Married/Single Parent

Congratulations #36

2013-11-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all for entering!
The randomly selected winner is commenter #36 ‘Joan’. Congratulations! I sent you an email this morning for your information so I can get your cookbook in the mail tomorrow.
I would like to send an extra thanks to those of you who stick around during these very slow blog days. From time to time I will receive an email with a follower checking in on me. Your thoughts are appreciated. This has been one of the hardest deployments to bounce back from. Life is extra hectic. I do have more recipes to share from this cookbook and hopefully get a peaceful evening with some time to post.

Baked Fish Chowder

2013-10-23T06:56:00.001-04:00

Back into the kitchen I go. I kind of miss cooking just not quite enough to actually do it. I like the idea of dinner but this last deployment has just knocked everything out of me. Christopher has been home a couple of months and I have yet to settle back into my previous routine of work and home. Bare with me.

Recipe from Gooseberry Patch Hometown Christmas.
Ingredients
2 lbs cod or haddock fillets
4 potatoes, peeled and diced
3 onions, sliced
1 clove garlic, pressed
1/2 cup celery leaves, chopped
4 whole cloves
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp dill weed
salt to taste
2 cups boiling water
Optional: 1/4 cup dry vermouth
2 cups light cream
Garnish: oyster crackers
Directions
Combine all ingredients except cream and garnish in a 4 quart casserole dish; stir. Cover and bake at 375 F for on hour. Shortly before serving time, discard cloves and bay leaf. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, warm cream just to boiling. Stir cream into chowder, gently breaking up fish fillets. Serve topped with crackers. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Gooseberry Patch Cookbook Giveaway

2013-10-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

There are only 64 more days till Christmas!
This is my favorite time of year. It’s like three months of holiday fun and festivities. Halloween is a week away so I have baked goodies to make for work to share with our customers. This year’s Thanksgiving dinner (AKA the BEST meal of the year!) is almost all planned out and gluten free. Just have to find a pie crust recipe that you can’t tell is GF. Our Christmas cards have been purchased and I’m planning out which 25 Christmas cookies make the cut this year. It’s the perfect time to share my next cookbook giveaway with you.
Gooseberry Patch’s Hometown Christmas is more than just delicious recipes. There are some great tidbits of information from food gifting ideas, holiday decorating, family stories from Christmas past, and holiday traditions shared. For the next ten days I’ll share recipes and stories with you and below you can enter to win your own copy just in time for the holiday season.
If you are impatient and want this cookbook today don’t worry just click on the image below and buy it now! Come back and share your favorite recipes with me.

You have up to 6 chances to win, here's how to enter:

Entry #1 - Leave a comment on this post.
Entry #2 – Blog about this giveaway on your blog. Don't forget to include a link to this post. Leave a comment with a link to your blog post.
Entry #3 – Become a Follower of Married/Single Parent. Leave a comment indicating you've done so or let me know you are already one.
Entry #4 – Tweet about the giveaway on Twitter. Don't forget to include a link to this post in your tweet. Leave a comment with a link to your tweet.
Entry #5 – Follow me "MsBwell" on Twitter. Leave a comment that you are a follower or let me know you are already one.
Entry #6 - *NEW* Follow Married/Single Parent on Facebook!

Contest ends Monday, Nov 04 @ 6:00a EST and is limited to US and Canada only. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be notified promptly. If I don't have a response from the winner within 48 hours I will choose another winner. You must be at least 18 years old to enter giveaways at Married/Single Parent. Only one person per household may enter.

Congratulations #28

2013-05-22T07:39:00.002-04:00

Thanks to all for entering!
The randomly selected winner is commenter #28 ‘flowerchild’. Congratulations! I sent you an email this morning for your information so I can get your cookbook in the mail tomorrow.
I would like to send an extra thanks to those of you who stick around during these very slow blog days. From time to time I will receive an email with a follower checking in on me. Your thoughts are appreciated. This has been one of the hardest deployments. I know once my husband is home I will have more me/blog time. I do have more recipes to share from this cookbook and hopefully get a peaceful evening with some time to post.

Delicious Drummies

2013-05-16T21:17:00.000-04:00

Long day. Longer week. Comfort food.
Another winning recipe. I love when I can make one thing and everyone loves it.

Recipe from Gooseberry Patch Garfield… Recipes with Cattitude.
Ingredients
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup butter, melted
1-1/2 lbs chicken drumsticks
Directions
Mix flour and seasonings in a shallow bowl; place butter in a separate shallow bowl. Dip drumsticks into butter; roll in flour mixture to coat. Arrange in an ungreased 8” x 8” baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 425 F for about 50 minutes, until chicken juices run clear when pierced. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Cream Cheese Danish

2013-05-15T05:35:00.000-04:00

A slice of fresh out of the oven Danish with a cup of coffee is just the way every morning should start. It reminds me that I really need to bake more. This will be one of those recipes that I have the ingredients on hand for. It’s quick, simple, and easy to whip up for when the girls show up for coffee unexpectedly.

Recipe from Gooseberry Patch Garfield… Recipes with Cattitude.
Ingredients
2 (8 oz) tubes, refrigerated crescent rolls, divided
1 (8 oz) package, cream cheese, softened
1 (3 oz) package, cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp milk
Directions
Unroll one tube of crescent rolls without separating rolls. Place in the bottom of an ungreased 13” x 9” baking pan. In a bowl, blend together both packages of cream cheese and sugar; gently spread over rolls. Top with remaining tube of tolls; brush with butter. Bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden. In a small bowl, stir together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to a glaze consistency; drizzle over top. Cut into squares; serve wam. Makes 12 to 14 servings.

Classic Lasagna

2013-05-14T18:42:00.000-04:00

You can’t review a Garfield Cookbook without making a lasagna recipe. I knew it would be a winner, you can’t go wrong with lasagna in this house. I even followed the recipe and cooked the noodles. Normally I’m a non pre noodle cooker kind of gal. Less mess and work and bakes in the same amount of time. I didn’t think there would be a difference in the texture but there was. I really liked the noodles better pre cooked. I even used gluten free lasagna noodles and Miss Finicky didn’t even notice. The only thing this meal was missing was some cheesy garlic bread and a glass of wine.

Recipe from Gooseberry Patch Garfield… Recipes with Cattitude.
Ingredients
10 oz package lasagna noodles, uncooked
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground Italian pork sausage
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
14-1/2 oz can Italian seasoned stewed tomatoes
2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
2 tbsp Italian seasoning
3 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp dried parsley
salt and pepper to taste
16 oz package shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Directions
Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, brown beef, sausage, and onion; drain. Add garlic, undrained tomatoes, tomato paste and Italian seasoning; simmer for about 10 minutes. Ina large bowl, blend together ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, eggs, and seasonings. Spread 1/2 cup of beef mixture in a lightly greased deep 13” x 9” baking pan. Layer as follows: 1/3 each of noodles, cheese mixture, beef mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 ⁰F for 45 minutes to one hour, until hot and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Serves 6 to 8.

Garlicky Parmesan Asparagus

2013-05-14T06:54:00.001-04:00

I am so addicted! It’s asparagus season and my garden in overwhelmingly blooming. I’ve been eating asparagus every night for the past week. In fact after getting home way to last night to cook dinner I made up a batch of asparagus and ate guilt free. The Parmesan is must, don’t skip it.

Ingredients
1 tbsp butter, melted
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
2 tsp lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
Garnish: shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions
In a skillet over medium heat, combine butter, oil, and garlic; cook and stir for one to 2 minutes. Add asparagus. cook to desired tenderness, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Drain; sprinkle asparagus with remaining ingredients. Makes 4 servings.

Gooseberry Patch Cookbook Giveaway

2013-05-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother’s Day!
What better to celebrate this beautiful than with a cookbook giveaway. Yeah!
Gooseberry Patch has out done themselves again. There are so many delicious recipes in this collection I had a hard time choosing which ones I would share. Even my finicky eater was drawn to this cookbook, thanks to Garfield. It’s definitely an entertaining read for all ages, lots of giggles throughout the pages.
Some of the recipes you can look forward to seeing here this week are Crispy Chicken Nuggets, Cheesy White Pizza, Good Ol’ Spaghetti & Meatballs, Garfield’s Pizza Bites, Cream Cheese Danish, Chicken Chimies, Caramel Apple Cake, Mom’s Meatloaf, Buttery Mashed Potatoes, Double the Fun Fudge, and Garlicky Parmesan Asparagus. O.M.G! I have made the asparagus every night this past week and I love it!
I can’t wait to start sharing with you. Now you know the drill, below is how to enter and if you are too impatient and want this book today click on the image below and buy it now! Come back and share your favorite recipes with me.

You have up to 6 chances to win, here's how to enter:

Entry #1 - Leave a comment on this post.
Entry #2 – Blog about this giveaway on your blog. Don't forget to include a link to this post. Leave a comment with a link to your blog post.
Entry #3 – Become a Follower of Married/Single Parent. Leave a comment indicating you've done so or let me know you are already one.
Entry #4 – Tweet about the giveaway on Twitter. Don't forget to include a link to this post in your tweet. Leave a comment with a link to your tweet.
Entry #5 – Follow me "MsBwell" on Twitter. Leave a comment that you are a follower or let me know you are already one.
Entry #6 - *NEW* Follow Married/Single Parent on Facebook!

Contest ends Wednesday, May 22 @ 6:00a EST and is limited to US and Canada only. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be notified promptly. If I don't have a response from the winner within 48 hours I will choose another winner. You must be at least 18 years old to enter giveaways at Married/Single Parent. Only one person per household may enter.

Congratulations #56

2013-02-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all for entering!
The randomly selected winner is commenter #56 ‘Gigi Lynn’. Congratulations! Please contact me right away with your information so I can get your cookbook in the mail tomorrow.
It has been a rough week of germs & snot, I will be back with more recipes to share from this delicious cookbook.

Brown Butter Gnocchi

2013-02-11T18:56:00.000-05:00

Tonight’s meal is from the ‘Meatless Monday’ section of the book. Having the chapters broken down into the days of the week make menu planning a breeze. Haillie and I enjoyed this meal but my finicky Abby saw mushrooms and ran from the room. She doesn’t know what she’s missing. Next time I think I will add a little white wine while the mushrooms are sautéing. Due to my hectic day I did use the store bought gnocchi. Just another reason for Abby not to like it. Princess only eats her Pap’s homemade gnocchi. Homemade would have blown this dish away.
Click here to enter the giveaway for this cookbook.

Recipe from Gooseberry Patch Weeknight Dinners.
Ingredients
24 oz pkg frozen gnocchi, uncooked (or homemade which is 100% more delicious)
2 tbsp butter
2 portabella mushrooms, sliced
Directions
Cook gnocchi according to package directions; drain. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until browned. Add mushrooms and gnocchi to skillet; cook until lightly golden. Add warm Parmesan Sauce; toss to mix Serves 2 to 4.
Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
1/3 cup all purpose flour
3 cups milk, divided
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp butter
Directions
Place flour in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add one cup milk; whisk until smooth. Add nutmeg and remaining milk. Continue whisking until mixture thickens and comes to a boil, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheese and butter.

Gooseberry Patch Cookbook Giveaway

2013-02-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

This giveaway is now closed!

Gooseberry time!
Are you hungry?
Once again Gooseberry Patch doesn’t disappoint. This cookbook is full of quick and easy meals that your family will love. Comfort food on your table within minutes of a busy and hectic day. Come back later this evening to see what we created today.
If you are impatient and want this cookbook today don’t worry just click on the image below and buy it now! Come back and share your favorite recipes with me.

You have up to 6 chances to win, here's how to enter:

Entry #1 - Leave a comment on this post.
Entry #2 – Blog about this giveaway on your blog. Don't forget to include a link to this post. Leave a comment with a link to your blog post.
Entry #3 – Become a Follower of Married/Single Parent. Leave a comment indicating you've done so or let me know you are already one.
Entry #4 – Tweet about the giveaway on Twitter. Don't forget to include a link to this post in your tweet. Leave a comment with a link to your tweet.
Entry #5 – Follow me "MsBwell" on Twitter. Leave a comment that you are a follower or let me know you are already one.
Entry #6 - *NEW* Follow Married/Single Parent on Facebook!

Contest ends Wednesday, Feb 20 @ 6:00a EST and is limited to US and Canada only. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be notified promptly. If I don't have a response from the winner within 48 hours I will choose another winner. You must be at least 18 years old to enter giveaways at Married/Single Parent. Only one person per household may enter.

Mocha Peppermint Brownies

2013-01-31T19:45:00.000-05:00

Oh no! I ran out of ingredients. Ugh. Guess I’m done baking for the night. Was really hoping to make a batch of peanut butter brownies next.
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, melted
1-1/2 cups white sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp peppermint extract
2 eggs
3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp espresso powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup crushed candy cane pieces
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 ⁰F. Lightly grease a 9” x 9” baking dish.
Combine the melted butter, sugar, peppermint and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each, until thoroughly blended.
Sift the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder and salt in a bowl. Gradually stir flour mixture into the egg mixture until blended. Stir in the chocolate morsels. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Bake in preheated oven until an inserted toothpick comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove, and cool pan on wire rack before cutting.

Chunky Cheesecake Brownies

2013-01-31T19:25:00.000-05:00

Second batch of brownies for this evening. I’ll be taking all these goodies to work tomorrow. Once again I used my Pampered Chef Brownie Pan and only had to bake these for 20 minutes ish. I love anything with cream cheese.
Ingredients
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2/3 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 ⁰F. Grease a 9 inch square baking pan.
Combine cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 egg in a mixing bowl; beat until smooth. Stir 1 cup chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture. Set aside.
Fill a saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Turn the heat off, and set a heatproof mixing bowl over the water. In the mixing bowl, combine butter with the remaining cup of chocolate chips; stir until just melted and blended together. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and 2 eggs, then sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into chocolate until evenly blended.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate layer. Top with remaining chocolate mixture (this doesn't need to completely cover the cream cheese layer). Using a knife, swirl the top chocolate layer into the cream cheese to make a marble pattern.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until top is crinkled and edges pull away from sides of the pan. Cool thoroughly. Cut into 12 to 16 squares. Store in the refrigerator or freeze.

White Chocolate Blondies

2013-01-31T19:05:00.000-05:00

I’m in a baking craze this evening and just wanted to quickly share these brownie recipes. These are melt in your mouth good. I recently purchased a Pampered Chef Brownie Pan, love it! If you use it for this recipe the brownies will only need to bake for 15 minutes ish. Plus I always use my microwave to melt my chocolate just remember to not over nuke it.
Ingredients
8 oz white chocolate, chopped
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter, softened
1-1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 eggs
3/4 tap salt
1/3 cup white sugar
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 ⁰F. Grease a 9" x 9" baking pan. Melt white chocolate and butter in the top of a double boiler, over barely simmering water. Stir occasionally until smooth. Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat eggs until foamy. With the mixer still running, gradually add the sugar and vanilla. Drizzle in the melted white chocolate mixture. Combine the flour and salt; fold into the white chocolate mixture using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Fold in chocolate chips. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars.

Congratulations #6

2013-01-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all for entering!
The randomly selected winner is commenter #6 from “These are the Twins of my life”. Congratulations! Please contact me right away with your information so I can get your cookbook in the mail tomorrow.
I already have the next cookbook and a new giveaway will start this weekend. Stay tuned.

Root Beer Cake

2013-01-24T17:37:00.000-05:00

Some days I make little to no sense. I don’t like root beer. My girls don’t like root beer. I made these because I miss my root beer drinking husband. I miss him so much I even listened to country music while baking. Sigh. Love him. Love Pandora.
I was having some baking fun and made these in my Pampered Chef Brownie Pan. Square cakes are so adorable plated. These cakes have a unique flavor and texture, you don’t have to be a root beer lover to like them. I will defiantly be making these once Christopher is home.

Recipe from Gooseberry Patch 101 Farmhouse Favorites.
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2/3 cup root beer
FROSTING
1/4 cup butter
1/8 tsp salt
2 cups powdered sugar
2-4 tbsp milk
1/3 cup root beer, chilled
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed; beat for 3 minutes on medium speed. Pour into a greased and floured 8” x 8” baking pan. Bake at 375⁰ for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick tests clean.
In a bowl, beat together all ingredients except root beer. Add root beer; beat to desired consistency. Spread frosting over cooled cake. Serves 8 to 10.

Apple Fritter Pancakes

2013-01-23T20:23:00.001-05:00

Breakfast for dinner! Does anyone out grow this? I feel like I’m getting away with something every time. These totally rock! I did switch out the nutmeg for cinnamon. Not a fan of nutmeg. We used some cinnamon flavored butter which just added to their awesomeness. Then while we are eating it hits me… if you made these into crepes and then fill them with apple pie filling and a dollop of whipped cream.
O.M.G… I can’t wait to try that.

Recipe from Gooseberry Patch 101 Farmhouse Favorites.
Ingredients
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
1 tbsp oil
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon sugar
Garnish: butter, powdered sugar
Directions
Combine all ingredients except garnish in a bowl; mix well. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a greased griddle set over medium heat. Flip pancakes when tops start to bubble. Continue to cook until both sides are golden. Serve topped with butter and powdered sugar. Makes 6 servings.

Just Perfect Sloppy Joes

2013-01-22T18:46:00.000-05:00

Love slow cookers on work days. I assembled everything the night before and put it in the fridge. In the morning all I had to do was put it in the slow cooker, turn it on low and head out the door. I came home from work to a hot and ready meal. Perfect. This recipe is also great to freeze the leftovers for a quick meal later in the month.

Recipe from Gooseberry Patch 101 Farmhouse Favorites.
Ingredients
3 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
1 onion, finely chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
28 oz can tomato sauce
3/4 cup catsup
3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
8 sandwich buns, split
Directions
Combine all ingredients except buns in a slow cooker. cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours, or on high setting for 3 to 4 hours. Serve in sandwich buns. Serves 8.

The Best Chicken Noodle Soup

2013-01-21T18:17:00.000-05:00

Comfort food time. I had BIG plans for today as I had off of work and the girls had school. BIG plans. I was going to finish up laundry, polyurethane more molding, shop for care package supplies, bath the dogs, clean the house and bake something sweet and yummy. I did none of that. Instead I stayed in my pajamas as long as I could, Skyped with Christopher, slept some more, ate ice cream and had a pity party for one. Lol. I’m in the blah stage of the deployment, I’m done now send him home. Augh! Some days just drag. This shall pass but in the meantime I need comfort food and not even the finicky of eaters can turn down chicken noodle soup. The only thing I did different was cooking the noodles in the soup. I think it gives them some extra flavor.

Recipe from Gooseberry Patch 101 Farmhouse Favorites.
Ingredients
16 oz package, thin egg noodles, uncooked
12 cups chicken broth
1-1/2 tbsp salt
1 tsp poultry seasoning
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup carrot, peeled and chopped
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
4 cups cooked chicken, diced
Directions
Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside. Meanwhile, combine broth, salt and poultry seasoning in a very large pot; bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir in vegetables; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until vegetable are tender. Combine cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl; gradually add to soup, stirring constantly until thickened. Stir in chicken and noodles; heat through, about 5 to 10 minutes. Serves 8 to 10.

Gooseberry Patch Cookbook Giveaway

2013-01-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

This giveaway is now closed!

Gooseberry time!
Good morning! Who wants a Gooseberry Patch Cookbook?
I have to confess that I have been barely cooking these last few weeks. I’ve been very blah and just not in the mood. I miss my husband terribly. A cookbook giveaway is just what I need to inspire me back into the kitchen. There are just so many choices in this book I don’t even know where to start. Comfort food or something sweet? You’ll have to come back later after dinner and see what my first choice was.
If you are impatient and want this cookbook today don’t worry just click on the image below and buy it now! Come back and share your favorite recipes with me.

You have up to 6 chances to win, here's how to enter:

Entry #1 - Leave a comment on this post.
Entry #2 – Blog about this giveaway on your blog. Don't forget to include a link to this post. Leave a comment with a link to your blog post.
Entry #3 – Become a Follower of Married/Single Parent. Leave a comment indicating you've done so or let me know you are already one.
Entry #4 – Tweet about the giveaway on Twitter. Don't forget to include a link to this post in your tweet. Leave a comment with a link to your tweet.
Entry #5 – Follow me "MsBwell" on Twitter. Leave a comment that you are a follower or let me know you are already one.
Entry #6 - *NEW* Follow Married/Single Parent on Facebook!

Contest ends Wednesday, Jan 30 @ 6:00a EST and is limited to US and Canada only. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be notified promptly. If I don't have a response from the winner within 48 hours I will choose another winner. You must be at least 18 years old to enter giveaways at Married/Single Parent. Only one person per household may enter.

Hmm… 2012

2013-01-01T08:04:00.000-05:00

Not that I’ve posted but I have written many a times. I’m not sure what to say, how much I’m allowed to say. Life isn’t all sunshine and flowers or full of, as my daughter calls my, “Hallmark Moments”. The last eight months have been hell. As hard as they’ve been for me they’ve been harder for someone I love. You can’t always kiss it and make it better. That is a hard pill to swallow when it’s your job to take care of and protect. Throw in a deployment and I’m at a loss as to what to blog. Everything that is going on really isn’t my story to share.

So as we move forward my wishes for 2013 are…
For my husband to return home safe and sound. Preferably while I’m still mentally stable. Come on September/October.

For my daughters to recognize their value and self worth. For them see themselves through my eyes and realize how special they are to me.

For our family to be whole again.

Congratulations #33

2012-08-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all for entering!
The randomly selected winner is commenter #33 Mrs. K from “The Organic Mrs. K”. Congratulations Mrs K.! Please contact me right away with your information so I can get your cookbook in the mail tomorrow.

Mushroom & Sausage Mini Quiches

2012-07-31T18:47:00.000-04:00

I was waiting all day to come home and start cooking and baking. The only thing that could have made it even more awesome was if someone would have emptied the dishwasher. Oy. Why did I have children? Once the chore of the dishwasher was complete I assembled the French Toast Casserole for tomorrow night's dinner. It smelled so good, I'll share that recipe tomorrow. Then I baked a Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee Cake to take to work tomorrow. OMG! The smell in my kitchen was making my stomach growl.
Tonight's dinner was Mushroom & Sausage Mini Quiches. So easy to make. I received a BIG thumbs up from Christopher. He said these taste like McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches. Next time I shall have some English muffins on hand. Of course and it will be no surprise that my finicky eater wouldn't give them a try. She really doesn't know what she is missing.

Ingredients
8 oz breakfast turkey sausage links, sliced
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 tsp pepper
5 eggs
3 egg whites
1 cup milk
Directions
Brown sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat; drain and transfer to a bowl. To the same skillet, add oil and mushrooms. Cook, stirring often, until golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add mushrooms to sausage. Stir in green onions, cheese and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites and milk. Divide egg mixture evenly among 12 lightly greased muffins cups. Sprinkle a heaping tablespoon of sausage mixture into each cup. Bake at 325 for 25 minutes, or until tops are golden. Remove from cups; cool on a wire rack. Makes one dozen.

Sausage Muffins

2012-07-30T18:36:00.000-04:00

Monday’s are mean. It was a long day and my patience was wearing thin. Bring on the quick and easy comfort food. These muffins were scrumptious. Breakfast dinner was a hit. Except, finicky eater wouldn’t try them but I guarantee if she would have taken a bite she too would have liked them. They were even yummy reheated.

Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey sausage
1/4 cup butter
1 (5 oz) jar sharp pasteurized process cheese spread
1/4 tsp garlic powder
6 English muffins, split
Directions
In a skillet over medium heat, brown sausage; drain. Add butter, cheese and garlic powder; mix and cook until cheese melts. Spread sausage mixture on 6 English muffin halves. Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake at 350 for 15 minutes, or until heated through. Top with remaining halves of English muffins. Makes 6.