tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55515579098200459212024-03-13T16:44:01.728-05:00the blest nestcreating a cozy, comfortable home on the "cheep"Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-2799557438788334912012-08-19T17:51:00.003-05:002012-08-19T18:06:14.318-05:00Julia Child -- Remix<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A friend of mine posted this on Facebook, and I thought I would pass it along. This remix was made by PBS to commemorate Julia Child's 100th birthday (8/15/12). She passed away in 2004, but her zest for life and cooking lives on!</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">There are several famous chefs to be seen here: Wolfgang Puck, Jacques Pepin, Graham Kerr, and Emeril Lagasse are a few I spotted. Who do you recognize? </span></div><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/80ZrUI7RNfI?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">P.S. Hot chocolate truffles?! I gotta try those!</span></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-58689877143238694852012-08-05T20:18:00.009-05:002012-08-12T14:46:24.992-05:00The Chicken Man<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">A family tradition at our house this summer has been to watch the entire series of <i>Breaking Bad</i>.</span></div></div></div></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O60d_cxjz4U/UB7mYHgthwI/AAAAAAAACdg/CHfa5a7XjE8/s1600/breaking+bad+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O60d_cxjz4U/UB7mYHgthwI/AAAAAAAACdg/CHfa5a7XjE8/s1600/breaking+bad+logo.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">My Man started watching the show on AMC network a couple of years ago, and slowly but surely, we are all now hooked. Season 5 is the last season of <i>Breaking Bad</i>, and new episodes are on Sunday nights on AMC.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Breaking Bad</i> is filled with<a href="http://breakingbad.wikia.com/wiki/Gus_Fring" target="_blank"> twisted people and twisted plots</a>. The main character is Walter White, initially an unassuming high school Chemistry teacher with a disabled, teenage son and a pregnant wife.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_m561uhmuY/UB7effkKhKI/AAAAAAAACc8/MgGm2IN6s1A/s1600/walter+white+before+cander.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_m561uhmuY/UB7effkKhKI/AAAAAAAACc8/MgGm2IN6s1A/s400/walter+white+before+cander.jpg" height="274" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He eventually develops cancer and decides to provide for his soon-to-be-fatherless family by "cooking" crystal </span><span style="font-size: small;">methamphetamine. Walter feels like he doesn't have anything to lose.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwTiIb7a85c/UB8C4b5RkYI/AAAAAAAACeI/uV0dSynWars/s1600/walter+cooks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwTiIb7a85c/UB8C4b5RkYI/AAAAAAAACeI/uV0dSynWars/s1600/walter+cooks.JPG" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The title of the series comes from the American Southwest slang phrase "to break bad," meaning to challenge conventions, to defy authority and to skirt the edges of the law. The series is set in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Source: Wikipedia)</span></div></blockquote><span style="font-size: small;">The distributor of Walter's product is/was Gustavo (Gus) Fring, aka The Chicken Man.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRXKl7EEtIE/UB7dBoiu90I/AAAAAAAACcs/P6jzWY9_dpo/s1600/gus+fring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRXKl7EEtIE/UB7dBoiu90I/AAAAAAAACcs/P6jzWY9_dpo/s400/gus+fring.jpg" height="299" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This seemingly mild-mannered Latino owned a chain of restaurants called <a href="http://breakingbad.wikia.com/wiki/Los_Pollos_Hermanos" target="_blank"><i>Los Pollos Hermanos</i></a> (The Chicken Brothers) which was actually a front for the largest crystal methamphetamine operation in the Southwest. He was a well-respected businessman and philanthropist to most of the community, but to Walter and his assistant, Jesse, Gus was a sort of mob boss who you didn't want to cross. Or else.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Today, My Man is The Chicken Man. With the amount of chicken he bought today, I think we could open our own <i>Los Pollos Hermanos</i>! He found a fantastic deal on whole chickens (33 cents a pound!) and went a little wild, purchasing a dozen of them. Really?! When he was twisting "arms" and breaking bones of a different type, I shot a video which will hopefully give you insight into how to cut up a whole chicken. This was one of the first kitchen skills my mom taught me before I left home, but since My Man is the prep cook now, I hadn't done it in awhile. He refreshed my memory today, so I cut up two and he handled the other ten.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZqQI-uKUoP8?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" /></a></span>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-83398565950302966102012-08-03T17:43:00.002-05:002012-08-03T20:19:58.617-05:00Bubbling OverLook what I got in the mail this week!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T_C28YFnfao/UBxM7jFB3-I/AAAAAAAACb0/5GvwwYORNbc/s1600/lush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T_C28YFnfao/UBxM7jFB3-I/AAAAAAAACb0/5GvwwYORNbc/s640/lush.jpg" width="590" /></a></div><br />
I won my first blog gift: a $25 gift card from Layla at <a href="http://www.theletteredcottage.net/" target="_blank">The Lettered Cottage</a>! If you haven't been to her blog, it is filled with whimsical cottage decor ideas and practical how-to's. She is a very talented designer with a rock star husband (literally), and they are both so cute, full of energy and good humor. And they have some pretty awesome pets, too.<br />
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In case you're not familiar with it, <a href="http://www.lush.com/" target="_blank">Lush</a> is a Canadian company that specializes in handmade bath and body goodies. They have the MOST amazing-smelling products, and they use mostly all natural, organic ingredients. They have both standalone stores and licensed stores in places like Macy's as well as a mail-order catalog. I love their company "creed," too:<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">We believe</strong> in making effective products from fresh, organic* fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">We invent</strong> our own products and fragrances. We make them fresh by hand using little or no preservative or <a href="http://www.lushusa.com/Green-Packaging/about-green-packaging,en_US,pg.html" style="border: 0px; color: #676767; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">packaging</a>, using only vegetarian ingredients, and tell you when they were made.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">We believe</strong> in buying ingredients only from companies that <a href="http://www.lushusa.com/Against-animal-testing/about-animal-introduction,en_US,pg.html" style="border: 0px; color: #676767; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">do not commission tests on animals</a> and in testing our products on humans.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">We believe</strong> in happy people making happy soap, putting our faces on our products and making our mums proud.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">We believe</strong> in long candlelit baths, sharing showers, massage, filling the world with perfume and in the right to make mistakes, lose everything and start again.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">We believe</strong> our products are good value, that we should make a profit and that the customer is always right.</div><center style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div align="center" style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; width: 600px;"><em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">* We also believe words like fresh and organic have honest meaning beyond marketing.</em></div><a name='more'></a></center><br />
And their stuff <i>works</i>! It may feel luxurious and smell glorious, but it also gets the job done. My personal fave is the <a href="http://www.lushusa.com/Lemony-Flutter/9999902361,en_US,pd.html?start=1&q=lemony%20flutter" target="_blank">Lemony Flutter</a>, a rich cream that you rub into cuticles and dry skin (think elbows, heels, and knees). This stuff smells good enough to eat!<br />
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You should give Lush a try. The<a href="http://www.lushusa.com/Bath-Bombs/bath-bombs,en_US,sc.html" target="_blank"> bath bombs</a> (I like Twilight) and<a href="http://www.lushusa.com/Bubble-Bars/bubble-bars,en_US,sc.html" target="_blank"> bubble bars</a> (I like <a href="http://www.lushusa.com/Blue-Skies-Fluffy-White-Clouds/00742,en_US,pd.html?start=15&cgid=bubble-bars" target="_blank">this one</a>) are amazing. I actually cut the bombs into fourths to make them stretch further, and the bubble bars make more bubbles than I have ever seen, even more than when my sister and I put a whole box of Mr. Bubble in the bathtub once (much to my mom's horror)!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPrpWCG1BlA/UBxTGhxLrjI/AAAAAAAACcQ/ABXpicp1dhY/s1600/kid+in+bubble+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPrpWCG1BlA/UBxTGhxLrjI/AAAAAAAACcQ/ABXpicp1dhY/s400/kid+in+bubble+bath.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Rub-a-dub-dub, think I'm going to the tub!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-74379744075679332142012-06-29T18:29:00.001-05:002012-07-02T18:15:35.574-05:00I Found My Thrill....When my children were little, my in-laws gave them a great book by Maine author Robert McCloskey called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014050169X/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d2_g14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1XN8XFVS01X2F3MCSTW0&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846" target="_blank"><u>Blueberries for Sal</u>. </a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CketLOuChww/T-uOYyVKccI/AAAAAAAACZg/fcUIybn1WV4/s1600/blueberries+for+sal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CketLOuChww/T-uOYyVKccI/AAAAAAAACZg/fcUIybn1WV4/s320/blueberries+for+sal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It's about a little girl named Sal and her mother and a little bear cub and his mother who are picking and eating blueberries on Blueberry Hill. If you have young children, I highly recommend it. Whenever Sal would put some berries in her little metal pail, it would make a distinctive sound: <i>kerplink, kerplank, kerplunk</i>.<br />
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Reading this story was like a step back in time. I grew up in Upper Michigan where there used to be loads of wild blueberries ripe for the picking. My Uncle Pete would take us to all of his secret places where we would fill our own little metal pails--<i>kerplink, kerplank, kerplunk--</i>with the blue nuggets. Wild berries are small but perfectly tart. Domesticated berries are much sweeter and not quite as intensely flavored, but I love them all! At this time of year we buy <i><b>mounds</b></i> of blueberries because in my mind, it's just not summer without them.<br />
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I usually bake up some fabulous <a href="http://blestnest.blogspot.com/2011/02/perfect-dozen-double-blueberry-muffins.html" target="_blank">double blueberry muffins</a> or make <a href="http://blestnest.blogspot.com/2011/08/berry-berry-extraordinary-french-toast.html" target="_blank">berry, berry extraordinary french toast</a> or even throw some <a href="http://blestnest.blogspot.com/2012/01/taste-of-summer-in-winter.html" target="_blank">blueberries in a spinach salad</a>, but this time I tried Ina Garten's Blueberry Crumb Cake. I made it exactly according to <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/blueberry-crumb-cake-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">her recipe</a> except that I used large eggs instead of extra large and put a few sliced almonds in the crumb topping. I also baked it in a springform pan so it would have a nice presentation.<br />
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Tangy sour cream adds moistness and butter adds incredible richness. The lemon zest is a zingy counterpoint to the sweet berries.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eMhZySrAe-8/T-uUr8QTN7I/AAAAAAAACZs/Q5xezsdu6xE/s1600/blueberry+lemon+sour+cream2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eMhZySrAe-8/T-uUr8QTN7I/AAAAAAAACZs/Q5xezsdu6xE/s640/blueberry+lemon+sour+cream2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9 inch spring form pan. Cream butter and sugar for about 5 minutes or until light and fluffy:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DM37B8EOagM/T-uZsnmCyMI/AAAAAAAACZ4/vga_bhCQqts/s1600/butter+and+sugar+whipped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DM37B8EOagM/T-uZsnmCyMI/AAAAAAAACZ4/vga_bhCQqts/s640/butter+and+sugar+whipped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Add eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and sour cream and mix thoroughly. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add these dry ingredients plus fresh blueberries to the creamed butter mixture and gently stir in by hand.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvNCEIp476s/T-ubBPSLZZI/AAAAAAAACaA/sEEWHZ85RPE/s1600/fold+in+flour+and+berries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvNCEIp476s/T-ubBPSLZZI/AAAAAAAACaA/sEEWHZ85RPE/s640/fold+in+flour+and+berries.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Spoon mixture into the prepared spring form pan, and smooth the top.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hAcVC0AXLW0/T-udQ1z_Z4I/AAAAAAAACaI/286ie_Qz3uk/s1600/dough+in+pan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hAcVC0AXLW0/T-udQ1z_Z4I/AAAAAAAACaI/286ie_Qz3uk/s640/dough+in+pan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Make the streusel for the top:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Yc9U4NiaK0/T-3aux7EdjI/AAAAAAAACac/-iez9-39b3I/s1600/crumb+ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Yc9U4NiaK0/T-3aux7EdjI/AAAAAAAACac/-iez9-39b3I/s640/crumb+ingredients.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I like to grind my own nutmeg, which lends nice flavor.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZo8qgYWC3U/T-3aaA8gjTI/AAAAAAAACaU/PI-t0E22-U8/s1600/fresh+nutmeg.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZo8qgYWC3U/T-3aaA8gjTI/AAAAAAAACaU/PI-t0E22-U8/s400/fresh+nutmeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="color: #3d3d3d;"><span style="line-height: 23px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #3d3d3d;"><span style="line-height: 23px;">Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the batter.</span></span></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nhPLgvxByMQ/T-3a0GqJyVI/AAAAAAAACak/ViTBRAzPQuo/s1600/crumble+on+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nhPLgvxByMQ/T-3a0GqJyVI/AAAAAAAACak/ViTBRAzPQuo/s640/crumble+on+top.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="color: #3d3d3d;"><span style="line-height: 23px;"><br />
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Bake for 40-50 minutes or until tester comes out clean. Cool completely, then unmold. Garnish with powdered sugar and additional blueberries.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9GJpKfvIAY/T-3bh-W6hgI/AAAAAAAACas/UmYJ5G3P380/s1600/sugar+and+berries+on+top2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9GJpKfvIAY/T-3bh-W6hgI/AAAAAAAACas/UmYJ5G3P380/s640/sugar+and+berries+on+top2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Cut a wedge!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KYsTmEkFN6Y/T-440M0g1nI/AAAAAAAACbI/hWiDPC9z7Vk/s1600/have+a+piece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KYsTmEkFN6Y/T-440M0g1nI/AAAAAAAACbI/hWiDPC9z7Vk/s640/have+a+piece.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I found my (Blueberry) Thrill!</div></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OaaG-2TCvwU/T-3cE0avOJI/AAAAAAAACa0/6AkorjwzBeA/s1600/dig+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OaaG-2TCvwU/T-3cE0avOJI/AAAAAAAACa0/6AkorjwzBeA/s640/dig+in.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Linking to:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.momtrends.com/2012/01/friday-food-recipe-linky-kung-pao-beef/#comment-25259"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaqFXzvwDlI/TxBgst__BKI/AAAAAAAACEc/4tQlNImpW7c/s1600/momtrends.png" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-56012856407804325932012-06-23T10:23:00.001-05:002012-06-23T11:03:12.055-05:00Big Easy Mango FreezyWhen we lived in New Orleans, one of my favorite events was the <a href="http://www.nojazzfest.com/" target="_blank"><i>New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival </i></a>that is held the last weekend in April and first weekend in May. It's a riotous celebration of all genres of music as well as food and crafts from the different cultures represented in the New Orleans metro area (Cajun and Creole French, Italian, African American, Latino, and Vietnamese, among others). The music is hot, the people are cool, and the <i>food?<b> Unforgettable</b></i>. <b><i>Unparalleled</i></b>. Seems like I have sampled every one of the <a href="http://www.nojazzfest.com/food/food-list-2012.php" target="_blank">Jazz Fest food offerings</a> over the years.<br />
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Although held in the Spring, The Fest gets plenty HOT since it's held at the Fairgrounds where there is not a lick of shade. Some people cope by bringing their umbrellas<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TC9Js5v1SLk/T-UIp-c3M4I/AAAAAAAACXg/IwAd-iCnf7Q/s1600/jazz+fest+umbrella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TC9Js5v1SLk/T-UIp-c3M4I/AAAAAAAACXg/IwAd-iCnf7Q/s640/jazz+fest+umbrella.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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But most people just "glisten". What I used to do to beat the heat was slurp down a wonderfully cooling treat called a<a href="http://www.wwoz.org/support/mangofreeze" target="_blank"> Mango Freeze</a>.<br />
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Things are heating up in Texas (triple digits tomorrow...Lord, have mercy!), so I decided to try my hand at making Mango Freeze for myself. Brings back some GOOD memories! Watch and listen to New Orleans' own <a href="http://www.myspace.com/rebirthbrassband" target="_blank">Rebirth Brass Band</a> as you scroll through the pics to get the full effect. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_rhEtclKQ34/T-XP1YRs_8I/AAAAAAAACX0/pjtcuWU_ShE/s1600/mango+perfect+scoop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_rhEtclKQ34/T-XP1YRs_8I/AAAAAAAACX0/pjtcuWU_ShE/s640/mango+perfect+scoop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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First you'll need to make a simple syrup with 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Boil down until you only have 1 cup liquid in total, then cool to room temperature.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nS1PlZ5XMeA/T-XR2fr8VUI/AAAAAAAACYE/BaRghveCWjY/s1600/simple+syrup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nS1PlZ5XMeA/T-XR2fr8VUI/AAAAAAAACYE/BaRghveCWjY/s1600/simple+syrup.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Next you'll need the pulp from about 3 1/2 lbs. ripe mangoes. Two of mine were huge and one was smaller.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7dc-AAO4o6o/T-XPpOFupCI/AAAAAAAACXs/WZfSA8Dpcwc/s1600/mango+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7dc-AAO4o6o/T-XPpOFupCI/AAAAAAAACXs/WZfSA8Dpcwc/s400/mango+love.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Mangoes have a flat pit right in the center, and if you don't cut the fruit correctly, the pulp can be stringy and difficult to extract. Here's a little visual on the technique I use:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HkdiXlx7VPs/T-XQn1JlGrI/AAAAAAAACX8/d0p7M2kZrW0/s1600/mango+cutting+technique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HkdiXlx7VPs/T-XQn1JlGrI/AAAAAAAACX8/d0p7M2kZrW0/s640/mango+cutting+technique.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Cut down one side slightly off center, then do the same on the other side. Score each section and flip it inside out. Use your knife to cut away the cubes. I also use a spoon to scrape as much pulp out as I can.<br />
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Put the mango in the bowl of a food processor or blender. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GdK3ke9rdYQ/T-XScsz9K3I/AAAAAAAACYM/XANMnVhiujY/s1600/IMG_8596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GdK3ke9rdYQ/T-XScsz9K3I/AAAAAAAACYM/XANMnVhiujY/s320/IMG_8596.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Juice about 2 small limes (you'll need 3 tablespoons in total). I only had 1 lime, so I used that and half an orange.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MpbmaoGVQ2Q/T-XTY-lql1I/AAAAAAAACYU/AFwmfhh9rio/s1600/IMG_8593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MpbmaoGVQ2Q/T-XTY-lql1I/AAAAAAAACYU/AFwmfhh9rio/s640/IMG_8593.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Combine the citrus juice and simple syrup, and slowly pour it through the feed tube of the food processor with the machine running.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EqDbvPllOU/T-XT00TA6vI/AAAAAAAACYc/H6o5mvcGxK8/s1600/IMG_8597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EqDbvPllOU/T-XT00TA6vI/AAAAAAAACYc/H6o5mvcGxK8/s320/IMG_8597.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
You will end up with about 5 cups of mango puree base for the sorbet. Cover and chill for several hours in the refrigerator.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x97PqA5klhM/T-XUlayU15I/AAAAAAAACYk/D00sAFrZxRo/s1600/mango+sorbet+base.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x97PqA5klhM/T-XUlayU15I/AAAAAAAACYk/D00sAFrZxRo/s320/mango+sorbet+base.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I used my ice cream maker to churn this because I wanted a velvety smooth result. My pic may be grainy, but my mango freeze sure wasn't!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IG4xmec8_Sc/T-XWc3pnICI/AAAAAAAACYs/H55nM_3UtPQ/s1600/mangolicious2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IG4xmec8_Sc/T-XWc3pnICI/AAAAAAAACYs/H55nM_3UtPQ/s640/mangolicious2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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I have read that you can freeze the base in ice cube trays and then pulse the frozen cubes before serving to smooth it out, but I haven't tried that personally.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FBGbnRH49dE/T-XWnI7eQkI/AAAAAAAACY0/cIECaiG5lIs/s1600/mango+sundae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FBGbnRH49dE/T-XWnI7eQkI/AAAAAAAACY0/cIECaiG5lIs/s640/mango+sundae.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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We haven't been to the Jazz Fest since 2005, but our family is going next year f'sure!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnK4StF76x0/T-XcH9bHslI/AAAAAAAACZM/lyZcDZ9kwHE/s1600/jazz+fest+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnK4StF76x0/T-XcH9bHslI/AAAAAAAACZM/lyZcDZ9kwHE/s320/jazz+fest+2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Wanna meet me in the Gospel Tent? I'll be the woman with the Mango Freeze and a smile of pure joy because I'm soaking up the sights and sounds of one of the most unique places on earth.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://msenplace.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" Ms. enPlace " border="0" src=" http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v473/mm73/potluck%20badge/gumbobadge.jpg " /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-17001164993502826722012-06-05T06:31:00.001-05:002012-06-05T06:46:48.128-05:00Fish for ComplimentsI bought a mess of catfish at Costco and needed to cook 'em up. I tried a great but simple recipe for grilled filets that yielded crunchy, slightly smoky fish that was <i><b>da bomb</b></i>. It was as tasty as any deep-fried Southern catfish I have ever had, and probably a whole lot healthier, too.<br />
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In my experience, Costco has consistently good-quality fish, but I soaked the filets in milk for a few hours to help reduce any "muddy" flavors (catfish are bottom feeders).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNtbUXDjY2Q/T81LLPkLozI/AAAAAAAACV8/0TwzWhLn7QA/s1600/catfish+soaking+in+milk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNtbUXDjY2Q/T81LLPkLozI/AAAAAAAACV8/0TwzWhLn7QA/s640/catfish+soaking+in+milk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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This <a href="http://community.tasteofhome.com/community_forums/f/30/p/700141/5967430.aspx" target="_blank">forum on <i>Taste of Home</i></a>, gives several other alternatives to this problem, including soaking in aciduated water (water spiked with lemon), buttermilk, mustard, or salt water. I don't know if the milk helped mine, but I do know that my fish didn't have a trace of muddiness.<br />
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Start by preheating your grill to medium and making a smoking packet like <a href="http://www.blestnest.blogspot.com/2011/06/fired-up-for-salsa.html" target="_blank">described here</a>. Put the packet on the grill's heating element or directly over the coals if using charcoal.<br />
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Combine 2 tsp. seasoned salt, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. celery seed, and 1/2 tsp. celery salt.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m_BkcT7q_Y0/T81NE5v6FDI/AAAAAAAACWE/1H0WqD0lyVE/s1600/seasonings+for+catfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m_BkcT7q_Y0/T81NE5v6FDI/AAAAAAAACWE/1H0WqD0lyVE/s400/seasonings+for+catfish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Remove the fish (I had about 2 lbs.) from the milk, pat the filets dry with paper towels and season on both sides with the seasoning mixture.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBf7JKPBo08/T81PhPWuxxI/AAAAAAAACWM/Lw8gqbBr7Eo/s1600/sprinkle+with+seasonings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBf7JKPBo08/T81PhPWuxxI/AAAAAAAACWM/Lw8gqbBr7Eo/s640/sprinkle+with+seasonings.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Finely crush a sleeve of buttery flavored crackers (I used Townhouse) and melt a stick of butter.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3F06M5jvLc/T83nvnrsGnI/AAAAAAAACWY/4t8EF6GW9vk/s1600/butter+and+crackers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3F06M5jvLc/T83nvnrsGnI/AAAAAAAACWY/4t8EF6GW9vk/s400/butter+and+crackers.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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Dip each filet into the butter, then into the cracker crumbs, and lay on a sheet tray. I line the tray with foil, then after the fish are cooked, I remove the foil and use the tray for the cooked filets.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObckdNtLh40/T83o2yvvhTI/AAAAAAAACWg/_cY6aeAkQ6Y/s1600/dredge+in+butter+and+crumbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObckdNtLh40/T83o2yvvhTI/AAAAAAAACWg/_cY6aeAkQ6Y/s640/dredge+in+butter+and+crumbs.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Spray a grilling sheet with cooking spray so that the filets don't stick. Lay the fish on and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7TMMP1LrYfc/T83pgmhiKUI/AAAAAAAACWo/yPejCUFw1j4/s1600/IMG_8382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7TMMP1LrYfc/T83pgmhiKUI/AAAAAAAACWo/yPejCUFw1j4/s640/IMG_8382.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Watch carefully so they don't burn. You can flip them carefully one time, but we didn't, and they were still fine. <br />
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Golden brown, flaky, and delicious! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJCPR-uyLyA/T83p7GMraQI/AAAAAAAACWw/0nXhwd9vuZs/s1600/IMG_8384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJCPR-uyLyA/T83p7GMraQI/AAAAAAAACWw/0nXhwd9vuZs/s640/IMG_8384.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I served the crunchy fish with cheesy creamed spinach, which was a pleasant contrast.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Mt2HoaCL_E/T83qGIlA9mI/AAAAAAAACW4/AFPEC90S1iA/s1600/crunchy+juicy+catfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Mt2HoaCL_E/T83qGIlA9mI/AAAAAAAACW4/AFPEC90S1iA/s640/crunchy+juicy+catfish.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXDe1Mv_O_A/T83qQ0vNo1I/AAAAAAAACXA/BISrfjsR_dY/s1600/catfish+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXDe1Mv_O_A/T83qQ0vNo1I/AAAAAAAACXA/BISrfjsR_dY/s640/catfish+closeup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The whole family complimented the chef on this recipe. It's a keeper!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Miz Helen’s Country Cottage" border="0" src="http://i755.photobucket.com/albums/xx199/darnold23/Miz-Helen-Badge-ALT5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FL3c_yrooTE/T3UEqC5f-YI/AAAAAAAACUM/CcF_Xs_e3uk/s1600/jazz+and+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FL3c_yrooTE/T3UEqC5f-YI/AAAAAAAACUM/CcF_Xs_e3uk/s640/jazz+and+ball.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">JAZZ!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I never thought that we would be able to own a dog because My Man is terribly allergic to animals. He had childhood asthma which was often made worse by exposure to animal dander. I told my kids that they wouldn't be able to have any pets with fur on them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpan9vxuvrg/T3UPSDRQtFI/AAAAAAAACU0/g7DSWH5ZInA/s1600/hairless+cat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpan9vxuvrg/T3UPSDRQtFI/AAAAAAAACU0/g7DSWH5ZInA/s1600/hairless+cat2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hairless cat = YIKES!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When my daughter was in third grade, she started to beg for a dog. We had been through the wringer as a family around that time with Hurricane Katrina and all that entailed: leaving the only home my kids had ever known, living in an apartment for almost a year (my son and daughter had to share a room for the first time), and changing schools and towns a few times. We were looking for a way to break the sadness that we all felt and establish a sense of normalcy again.<br />
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Once we bought a house, My Man started to investigate hypo-allergic dog breeds. I didn't hold out much hope that it would work for him, because once when we were single and I was house-sitting for a friend, he came to visit. Within a half hour he had hives all over his face and arms, and he was wheezing badly. I knew that his allergies were very real and nothing to mess with.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdgA5j62kSQ/TNjbmTa-ECI/AAAAAAAAAC4/CEeQQmaepME/s200/sneezing.jpg" width="200" /> </div><br />
But My Man wanted to make his little girl happy. He suggested a Bichon Frisee or a Poodle. My old college roommate has a Bichon, so I sent her one of my husband's t-shirts so that her dog could lie on it for several weeks. When we got it back, my husband wore it for several hours to see if it would bother him. <i>Miraculously</i>, it didn't seem to cause any issues!<br />
<br />
So he scoped out PetFinders, and one day he found an adult Bichon Frisee that needed to be adopted. On that Saturday four years ago, my daughter and I drove to an animal shelter about 20 miles away to inquire about the Bichon, but I feared that he might already be taken by the time we got there. I remember praying on the way down that if it was God's will, we would love to have a dog but not at the expense of my husband's health.<br />
<br />
Jazz was in a cage with lots of other dogs when we got there.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBHhwLZp13U/T3URfbjJucI/AAAAAAAACU8/YwG_rDbnhzQ/s1600/caged+animals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBHhwLZp13U/T3URfbjJucI/AAAAAAAACU8/YwG_rDbnhzQ/s320/caged+animals.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I remember him jumping on me, and I was a little concerned about that habit. My daughter, Jessica, though, was already smitten. Another thing that concerned me was that the shelter couldn't guarantee that Jazz was a purebred. I called my husband, and he said that we should go for it.<br />
<br />
The rest is history. We took this little dog home. The first thing we did was give him a name, and we all decided we wanted a name with a New Orleans' connection. Biscuit? Saint? Beignet? Finally someone shouted, "Jazz!" Music to our ears!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="289" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTpfwgcXGirscdjPFnLf1JKX7FBmUuxHbc_NLYEtyMgXTl8bYtC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jazz Band in New Orleans' French Quarter</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><br />
And so it was. And it has turned out to be a very apt name for our lively, spirited and personable little furball.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WBuHndH0Scg/T3UI77hjeSI/AAAAAAAACUc/YJyj19ZfHoQ/s1600/jazz+just+adopted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WBuHndH0Scg/T3UI77hjeSI/AAAAAAAACUc/YJyj19ZfHoQ/s640/jazz+just+adopted.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jazz around the time of his adoption in early 2008</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jazz was so thin and dirty when we got him. We suspect that he was on the streets for awhile, but it was clear that he had been someone's pet in the past. Unfortunately, when I brought him to the vet a few days after we adopted him, he was diagnosed with heartworm. Great. <i> More </i>sadness and strife?<br />
<br />
I called the animal shelter and questioned why they didn't share this huge bit of information with us, and they claimed to have run out of the testing kits and didn't know. Yeah, right. They told us that we could bring him back (and they would probably put him down) but they wouldn't help us to pay for the expensive (and dangerous) treatment (we're talking $700 and 6 weeks of peace and quiet in a household with 2 kids who had never had a dog!). How could I tear Jazz away from my kids?! He was already a part of our family!<br />
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All ended up well, and our Jazz's presence has been <i><b>priceless</b></i>. He has added so much laughter and joy to our lives.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IzF7W99wek/T3USfRYpGnI/AAAAAAAACVM/IFP_M1_IBEA/s1600/jazz+with+snowballs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IzF7W99wek/T3USfRYpGnI/AAAAAAAACVM/IFP_M1_IBEA/s640/jazz+with+snowballs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jazz after playing with the kids in the snow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>He is expressive and lovable and cuddly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mvz0hV1FYyY/T3UTqliOdMI/AAAAAAAACVU/VmwkSmv3F6c/s1600/jazz+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="459" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mvz0hV1FYyY/T3UTqliOdMI/AAAAAAAACVU/VmwkSmv3F6c/s640/jazz+closeup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
He is part of our family. Our kids sometimes accuse us of loving the dog more than them! Ha ha!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WhgeZ7H6gOI/T3UNHsJbuSI/AAAAAAAACUk/7TQHSM_n1cE/s1600/jazz+and+daddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="367" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WhgeZ7H6gOI/T3UNHsJbuSI/AAAAAAAACUk/7TQHSM_n1cE/s400/jazz+and+daddy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Man and Jazz--No sniffles, just smiles!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BG0PptwtIfw/T3UWnxLBdGI/AAAAAAAACVs/7Z8FSudyQ9M/s1600/me+and+jazz2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BG0PptwtIfw/T3UWnxLBdGI/AAAAAAAACVs/7Z8FSudyQ9M/s320/me+and+jazz2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the Best Dog Ever</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--YdIfEPtDao/T3USVn671vI/AAAAAAAACVE/A841-UYic-A/s1600/jazz+closeup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--YdIfEPtDao/T3USVn671vI/AAAAAAAACVE/A841-UYic-A/s640/jazz+closeup2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Thanks for the unconditional love, Jazz! Back at ya, buddy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gq4INA-RX4k/T3UXJI-yT5I/AAAAAAAACV0/BPfSAcOJmUM/s1600/dog+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gq4INA-RX4k/T3UXJI-yT5I/AAAAAAAACV0/BPfSAcOJmUM/s320/dog+quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-80859076661334406702012-03-27T21:00:00.004-05:002012-06-05T06:47:03.611-05:00Orb-bitLate afternoon is my weakest time of day when I'm trying to stay away from sweet treats. I'm usually hungry and tired, but dinner won't be ready for over an hour. I need something to take the edge off while <i><b>keeping me on course </b></i>with my diet.<br />
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These little orb-bits are sweet, salty, crunchy, and packed with protein. They use pantry ingredients, are quick and easy to make, and keep in the refrigerator for days. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SE_O8zpXmW0/T3JrCmdl9lI/AAAAAAAACS8/qqVaSCrpEVc/s1600/IMG_3322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SE_O8zpXmW0/T3JrCmdl9lI/AAAAAAAACS8/qqVaSCrpEVc/s640/IMG_3322.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Peanut Butter Protein Balls</span><br />
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/yumformytum/peanut-butter-protein-balls?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1" target="_blank">(click here to print)</a><br />
<br />
1 cup crunchy peanut butter<br />
1/3 cup instant nonfat dry milk powder<br />
1/4 cup honey<br />
1/4 cup granola, very finely crushed (I use GoLean Crunch, for additional protein and fiber)<br />
1/2 tsp. cinnamon (optional)<br />
<br />
Coating: wheat germ, graham cracker crumbs, flax seeds, finely ground peanuts, and/or cocoa powder<br />
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Combine the first 5 ingredients and stir until well combined.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5FeWAG28A_k/T3JsQMwt1jI/AAAAAAAACTM/yxYIq4pgIWM/s1600/IMG_3324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5FeWAG28A_k/T3JsQMwt1jI/AAAAAAAACTM/yxYIq4pgIWM/s640/IMG_3324.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Use a small cookie scoop (1 inch diameter) to portion out the balls onto waxed paper. Chill for about 20 minutes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-poPlUHku-O0/T3JtAWDW5zI/AAAAAAAACTk/WZOoh-loDhc/s1600/IMG_3326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-poPlUHku-O0/T3JtAWDW5zI/AAAAAAAACTk/WZOoh-loDhc/s640/IMG_3326.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Roll each portion into a ball, then roll each ball in your desired coating.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IykXe1o2Ua8/T3Jvgu6naBI/AAAAAAAACT0/dXCUgrwO3Ww/s1600/IMG_3331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IykXe1o2Ua8/T3Jvgu6naBI/AAAAAAAACT0/dXCUgrwO3Ww/s640/IMG_3331.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Store in covered container in refrigerator. Makes about 22 balls at 90 calories each. Click <a href="http://caloriecount.about.com/peanut-butter-protein-balls-recipe-r238273" target="_blank">here</a> for full nutritional breakdown.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yn-evxP9plI/T3JtSllYXSI/AAAAAAAACTs/OPJJ91s39_U/s1600/IMG_3327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yn-evxP9plI/T3JtSllYXSI/AAAAAAAACTs/OPJJ91s39_U/s320/IMG_3327.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-605k5nHfGWI/T3JsnX0xNGI/AAAAAAAACTc/IMDTFFtBFTQ/s1600/IMG_3329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-605k5nHfGWI/T3JsnX0xNGI/AAAAAAAACTc/IMDTFFtBFTQ/s320/IMG_3329.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Mmmm, these are satisfying on so many levels.<br />
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Linking to:<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Py8En5HWICs/TyjK-x1Dh2I/AAAAAAAAI6s/_GGU5Zihaww/s1600/tuesday+talent+show+chef.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Cast Party Wednesday" src="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/images/banners/cast_party.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thischickcooks.net/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5nnlP1RsMY0/T3L3jmZBgmI/AAAAAAAACT8/fSL6k5bHYdk/s1600/wholefoodswednesdaybutton.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-83866172032715203112012-03-23T21:57:00.001-05:002012-03-28T06:38:55.563-05:00The Dark SideWhen we had chicken for dinner when I was growing up, there was always a little tussle over who would get the coveted white meat. Back then, chickens weren't bred to be as freakishly large as they are now, so there was less white meat to be had. Drumsticks were always the last to go in my house.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XbKKhhePzjo/T20v8hAKfLI/AAAAAAAACSU/rbKOPRYUADk/s1600/chicken+parts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XbKKhhePzjo/T20v8hAKfLI/AAAAAAAACSU/rbKOPRYUADk/s400/chicken+parts.jpg" width="359" /></a></div><br />
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Old habits die hard: I still favor the white meat. But I've recently ventured to the dark side. I've discovered that chicken thighs are pretty darn tasty, too. They stay moist and don't have as gamey a taste as I remember from my childhood days. Or maybe my tastebuds have changed. Anyway, I have found boneless, skinless thighs for the same price as the breasts lately and decided to use them in this delicious, one-pot meal. The <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-latin-chicken/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=latin%20chicken&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page" target="_blank">original recipe</a> is for a slow cooker, but I cooked it on the stove top.<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Latin Chicken</span><br />
From allrecipes.com<br />
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/yumformytum/latin-chicken?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1" target="_blank">(click here to print)</a><br />
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<ul style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Tbsp. olive oil</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 large sweet potatoes, cut into chunks</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 red bell pepper, cut into strips</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 (14 ounce) can yellow corn</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup chicken broth</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup salsa (heat level to your liking--I used medium)</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tsp. ground cumin</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 tsp. ground allspice</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 large cloves garlic, minced</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">lime wedges, for garnish</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cilantro over the chicken thighs; brown the chicken in the frying pan, 3 to 5 minutes each side.</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jeOHiUNjGio/T20rWZvThHI/AAAAAAAACR8/BAzcKfp_PAg/s1600/IMG_7334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jeOHiUNjGio/T20rWZvThHI/AAAAAAAACR8/BAzcKfp_PAg/s640/IMG_7334.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">Add the sweet potato chunks, red bell peppers, and garlic.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0v5PHGRIxOU/T2003TbKmLI/AAAAAAAACS0/2XblkgKCUGw/s1600/IMG_7337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0v5PHGRIxOU/T2003TbKmLI/AAAAAAAACS0/2XblkgKCUGw/s640/IMG_7337.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Combine the chicken stock, remaining cilantro, salsa, and spices and add to the chicken and vegetables, stirring gently.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WVwONkDL5s/T20yzbFzT4I/AAAAAAAACSc/BrnIAntYwK0/s1600/IMG_7342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WVwONkDL5s/T20yzbFzT4I/AAAAAAAACSc/BrnIAntYwK0/s640/IMG_7342.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Cover the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for about 45 minutes or until the vegetables and chicken are tender. Add the black beans and corn last and stir to incorporate.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">I served this over quinoa for a healthy, colorful, and delightfully different meal. A squeeze of fresh lime really adds brightness to the overall dish.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Linking to:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/02/full-plate-thursday-2-2-12.html"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjkCPo6ME8k/TyjBZGczG_I/AAAAAAAACKI/KgFy9HIhBVw/s1600/Miz-Helen-Badge-ALT5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.everydaytastes.com/2012/02/02/its-a-keeper-thursday-recipe-project-linky-36/#comment-4936"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBL0sCrgFOU/TyjBfJTwznI/AAAAAAAACKQ/CPsC9ABXf30/s1600/it's+a+Keeper+Thursday.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-82213847245672561482012-03-13T21:19:00.000-05:002012-03-13T21:19:56.786-05:00Drink Your Vegetables!I have been MIA lately, partly because I am struggling with my <a href="http://www.blestnest.blogspot.com/2012/01/weighty-resolution.html" target="_blank">weight loss</a> (it's not going as well as I would like). I feel like I've been eating pretty healthy and doing the same things I did a few years ago when I lost 30 lbs., but it's just not coming off. Ugh. I also met with a Personal Trainer today at the gym, and let's just say that my body fat analysis was less than stellar.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bntOA7T1jiA/T1__moKX4FI/AAAAAAAACRs/req6cjozDE4/s1600/body+fat+analysis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bntOA7T1jiA/T1__moKX4FI/AAAAAAAACRs/req6cjozDE4/s1600/body+fat+analysis.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not my number, unfortunately</td></tr>
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Just goes to show that the "charts" can have you as normal weight and BMI (body mass index), but you can still be unhealthy and technically fat.<br />
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My Man and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary this year, and I was really hoping to fit into my wedding dress again, just for kicks. I could have done that 2 years ago! Sometimes I wonder if posting about food thwarts my efforts. I mean, I love to cook, and I admittedly like to eat! Maybe if I just post healthy foods, but what fun is that? I have tried to balance posts so that I don't always bake goodies and have them around where I can't resist them.<br />
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So the other day, I tried something new that was posted by <a href="http://ladywiththeredrocker.com/" target="_blank">Lady With the Red Rocker</a> on a blog hop I frequent:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQzIocUxk7o/T1_9R90Wz0I/AAAAAAAACRc/JEWl_I-YL7s/s1600/blender+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQzIocUxk7o/T1_9R90Wz0I/AAAAAAAACRc/JEWl_I-YL7s/s640/blender+full.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i>A green smoothie made with spinach!</i></span> </b></td></tr>
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It might sound less than appetizing, but it really was quite good because the <a href="http://ladywiththeredrocker.com/2012/02/22/green-smoothie-goodness/" target="_blank">original recipe</a> contains both banana and peanut butter, which helps to disguise the somewhat earthy taste of the spinach. It was healthy and surprisingly refreshing. And the emerald green color is perfect for St. Patty's Day!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eeha5qJ7eQ0/T1_-CwN-bFI/AAAAAAAACRk/XQxOxKYqkig/s1600/popeyes+smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eeha5qJ7eQ0/T1_-CwN-bFI/AAAAAAAACRk/XQxOxKYqkig/s640/popeyes+smoothie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The one thing I would change next time is that I would add less milk. It was a little thinner than I prefer. Wow, I wish I could say the same about myself!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-22545449684735533012012-02-28T20:18:00.003-06:002012-02-28T20:51:39.831-06:00Gone PecanWeeknight dinners can be tough. I'm tired from working all day and often don't feel like going all "gourmet" in order to put food on the table. I know that many women can relate.<br />
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I usually have pork tenderloins in the freezer, and they're a quick and healthy dinner option. A single pork tenderloin generally weighs about 1 pound, which means it's the perfect size for a family of four if you don't want leftovers. I recently saw this idea in <i>Better Homes & Gardens</i> magazine, and it was well received by my brood.<br />
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Cut a pork tenderloin crosswise into medallions about 1 to 1 1/4 inches thick.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D62tzljR1zY/T02Ik2O6BuI/AAAAAAAACRE/RLo_Sqn6-8I/s1600/cut+crosswise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D62tzljR1zY/T02Ik2O6BuI/AAAAAAAACRE/RLo_Sqn6-8I/s640/cut+crosswise.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Pound each piece lightly with the flat side of a meat mallet to flatten. Season as desired; I used <a href="http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/p-penzeysgalena.html" target="_blank">Galena Street Rub</a> for a little heat, but you could use cajun seasoning or whatever you like.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DvXjBiIXY7A/T02I6gQjV2I/AAAAAAAACRM/PbZEjyxbqHw/s1600/pound+it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DvXjBiIXY7A/T02I6gQjV2I/AAAAAAAACRM/PbZEjyxbqHw/s640/pound+it.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Finely chop about a cup of pecans. Dip the pork medallions into pure maple syrup (NOT pancake syrup!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FYT4o1WZ6iQ/T0t4S4NnJHI/AAAAAAAACQc/7kFwObh3Gk4/s1600/IMG_7492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FYT4o1WZ6iQ/T0t4S4NnJHI/AAAAAAAACQc/7kFwObh3Gk4/s640/IMG_7492.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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and then the pecans. Press the pecans in slightly so that they adhere.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VA-TUIs4BKc/T02Gx0xRilI/AAAAAAAACQs/BN6QQn9mLXk/s1600/IMG_7493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VA-TUIs4BKc/T02Gx0xRilI/AAAAAAAACQs/BN6QQn9mLXk/s400/IMG_7493.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Add about a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. When it's shimmering, add 4 to 6 of the pork medallions.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2g9NtKrcad0/T02Gl9twxRI/AAAAAAAACQk/eEIYRvN7mzI/s1600/IMG_7495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2g9NtKrcad0/T02Gl9twxRI/AAAAAAAACQk/eEIYRvN7mzI/s640/IMG_7495.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, no longer because you want it barely pink in the middle. Continue cooking in batches, then remove medallions and add about 2 Tbsp. maple syrup, a dash of cayenne, maybe a little cumin, and 1/2 cup fresh orange juice to the skillet (or use a good not-from-concentrate OJ like my favorite):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywS749EyRa0/T02HZBkX1OI/AAAAAAAACQ0/bUg_1Mpw9QQ/s1600/florida's+natural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywS749EyRa0/T02HZBkX1OI/AAAAAAAACQ0/bUg_1Mpw9QQ/s1600/florida's+natural.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Reduce until slightly thickened and pour over the pork medallions. Garnish with fresh orange wedges.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_AZqgvE83zs/T02H-fufsXI/AAAAAAAACQ8/_lLaHI4MlA8/s1600/gone+pecan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_AZqgvE83zs/T02H-fufsXI/AAAAAAAACQ8/_lLaHI4MlA8/s640/gone+pecan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We ate it all, or as they would say in New Orleans, it was Gone Pecan!<br />
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Linking to:<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Py8En5HWICs/TyjK-x1Dh2I/AAAAAAAAI6s/_GGU5Zihaww/s1600/tuesday+talent+show+chef.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Cast Party Wednesday" src="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/images/banners/cast_party.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<center><a href="http://thischickcooks.blogspot.com/"><img height="150" img="" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Yzmw3PB1YGw/Tdu6htYvpCI/AAAAAAAAAuk/HPNEuRHJ-LM/tccbestrecipesbutton.jpg" width="150" /></a></center><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Miz Helen’s Country Cottage" border="0" src="http://i755.photobucket.com/albums/xx199/darnold23/Miz-Helen-Badge-ALT5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-59872116613671481702012-02-13T22:24:00.005-06:002012-02-14T18:24:36.957-06:00Pucker Up!Valentine's Day is traditionally all about chocolate, but this terrific Lemon Yogurt Cake will make you pucker up!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fi69i9SrXZ4/TznSRw-sa2I/AAAAAAAACOs/r9sjPrzZsOU/s1600/puckered+lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fi69i9SrXZ4/TznSRw-sa2I/AAAAAAAACOs/r9sjPrzZsOU/s400/puckered+lips.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>The original recipe is from the incomparable Ina Garten. I have adapted it slightly because I rhink that the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lemon-yogurt-cake-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">original recipe</a> was a little confusing.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31hWjkqGFbg/Tznf-m-BfXI/AAAAAAAACP0/8fb-8Ry4_Bw/s1600/drizzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31hWjkqGFbg/Tznf-m-BfXI/AAAAAAAACP0/8fb-8Ry4_Bw/s640/drizzle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Lemon Yogurt Cake</span><br />
Slightly adapted from Ina Garten<br />
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/yumformytum/tangy-lemon-yogurt-cake?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1" target="_blank">(click here to print)</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WthwB8n6n7I/TznaTgxhGEI/AAAAAAAACPE/z3fEKfRPlL0/s1600/IMG_7503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WthwB8n6n7I/TznaTgxhGEI/AAAAAAAACPE/z3fEKfRPlL0/s640/IMG_7503.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cake:</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: inherit; line-height: 23px;">1 1/2 cups flour</span><br />
<ul class="kv-ingred-list1" style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tsp. baking powder</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 tsp. salt</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup plain yogurt (fat-free is fine)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup sugar</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 large eggs</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tsp. grated lemon zest (3 small lemons)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><ul class="kv-ingred-list1" style="line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (Ina doesn't put juice in the cake, but it increases the pucker power!)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1//2 tsp. vanilla (or <a href="http://blestnest.blogspot.com/2010/11/citrus-oils.html" target="_blank">lemon oil</a>, if you have it)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup vegetable oil</span></li>
</ul></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the syrup:</span></b></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/3 cup sugar</span></span></li>
</ul><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">For the glaze:</span></h3><ul class="kv-ingred-list1" style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup confectioners' sugar</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a loaf pan (8 1/2 x 4 1/4 x 2 1/2 inch or similar).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt, sugar, eggs, lemon juice and zest, vanilla and oil. Mix well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk until ingredients are combined.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QcGNxCrRg6Q/Tznaq5Kt6uI/AAAAAAAACPM/m8hLn1hTMpQ/s1600/pour+wet+into+dry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QcGNxCrRg6Q/Tznaq5Kt6uI/AAAAAAAACPM/m8hLn1hTMpQ/s640/pour+wet+into+dry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pour into loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Nh0SVBSfmY/TznbhviZ1UI/AAAAAAAACPc/yuylFZEL1kU/s1600/out+of+the+oven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Nh0SVBSfmY/TznbhviZ1UI/AAAAAAAACPc/yuylFZEL1kU/s400/out+of+the+oven.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. While the loaf is cooling, heat the syrup ingredients in the microwave for about 1 1/2 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved. Loosen the cake from the pan by running a knife around the edge. Invert onto a wire rack set over a sheet pan or plate. Slowly pour the syrup over the warm cake so that it is absorbed.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f-iyvpYg0MY/Tznb6Ab-KnI/AAAAAAAACPk/hpCXPpVeR7g/s1600/syrup+over+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f-iyvpYg0MY/Tznb6Ab-KnI/AAAAAAAACPk/hpCXPpVeR7g/s640/syrup+over+top.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you do this slowly, there is no need to poke holes in the cake. Cool to room temperature.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Combine the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the top, allowing the excess to drip over the sides. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Slice and serve.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9z2mLQALcL8/TznhQzbwP6I/AAAAAAAACQE/NLoRcpAMCtk/s1600/slice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9z2mLQALcL8/TznhQzbwP6I/AAAAAAAACQE/NLoRcpAMCtk/s640/slice.jpg" width="540" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Leftovers can be wrapped in foil and kept at room temperature. This stays moist and delicious for a few days, if it lasts that long! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Linking to:</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a border="0" href="http://delightfullydowling.blogspot.com/p/mangia-mondays.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/2z6hwjt.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"></div><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Py8En5HWICs/TyjK-x1Dh2I/AAAAAAAAI6s/_GGU5Zihaww/s1600/tuesday+talent+show+chef.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://thischickcooks.blogspot.com/"><img height="150" img="" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Yzmw3PB1YGw/Tdu6htYvpCI/AAAAAAAAAuk/HPNEuRHJ-LM/tccbestrecipesbutton.jpg" width="150" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-69431356839928900552012-02-09T17:03:00.004-06:002012-02-09T17:24:12.306-06:00ReincarnationAround Christmas-time, I wanted to make a batch of dark brown sugar sea-salt caramels. I bought this new Food Network brand candy thermometer at Kohls.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yHWoglHZqdc/Ty7kkbZ7Y5I/AAAAAAAACMg/Rr0lGzP02k0/s1600/flat+thermometer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yHWoglHZqdc/Ty7kkbZ7Y5I/AAAAAAAACMg/Rr0lGzP02k0/s1600/flat+thermometer.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have had the other type of candy thermometer that looks a little like a test tube for years, but I liked the idea of the flat thermometer which stays clipped on the pot better and is easier to read because the numbers aren't inside the glass like these are:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CC2UXc-FKl4/Ty7lHI4QWgI/AAAAAAAACMo/mUynh3I_6U8/s1600/glass+tubes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CC2UXc-FKl4/Ty7lHI4QWgI/AAAAAAAACMo/mUynh3I_6U8/s640/glass+tubes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
So I made my caramels which had to be cooked to the firm ball stage (245 degrees). If you know anything about candymaking, getting the temperature right is crucial. I figured that my new thermometer was trustworthy because, after all, it was from Food Network!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Wrong. </b></i> My caramels were somewhere between the hard ball and hard crack stages, in other words, the thermometer was probably between 25 and 35 degrees off! Gah!<br />
<br />
So I made another batch of caramels with my old faithful thermometer and they came out great. But what to do with the first batch? I mean, the taste was wonderful but the texture was a little scary: not hard enough to be broken into brittle chips (which was my initial inclination) and not soft enough to chew without seriously compromising your dental work.<br />
<br />
I put it in the freezer and forgot about it until today. I had a quart of heavy cream that a friend gave me because she knew she wasn't going to use it and decided to try an experiment. I chopped up my frozen caramel brick as best I could and melted it with about a cup and a half of heavy cream over medium low heat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZnJIhsQoVE/Ty7pO5MsOII/AAAAAAAACM4/24CYUA8ukOQ/s1600/melting+moments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZnJIhsQoVE/Ty7pO5MsOII/AAAAAAAACM4/24CYUA8ukOQ/s640/melting+moments.jpg" width="562" /></a></div><br />
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It made the most exquisite caramel sauce EVER!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nmr717JSp18/Ty7oqhzyWZI/AAAAAAAACMw/ZtgbPbYv3PY/s1600/caramel+sauce+accident.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nmr717JSp18/Ty7oqhzyWZI/AAAAAAAACMw/ZtgbPbYv3PY/s320/caramel+sauce+accident.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Don't you just love happy accidents? It's probably good that I don't know the <i><b>exact </b></i>way to make this sauce again, because it is so decadently delicious that I could eat the whole jar by myself. In fact, I kept sneaking spoonfuls at every opportunity. And then I decided to make some mocha ice cream to go with it...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DqOQaOhX91E/TzRP_dMkZ0I/AAAAAAAACOM/37voXDHQoJ0/s1600/drizzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DqOQaOhX91E/TzRP_dMkZ0I/AAAAAAAACOM/37voXDHQoJ0/s640/drizzle.jpg" width="574" /></a></div><b><i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0_3Tk4h-cM/TzRRbhB3u6I/AAAAAAAACOc/xsQIOoVhQzo/s1600/sundae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0_3Tk4h-cM/TzRRbhB3u6I/AAAAAAAACOc/xsQIOoVhQzo/s640/sundae.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<i>What about you? Have you ever brought something back from the brink of failure?</i><br />
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Sharing at:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Miz Helen’s Country Cottage" border="0" src="http://i755.photobucket.com/albums/xx199/darnold23/Miz-Helen-Badge-ALT5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-8265324806595444762012-02-05T20:28:00.003-06:002012-02-13T22:23:58.282-06:00Souper Bowl/SundaeThis weekend, I have been having fun in the kitchen. Some weekends are like that, where I enjoy trying new recipes or tweaking old ones.<br />
<br />
In honor of Super Bowl Sunday, I made both soup (or more accurately, a chowder), and sundaes (I will share that later this week).<br />
<br />
My husband is originally from Massachusetts, so I had to make a fish chowder in honor of his New England Patriots.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5yzCZW_Qf8k/Ty85ooc_iRI/AAAAAAAACN8/CuKGwCT5zLs/s1600/patriots+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5yzCZW_Qf8k/Ty85ooc_iRI/AAAAAAAACN8/CuKGwCT5zLs/s320/patriots+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This uses cod, and My Man gave us a little speech on the mismanagement of the cod industry in New England while we were eating this at lunch. Thankfully, our cod today was from the <i>Pacific</i> ocean. ;) <br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Fish Chowder</span><br />
adapted from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/fish-chowder/detail.aspx" target="_blank">allrecipes.com<span id="goog_666585429"></span><span id="goog_666585430"></span> </a><br />
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/yumformytum/fish-chowder?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1" target="_blank">(click here to print)</a><br />
<br />
<div class="ingredients" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Tbsp. butter</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups chopped onion</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 stalk celery, chopped</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 (14.5 ounce) cans low-sodium chicken stock (or use homemade if you have it)</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 large potatoes, peeled and diced</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 pounds cod, cut into 1 inch cubes</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning, or to taste (this sounds like a lot but this needs a lot of salt)</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ground black pepper to taste</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup bottled clam juice</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/3 cup all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk</span></li>
</ul></div><br />
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Melt the butter in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and saute until tender but not brown.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qs1ey_bjTw8/Ty835dUvRDI/AAAAAAAACNE/EMmpia4JVLM/s1600/saute+veggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qs1ey_bjTw8/Ty835dUvRDI/AAAAAAAACNE/EMmpia4JVLM/s640/saute+veggies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Add the potatoes and chicken broth and simmer for 10 minutes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSG5EXS_his/Ty84Bn2OtoI/AAAAAAAACNM/1W22lNk7EsU/s1600/add+potatoes+and+broth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSG5EXS_his/Ty84Bn2OtoI/AAAAAAAACNM/1W22lNk7EsU/s640/add+potatoes+and+broth.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Add the fish and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9SU3NmaBBM/Ty84K27Qn7I/AAAAAAAACNU/7bHI829qe3U/s1600/add+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9SU3NmaBBM/Ty84K27Qn7I/AAAAAAAACNU/7bHI829qe3U/s640/add+fish.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Combine the Old Bay seasoning, pepper, clam juice and flour and whisk until smooth. Add to the pot, stirring gently, and continue to cook for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IdypKu9g_uw/Ty84Y14ZbgI/AAAAAAAACNc/5W1np3hMdeA/s1600/thicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IdypKu9g_uw/Ty84Y14ZbgI/AAAAAAAACNc/5W1np3hMdeA/s640/thicken.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Add the evaporated milk and heat through. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-miA1RF0oqW4/Ty84mk1znVI/AAAAAAAACNk/sxMP_fdSvVs/s1600/add+evap+milk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-miA1RF0oqW4/Ty84mk1znVI/AAAAAAAACNk/sxMP_fdSvVs/s640/add+evap+milk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Sprinkle with a little extra Old Bay, if desired, for color.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VknIJdaiorM/Ty85BKJcC0I/AAAAAAAACN0/67xKpJzBXwU/s1600/fish+chowder2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VknIJdaiorM/Ty85BKJcC0I/AAAAAAAACN0/67xKpJzBXwU/s640/fish+chowder2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
My Man really enjoyed this. It brought him back to his mom's cooking, I think. He just kept saying, "This is good!"<br />
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I hope that tonight's game isn't giving him indigestion, though!<br />
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Linking to:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a border="0" href="http://delightfullydowling.blogspot.com/p/mangia-mondays.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/2z6hwjt.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://beyerbeware.blogspot.com/search/label/hunk%20of%20meat%20Monday" target="_blank"><img alt="Hunk of Meat Mondays" border="0" src="http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x362/beyerbeware/HOMM2small.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Py8En5HWICs/TyjK-x1Dh2I/AAAAAAAAI6s/_GGU5Zihaww/s1600/tuesday+talent+show+chef.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://thischickcooks.blogspot.com/"><img height="150" img="" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Yzmw3PB1YGw/Tdu6htYvpCI/AAAAAAAAAuk/HPNEuRHJ-LM/tccbestrecipesbutton.jpg" width="150" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-35480145825842848742012-02-04T17:07:00.001-06:002012-02-05T14:03:19.550-06:00Minute to Pin ItProbably most of you have heard of the wonderful, virtual bulletin board called<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kgcyTBuLmDQ/Ty2vUSoFtMI/AAAAAAAACKo/CSekx4VOm40/s1600/Pinterest+LogoRed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kgcyTBuLmDQ/Ty2vUSoFtMI/AAAAAAAACKo/CSekx4VOm40/s1600/Pinterest+LogoRed.png" /></a></div><br />
If you have the Pin It button installed on your browser, it takes literally a second to "pin" something you see (a photo, cool tutorial, or recipe) to your own personal bulletin board. In fact, you can have lots of bulletin boards, categorized in any way you want. And you can share them with others and repin others' stuff to yours.<br />
<br />
The best part of all is that the original url where you saw the item you pinned is retained so you can go back to it later. But the downside for me is that I pin like crazy and then never actually <b><i>try</i></b> the great ideas I have seen.<br />
<br />
Well, not today! One of my most "repinned" pins is for a Pottery Barn knockoff for Sheet Music Candles.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dhf0fjpMa8/Ty2yO2R4t-I/AAAAAAAACKw/9YTG5Crwmgc/s1600/pottery+barn+candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dhf0fjpMa8/Ty2yO2R4t-I/AAAAAAAACKw/9YTG5Crwmgc/s1600/pottery+barn+candles.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pottery Barn Sheet Music Candles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The original poster was Gail at <a href="http://www.cantstopmakingthings.com/">Can't Stop Making Things</a>, and <a href="http://www.cantstopmakingthings.com/2010/11/pb-knock-off-candles.html" target="_blank">her tutorial</a> is excellent. <br />
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I got my tissue paper, scissors and card stock together as well as a piece of scrapbook paper that has a music motif already (and an aged look).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRu9RCF4PIY/Ty7gTzq2TDI/AAAAAAAACMQ/9y3o4CQRf2U/s1600/supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRu9RCF4PIY/Ty7gTzq2TDI/AAAAAAAACMQ/9y3o4CQRf2U/s400/supplies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Make sure you know how your paper should be put in to have it print on the tissue paper side. I marked a blank paper with a red "X" and put it in face down.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlANjgNebKk/Ty20VeDb7EI/AAAAAAAACLI/lQF9maULtME/s1600/IMG_7397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlANjgNebKk/Ty20VeDb7EI/AAAAAAAACLI/lQF9maULtME/s320/IMG_7397.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yup, that's the correct orientation for my printer!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Next, I did as Gail instructed and taped the tissue paper to the card stock. I then put it through the printer.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDwrAy0wE4c/Ty2zp6dLmAI/AAAAAAAACLA/K6l1sdpxuA4/s1600/paper+jam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDwrAy0wE4c/Ty2zp6dLmAI/AAAAAAAACLA/K6l1sdpxuA4/s320/paper+jam.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paper jam!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Maybe I didn't use enough tape? I decided to wrap my card stock a little like a package on my second attempt so it wouldn't get jammed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBfghLmPJMg/Ty203dlvU_I/AAAAAAAACLQ/xdS3dZ1H5rQ/s1600/IMG_7392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBfghLmPJMg/Ty203dlvU_I/AAAAAAAACLQ/xdS3dZ1H5rQ/s320/IMG_7392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It worked!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l0KJezTp3Tk/Ty21l5qNm2I/AAAAAAAACLY/nCaLh9A8Cfw/s1600/IMG_7395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="620" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l0KJezTp3Tk/Ty21l5qNm2I/AAAAAAAACLY/nCaLh9A8Cfw/s640/IMG_7395.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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My advice to use less tissue on the back side than I did on this one because it was a little too thick. I did better on my second attempt.<br />
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I wrapped my Dollar Tree candle and a candle from Ikea ($3 total) with the printed tissue as Gail instructed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi9E6g9ooEY/Ty22VUaY_qI/AAAAAAAACLg/tugN8wqqmA0/s1600/IMG_7405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi9E6g9ooEY/Ty22VUaY_qI/AAAAAAAACLg/tugN8wqqmA0/s400/IMG_7405.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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One thing I found is that it's easier to cut the tissue to the correct size if it's still attached to the card stock.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1lLBHEGn_xs/Ty22-wJ0RMI/AAAAAAAACLo/LINLl_BvhYs/s1600/wrapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1lLBHEGn_xs/Ty22-wJ0RMI/AAAAAAAACLo/LINLl_BvhYs/s320/wrapped.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
The last step on Gail's tutorial was to heat the candle surface with a heat gun. I don't have one, but I noticed in the comments that someone recommended a hair dryer, so I tried that.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90zyy91c5nw/Ty23ZvmGU8I/AAAAAAAACLw/QkdEbc19oTY/s1600/IMG_7401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90zyy91c5nw/Ty23ZvmGU8I/AAAAAAAACLw/QkdEbc19oTY/s400/IMG_7401.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It worked!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Note that I used the hottest temperature but the lowest (directed) airflow and burnished the paper as the wax heated up to smooth out any wrinkles and increase adhesion.<br />
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Here's the finished candlescape! The little bonbon candle came from Dollar Tree.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xf_4QY3oiWg/Ty24ThZ2DkI/AAAAAAAACL4/pO6T6D4DAtU/s1600/candlescape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="630" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xf_4QY3oiWg/Ty24ThZ2DkI/AAAAAAAACL4/pO6T6D4DAtU/s640/candlescape.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Easy, cheap, and cute is music to my ears!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZHT97aV86U/Ty24iyghtbI/AAAAAAAACMA/R_agjYxMh1I/s1600/sheet+music+candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZHT97aV86U/Ty24iyghtbI/AAAAAAAACMA/R_agjYxMh1I/s640/sheet+music+candle.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Thanks, Gail!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-91046856079617891512012-01-31T22:38:00.003-06:002012-02-03T13:12:43.825-06:00Comfort Food ClassicI'm the third of four children, a "middle child." I have an older brother, an older sister, and a younger brother. When I was a little girl, every summer my mom would let me spend a day with her older sister, my Aunty Isabelle. That was such a special treat, because I was treated like a princess for the day. I would read lots of comic books<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTf0lhZ8vy8/Tyiw-L4cgbI/AAAAAAAACI4/TwFUr7Q9ipw/s1600/archie+comic+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTf0lhZ8vy8/Tyiw-L4cgbI/AAAAAAAACI4/TwFUr7Q9ipw/s320/archie+comic+book.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><br />
<br />
and help Aunty Iz with her housework (seemed like fun at the time!). She would watch her soap opera while she ironed and I would watch, too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OA8GLKCnN9A/TyiwXminBEI/AAAAAAAACIw/MSVkBidNKGo/s1600/astheworldturns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OA8GLKCnN9A/TyiwXminBEI/AAAAAAAACIw/MSVkBidNKGo/s1600/astheworldturns.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It made me feel so grown up. And I remember that for dinner, she would let me try a little coffee with lots of warm milk (cafe' au lait, before I even knew what that was!) which I pretended to like but really didn't. And Aunty Iz <i><b>always</b></i> made my favorite dessert, too: chocolate pudding. <br />
<br />
Aunty Iz has been gone for many years now, but to this day, when I go home to visit my mom, she makes me chocolate pudding. Unfortunately, I don't get home to visit as often as I would like. January is my personal nightmare on the job front, and as much as I would sometimes like to return to those easy, breezy childhood days, I can't.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ee4KBCDZAo/Tyi0IcRczuI/AAAAAAAACJA/mV1opJ50HcE/s1600/dilbert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ee4KBCDZAo/Tyi0IcRczuI/AAAAAAAACJA/mV1opJ50HcE/s400/dilbert.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://animationx.rubberslug.com/gallery/inv_info.asp?ItemID=236209">SOURCE</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>So instead I made a batch of chocolate pudding to conjure up the warm, fuzzy feelings of the past and to celebrate the end of January. Ten minutes and a few kitchen staples are all you need to create your own comfort food classic!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhZoQrqZyhQ/Tyi6AxHxMII/AAAAAAAACJI/nG1Mb6Cn-rc/s1600/pudding+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhZoQrqZyhQ/Tyi6AxHxMII/AAAAAAAACJI/nG1Mb6Cn-rc/s640/pudding+cup.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Rich and Creamy Microwave Chocolate Pudding</span><br />
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/yumformytum/rich-and-creamy-microwave-chocolate-pudding?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1">(click here to print)</a><br />
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3 cups milk (I usually use a combination of evaporated skim milk and regular skim milk)<br />
3/4 cup sugar<br />
3 egg yolks, well beaten<br />
1/4 cup cornstarch<br />
3 oz. unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped <br />
1/4 tsp. salt<br />
1 Tbsp. butter<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
<br />
In an 8 cup pyrex measuring cup (or microwave safe bowl), combine the milk, sugar, cornstarch and egg yolks. Whisk vigorously to blend. Add the chocolate.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4QGQE7cQ20/Tyi6bv8IhfI/AAAAAAAACJQ/flASYXxVCT0/s1600/uncooked+mixture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4QGQE7cQ20/Tyi6bv8IhfI/AAAAAAAACJQ/flASYXxVCT0/s400/uncooked+mixture.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncooked mixture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Microwave on high for 3 minutes, then whisk. Microwave on high for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, then whisk again until smooth.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tt_HvL5s3FI/Tyi7lLTtLgI/AAAAAAAACJY/osjjnnjzkkw/s1600/before+thinning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tt_HvL5s3FI/Tyi7lLTtLgI/AAAAAAAACJY/osjjnnjzkkw/s400/before+thinning.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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You may have to add additional milk to thin it out to your desired consistency. Add butter and vanilla and stir until incorporated.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8MR-J8WRKwM/Tyi7yNtb4RI/AAAAAAAACJg/c09-qI7XlfI/s1600/IMG_7291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8MR-J8WRKwM/Tyi7yNtb4RI/AAAAAAAACJg/c09-qI7XlfI/s400/IMG_7291.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Pour through a fine-mesh strainer to eliminate any lumps. (There aren't usually many lumps with this microwave method.) Immediately press a piece of plastic wrap on the surface of the pudding to prevent formation of a skin.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEP2cbGh8Ns/Tyk72Iwv1II/AAAAAAAACKY/sY_cNEsikpI/s1600/no+skin+in+the+game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEP2cbGh8Ns/Tyk72Iwv1II/AAAAAAAACKY/sY_cNEsikpI/s400/no+skin+in+the+game.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Let cool for about a half hour if you like to eat it warm. You know I can't resist!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6rye4XqQdi4/Tyi8P0jGG2I/AAAAAAAACJw/w8jBqfEIx2g/s1600/dig+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6rye4XqQdi4/Tyi8P0jGG2I/AAAAAAAACJw/w8jBqfEIx2g/s640/dig+in.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Otherwise, refrigerate and serve it cold. It's great either way, but you better hide it in the back of the refrigerator if you don't want your kids to eat it all. Trust me on that.<br />
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Oh yeah, I feel SO much better!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.everydaytastes.com/2012/02/02/its-a-keeper-thursday-recipe-project-linky-36/#comment-4936"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBL0sCrgFOU/TyjBfJTwznI/AAAAAAAACKQ/CPsC9ABXf30/s1600/it's+a+Keeper+Thursday.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMZJkITjwQg/TxzHcSp3hdI/AAAAAAAACG0/pI6slc_pe2M/s1600/IMG_7005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMZJkITjwQg/TxzHcSp3hdI/AAAAAAAACG0/pI6slc_pe2M/s400/IMG_7005.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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I froze a bunch of them for future pies, trifles, and maybe even an ice cream or sorbet. Place them (unwashed) in a single layer on a sheet pan<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v4fBL9LL1w4/TxzI98WGB2I/AAAAAAAACHE/L6RD6kuv6Y4/s1600/IMG_7006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v4fBL9LL1w4/TxzI98WGB2I/AAAAAAAACHE/L6RD6kuv6Y4/s640/IMG_7006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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and pop into the freezer for a few hours until frozen through, then bag and label.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iOoMhOuoiig/TxzH0IinPhI/AAAAAAAACG8/-IvO-cOvcyM/s1600/IMG_7007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iOoMhOuoiig/TxzH0IinPhI/AAAAAAAACG8/-IvO-cOvcyM/s640/IMG_7007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We also ate a lot of them fresh. We all love raspberries and feel absolutely no guilt when eating them as a snack as they are rich in antioxidants and fiber.<br />
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Blackberries have also been really cheap lately (88 cents for a half-pint this week!). So I decided to combine the two berries in one delicious, fresh salad.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RTs9JNgdV_0/TxzS9rJEISI/AAAAAAAACH0/lhUCLlNJvZw/s1600/closeup+with+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RTs9JNgdV_0/TxzS9rJEISI/AAAAAAAACH0/lhUCLlNJvZw/s400/closeup+with+watermark.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Spinach Salad with Fresh Berries, Candied Almonds, and Raspberry Vinaigrette</span><br />
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/yumformytum/spinach-salad-with-fresh-berries-candied-almonds-and-raspberry-vinaigrette?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1">(click here to print)</a><br />
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5 oz. fresh baby spinach (or greens of your choice), washed and spun dry<br />
1 avocado, peeled and diced<br />
1/3 to 1/2 cup feta cheese (optional)<br />
1/2 cup each fresh raspberries and blackberries<br />
1/3 cup minced green onion<br />
<br />
<u>Candied Nuts</u><br />
1/2 cup sliced almonds<br />
2 Tbsp. sugar<br />
<br />
<u>Raspberry Vinaigrette</u><br />
1/3 cup canola oil<br />
2 Tbsp. raspberry jam<br />
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
Combine almonds and sugar in a small nonstick frying pan and toast over medium heat until golden brown. Pour onto a piece of parchment paper to cool, separating so that they don't stick together.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kNjBEL8KD50/TxzMt8ueqMI/AAAAAAAACHM/Qmcq4A4vg2o/s1600/candied+nuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kNjBEL8KD50/TxzMt8ueqMI/AAAAAAAACHM/Qmcq4A4vg2o/s400/candied+nuts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Combine vinaigrette ingredients and mix thoroughly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QraYTI0KwMk/TxzOJbYg4FI/AAAAAAAACHU/PA-DtwdhakQ/s1600/IMG_7195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QraYTI0KwMk/TxzOJbYg4FI/AAAAAAAACHU/PA-DtwdhakQ/s320/IMG_7195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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When ready to serve, mix the spinach, onions, almonds and feta cheese together. Toss lightly. Scatter the avocado and berries around each portion. Drizzle with the raspberry vinaigrette.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NnKR8XUTtYY/TxzO93gWb_I/AAAAAAAACHk/gUzzpR-U7-0/s1600/berry+good+salad+with+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NnKR8XUTtYY/TxzO93gWb_I/AAAAAAAACHk/gUzzpR-U7-0/s640/berry+good+salad+with+watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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One thing I love about this salad is that it also tastes divine with dried cherries or cranberries in place of the fresh berries. Or you can use bleu cheese instead of feta. You can also change up the nuts and/or just toast them without candying them. You could even try different types of preserves or jam in the basic vinaigrette recipe: maybe orange marmalade or fig preserves?<br />
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I just love salads with fruit and nuts. It satisfies my sweet tooth in a healthy way. And isn't this salad fresh and pretty?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Cast Party Wednesday" src="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/images/banners/cast_party.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IwkxbW6oWWk/TxdqW14VhZI/AAAAAAAACFU/mIrvDljQ-vA/s1600/IMG_7174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IwkxbW6oWWk/TxdqW14VhZI/AAAAAAAACFU/mIrvDljQ-vA/s320/IMG_7174.JPG" width="191" /></a></div><br />
She and I share January birthdays: mine is on the 16th and hers is on the 18th, so she's exactly 1 year and 2 days younger than me. Thelma will be celebrating her 50th with a girls' trip to<b> Las Vegas</b>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wZbnQDe7GA/Txdua0n945I/AAAAAAAACFc/SS5N5q93KBk/s1600/las+vegas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wZbnQDe7GA/Txdua0n945I/AAAAAAAACFc/SS5N5q93KBk/s1600/las+vegas.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I was invited to go, but I don't enjoy losing my money. Maybe it's because I'm a <strike> control freak</strike> accountant, but I'm constantly assessing my financial position to see how much I'm down.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3zHn_ZQ8flc/TxdxgD1l15I/AAAAAAAACFs/DjjMLk5PjVA/s1600/downward+trend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3zHn_ZQ8flc/TxdxgD1l15I/AAAAAAAACFs/DjjMLk5PjVA/s1600/downward+trend.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Kinda hard to enjoy yourself when you're worried about losing your shirt. (Figuratively, not literally, although in Vegas, you never know.) I figure that anyone who's as risk-averse as I am shouldn't be in Vegas.<br />
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Luckily, though, I don't mind taking <b>calculated risks</b>. So I committed the cardinal sin of baking and tried out a new recipe for Thelma's birthday cake. Luckily, this was a <b>low-risk gamble</b> because the <a href="http://www.salad-in-a-jar.com/family-recipes/aimees-triple-coconut-cake">Triple Coconut cake recipe</a> I used was posted by a very accomplished cook, Paula at <i><b><a href="http://www.saladinajar.com/">Salad in a Jar</a></b></i>. I saw it a few months ago and have had it on my must-try list ever since.<br />
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It's called <span style="font-size: large;">Triple Coconut Cake</span> because coconut milk, flaked coconut, and cream of coconut hit the <b>trifecta</b> of flavor. And it starts with a boxed mix, which is a benefit when you need to whip something up in a hurry.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5cufAqD5Vs/TxdzVX9DuaI/AAAAAAAACF0/qdZmqclH-Tk/s1600/IMG_7141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5cufAqD5Vs/TxdzVX9DuaI/AAAAAAAACF0/qdZmqclH-Tk/s640/IMG_7141.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Coconut milk replaces the water that's called for in the cake mix and adds another layer of coconutty goodness. I used light coconut milk to cut the calories (550 calories per cup for regular, 180 for light). If you can find coconut water (46 calories per cup), that could be used in place of the coconut milk for an even greater reduction in calories.<br />
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Bake the cake<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdx7OSHc81Y/Txd1vNqUJ0I/AAAAAAAACGE/CnjTjCMvkrs/s1600/IMG_7144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdx7OSHc81Y/Txd1vNqUJ0I/AAAAAAAACGE/CnjTjCMvkrs/s640/IMG_7144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>and let cool for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the cream of coconut in the microwave and stir to combine. Poke holes in the cake<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rss5PBpwUno/Txd3he_pZMI/AAAAAAAACGM/Fo9x2DrM_G4/s1600/IMG_7148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rss5PBpwUno/Txd3he_pZMI/AAAAAAAACGM/Fo9x2DrM_G4/s640/IMG_7148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
and pour the warm cream of coconut into the holes and around the edges of the cake. Cool, then refrigerate overnight.<br />
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Frost with cool whip (I used light to cut calories), then sprinkle with coconut. I used both toasted and regular flaked coconut and just plain whipped topping for the middle stripe.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXpvfSVUF_o/Txd4X_ZK0_I/AAAAAAAACGU/Q3j6M6czpN0/s1600/coconut+frosting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXpvfSVUF_o/Txd4X_ZK0_I/AAAAAAAACGU/Q3j6M6czpN0/s640/coconut+frosting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I may not be going to Vegas, but I <b>hit the jackpot </b>with this recipe!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yRVimFAkMpU/Txd5CI_inaI/AAAAAAAACGc/GZd3MXeuvC4/s1600/jackpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yRVimFAkMpU/Txd5CI_inaI/AAAAAAAACGc/GZd3MXeuvC4/s1600/jackpot.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Want a bite?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTJcbxoUSg8/Txd5toR7stI/AAAAAAAACGk/mS9iIS1d_d4/s1600/bite+of+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTJcbxoUSg8/Txd5toR7stI/AAAAAAAACGk/mS9iIS1d_d4/s640/bite+of+cake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Linking to:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Cast Party Wednesday" src="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/images/banners/cast_party.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Miz Helen’s Country Cottage" border="0" src="http://i755.photobucket.com/albums/xx199/darnold23/Miz-Helen-Badge-ALT5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-74022933397954381792012-01-16T19:09:00.001-06:002012-01-16T19:23:30.948-06:00My Word!Layla from one of my favorite blogs, <a href="http://www.theletteredcottage.net/"><i>The Lettered Cottage</i></a>, is hosting a party today (on my birthday!) which caught my attention:<br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/word-of-the-year-link-party-2012" title="The Lettered Cottage"><img alt="The Lettered Cottage" src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/Linky%20Buttons/This_Little_Word_Of_Mine_2012.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>I am intrigued by this business of choosing a<b> <span style="color: red;">word</span> </b>for the year that will provide focus and direction to my life. Imagine, the Word providing direction! Did you know that another name for <i>Jesus Christ is the Word</i>?<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and <b>the Word was God</b>. </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">He was with God in the beginning. </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b>Through him all things were made</b>; without him nothing was made that has been made. (John 1:1-3)</span></blockquote><br />
The universe was spoken into existence with a word by the Word!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">This is what the ancients were commended for. </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">By faith we understand that<b> the universe was formed at God’s command</b>, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. (Hebrews 11:1-3)</span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Y4YYtyD0Ng/TxS4Ap3GvuI/AAAAAAAACEs/gOa703ci0jY/s1600/creation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Y4YYtyD0Ng/TxS4Ap3GvuI/AAAAAAAACEs/gOa703ci0jY/s640/creation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Clearly, words are powerful!<br />
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I have been convicted lately that I have let some of my relationships lapse or haven't been pouring as much into them as I should be. This goes for both my vertical relationship (with God)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CEhrrzkvbhE/TxS-_69CgBI/AAAAAAAACE0/N3Q6j-XAZdw/s1600/vertical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CEhrrzkvbhE/TxS-_69CgBI/AAAAAAAACE0/N3Q6j-XAZdw/s320/vertical.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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and with my horizontal relationships (with others).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wJlJvrIHD6U/TxS_JIkJaXI/AAAAAAAACE8/i8tb_nFg-fM/s1600/community+connection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wJlJvrIHD6U/TxS_JIkJaXI/AAAAAAAACE8/i8tb_nFg-fM/s320/community+connection.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Ever notice what that vertical and horizontal represent?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSkeaVZDrT0/TxS2SuBdeVI/AAAAAAAACEk/8k7yFaKbpfI/s1600/cross+in+clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSkeaVZDrT0/TxS2SuBdeVI/AAAAAAAACEk/8k7yFaKbpfI/s640/cross+in+clouds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">"Then he said to them all: </span><span class="nivred" style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">“If anyone would come after me, he must<b> deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me</b>.</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b> </b></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">"</span></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> (Luke 9:23-25)</span></blockquote>I need to take up my cross and follow daily. <b><span style="color: red;"><u>Daily</u></span></b>. Now there's a challenge. I have been tending to relationships in fits and starts and haven't been very disciplined in the art of <b>daily</b> communicating with my Lord or even with my friends and family. I have been putting self-interests above His interests (which always prioritize relationships over the things of this world). Even this little ol' blogging thing can be a major distraction!<br />
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So my word for this year is<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wyIlNHq47RU/TxS_1-67jyI/AAAAAAAACFE/2TIdBNiBFi0/s1600/connect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wyIlNHq47RU/TxS_1-67jyI/AAAAAAAACFE/2TIdBNiBFi0/s400/connect.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">con·nect</span> <span style="color: #717274; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>verb</i></b></span><span class="main-fl" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span class="pr" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-left: 10px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" xmlns:mwref="http://www.m-w.com/mwref"><span style="color: #717274;">\kə-</span><span class="unicode" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; color: #717274; font-family: 'lucida sans unicode'; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">ˈ</span><span style="color: #717274;">nekt</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"> </span></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1. </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; text-align: -webkit-auto;">To become joined or<b> united</b>:</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span class="illustration" style="background-color: white; color: #226699; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; text-align: -webkit-auto;">two streams connecting to form a river.</span><br />
<div class="ds-list" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; margin-left: 1cm; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>2. </b>To be <b>scheduled</b> so as to provide continuing service, as between airplanes or buses.</div><div class="ds-list" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; margin-left: 1cm; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>3. </b>To establish a rapport or <b>relationship</b>; relate: <span class="illustration" style="color: #226699; font-style: italic;">The candidate failed to connect with the voters.</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Interesting that my logo has a power cord associated with it. My phrase for accomplishing connection is:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>"The power to DO comes from YOU!"</b></div><br />
I know that my Spirit is willing but my flesh is weak and that the only way to actually have <span style="color: red;"><b>daily</b></span> connection with God and with others in a Christ-honoring way is through my power source: the Holy Spirit.<br />
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Lord, please help me to<span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>Connect</b></span> with you and with others in a way that brings you glory. Help me to be consistent (<span style="color: red;">daily</span>) and deliberate and to find my power to do this in YOU.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-23197048403418877802012-01-12T18:39:00.002-06:002012-01-13T17:56:18.343-06:00Simple SalmonOne of <a href="http://blestnest.blogspot.com/2012/01/weighty-resolution.html">my New Years resolutions</a> is to eat healthier. That would definitely include eating more yummy fish. Salmon was on sale last week for $4.99 a pound, so My Man, the grocery shopper, picked up a nice 2 1/2 pound filet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlIpB2rMQz0/Tw9yAONU3MI/AAAAAAAACDY/hvDg9ozCxXA/s1600/IMG_7048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlIpB2rMQz0/Tw9yAONU3MI/AAAAAAAACDY/hvDg9ozCxXA/s400/IMG_7048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After church on Sunday, I decided to make this for lunch for the family. When I was growing up, Sunday lunch was the big meal of the day, and it was a "grab your own" for dinner. I have pretty much continued that tradition.<br />
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I didn't want to fuss too much since it was supposed to be day of rest and I was tired. So I virtually consulted the Barefoot Contessa and used the marinade from her <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/roasted-salmon-nicoise-platter-recipe/index.html">Roasted Salmon Nicoise</a> for my fish. It's got ingredients that I usually have on hand: zesty lemon, pungent garlic, and piquant dijon mustard.<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jB3XuWcnjg8/Tw94aiP42bI/AAAAAAAACD8/ia3i_P1B49Y/s1600/lemon+and+garlic+zest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jB3XuWcnjg8/Tw94aiP42bI/AAAAAAAACD8/ia3i_P1B49Y/s640/lemon+and+garlic+zest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Easy Marinade for Fish</span><br />
from Ina Garten, aka<i> The Barefoot Contessa</i><br />
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/yumformytum/easy-marinade-for-fish?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1">(click here to print)</a><br />
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<ul class="kv-ingred-list1" style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="ingredient" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 lemons, zested and juiced</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Tbsp. olive oil</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 garlic cloves, minced</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 to 3 pounds skin-on fresh salmon fillets</span></li>
</ul><br />
Combine the olive oil, mustard, garlic, lemon zest and juice, and salt and pepper. Whisk to combine.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwr-HaEqTy8/Tw9z_EhHufI/AAAAAAAACDo/UBqVBX9KdrM/s1600/IMG_7045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwr-HaEqTy8/Tw9z_EhHufI/AAAAAAAACDo/UBqVBX9KdrM/s640/IMG_7045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with heavy duty foil and place fish on top. Pour the marinade evenly over your fish filet<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PW2hiGEFDio/Tw90lgQswAI/AAAAAAAACD0/IpAimtS7IXs/s1600/IMG_7049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PW2hiGEFDio/Tw90lgQswAI/AAAAAAAACD0/IpAimtS7IXs/s640/IMG_7049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
and let stand for 15 minutes at room temperature.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcKdNOnkvhQ/Tw95ApMl84I/AAAAAAAACEE/a9skVd60juU/s1600/raw+fish+with+sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcKdNOnkvhQ/Tw95ApMl84I/AAAAAAAACEE/a9skVd60juU/s640/raw+fish+with+sauce.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Pop the salmon in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C13cPaHem-4/Tw95IZbmPZI/AAAAAAAACEM/gl0z9le_MGg/s1600/cooked+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C13cPaHem-4/Tw95IZbmPZI/AAAAAAAACEM/gl0z9le_MGg/s640/cooked+fish.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Slice the salmon into serving pieces, leaving the skin behind on the foil I served this with steamed broccoli and rice pilaf with dried cherries and toasted pecans.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRqBOiUKdHw/Tw95fs0mLAI/AAAAAAAACEU/C4eX_CPEV4U/s1600/salmon+flaky2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRqBOiUKdHw/Tw95fs0mLAI/AAAAAAAACEU/C4eX_CPEV4U/s640/salmon+flaky2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
If you want to, you could make extra marinade and serve it on the side, but since I'm watching my calories, I opted out of that idea.<br />
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Easy to make and easy cleanup, too: Just wad up the foil and throw it away! Simple and sensational.<br />
And hey, because I have made healthy choices (so far!) in the New Year, I have lost 4 pounds!<br />
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Linking to:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Cast Party Wednesday" src="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/images/banners/cast_party.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.momtrends.com/2012/01/friday-food-recipe-linky-kung-pao-beef/#comment-25259"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaqFXzvwDlI/TxBgst__BKI/AAAAAAAACEc/4tQlNImpW7c/s1600/momtrends.png" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-79063537958153179202012-01-08T18:26:00.005-06:002012-01-10T17:50:12.871-06:00California Roll Dreaming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I was dreaming about California Rolls and wanted to bring them to a friend's house since everyone is trying to eat healthy right now. Including me. But they're pricey when feeding a crowd since 9 pieces are somewhere between $6 and $8.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQTrsDdTD8s/TwoklJh-UhI/AAAAAAAACBc/3Jt24HD_x00/s1600/california+rolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQTrsDdTD8s/TwoklJh-UhI/AAAAAAAACBc/3Jt24HD_x00/s640/california+rolls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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So I attempted to make them. I don't like raw fish in sushi but rather wanted something vegetarian. I went to a local Asian grocery store and bought my ingredients:<br />
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A bamboo mat, Nori wrappers (roasted seaweed), Japanese short-grain rice, and sushi vinegar (or you can make your own by heating 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp. salt until grains of sugar are dissolved, then cool before using).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6uivC89WJU/Twoc6I1WI2I/AAAAAAAACBM/lTblckMvX_0/s1600/japanese+ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6uivC89WJU/Twoc6I1WI2I/AAAAAAAACBM/lTblckMvX_0/s640/japanese+ingredients.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
I also bought a cucumber, a ripe but firm avocado, and some crab sticks (fake crab). I bought a Persian cucumber because they're about the same size as the crab sticks and they were available at the Asian grocery. If you can't find them, you can use a regular peeled, seeded cucumber. A Persian cucumber has a thin skin and doesn't need to be peeled or seeded.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YcjqTwzwAL4/Twov72dtupI/AAAAAAAACCs/mZILxIvdcco/s1600/ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YcjqTwzwAL4/Twov72dtupI/AAAAAAAACCs/mZILxIvdcco/s640/ingredients.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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I watched two videos on YouTube which helped me to understand the technique. The first shows<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByXX17MpcF4"> how to make sushi rice</a><span id="goog_308055854"></span><span id="goog_308055855"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a> and the second shows <span id="goog_1498406249"></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeSdErIP0kY">how to form the rolls</a><span id="goog_1498406250"></span>. I made a couple of batches of rice and found that I deviated a little from the video technique and it worked better for me.<br />
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First, wash and drain 2 cups of rice about 4 times in cold water. Then let the rice drain in the colander for about 15 minutes.<br />
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Then put the rice in a heavy pot and soak the rice in 2 1/4 cups cold water for another 15 minutes. <b><i>Cover it</i></b>. From this point forward, don't uncover the pot. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and continue to cook for 15 minutes. (Set a timer!)<br />
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When your timer goes off, remove the rice from the heat and let rest (still covered!) for another 15 minutes.<br />
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<b><i>Now you can uncover</i></b> <b><i>the pot! </i></b>The rice should be sticky and slightly shiny.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55tzAena31U/TwosJcAu8nI/AAAAAAAACCM/gStbF8HCodc/s1600/IMG_6985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55tzAena31U/TwosJcAu8nI/AAAAAAAACCM/gStbF8HCodc/s320/IMG_6985.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Using a wooden or plastic spoon, gently scoop the rice into a non-metallic, flat-bottomed bowl. I used a pyrex baking dish. Pour about 1/2 cup sushi vinegar over the rice and use a wooden spoon or plastic spatula to mix it in using a slicing motion.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lOFXZYkkb4/TwosYDqOjDI/AAAAAAAACCU/V4vmlq6SHyE/s1600/IMG_6987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lOFXZYkkb4/TwosYDqOjDI/AAAAAAAACCU/V4vmlq6SHyE/s400/IMG_6987.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Several videos I saw also recommended fanning the rice over a 10-minute period (to cool and dry it), occasionally flipping the rice over. The goal is for the rice grains to be separate and not at all mushy. Check out this guy's amazing technique!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/4M_Tlu2_eew/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4M_Tlu2_eew&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4M_Tlu2_eew&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />
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While the rice is cooking, you can prepare your mat and your veggies. Encase the bamboo mat smoothly in plastic wrap. Slice the avocado in half, then slice the halves in thin, even slices, about 1/4 inch each. Sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning. Slice the cucumber in sticks that are about 1/4" wide and the same length as the crab sticks. <br />
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Place a Nori wrapper (shiny side down) on the bamboo mat and spread about 3 or 4 ounces of cooked rice over it. You should be able to see the wrapper through the rice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUGgM8nBzLE/TwomrMLWM4I/AAAAAAAACBk/Fnm66Uk_6kI/s1600/spread+rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUGgM8nBzLE/TwomrMLWM4I/AAAAAAAACBk/Fnm66Uk_6kI/s640/spread+rice.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Now flip the entire wrapper so that the rice side is on the bottom. Layer a couple slices of avocado, then the crab sticks, then the cucumber.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5fjr5N2nE-w/TwowjA1dMnI/AAAAAAAACC0/HKdcrK3r2h0/s1600/layers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5fjr5N2nE-w/TwowjA1dMnI/AAAAAAAACC0/HKdcrK3r2h0/s640/layers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Now use the mat to start rolling.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jT3rbfCcsew/TwoowuHBC9I/AAAAAAAACB8/DrbIj6eujdg/s1600/rolling+along.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jT3rbfCcsew/TwoowuHBC9I/AAAAAAAACB8/DrbIj6eujdg/s640/rolling+along.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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If you haven't already, watch<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeSdErIP0kY"> this video</a> to get the technique.<br />
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Here are some completed rolls before cutting:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f83QzeP1ZQU/Twos6H61kQI/AAAAAAAACCc/q0XFhOT75Ds/s1600/IMG_7004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f83QzeP1ZQU/Twos6H61kQI/AAAAAAAACCc/q0XFhOT75Ds/s640/IMG_7004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
And here's a whole platter full!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2vRo3dY8dM/TwotIu5cbyI/AAAAAAAACCk/hwbpeIK0Wic/s1600/platefull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2vRo3dY8dM/TwotIu5cbyI/AAAAAAAACCk/hwbpeIK0Wic/s640/platefull.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I made a spicy sauce with 2 Tbsp. mayo and 2 tsp. sriracha sauce that people could drizzle over top and also brought store-bought wasabi paste and pickled ginger. Very tasty!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igp8uZ46wSQ/TwzOo0Yi13I/AAAAAAAACC8/IhZTTT2n1iw/s1600/sushi+with+sauce2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igp8uZ46wSQ/TwzOo0Yi13I/AAAAAAAACC8/IhZTTT2n1iw/s320/sushi+with+sauce2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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When I lived in New Orleans, a professional sushi chef named Yosh lived across the street from me for many years. I wish I had asked him to teach me a thing or two!<br />
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Linking to:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a border="0" href="http://delightfullydowling.blogspot.com/p/mangia-mondays.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/2z6hwjt.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://larkscountryheart.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Lark's Country Heart" src="http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd499/SparkyLarky/linkypartybutton-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<center><a border="0" href="http://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc372/nikbar/ILoveChefInTrainingButton-1.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YOaqKWl3JRQ/TiZMtAYFOiI/AAAAAAAABWo/oBSTG9cB1PE/s1600/tasty_tuesdays_complete3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YOaqKWl3JRQ/TiZMtAYFOiI/AAAAAAAABWo/oBSTG9cB1PE/s1600/tasty_tuesdays_complete3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<center><a href="http://thischickcooks.blogspot.com/"><img height="150" img="" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Yzmw3PB1YGw/Tdu6htYvpCI/AAAAAAAAAuk/HPNEuRHJ-LM/tccbestrecipesbutton.jpg" width="150" /></a></center><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Cast Party Wednesday" src="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/images/banners/cast_party.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Miz Helen’s Country Cottage" border="0" src="http://i755.photobucket.com/albums/xx199/darnold23/Miz-Helen-Badge-ALT5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.everydaytastes.com/%20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="It's a Keeper" height="200" src="http://www.everydaytastes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IAK-Thursdays-Button.jpg%20" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<span id="goog_1870280025"></span><span id="goog_1870280026"></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-56545616447875121332012-01-06T20:00:00.000-06:002012-01-06T20:00:36.485-06:00A Weighty ResolutionHappy New Year, a little late!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WIL9HF5m6Xc/TweWIrEtdCI/AAAAAAAACAU/mf9DO2lnUCs/s1600/2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WIL9HF5m6Xc/TweWIrEtdCI/AAAAAAAACAU/mf9DO2lnUCs/s1600/2012.jpg" /></a></div>I hope you rang in the New Year with lots of <strike>bubbly</strike> family and friends. We went to a party this year, but I actually enjoy staying at home on New Years Eve. Boring to some but relaxing to me.<br />
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New Years is, of course, a time for making resolutions. I have a love/hate relationship with them. I think it's good to reflect on my life and the things I want to change, but I feel really bad about myself when I fail, yet again, to fulfill them all.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_SYI1GIdpDs/Twedej7HiJI/AAAAAAAACAk/ePZej4tEuzA/s1600/not+perfect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_SYI1GIdpDs/Twedej7HiJI/AAAAAAAACAk/ePZej4tEuzA/s400/not+perfect.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Like many people, high on my list of resolutions is to lose weight and eat more healthfully. About 4 years ago, I lost 30 lbs. in 6 months. I kept it off for two years.<br />
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But something has happened to me in the past two years. I guess I could blame it on hormones (or lack thereof) or stress (Type A?). But I think the culprit is that I stopped paying attention. I eased up a little. Then a little more. Then a lot. I've gained back about half of what I initially lost.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4w_0jx0iyoE/Twefif21tGI/AAAAAAAACAs/FsKXBHnxtaI/s1600/scale+help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4w_0jx0iyoE/Twefif21tGI/AAAAAAAACAs/FsKXBHnxtaI/s400/scale+help.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Most people wouldn't say that I am overweight, and according to the calculators, I have a normal body mass index (BMI) and weight. But I just feel better when I weigh about 10-15 lbs. less. I am short-waisted, so those extra pounds really show, especially in my midsection. I am the poster child for the muffin top.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7c0VW09IXOg/TwejNqhHfHI/AAAAAAAACA8/YY-2DHgmuRo/s1600/muffin+top2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7c0VW09IXOg/TwejNqhHfHI/AAAAAAAACA8/YY-2DHgmuRo/s1600/muffin+top2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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When I lost weight last time, I used the online tools at <a href="http://caloriecount.about.com/">caloriecount.about.com</a> to log my weight, food intake, and workout activity. I was brutally honest with myself and spent quite a bit of time each day entering information and figuring out the best choices when we occasionally dined out. I tried to eat about 1,400 calories a day, heavy on the protein and light on the carbs, especially the refined ones.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1GqZdPSp1M/TweidlgaM5I/AAAAAAAACA0/3UiMKDNP6k0/s1600/locarb.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1GqZdPSp1M/TweidlgaM5I/AAAAAAAACA0/3UiMKDNP6k0/s1600/locarb.gif" /></a></div><br />
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Honestly, I didn't exercise much last time, but I think I may have to kick my booty in gear in order to lose this time. My metabolism has slowed, and cutting calories alone may not be enough. Besides, weight-bearing exercise is good for your bones.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R87KjU2Fee4/TwelaWs1iRI/AAAAAAAACBE/eqh0VgzKbpM/s1600/bones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R87KjU2Fee4/TwelaWs1iRI/AAAAAAAACBE/eqh0VgzKbpM/s1600/bones.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I also plan on being fanatical about portion sizes. Another tool that I use is my <a href="http://blestnest.blogspot.com/2010/11/weighing-in.html">electronic food scale</a> which is incredibly accurate.<br />
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If you have any tips on how to lose weight (especially if you're over 50!), please share them in the comments! Also, if you have a great recipe to share that is diet-friendly, post the link! And if you are already at your goal weight and have been able to maintain it long-term, what is your secret?<br />
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Did <i><b>you</b></i> make any resolutions?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-79275487170138806422011-12-31T17:05:00.002-06:002012-01-10T18:40:18.879-06:00Crunch A BunchA holiday tradition in our house is that My Man makes traditional Chex mix.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IaMoTO8sp-A/Tv-x0gzgEbI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/5fCPsKxMoR8/s1600/chex+mix+traditional.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IaMoTO8sp-A/Tv-x0gzgEbI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/5fCPsKxMoR8/s400/chex+mix+traditional.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I like it, but there are usually partial boxes of cereal left and none of us is wild about Chex for breakfast.<br />
I found a great <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/caramel-snack-mix/detail.aspx">recipe</a> on allrecipes.com to use up those partial boxes. And it's gluten-free!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9xPyBFxL2FY/Tv-1wY7bOHI/AAAAAAAACAA/ZLAynqxOemo/s1600/chex+mix+sweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9xPyBFxL2FY/Tv-1wY7bOHI/AAAAAAAACAA/ZLAynqxOemo/s640/chex+mix+sweet.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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This Caramel Snack Mix is sweet and nutty and packs a colossal crunch. I'm bringing it to a New Year's Eve party tonight so that we can nibble on it while playing board games with our bunch of friends.<br />
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Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Combine a total of 12 ounces of rice and corn chex (or use Crispex, if you prefer), 1 cup of pecans, and 1 cup of almonds in a well-oiled roasting pan. I keep the nuts whole, but you can chop them if you want.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8mynVZQwPqw/Tv-zoQ45EWI/AAAAAAAAB_c/1CtEcwMeFJQ/s1600/cereal+and+nuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8mynVZQwPqw/Tv-zoQ45EWI/AAAAAAAAB_c/1CtEcwMeFJQ/s640/cereal+and+nuts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Melt 1/2 cup butter (no substitutes), 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 3/4 cup light corn syrup in a large microwave-safe vessel.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uwm6C3iq8GI/Tv-0eka8KaI/AAAAAAAAB_o/NHNOVe3_xzg/s1600/IMG_6814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uwm6C3iq8GI/Tv-0eka8KaI/AAAAAAAAB_o/NHNOVe3_xzg/s400/IMG_6814.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until the butter is melted. Pour over the cereal and nuts and stir well to combine.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_lS_CEmwF0/Tv-0742GPWI/AAAAAAAAB_0/00-q2G92eos/s1600/pour+over.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_lS_CEmwF0/Tv-0742GPWI/AAAAAAAAB_0/00-q2G92eos/s400/pour+over.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Turn out onto some parchment paper to cool, separating the clusters so they don't stick together. I sprinkled mine with a little sea salt, too, to add a little contrast.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1prl7lFreQ/Tv-2JLko7YI/AAAAAAAACAM/jLwgdy8lPoY/s1600/caramel+snack+mix+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1prl7lFreQ/Tv-2JLko7YI/AAAAAAAACAM/jLwgdy8lPoY/s640/caramel+snack+mix+done.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Addictive!<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-6910005400522670412011-12-24T14:15:00.001-06:002011-12-24T14:16:40.289-06:00Merry Christmas!Today has been a flurry of activity: I have started preparing for the Christmas Eve feast and finished shopping for and wrapping the last few gifts. We actually went to Christmas Eve service last night (!) since my son is working retail and won't get off until 9 p,m. tonight. I thought we would open a few gifts, eat a leisurely meal, and maybe watch<i> It's a Wonderful Life </i>together (if we can stay awake!). Believe it or not, I don't think any of the four of us have ever seen that movie all the way through!<br />
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I hope your Christmas is filled with wonder and awe in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)</span></span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sd8fpRp0yfI/TvYvsk6-87I/AAAAAAAAB-s/WQbHaCBwABc/s1600/indescribable+gift.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sd8fpRp0yfI/TvYvsk6-87I/AAAAAAAAB-s/WQbHaCBwABc/s640/indescribable+gift.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551557909820045921.post-85604545902702771502011-12-23T16:32:00.002-06:002011-12-23T16:38:29.466-06:00Santa's WhiskersWhen I was growing up, my mom went a little wild with the Christmas baking and decorating. In those days, most moms were stay-at-home moms, but not all of them were experts in the domestic arts like my mom was. She would decorate every room, wrap each gift exquisitely, then make handmade chocolates, English toffee, fudge, and dozens and dozens of assorted cookies. I'm sure that if blogging had existed back then, she would have loved contributing.<br />
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Today, unbeknownst to her, she is contributing through me. These are my favorite childhood cookies. They start with a shortbread dough but red and green candied cherries and pecans are stirred in.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MBoQHwIxVic/TvT_ya-E-aI/AAAAAAAAB-U/JAyNXjK-sEg/s1600/bite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MBoQHwIxVic/TvT_ya-E-aI/AAAAAAAAB-U/JAyNXjK-sEg/s640/bite.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Then the whole (yule) log is rolled in coconut (the "whiskers"). The name alone is so festive, and the taste and appearance are very merry indeed!<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-large;">Santa's Whiskers</span><br />
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/yumformytum/santa-s-whiskers?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1">(click here to print)</a><span id="goog_1995484181"></span><span id="goog_1995484182"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
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2 1/2 cups flour<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1 cup butter, softened<br />
2 Tbsp. milk<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
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1/2 cup finely chopped candied cherries<br />
1/2 cup finely chopped green candied cherries<br />
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans<br />
1 egg white, beaten<br />
1 cup coconut<br />
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Cream butter, sugar, milk and vanilla. Add flour and mix until just combined. Stir in cherries and nuts by hand. (I chopped the fruit and nuts in my food processor.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c3tCMj6GwWI/TvUAIokXApI/AAAAAAAAB-g/7k9pRKpgqsY/s1600/cherries+and+nuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c3tCMj6GwWI/TvUAIokXApI/AAAAAAAAB-g/7k9pRKpgqsY/s320/cherries+and+nuts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wju8RaTOoA/TvT7tJl1MCI/AAAAAAAAB9A/LppK9_Zt8Tw/s1600/dough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wju8RaTOoA/TvT7tJl1MCI/AAAAAAAAB9A/LppK9_Zt8Tw/s640/dough.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Form dough into 2 logs, each 2 inches in diameter and 8 inches long.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8KwrfwsPzHo/TvT8NHLRFpI/AAAAAAAAB9M/ILnMCS4cUss/s1600/log2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8KwrfwsPzHo/TvT8NHLRFpI/AAAAAAAAB9M/ILnMCS4cUss/s640/log2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Brush with egg white and roll in coconut.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eahXX-kFcfY/TvT8aTIMFmI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/6a3SeYQ6lXk/s1600/rolled+in+coconut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eahXX-kFcfY/TvT8aTIMFmI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/6a3SeYQ6lXk/s640/rolled+in+coconut.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Wrap and chill overnight.<br />
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice cookies 1/4 inch thick and bake on ungreased baking sheet for 12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hTJDsw6Acgo/TvT_Z3gAjjI/AAAAAAAAB98/-PKBrMFoOv4/s1600/cookie+stack2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hTJDsw6Acgo/TvT_Z3gAjjI/AAAAAAAAB98/-PKBrMFoOv4/s640/cookie+stack2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Cookie Time!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRrbZxPKsPo/TvT_i0hvYkI/AAAAAAAAB-I/yZ-_EXTFD7Y/s1600/cookie+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRrbZxPKsPo/TvT_i0hvYkI/AAAAAAAAB-I/yZ-_EXTFD7Y/s640/cookie+time.jpg" width="419" /></a></div><br />
Linking to:<br />
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Friday Food at <a href="http://www.momtrends.com/2011/12/friday-food-recipe-linky-spinach-and-feta-mini-calzones/">Momtrends</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/64/0C7DF28AD79A0D187F46CABCF878F0C5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859907044098018671noreply@blogger.com1