Cooking, Baking & Lovin

A Thanksgiving Prayer

2011-11-23T20:36:00.000-08:00

I have said it before and I will say it again, I Love This Time Of Year! I especially love Thanksgiving. What is better than a day of THANKS, quality time with my loved ones, eating amazing food and honoring family traditions? Yesterday my daughter and I came across this poem in an old poem book and I had to share it with you! I printed this in 8X10 and then framed it. I think it will make a perfect dinner prayer.

Hope you all have a Very Happy Thanksgiving!

Red Cup Season

2011-11-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

November 1st I received several text messages from friends telling me that the Starbucks Red Cup was out. They all know I love the Red Cups. I know its just a cup but its what the Cup means that I love so much. Its a sign that holidays are around the corner, that snow days are ahead of us, and my favorite of all, it means there will be more family time together. This is the time of year memories are made. I bake with my kids more, spend more time together at home, & catch up with family and friends that I don't get to see enough of. So the Red Cup has arrived, and I am thrilled!
Happy November to everyone. I have many things to be thankful for this year and my list starts with my Red Cup, Cheers!

Subway Art 4 Our Family

2011-11-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

I had to make one! Everyone has made the cutiest subway art and I really, really wanted one for my kitchen that represented our family

SO here it is...

I used microsoft publisher. It was easy just takes time. Go into page setup and change the height & width of your project to fit the frame you’ll use. I used 11x14, it was what I had lying around. Then just start making text boxes with words!

Who dosen't LOVE a FREE day??

2011-10-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

Last week I took the kids to the FREE day at the Zoo! We had a great time.

There are a few more FREE days at the Zoo, The Art Museum, and the Denver Museum this year I wanted to share the link so you and your family can mark your calendar.

Click Here for Dates and Places

See you there ;)

Pumpkin Bread

2011-10-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

4 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 1/4 cup applesauce

2 cups white sugar

1 cup light brown sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

3 tsp pumpkin spice

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Grease and flour three loaf pans. (I used parchment paper)

In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, applesauce and sugars until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended.

Pour into the prepared pans.

Bake for about 45 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean

Enjoy!

Go ahead draw on your wall!

2011-10-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Recently my daughter went to a birthday party. She would not stop talking about how cool she thought it was that her friend had a chalk board wall. So for her birthday guess what she asked grandma for?

It was simple to do and clean up has been as easy as a vaccum and damp towel. All three of my kids love it. So next up will be the boys room!

Addicted to Pinterest!

2011-10-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

My new love is PINTEREST!!

My friend Breena told me about it and its my absolute new favorite thing. Don't you just love a new favorite thing from a friend? I have been telling anyone who will listen about it. So if you don't know about it, take a second to check it out! I have a link on the side -> and if you are already on it follow my boards :)

Fall has Arrived!

2011-10-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

I haven't written in a long time. Been busy. Fall is my favorite time of year. I've been spending all my free time cleaning, baking and spending time with my family. This is the time of year that I love to make all those yummy treats with pumpkin, burn the fall smelling candles and get the house straightened back up! (Posts about that to come) The weather in Colorado has been crazy beautiful. We have had the most amazing fall. The grass is still green here and the trees are full of color. Recently we drove up North to a pumpkin patch our friends told us about it was a fantastic day

Wanted to share some of the pictures I snapped.

A Natural Frozen Pizza

2011-09-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

When I am at home I get so sick of Peanut Butter and Jelly for lunch. I needed a quick, easy and affordable lunch idea. I also have to admit that I love a good frozen pizza. I am always looking for new ones to try that are without the hydrogenated oils and the long list of ingredients. Typically I buy the Newman Pizza, which I love, but these new Naan Pizzas I had to try!

I love the Cilantro and Pesto Pizza.

With cut up carrots, cucumbers and Ranch dressing they make the perfect lunch.

If you haven't tried this Ranch Dressing, Give it a try too !

A Family Ride

2011-06-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

Life has been busy with over lapping kids activities, long work days, and too much homework! This weekend we took a break and were able to get in a family bike ride. We had a great time!

Ready to go!

Across The Bridge

Full of sights!

Jord spent much of the time Checking & Fixing...

A pit stop to PLAY!

When I was a kid my mom took my brothers and I on many bike rides. They are wonderful memories I have. It was great to see how much fun we all had. It reminded me of all the bike rides I have taken. Gotta love a fun and inexpensive way to spend some family time!

Another great idea for all our Summer To Do Lists!

Don't Miss This Goodbye...

2011-05-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

I grew up with her on TV. In fact, I don't remember a time she wasn't, and today we say goodbye to her. Oprah you will be missed!

As a child my mom always had Oprah on TV and now in my home we watch and record all Oprah shows. My two older kids both learned her name before many family members names. I had the joy of seeing her here in Denver on her "Live your Best Life Tour" with all the women in our family and her presence is everything you could imagine it to be.

It was an experience of a lifetime.

So here's to you Oprah! A million thanks for sharing the worlds greatest stories of love, grace and triumph, and of course the most fabulous products out there!

Today at four I will cheers you with a martini and some tears as we all say goodbye and goodluck!

Flip Flops, Baseball and Sunshine...

2011-05-24T06:48:00.000-07:00

We had a weekend of fun!

$1 Flip Flops from Old Navy and Baseball!

Macks team had their first scrimmage.

I am SO glad that we are FINALLY keeping tracks of strikes.

They are so cute when they are little but I have to say,

the games are so long and boring. Yep I just said that!

This year should be fun and challenging for the boys.

We are looking forward to it!

Happy baseball season to all you baseball fans

Let's Play Ball!

Don't Miss This $1 Sale

2011-05-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, May 21st Old Navy opens at 7am for their $1 Flip Flop Sale!

I recommend calling your local store to make they are participating.
Limit 5 pairs per customer

A Favorite Product for my baby!

2011-05-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a great new product

I LOVE Twitter Parties!

I was at a MomsandBrands party

hosted by @kemiingram

and I won a sample package from @sheamoisture4u

I had to share the products with you they are amazing.

The shampoo has done amazing things for Brock's hair.

People keep asking me if I got it cut. This shampoo has complete tamed

his crazy fly away hair. The lotions are so moisturising and smell awesome.

Would totally recommend them for your baby or as a baby gift!

Silhouettes of my kids

2011-05-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

Crafting Memories ...

I LOVE Silhouettes. When we were in Disneyland we had them made of the kids. At the time we only had two kids and I have been dying to get updated ones made with all three kids. So when I came across this blog

71 Toes I not only LOVED her blog (check it out) but was inspired to make my own Silhouettes.

SO I DID!

What you need:

Scissors regular and small scissors

black paint or spray paint

glue stick

camera, printer, computer

frame of your choice

background paper for in frame

and

white card stock paper

I placed my kids in front of our sliding glass doors

and took a picture of each ones heads

(facing the same way)

I then uploaded them to the computer

printed them out on card stock paper

Cut them out.

Painted them back and framed them.

Its that easy, I swear!

I printed the numbers out from a word document

Bookman Old Style Font

Size 150

but scrapbooks stores would have them too!

This was less than $15.00

and I couldn't have bought anything better!

Growing and Growing

2011-05-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

Spring Again...

Time is flying by. I win worst mom award on Easter because I took two pictures of my kids, and NOT one of Brock, my youngest. In my defense it was my 30th too so I was hitting the champagne hard. Thanks to my cousin Rene who brought me my own pack! But here are the kids outfits from Easter.

My Three

Mack with cousin Lukas

Audra with cousin Caley

Happy Spring everyone hope it's full of JOY!

Pass the Strawberries

2011-05-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

It's Berry Time...

My mom makes Chocolate Dipped Strawberries for special occasions.

Now places are charging and arm and a leg for these delicious treats.

For my moms birthday I made them. They are fun to make and SO easy

Melt your Chocolate chips in the microwave SLOWLY

30 second intervals then stir GOOD and repeat until chocolate is melted.

For these I dipped the strawberries in Milk Chocolate

Let them cool and harden in the fridge.

Then drizzled with Dark and White Chocolate.

Let them cool and harden again.

Serve within 2-3 hours of making.

They were AMAZING.

( I use nestle or giradelli chocolate chips)

What to do with all the Bananas

2011-03-06T14:27:00.000-08:00

Tired of plain old Banana Bread?

Me TOO so I came up with these....

Banana Cookies

6 Tbsp Butter

6 Tbsp Sour Cream

1/2 cup Brown Sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

2 large ripe Bananas

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

2 cups flour

3/4 cup White Chocolate Chips

1/2 cup walnuts

Cream together butter and sugar. Add egg, vanilla, bananas and sour cream, beat well. Add dry ingredients; mix well.

Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, until bottoms are just lightly browned.

A "Real Simple" Lunch

2011-03-06T14:11:00.000-08:00

I saw this recipe in the Real Simple magazine. It's a Delish Twist on a Baked Potato

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/baked-potatoes-with-ricotta-and-roasted-tomatoes-00000000051115/index.html

I made some small changes see below

4 medium russet potatoes

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil

2 pints grape tomatoes

kosher salt and black pepper

1 tsp crushed garlic

4 sprigs fresh thyme

1 cup ricotta

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese

Heat oven to 400° F. Wash and dry potatoes Rub the potatoes with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil, pierce with fork a few times, wrap in foil. Bake, turning occasionally, until tender and easily pierced with a paring knife, 65 to 75 minutes.

Fifteen minutes before the potatoes are done in a large saute pan toss the tomatoes cut in half with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and1 tsp crushed garlic and saute until tomatoes are tender 12 to 15 minutes.

Mix ricotta with Parmesan cheese, season ricotta with salt and pepper to taste

Split the baked potatoes and, dividing evenly, top with the ricotta and tomato mixture, and thyme!

I love Real Simple magazine

to subscribe click below!

https://subscription.realsimple.com/storefront/subscribe-to-real-simple/site/sm-ho0111.html?tcmid=footerbanner_ho&link=1001765

Fun in the Snow, even when you're ready for Spring!

2011-03-06T12:52:00.000-08:00

Remember when you were little and you couldn't wait to get out and play in the snow?

Now I dread the snow. I don't like all the layers, which leads to extra laundry, I hate being cold, I dislike the higher xcel bills and I could go on. Just when I am about to complain about the snow my kids look out the window in amazement and pure excitement and show me the simple joys in life. I love that about my kids, they ground me, remind me what life is all about and make me smile, even in the snow!

So until Spring arrives, I will enjoy what the rest of winter brings!

Roast with Potatoes and Carrots.

2011-03-06T12:30:00.000-08:00

A roast always reminds me of my childhood. My mom made us many roasts over the years. She loves a good roast, I am less enthused by it, but sometimes a Roast is in order! Its a simple, delicious,classic dinner!

1 Beef Round Roast

1 can of tomato sauce

1 cup of beef broth

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

2 tbsp olive oil.

1 tbsp crushed garlic

1 large onion sliced

4 medium potatoes peeled and cubed

1/2 -1 small bag baby carrots
olive oil, salt & pepper to taste

Slice onion.

Trim your roast of any excess fat. Cover roast in oil, salt, pepper and thyme. Braise roast in dutch oven on medium high heat until every side is a crusty golden brown.

Remove roast and place in crock pot. De glaze dutch oven with 1 cup beef broth and 1 tbsp crushed garlic

Cover roast with beef broth, tomato sauce and onion slices. Cook on high heat for 4-5 hours until roast is fork tender and falls apart

I roast my potatoes and carrots separately in the oven at 400 degrees. Wash, dry and cube potatoes. Leaving the skin on. Put the potatoes and carrots on a baking sheet covered with foil in one single layer. Sprinkle with olive oil, with your hands toss them to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Roast them for 25 minutes or until they are tender when pierced. Serve along side of roast.

Don't forget the Horseradish, Yum!

Asian Chicken Salad

2011-03-06T11:34:00.000-08:00

My husband and I are lovers of cabbage and Asian food so when I created this dish we were in HEAVEN!

Had to share it.

1 Package Mixed Salad Green

1/2 package of Cole Slaw cabbage mix

1 small cucumber diced

1 small Red Pepper diced

1/2 cup Purple Cabbage in thin strips

1 can Mandarin Oranges drained and patted dry

2 Chicken Breasts trimmed and pounded even

1 Cup teriyaki Sauce

1 bottle Asian Salad dressing ( I like Kens Lite Asian Dressing)

Marinate your chicken breast in 1 cup teriyaki sauce for 1 hour. Grill chicken breast until cooked thru. Slice thin.

Toss together salad, Cole slaw mix, cucumber, red pepper. Top with Mandarin Oranges, and Chicken slices. Serve with dressing.

I made chicken pot stickers to go with this salad. It was a great, fast and easy meal.

A satisfied tester!

Something Sweet for Valentines Day...

2011-02-05T09:45:00.000-08:00

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

I got the idea for this on allrecipes.com I made some adjustments and it has quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup butter, softened

• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts

• 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour

• Parchment paper

• 1/2 cup white sugar

• 16 ounces cream cheese – room temperature, reduce fat works perfectly

• 1 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

• 3 tablespoons milk

• 1 egg

• 1 egg white

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Raspberry Jam

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

2. To make Pastry: Cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the flour and chopped nuts and stir until mixture becomes crumbly.

3. Press pastry mixture into 8-inch square pan lined with parchment paper, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on rack.

4. To make Filling: Beat together the white sugar, and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the egg, egg white, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla and mix well. Spread filling mixture over baked crust.

5. Drop 6-8 tsp of jam evenly through out the top of cheesecake mixture with a butter knife swirl jam into cheesecake mixture.

6. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Let cool on wire rack and refrigerate.

Serve with fruit.

Stew For Those Cold Winter Nights

2011-01-31T09:39:00.000-08:00

I got this recipe from my mom's friend Jan! It is restaurant quality. Had to share it with EVERYONE.

Special thanks to Jan for sharing it... Enjoy!

Tortellini Stew

2 lbs Italian Sausage – hot or mild

1 medium onion chopped

2 cloves garlic chopped

Brown the above until sausage is cooked through on med high heat in a stock pot.

Drain fat, Reduce to simmer and add the following:

3 15 oz. cans diced tomatoes

6 cups beef broth

3 9oz. cans tomato sauce

3 large carrots chopped

1 Tsp. oregano

1 Tsp. thyme

1 Tsp basil leaves

1 Tsp. parsley flakes

(dried herbs)

Cover and Simmer above for 2 to 3 hours until carrots are tender.

Add:

And 2 to 3 small zucchini chopped

Simmer covered for another 45 minutes.

Before serving add 10oz frozen tortellini **that has been cooked al dente.

Serve topped with grated parmesan or romano

and bread.

Holiday Shopping Ideas

2010-10-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Its been a long time. I started working again and needless to say time is scarce.

I know its crazy to think but hoilday season is fastly approaching and I wanted to share some holiday shopping ideas I think you will enjoy!!!

http://besttoysguide.com/featured/20-hot-toys-christmas-2010

http://animalcrazekids.com/default.aspx

Christmas 2009

Hope everyone is well!

I will give an post update on my family and post pictures soon!