Live Everyday like a Holiday!

Chocolate-Raspberry Hearts Recipe

2012-02-14T01:00:00.000-06:00

I'm having family over for coffee this morning (all adults) and since today is Valentine's Day I though I would make these chocolate-raspberry hearts to go with the coffee. I actually ate them at a friends house and she told me it was a Pillsbury recipe. As most of you know I just love pillsbury recipes so I jumped on at the idea of making them for my Valentine coffee hour. I think it adds just right touch for a simple coffee get-together too.

Chocolate-Raspberry Hearts Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
1/3 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread
24 raspberries
2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Line large cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper.

2. Unroll dough sheet; cut into 8 squares. Place squares on cookie sheet.

3. Spoon 2 teaspoons of the chocolate-hazelnut spread onto 1 side of each square. Top each with 3 raspberries and 4 chocolate chips. Fold dough over filling; press edges to seal. Form each into heart shape as shown by pressing indentation in center to form top of heart while rounding sides of heart with hands. Brush with egg.

4. Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until hearts are golden brown.

5. In small microwavable bowl, mix remaining 1 tablespoon chocolate-hazelnut spread and remaining 1 tablespoon chocolate chips. Microwave uncovered on High 45 to 60 seconds or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Spoon into resealable food-storage plastic bag. Seal bag; cut off tiny corner of bag. Sprinkle hearts with powdered sugar. Squeeze bag to drizzle each with chocolate mixture.

2012-02-13T10:13:00.000-06:00

Hey guys for those of you who don't know it; February is Creative Romance Month so I thought I would post about heart shaped individual pizzas as a creative way to make a pizza for your loved ones. This is one of Pillsburys "20 Minute Recipes for Romance" and I think this is a fun idea for all those thousands of pizza lovers out there. You know your kids would love this for a Valentine's Day supper. ;)

Recipe: Valentine Pizzas

INGREDIENTS

1 can (13.8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated classic pizza crust or 1 can (11 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated thin pizza crust
1 can (8 oz) pizza sauce
24 slices turkey pepperoni with 70% less fat
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (3 oz)

DIRECTIONS
1.If using classic crust: Heat oven to 425°F. Lightly spray or grease large cookie sheet. If using thin crust: Heat oven to 400 F. Spray or grease 15x10-inch or larger dark or nonstick cookie sheet.
2.Unroll dough on work surface. With sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut dough into 4 rectangles. Place rectangles on cookie sheet. Cut 1-inch slit in center of wide edge of each dough portion; on opposite wide edge across from slit, pinch dough together to shape point of heart. Slightly separate each cut slit, and gently press dough into a 6x5-inch heart, creating slight rim on edge of dough.
3.Divide pizza sauce evenly onto hearts, spreading to within 1/2 inch of edges. Top each with 6 slices pepperoni and 3 tablespoons cheese.
4.Bake classic crust 13 to 16 minutes, thin crust 9 to 13 minutes, or until crust edges are golden brown and cheese is melted.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Bake up to 2 minutes longer.

Chocolate-Almond Layered Hearts Recipe

2012-02-12T01:00:00.000-06:00

It's all about the heart this week so here's my pick for cookies. When it comes to baking cookies for a special day, special friend or special get-together; I have always favored the look of layered cookies. I really love the 2 and 3 dimension they have & how beautiful they look without spending all day painting with icing. Another reason why I like these is because you very seldom see layered cookies in stores. Because of this it makes the gift that-much-more-special. Here's a good example of a layered cookie by Pillsbury.

Chocolate-Almond Layered Hearts Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

1 roll (18 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated sugar cookies
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup finely chopped almonds
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Remove 2/3 of cookie dough from wrapper and place in medium bowl; refrigerate remaining dough until needed. Stir or knead flour, almonds and almond extract into dough in bowl until well blended.

2. On floured surface with rolling pin, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness (about 12-inch round). Cut with floured 2 1/2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter; place on ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet.

4. Meanwhile, in small bowl, place remaining 1/3 of dough. Stir or knead in cocoa until well blended. On floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness (about 8-inch round). Cut with floured 1-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter; place on ungreased large cookie sheet.

5. Bake 5 to 6 minutes or just until set. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet.

6. In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and oil on High 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave 10 to 15 seconds longer until smooth. Place melted chocolate in small resealable food-storage plastic bag; seal bag. Cut 1/8-inch hole in bottom corner of bag.

7. Squeeze bag to pipe small amount of chocolate on center of each large heart cookie. Top each with 1 small heart cookie. Drizzle remaining melted chocolate over layered cookies. Let stand until chocolate is set, about 40 minutes. Store between sheets of waxed paper in tightly covered container

Campbell's Kitchen: Sweetheart Palmiers

2012-02-11T09:33:00.000-06:00

www.puffpastry.com/recipe/sweetheart-palmiers

I love it! I think anyone who is looking for red food for Valentine's Day or for a red theme party needs to look at this. It's a recipe I found on campbells.com, puffpastry.com, and ziplist.com websites. Just click the links to get the recipe.

Now Let's Talk About It:

This is so simple but look how beautiful it looks. At first glance you can tell it's made with puff pastry and it's been sprinkled with red sugar. You know sugar comes in several different colors so you could change it up to match which ever occasion your celebrating.

Red sugar is fantastic for Christmas and Valentine's Day but I bet green sugar would be nice for St. Patrick's Day. I bet a plate of green would remind you of clover just like the red reminds you of hearts.

Tablescape: Look how pretty it looks served on a white platter. The idea of all the dishes being white is a good move. The red tablecloth just sets off the red cookies too. In the picture they have a bowl of red sugar with a spoon in it. I think that's a fantastic idea as well. Your guests can use red sugar instead of white sugar to add to their hot cocoa or coffee. I bet the red sugar adds a pinkish tent to the cocoa. I just love it. I knew I had to pass this on because I know what a challenge it is to come up with red food ideas and this one is one to remember. Perfect tablescape idea if you ask me. What do you think?

Campbell's Kitchen: Sweetheart Palmiers - Both Pepperidge Farm & Campbell's say "This crisp and delicate cookie is made with puff pastry dough sprinkled with sugar and rolled into the shape of palm leaves. Serve them with coffee or tea, or with your favorite dessert sampling."

Heart Shaped Ice Cubes

2012-02-11T01:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a neat idea. A bowl of heart shaped ice cubes for Valentine's Day cocktails.

I really like this idea because it's perfect for a group of people having a few Valentine's Day drinks or just as perfect for a private romantic dinner for two.

You can put the heart shaped ice in a ice bucket or simply have the heart shape ice already in individual glasses. Either way it works because the idea is for the drinker to see the hearts.

You can find heart shape ice cube molds at craft store and in the Valentine section of some supermarkets and retail stores like Wal-Mart. You can even find candy molds that will work for ice cubes as well. If you can't find them in stores just do a search at Amazon.com and you will find them for sure.

Shop Heart Ice Cube Trays
You can either freeze the cubes clear or add a bit of food coloring to the water. Or... add a bit of red fruit juice. You can even fill the molds 1/2 full of water and let it freeze then fill the remainder of the mold up with your choice of a red drink. I love the 1/2 and 1/2 effect myself.

Marvelous Chocolate Truffles Recipe

2012-02-10T17:10:00.000-06:00

Celebration Food: On November 4th, we honor and celebrate National Candy Day which is always observed in the United States. Today's post is a sweet truffle treat by Betty Crocker that we know you'll love to make. Remember this recipe for all Chocolate Holidays, National Chocolate Lovers Month, Valentines Day and Christmas too.

Marvelous Chocolate Truffles Recipe
Originally uploaded by Betty Crocker Recipes

INGREDIENTS:

6 ounces semisweet baking chocolate or white baking bars (white chocolate), chopped
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 cup whipping (heavy) cream
1 tablespoon shortening
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet or milk chocolate chips or white baking chips
Finely chopped nuts or candy decorations, if desired

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cover cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Melt baking chocolate in heavy 2-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Stir in butter until melted; stir in whipping cream. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, just until thick enough to hold a shape.

2. Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet. Shape into balls. (If mixture is too sticky, refrigerate until firm enough to shape.) Freeze 30 minutes.

3. Heat shortening and chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth; remove from heat. Dip truffles, one at a time, into chocolate. Place on aluminum foil-covered cookie sheet. Immediately sprinkle some of the truffles with finely chopped nuts or decorating candies.

4. Refrigerate truffles about 10 minutes or until coating is set. Drizzle some of the truffles with mixture of 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon milk. Refrigerate just until set. Serve at room temperature. Store in airtight container.
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Gift Tins from Amazon.com - Give the gift of homemade candy and place them in traditional candy and cookie tins. You can pick from different shapes and colors.

Recipe: Heart Shaped Breadsticks

2012-02-10T01:00:00.000-06:00

A few days ago I said I would find some heart shape ideas for Valentine's Day and pass them on. Well yesterday I posted how to make a heart shaped chocolate cake, the day before that I posted my Valentine choice for this year which was a Meringue dessert and today I wanted to pass on the idea of heart shaped bread sticks that would be perfect for a romantic meal. This is probably the simplest idea of them all but heavens does it pack a visual punch. :) Thank you Pillsbury for such a warm & fast bread idea.

RECIPE: Heart-Shaped Breadsticks

INGREDIENTS

1 can (11 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated breadsticks
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/4 cup finely crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Separate dough into 12 breadsticks; stretch each until 12 inches long. Twist and shape each breadstick into heart shape; place on ungreased large cookie sheet.
2. Brush breadsticks with beaten egg; sprinkle with crushed chips.
3. Bake 10 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Chocolate Sweetheart Cake Recipe

2012-02-09T01:00:00.000-06:00

123Greetings says February 9 is CHOCOLATE DAY? And it's the week of Valentine's so I'm posting this Chocolate Sweetheart Cake by pillsbury not really because of it's recipe but because it explains how to make a heart shape cake without using a heart shape cake pan. Something this simple needs to be shared and you would be surprised at how many people have emailed me asking for links to directions. :) Pass it on to new bakers!

Chocolate Sweetheart Cake Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

1 package ( 1 pound 2.25 ounces) devil's food cake mix with pudding
1 1/3 cups water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 tub (12 ounces) chocolate whipped frosting or 1 tub (16 ounces) chocolate ready-to-spread frosting

DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oven to 350°. Grease bottom only of 1 round pan, 8x1 1/2 inches, and 1 square pan, 8x8x2 inches, with shortening. Make cake mix as directed on package, using water, oil and eggs. Pour into pans.

2. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Run knife around sides of pans to loosen cakes; remove from pans to wire rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

3. Cut round layer in half as shown in "diagram". Freeze uncovered about 1 hour for easier frosting if desired. Arrange pieces on serving platter to form heart as shown in diagram. Frost cake with frosting, attaching pieces with small amount of frosting. Store loosely covered at room temperature.
For a truly special presentation to make hearts flutter, garnish with fresh small strawberries or raspberries and curls of white chocolate. Or for real chocolate lovers, press miniature chocolate chips onto the side of the frosted cake.
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123greetings lists February 9 as Chocolate Day so send some fun Chocolate Greetings!
All are FREE! www.123greetings.com/chocolateday
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Today's Featured Picture is an Odd-Eyed Cat /

2012-02-08T08:13:00.001-06:00

I wanted to remind everybody that February is National Cat Health Month: Let this post be a reminder to make that vet appointment and have your pet checked out. Since February is also Pet Dental Health Month, have the vet check out your pets teeth too.

Photo: Keith Kissel

In honor of February being Cat Health Month I wanted to do a fun "Featured Picture" of a cat. On my search for the best one, I found this photo by Keith Kissel. His odd-eyed cat picture was picked to be a featured photo for wikipedia today and I knew immediately I found the one I was going to post in honor of National Cat Health Month. It's just Beautiful! Have fun reading a few fun facts about odd-eyed cats too.

What is an Odd-eyed cat?

An odd-eyed cat is a cat with one blue eye (the "odd" eye) and one green, yellow, or brown eye. This is a feline form of complete heterochromia, a condition also present in humans and some other animals (including horses and huskies). It can occur in a cat of any fur color, provided that it possesses the white spotting gene. Animals affected by the condition can have partial heterochromia, in which only part of the iris is a different color.

Cultural reactions and folklore

Odd-eyed cats are popular within several breeds, including Turkish Van, Turkish Angora, Sphynx, Persian, Oriental Shorthair, and Japanese Bobtail.
In 1817, the government of Turkey, in conjunction with the Ankara Zoo, began a meticulous breeding program to preserve and protect pure white Turkish Angora cats with blue and amber eyes, a program that continues today, as they are considered a national treasure. The zoo specifically prized the odd-eyed Angoras who had one blue eye and one amber eye, as the Turkish folklore suggests that "the eyes must be as green as the lake and as blue as the sky." The mascot of the 2010 FIBA World Championship, hosted by Turkey, was an anthropomorphized odd-eyed Van Cat named, "Bascat".
Muhammad's pet Angora, Muezza, was reputed to be an odd-eyed cat.
In the Japanese Bobtail, odd-eyed cats are most frequently found in calico individuals.
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Note: Today is also...

Earliest day on which Feast of Orthodoxy can fall, while March 14 is the latest; celebrated 42 days before Easter. (Orthodoxy)

Nirvana Day (Mahayana Buddhism) Parinirvana Day, or Nirvana Day is a Mahayana Buddhist holiday celebrated in East Asia. By some it is celebrated on the 8th February, but by most on the 15th February. Buddhists celebrate the death of the Buddha because they believe that since he was Enlightened, he was free from the pain of physical existence.

Prešeren Day (Slovenia) It is marking the anniversary of the death of the Slovene national poet France Prešeren on February 8, 1849. The holiday was established to honor achievements in the Slovenian culture.

Valentine's Day Meringue Dessert Recipe

2012-02-08T01:00:00.000-06:00

Stephen my hubby is a pro at making meringue desserts..., in fact he introduced me to the first pavlova I ever ate. It's part of the National cuisine of Australia & New Zealand so it's traditional for us to eat it during the holidays since my hubby is Australian.

Now the reason I brought that up is because... this pillsbury dessert reminds me of it. I can't think of anything better for Valentine's Day either. This recipe is going to be my pick for this years romantic meal for me and the hubby. Oh... I love the idea of a touch of cream cheese & white chocolate in it. 2 things that a pavlova doesn't have. Ohhhh yeahhh! Now that looks like Valentines :)

Valentine's Day Meringue Dessert Recipe

INGREDIENTS

4 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
3 oz white chocolate baking bar, melted
1 can (21 oz) raspberry pie filling
1 pint (2 cups) fresh strawberries, halved
Fresh mint sprigs, if desired

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 275°F. Line cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper. In large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with electric mixer on medium speed until foamy. On high speed, beat in 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar at a time until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is almost dissolved, about 6 minutes. Spread meringue to form 10x10-inch heart shape on cookie sheet, building up edges with back of spoon.
2. Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until firm and dry to the touch. Turn oven off; let meringue shell stand in closed oven 1 hour. Slide meringue shell and parchment paper from cookie sheet onto wire rack. Cool completely, about 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, beat whipping cream with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. In large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar with mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Gradually beat in melted baking bar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in whipped cream.
4. Carefully remove meringue shell from parchment paper; place shell on serving plate. Spread cream mixture evenly in shell. Cover; refrigerate at least 2 hours.
5. In medium bowl, gently mix pie filling and strawberries. Spoon 1 1/2 cups fruit mixture over top of dessert. Garnish with mint sprigs. Serve remaining fruit mixture to be spooned over individual servings.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft):
Heat oven to 250°F. For meringue, use 3 egg whites, 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar and 3/4 cup sugar. Bake 60 to 65 minutes. Thank you www.pillsbury.com

Love Is In The Air

2012-02-07T08:27:00.003-06:00

It's a week before Valentines Day and Love is in the air. Are you already getting that loving feeling too?

Even though Valentine's Day is a week away; I'm already getting emails asking about heart shape foods. So this week I thought I would search the Internet and see if I could come up with some neat Valentine's Day recipes and ideas in the shape of a heart. Right off-the-bat I know there's going to be heart shape cakes sold EVERYWHERE. But I think something homemade is special too. It's always fun to serve the people we love something made out of our own kitchen.

Yesterday I was reading and found a comment about getting ready for Valentine's Day Flowers by cleaning your cloudy vases. I thought this would be a good recipe to pass on to everyone. It said to pour a little white vinegar and uncooked rice in the vase then swish it around. It said it would make the cloudiness disappear. I knew vinegar would do a good job of cleaning but what does the uncooked rice do? Maybe it acts like little scrubbers in areas we can't reach inside the vase.

You better get your Valentine decorations now because when I went shopping a lot of the stores have already sold out of the good stuff. You may have to dig into your Christmas box for needed red stuff. You know you need those red candles! Oh yes if there's one thing you can't do without on Valentines Day it's candles. I tried to find heart candles but had no luck. I usually like to bring out my heart shape pillows the week of Valentines and toss them on the couch and on the bed. It helps to remind my husband that Valentine's Day is on it's way too. LOL! You know a little casual hint never hurts.

Now if your planning a romantic meal at home you better start getting ready now. I noticed that I'm almost out of fire wood so I've made arrangement to get more wood so I have it by February 14th. I can't go without a fire in the fireplace on Valentines Day. Nooo Wayyy! You see I'm planning a little meal for me and the hubby. The great part is our kitchen table actually sits in front of the fireplace so even though I'm old, I'm still planning a romantic meal for us.

Get your shopping done for your sweetheart! Wow what beautiful fresh flowers in the shops right now. If I could I would have fresh flowers on my table everyday and that's the honest truth. I just love them. If I could I would have a box of chocolates on my table everyday too. ;) Yep, I could surely handle that. Lol!

Well love is truly in the air. Everyone is buzzing around looking forward to their special Valentine's Day dates coming up, everyone's having fun doing their romantic shopping. And everyone is searching out new ideas for heart shape baking this week too. Happy Valentines To All! I hope you reach up and catch many hearts this week. Pam

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe

2012-02-06T07:19:00.001-06:00

Louise at Months of Edible Celebrations (blog) posted a neat poster she found at the Wall Street Journal. It gave a list of how much food Americans would eat for Sunday's Game. On the poster it said 43.2 million lbs. of tortilla chips would be ate. Well..... I know I helped make those numbers because we ate tortilla chips with slow cooked Sloppy Joes ourselves. Here's the Betty Crocker recipe I used.

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe
Originally uploaded by Betty Crocker Recipes

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe

Ingredients:

2 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper sauce
1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce
10 oz tortilla chips or 10 sandwich buns

Directions:

1. In 12-inch skillet, cook beef over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain.

2. In 3- to 4-quart slow cooker, mix beef and remaining ingredients except tortilla chips.

3. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 4 to 6 hours. Serve over tortilla chips or in buns.

This is so funny :)
I also made guacamole-dip.
Avocados were projected at 71.4 million lbs.

Red Parties are Celebrated all throughout February

2012-02-03T09:37:00.001-06:00

romantic meals

GO RED! I hope you didn't pack up all your red decorations from Christmas because "Red Parties" are celebrated in the U.S. and Canada all throughout the month of February? Not only does red represent Valentine's and Valentine's Day but it also represents the Saint Valentines Day Massacre, National Wear Red Day and a few others. Because of this; Red Parties are hosted all over the world where it's traditional to wear red, drink red drinks and eat red food all throughout the month. Great reasons to host a Red Theme Party.

February 3: Now just so you know.... today (February 3, 2012) is National Wear Red Day. It's always held on the 1st Friday in February. For those of you who are new to this observance; we wear the color red in the United States to support awareness of women's heart disease. The UK promotes heart disease awareness as well but it's celebrated later in the month.

In the US: It occurs in America on the first Friday in February each year.
The Heart Truth—is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Designed to warn women of their #1 health threat, The Heart Truth created and introduced the Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 to deliver an urgent wakeup call to American women.

In the UK: Wear Red Day occurs every year on February 26 and is run by the British Heart Foundation. February is National Heart Month for the BHF and the National Wear Red Day is an annual campaign at the centre of raising awareness of heart disease in the UK. It was created by the BHF and has gained interest year on year.

The best part about red parties:
They can be hosted on any date.
You have an excuse to over-do it with the color red -go for it.

Red Food & Drink Ideas:
Pictured: drink for entertaining: crantinis-recipe
Dessert: Red Velvet Cake, Strawberries & pink whip cream
Veggies: Baked red potatoes, red cabbage for coleslaw
Misc: Red apples, jello,
Meat: meat with red sauce: spaghetti sauce, red BBQ sauce

External Links

February Food Holidays

2012-02-03T08:31:00.000-06:00

Here is a list of the Food Holidays enjoyed during the month of February.
Get that shopping finished because there's a lot of good food to be celebrated.
Let's get cooking! And please... share with us if you celebrate these observances. :)

• Snack Food Month

• Sweet Potato Month

• Canned Food Month

• National Cherry Month

• Chocolate Lovers Month
• National Grapefruit Month

• Bake for Family Fun Month

• National Snack Food Month

• Great American Pies Month

• National Potato Lovers Month

• National Hot Breakfast Month

• North Carolina Sweet Potato Month

• Berry Fresh in the Sunshine State Month

• Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month

February 1: National Baked Alaska Day
February 2: National Heavenly Hash Day
February 3: National Carrot Cake Day
February 4: National Homemade Soup Day
February 5: National Chocolate Fondue Day
February 6: National Frozen Yogurt Day
February 7: National Fettuccini Alfredo Day
February 8: National Molasses Bar Day
February 9: National Pistachio Day
February 9: Bagels & Lox Day
February 10: National Pizza Pie Day
February 10: National Cream Cheese Brownie Day
February 11: National Peppermint Patty Day
February 12: National Plum Pudding Day
February 13: National Tortellini Day
February 14: National Cream Filled Chocolates Day
February 15: International Gum Drop Day
February 16: National Almond Day
February 17: National Cafe au lait Day
February 17: National Indian Pudding Day
February 18: National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day
February 19: National Chocolate Mint Day
February 20: National Cherry Pie Day
February 21: National Sticky Bun Day
February 22: National Margarita Day
February 23: National Banana Bread Day
February 24: National Tortilla Chip Day
February 25: National Clam Chowder Day
February 25: National Chocolate Covered Peanuts Day
February 26: National Pistachio Day
February 27: National Strawberry Day
February 27: National Kahlua Day
February 28: National Chocolate Souffle Day
February 29: ??

Hot Fudge-Marshmallow Monkey Bread

2012-02-02T13:03:00.000-06:00

Hot Fudge-Marshmallow Monkey Bread
Originally uploaded by Pillsbury.com

Recipe Pick in honor of National Chocolate Month

Grashious me ya'll! Don't bother with the napkins because your going to want to lick your fingers with this recipe. Hot Fudge-Marshmallow Monkey Bread is fantastic and you wouldn't want to serve it any other way but hot hot hot! This recipe is not only made with hot fudge ice cream topping but it has marshmallows in it too. I wonder if this recipe would work with marshmallow cream? I might test it and see. I just love pull-apart food!

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened
1 can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury® Grands!® Homestyle refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (8 biscuits)
1 can (10.2 oz) Pillsbury® Grands!® Homestyle refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (5 biscuits)
13 large marshmallows
1/2 cup LAND O LAKES® Unsalted or Salted Butter
1/2 cup Smucker's® Hot Fudge Ice Cream Topping
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon Hershey’s® Special Dark® baking cocoa

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 12-cup fluted tube cake pan with 1 tablespoon butter. Cut all 13 biscuits into quarters; set aside.
2. In large microwavable bowl, place marshmallows, 1/2 cup butter, hot fudge topping and vanilla. Microwave uncovered on High 1 to 2 minutes, stirring once, until melted. Using wire whisk, stir until smooth.
3. In medium bowl, stir sugar and cocoa until blended.
4. Carefully place 1/4 of the biscuit pieces into hot chocolate mixture, gently folding in to coat. Add another 1/4 of the biscuits, gently folding in to coat. Using tongs, remove biscuits from chocolate, letting excess chocolate drip off. Drop 1 biscuit piece at a time into sugar mixture; spoon sugar over biscuit to coat. Layer biscuits in cake pan. Repeat with remaining biscuits. Sprinkle any remaining sugar mixture over biscuits.
5. Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until biscuits are deep golden and no longer doughy in center. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Place heatproof serving plate upside down over pan; carefully turn plate and pan over. Remove pan; immediately scrape any remaining topping in pan onto bread. Pull apart warm bread to serve.

We Started Hot Breakfast Month with a Hot Breakfast

2012-02-02T10:30:00.000-06:00

Perfect for National Hot Breakfast Month!

It's foggy and rainy outside so I wanted to enjoy a hot breakfast that wasn't as heavy as biscuits-n-gravy. I decided to go with a breakfast souffle or maybe you call it a casserole, quiche or keish. Which-ever you want to call it. As you can see I make it thick, thick, thick! So thick that it reaches the top of my baking dish every time I make it. I don't know.... the traditional thin stuff doesn't cut it for me. Lol! I need it thick and fluffy if it's going to satisfy me.

Today I made it with crab meat, mushrooms, onions and 3 cheeses. I don't really follow a recipe. I just use what ever I've got in the frig and run with it. I start out with 7, 8 or 9 eggs (depends on what I have) - about a cup of heavy cream - at least a cup of meat & veggies (today I used about a cup of mushrooms & a cup of crab meat) - a bit of green onions (2) or chopped white onions - cream cheese chunks if I have it and tons of cheese! I bet it's about 2 cups. One cup in the mix and 1 cup of grated on top of the dish at the last 10 minutes of baking.

Pack it for a light lunch:
My Hubby loves it packed in his lunch and can eat it for breakfast, dinner or supper. Now I can't do that. If it's full of eggs I would rather just eat it for breakfast or brunch but Stephen lovesss keish packed in his lunch. When I make it I only want to eat it fresh out of the over but the hubby can eat it hot or cold. He has me freeze the left-overs in to-go containers so he can put in his lunch box.

February is National Hot Breakfast Month:
I was doing some reading about this observance and found an article on squidoo.com that says...
"The history of celebrating Breakfast in the month of February was actually created by the Jimmy Dean Foods division of the Sara Lee Corporation. Jimmy Dean Foods is known for producing heat-and-serve breakfast dishes (most notably with Jimmy Dean Brand Sausage) and found that over 60% of Americans eat cold cereal or another non-hot breakfast each day. This is why they started a month-long holiday to promote interest in hot breakfast options." They have a list of breakfast recipes too.

Here's a Pillsbury quiche recipe that I posted in December.

January 2: Happy Groundhog Day!
I understand the groundhog saw his shadow so I guess it's 6 more weeks of Winter weather.

January 29, 2012

2012-01-29T06:40:00.000-06:00

I love the quiet time of the morning. All is still. The only sound I hear is chimes lightly blowing on the patio and the flames of the fire.

I'm enjoying my first cup of coconut coffee with whipped cream on top. I made a cherry-coconut cake yesterday so I'm having a small slice of that too. I've posted a picture here on the left. As you can see, it's a sheet cake. I usually like to drizzle a bit of chocolate on top but I didn't have any this go-round so I had to settle for only cherries-and-coconut. It's the first cake I've made since we moved and it felt good to bake again. - - - With laptop in hand I can't think of a better morning before sunlight. Now here's the holidays & Events for the day.

Holidays & Observances

The most notable reason for celebration on this day belongs to the Sherlock fandom. The 29th of January marks the day on which Sherlock Holmes and John Watson were introduced through Mike Stamford.

National Corn Chip Day - "Corn chips are most often eaten alone or with a chip dip." "They are a common ingredient in homemade and commercial party mix." "In the Southwestern US, a popular dish is made by adding chili to a bag of corn chips and eating the mixture from the bag."

National Carnation Day - is celebrated each and every year in America on January 29th. Many are not aware that the carnation is the "Birth Flower" for those born in the month of January.

World Leprosy Day - observed internationally on January 30 or its nearest Sunday to increase the public awareness of the Leprosy or Hansen's Disease. This day was chosen in commemoration of the death of Gandhi, the leader of India who understood the importance of leprosy. Leprosy is one of the oldest recorded diseases in the world. It is an infectious chronic disease that targets the nervous system, especially the nerves in the cooler parts of the body - the hands, feet, and face.

Curmudgeons Day
Freethinker’s Day
Puzzle Day

Events

Catholic Schools Week begins (Jan 29-Feb 5). See www.ncea.org
Meat Week begins (Jan 29-Feb 5). See www.meatweekisreal.com
2012 Pro Bowl, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI. See www.nfl.com
CHA Winter Convention and Trade Show, Los Angeles, CA (Jan 29-Feb 1). See www.craftandhobby.org

Sneak Peak for February (our website)

February Holidays & Observances

RECIPE: Mocha-Hazelnut Cream-Filled Cake

2012-01-27T08:40:00.000-06:00

Perfect for National Chocolate Cake Day which is celebrated every January 27th!

I wanted to pass on this Pillsbury photo & recipe because as far as a chocolate cake goes... you can't get any better than this. I say this because I enjoy the flavor of hazelnut mixed with chocolate & this recipe uses a whole 16oz. bottle of hazelnut coffee creamer. It also has a 8oz. pack of cream cheese & those who know me well know I cook lots with cream cheese. Last but not least, nuts & chocolate just go together & this recipe has a touch of chopped hazelnuts too.

RECIPE: Mocha-Hazelnut Cream-Filled Cake

INGREDIENTS

1 box (18.25 oz) butter recipe chocolate cake mix
Butter
Water
Eggs
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules or crystals
2 bags (12 oz each) semisweet chocolate chips
1 bottle (16 oz) refrigerated hazelnut-flavor coffee creamer
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts (filberts)

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottoms only of two 9-inch round pans. Prepare cake mix as directed on box using butter, water and eggs and adding coffee granules; pour batter into pans. Bake as directed on box. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans and place on wire racks.
2. In 3-quart saucepan, cook chocolate chips and coffee creamer over medium-low heat about 8 minutes, stirring constantly, until melted. Remove from heat; beat in cream cheese with wire whisk until smooth. Cover; refrigerate about 30 minutes.
3. In small microwavable bowl, reserve 1/2 cup of the chocolate mixture; set aside for topping. Beat remaining mixture on medium-high speed 8 minutes or until it forms a light and fluffy frosting.
4. Place 1 cake layer on serving plate, rounded side down. Spread 1-inch-thick layer of frosting over cake. Top with second cake layer, rounded side up. Spread frosting on side and top of cake.
5. Microwave reserved 1/2 cup chocolate mixture on High 30 seconds or until soft; spread over top of cake. Sprinkle hazelnuts around top edge. Cover loosely; refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Store in refrigerator.

RECIPE: Double-Delight Peanut Butter Cookies

2012-01-24T08:46:00.001-06:00

Perfect for National Peanut Butter Day!

I like this recipe because, Well... it's all about the peanut butter! Not only is it a great cookie with a surprising touch of cinnamon and chopped peanuts but it's filled with peanut butter too! I think it's a perfect cookie for those who want to celebrate peanut butter. :)

Note: Our Food Calendar also celebrates National Peanut Butter Lovers month the month of November.

DESCRIPTION BY PILLSBURY

"It's a twist on the classic peanut butter cookie! Crunchy outside, creamy inside, with just a hint of cinnamon. A real winner!"

RECIPE: Double-Delight Peanut Butter Cookies

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup Fisher® Dry Roasted Peanuts, finely chopped
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup JIF® Creamy Peanut Butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated peanut butter cookies, well chilled

DIRECTIONS

1.Heat oven to 375°F. In small bowl, mix chopped peanuts, granulated sugar and cinnamon; set aside.

2.In another small bowl, stir peanut butter and powdered sugar until completely blended. Shape mixture into 24 (1-inch) balls.

3.Cut roll of cookie dough into 12 slices. Cut each slice in half crosswise to make 24 pieces; flatten slightly. Shape 1 cookie dough piece around 1 peanut butter ball, covering completely. Repeat with remaining dough and balls.

4.Roll each covered ball in peanut mixture; gently pat mixture completely onto balls. On ungreased large cookie sheets, place balls 2 inches apart. Spray bottom of drinking glass with CRISCO® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray; press into remaining peanut mixture. Flatten each ball to 1/2-inch thickness with bottom of glass. Sprinkle any remaining peanut mixture evenly on tops of cookies; gently press into dough.

5.Bake 7 to 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets to cooling rack. Store tightly covered.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.

Today I'm Happy and Sad at the same time.

2012-01-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

I was born and raised in Alabama... and as a kid I always said I would move to Florida. Well around 18 years old I did just that! That was so long ago but I so love the beach, the sand between my toes, the warm weather, the beaming sun, the smell of the ocean, the sway of the palm trees, the wonderful breezes and sounds of the sea gulls. Florida has been my home for most of my life but today I sadly say goodbye to the world and life style that I love so much- and hello to a southern life style I also love, but must get reacquainted with.

The moving truck is on it's way... and before the day is out I will be packed and on my way to Alabama. The last 2 years have been hard. Many of you know I've made trip after trip after trip to Alabama because of my Mother being sick and then again after her death. Well today me and the hubby will be leaving Panama City Florida and moving in my Mother & Daddy's home for good. As I said I'm happy and sad at the same time. You see we were all born and raised in this home so it means a lot to me. My grandfather built the house and the memories go on and on. But the truth is.... We can't keep up 2 houses. I'm just too old to keep up the money fight now so I have to let one go.

So today... I trade in my palm trees for pine trees. I trade in my seafood dishes for pinto beans and cornbread. I trade in the sand on the beach for clay on the creek banks. I trade in my pina coladas for sweet tea. I trade in my swim suits for hiking boots. Goodbye Friday night pizza delivery and hello deer meat and gravy. Today I get ready for mud on my feet instead of sand between my toes.

The positive side is... I will be cozying-up to a roaring fire in the fireplace now. My 2 brothers will be my neighbors so we get to share in a lot more family gathering. I will be living in the country instead of in the city limits so I get to enjoy nature which I love. I get to take long walks down little mountain streams and pick wild flowers. I get to look out my window at the deer feeding. I get to make pine-comb wreaths and mint tasting treats. And last but not least... I have a lot more room to garden. :)

Time to turn a page in life,
Pam

Bistro-Style Onion and Artichoke Galette

2012-01-15T03:00:00.000-06:00

For my 7th and last pizza post in honor of National Pizza Week I wanted to pick a recipe I've never made before. I think this was a winning recipe at a bake off contest at pillsbury.com. When I saw how beautiful the pizza was I knew I had to post it for all to see. I really want to make this.

Bistro-Style Onion and Artichoke Galette

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon Crisco® Pure Vegetable Oil
2 cups thinly sliced sweet onion (such as Maui or Walla Walla; about 1 large)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt-free garlic and herb seasoning blend, if desired
1 Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crust, softened as directed on box
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
4 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded (1 cup)
1 jar (6 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, well drained, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup chopped well-drained fire-roasted red bell peppers (from 7.5-oz jar)
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 EGGLAND’S BEST egg white, beaten
Fresh thyme sprigs

DIRECTIONS
1. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until soft and golden brown. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in vinegar and seasoning blend; cook 3 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.
2. Meanwhile, heat oven to 375°F. Unroll pie crust on ungreased nonstick cookie sheet. Lightly brush mustard over crust.
3. Sprinkle 2/3 cup of the cheese over center of crust to within 1 1/4 inches of edge of crust. Spread onion evenly over cheese; top with artichokes and red peppers. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon chopped thyme and remaining 1/3 cup cheese. Fold 1 1/4-inch edge of crust over filling, pleating crust as necessary. Brush egg white over crust edge. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cool 15 minutes.
4. To serve, cut into 8 wedges. Garnish with thyme sprigs. Serve warm.

Tropical Chicken Pizza

2012-01-14T03:00:00.000-06:00

Here it is! My husbands favorite pizza. Tropical Chicken Pizza!
If there's one thing my husband is crazy about it's pineapple. He can't get enough of this sweet juicy fruit and he can't eat a pizza without it either. I say.... leave the pineapple off please. So to settle our differences we always end up making 2 pizzas. One without pineapple and one with pineapple. Hubby likes to remind me, it's not tropical chicken pizza if you leave the pineapple off.

Ohhh and check out the other ingredients! It also has coconut in it. :)

INGREDIENTS

1 can (13.8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated classic pizza crust
1 tablespoon Crisco® Light Olive Oil
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup coconut
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (thick variety)
1 cup chopped deli rotisserie chicken (from 2-lb chicken)
1 can (8 oz) pineapple tidbits, drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (1 oz)

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 425°F. Spray 15x12-inch cookie sheet with Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray.
2. Unroll pizza crust dough on cookie sheet; press dough to edges of cookie sheet. Brush with oil. Sprinkle with garlic, 2 tablespoons of the cilantro and 2 tablespoons of the coconut. Bake 7 to 8 minutes or until crust is just beginning to brown.
3. Spread teriyaki sauce over partially baked crust to within 1/2 inch of edges. Top evenly with chicken, pineapple and cheeses. Bake 8 to 10 minutes longer or until cheeses are melted and crust is golden brown. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons each cilantro and coconut.

Pizza Bubble Ring Recipe

2012-01-13T03:00:00.000-06:00

I'm a huge fan of pull-apart food and here's a recipe to add to my "pull-apart recipe list." Looks like it's going to be my 5th pizza post in honor of National Pizza Week too.

Now let's talk about the recipe....
Like I mentioned above, I'm crazy about pull-apart foods. I think they're so much fun to make and just as much fun to pull apart and eat too. My experience with pull-apart food is that you have to eat it as soon as it comes out of the oven. It always pulls apart better and it's always ooie and gooier too. Especially when it's made with mozzarella cheese like this recipe. We all know how any recipe made with stringy and stretchy mozzarella cheese is always better HOT.

INGREDIENTS

6 to 8 tablespoons LAND O LAKES® Butter, melted
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cans (12 oz each) Pillsbury® Golden Layers® refrigerated original biscuits
40 small slices pepperoni (about 3 oz)
8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 20 pieces
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/4 cups pizza sauce, heated

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 12-cup fluted tube pan with CRISCO® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray. In small bowl, mix melted butter, Italian seasoning and garlic powder.

2. Separate 1 can of dough into 10 biscuits; press or roll each into 3-inch round. Place 2 pepperoni slices in center of each biscuit round. Top each with piece of mozzarella cheese. Bring dough up around filling; press edge to seal and shape each into ball. Roll in butter mixture; place 10 balls in pan.

3. Sprinkle dough balls with Parmesan cheese. Repeat with remaining can of biscuits, placing balls over balls in pan. Pour remaining butter mixture over top.

4. Bake 33 to 38 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool 5 minutes. Gently loosen bread from sides of pan. Place large heatproof plate upside down over pan; turn plate and pan over. Remove pan. Serve warm with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft) Bake 35 to 40 minutes.

Find more recipes at www.pillsbury.com.

Layered Pizza Dip

2012-01-12T03:00:00.000-06:00

Recipe by Pillsbury.com

Pizza Post #4. Happy National Pizza Week! For todays pizza post I wanted to keep in mind game days and football. So pull out those chips, crackers and bagel crisps because todays post is all about the dipping. Yep here's a dip that full of the flavors of pizza.

Now let's talk about the recipe:
What can I say.... it's a dip that tastes like pizza. lol! Anything that tastes like pizza has to be good and anything that is a dip has to be good too. Especially when it has cream cheese in it. And looks at the ingredients ya'll. Remember that post I did a couple of days ago? It was a breakfast pizza (smoky brunch pizza made with salmon) Those of you who have been following my posts will remember how thrilled I was of the taste the soft cream cheese with chives and onions in the recipe made. Well here it is again! Yummie!

INGREDIENTS

1 (8-oz.) container soft cream cheese with chives and onions
1/2 cup chunky pizza sauce
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/3 cup finely chopped pepperoni
2 oz. (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 oz. (1/2 cup) shredded Cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F. In ungreased 9-inch pie pan or 1 to 1 1/2-quart baking dish, layer all ingredients in order listed.
2. Bake at 350°F. for 10 to 15 minutes or until dip is hot and cheese is melted.
3. Serve warm with bagel crisps, bagel chips or crackers.

Deep-Dish Sausage Patty Pizza Recipe

2012-01-11T07:27:00.000-06:00

A Pillsbury.com recipe

Today I'm posting Pizza #3 in honor of National Pizza Week.

All I can say is thank God for cast-iron skillets. I love them! I cook most everything in a cast-iron skillet and it's always my first choice when I'm making a deep dish pizza too. Now you can use any kind of skillet you want for deep dish pizza but once you've tried cast-iron for pizza you won't go back to a regular skillet again.

Now let's talk about this recipe.
Sausage Patty Pizza: I think this was a winning recipe at a bake off contest at Pillsbury. I don't remember what year but it seems like it was just a couple of years ago. My siter-in-law makes this exactly by the recipe because her kids really love sausage and since this pizza has a big sausage patty layer it's perfect for die-hard sausage lovers. For me.... I love deep-dish pizza made this way but I tend to only use half the sausage the recipe calls for. What can I say.... sausage doesn't like me as much as it use to. Do you know the way to heart-burn city? I do remember when I could devour slice after slice without needing a whole bottle of tums. Ahhh those were the days. :)

INGREDIENTS:

Sauce

2 tablespoons Crisco® 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Pure Olive Oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes, drained, 1/2 cup juice reserved and tomatoes coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 dried bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 or 3 dashes pepper

Pizza

1 lb bulk sweet Italian pork sausage
2 tablespoons Crisco® 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Pure Olive Oil
1 tablespoon cornmeal
1 can (13.8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated classic pizza crust
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (1 lb)
2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 400°F. In 2-quart saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook about 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until onion is tender. Stir in tomatoes, basil, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in reserved tomato juice. (Sauce should be thick.) Remove and discard bay leaf.

2. Meanwhile, spray 12-inch skillet with Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray. Spread sausage over bottom of skillet into large patty. Cook over medium-high heat 5 to 8 minutes on each side, turning once, until no longer pink in center. (If necessary, cut patty in half or into quarters to turn.)

3. Coat bottom and side of 12-inch cast-iron skillet or other ovenproof skillet with 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle with cornmeal. Unroll pizza crust dough in skillet; press on bottom and at least halfway up side. Brush dough with remaining 1 tablespoon oil; prick bottom and sides of dough with fork. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over dough. Top with sausage patty, keeping patty in one piece.

4. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until crust is light golden brown. Spread sauce over sausage. Bake 5 to 10 minutes longer or until crust is golden brown. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.