Craving Comfort

It's Time for Shamrock Shakes!!.. and a little rumor.

2012-02-10T12:09:00.001-06:00

I just heard a rumor that McDonald's has Taken their illusive Shamrock Shake Nation-Wide!!
If this is true...
It means I'll get my first "real" Shamrock Shake in over 10 years soon!!
If the rumor is NOT true...
We still have this wonderful Copy-Cat version!
(I think it might even be better than the original!!... I'll let ya know for sure when &IF I find one at MY local McDonald's!)

---

When I was a child we waited all year for the month of March.
Not because we wanted to get busy in the garden.
Not because it was time for Spring Break.
We longed for March because March is the month of the Shamrock Shake!

All McDonalds restaurants served Shamrock Shakes during the month of March.
It was green.
It was minty.
It was refreshing.
Its kinda like a Thin Mint Girl Scout cookie. except, its cold, green and you can suck it through a straw!!
Whats NOT to love???

I'm not usually a fan of mint drinks.
But I just have to have a Shamrock Shake every March!

Did you know that I have not had a Shamrock Shake in almost 10 years????
I know!! It's almost unbelievable!!
Well, it turns out that very few McDonalds in Texas carry it!
CRAZY!
This year, I was bound and determined to find one.
I called more than 45 Houston area McDonalds to no avail.
Most of the employees who answered my phone call didn't even know what a Shamrock Shake was!!

I even called the McDonalds cooperate headquarters!
I mean.. they have to know who they shipped the Shamrock Shake stuff to right?
WRONG!
They couldn't tell me!

Whats a girl to do?
Make her own Shamrock Shake thats what!!

Behold....

Dana's Shamrock Shake copy-cat!

Not too shabby, if I do say so myself!

Yum, slurp, groan!
By George!! I think I got it!!

Dana's "I don't need no stinkin McDonalds!" Shamrock Shake
Ingredients

2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 1/4 cups milk
1/4 - 1/2 Teaspoon Mint extract
9 drops green food coloring

Optional pretty stuff

chocolate syrup (optional glass decoration)
whipped cream (optional topping)
green sugar (optional decoration)

Directions

Blend all ingredients together until smooth and yummy.
drizzle some chocolate syrup around your glass.
Pour Shamrock Shake into the glass.
top with whipped cream and green sugar.
ENJOY!!

Happy St Patrick's Day!!

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Chicken Caesar Salad

2012-01-03T17:23:00.001-06:00

What's for dinner at YOUR place tonight?

Dana Clover
@TxCloverAngel
www.DanaClover.com
www.3LeafMarketing.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!

My Favorite Christmas Cookies! (Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies) YUM!

2011-12-16T15:20:00.002-06:00

I've had my share of cookies in my lifetime.
And Ding DING DING!!!
I think we have a WINNER!!!
These may possibly be the BEST cookie I have ever had!!

The picture says it all...
Rich, Decadent, Soft chocolate cookie.
Topped with a cherry and smooth-as-silk frosting.
Whats not to love??

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies!!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained, reserve juice
1 (6-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder and soda, blending well; set aside.

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together butter or margarine and sugar on low speed until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture; beat until smooth and well blended.

2. With hands, shape dough into 1-inch balls; place on ungreased baking sheet.
Press down center of dough with thumb.

3. Drain Maraschino cherries well, reserving juice.
Place a cherry in the center indention of each cookie.

4. In small saucepan combine chocolate pieces and sweetened condensed milk;
heat over low heat until chocolate is melted.
Stir in 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of the reserved cherry juice.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the topping over each cherry, spreading to cover cherry.
If frosting seems too thick, thin with a little more cherry juice.

**I was worried that I read my original recipe wrong when it told me to put the frosting on BEFORE baking. I thought it would melt and run all over. But I did as it said and it is amazing! this super-silky chocolate frosting does not melt or run anywhere! it seals in the cherry beautifully!**

5. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes, or until done.
Remove to wire rack to cool.

Makes 3 to 4 dozen cookies.

6. Enjoy!

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Loaded Baked Potato Soup!

2011-12-03T17:55:00.001-06:00

What's for dinner at your place tonight?

Dana Clover

www.DanaClover.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!

Sweet Corn Chowder!

2011-11-29T17:50:00.001-06:00

Turned out SOOO good!
Recipe coming soon...
I promise it'll be worth the wait!

Dana Clover

www.DanaClover.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!

Mexican Lasagna! (re-Do)

2011-11-28T12:44:00.000-06:00

Mexican Lasagna

This is a lot like a lasagna, only Mexican-style!
It is one of our family favorite meals.
One of the best things about it is the fact that you can make any changes you like.
Don't like refried beans? Use a can of black beans instead!
Like it REALLY hot? Use more spices or extra-hot Rotel.
I have made it with chicken instead of ground beef with GREAT results!
Garnish with sour cream, salsa, lettuce and tomato.

This recipe also freezes GREAT!
So I usually make two and toss one on the freezer to have on hand for those nights I just don't feel like cooking.
Makes 16 servings.

Ingredients
--2 pounds ground beef
--1 onion, chopped
--2 teaspoons minced garlic
--1 (2 ounce) can black olives, sliced
--1 (4 ounce) can diced green chili peppers1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies peppers (I use Rotel Brand)
--1 (16 ounce) jar taco sauce
--2 (16 ounce) cans refried beans ( I have substitued black beans too!)
--12 (8 inch) flour or corn tortillas (its up to you! I usually use flour)
--9 ounces shredded Colby or Cheddar cheese ( I usually just use a Mexican blend)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F .

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the ground
beef for 5 minutes. Add the onion and garlic, and saute for
5 more minutes. Drain any excess fat, if desired. Mix in
the olives, green chile peppers, tomatoes with green chile
peppers, taco sauce and refried beans. Stir mixture thoroughly,
reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture in the bottom
of a 4 quart casserole dish. Cover with a layer of
tortillas followed by more meat mixture, then a layer of cheese.
Repeat tortilla, meat, cheese pattern until all the tortillas
are used, topping off with a layer of meat mixture and cheese.

3. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or
until cheese is slightly brown and bubbly.

Enjoy!
Ole!

Sometimes ya just gotta have a Root Beer Float

2011-11-19T16:42:00.001-06:00

Dana Clover

www.DanaClover.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!

Yummy lunch!

2011-11-09T12:01:00.002-06:00

Added a few shakes if salad vinegar, loved it!

Dana Clover
www.DanaClover.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!

Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (Birthday Re-Do)

2011-11-07T09:22:00.000-06:00

Tonight we are having a Birthday Dinner for Worker #3, he turns 16 tomorrow!
For birthday dinners, the kids get to choose the menu.
I'm gonna re-post his favorite meal.
Total yumminess!

This is one of our favorite dishes.
The kids love it, the Man-of-My-Dreams loves it, I love it...
My diet does not appreciate it though!
NOT diet food.. But it sure is rich and absolutely delicious!
(It's so good that it's worth the 4 hours you'll have to do on the treadmill to work it off!)

Dana's Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) package fettuccine noodles

1 pound andouille sausage, sliced (If you can't find andouille, use your favorite smoked sausage)

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into chunks

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon dried sage

1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery

1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic

2 (10 ounce) containers Alfredo Sauce (Or use your favorite Alfredo sauce recipe)

Directions

In a large skillet, brown chicken breasts, season with Cajun Seasoning & Sage.
Add sliced sausage, onions, celery, garlic, & peppers. Saute until vegetables are tender.
Pour Alfredo sauce into the chicken/sausage mixture, turn heat to low to gently warm and combine flavors.
cook Fettuccine noodles per package directions.
combine noodles and sauce.
Enjoy!

TIP... for a little spicier kick, add a can of tomatoes and green chilies (I use Rotel Brand)

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Hash browns, home-grown sausage, home grown eggs and. Cheese! Breakfast of champions!

2011-10-29T11:04:00.001-05:00

Dana Clover

www.DanaClover.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!

THIS is why we raise our own beef! Soup bones? Or steaks?? Yum!!

2011-10-29T10:29:00.001-05:00

Dana Clover

www.DanaClover.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!

Scalloped Corn (re-do)

2011-10-28T07:58:00.000-05:00

It's Fall!!!
That means it is time to pull out your cooler-weather recipes!
Scalloped Corn is one of my favorites!
Try it!
You'll LOVE it too!!

This is one of our all time favorite side dishes.
Thanks to My Spoiled-Rotten-Little-Sister Bethany.
It's easy!
And it's definitely too yummy for our own good!

This is a great dish to let the kids make! Mine have all made it and it always turns out GREAT!
And they love to cook something the whole family devourers.
Get your kids cooking with you!! You won't regret it!

" Scalloped Corn"
2 cans corn "drained"
1 can cream-style corn
some diced bell pepper (optional, add as much or as little as you want)
Diced Onion (optional, add as much or as little as you want)
2 eggs
1/4 cup melted butter
1 cup sour cream
a shake or two of salt & pepper
1 box corn bread mix (11 oz) I like Jiffy Brand best!
I also like to add a dash of cayenne pepper,
do whatever sounds good to you.

Mix all the ingredients together.
Pour into 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish
Bake 35-40min at 350 degrees or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
I always at least double this and use a 9x13 baking dish....
Its great for a big crowd! but cooking times will get longer too.

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Taco Soup!

2011-10-27T16:16:00.001-05:00

Dana Clover

www.DanaClover.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!

Grilled burgers for lunch!

2011-10-23T13:22:00.001-05:00

Dana Clover

www.DanaClover.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!

Easy Iced Chai Tea Latte

2011-10-22T16:58:00.001-05:00

Disclaimer-
I broke my camera... I dropped it...... It fell..... I cried.
Please excuse the pretty pathetic iPhone pics for this recipe...
The pure yummiocity of this one should earn me your forgiveness anyway!

~Dana

----------------------------------------------

Chai Tea Latte.
It's that creamy, spiced drink that just makes me feel kinda sophisticated to drink

~ It Just feels fancy ~

(notice the "fancy" umbrella inside the TOTALLY un-fancy Mason Jar drinking vessel...
It's how I roll... Yo)

This recipe is so simple, that I was almost embarrassed to publish it,
When I mentioned I was making Iced Chai Tea one day on Facebook, I was swarmed with requests for the recipe....
so, here goes!...

Dana's Iced Chai Tea Latte.

1.) Grab a quart jar..... Fill it with water.... Toss in 4 Chai Tea Tea bags. (I used Lipton's) stick it in the fridge overnight or several hours to "brew".

2.) Grab your bottle of trusty "sweet Cream"..
what?!?
you don't know what sweet cream is??
I told you all about it in my now infamous recipe for the
"Last Iced Coffee Recipe You'll Ever Need" (click the link... I dare you... your life will NEVER be the same!)

Anyway....

One can of Sweetened Condensed Milk mixed with One can of Evaporated Milk = Sweet Cream.

3.) Fill one glass (or in my case... jar) with ice...
4.) fill 3/4 of the way with your Chai Tea concentrate.

5.) Top with sweet cream.

~ If you like it sweeter and creamier, add more sweet cream...
~ If you like a stronger Chai taste, add more tea....

Go forth and make some!!
Enjoy!

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In the fridge getting ready for tomorrow's Iced Chai Tea Latte recipe. Yum!

2011-10-17T20:48:00.001-05:00

Dana Clover

www.DanaClover.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!

Drum-Roll Please

2011-10-17T17:51:00.000-05:00

Finally Finally Finally, I have uploaded every single one of my recipes into the "recipe box" under the header on this page!! yay!

Now you can easily find each and every one of the Craving Comfort and Homesteading Housewife recipes in one convenient place!

So... Click that "recipe Box" and Get cooking!

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My Favorite Fall K-Cup!

2011-10-15T21:10:00.001-05:00

Dana Clover

www.DanaClover.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!

Chili-Dog Pot Pie! Oh My!!

2011-10-15T18:54:00.002-05:00

Chili-Dogs.... Yum!
Cornbread.... Yum!

I got to thinking.... why not mix the two?

The results were an AMAZING dish that everyone in my house loved and asked for seconds of!
This is more of a technique than an actual recipe..
Here we go!

The Cast Of Characters

Hot dogs, Sliced.

Cheddar Cheese, Shredded

Your favorite chili, canned or homemade.

Corn bread Homemade, or my favorite Jiffy Brand.

Your favorite individual-sized casserole dishes.

Directions

Add sliced Hot dogs to chili in a pot on the stove and heat to a simmer.
Fill your individual casserole dishes a little more than half-way with the hot chili/hotdog mixture.

3. Generously sprinkle with shredded cheese.

4. Top the cheese layer with your cornbread batter, (filling almost to the top)

5. Bake at 400 degrees for approx 10-12 min or until a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean.

6. Dig in and ENJOY!

I am also going to try this with my favorite homemade chili recipe this winter! YUM!
I also made a batch in a 9x9 square pan, took longer to cook, of course but was wonderful!

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Chili's Tropical Sunrise Margarita!

2011-10-08T18:26:00.001-05:00

Yum!

Dana Clover

www.DanaClover.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!

Dutch Chocolate in a Fine Red Wine

2011-10-07T21:02:00.001-05:00

We shall see.
Cheers!

Dana Clover

www.DanaClover.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!

Grilled scallops... Heaven!

2011-09-29T17:19:00.001-05:00

Dana Clover

www.DanaClover.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!

Grilled asparagus salad with gorgonzola ... Ummm YUM!

2011-09-29T17:06:00.001-05:00

Dana Clover

www.DanaClover.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!

Martini sampler! Come to Momma!!

2011-09-29T16:49:00.001-05:00

Dana Clover

www.DanaClover.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!

Crazy onion rings, a Side to my meal at Buster McNutty's!!

2011-09-16T20:24:00.001-05:00

Dana Clover

www.DanaClover.com
Sent from my pink iPhone ...
So expect lots of typos!