The Phizzing Tub...

Skinny Cow Dreamy Clusters Milk Chocolate..

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:50:00 +0000

Alright...

I will admit that I was very curious about these chocolate treats.

Dh and I were in our local Dollar Tree when I spotted them.
$1 - yeah, I would give them a try.

Whoa..

These little chocolate treats were delicious!

Chocolate, caramel and crispy rice

*Drool*

There are five of these tasty little chocolate treats in the bag.

If you have not tried them, you are missing out on these scrumptious chocolate treats.

Stock up on them because they are that good!

Rembering Joe Paterno

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:35:00 +0000

RIP Joe Paterno | Tornoe Ink - Rob Tornoe

This cartoon made me smile through all the tears I have shed.

Once I pull myself together I will share my encounter and thoughts about JoePa.

Anniversary Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:44:00 +0000

We had two surprises delivered today.
Anniversary Flowers!
Above this beautiful floral arrangement from my SIL & family.

Two dozen stunning red roses from my In-Laws.
You see, today was our 20th wedding anniversary.
It does not seem *that* long at all.
I would not change one single thing.

We have had our trying moments but they have only made us stronger.
I hope we have 20+ more years together.
I could not imagine my life without my best friend.

Crockpot Love

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:56:00 +0000

I turned in my old crockpot for this baby.
She was used tonight for the first time and I love her!
Grabbed a deal from Boscov's for $29.99 with free shipping!
My old one worked well but it had a bad habit of burning and then the well started to crack all over the place.

I can't wait to use this gal with all sorts of new recipes I have found.

This is my new love: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker

Cheese Enchilada Casserole Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Back to trying recipes again to make sure we like then as I continue on my other journey of getting all those recipes that we like into a binder.
So, yeah, I made this for Sunday nights dinner and well let me just say one out of 4 really enjoyed it.

Can you guess who that was?

Right.

Me.

Spencer liked the corn tortillas since they became crispy and had the cheese on the.
DH liked only the tomatoes and onions.
Nate liked the tortillas, cheese and flavoring that it had.

(I was not sure he would even touch it since he does not like tomatoes or onions.)

Me I thought the whole thing was good. I will say some of the onions were not cooked all the way through but honestly it was quite tasty.

This is one recipe that I would use to make for my lunches since it is quick, tasty and fairly healthy.

I was not sure about sharing but felt I would since someone else out there might enjoy it as much as me.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Cheese Enchilada Casserole

Serving Size : 4
Categories: Main Meal

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 ounces Reduced fat cheddar cheese -- extra sharp cheese
1 cup tomato -- chopped
1 cup cottage cheese, 2% fat
1/3 cup onion -- sliced
2 teaspoons garlic -- minced
9 small corn tortillas
1 cup taco sauce
1/4 cup monterey jack cheese -- shredded

Combine first ingredients in a medium bowl.

Arrange 3 tortillas in bottom of a 11x7 baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking oil (Pam).*

Spread half of cheese mixture over tortillas.

Repeat procedure with 3 tortillas and remaining cheese mixture; top with remaining tortillas.

Pour taco sauce over tortillas; sprinkle with Monterey Jack Cheese.

Bake @ 375 degrees fro 20 mintues or until cheese is melted.

Yield:
"4 "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 290 Calories; 8g Fat (24.0% calories from fat); 21g Protein; 37g Carbohydrate; 4g Dietary Fiber; 17mg Cholesterol; 792mg Sodium. Exchanges: 2 Grain(Starch); 2 1/2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat.

Serving Ideas : Side Salad

*Note:
I used an 8x8 pan and cut the tortillas in half and placed them around the baking dish.

Italian Bean Soup Recipe...

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:30:00 +0000

I have wanted to make this soup since I first saw it early last year but for some reason it kept getting bumped from the list of "To Try Recipes."

This past weekend however I was finally able to create the soup.
This was a very tasty soup that was very filling.

I did not use the pesto that was called for since I am not a big fan of it.
When I make soups I always use no sodium chicken broth because there is not need for all that extra salt.

Enjoy!

* Exported from MasterCook *

Italian Bean Soup

Recipe By: Taste of Home
Serving Size: 8
Categories: Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 medium onion -- sliced
1 small potato -- peeled and chopped finely
1 large celery rib -- chopped
3 large cloves garlic -- minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
43 ounces low sodium chicken broth*
15 ounces cannellini beans -- rinsed and drained
14 1/2 ounces stewed tomatoes -- low sodium and undrained
1/4 cup parsley -- minced
1/4 cup orzo
1 cup spinach leaf -- fresh
1/4 cup Romano cheese -- grated

1. In a Dutch oven, saute the oven, potato, celery and garlic in oil until tender.

2. Stir in the broth, beans, tomatoes, parsley, and pesto.

3. Bring to a boil.

4. Stir in pasta.

5. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until pasta is tender.

6. Add spinach and cook just until wilted.

7. Sprinkle each serving with cheese.

Source:
"Taste of Home February/March 2011"
Copyright:
"2011"
Yield:
"8 servings"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES:

1 cup is equal to 7 WW Power Points

I use no sodium chicken broth and no salt diced tomatoes to keep the sodium level low.

Original Recipe called for 1 Tbsp of Pesto (prepared) not a fan so I omitted.

Pac Man Cookie Cutters

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:06:00 +0000

Fun cookie cutters everyone can enjoy.

Now you can have fun when you eat.

Check out heliotrope if you would like to order some.

Funky Monkey Applemon Cinnamon Dried Fruit

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:45:00 +0000

So, I bought these today at Publix to try. I am not by any means a fan of dried fruit (except for strawberries). I am turning a new leaf this year and really giving it a try. The apples in the bag are just that dried apples with the skin and cinnamon. They are pretty good though I could do without the skin. Nate really enjoyed them. Looks like we will be keeping a few bags in the house.
Oh, they also count as 1 fruit serving.

Favorite New Christmas Decoration

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:40:00 +0000

I wanted to share these fun spoons before I put them away until next Christmas.

I went out on a limb and purchased these as a new decoration for this year.
Pleased as punch that I did.
They are sterling silver handstamped spoons.

Not the best picture but each one has a different word.

Noel. Merry & Bright. Joy

I tied a nice cherry holiday ribbon to them and had them tucked on the side of a poinsettia.
I purchased these through GroopDealz but check out Etsy for some very nice designs.

King Arthur Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:40:00 +0000

I actually made these last year for a player on our local hockey team.
This was a simple straight forward recipe and I figured that I could not goof it up.
I did make sure that I cleaned all the items I used so I would not cross contaminate the cookies.

I must say these were very tasty.
The family could not tell that they were gluten free!
I would highly recommend these if you need to make a special treat for someone who is GF.

King Arthur has a nice line of Gluten Free mixes for you to select from and GF flour.

Give them a try you will not be disappointed.

Mmm...cookie

Cute Glass Cupcake Candle Holders

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:43:00 +0000

I stumbled upon these really cute glass cupcake candle holders.
Perfect for anyone celebrating a birthday or just to add a bit of cheer.

I do not they will last very long since they are on clearance.

Head on over to Lillian Vernon if you want to pick up a set or two.

Cupcakes make everyone smile. :)

Holiday Almond Bars..

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:40:00 +0000

Oh my!

These holiday almond bars are out of this world.

They have a semi moist center, a slight shortbread texture and a totally fabulous almond taste.

I made these as a test for us to see if they were good and uh, yeah they were.
I then made them for a Christmas Party and they were a hit.

I used slivered almonds from Oh! Nuts.

They were nice and thin, perfect for this recipe.

Even though the holidays have passed you can make these anytime you like.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Holiday Almond Bars

Recipe By: Cheryl Newendorp

Serving Size: 54 Preparation Time: 15min

Categories: Desserts

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

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

1 cup butter

1 cup almond paste

2 1/4 cups sugar -- divided

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon almond exract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup slivered almonds

In a large bowl, cream the butter, almond paste and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs and extract.
Gradually add flour just until moistened.
Spread into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle with remaining sugar; top with almonds.
Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Cool on a wire rack.
Cut into squares.Store in the refrigerator.

Source:

"Taste of Home.com"

"2011"

Yield:

"54 "

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

NOTES : Great with a hot cuppa tea or ice cold milk.

Organizing....

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:34:00 +0000

I spent the first day of the new year finally getting some of my recipes organized.

Shh... it only took a year.

I have been printing out the recipes we enjoy but never organizing them.

With my pile looking like Mount Everest it was time to take action.

I did buy page covers and place the recipes inside of them back in October but.....

Today I decided to take the plunge and get some put away.
I was able to place all the baking recipes in one binder. *grin*

Now with some luck I will have the rest of the main meals organized by the end of the week.

*crosses fingers*

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:30:00 +0000

Happy New Year!!!!

Wow.. 2012.
2011 zipped by a bit too fast for my liking.
Wishing all the best for you and yours this year.

Alterna BAMBOO UV Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:09:00 +0000

O.M.G. this hair product totally rocks!

I am 100% hooked on this amazing product.

My stylist encouraged me late in the summer to purchase this product before we headed to the beach.
I just had my hair colored with a reddish tint and did not want it to fade out.

It is so very easy to use.
Simply pump the desired amount (no more than 7 pumps) into the palm of your hand, rub together and then rub throughout your hair.

I only use four pumps due to having short hair and love the results.

Simple enough.

This product does have a nice light fragrance that I look forward to every morning.

My hair color holds up nicely for two months with no harsh fading and my hair is nice and shiny.

The product contains natural ingredients including Bamboo extract.

Alterna BAMBOO UV Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide is weightless and can be used with your other styling products without an issue.

Once you try this product you will be hooked.
I promise. :D

You can read up more about it here.
I love my stylist.

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

Thank you to The Grapics Fairy for the clip art.

Sights of Athens, GA

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:09:00 +0000

On Black Friday we piled into the car and headed to see the sights of Athens, GA.

Dh and I had visited over the summer and wanted to go back and share the lovely town with the kiddos.

Plus, it was a great way to show Nate a college without really trying. *grin*

The town is so lively and the university is beautiful.

Just a few pictures of various sights that caught my eye that day.

I love this sign!

Just a glimpse of a street downtown.

The history of The University of Georgia. Click to open it up.

The Arch

The Chapel Bell - beautiful

Sanford Stadium - home of the Bulldogs

Beautiful leaves were all over the campus in the bright fall sunlight.

Too cute of a sign to pass up.

This flower was on the side of one of the buildings - beautiful.

A gem hidden behind the trees.

We had such a great day strolling around town and campus.
We even brought Teddyboy who had just as much fun as the rest of us.
By the time we arrived home Spencer has decided that he is now a Univ. of GA fan and promptly placed his requests for clothing items for Christmas.
Gotta love it!

Holiday Cheer ....

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:34:00 +0000

Some holiday cheer from our local hockey team.
I think they did an awesome job!

Tastykake Red Velvet Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:29:00 +0000

I stumbled across these last weekend while back in Pa.
They taste as delicious as they look and no, I am not sharing.
These are a limited edition so you had best go find some fast.
You will not be disappointed.

Busy Crafting

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:23:00 +0000

Headache has finally cleared (after 13 hrs) and now I am busy crafting. Fingers crossed they turn out as planned. Will keep you posted with final picture and link to project. :D

Apple Butter time....

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 19:45:00 +0000

The house is filled with the mouth watering aroma of apples and spices. We had a boat load of apples left and were going soft so we opted to make apple butter. No sugar added to ours, just spices and apples. Mmmm....
Hopefully we will have enough to last until next fall.

Makeover Rum Cake...

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:35:00 +0000

Mmmm.... Rum Cake

I have to admit that I never really was a fan of this cake until DH brought one home from work.
Whoa! It was absolutely outstanding.
Nate had a slice and this instantly became his favorite type of cake.

He found a recipe for a makeover cake in one of my many cookbooks and asked to make it.
No complaints from me.
He has made this item twice and it is oh.so.good.

Perfect for the holiday season or anytime of the year really.

Thinking in the summer - topped with fresh strawberries ...mmmm...

* Exported from MasterCook *

Makeover Rum Cake

Recipe By: Catharine Seman
Serving Size: 16 Preparation Time :0:15
Categories: Desserts

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup pecans -- toasted
18 1/4 ounces yellow cake mix
1/2 cup skim milk
1/4 cup dark rum
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 large eggs
Topping:

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter -- cubed
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons dark rum

1. Coat a 10 inch fluted tube pan with cooking spray and sprinkle with flour; add pecans. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, milk, rum oil, applesauce and eggs; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium 2 minutes.

2. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. In a small saucepan, combine glaze ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat;cook and stir for 4-5 minutes or until thickened. Drizzle over cake.

Source:
"Taste of Home 2011 Healthy Cooking Annual Recipes"
Copyright:
"2011"
Yield:
"16 "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : Pecans are optional - tastes wonderful without the nuts, too.

Scottish Shortbread Rounds...

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:31:00 +0000

Nate was in the mood to bake last night and he wanted to try his hand at making some shortbread.

I stumbled upon this recipe a few weeks ago and pulled it out for him to try.

Just from watching him it was very easy to prepare and they baked up in no time at all.

Well all except for the bakers issue of using wax paper instead of parchment.

That was a bit nerve wracking but we caught it in time and saved the cookies. :)

They are a wonderful shortbread cookie that will be made again in this household.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Scottish Shortbread Rounds

Serving Size: 26 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories: Desserts

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 pound unsalted butter
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour

Mix the first four ingredients together.
Cream well
Add in the flour, mix well and forms a stiff dough.
Spoon dough out onto a length of wax paper, about 18 inches long or so.
Form dough into a log, roll up in the wax paper and chill until firm, about an hour.
Once your dough is firm, slice log into slices a little thinner than half an inch.
Place slices onto an ungreased cookie sheet, about an inch or so apart.
Bake at 350* until the edges are slightly golden.

Let the cookies sit on the sheet for a few minutes before removing them or they may crumble on you.

Source:
"Noshings.Blogspot.com"
Copyright:
"Nov. 2011"
Yield:
"26 "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Serving Ideas : nice cold glass of milk

Jalapeno Chedder Tortilla Combos

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 17:43:00 +0000

O.M.G. these are so good. Needless to say they did not last long.

Fizzing Bath Salts....

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:20:00 +0000

I created this earlier this year - early fall to be specific and am finally getting a chance to post.

Really quite easy to make.

I found the jar at Wal-Mart, chalk and then the chalkboard sticker I purchased over the summer through GroopDealz. (I adore GroopDealz!) You can find the chalkboard stickers on Etsy.

Wash out container & dry well.

Use chalk to write what the jar contains and then carefully peel off the backing.

Place the prepared chalkboard on the jar.

Fizzing Bath Salt Recipe....

I had so many of the supplies left over that I figured why not make some fizzing salts.

2 cups of Sea Salt -I prefer the fine grain

1/2 cup citric acid

1/3 cup of Epsom Salts (good for aches and pains but can be omitted)

2-3 tablespoons of fragrance oil (must be body safe)

I like to mix the sea salt, epsom salt and fragrance oil first then add in the citric acid.

Mix well and let air dry for a day.

You can loosely place a piece of wax paper over top the salts to keep the dust out.

I made more than what is listed above as you can see in the pictures below.

This is what I started to make my bath salts in (way too small) and

below you see what I ended up putting them in.

I know there are those who would yell at me for placing my salts in an

aluminum pan because the fragrance oil could have a reaction.

I have made them for 11 year and never once had an issue (knocking on wood).

There you go- simple, easy and fun.