White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Merry Christmas from  Memphis, TN. I made a batch of these White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies. Here is a trick: Beat two eggs, let the dry cherries or cranberries set in the egg mixture  for about 30 minutes (cover with plastic wrap) It will help "plump" the fruit up. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies 1 stick butter, melted 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup white sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 cups all purpose  flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons milk 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts 1 cup white chocolate chips 1 cup dried cranberries Preheat oven to 375 F. In a medium bowl, with electric mixer, cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add eggs...

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Posted in: Cookies

Chocolate Fondue

I don't believe there is anything more satisfying in this world, food wise, other than chocolate. Dark brown, creamy goodness makes my day! I have a quick recipe for a milk chocolate fondue. I usually don't make my own, since I do not have a fondue set, but I thought I could swing it in the microwave. The story goes like this: Sent husband out to buy groceries a few days ago and asked him for a bag of milk chocolate chips so I can make cookies. Husband comes home with a bag of milk chocolate chips that look dry and off color and clumped together. (They obviously got too hot somewhere in transition) I decide not to waste the "chips" and go for this very yummy fondue recipe.  Let me know what you think...... Chocolate Fondue Picture...

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Christmas Ornament Chandelier

What will $2, thirty minutes of free time and the need to decorate get you? A nice ornament chandelier, that's what! I have to admit, I really like Pinterest and have found some really neat craft ideas on the website. One I saw, and thought was super pretty, was a silver ornament decoration hanging from dining room  lights. Now, in my dining room, I have a ceiling fan with lights, but it still works. So after listening to Christmas music, drinking hot chocolate and watching my kittens roll around in the curling string for a while, I was able to hang my new and cheap decoration: Nothing too fancy, just ornaments hanging out. :) What you need:  Pack or two of glass ball ornaments. I used various sizes for interest. Curling...

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Chicken and Rice Bake

I love comfort foods in the Fall and Winter months. I also love one dish recipes that help to cut down on cleanup. I must admit, cleaning is not my strongest asset. I was in the grocery store the other day thinking of simple ways to make chicken and this one popped into my head. I hope you all enjoy.... Chicken and Rice Bake (Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes) 2 Boxes Chicken and Broccoli Rice Mix, uncooked (I use Rice-A-Roni) 4 Large Chicken Breasts (uncooked and rinsed) 2 cups hot water 1 can Campbell's Broccoli and Cheese Soup 3 T olive oil (enough to coat chicken breasts) Poultry Seasoning Garlic Powder Poppy Seeds Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. In dish add uncooked...

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes

White Chocolate Cherry Pie

I am always looking for yummy dessert recipes for my kitchen. I love sugar and everything that comes in that blissful world. Though I love sugar, it doesn't love me. It puts on the pounds faster than I can blink an eye. :D The holiday time of year is not the best time to diet or even "cut back" on certain foods. It is hard. With my email and blogger friends it is very tempting to recreate a delicious looking recipe or two. I found an email from Taste of Home for a White Chocolate Mousse Cherry Pie. Sounds super good, right? Super good and packs a whopping 556 cals per slice. OUCH! So I decided to get my tail into the kitchen and whip up a lower sugar/lower calorie version. 281 Calories per serving in my version. Much better. White...

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Posted in: Desserts,Pies

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

I really do enjoy pasta. Especially when it is super simple to throw together. :D Now this recipe isn't "low fat" so you need to watch portion size to keep the calories in check. I will try to experiment with more natural ingredients in the future to see how it turns out. Creamy Chicken Spaghetti 1 box of spaghetti noodles or pasta of your choice 1 tub of Philadelphia Cooking Cream-I used Italian Herb 1 zucchini chopped into bite size pieces 1 small-medium onion, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup chicken or veggie stock 2 T olive oil 2 T butter (again, not low fat here but tasty!) 1 large can chicken, drained In a large stock pot, bring water to boil for the pasta. Add pasta and a pinch of salt-boil for about 10 minutes. While pasta is cooking-in a large...

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes

Sausage Jambalaya

One of my favorite go-to meals is Sausage jambalaya. It is a one skillet, minimum prep meal that hits the spot every time. I don't have pics on this one (sorry) but it is an easy enough to follow recipe. Sausage Jambalaya 1 lb of smoked sausage (I use turkey sausage) cut into bite size discs 1 red bell pepper, chopped* 1 green bell pepper, chopped* 1 medium onion, chopped* 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 box of Zatarain's Jambalaya mix 1 T olive oil 2 T butter Heat oil and butter in saute pan until butter is melted (medium heat). Saute onion, bell pepper for three minutes then add garlic and sausage. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. Add 2 1/2 cups water and rice packet; stir mixture. Bring to boil; then immediately lower temperature to low to simmer....

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Posted in: cajun,dirty rice,Jambalaya,Main Dish Recipes,Rice,sausage

Pumpkin Spice Creamer Review

For those of you foodies that do not know me that well yet, I have a secret.....I am a huge coffee fan! Nothing sets off a great cup of coffee for me than a nice flavored creamer. Coffee Mate usually creates interesting seasonal flavors in addition to their standard French Vanilla, Hazelnut, Caramel, etc. I saw the Pumpkin Spice flavor on the shelf at the store but was a bit hesitant to purchase. I usually get either my standard French Vanilla or Hazelnut in sugar free. But I decided to kick it up a notch and get my pumpkin on! :D I first had to smell the creamer to see what I was getting myself and my coffee into. It smelled "spicy" and sweet so I thought, this isnt so bad. I was right! In fact my first sip was heavenly. The pumpkin is mellow...

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Posted in: Coffee,Creamer,Pumpkin Spice,Review

Shrimp and Wild Rice Casserole

Since my last post was all about Paula Deen, I want to continue on that path with a recipe I adapted from Ms. Paula's website. My husband is a huge seafood fan. So any recipe I make with seafood is always a hit with him. After visiting Paula Deen's Buffet in Tunica, MS a few weeks back, I was able to located a few specific recipes on Paula's website that I knew were tasty. I hope you enjoy! Shrimp and Wild Rice Casserole Serves 6-8 2 lbs. medium shrimp (peeled and deveined) 1 cup frozen pepper and onion mix 2 cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 2 cans cream of mushroom soup 2 cups grated cheddar cheese 2 boxes of cooked wild rice, cooked Directions In a large...

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes

Paula Deen Buffet Review

I love me some Paula Deen Ya'll! For me she is fun to watch and reminds me of great times in the kitchen. I don't currently have The Food Network on cable so I can not watch her shows (which makes me sad) but I do catch her online from time to time if I need my Paula fix. I watch her more often during this time of year because I get bit by the cooking bug. I have never been to any of her restaurants but heard they were pretty good. (Depending on what you ordered). My Aunt visited us recently and we took her to Tunica, MS, for a day to visit, play poker and eat at Paula Deen's Buffet. I decided to write a review of what I found. Before we left on our mini roadtrip, I read several reviews, some good and some not so good about this buffet. My...

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Crock Pot Ham

I love slow cookers and use them often. I was able to purchase a new Crock Pot slow cooker at Target a few weeks back on sale. Got a great 7 qrt cooker for under $30. Great deal in my opinion. Crock Pot is a great brand so I felt comfortable knowing that this purchase will last a while. The pot was exactly what I wanted (the interior comes completely out of unit for easy cleaning and storage) and it also is large enough to hold large cuts of meat.  The first meal made in my new cooker was a ham with cranberry and pineapple glaze. It was excellent. I am providing the recipe for all to enjoy. Crock Pot Ham with Cranberry and Pineapple Glaze 1 Ham, 8-10 lbs 1 can pineapple chunks, large, undrained 1 can cranberry sauce with whole cranberries 3/4...

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A Day on Beale Street

It is hard to think about Memphis, TN, and not think about the famous Beale Street. From music to food, Beale offers a lot to tourists and locals alike. I had the pleasure of spending a sunny Sunday afternoon with my family on Beale. We had tickets to the musical Memphis and we were able to grab a quick bite to eat prior to the play. We decided to try Blues City Cafe. Blues City Cafe The first thing I noticed was all of the Elvis Presley paraphernalia hanging around the cafe. Of course this restaurant is known for Elvis's impromptu concert trying to persuade Sam Phillips to sign him to Sun Records. The menu had a few selections to choose from. Most were from the fried side of life. I ordered the chicken tenders dinner while the hubs ordered...

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Review: YoLo Frozen Yogurt

YoLo Frozen Yogurt Review A couple of weeks ago I was in Jackson, TN, visiting family and decided to swing by a local yogurt shop. I found on called YoLo. It looked great because it also specializes in gelato. (For those who do not know what gelato is, it is basically a creamy ice cream. Very thick like a frozen custard.) I approve 100%! I walked into the store and the employees were excellent. Very nice, helpful and willing to give me the 411 on the store. One gentlemen had just made a batch of pumpkin spice gelato that he eagarly wanted me to sample. One bite and I was hooked. I ordered a large pumpkin spice gelato with a side of salted caramel gelato for a flavor rush. I also was looking to go into sugar shock. Though the staff, gelato...

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Goal List Update

I am still trying to complete my goal list. I was able to download and learn a new song for the piano. October done :D One of my favorite songs is by Enya: Flora's Secret. I walked down to it at my wedding. Or at least attempted to. The CD would not play the song correctly. However, it is a beautiful song and great for the piano. Enjoy... Flora's Secret Lyrics Lovers in the long grass Look above them Only they can see Where the clouds are going Only to discover Dust and sunlight Ever make the sky so blue Afternoon is hazy River flowing All around the sounds Moving closer to them Telling them the story Told by Flora Dreams they never knew Silver willows Tears from Persia Those who come >From a far-off island Winter Chanterelle lies under cover Glory-of-the-sun in blue Some they...

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FoodBuzz Featured Publisher

I am very happy to say I am officially a FoodBuzz Featured Publisher. What is this you ask? I am apart of a blogger community that writes about food, reviews restaurants, etc. and I get to share my blog with others on FoodBuzz.com. I also get to participate in events, dinner parties (theme of my choice), and much more! I am very excited to get rolling. If you have not heard about FoodBuzz, please be sure to check them out and join the community! You do not have to host a blog in order to join. You can upload recipes and view recipes as well without creating a blog. I will try and do better about posting recipes and pics soon. I have family coming into town Saturday and loads of school work this week so that has tied me up. Frozen pizzas,...

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Pumpkin Topiary

I love making each day "special" in its own way. The month of October, my favorite month of the year, has great meaning for me. Fall is officially here and making its presence known by giving us cooler weather and beautiful foliage.You see pumpkins in the stores and on the farms for sale. I feel "crafty" this time of year so I try to stay clear of Hobby Lobby (I spend way too much money there!) :D One of my little quirks is keeping up with the special days in each  month. For example, today, Oct 6, is the day that Thomas Edison showed the first motion picture. The month of October is also National Apple Month, National Dessert Month, and National Pizza Month. YUMMO to all! Of course, let's not forget Halloween at the end of the month....

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Top 20 Cookbooks

Happy Friday All!!! I have to share with all of you my love affair I have with cookbooks. I LOVE THEM. Though you can get almost any and all recipes online for free, there is something about a collection of recipes in a book. Especially one that has been used frequently in the kitchen. I know a cookbook rocks when it is stained and covered in food splatters. That means the owner uses this book often so the recipes must be good! (It also means the owner of the book needs to use lids on saucepans. :D ) I have a couple of these books in my kitchen. I have been collecting cookbooks since I was a teen. I used to grab those small cookbooks while standing in the grocery store line. Ahhhh memories. I have started writing my own cookbook as well but it will not be available for a while. I am having...

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Creamy Apple Cider

Twist on a classic. I had a craving for anything with Butterscotch Schnapps this weekend. I decided to buy a box of instant cider and make friends with my coffee mug. Quick, easy and full of love! Creamy Apple Cider 1 package of instant cider mix 3/4 cup hot water 1/4 cup apple juice 2 Tablespoons of Butterscotch Schnapps 1 small scoop of vanilla ice cream (optional) Mix all ingredients together and enjoy! That simple.....

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Posted in: Beverages

Sour Cream and Onion Muffins

I had a bag of cornbread mix, frozen green onions and a plan! I made a really yummy country dinner the other night that included baked apples, mac and cheese and corn on the cob. Comfort food city! I needed a bread to join the fun. I decided to experiment and try this dandy muffin. It was very moist rich and full of flavor. Enjoy! Sour Cream and Onion Muffins (Makes about 8 muffins) Preheat oven to 350F 1 Package of Martha White Buttermilk Cornbread Mix 1/4 cup water 1/3 cup chopped green onion 3 Tablespoons of sour cream 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt Prep Muffin pan by spraying with Pam cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together. Spoon into muffin pan-should make about 8 muffins filled 3/4 of the way. Bake at 350 for 17-20...

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Posted in: Breads,Sides

Vegetable Pot Pie

Comfort food of Fall. Boy oh boy I could write about different recipes all day. From Mac and Cheese to soups and stews. One quick and easy recipe I make is vegetable pot pie. Now, for all of my meat fans out there, you can easily add a can of chicken to this to make traditional chicken pot pie. It is that easy. I must say, I had no idea how many calories were in a premade pie crust. Holy Moly! Almost 900 calories in just one crust! So I opt to not put a crust on the bottom of the pan, that and I do not like "doughy" crust. Even if you prebake the bottom shell, it will still come out doughy to me. Vegetable Pot Pie 2 cans of Veg All diced vegetables (12-14oz cans), drained 1 can cream of potato soup 1 small can cream style corn 1 Tablespoon...

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes

Baked Apples

Today is Johnny Appleseed's Birthday. Born in 1774, John Chapman was a great example of charity. He loved apples and would randomly plant apple seeds in the Indiana, Ohio and Illinois area. He would plant nurseries and return every couple of years to tend these nurseries. So on behalf of Mr. Johnny Appleseed, I am providing a great and yummy baked apples recipe for you all to enjoy. Remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor away! These apples, soaked in butterscotch and sugar will keep the blues away too! :D Baked Apples 5-6 small apples cored and sliced (I use fugi or gala) (note: try to keep slices similar in size so they cook evenly) 1/2 stick of butter 1 Tablespoon of Truvia (or 3 Tablespoons brown sugar) 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice...

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Posted in: Desserts,Sides

Cheese Tortellini Soup

Autumn is approaching in TN and I love it! Fall is my favorite season so I have to celebrate. A few ways I celebrate this time is by decorating, cooking and cleaning. I know, I know, cleaning should be daily, but I mean deep cleaning. I love a clean house, smells of fall candles burning in each room and pumpkin spice in the oven. I also really enjoy making my dollar go a long way by making meals that I can get several servings. One of these meals is a quick cheese tortellini soup. It is very simple to make, full of veggies and nutrients, and does not cost much to make. Picture borrowed from http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/sun-dried-tomato-tortellini-soup-10000000689966/ Cheese Tortellini Soup (Prepared in Pressure Cooker) 1 medium onion,...

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes

Apple Dumplings

Happy Apple Dumpling Day! I have never made these before, nor have I yet. :D I am out of town this weekend but it doesnt mean I can not find a trusted recipe and repost it for you all, right? Celebrate the day with someone you love and eat an apple dumpling for me! :D I have not tried this recipe but I will soon. This recipe is taken directly from Ree (The Pioneer Woman) so she gets 100% credit. Or should I say her Mom gets the credit? According to her blog, I think this one is from her Mom's collection. Now, what threw me is the use of Mountain Dew in this baby. I LOVE MD but in baked goods? I am willing to try if you are! :D Thanks ladies and I hope everyone has a great Apple Dumpling Day!! Apple Dumpling Reci...

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Posted in: Desserts

Happy Mayflower Day!

Mayflower Day celebrates the date the Mayflower sailed from Plymouth, England to America. On September 16, 1620, 102 men, women, and children set sail from Plymouth, England, headed to their new home in Virginia. This is an important day for all of us in the states so enjoy Mayflower Day! Here is a Mayflower coloring page for the kiddies to enjoy!  And for all of you kiddies at heart (AKA: Adults) here is a good recipe from Sandra Lee from the Food Network to jump start your weekend called the Mayflower Martini. Enjoy! Mayflower Martin...

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Spinach and Mushroom Pizza

I am always looking for ways to make my cooking time shorter and a bit easier. I also like to try out new ideas that just "hit me". I was craving a spinach pizza the other day so I decided to make my own. I took a tip from Sandra Lee of the Food Network and made it "Semi-Homemade" style. It turned out very well and I wanted to eat the entire thing by myself. :D The hubs loved it too. Note about cheese: I usually use block cheese that I hand grate because the pre-shredded cheeses have a powdery film and do not seem to melt as well.  Spinach and Mushroom Pizza 1 Frozen Cheese Pizza of your choice-I used Tony's Four Cheese 1/2 block of shredded Monterey Jack Cheese 2 cups frozen chopped spinach (I like a lot of spinach) 1 cup sliced mushrooms-I used white button caps 1/2 white or red...

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes

Hot Bean Dip

This makes a lot of dip so it is great for a large crowd. I made this last night for Nathan and me and it was very good. I have seen several "bean dip" recipes out there so I just combined several in my head to create this one. Hope you enjoy. Hot Bean Dip Ingredients1 (8 ounce) package low fat cream cheese, softened 1 cup low fat sour cream 1 (31 ounce) can refried beans 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans 1 package taco seasoning mix 1 teaspoon of red pepper blend seasoning, optional 1/4 cup chopped green onions 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Monterey Jack cheese DirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees F In a medium bowl, blend the cream cheese and sour cream. Mix in the refried beans, taco seasoning, green onions, 1/2 the Cheddar cheese and...

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Posted in: Appetizer Recipes,Main Dish Recipes

Easy Drop Biscuits

These guys are super simple to make and  filling. My husband loves biscuits and gravy and I do not mind supporting his gravy habit on occasion. :D I first had these at my friend's home in Kentucky and they were great. She got the recipe from her Grandmother, who is having a birthday weekend this weekend! Happy Birthday Ma'maw! Easy Drop Biscuits2 cups all purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1 cup cold milk3 tbsp. oil2 tbsp butter1 tbsp. sugar or ¼ teaspoon Truvia Preheat oven to 450°F.Lightly grease a baking sheet.Measure dry ingredients into a medium bowl (sifting is not necessary). Add oil, butter and milk to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Immediately drop by spoonfuls onto baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-15 minutes.Biscuits...

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Posted in: baking

Chili Recipe

Chili Recipe...Who doesn't like a warm bowl of chili on a cool fall day? Of course it is not so cool outside but I always have room for chili in my kitchen! I make my chili in the pressure cooker but I will post alternate directions for those who use the stove top. Classic Chili Recipe 1 large can of chili beans, undrained 1 small can of kidney beans, undrained 1 small onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup mushrooms, chopped 1 can  tomato sauce 1 can diced tomatoes, unsalted 1 cup vegetable broth 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 Tablespoon of Pepper blend spice mix (if you do not have on hand, use a pinch of cayenne, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon paprika) 1 Tablespoon of Cumin Olive oil In a large pot, heat oil until hot and add onions. Saute for about 2 minutes...

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes

Words of Thought

This is simply a random post since I do not have a recipe to share today. Yesterday was a bit hectic for me because my computer decides to get "sick" and contract a nasty virus. Basically I watch as my software and files are permanently deleted from their happy homes on my computer. (Picture the classic movie scene where the actor, while in slow motion, yells out the word NOOOOOO) Yes that was me at 12:00 yesterday afternoon. Luckily, I don't trust any antivirus software and still back up all files to an online server. Keep this story in mind as I tell you about my computer dying  in May. My desktop computer decides it wants to participate in the power-surge parade. Apparently the parade was awesome because a couple of days later, my desktop simply dies on me. Will not boot up at all....

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Crock Pot Creamy Potatoes

I love Crock Pot Potatoes. Who is with me? I am always looking for new potato recipes. I need a few more "low fat" ones though. Hey if you have a good low fat recipe, please send my way so I can try! :D Now, with this recipe I decided to take spin off of a family recipe I had that used processed American cheese. I am really trying to watch my "artificial" intake so I opted for real cheeses instead. Artificial=salt. Salt + Crystal=water retention. Ugh.On a natural medicine note: dandelion root really helps with water retention and detoxes the liver. You can search for dandelion root tea on Amazon. See link.  Dandelion Root Tea - 30 - Bag Now onto the recipe: Crock Pot Creamy PotatoesIngredients1 package (2 lbs) frozen cubed hash brown...

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes,Sides