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Thursday, January 20, 2011

Chicken Napoleon Avocado Sandwich YUM

I happened upon a really interesting recipe by The Sweeter The Better     It's her post about the recipe Chicken Napoleon Avocado Sandwich.  Well, since I love some puff pastry with just about anything, I had to try this!

Just look at this and you will know what I am talking about!   Made it last night and - people - I am in LOVE with this.  Unfortunately, I love mayonaise {thanks Mom}  This mayo mixed with cayenne pepper is one of my favorite kicks.  Oh yea, already thinking bout the places I can go with other version of mayo with spices.  
This is one of my all time favorites!   

Monday, December 27, 2010

This is One Sweet Cake!

I want to share a recipe for an amazing cake I made for my family's first ever Christmas Eve family dinner with just our immediate family (plus Chris and Kent!)  Found it at Southern Living.    target="_blank"Growing up, my Mom's family celebrated on Christmas Eve.   For years we have always celebrated with my 3 aunts,  my uncle,  and their extended families until this year.  Our families have grown in so many different directions that it was becoming tough to "orchestrate".  So, we had our own this year, and it was wonderful and magical and just pure special.  My Dad and brothers brined and smoked the turkey (and cleaned a little) while my little sissy and I cooked.   My Mom loved seeing us all working together to "put on the show"!  And....it was our gift to her.  She came home from shopping around 5 and we had it all under control!  Merry Christmas Mom!
Well, the dinner was delicious and this cake was the highlight of the night!   I was one proud cook!  Seriously, it was absolutely wonderful.    And even better the second day.    Check this recipe out - you won't be sorry.  When I see chocolate, butter, brown sugar, cream cheese and pecans in any recipe I go for it!  

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Create your own Subway Art!

This is so much fun!



Just a few samples of subway, cloud art, I made with Wordle  In less than 5 minutes, or less.  Ha!  What a fun site.  I used my URL address but you can use any URL address.  That's the easiest way to go.  But you can also type the words you want to use, as well as what I call "weight them"  according to how large (or small) you want them to appear.  Go discover this fun site and all you can create!  There are many options for fonts, layouts, colors - the sky's the limit!

Our puppies want their own blog

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Friday, December 17, 2010

Burlap Bulletin Board


What a fun way to make an inexpensive bulletin board!  Check this out... from messy mimi
This weekend was a busy one for me.  I have so many projects started that I need to finish!  I get started on one, then think of another.  Today I am making myself finish the burlap bulletin board I started a week ago. The materials I used are:
Acoustic ceiling tile 2 x 2, cut in half (Home Depot - around $3.00 for whole tile) I used one half for this project
Red satin interior paint
Black spray paint
Heavy duty stapler (not a staple gun although you could use one)
Red burlap fabric
Ribbon (to glue around edges for a finished look (I used black with white polka dots)
Optional - fabric to make flower push pins



I like to paint the front of the ceiling tile a color similar to the burlap color.  This isn't necessary but the burlap has such a loose weave that I don't want too much of the white tile showing through the fabric  I spray paint the back of the board with the black spray paint.  In the future I might use felt backing for a twist.


I trace the board onto the back of the fabric.  Then I add 3/4 to 1 inch around all four sides of the pattern. That way  I can fold the edge under and staple to the edge of the board.  (Unfortunately, my photo of this step did not make it to my computer - ugh)  As I've stated in a previous blog, you would never guess that my Dad was a professional photographer!   I fold over the edges and use the heavy duty stapler to connect the fabric to the ceiling tile.  Not the neatest job but, what can I say?   I get messy a lot!  No problem - it will be covered in ribbon!


This is the board after stapling all around!  Now - I'm ready to start finishing this!  I'm starting to believe I can do it!  


Then I used Liquid Stitch to glue the ribbon border around the tile.   Love the 50% off ribbon at Hobby Lobby!


Finished!  I added fabric flowers that I glued onto tacks.  I also tried wrapping the fabric around a push pin.  Both worked well.   I learned how to make these flowers at Our Best Bites.  Then I stapled ribbon on the back to hang this on the wall.  I really wanted to make a pretty bow but after several attempts I realized I'm not so hot at pretty bow making.  I'll be working on this at a later date.  Keep you posted!

Voila!  I finished my project.  It will be used as my Christmas Card display for now.  Next up - stay tuned!  I'll show you what I did with the other half of the ceiling tile.  


MERRY TO ALL!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Creme de Menthe / Oreo Fudge Ice Cream Pie!

This amazing Creme de Menthe / Oreo Fudge Pie just draws me in every time I make it. It's an old recipe recently posted by my Mom at Messy Mimi   I know, I know - Peppermint Ice Cream is the favorite we all look forward to in the Holiday Season, but the flavor is just so much more "elegant" when you use the Creme de Menthe syrup.  This recipe was from the 80's and the syrup was easier to find in our town then.  We had to look hard to find it and finally succeeded at a local coffee house of all places!  The syrup is alcohol free, but I'm sure you could substitute the real creme de menthe liquer.  I prefer the syrup so anyone can enjoy it - especially the kids!  I hope you will try it!

Tiny Hot Cocoa Packs and Printable

What is the Holiday season without Hot Cocoa?  Check out Lollychops site for some amazing and unique food and crafts!  One of my favorites is her Hot Cocoa tiny bag printable complete with recipe and directions.  Don't you agree this makes a cool gift?
Tiny Hot Cocoa Packs