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. Unfortunately, at this time, I felt I was invincible and did not back up documents regularly. So I pretty much lost everyone on that computer. Oh and did I mention I just got through paying that computer off? Now I can not even use it. Ugh. LOL

So tips of the day are:
1. Get a good surge protector for all of your electronics. It will save you headache and loads of money,
2. Back up all files regularly. I use Dropbox. It is free and seems to work great.
3. Get the BEST antivirus software (mine was out of date so it was technically my fault)
4. Don't use the same passwords for all of your log ins. People are smart and they can hack into your accounts easily this way.

Okay, time for class...
Crystal :D

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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 Potatoes

Ingredients

• 1 package (2 lbs) frozen cubed hash brown potatoes
• 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tub PHILADELPHIA Cooking cream-garlic flavor-You can use the entire tub if you like garlic
• 1/2cup diced scallions

Directions

• Place potatoes in a lightly greased 5-qt. slow cooker. In a large bowl, combine the soup, cheese, milk, sour cream, scallions, pepper and salt. Pour over potatoes and mix well.
• Cover and cook on low for 3-1/2 to 4 hours or until potatoes are tender. Stir in cream cheese. Cook another 10 minutes until cream cheese is thoroughly warm. Yield: 12-14 servings.

I served my dish with a side salad of mix greens, feta cheese, tomatoes and a chipotle ranch dressing. It was very good. :D

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes,Sides

Tilapia Po Boy Sandwiches

I was telling you that all that I will still eat fish on occasion, though I am vegetarian. Tilapia is one of my favorite types of fish because of the mild fish flavor. I altered this recipe, just a bit, from the Salvo-lutions blog. Thanks for the inspiration!


Tilapia Po Boy Sandwiches

2  7 oz  Tilapia Fillets
1 tomato
1/2 red onion sliced 

3 to 4 leaves of Romaine lettuce (I used mixed greens, I am a  spinach girl!)
A good loaf of crusty bread like Italian
1/2 cup of Mayo ( I used lite)
3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
juice of 1 lime

salt/pepper to taste
cajun seasoning for fish (one pinch on each side)

For the Po'Boy. In a skillet with 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 tablespoon of butter, cook the fish. (about two minutes on each side on medium heat) Sprinkle cajun seasoning on fish while cooking. In a bowl mix the mayo, cilantro, salt/pepper, and lime juice together. Taste and season if necessary. Slice the bread and toast (optional) Spread the mayo on both sides of the bread. Next add a layer of lettuce, then tomato, onion and finally the fish. Top with the other side of the bread, cut in half and enjoy!

Serving Options: This will go well with fries, sweet potato fries, fruit or a side salad. I served mine with diced cantaloupe and it was wonderful! 

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes

Bailey's Irish Cream Cake-Recipes for Baking

Bailey's Irish Cream Cake

Chocolate is one of my favorite flavors. I decided to try this very easy cake after sampling Bailey’s Irish Cream. This cake is as sinful as the name and adds a punch to any party!

· 1 box chocolate cake mix

· 1 stick of unsalted butter, softened

· 1 T sugar

· 1 T vanilla extract

· 3 eggs

· 1 1/3 c milk

· 3 T sour cream

· 1/4 c Ghirardelli's semi sweet chocolate chips, melted

· 9 T Bailey’s Irish Cream liquor (separate 3 T and 6 T)

· 1 tub Cool Whip Topping

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Using a stand or hand mixer, whip butter and sugar until fluffy; add vanilla.

3. Add one egg at a time, mix on low speed.

4. Alternate cake mix and milk until completely blended.

5. Melt chocolate chips on medium heat for 2 minutes in microwave or use double boiler.

6. Add sour cream, melted chocolate and 3 T Bailey’s Irish Cream until completely mixed. Do not over mix-this will cause your batter to be stiff and dry out.

7. Spray 2- 9” round cake pans with cooking spray. Separate batter evenly between the two pans.

8. Cook 27-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

9. Let cool completely on cooling rack

10. Using cake plate or  holder, place 1 cake on plate. Pour 3 T Bailey’s Irish Cream evenly over top of cake.

11. Spread 1/2 Cool Whip Topping  over cake. Place second cake on top. Pour remaining 3T of Bailey's over cake. Add remaining Cool Whip.

12. This cake must be refrigerated.

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Posted in: Desserts

Dressing Recipe

Dressing Recipe...Now this is not just any recipe. I have adapted this from my Great Grandmother's traditional chicken and dressing recipe. Two of my favorite recipes, dressing and peach cobbler, both came from this sweet lady. I have made this into a vegetarian's dream! The traditional recipe, which called for chicken and chicken broth has been a family secret, but I have never been one to keep secrets well. :D I want to share!

The key is to not overcook your dressing. It may seem a bit undercooked in the middle at first, but it will firm up after it sets for about 15 minutes.

Mock Chicken & Dressing Recipe

2 pks cornbread mix, I use Martha White sweet cornbread mix
5 cans veggie broth
1 medium onion

2 cups of mushrooms, chopped
3-4 stalks celery, chopped
1 stick of butter

3 hard boiled eggs
1-2 T of sage (I know this is a big difference but some people like sage and some do not)
2 raw eggs
3 pieces of toast
2 pks of Lipton onion soup mix

2  T of mayo (secret to keep it creamy!)

Cook cornbread. Saute diced onions, celery and mushrooms in butter. In large bowl mix cornbread, onions, celery together. Add sliced boiled eggs, Lipton onion soup mix, sage to taste, toast and 4 cans of chicken broth. If you want to make this the night before, only mix this much. Cover and  put in fridge. If you want to make it  up the day of your dinner, then add 2 raw eggs (mix up first) and last can of broth and the mayo. This makes it moist. Make sure to understand, the longer it sets, the better the flavor. Cook 350 for 45 minutes to 1 hour in a sprayed 9x13 baking dish. It will firm up some after you take it out.

This recipe does half well so you can cut it in half for a couple of people. I served this with a pineapple casserole and it was great!!! 

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

Thanks to Heather from Healthy with Heather blog. I found this recipe from visiting the Secret Recipe Club website. I am so excited to possibly join them in a couple of short months!
That is if Amanda will have me! LOL :D

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
Makes 5 rolls ~ about 30 pinwheels depending on how big you slice them

Ingredients

·         8 ounces cream cheese, softened

·         6 ounces feta cheese crumbles

·         6 ounces smoked salmon (I could not find a good smoked salmon. I used canned pink salmon and 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke I had on hand)

·         1/2 cup green onion, diced

·         1/2 cup dried cranberries

·         1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper

·         5 soft whole wheat tortillas

     5-6 springs of wheat grass chopped (optional-gave it a green and earthy flavor)

Directions

1.      In a large mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese, feta, smoke salmon, green onions, cranberries, grass and pepper until well combined.

2.  Spread the mixture evenly over each tortilla. Tightly roll the tortilla and wrap with saran wrap. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight. Once firm, slice into 1 inch pieces. Serve chilled.

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Posted in: Appetizer Recipes,Main Dish Recipes

Sweet and Creamy Coleslaw

Sweet and Creamy Coleslaw....Heaven! Just in time for Labor Day Weekend fun! What are your plans for this holiday weekend? The hubs and I are heading to a couple of comic book stores, a movie and shopping. Fun times! So tonight to kick off the weekend right, I made finger foods, drank fruity beer,  had a couple of glasses of wine and lots of laughs watching Entourage.

My "finger foods" consisted of cheese, crackers and grapes for starters with a glass of wine. Then finished with Smoked Salmon Pinwheels (recipe for tomorrow) and a side of my sweet coleslaw. I should not say "my" coleslaw since I did not originally create the recipe. I saw it on AllRecipes.com (one of my fave sites by the way)! Go here for the original recipe

I made a few adjustments, as you will notice, but I love this slaw! My husband tried to eat the entire bowl but I had to fend him off with a fork since I need slaw for slaw dogs tomorrow for lunch. LOL! I hope you all have a wonderful and happy Saturday! Be safe this weekend and drink and cook responsibly. :D

Blessed Be....

Crystal

No Pic with this one guys and gals....sorry....

Sweet and Creamy Coleslaw

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) bag coleslaw mix
• 3 tablespoons diced onion
• 2/3 cup creamy salad dressing or mayo
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola
• 1/2 cup white sugar; or 3 packets of Truvia
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar or white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon yellow curry (optional)

Directions

1. Combine the coleslaw mix and onion in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together the salad dressing, vegetable oil, sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, curry, and poppy seeds in a medium bowl; blend thoroughly. Pour dressing mixture over coleslaw mix and toss to coat. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

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Posted in: Sides