tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50012361467777693352024-03-18T21:56:21.698-07:00The Happiness of Rainy Days...and Sunny Days, too!Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-74423795029047277172012-03-03T08:18:00.002-08:002012-03-03T08:18:51.967-08:00Savory Saturday: Kiwi SalsaIs it really still winter? I'm definitely not used to this. In Phoenix, the beginning of March is filled with beautiful 80 degree days... perfection. In Portland? Rain. Cold. Repeat. Since the weather isn't cooperating with my need for spring, I made a quick little salsa that did the trick. Pair this baby with a margarita, some chips and guac and you'll think you're on a mini-vacation. <br />
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To bulk it up even more, I topped grilled salmon tacos with the Kiwi Salsa. Good choice. Definitely take the time to fry up some corn tortillas - the crunch is a great contrast to the fish, fruit and guacamole.<br />
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<b>Kiwi Salsa</b></div>
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Recipe adapted slightly from <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/02/grilled-coconut-lime-tilapia-tacos-with-kiwi-salsa/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+howsweeteats%2FsmSp+%28How+Sweet+It+Is%29" target="_blank">Jessica at How Sweet Eats </a></div>
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<b>ingredients</b></div>
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<i>4 kiwi, peeled and diced</i></div>
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<i>2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion</i></div>
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<i>1 jalapeno, very finely minced (use 1/2 if you like it mild!)</i></div>
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<i>2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro</i></div>
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<i>pinch of salt</i></div>
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<i>pinch of pepper</i></div>
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<i>generous squeeze of fresh lime juice</i></div>
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Combine all ingredients and stir gently. Refrigerate until ready to use. </div>
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Eat over tacos, with chips, or just by the spoonful!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDb91t5arf5wtaIgfvQ9AEkstNAMvDjVNNzBRBzrdNthyg_KyDurdgRnFtAryF6ZuWQTFK7RudrsKjTlcdHU8Yc7L-3R527ECWnR_s-t08TXtxK_CUUXLys36kFCuwdw-uhujh3kkXZyR/s1600/tacos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDb91t5arf5wtaIgfvQ9AEkstNAMvDjVNNzBRBzrdNthyg_KyDurdgRnFtAryF6ZuWQTFK7RudrsKjTlcdHU8Yc7L-3R527ECWnR_s-t08TXtxK_CUUXLys36kFCuwdw-uhujh3kkXZyR/s400/tacos.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-71962361504548569452012-03-01T15:28:00.000-08:002012-03-01T15:28:12.094-08:00Thursday Things: Happy March!<div style="text-align: center;">
Looks like I missed a couple of days of blogging, huh? I promise I have a good excuse! I took the little boys back home to Phoenix for a long weekend trip to see their grandparents. We had a fabulous time, and it really made me long to move our little family back there. As happy as we have been in Portland/Vancouver... it just isn't the same as home, you know? </div>
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This week, I have a bunch of wonderful things to share with you, starting with a super-duper cute music video by my favoritest singer in whole world. Yes, I'm aware that favoritest isn't a word. But it should be, so I'm using it. Not only is the song absolutely precious, but the video is so. stinkin'. sweet. And, you know what? JJ and her husband, Dave filmed this - in their own living room - in 3 days. That is some seriously talent. If you have never heard of JJ Heller's music, please take a second to check out her gorgeous songs via spotify, itunes, or youtube. I hope you love this as much as I do!</div>
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Do you have a baby? I do! And he loves to eat. all. the time. I know that feeding a baby isn't exactly rocket science, but any little gadget that makes mealtime easier is worth a try. I'm usually on my own with the two boys at dinnertime, and trying to use both hands to feed Charlie makes it nearly impossible to feed myself. And feeding myself is darn important. This handy-dandy little spoon contraption is awesome and lets me do a one-handed feeding. Yippee! I get to eat my own dinner before it is totally lukewarm. Win-win!</div>
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<img border="0" height="139" src="http://www.booninc.com/images/product/large/852.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WEHO76/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=adayi0a9-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000WEHO76" target="_blank">Boon Squirt Baby Food Dispensing Spoon</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=adayi0a9-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000WEHO76" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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And these? Even stay-at-home moms need cute shoes, right? Even if they run the risk of getting covered in spit-up and baby food...<br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.fabsugar.com/Toms-Ballet-Flats-Collection-Spring-2012-20154313" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">fabsugar.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/laura82erickson/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Laura</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<br /></div>Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-38043629150405326202012-02-21T16:50:00.001-08:002012-02-21T17:04:07.595-08:00Tuesday Treats: Flourless Fudge Chocolate Chip CookiesMmmm... cookies. Oreos, snickerdoodles, chocolate chip, macaroons. There really isn't a cookie I've met that I haven't wanted to cozy up to. This little gluten-free number is no exception. Be warned: it is super rich and fabulously decadent, though it still has a light crunch from the egg whites. Get yourself a big glass of milk to wash these babies down!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGDO0npC7wJAzCzSrxb2bOtAgzsoA2aTn57Cc5m__V0hK7Fk2zbPB8D57k0vWi6qJEzY4wslf7Y0QFE7zcRQh6jTVP6GGc3wD_WtYyOpJqdi5EohCbm5zyTIWZt5c0RrpbhS2VgGQmD4m/s1600/stack+of+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGDO0npC7wJAzCzSrxb2bOtAgzsoA2aTn57Cc5m__V0hK7Fk2zbPB8D57k0vWi6qJEzY4wslf7Y0QFE7zcRQh6jTVP6GGc3wD_WtYyOpJqdi5EohCbm5zyTIWZt5c0RrpbhS2VgGQmD4m/s640/stack+of+cookies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Flourless Fudge Chocolate Chip Cookies</b></div>
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recipe from <a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2007/11/24/chewy-gooey-flourless-chocolate-cookies/" target="_blank">The Recipe Girl</a></div>
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Yield: about 2 dozen cookies</div>
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ingredients</div>
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3 cups powdered sugar</div>
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2/3 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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2 to 4 egg whites, at room temperature</div>
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1 Tbsp vanilla extract</div>
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1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips</div>
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Preheat the oven to 350. Line two baking sheets with lightly greased parchment paper (or use silpats). </div>
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In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients until well combined. Whisk in 2 egg whites and vanilla extract. Mix (I use a hand mixer) until just blended. You want the batter to be brownie-like: a thick and fudgy consistency. If it is too thick, add more egg whites, one at a time. Do not overmix.</div>
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Spoon batter onto prepared baking sheets. Bake approximately 14 minutes, until tops are glossy and beginning to crack. Slide silpat/parchment paper onto wire racks. Let cookies cool completely before removing from parchment paper. The cookies will keep for about 3 days in an airtight container (if you don't eat them first!</div>
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<br />Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-2648334592846528032012-02-17T22:31:00.000-08:002012-02-17T22:32:11.721-08:00Savory Saturday: Caribbean Black Beans and Rice<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My husband is a pretty simple guy - give him some rice and beans for dinner, and he is a happy man. Give him this amped-up version and he ends up cleaning the kitchen afterwards because he's so thankful (and let me tell you, that doesn't happen often!). This recipe is super simple, fast, and easy to double. I often make an extra portion so we have leftovers for another night of the week because we usually don't have a single bite left after the Mr. gets done with this meal!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Most of the ingredients are pantry staples in my house, which makes this a great weeknight meal. If you don't happen to have fresh cilantro on hand, send someone to the store - it <i>really</i> makes this dish sing! You'll thank me later, after you've had a bite and it starts singing an awesome Caribbean tune to you. I love this meal served with a side of gooey quesadillas or a handful of tortilla chips, and leftovers make a delicious burrito filling. So many possibilities!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Caribbean Black Beans and Rice</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">adapted from The Eating Well Rush Hour Cookbook</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">ingredients</span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2 cups chicken or vegetable stock</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 cup rice (I use brown basmati, but use whatever you have on hand)</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 Tbsp olive oil</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 12oz jar roasted red peppers, drained and cut into thin strips</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 bell pepper (whatever color you like!), cut into short thin strips</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/2 to1 jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed, finely diced</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2 cloves garlic, finely chopped</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2 Tbsp white vinegar</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/2 tsp sea salt</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Freshly ground black pepper, to taste</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">10 or so dashes Tabasco sauce</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">large handful of chopped cilantro</span></i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Combine stock and rice in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until rice is tender and stock has been absorbed. (Time will depend on the rice you are using. My brown basmati rice takes about 25-30 minutes).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add all peppers and garlic and saute for 3-4 minutes. Add beans, vinegar and Tabasco sauce. Saute for 1-2 minutes, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Stir in rice (or serve over rice) and add cilantro. Serve and enjoy!</span></div>
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<br />Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-67625389951925266482012-02-16T10:06:00.000-08:002012-02-17T22:38:29.049-08:00Thursday Things<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Oooo! My very first "Thursday Things" post! I follow a handful of bloggers who have a similar weekly post, and I always look forward to reading them. They are always full of fun ideas, things that I want to (and shouldn't) buy, and inspiration for projects. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Things that I'm loving this week:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/red-velvet-cupcakes-in-a-jar/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/wp-content/uploads/images/Red-Velvet-in-a-Jar.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/red-velvet-cupcakes-in-a-jar/" target="_blank">Red Velvet Cupcake in a Jar</a></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Being that this is the week of all things pink, red, and covered in hearts - I <i>had</i> to put this on my list! I mean, seriously! How darn adorable is that? Cupcakes are great. Cupcakes in a jar? Ah-MAY-zing! Will you make me one? Please?</span></div>
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<a href="http://foodformyfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Ginger-Coconut-Oil-Sugar-Body-Scrub-top.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://foodformyfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Ginger-Coconut-Oil-Sugar-Body-Scrub-top.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><a href="http://foodformyfamily.com/the-kitchen-sink/ginger-and-coconut-oil-sugar-body-scrub" target="_blank">Ginger and Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub</a></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Oh my heavens, this stuff is fabulous. I knew at first glance that I had to make it, and yesterday I finally did. My hands have never been smoother! It is super easy to throw together (I'll be posting a how-to in the next week or please click the link to the original "recipe") and smells delicious. A perfect hostess gift... or you can indulge yourself and keep it for YOU!</span></div>
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<a href="http://alacartekitchen.wordpress.com/2010/06/01/refreshing-raspberry-mojito/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLa43wK9uopdB6_Grkx_dGC6bn3P9S_FKzLn6V7nyAQ93usyASG-l8KRKXc1bkMyeqHRwtevUhI6Ujdr5CLGxJYfj91qedfeg2V3JpM45amXtmnWMKOsrzflAlUVpQ3CK8EcVYq2a60jx/s320/mojito-116f3.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><a href="http://alacartekitchen.wordpress.com/2010/06/01/refreshing-raspberry-mojito/" target="_blank">Raspberry Mojito</a></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Pink. Pretty. Mint. Raspberries. What more could you ask for? What? A shot of rum? Well... okay! But only because you insisted.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-46955385728193420322012-02-14T19:56:00.000-08:002012-02-14T19:56:32.002-08:00Tuesday Treats: Valentine's Day Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnYd1OWryBuJ7vb1zJUdQLWG-Tkx3O0Ieu8xaNoVJelrHy4j91Eyso1Rxmk2XiO6mSaMlh6k-7bvIRP-Zy8PNfUkFNZtoFxEYH_MXaABd9FlB5p_oM4EwBt33EOpxIOkWhbjpQ8xYn0VF/s1600/rice+crispy+hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnYd1OWryBuJ7vb1zJUdQLWG-Tkx3O0Ieu8xaNoVJelrHy4j91Eyso1Rxmk2XiO6mSaMlh6k-7bvIRP-Zy8PNfUkFNZtoFxEYH_MXaABd9FlB5p_oM4EwBt33EOpxIOkWhbjpQ8xYn0VF/s400/rice+crispy+hearts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Snap, crackle, pop. Oh, yeah... a little throwback to your childhood (or mine. If you didn't have a cool mom who made you rice crispy treats, then I'm sorry). Now, let's be honest - all the best desserts have gluten. Sad for my little family. I'm a big fan of flour-laden cupcakes and cookies, but for the other two eaters in my house, I cook gluten-free. Enter Valentine's Day: what in the world do you do when your kid goes to school and they have a dietary restriction?? Answer: you back lots of rice crispy treats. You bake enough so the whole class gets them and your kid doesn't feel sad that he missed out on cupcakes... again. Little side note: most rice crisp cereals DO have gluten (in the form of barley malt), so be a good label reader if you have food sensitivities. I found a GF-version of Kellog's Rice Crispies at Fred Meyers (Fry's) and Whole Foods has a different GF brand, as well. All you have to do to make them holiday-party ready is to toss a handful of m&ms on top before you smoosh the marshmallow/cereal mixture totally flat in the pan... throw a bunch of sprinkles on top, and the kids will love it!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Rice Crispy Treats</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><b>1/4 cup butter</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><b>6 cups marshmallows</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><b>8 1/2 cup rice crispy cereal</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><b>optional: m&ms and sprinkles</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Melt butter in a large stock pot or dutch oven over medium heat. When butter is completely melted, add marshmallows and stir constantly until mixture is totally smooth. Add cereal and stir, stir, stir until it is mixed evenly. Pour mixture into a lightly oiled 9x13" pan. If adding m&ms, scatter them on top of mixture, then press mixture firmly into the pan, creating a smooth top. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Helpful hint: use a piece of parchment paper to help you smoosh the mixture down so it doesn't stick to your hands.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Ohhh! Guess what?! You get TWO awesome (and super easy) recipes this week. I obviously {heart} you. Carter and I made these easy little treats for his lovely teacher. Hopefully she's not weirded out by homemade treats like I was when I was teaching... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Valentine's Day Pretzel Candy Bites</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">ingredients</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>small pretzels (squares or traditional shape)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 package of Hershey's Hugs (or kisses!)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 package of m&ms - fun holiday colors preferred!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Preheat oven to 200. Lay pretzels on a silpat or parchment paper lined cookie sheet (I made about 35 on one cookie sheet). Place unwrapped Hug in the middle of each pretzel. Pop into the oven for 3-4 minutes. SET YOUR TIMER! Seriously. If you leave them even a minute too long, you'll have a pool of chocolate and it won't be so pretty.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Remove from the oven as soon as chocolate is soft enough to squish down when you press the m&m onto the top. Once all m&ms are squished into their little chocolate nests, put the cookie sheet into the refrigerator until candies have completely cooled. Remove cooled candies from cookie sheet and keep in an airtight container or eat right away!</span></div>
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<br />Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-11447019895139077162012-02-11T19:40:00.000-08:002012-02-11T19:49:02.068-08:00Savory Saturday: Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">If you've been reading this blog for very long, you must think I'm a vegetarian. I'm actually not. Seriously, I have proof: my twitter name is @lauralovesBACON - but my husband is a wanna-be veg-head. Due to his job (he has the arduous task of constantly taking people out to eat... he might do more than just that, but who knows what!), he <i>has</i> to eat meat occasionally, so when he's at home, he prefers to eat meat-free. This was a HUGE transition for me. I love me some burgers and fried chicken and bacon. Preferably all on the same plate with a side of sausage. So, when this whole vegetarian thing started, I was sort of at a loss for meals. Thankfully, the internet is my friend, and I now have more veggie-focused meals than I could have imagined. This particular entree is a definite favorite of mine. I love enchiladas in any form, and the potato/black bean mixture makes them hearty and filling, but not heavy or greasy like enchiladas often are. Even if you usually eat a hunk o' meat at every meal, you'll still love these... promise.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">originally adapted and posted by me on <a href="http://allrecipes.comhttp//allrecipes.com/customrecipe/62512095/potato-and-bean-enchilada-bake/detail.aspx">allrecipes.com</a> </span></b></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, diced small</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 1/2 teaspoon cumin</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 teaspoon salt</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 tablespoon ketchup</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 jar chili-verde salsa</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 tsp. olive oil</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 large onion, diced</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 cup frozen corn</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 (15.5 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 bunch fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 (12 ounce) package Mexican cheese blend (cheddar or pepperjack are also great)</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2 (12 ounce) packages corn tortillas</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Preheat oven to 400. Toss diced potatoes together with cumin, chili powder, salt, and ketchup in a bowl. Mix until potatoes are evenly coated with spices, then place on a lightly oiled baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Meanwhile, heat saute pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and saute bell peppers and onion until they begin to soften. Add corn and continue sauteing for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, then add beans and potatoes. Stir well to combine.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">To assemble: Spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom of a 9x13 or two 8x8 baking dishes. Layer with corn tortillas, slightly overlapping. Top tortillas with 1/2 of the bean and potato mixture. Sprinkle liberally with cilantro and 1/3 of the cheese.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Add another later of tortillas, salsa, bean mixture, cilantro, and cheese. Finish with one more layer or tortillas, salsa and cover with remaining cheese.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Bake for 20 minutes, until hot and cheese is bubbling. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro just before serving. Guacamole or sour cream on the side would be an excellent idea! </span></div>Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-30293801043590903842012-02-10T15:11:00.000-08:002012-02-10T15:11:31.378-08:00Goals: Keeping Up.I love having a blog. It gives me a creative outlet, encourages me to try new recipes, and gives me an awesome subject to practice photographing (food!!). Considering I have a 6-month old baby and a 5-year old crazy child, I think I've done a relatively good job at posting semi-regularly... but I would love for this to become more routine. I'm a creature of habit, and if I'm not <b>used</b> to doing something regularly, it generally gets forgotten about eventually. Since people (what people? I dunno...) always say that you are more likely to stick to a goal if you write it down - here goes. A little challenge for myself, because if I actually <i>tell</i> you my plan, I might hear your little voice whispering in my head, <i>Go blog! You said you would! </i><br />
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So here's the general plan:<br />
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<ul>
<li>I'm starting out with a simple 3 day/week goal.</li>
<li>Tuesday Treats - blogging about some kind of sweet and tasty treat that I've made and <b>need </b>to share with you.</li>
<li>Thursday Things - posting about my favorite finds of the week... things that have been inspiring me on other people's blogs and pinterest.</li>
<li>Savory Saturday - recipes and photos for something, um... savory. Did you not read the title? Y'know, like appetizers, main dishes, or lunch box yums.</li>
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I can totally do this.<br />
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So, come Saturday, I expect you all to pop back over here to check up on me. I have a deeeelicious recipe for black bean and potato enchiladas coming your way!Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-55989983825710601132012-01-15T21:03:00.000-08:002012-01-15T21:15:29.057-08:00Valentine's Day Pretzels<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Two big news items:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1. I actually completed one of the many thousands of things I've pinned on Pinterest.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2. Carter helped me.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Now, #2 is seriously huge. Carter doesn't like to do <i>anything</i> with me, unless it involves an iphone or playstation. He is so not into cooking or crafting which leaves me debating whether or not he was switched at birth. Just sayin'.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">But, he seemed super excited to help make these cute little treats. Yes, I know I'm WAY early on the Vday desserts... but I wanted to eat them, and didn't want to wait another month. So there.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">His favorite part was dropping the sprinkles. And I've been sweeping them up for days now.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">It was some good fun, even if I did have to bite my tongue about 30-million times to stop myself from telling him the "right" way to dip the pretzels. Control-freak, much?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Even with his less-than-perfect confectionary skills, they still turned out super cute and deliciously edible!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Oh... were you looking for a recipe? Here you go: melt some white chocolate chips. Dip pretzels in them. Lay pretzels on parchment paper/silpat-lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sprinkles! Refrigerate until chocolate hardens again. The end.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/January%202012/DSC_0190copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/January%202012/DSC_0190copy.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-39879184223651655902011-12-14T11:13:00.000-08:002011-12-14T11:13:05.931-08:00Sweet Potato Risotto<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My family loves sweet potatoes. We stick 'em in enchiladas, make them into French fries, and even enjoy them in little tarts. So, of course, I had to make this recipe when I saw it on <a href="http://pinterest.com/laura82erickson/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. The recipe was originally posted by <a href="http://www.ezrapoundcake.com/archives/17579" target="_blank">Ezra Pound Cake</a>, which has a totally awesome blog. You should definitely check it out (um, after you finish reading mine. duh.). It is a perfect recipe for cold weather, and I think it would be extra fantastic with a pinch of sage and thyme thrown in for some Thanksgiving-style flavor. Mmm... next time! Word of advice: don't skip the garnish. The parsley and toasted walnuts were an amazing addition, adding the perfect crunch and flavor to this dish.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I know what you're thinking... <i>Risotto?</i> I <b>know </b>that you don't have time to be slaving over a hot stove, stirring endlessly while your dinner comes together. This is a much quicker, yet still super delicious, method... and I know you'll like it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>Sweet Potato Risotto</u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Yield: 4 servings</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>2 Tbsp butter</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" pieces</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>2/3 cup arborio rice</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1/4 cup riesling wine (save the rest for drinking!)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sweet potatoes, onion and ginger; saute approximately 15 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cook rice in a small sauce pan of salted water or vegetable stock until just tender, but still firm to the bite, stirring frequently for about 15 minutes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Add rice to sweet potato mixture. Add riesling and stir over medium-low heat until blended. Stir in mascarpone until melted. Season with salt and pepper.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Spoon risotto into bowls and top with parsley and toasted walnuts.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<br />Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-14780852272601139592011-12-04T08:36:00.001-08:002011-12-04T08:59:31.735-08:00Thai Green Curry Soup<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">As much as it pains me to step.away.from.the.pumpkin... it must be done. Otherwise, I'll probably turn all orange and mushy. It just isn't good.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This week, I have some yummy and savory deliciousness to share with you. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Don't mind the fact that this is probably the ugliest recipe you have ever seen. anywhere. EVER.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Seriously, it is an ugly-duckling of a recipe, but it tastes SO GOOD. Warm and comforting, a little kick to it, creamy and hearty and all kinds of wonderfulness for this cold weather we've been having.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Ignore its appearance. Make it. Eat it. Love it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>told you it wasn't pretty... don't judge. </i></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Thai Green Curry Lentil Soup</u></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">recipe from <a href="http://www.simplebites.net/eat-well-spend-less-five-ways-with-lentils-curried-lentil-soup/">Simple Bites</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Yield: 6 bowls of goodness</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2 Tbsp coconut oil (or butter)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 Tbsp curry powder (I used the <a href="http://www.savoryspiceshop.com/blends/thaigreen.html">BEST green curry powder EVER</a>)</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-weight: normal;">2 tsp minced garlic</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-weight: normal;">1 large onion, chopped</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-weight: normal;">5 cups vegetable stock</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-weight: normal;">1 1/2 cup green lentils, rinsed</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-weight: normal;">1/2 cup canned coconut milk</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-weight: normal;">1 tsp sea salt</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-weight: normal;">Melt coconut oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Ad curry powder, garlic and onion. Saute for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-weight: normal;">Add vegetable stock and green lentils. Bring soup to a boil, then partially cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 35-55 minutes, until lentils are tender (mine usually takes 50+ minutes).</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-weight: normal;">When lentils are tender, remove soup from heat. Stir in coconut milk and salt. Puree to your desired consistency using an immersion blender or regular blender (in batches if using a regular blender). I like my soup with a little bit of texture, but find out what works best for you!</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-weight: normal;">Serve on its own or over rice with your choice of garnish: chopped chives, a little plain yogurt, a pinch of curry powder... a chocolate donut... get crazy!</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div>Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-72373492929319344792011-11-14T21:29:00.001-08:002011-11-14T22:11:06.869-08:00Pumpkin Bars with Caramel Frosting<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What did you just say? Did you </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">really</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> just ask me to post another pumpkin recipe? Don't you know how </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">over</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> pumpkin everyone is? Huh? People aren't over pumpkin yet? Well, thank </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">goodness</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">, because I have a little dish full of deliciousness to share with you. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">These pumpkin bars are simple, sweet, warm with fall spices, and are the perfect nibble... every. single. time. you walk through the kitchen. Nearly every pumpkin recipe out there seems to be slathered with cream cheese frosting. Now, don't get me wrong - I </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">love</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> cream cheese frosting - but there is something unexpectedly fantastic about going with caramel. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So, go on now... melt yourself some butter and get baking!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><b>Pumpkin Bars with Caramel Frosting</b></u></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">recipe from </span></span><a href="http://pinchofyum.com/pumpkin-bars-with-old-fashioned-caramel-frosting?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pumpkin-bars-with-old-fashioned-caramel-frosting"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A Pinch of Yum</span></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Yield: 2-3 dozen, depending on how generously you slice them up</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Bar Ingredients</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>2 cups brown sugar, packed</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 cup pumpkin puree </i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>4 eggs</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 cup flour</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1/2 tsp baking soda</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 tsp baking powder</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 tsp cinnamon</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 tsp nutmeg</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 tsp ground ginger</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1/2 cup melted butter</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Frosting Ingredients</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1/2 cup butter</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 cup brown sugar, packed</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1/4 cup milk (I used half&half)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 3/4 cup powdered sugar</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Preheat oven to 350. Grease/spray a 10 1/2 by 16 inch pan (if you use a smaller pan, you might need to put foil over the top halfway through to prevent over-browning before the middle cooks properly). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Mix together bar ingredients, adding melted butter last. Pour into prepared pan. Bake until cake springs back when lightly touched, approximately 40 minutes. Cool completely.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">For the frosting, boil butter and brown sugar for two minutes. Add the milk, whisking until well-combined. Bring it to a boil again, then add powdered sugar. Whisk until smooth and pour over cooled cake immediately. Frosting will set <b>very</b> fast, so be sure to pour it evenly over the cake to avoid having to spread with a spatula.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A little sprinkle of sea salt over the top of the frosting is delicious, and gives a nice contrast to the sweet frosting. Mmmm!</span></div>
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<a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Food%20Stuff/27741e37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Food%20Stuff/27741e37.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-25075299876579122082011-11-07T13:18:00.000-08:002011-12-10T19:23:50.683-08:00Best Chili EVER.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Sometimes I look into my spice cabinet and get completely overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of tiny glass jars sitting there. How did I get so </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">many</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">? And how in the </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">world</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"> am I </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">ever </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">going to use them all up? That is when I pull out the big guns - awesome, spice-heavy chili. A batch of this deliciousness will serve a couple purposes:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">1. It'll make you look like a chili-contest-winning, super-duper-amazing cook</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">2. It'll help you work through your never-ending rows of spices... so you can... well, buy more.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">This is some seriously tasty chili. I discovered the </span></span><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Boilermaker-Tailgate-Chili/Detail.aspx?prop24=etaf"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">original recipe</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"> a few years ago at </span></span><a href="http://allrecipes.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">allrecipes.com</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"> and made just a few minor tweaks (most notably, a big increase in bacon!). It takes awhile to simmer, but the effort is so worth it. Make sure you are using a BIG pot - this will feed a crowd! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><b><u>Best Chili EVER.</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Yield: 16 bowls of goodness (freezes/reheats well)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>2 pounds ground beef</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>1 pound bulk Italian sausage (or links with casing removed)</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>3 (15oz) cans of beans (I use a mix of black, kidney, and cannelini beans)</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>1 (15oz) can of chili/pinto beans in spicy sauce</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>2 (28oz) cans diced tomatoes with juice (fire-roasted, if you can find them!)</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>1 (6oz) can tomato paste</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>1 large yellow onion, finely chopped</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>2 stalks celery, finely chopped</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>2 red bell peppers, seeded and finely chopped</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>1 can roasted green chilies </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>3-4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>1 Tbsp + 1 tsp Beef Better then Bouillon (can substitute bouillon cubes)</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>1/2 cup beer</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>1/4 cup chili powder</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>1 Tbsp minced garlic</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>1 Tbsp dried oregano</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>2 tsp ground cumin</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>2 tsp hot pepper sauce (Tabasco)</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>1 tsp dried basil</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>1 tsp sea salt</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>1 tsp ground black pepper</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>1 tsp cayenne pepper</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>1 tsp paprika</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>1 tsp sugar</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>Garnish with:</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i>Corn chips (Fritos) and shredded cheese</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Heat a <b>large </b>stock pot over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef and sausage until evenly browned. Drain off excess grease.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Pour in beans, tomatoes and tomato paste.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Add all remaining ingredients and stir to blend.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for at least 2 hours.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">After 2 hours, taste and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder, if needed. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Serve with fritos, shredded cheese, and cornbread!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Food%20Stuff/5b6ca77a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Food%20Stuff/5b6ca77a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Oh, yeah, and sorry for the lack of photos. Chili isn't really the most photogenic food out there, you know? </span></div>
<br />Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-62708777531132094882011-11-03T17:37:00.000-07:002011-11-03T18:37:26.978-07:00Oh, Nuts!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I have an addiction to spice blends. I admit it. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Phew. I feel a lot better getting that off my chest! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I have tons and tons of tiny tins, jars and bottles of the most amazing spice blends - Jamaican Jerk, Thai Green Curry, Park Hill Maple Pepper, Chili and Lime... you get the point. As much as I love these delicious spices, they usually sit unused for quite a long time. They are so taste-specific, that they usually only "belong" to one or two recipes in my repertoire. After </span></span><s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">months</span></span></s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> years of collecting, I decided I needed a plan to use them up. I mean, how else am I going to clear enough room in the spice cabinet to buy new spices?!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Today, while flipping through the latest Food Network magazine, inspiration struck! Spiced nuts! YES. We always have a ridiculous amount of nuts in the house (and that is besides the people), so I had everything I needed on hand already. I used a spice blend called Park Hill Maple Pepper from the fabulous spice shop, <a href="http://www.savoryspiceshop.com/">Savory</a> (you can order online if there isn't a location near you). It is a mixture of maple sugar, black pepper, coriander, tumeric, ginger, nutmeg, cumin, mustard and lots of other fantastic flavors. A perfect sweet and savory blend.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Unfortunately, batch #1 was a huge FAIL. I used the temperature/time recommendations from the magazine and managed to horribly burn the batch. Ugh. Word of caution - do not stray far from the oven during cooking time. If you start smelling the nuts getting toasty, remove them asap... there is no recovering burnt nuts. Luckily, batch #2 was a delicious success. I lowered the temperature and decreased the cooking time. Perfection! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Park Hill Maple Pepper Spiced Nuts</span></u></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Yield: 2 cups</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 cup unsalted or reduced salt peanuts</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>3/4 cup cashews</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>2 Tbsp vegetable oil</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 Tbsp </i></span></span><a href="http://www.savoryspiceshop.com/blends/parkhill.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>Park Hill Maple Pepper</i></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i> spice blend (or whatever spice blend that you happen to have sitting around in your spice cabinet)</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>Sprinkle of salt and black pepper</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Preheat oven to 400˚. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silpat.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Mix nuts with vegetable oil and spices in a small bowl. Stir until nuts are evenly coated.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Spread in an even layer on baking sheet. Bake for 4-6 minutes, stirring once. Pay close attention - the second they start getting golden brown, get them OUT of the oven!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Transfer to cooling rack lined with parchment paper or paper towels to cool. Enjoy!</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-18842435937123279832011-11-01T20:26:00.000-07:002011-11-01T20:26:43.909-07:00Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Every. Single. Blog. has a post about pumpkin something-or-other right now. I almost feel silly posting </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">another</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> pumpkin recipe, but here's the thing - fall is ALL ABOUT pumpkin. And I would be doing fall a disservice by omitting a perfectly good recipe, just to avoid the risk of seeming like a copy-cat. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">If you need something spectacularly fall-like with warm and happy spices, you'll love these </span></span><s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">cupcakes</span></span></s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> muffins. Go on... make 'em. And share them - your friends/family/neighbors will thank you.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pumpkin Cream Cheese </span></u></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cupcakes</span></u></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Muffins</span></u></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(I get to call them muffins because they don't have frosting, right?)</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>This recipe was adapted from </i><a href="http://lickthebowlgood.blogspot.com/2011/10/pumpkin-cream-cheese-and-san-francisco.html"><i>Lick the Bowl Good</i></a><i>.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>Yield: 24 muffins</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><b><u>Ingredients</u></b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>- Cream Cheese Filling -</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>8 oz. cream cheese, softened</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 cup powdered sugar</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1/2 tsp. vanilla</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>- Muffin -</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 pkg yellow cake mix</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>3/4 cup sugar</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1/2 coconut or vegetable oil</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 can (15oz) pumpkin puree</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1/4 cup water</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>4 eggs</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>2 tsp ground cinnamon</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 tsp ground nutmeg</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1/2 tsp ground cloves</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>- Topping -</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1/2 cup sugar</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>5 Tbsp flour</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>4 Tbsp cold butter, cut into small pieces</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>For the filling:</b> Combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla and mix well, until blended and smooth.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Transfer the mixture to a piece of plastic wrap and shape into a log about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Reinforce with foil and place in the freezer for at least 2-4 hours.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>For the muffins: </b>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients and mix until well combined.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>For the topping: </b>Combine sugar, flour and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add the butter pieces and use a pastry blender or two forks to cut into the dry ingredients until the mixture is course and crumbly. Transfer to the refrigerator until ready to use.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Assembly:</b> Fill each muffin well with approximately 2-3 Tbsp. of muffin mixture. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Slice the log of cream cheese mixture into 24 equal pieces. Place one slice of cream cheese into each muffin well.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Divide the remaining batter among the muffin cups, covering the cream cheese completely. Sprinkle a small amount of the topping mixture over each muffin well.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Bake for 20-22 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before eating and sharing.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Food%20Stuff/e72d05a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Food%20Stuff/e72d05a1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-47170162812969314022011-10-24T13:02:00.000-07:002011-10-28T21:16:50.525-07:00Apple Bacon and Cheddar Frittata<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">I love me some eggs. I eat an egg or two nearly every single day. I like 'em scrambled, fried, hard-boiled... you name it. The way I like my eggs best? With bacon, of course! This tasty and super-easy-to-pull-together frittata puts together two of my favorite breakfast foods with sharp cheddar and a surprising addition of apple. Sounds a little strange, you say? Ignore that little voice and try it anyways. You'll thank me.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Bacon%20Apple%20Frittata/c421c23f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Bacon%20Apple%20Frittata/c421c23f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Apple, Bacon and Cheddar Frittata</span></span></u></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">This recipe was adapted slightly from </span></span><u><a href="http://www.simplebites.net/whole-family-cookbook-review-giveaway-recipe-a-b-c-frittata/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">The Whole Family Cookbook</span></span></a></u></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><u></u></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Yield: 4 servings</span></span></i></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ingredients</span></u></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 egg whites</span></span></span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">8 whole eggs</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4 slices of bacon, cooked and roughly chopped</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Generous pinch of ground thyme and ground sage</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">salt and ground pepper, to taste</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 large apple (or 2 small), Fuji or Gala</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 Tbsp butter</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Put the rack in the upper third of the oven. Preheat to </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">450</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 31px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"></span></span></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 31px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"></span></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Whisk eggs until thoroughly combined. Add half of the grated cheese to the egg mixture and stir to combine. Add salt, pepper, thyme and sage.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Peel and core the apple. Slice the apple into very thin pieces.</span></span></span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In a medium cast-iron or ovenproof skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add egg mixture to the skillet. Sprinkle bacon evenly over the eggs. Arrange the apple slices over the bacon in a circular pattern (or whatever... this is my ocd talking), then sprinkle with remaining cheese.</span></span></span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Move skillet from the stovetop to the upper rack of the oven. Bake until frittata is firm in the center and the cheese is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Use a flexible spatula to loosen the frittata from the pan and slide onto a serving platter or cutting board. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Bacon%20Apple%20Frittata/81f57211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Bacon%20Apple%20Frittata/81f57211.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 31px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"></span></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 31px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"></span></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 31px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing into wedges. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Bacon%20Apple%20Frittata/110f459f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Bacon%20Apple%20Frittata/110f459f.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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</div>Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-12479317492309536412011-10-12T21:02:00.000-07:002011-10-12T21:05:49.567-07:00Windowshop Wednesday<br />
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<img 200px="" 320px;”="" ;="" border="”0″style=”width:" height:="" src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa426/oceana9191/WindowshopWednesday.jpg" /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/">Williams-Sonoma</a></span></span></u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">I absolutely LOVE this store. Sadly, my budget strongly disagrees with me. The last time I ended up with lots and lots of awesome things from Williams-Sonoma was just about 10 years ago... at my wedding. We registered here, and are still eating off of the white dishes with simple blue trim. Classic, and we haven't broken a single one! If I could have a part-time job, I would love to work here... just think of the discount! But, let's be honest - I would never make a single dime. I'd be paying <i>them</i> to work there.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Here are some of my current favorites from their website -</span></span><a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/emile-henry-artisan-ruffled-pie-dish/?pkey=cpie-pans-tart-pans"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201135/0023/img81b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/emile-henry-artisan-ruffled-pie-dish/?pkey=cpie-pans-tart-pans"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I need this. I actually need four of them. Yeah, you heard right. I'm always responsible for four pies at Thanksgiving dinner - 2 chocolate and 2 pumpkin. Wouldn't they look perfect in these pie plates?</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/heirloom-pumpkin-dipping-bowls-with-tray/?pkey=cthanksgiving-tabletop&cm_src=hplink"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201135/0043/img83b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Heirloom Pumpkin Dipping Bowls. Love.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm a little obsessed with dipping bowls have have a ridiculous amount of them in many colors and sizes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">But, I don't have any festive fall ones!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/baby-toddler-cookbook/?pkey=e%7Ccookbooks%7C79%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201135/0041/img76b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm only 4 months away from making the finest baby-food known to... well, babies. Charlie will be utterly and completely impressed by the food I'll be whipping up from this book! Or, maybe he'll just spit it all out anyways. Worth a try.</span></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/digital-oil-and-candy-thermometer/?pkey=cthermometers"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201135/0023/img12b.jpg" width="256" /></a></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I see awesome recipes rather frequently that I pass over, just because I don't have a thermometer. If I had one of these, I could fry stuff... and make caramel... and... well... other stuff, too.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Honestly, I could go on for days about the amazing good at WS. But, that might bore you... and then you would probably stop reading my blog.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hope you enjoyed Windowshop Wednesday!</span></div>
</div>Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-10496882035514262692011-10-10T14:37:00.000-07:002011-10-10T14:37:59.839-07:00Pineapple Not-so-Fried Rice<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm feeling a <i>tiny </i>bit like a failure. I made it about 3 whole seconds into my <b>unprocessed</b> week before messing it up. Seriously. I was all set to start on Sunday morning. I made delicious eggs for breakfast, and then headed off to church. Well, wouldn't you know... they were serving donuts. Yeah. like <i>totally</i> processed donuts. I didn't <b>mean</b> to eat it... I only had a tiny bite before remembering that I wasn't really supposed to be eating it. You'll be proud to know that I actually stopped after that one bite! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I was an unprocessed rockstar for about... 2 days. I made Chris's favorite veggie tacos and tasty curry coconut soup. I baked a double batch of granola bars, rice pudding and berry banana oatmeal. I was doing so well.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">But, here's the thing about trying to cut something so major out of your daily life. You have to have some super-human willpower to make it happen. And I don't. By Tuesday night I was obsessively thinking about the chocolate covered coconut popsicles in my freezer. I swear, I could hear them begging to be eaten. Let's just say, it was all downhill from there.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Is this what it is like to be on a "diet"? No wonder people hate dieting! As soon as I label a food "off-limits", that is <b>all</b> I can think of! I think it is much more healthy to just try and eat the best that I can most of the time, and not freak out if I <i>have</i> to have a cookie (umm... or a bag of cookies) sometimes. A much better way to live, I think.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The good news is that I'm still doing a pretty decent job of meal planning and trying new recipes. Last night's dinner was Pineapple Not-So-Fried Rice. This won't exactly be confused with the sodium and calorie laden stuff from your corner Chinese restaurant, but it is healthy and tasty - which is what I was going for! Use up whatever veggies you have stashed in your fridge and freezer.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><u>Pineapple Not-so-Fried Rice</u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Original recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blissful-Bites-Vegan-Nourish-Planet/dp/1935618512/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318281017&sr=8-1">Blissful Bites</a>, but was altered substantially by the random contents of my fridge.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>Yield: 4 servings</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><b><u>Ingredients:</u></b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 cup brown jasmine rice</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>2 cups water or vegetable stock</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 cup frozen peas</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1 can (14 oz.) pineapple chunks, juice reserved</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>3/4 cup carrot, diced</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>3/4 cup asparagus, cut on diagonal (I used Trader Joe's frozen)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1/2 cup green onions, diced</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1/2 cup frozen edamame</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>2 Tbsp tamari</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>drizzle of toasted sesame oil</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>1/4 cup cilantro leaves</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>toasted sesame seeds, for garnish</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cook rice in water or stock according to package directions. When rice is done, place in medium bowl with frozen peas.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Meanwhile, bring pineapple juice to a boil and simmer with remaining vegetables, pineapple chunks, sesame oil and tamari sauce until veggies are tender, about 5 minutes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Toss with rice. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.</span></div>
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Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-43658301022999544182011-09-30T22:44:00.000-07:002011-10-01T23:27:48.227-07:00Unprocessed Menu Plan<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I spent a good amount of time thinking about the changes I would need to make in order to avoid all processed foods during the next week (I'm starting October 2nd, in case you are keeping track). Looks like I won't be able to finish the bag of Newman's Ginger Os that I just bought. Bummer. That Costco-sized bag of Pirates Booty? Hands-off. No refined sugars and flour? Difficult, but I guess I can manage. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Just so we're all on the same page, I'm following </span></span><a href="http://www.eatingrules.com/2011/09/october-unprocessed-2011/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">EatingRules's definition of "processed"</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><em style="font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Unprocessed food is any food that could be made by a person with reasonable skill in a home kitchen with readily available, whole-food ingredients. </span></span></em></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Basically, if I </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">could</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> make it at home, then it counts. If it contains unpronounceable ingredients that I've never heard of, I'd best avoid it... at least this week. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This one-week pledge really made me think about the things I eat, and I know there is room to improve. I decided to put together a meal plan for the week, otherwise there is only a very small chance that I'll actually follow through on this. If I have an actual plan, then I can shop for the right ingredients and avoid the it's-five-o'clock-and-I'm-starving-and-have-no-food-worth-eating panic that usually results in ordering take-out.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Here goes!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Breakfasts:</b> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">steel cut oatmeal with fresh berries and maple syrup, eggs, whole grain toast, baked oatmeal</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Lunches:</b> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">leftovers, Quinoa and spinach salad, tuna salad</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Snacks:</b> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">hummus/red pepper dip, veggies, fruit, kale chips, homemade granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, smoothies</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Dinners -</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sunday: </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Taco Salad with Red-pepper dressing (</span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blissful-Bites-Vegan-Nourish-Planet/dp/1935618512"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Blissful Bites</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Frijoles Rancheros (</span></span><a href="http://www.simplebites.net/warm-up-your-season-with-beans-recipe-frijoles-rancheros/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Simple Bites</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Monday: </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Coconut Curry Green Lentil Soup </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">(</span></span><a href="http://www.simplebites.net/eat-well-spend-less-five-ways-with-lentils-curried-lentil-soup/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Simple Bites</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Tuesday:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Apple and Bacon Frittata (</span></span><a href="http://www.simplebites.net/whole-family-cookbook-review-giveaway-recipe-a-b-c-frittata/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Simple Bites/Whole Family Cookbook</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Wednesday:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Lentil Shepherd's Pie (</span></span><a href="http://www.simplebites.net/eat-well-spend-less-my-top-five-frugal-meals-recipe-lentil-shepherds-pie/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Simple Bites</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Thursday:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Crockpot French Onion Soup (</span></span><a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/09/crockpot-french-onion-soup/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">How Sweet it Is</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Friday:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Pineapple fried rice (</span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blissful-Bites-Vegan-Nourish-Planet/dp/1935618512"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Blissful Bites</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Saturday:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Potato and Bean Enchilada Bake (</span></span><a href="http://allrecipes.com/customrecipe/62512095/potato-and-bean-enchilada-bake/detail.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">All Recipes</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Time to make my shopping list - my grocery cart is going to be packed with all of this delicious food!</span></span></div>
Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-32136849158853166732011-09-29T21:45:00.000-07:002011-09-29T21:48:03.106-07:00Unprocessed.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I eat pretty well, but I certainly have a soft spot for sweet treats and salty snacks. Unfortunately, these delicious bites are hardly </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">good</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> for me. I ran across a post on a blog I follow (</span></span><a href="http://www.simplebites.net/introduction-to-october-unprocessed-and-my-menu-plan/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SimpleBites+%28Simple+Bites%29&utm_content=Google+Reader"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Simple Bites</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">), and felt compelled to play along with October Unprocessed 2011's challenge. I know how much better I feel when I eat well, and knowing that what I eat is what the baby is "eating" gives me extra motivation to get on the right track. But, a whole month?! With </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">no</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> processed foods? I'm not </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">that</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> confident in my will-power, nor do I think I'll be able to find enough time everyday for thirty-one days to make delicious, nutritious unprocessed meals. A week? Yeah, I think I can handle that. Now, don't look at me like that! I am </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">not</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> taking the easy way out... okay, just a </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">slightly</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> easier route. But, don't you think that is fair? I mean, come on... I'm the busy momma of a two-month old! Give me a break :)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.eatingrules.com/october-unprocessed"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kt7Jym7Pi3W4exlLD8BkvWDNHfTbgP5zx9sdPA2r_a5wrjb3shhlJfdTM-xJFWf_UU4TKiL1PTUIOimSkZBS89chQ5duKKob5yXUqVAJENGzhWha7bnWTtlsybOI5kZyQwju2rqU2OfI/s1600/october-unprocessed-2011_300.png" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">If you'd like to play along, DO it! What a great opportunity to challenge yourself to pay attention to what you are choosing to put into your body. See how you feel... see how hard/easy it is... see how long you can stick to it. I'd love to see how you do, so be sure to comment and let me know if you are up for the challenge. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Want to be a part? Here are some steps to help you out:</span></span></div>
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<ol style="line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 1.571em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.eatingrules.com/2011/09/october-unprocessed-2011/" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sign the petition</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">, and join over 1500 others as you do so.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Discuss the challenge as a family.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Set a goal. Three days? A week? The whole month?</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Make a menu plan.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Blog about it and add a </span></span><a href="http://www.eatingrules.com/2011/09/october-unprocessed-2011-logo/" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">badge</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> to your site.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Follow the #Unprocessed hashtag on Twitter.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Read </span></span><a href="http://www.eatingrules.com/" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Eating Rules</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> for daily updates and tips in October.</span></span></li>
</ol>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We can </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">totally</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> do this! </span></span></span></div>
Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-69674497161938319772011-09-28T13:07:00.000-07:002011-09-28T13:08:28.955-07:00Window-Shop Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">You thought this blog was going to be all about cooking, didn't you? Well, as much as I adore playing around in the kitchen, there is actually something I might like even more... shopping. Now, since we'd end up poor and homeless (but with fabulous odds-and-ends to haul around with us), if I shopped as much as I </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">want</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> to, I usually just focus my energy elsewhere. But, today, I'm linking up with Katie from </span></span><a href="http://the-katie-chronicles.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The Katie Chronicles</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">. We are window shopping at Pottery Barn today. Want to join in the window-shop fun? Visit her blog, grab the badge, and get blogging. (I'd like to take a minute to thank my adorable newborn for sleeping all of the time, so I have time to play on the computer all day... and for a husband the doesn't care if the house isn't clean.)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://the-katie-chronicles.blogspot.com/%E2%80%9C"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img 200px="" 320px;”="" ;="" border="”0″style=”width:" height:="" src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa426/oceana9191/WindowshopWednesday.jpg" /></span></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/">Pottery Barn</a></span></span></u></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201139/0285/img80b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201139/0285/img80b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">How fantastic would this <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/skeleton-hand-drink-dispenser-stand/?pkey=cspooky-party-holiday">Skeleton Hand Drink Dispenser Stand</a> be at a Halloween party? The best part is, the actual drink dispenser can be used without it, year-round. Creepy, but so awesome!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201138/0002/img52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201138/0002/img52.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">It is almost time to replace our old, well-loved sectional. Of course, having a couple kiddos around would force me to purchase the <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/shop/furniture-upholstery/sectionals/seabury-sectional/">Seabury sectional</a> in some color other than white, but you get the idea!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/multi-stripe-door-mat/?pkey=cearth-friendly-rugs-windows"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201139/0149/img85b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm a sucker for stripes. And I need a <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/multi-stripe-door-mat/?pkey=cearth-friendly-rugs-windows">mat</a> by our back door. Win-win. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Wish I could <i>really</i> shop today, but window-shopping will have to do! </span></div>
Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-78576601310005777292011-09-18T14:13:00.000-07:002011-09-18T22:07:59.960-07:00Spicy Thai Noodle Salad<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">I have a secret. Tiny, itty-bitty Thai peppers scare the bejeebers out of me. I have never cooked with them, since surely one little nibble of those hot suckers would singe my tongue and leave irreparable damage. Best to just avoid them entirely... jalapenos are so much safer.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">But, then, I ran across </span></span><a href="http://pinchofyum.com/spicy-peanut-chicken-salad"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">this</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"> recipe from the absolutely hilarious, witty, and delicious </span></span><a href="http://pinchofyum.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Pinch of Yum's</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"> blog. Suddenly, I started having these </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">thoughts</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">. Maybe just </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">one</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"> pepper wouldn't be so bad. Hmmm. If she can do it, then so can I, right? Right. I needed to make this salad - it was calling my name, and I was just going to have to get over my tiny-pepper fears and make it. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">First, for safety's sake, I did a little research on Mr. Thai Pepper. Turns out he is about 5x hotter than a jalapeno. This did little to alleviate my fear. Just to be safe, I started by only adding half of the pepper. Then, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">very</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"> carefully, I tasted the dressing. Huh. Barely spicy at all. Seems that my years of anti-pepper feelings were really unnecessary. So, I tossed the other half of that little pepper in and it was just perfect.</span></span></div>
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"> Spicy Thai Noodle Salad</span></span></u></b></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Yield: 4-6 servings</span></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div>
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Salad Ingredients</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">1 cup julienne red bell pepper</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">1 cup shredded or julienne carrot</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">1 cup shredded zucchini</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">1 cup finely chopped broccoli (raw or steamed)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">1/2 cup chopped green onions</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">1 cup diced cooked chicken breast</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">8 oz. cooked soba noodles or whole grain linguine</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Handful or fresh basil and/or cilantro</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Dressing Ingredients</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">5 Tbsp tamari (or soy sauce)</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">2 Tbsp water </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">2 Tbsp peanut butter</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">1 Tbsp finely grated fresh ginger</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">1/2 Tbsp honey</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">1 clove garlic</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">1 tsp sugar</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">1 red or green Thai chili, seeds and capsicum (ribs) removed</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">1/3 cup peanuts</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Combine the first 7 salad ingredients in a bowl.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Puree dressing ingredients (except peanuts) in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. Add peanuts and pulse until they are lightly chopped. Pour dressing over salad and toss until well coated.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Top individual servings with basil or cilantro. Yum!</span></span><br />
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Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-58070840303961475762011-09-08T22:00:00.000-07:002011-09-09T12:23:29.243-07:00Healthy-ish Granola Bars<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Baby Charlie is ruining my meals. Seriously. He's sensitive to dairy, soy, and caffeine, which means </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">I</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"> don't get to eat them. This has totally ruined my addiction to Luna and Mojo bars. Those things taste like candy bars, and yet actually have some decent nutrients. Perfect for a mom who has little time and energy after being up half of the night. But, alas, without them I am just about starving to death. Some might say this is a good thing (like the guy at Whole Foods who thought I was still pregnant - sigh), but I NEED a decent snack. Most of the bars you'll find at Whole Foods taste like they are healthy... which isn't a compliment. I can't have that! I need something that tastes like a cookie or candy or a pound of sugar. Without </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">actually</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"> having a pound of sugar... I'm </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">trying</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"> to eat somewhat healthily, you know.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">I've been experimenting for a few days, and think I've come up with a pretty solid recipe. YAY ME! This is my first recipe made totally on my own without the help of some totally amazing food blogger. Progress, for sure. My first batch tasted so good... but it crumbled apart. I thought I'd go the no-bake route, but it turns out that baking them really gives the nuts a slightly toasted flavor, and the addition of guar gum binds the bars together. A total success. And did I mention that they are SUPER delicious? As-good-as-a-cookie kind of delicious. So, go make some... and feel proud of yourself for eating healthy-ish cookie-tasting granola bars.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><b><u>Nutty Chocolate Chip Granola Bars</u></b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Yield: about 18 bars</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i><b>Ingredients</b>:</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">1 cup gluten-free rolled oats, divided</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">2 Tbsp sesame seeds</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">2 Tbsp flax seeds (I use whole)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/3 cup flaked coconut</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/4 cup walnuts</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/4 cup peanuts</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/4 cup almonds</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/4 cup sunflower seeds</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/2 tsp salt</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/3 cup coconut sugar (you can sub white sugar)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/2 tsp guar gum</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/3 cup almond butter</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/3 cup peanut butter</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 tsp pure vanilla extract</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup brown rice syrup</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Nutty%20Chocolate%20Chip%20Granola%20Bars/c9fbaae2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Nutty%20Chocolate%20Chip%20Granola%20Bars/c9fbaae2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Preheat oven to 350.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Put 1/2 cup oats, sesame seeds and flax seeds in food processor or Vitamix and process until finely ground, like course flour. Place in large mixing bowl. I use a Kitchen Aid mixer, of course! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Nutty%20Chocolate%20Chip%20Granola%20Bars/6da1477d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Nutty%20Chocolate%20Chip%20Granola%20Bars/6da1477d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Add remaining oats, coconut, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and sunflower seeds to the food processor/Vitamix and pulse until they are all chopped up. You want them to still keep some of their texture, but no huge chunks. Throw those into the mixer.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Add salt, coconut sugar and guar gum to mixer, and blend dry ingredients until thoroughly mixed.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Add nut butters, vanilla and brown rice syrup and mix until well combined. Add chocolate chips.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Nutty%20Chocolate%20Chip%20Granola%20Bars/709abe1d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Nutty%20Chocolate%20Chip%20Granola%20Bars/709abe1d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Line a 9x13 pan with lightly oiled foil (you'll thank me for this tip later!), so the bars remove easily for cutting. Put granola mixture into the pan and press, press, press! I used a meat pounder, but you can use a drinking glass. Make sure the granola mixture in firmly packed in before baking.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Nutty%20Chocolate%20Chip%20Granola%20Bars/7c963edd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Nutty%20Chocolate%20Chip%20Granola%20Bars/7c963edd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350, or until edges just begin to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely. Lift edges of foil to remove bars from the pan. Cut to desired size, and store in an air-tight container. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Nutty%20Chocolate%20Chip%20Granola%20Bars/37116b21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/Nutty%20Chocolate%20Chip%20Granola%20Bars/37116b21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This recipe is pretty flexible. If you don't have all of those nuts/seeds, just use what you've got! Only have peanut butter? Then use than instead of the almond butter. No coconut sugar or brown rice syrup? Use white or brown sugar! It will lose healthy-bonus-points, but I won't tell anyone...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
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</div>Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-3623061472350953282011-09-06T22:10:00.000-07:002011-09-06T23:33:01.441-07:00Berry Banana Baked Oatmeal<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #79563e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I love lazy Sunday mornings. Okay, let's be honest. I love lazy <i>anything</i>. That's just the way I am. This is definitely a lazy breakfast. Throw a bunch of yummy stuff together and bake. Doesn't get much easier than that. I imagine that this recipe would lend itself to pretty much any fruit. Have apples? Throw 'em in there. Peaches? Why not? Plums? Heck, yeah. </span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #79563e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #79563e;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Berry Banana Baked Oatmeal</u></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #79563e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">(recipe adapted slightly from <a href="http://www.shutterbean.com/baked-oatmeal/">Shutterbean</a></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Yield: </span></i></span><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">about 6 servings, unless my husband is there... then it only feeds 3.</span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Ingredients:</span></i></b></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2 cups gluten-free rolled oats</span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">3/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped</span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/3 cup coconut sugar (you can substitute regular ol' white sugar)</span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 teaspoon baking powder<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/4 teaspoon nutmeg</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2 cups almond milk (or some of that cow milk works, too)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2 large eggs<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">3 tablespoons butter <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">3 ripe bananas, cut into 1/2 inch pieces<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 1/2 cups mixed berries (I used 1 cup frozen blueberries & 1/2 cup frozen blackberries) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/e11c9c4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/e11c9c4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Preheat oven to 375 F. Generously butter the inside of a dish. I used a 9x13, but 8x8 would also work.</span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></span><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">In a bowl, mix together the oats, half of the walnuts, the sugar, baking powder & cinnamon.</span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></span><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">In another bowl mix the milk, eggs, half of the butter and vanilla. Whisk until well combined.</span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></span><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Arrange the bananas in a single layer at the bottom of your baking dish. Sprinkle 2/3 of the berry mixture on top. </span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/46db0508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/46db0508.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Pour the oat mixture on top and then slowly drizzle the milk mixture on top of that. Make sure to get the milk mixture in all of the nooks and crannies.</span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/525a4b34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/525a4b34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Scatter the remaining berries and walnuts on top.</span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> B</span></span><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">ake in the oven for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is nicely golden and the oat mixture has set. Remove from the oven and let cool a bit.</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/30a67400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/30a67400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Drizzle the remaining butter on top and serve warm. Drizzle maple syrup on top and enjoy!</span></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Courier;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/6dae8f0d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/6dae8f0d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #714110;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></div>Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001236146777769335.post-8193859306519890752011-09-05T21:11:00.000-07:002011-09-06T21:39:19.859-07:00Peach Vanilla Bean Jam - Finally.<div style="text-align: center;">You can stop holding your breath now. The moment you have been waiting for has finally arrived... :::drumroll, please:::</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/3638f7e6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/3638f7e6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Peach Vanilla Bean Jam, in all its glory, was finally made this evening. I didn't read the recipe very closely, which made for a few oh-crap-I'm-going-to-ruin-this-recipe moments, but I'm pretty sure that it all turned out just fine in the end. I didn't have enough white sugar, so I was forced to use some brown sugar as a substitute. It still tasted pretty darn good, and the brown sugar lends a nice rich flavor. Mmm. A <i>much </i>greater success than last night's awful "muffins" (blech). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, before you start your jam, I'll show you my quick and easy peach-peeling method. When you need to get the skin off of 3lbs of peaches, and you don't want to lose any of that precious fruit, this is definitely the way to go. Starting with rinsed peaches, slice an X right at the base of the fruit. Place the peach in boiling water for 60 seconds, then remove.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/1b0f5187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/1b0f5187.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Place it immediately in a water bath, so it can chill out a little bit. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/7a310575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/7a310575.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, your peaches' skins will slip right off. How easy was that?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This recipe has been posted on two blogs that I really enjoy - and you might, too. Take a peek at <a href="http://www.tarteletteblog.com/">Tartlette</a> and <a href="http://annies-eats.net/">Annie's Eats</a> for more delicious inspiration.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Peach Vanilla Bean Jam</span></span></span></b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">(slightly altered, out of necessity, from </span></span></span><a href="http://annies-eats.net/2011/08/08/peach-vanilla-bean-jam/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">this</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"> recipe)</span></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; 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; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Yield:</span></span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"> about 4 cups (original recipe said 8 cups, but mine didn't yield nearly that much)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; 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; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span> </b></em></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; 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; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Ingredients:</span></span></b></em></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">3 lbs. ripe peaches, peeled, pitted and coarsely chopped</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">2½ cups sugar</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">1/2 cup brown sugar (check out the </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://annies-eats.net/2011/08/08/peach-vanilla-bean-jam/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">original recipe</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">if you want all white sugar)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">1-2 vanilla bean(s), halved lengthwise, seeds scraped out (I used one)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Juice of 1 lemon</span></span></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span> </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/9de410ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/9de410ba.jpg" width="320" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; 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; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Directions: </span></span></em></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; 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; vertical-align: baseline;"></em></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine all ingredients (including vanilla bean seeds and pods) over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is partially caramelized with a dark orange color (it'll be even darker, obviously, if you use brown sugar). This took about 2 hours for me, but I think I had the heat on a little too low. Discard the vanilla bean pods. Get ready for some delicious jam!</span></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Are you going to be canning this jam? Well, I hope you know how! Make sure you have sterilized your jars and lids, and use your preferred method of canning. Need some help on this? Check out this </span></span><a href="http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/publications/usda/GUIDE%201%20Home%20Can.pdf"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">fantastic guide to canning</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">. I just put my jam in sterilized jars for immediate consumption, so I didn't have to go to the trouble to properly seal it up. This stuff is tasty, so it is likely to get eaten up pretty quickly. I'll be using it as a topping for pancakes, baked oatmeal, and hopefully will be mixing it up with some homemade ice-cream. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/dac51a81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc470/Laura82Erickson/dac51a81.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 22px;">Now I get to check jam-making off of my <a href="http://thehappinessofrainydays.blogspot.com/2011/08/bucket-list.html">bucket list</a>!</span></span></div>Laura Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14975038451604916814noreply@blogger.com0