Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Some simple, yet delicious appetizers
your guests will want the recipe
or
Is it a Family Secret ?? You decide
Spiced Yogurt Cheese Balls
These cheese balls can easily be prepared ahead of time and need little more than colorful spices, seeds or nuts to dress them up for a party.
Ingredients
32 ounce(s) plain yogurt
1 teaspoon(s) sea salt
1 teaspoon(s) curry powder (optional)
1/8 teaspoon(s) cayenne pepper (optional)
- Make the cheese: Line a strainer with a double thickness of cheesecloth and set it over a large bowl. Place the yogurt, salt, and curry powder and cayenne, if using, in a large bowl and stir to combine. Transfer the yogurt to the strainer, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let the liquid strain off into a bowl placed beneath it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Cover a large plate with several thicknesses (about 6 to 8) of toweling and transfer the strained yogurt to the prepared plate. Cover lightly with plastic and let sit, refrigerated, for 4 to 6 hours.
- Make the cheese balls: Scrape the yogurt from the towel into a medium-size bowl. Serve in a bowl with assorted crackers and breads or shape tablespoonfuls of the cheese into balls. If desired, garnish the cheese balls with chopped nuts, seeds (such as poppy or caraway), or a light sprinkling of spice like paprika or cinnamon. Store refrigerated and tightly covered for up to 3 days.
Smokey Popcorn
Give popcorn a flavor boost by tossing it with aged Gouda and smoked paprika.
Ingredients
1 cup(s) corn kernels
8 tablespoon(s) vegetable oil, divided
3/4 cup(s) finely grated aged Gouda
1 tablespoon(s) smoked paprika
2 teaspoon(s) salt
- In a large pot, pop corn kernels in 4 tablespoons vegetable oil.
- Transfer popcorn to a large bowl; drizzle with 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, then toss with Gouda, paprika, and salt.
German Onion Tart
This recipe comes from the Vintage Restaurant at Stone Hill Winery in Hermann, Mo., along the Missouri Wine Trail. This hearty, old-fashioned dish is popular in the German-settled part of Missouri.
- Make the dough: Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat 2 baking sheets with oil and set aside. Combine 1 cup flour, yeast, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Melt 3 tablespoons butter and whisk it and 1 egg together in a medium bowl. Slowly pour the butter-and-egg mixture into the flour mixture while mixing with a wooden spoon. Add the water and continue mixing until a shaggy, wet dough forms. Mix in the remaining flour and transfer dough to a floured work surface. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth but still somewhat tacky. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set in a warm place to rise until doubled in volume -- about 1 1/2 hours.
- Make the onion topping: Place the onions and remaining butter in a large skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Cool completely. Whisk together the remaining egg, sour cream, white pepper, and remaining salt. Mix with the cooled onions.
- Bake the tart: Punch down dough and divide it into 6 equal portions -- each about the size of a lemon. Press and stretch dough with fingertips to form six 8-inch circles and crimp the edges to form a ring. Place the 6 dough circles on each prepared sheet and top each with the onion mixture, leaving 1/2 inch free at the edges. Lightly sprinkle caraway seeds over tarts. Bake on the middle shelf of oven until golden brown and onion mixture sets -- about 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tortilla Española
Boasting sweet sautéed onions and velvety Yukon Gold potatoes, tortilla is one of the most popular tapas dishes in Spain. Cut this egg dish into wedges and serve with a glass of chilled white wine to elevate cocktail hour to an epicurean experience.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup(s) olive oil
- 1 1/2 pound(s) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cup(s) sliced yellow onions
- 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
- 6 whole(s) eggs
- 1 teaspoon(s) pimenton, (see Tips)
- 1/2 teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper
- Heat the oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, add the potatoes, and cook, turning frequently, for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Continue to cook for 25 more minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the oil and transfer the vegetables into a bowl. Wipe the skillet clean.
- Beat the eggs, pimentón, and remaining salt and pepper together and stir in the vegetables. Heat 1 tablespoon reserved oil in the skillet over medium-low heat.
- Pour the egg mixture into the skillet. Cook until just set -- 5 to 7 minutes. Loosen the sides with a spatula, place a heat-proof plate facedown over the skillet, and invert the tortilla.
- Heat remaining oil in the skillet over low heat. Slide in tortilla, cooked side up. Cook for 3 more minutes. Slide tortilla onto a plate. Cool slightly before serving.
Special Thanks to Country Living for the Tempting Appetizers
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Monday, 28 November 2011
We just adore this wedding with a splash of Green
We are green with envy at the joy portrayed
Congratulations to the Happy Couple
and
Special Thanks To
Louisville,KY
Friday, 25 November 2011
The kids are out on Winter Vacation
They are bored and excited at the same time
Here are some easy to make ornaments to fill their time
-
 Colorful Christmas Cats
-
- Materials
-
- Wooden craft spoons
- Acrylic paint
- White card stock
- Glue
- Pipe cleaners
- Seed beads
- Fine-point permanent marker
- Green tissue paper
- Red beads or glitter
- String
Instructions:
1. To make each one, first coat a wooden craft spoon with acrylic paint. Paint a patch of the same shade onto a piece of white card stock and let the paints dry.
2. Cut a 1⁄2-inch square from the card stock, then cut the square in half diagonally and glue the 2 triangles to the top of the spoon for ears. For a tail, curl a 6-inch piece of pipe cleaner and glue it to the back of the spoon.
3. Glue on black seed beads for eyes and draw a face with a fine-point permanent marker. Add a holly collar by twisting two or three 1-inch squares of green tissue paper around the tip of a pencil, then glue them in place, adding a few tiny red beads or glitter for berries. Glue on more beads for buttons.
4. Make a hanger by tying a piece of string into a loop and gluing the knot to the back of the spoon. Let all the glue dry completely before hanging.
 
Reindeer Gift Bag
Materials
-
- Paper bag
- Glue
- Card stock
-
-
We used 8 1/2-inch-tall bags here, but you can alter the parts for larger bags, if necessary. Use a pencil to mark a brown paper bag as shown, then cut along the solid lines to create a rounded top and 2 separate teardrop ear shapes.
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Fold the bag along the dotted line, then glue an antler (cut from brown card stock) and an ear inside the fold on each side of the bag.
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For the eyes, glue 2 small white paper circles to 2 black circles, use a marker to add dots for pupils, then glue them to the bag.
-
Glue on a red pom-pom for a nose. Let all of the glue dry before placing a small gift inside
-
Spoon Santa
Materials
-
- Red felt
- Scissors
- Pushpin
- Monofilament
- Wooden craft spoon
- White faux fur
- Glue or glue dots
- Self-adhesive googly eyes
- Small white pom-pom
-
-
Cut out a red felt hat that's slightly taller than the craft spoon handle (ours is about 3 inches). Use a pushpin to poke a hole through the felt about 1/4 inch below the tip of the hat. Thread a 7-inch length of monofilament through the hole and knot the ends to create a loop.
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Cut out a fur strip to trim the hat and glue it in place. Then cut out a fur beard.
-
Glue the hat and the beard to the spoon as shown, then stick the googly eyes to the wood. Finally, glue a small white pom-pom to the tip of the hat.
Nutty Little Elves
- Materials
-
- Ballpoint pen
- Peanuts in the shells
- Brown pipe cleaners cut into 3-inch pieces
- Colored pipe cleaners
- Craft glue
- Mini googly eyes
- Pom-poms in assorted colors and sizes
- Fine-tip markers
- Scissors
- Felt, assorted colors
- Craft sticks
- Toothpicks
- Candy canes
- Ribbon
-
-
Use the end of a ballpoint pen to poke 4 small holes through each peanut shell, 2 for the arms and 2 for the legs. Push a 3-inch piece of brown pipe cleaner through one armhole, then out the other for arms. Push another piece through one leghole and out the other, then wrap a small piece of different-colored pipe cleaner around the bottom of each leg for elf shoes.
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Give the peanut a face by gluing on a set of googly eyes and a mini pom-pom nose, then draw on a mouth with a marker.
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For an elfin cap, cut out a long, thin colored felt triangle with a base no longer than 2 inches, glue together the sides, and attach it to the peanut elf's head. Cut the point off the hat and glue a mini pom-pom to the top.
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Now give the elf some props: a pair of craft-stick skis and some toothpick poles, or candy-cane cargo. For the finishing touches, glue a small loop of ribbon to the elf's hat to hang him on the tree.
Rudolph & Company
- Materials
-
- Craft glue
- Craft sticks
- Several shades of brown felt
- Scissors
- Googly eyes
- Red and brown pom-poms
- Off-white felt
- Ribbon
-
-
Glue 3 craft sticks together in a triangle, allowing some overlap on two corners for antlers, as shown. Glue 2 more craft sticks to the triangle, one on each side between the overlapped sticks, and let dry.
-
Next, glue a triangular piece of brown felt to the craft stick triangle and trim so the edges of the felt match up with the sticks. Glue on googly eyes, a pom-pom nose, brown felt triangle ears, and a small off-white felt triangle blaze to the reindeer's forehead. Add a loop of colorful ribbon on the back to hang this festive fauna.
Special Thanks to Disney Family Fun for these adorable crafts.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Be blown away by these photos taken at the "Red Barn" by Shellie Benson Photography
Shellie Benson is a custom photographer specializing in unique portraits of newborns, babies, children, teens, seniors and families.
Located in Peoria & Speer Illinois
Serving Central Illinois. Peoria, East Peoria, Speer, Bradford, Rome, Lacon, Henry, Washington, Pekin, Princeton, Lasalle, Peru, Spring Valley, Princeville, Morton, Sunnyland, Dunlap, Wyoming, & Chillicothe, Illinois, but not limited to.)
Monday, 21 November 2011
What a wonderful time of year.
Family together and love fills the air.
Being Thankful for all you have.
We found some wonderful cocktails and drinks to help you celebrate your Thanksgiving.
Apple Pie - Spiced Cider
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 quarts apple cider
- 3 tablespoons firmly packed light-brown sugar
- 7 whole cinnamon sticks, (6 sticks for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Ground cloves
- Freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt
- 1/2 cup Calvados, or other brandy (optional)
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together cider, sugar, spices, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Remove from heat; pour in brandy, if desired. Strain into a pitcher; discard solids. Serve in mugs, garnished with cinnamon sticks.
Apple-Ginger Sparklers
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Ginger Syrup Ginger Syrup
- 4 1/2 cups sparkling apple cider
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- 6 pieces crystallized ginger
Directions
- Place 2 tablespoons ginger syrup in each of six glasses. Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in cider, and stir to combine. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and fresh ginger, and serve.
Berry Little Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 ounce Charbay ruby red grapefruit vodka
- 2 ounces Champagne
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- 1 ounce black currant juice
Directions
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, dissolve sugar into 1 1/2 cups water. Add cranberries and simmer for 5 minutes, or until softened. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain, discard liquid, and place cranberries on a tray in the freezer for at least 2 hours. Chill vodka, Champagne, and juices, then mix in a champagne glass. Garnish with skewer of 4 or 5 frozen candied cranberries. Reserve the rest for another drink.
Cognac Sparklers
Ingredients
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Cognac
- 1 cup chilled sparkling apple cider
- A few dashes bitters
Directions
- Pour 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) Cognac into each of 2 Champagne flutes. Top each with 1/2 cup chilled sparkling apple cider, and finish with a few dashes bitters.
Sparking Pear & Cranberry Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dry cranberries
- 1/2 cup organic pear nectar
- 32 ounces Moscato d'Asti wine
- 8 small sprigs fresh rosemary
Directions
- Put cranberries in a small bowl; add 2 tablespoons warm water. Soak until cool, about 15 minutes. Drain, pat dry, and refrigerate until serving.
- Divide pear nectar evenly among eight tall champagne glasses. Add cranberries, and then gently pour the Moscato d'Asti into the glasses. Garnish each with a rosemary sprig.
Special Thanks to Martha Stewart for these delicious recipes.
Friday, 18 November 2011
Let the Games Begin
Are you going to be up way too early on Black Friday?
We found some quick and easy recipes for that left over Turkey
Turkey Broccoli Quiche recipe with Swiss cheese and eggs and a little curry powder.
Ingredients:
- 1 9-inch pie shell, unbaked
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh broccoli
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3/4 cup chopped cooked turkey
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Preparation:
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook broccoli and onion, stirring frequently, until tender. Drain.
Sprinkle broccoli and onion, turkey, and cheese into prepared pie shell.
In a medium bowl, beat eggs slightly; beat in half-and-half, curry powder, and salt. Pour egg mixture over turkey and broccoli mixture. Bake at 425° for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 325° continue baking for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
This tasty Turkey Casserole recipe is made with leftover turkey, leftover stuffing and gravy, and a little cranberry sauce for topping.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 cups prepared turkey stuffing
- 2 cups cooked cut up or sliced turkey
- 1 3/4 to 2 cups prepared turkey gravy
- 1/3 cup jellied or whole cranberry sauce, cubed
Preparation:
Butter bottom and sides of 2-quart baking dish. Arrange half of the stuffing in bottom of dish. Add half of the turkey then half of the gravy. Repeat layers. Top with cubes of cranberry sauce. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.
Serves 4.
This Turkey and Rice Crockpot Recipe is quick to fix and easy to cook in the slow cooker.
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 2 1/2 cups uncooked converted white rice
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cups cubed cooked turkey
- 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning blend
Preparation:
Pour soup and water into the slow cooker and mix to blend thoroughly. Add remaining ingredients and stir. Cook 5 to 7 hours on Low or 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours on High. Check from time to time to make sure rice does not get mushy. Serves 8.
HAPPY SHOPPING
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
We LOVE the Holidays
Some Amazing Photos & An Adorable Shop
Special Photo Thanks To:
Special Thanks To:
Darlin's Plants & Gifts - Tupelo MS
Monday, 14 November 2011
Just LOVE these photos
Just LOVE the town
Just LOVE the Joy
Special Thanks To:
Shellie Benson is a custom photographer specializing in unique portraits of newborns, babies, children, teens, seniors and families.
Located in Peoria & Speer Illinois
Serving Central Illinois. Peoria, East Peoria, Speer, Bradford, Rome, Lacon, Henry, Washington, Pekin, Princeton, Lasalle, Peru,
Spring Valley, Princeville, Morton, Sunnyland, Dunlap, Wyoming, & Chillicothe, Illinois, but not limited to.)
Friday, 11 November 2011
Dancing To Your Own Beat
A Family Affair Wedding
Special Thanks To:
PhotoJeNic - Cali
phone: 828-292-9941
Wednesday, 09 November 2011
Just ADORE these photos
You can feel the FUN & LOVE
Special Thanks To:
Monday, 07 November 2011
True Innocence At It's Best
What wonderful memories for all time
Special Thanks To:
Inspired Images & Events
FaceBook: Inspired Images
Friday, 04 November 2011
A glimpse of completed Wedding Cakes with their Toppers
Click Here for Wedding Cake Toppers
Special Thanks to YumYum Cakes for these fab photos.
Wednesday, 02 November 2011
Damask is so popular and trendy with weddings.
Feathers add a flourish and touch of whimsy.
Candles give the glow of intimacy and romance.
Click Here for DAMASK Favors
Special Thanks To:
For these Stunning Photos
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