu3SAqSNWffYZEeli0T/s1600/IMAG1720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgxf2wfWevBSdJachnCT0zUZ_pTi9HmrCummBPws4fTdxuYHnD8Ypc_v5ZSfr04Pwbkpp6_g15fL94_Ayw6vNE2hipShxmJIHJq3WJ-oSmdkYCJ63R_U0wZoperu3SAqSNWffYZEeli0T/s320/IMAG1720.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
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Mix Well and set aside, to allow flavors to meld<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyFsmCT9QlFAzVUeWNaUYUOZ6qC94R1kPckGjevVY-Bh82dNxCLK3nUY99_lFMKDAsu8Xy3di-1raVf4_081Zbp3dKR_PkmhHJHDpZfWfSTek_2-tUyEQFet6XGfJnlE9KHvgSwfPCOHX/s1600/IMAG1721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyFsmCT9QlFAzVUeWNaUYUOZ6qC94R1kPckGjevVY-Bh82dNxCLK3nUY99_lFMKDAsu8Xy3di-1raVf4_081Zbp3dKR_PkmhHJHDpZfWfSTek_2-tUyEQFet6XGfJnlE9KHvgSwfPCOHX/s320/IMAG1721.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
If you do not have Spice Smuggler's Kitchen Herb, use oregano, garlic, ground pepper and onion powder to taste. It's not the same, but it is still yummy!<br />
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Pre-heat toaster oven to 300 degrees.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWisggqB4GLvAdyTMR0u9gzlXTuN67p1ZjfH5JQJWi7t5yKfL_HiEcHOs_qmhVAOpgmICCw5nTRROrrn1TqGyQHRR43ozyd-H6P4I759rn7-LeWqky0tAO63k4ANqZPnOBR87lY6uoEGku/s1600/IMAG1722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWisggqB4GLvAdyTMR0u9gzlXTuN67p1ZjfH5JQJWi7t5yKfL_HiEcHOs_qmhVAOpgmICCw5nTRROrrn1TqGyQHRR43ozyd-H6P4I759rn7-LeWqky0tAO63k4ANqZPnOBR87lY6uoEGku/s320/IMAG1722.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Wash peppers. Cut of stem ends, remove pith and seeds. Cut off a small portion from top to tip (about 1 cm high) to make boats. Save these strips to serve with the meal.<br />
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Line toaster oven pan with foil and spray with olive oil pan spray. <br />
Fill pepper "boats" with Tuna Salad.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDonFhE-jDy-oDoibFpswz6EOsUFvFTAcGXJWx9nqVjlhL2fVIMPO8QEcM0QuWmpV-y-WEok1zg1sQn4sRxyxYnUjd_-DtcT7v8tfOP84n8eJ0pO6VTaEVYa2odfvoKFlGI_5sTlR9-aSy/s1600/IMAG1723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDonFhE-jDy-oDoibFpswz6EOsUFvFTAcGXJWx9nqVjlhL2fVIMPO8QEcM0QuWmpV-y-WEok1zg1sQn4sRxyxYnUjd_-DtcT7v8tfOP84n8eJ0pO6VTaEVYa2odfvoKFlGI_5sTlR9-aSy/s320/IMAG1723.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
Place on pan. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until tuna is heated through.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BVWEgVmj6bdz1b9ugK9VIC6sNQiRjvvF6Q2Wl0wjWW4-GV9hZyrYUP7F-lL-DlOx9jNg8qaD9akt5tu1ze7VxwPRJFwMRyoF5_F9dz5fSOV2DX8AehczfYfaj1Xk2otvtXN4e_Atula6/s1600/IMAG1724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BVWEgVmj6bdz1b9ugK9VIC6sNQiRjvvF6Q2Wl0wjWW4-GV9hZyrYUP7F-lL-DlOx9jNg8qaD9akt5tu1ze7VxwPRJFwMRyoF5_F9dz5fSOV2DX8AehczfYfaj1Xk2otvtXN4e_Atula6/s320/IMAG1724.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, bake for another 5 minutes so cheese can melt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqb1TdBLfbePY5reT70VnuUt2KEeyr72GFw4Voo9u-g3AIL3Rw66FT_K4UErfmsigBMf0IdDBHsJNwKqtp5ZCNX83PP7Fi48h4-pRIDkl7eRd35JaVmCtocZ0aqqkLr6s6g4r3AqRubZHc/s1600/IMAG1725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqb1TdBLfbePY5reT70VnuUt2KEeyr72GFw4Voo9u-g3AIL3Rw66FT_K4UErfmsigBMf0IdDBHsJNwKqtp5ZCNX83PP7Fi48h4-pRIDkl7eRd35JaVmCtocZ0aqqkLr6s6g4r3AqRubZHc/s320/IMAG1725.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Sprinkle with a bit of garlic salt if desired.<br />
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Serve & Enjoy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQnC7vt3rN_al4OBMfpChwUZezPK0nfRF924Qg7pFAdGjBnKo2s_cgmpohJoVpMFjAWpcNJCOwBc_KMw1P-eSBuxQPR5gLpcw4eOAnqZpeyZ8Adei6F1rmWzaabXXBjb_Hgi6mvtKzXDr/s1600/IMAG1728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQnC7vt3rN_al4OBMfpChwUZezPK0nfRF924Qg7pFAdGjBnKo2s_cgmpohJoVpMFjAWpcNJCOwBc_KMw1P-eSBuxQPR5gLpcw4eOAnqZpeyZ8Adei6F1rmWzaabXXBjb_Hgi6mvtKzXDr/s320/IMAG1728.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-12102558982646258532012-02-05T12:57:00.000-05:002012-02-05T12:57:11.118-05:00Couponing at Target<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I keep hearing all of these crazy stories about people saving uber amounts of cash at the grocery checkout! So I asked some of my friends on Facebook, "What's up with that and how do I find out how to do this!??"<br />
<br />
They quickly turned me on to <a href="http://thekrazycouponlady.com/" target="_blank">The Krazy Coupon Lady</a><br />
<br />
I then found several other sites myself. I see a lot of these people serve nothing but processed food to their families, which is how they can feed a family of 5 for $80 a month. So, I am doing this, but not as extreme as some. I still buy fresh fruit and vegetables (supplementing with frozen as needed), but I am saving enough to pay for my pet food and produce!<br />
<br />
I have been shopping at Target for staple items since 2007. Let's be honest, they have good deals. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, we do not have a Super Target (like my cousins' in Philly) here in NEO. We do have an AMAZING family run market around the corner, awesome produce (local in season) at delicious prices, a deli counter, fresh baked bread and "butcher" section. Note: the owner's Mom makes THE best stuffed grape leaves I have ever had!<br />
<a href="http://www.chuppasmarketplace.com/" target="_blank">Chuppa's Marketplace</a><br />
<br />
As you know I make our yogurt, which saves us $20 a month. I also just got my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000064841?ie=UTF8&tag=chronically-inflamed-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000064841" target="_blank">Donvier Yogurt Cheese Maker</a>. Which makes homemade yogurt into a cream cheese like spread . . . delightful on english muffins, bagels and toast! <br />
<br />
<div style="color: purple;"><b>Target lets you use 1 manufacturer's coupon and 1 Target Web Coupon per item! They also give you $0.05 credit for each bag you bring! So bring those re-usable bags folks! </b>They are easy on your wallet & the environment!</div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div>So beforehand, I spend about 45 minutes clipping and matching up coupons, while making my list.<br />
Target also likes to match up their web coupons with weekly mail inserts ( RedPlum, Procter & Gamble and Smart Source) and Sunday paper inserts. So keep track of those! <br />
The Krazy Coupon Lady also gives pointers on coupon matching for many stores, including: CVS, Target and Walmart.<br />
This week alone, I saved $38 (a three month supply of my dog's food is $37.70 w/ tax when it is on sale) . . . .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6naIAPWBaRmBaq5lC0iNlbZADDw1mCobhkzwQJjjDHR-MmBw1KDPrqQi5egLJbTScJBjtSwl_P4UKfcGKSly4Y0AjdJ2TR9CqLWwLSibtZoAV_gBwVR91UZb8imkmitCAavPNoB4nq1So/s1600/Coupons+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6naIAPWBaRmBaq5lC0iNlbZADDw1mCobhkzwQJjjDHR-MmBw1KDPrqQi5egLJbTScJBjtSwl_P4UKfcGKSly4Y0AjdJ2TR9CqLWwLSibtZoAV_gBwVR91UZb8imkmitCAavPNoB4nq1So/s320/Coupons+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJ8uecy70VccQJfPc1GD4fSdwCZwP_ZHF22VRWo6a5fNnrrEpod42FhVE35O1tQnSLyu518sGYdqZFgzHN1zdfdqnvR9boIsHe5ADZ9avqoVIQbS82KPTE9TBOVBTVn_Cav3Btbbh8YXw/s1600/Coupons+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJ8uecy70VccQJfPc1GD4fSdwCZwP_ZHF22VRWo6a5fNnrrEpod42FhVE35O1tQnSLyu518sGYdqZFgzHN1zdfdqnvR9boIsHe5ADZ9avqoVIQbS82KPTE9TBOVBTVn_Cav3Btbbh8YXw/s320/Coupons+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Happy Couponing!<br />
Cheers! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-86799789668287048662012-02-05T12:10:00.000-05:002012-02-05T12:10:17.275-05:00Robeks-like smoothies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Inspired by a post in Pintrest, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/255438610084753303/" target="_blank">Jamba Recipes!</a>, I made my own smoothie this morning . . .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPk10UhKJXc-4KCrz0Cst6zgy3xG47XjcPOOvF0eV2Xzr9-5CB7YLtdYMV8ufjznd14OA4vIzsmiQcAbI72jHY2w5QcNg0aFmcEm1G4D4s7RcuKVqEda4EN8LQiVxmsVCb4_fIrReYX84/s1600/KSKR+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPk10UhKJXc-4KCrz0Cst6zgy3xG47XjcPOOvF0eV2Xzr9-5CB7YLtdYMV8ufjznd14OA4vIzsmiQcAbI72jHY2w5QcNg0aFmcEm1G4D4s7RcuKVqEda4EN8LQiVxmsVCb4_fIrReYX84/s320/KSKR+002.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I'd had 2 lbs of perfectly ripe bananas on my counter last week and sliced them up, placed them in ziploc bags and froze them. I also keep bags of organic frozen berries in the freezer for when I make Oatmeal in Mason Jars . . . The only thing I didn't have was the Enlighten Blend . . .<br />
<br />
One of my favorite smoothie shoppes is Robeks . . . or "lunch in a cup" as we used to say at work!<br />
<br />
So here's what I did, in a Mason Jar, yes a Mason Jar ( <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/237072367854395374/" target="_blank">Using Mason Jars on your Blender</a>):<br />
1/2 cup plain yogurt (my homemade of course)<br />
1 scoop Vanilla Whey Powder<br />
1 packet of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001185XUC?ie=UTF8&tag=keitsikeitri-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001185XUC" target="_blank">Acai Energy Powder</a><br />
1 Tbsp <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VXFJX6?ie=UTF8&tag=keitsikeitri-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B003VXFJX6" target="_blank">Chia Seeds</a>, organic (High in fiber and EFAs)<br />
1/2 cup of frozen berries (I had an open bag of mixed berries; blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries)<br />
1/2 cup of frozen banana<br />
<br />
About 1/4 cup of water.<br />
<br />
Placed blender base on mason jar & Voila!<br />
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Keep an eye out for a more detailed tutorial . . . these are going to become a staple for me!<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-19497507741739970012012-02-02T23:27:00.000-05:002012-02-02T23:27:10.961-05:00Slacking with my Soft Kitty!One of my favorite shows is Big Bang Theory . . . I've been feeling shitty most of the week . . . visited Urgent Care on Saturday, etc. . . .<br />
Needless to day, I haven't been very crafty lately . . . Although, I did manage 3 out of the four evening meals consumed this week . . . thanks to my trusty crock pot!<br />
Anywho, I am kicking back and watching our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W91RUG?ie=UTF8&tag=chronically-inflamed-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000W91RUG" target="_blank">BBT Season 1 DVD</a>s cuddling with my favorite "Soft Kitty and a heating pad . . .<br />
<br />
One of my favorite episodes is when Penny gets tricked into taking care of a Sick Sheldon . . . while applying Vaporub, he teaches her Soft Kitty . . . This is one of my favorite <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OCGIVE?ie=UTF8&tag=chronically-inflamed-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B005OCGIVE" target="_blank">shirts</a>, I picked it up at Amazon! <3<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjmw3BY7TiqMzwpmsAnu07b72Jopsy8RS2YKj0j8MNmaYnCF7ORFpt2lKTWuBkO1oYaZgnnMef4zHhHIMxqPProgo_Mff8PnUrzasaaRJkTr9WyTY6bR31BNTEI2l_8i4E8O3Xpbk_eM/s1600/41eHVr-ZXwL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjmw3BY7TiqMzwpmsAnu07b72Jopsy8RS2YKj0j8MNmaYnCF7ORFpt2lKTWuBkO1oYaZgnnMef4zHhHIMxqPProgo_Mff8PnUrzasaaRJkTr9WyTY6bR31BNTEI2l_8i4E8O3Xpbk_eM/s320/41eHVr-ZXwL.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-12146485410127203622012-01-25T22:22:00.000-05:002012-01-25T22:22:57.586-05:00Halloween Wedding ~ Guest Book and Cake Server<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So my friend and I spent a couple of hours working on her wedding items today.<br />
Previously, their wedding was a Renaissance theme (hence the corset strings on the guest book; making it quite unique to my favorite Off-Beat Bride!). However, when they had to change some plans and relocate the location, venue etc. they changed it up to Halloween theme! <br />
Keeping her privacy in mind, I will not divulge the location of this intimate joining of two hearts. However, it is the PERFECT place for Halloween themed nuptials.<br />
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So far, we have decorated the guest book and cake serving set.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5Pkzy1sA67yaNh6ylh5oi1fBDcncKD2eI8OJiSFcG8FD0rjbEv5zgsngHvgTxcCOEL_pDiRfrKMC1NUV2pZThjbsbJ9nI66tipMkNbDhBHDf2moWtNBSEYtR1DohUtZknzZ-12RlTaHK/s1600/IMAG1659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5Pkzy1sA67yaNh6ylh5oi1fBDcncKD2eI8OJiSFcG8FD0rjbEv5zgsngHvgTxcCOEL_pDiRfrKMC1NUV2pZThjbsbJ9nI66tipMkNbDhBHDf2moWtNBSEYtR1DohUtZknzZ-12RlTaHK/s320/IMAG1659.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The guest book was a blast to decorate. She purchased a generic guest book and we had a blast making it just right for she and her hubby-to-be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8dHbvBzg2d7nUvBNl7Kga_diiSa1mxUynUQC_4E6DAuGG3VgrzOMIpnKuuxPBuOp3bqqnyEAeksR2dGHhoOs4AuYWMqDtQf9DgViWkT_cNDQdH6tS23dxX61PzR3S1HZTA4HFhHpX_Tw/s1600/IMAG1663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8dHbvBzg2d7nUvBNl7Kga_diiSa1mxUynUQC_4E6DAuGG3VgrzOMIpnKuuxPBuOp3bqqnyEAeksR2dGHhoOs4AuYWMqDtQf9DgViWkT_cNDQdH6tS23dxX61PzR3S1HZTA4HFhHpX_Tw/s320/IMAG1663.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>Not wanting to go over board with pumpkin notions, we chose simplicity for the silver servers. She has a better picture, which I will post at a later date. However, the service will lay upon a bed of autumn leaves . . .<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-83477775836735898522012-01-25T09:58:00.000-05:002012-01-25T09:58:15.564-05:00New Camera?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So, I am looking to get a new camera for our business. While we could really benefit from a DSLR or even a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OGR1R0?ie=UTF8&tag=keitsikeitri-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B005OGR1R0" target="_blank">Nikon 1</a> . . . . they are a bit out of our budget . . .<br />
This is what I found for a stellar deal! Shoots video in 1080p and it is only $180!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=keitsikeitri-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B004M8SVFM&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-18009724620673830692012-01-23T12:10:00.000-05:002012-01-23T12:10:37.280-05:00Doh!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Ok, so this morning I set my water to boil for Irish Oatmeal.<br />
On our last trip to Trader Joe's I picked up, what I thought were, 2 boxes to refill my tin!<br />
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Folks Please Learn From My Mistake!<br />
McCann's has apparently added a new product to their line:<br />
Quick Cooking (aka Rolled) Oats<br />
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No longer can we just grab a box that say's McCann's and run. They look alike!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNLuUjsYsX7VS-6fRv7Fpen9oTK2fAMjMjPKVTL4w9673h6tztw72pCKQ_BTvT6Qz-OC4zGQpzc0lhLIt-RLB-xLsFypulRkgq9vxnkFmD8kz_BTPQyGEkFy4Mn2jJAMfz4ZlDRSO6AzB/s1600/IMAG1631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNLuUjsYsX7VS-6fRv7Fpen9oTK2fAMjMjPKVTL4w9673h6tztw72pCKQ_BTvT6Qz-OC4zGQpzc0lhLIt-RLB-xLsFypulRkgq9vxnkFmD8kz_BTPQyGEkFy4Mn2jJAMfz4ZlDRSO6AzB/s320/IMAG1631.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq3CXJOW44e9cJbwFkVWUlzlxsUEso54D4Pqz4u_CVZxJEbb6L2RZY907m-g-YfJR9tMLZBpJ5CfcNAJ-ggzzYIpKcZyGssAHnum395EA3waPqRJWeUAVgGfz0W84scKrGJL1EQv09vI9/s1600/IMAG1632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq3CXJOW44e9cJbwFkVWUlzlxsUEso54D4Pqz4u_CVZxJEbb6L2RZY907m-g-YfJR9tMLZBpJ5CfcNAJ-ggzzYIpKcZyGssAHnum395EA3waPqRJWeUAVgGfz0W84scKrGJL1EQv09vI9/s320/IMAG1632.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Fortunately, these will not go to waste in my home. Hubby prefers rolled oats to steel cut oats!<br />
I will be picking up <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E5E3UI?ie=UTF8&tag=keitsikeitri-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001E5E3UI" target="_blank">these</a> on my next shopping trip.<br />
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So, this week, my oatmeal will be 3/4 steel cut 1/4 rolled oats with berries and sliced, toasted almonds AND Fresh Yogurt!<br />
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</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876997708248721656.post-57842919011220370562012-01-22T13:04:00.000-05:002012-01-22T13:04:50.775-05:00K-Cup Storage in an uber-small kitchen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I {heart} my Keurig. What I don't {heart} are the boxes of K-Cups that take up my precious counter space.<br />
I have already used these fun storage pieces in my bedroom (for storage of body sprays and lotion) and used to keep one in my bathroom before my glorious hubby renovated it.<br />
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In the bathroom, they are great for hair ties/scrunchies, hair brushes, deodorant, etc. Anything to keep from wasting precious counter space in a tiny bungalow.<br />
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I have no excuse for why it took me SO long to use one in my kitchen? However, I'm gonna go with Brain Fog from my autoimmune condition . . . Yea, lets use that! Those damn cytokines are flooding my body making me feel crappy and exhausted!<br />
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So, I already use LED holiday lights to illuminate my kitchen after dark. Therefore, I already had a plethora of cup hooks up. However, if you don't have a cup hook up, they are really easy to install.<br />
I got a box of like 30, at Lowe's. I also use them to hang measuring cups, spoons and other kitchen utensils under my cabinets (More on that in another post). They are self tapping, but if you have hardwood cabinets, it is probably best to drill a tiny pilot hole. Once started, they just twist right in.<br />
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Since, this basket is only holding K-cups, I didn't put in an anchor or use a heavier duty hook (like the one made for hanging plants from a ceiling) I used in my bedroom. If you plan on using your basket to hold more than K-Cups, please don't expect a simple cup hook to hold it . . .<br />
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So here it is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B7PNGS?ie=UTF8&tag=thecorsho0b-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000B7PNGS" target="_blank">3 Tiered Hanging Fruit Basket</a><br />
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</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/growdammit/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0