Friday, March 9, 2012

FASTFOOD FRIDAY

MORNING EVERYONE
I'm so excited and I just can't hide it
I'm about to lose control and I think I like it..
For you young ones that is a song by the Pointer Sisters... my era.. Anyway I am already to take a great vacation with my hubby and just do some soaking up the rays..reading some books and do some shopping... I hope my girlfriend Marilyn, who is down there now has not scooped up all the deals... I must say I think we should get the AWARD for the best shoppers in the world.. We can grab a coffee in the morning be at the door when it opens and stay til it closes and believe me in that time frame we might never leave Macey's, Ross Dress for Less, TJ Max`s or Nordstrom Rack..`his is how much of a serious shoppers we are...I have been on the internet and got all the addresses for the above stores and put them in my GPS ...now that is SERIOUS shopping...

CLEAN LEAN
LETTUCE WRAPS
James Duigan: Ultimate Clean & Lean Lettuce Wrap
Ingredients
4 leaves iceberg lettuce
4 slices roast turkey
1/2 cucumber, sliced
250g hummus
sprinkle of paprika            
Top a lettuce leaf with a slice of turkey, cucumber, hummus and paprika, then, as if it were a sandwich, wrap it up with another piece of lettuce.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients. 

This can be done with a variety of ingredients, such as tomatoes, avocados or peppers, as well as salmon, chicken, lamb or prawns.
White cheeses, herbs, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, turmeric, oregano, all work too. Whatever you have in your fridge!

I am not sure if I will be blogging everyday while I am away but I will do my best to keep you up to date as to what is happening .. We rent a home down there so not sure what our menu will be while we are down there but it will be nice to have a partner in crime to try some different cuisine...To my little monkey that is due on April 7th please hold tight til Granny gets home...

ENJOY
CHEERS
GRANNY

Thursday, March 8, 2012

THRIFTY THURSDAY

MORNING EVERYONE
Two more sleeps and we are heading to the sun... Just want to relax by our pool, read some good books, enjoy my Besties company and go to some ballgames... Oh I forgot do some shopping... Today is gloomy out, what happened to the sun... oh I forgot it is waiting for me in Arizona..

SPICY HONEY CHICKEN
SALAD
Spicy Honey Chicken Salad photo

Ingredients

  • 1-2 heads Romaine or Red Leaf Lettuce
  • 2 ripe but firm mangoes, chilled
  • 2-3 ripe but firm avocados
  • optional: thinly sliced red onions
  • Spicy Honey Chicken
  • Honey Citrus Vinaigrette

Directions

While chicken is grilling, wash lettuce and divide among serving plates. Slice avocados, onions, and mangoes and place them on top of the lettuce. When chicken is finished, let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing to preserve the juices. Then slice it up and divide among the salads. Pour dressing over and serve.

CITRUS HONEY
VINAIGRETTE:
1/4 cup canola oil
1 Tbl unseasoned rice vinegar
1 Tbl honey
1 Tbl fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp grainy mustard
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp white pepper
2-3 dashes hot pepper sauce


SPICY HONEY SAUCE
FOR CHICKEN 

  • 1 c Bottled chili sauce
  • 1⁄4 c Minced Onion
  • 2 T Dry red wine
  • 1 T Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 t Dijon mustard

1.Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.
2. Heat in a sauce pan to boiling, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 5 minutes.
4. Brush sauce on chicken  during the last 5 minutes of cooking


THRIFTY THURSDAY
Grilling Brushes. You can  use good-quality paintbrushes from the hardware store and replace them often, since after a while it's hard to get them clean. Pastry brushes are fine but expensive.

Still have a little bit of work to do around here but this is the least rush I have felt in a longtime when trying to get ready to head off on a holiday so that is a good thing...

ENJOY
CHEERS
GRANNY

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

CROCKPOT WEDNESDAY

MORNING EVERYONE..
Another beautiful morning up here on the mountain...Well I am all packed and I have a nice clean house that I can come home to when I get home from my vacation so I am a happy camper today... The birds are really chirping this morning so I just know that we are going to have a nice warm spring... Would love to go and buy some Polyanthus to put in my pots and give my yard some colour but all my luck I will do that and the Frost will come... so just have to wait

SLOW COOKED
SHEPHERD'S PIE

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs Ground Beef
  • 1 package 12 oz chopped onions
  • 2 tsps minced garlic
  • 1 can (14oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 package (16 oz) frozen peas & carrots
  • 3 TBSP Quick Cooking Tapioca
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black peper
  • 2 packages (24oz) prepared mashed potatoes…or make your own
Directions
  1. Cook beef in a large skillet over medium high heat, until cooked through.
  2. Transfer to slow cooker.
  3. Back in the skillet cook the onions and garlic until onions begin to soften and add those to the slow cooker.
  4. Stir in tomatoes, veggies, tapioca, oregano, salt and pepper.
  5. Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours
  6. Top with prepared mashed potatoes. Cover and cook on low until potatoes are heated through about 30 minutes

Another option that you can do is once the crockpot ingredients are done you can spoon some into Ramekins (individual casserole dishes) and then top with your potatoes and pop them in the oven to warm up the potatoes and it will also give the potatoes a bit of crunch.

Have a great day and just remember any day is a good day when you are above ground...

ENJOY
CHEERS
GRANNY

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

TIPSY TUESDAY

MORNING EVERYONE
Not a cloud in the sky...got to love it... Might have to do a Walk -a-Bout today... I just wish that the sun would get our side of the street in the morning... but can not complain we live in the best part of the world....Going to clean house today as I have been putting it off for the last couple of weeks.. so I have my work cut out for me today..

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STEAK AND MUSHROOM PIE

1.5kg (3.31 pounds) stewing beef (I used chuck steak cut into chunks, bone removed)
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, diced
2 celery sticks, diced
250g (8.82 ounces) mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp each dried thyme, dried rosemary and dried oregano herbs)
2 bay leaves
500ml (16.91 fluid ounces) (2 cups) strong beef stock
1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 50ml (1.69 fluid ounces) milk
salt & pepper to taste
1 roll ready-made puff pastry, rolled out slightly
1 egg, beaten
  • For the filling, brown the beef in a large pot. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same pot, fry the onion, carrots and celery sticks until soft and fragrant (about 10 minutes).
  • Add the mushrooms and garlic and fry for 5 minutes before adding the paprika and herbs.
  • Pour in the stock and add the browned beef back into the pot. Stir to combine everything and reduce the heat. Cover the pot and allow the stew to simmer gently for 1 1/2 – 2 hours.
  • When the meat is really tender (when you press a piece with a spoon it should break apart), turn the heat up and pour in the cornflour mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer rapidly and thicken for about 10 minutes.
  • Pre-heat the oven to 180°c.
  • Divide the beef and mushroom filling between 4-6 oven-proof dishes (depending on size).
  • Cut the pastry into squares big enough to cover the dishes, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Brush the rim of the dishes with some of the beaten egg then place the pastry on top and pinch the pastry onto the rim.
  • Cut 2 slits into each pie to allow the steam to escape and brush with the rest of the beaten egg.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is cooked through and golden brown.
  • Remove and serve with vegetables of your choice. 
TIPSY TUESDAY

To keep cauliflower white while cooking -
add a little milk to the water.

Congratulations to one of my followers who  has started her own blog I am quite excited for her.. She seems to love to cook desserts so my dessert for Saturday will be from her blog and it will be a great time to introduce you all to her... Lovely young lady..

ENJOY
CHEERS
GRANNY

Monday, March 5, 2012

MENU MONDAY

MORNING EVERYONE
Sorry for no posts last week..had a hectic week.. getting all my orders finished before holidays...got all my laundry caught up and ironing done now today is pack pack pack..
We had a great weekend had our Grandson up for an Adventure and a sleepover and we took him bowling ...he likes bowling... He is getting pretty good at it... still has to have the bumper pads up just in case...Granny and Grumpy enjoy watching him have a good time...
Our little grandson was to come as well but he had an ear ache so he stayed home and got to cuddle with his mommy everyday... how lucky was he..
Sunday we did a maternity photo shoot with my daughter Andrea .. I can hardly wait until this little monkey is born... He or She just needs do hold on til we get back from holidays...

MONDAY  MEXICAN MAC ' CHEESE
TUESDAY  STEAK AND MUSHROOM POT PIE
WEDNESDAY  SLOW COOKED SHEPHERDS PIE
THURSDAY  SPICY HONEY CHICKEN SALAD
FRIDAY  CLEAN LEAN LETTUCE WRAPS

MEXICAN MAC ' CHEESE
Mexican Mac & Cheese

Ingredients
  • 12 ounces dried mostaccioli or rigatoni pasta (3 cups)
  • 1 pound bulk pork sausage
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 16 ounce jar green medium-hot salsa
  • 8 ouncepackageshredded Monterey Jack cheese (4 cups)
Tomato wedges, sliced jalapeno peppers, and chopped fresh cilantro
Salsa (optional)
Directions
 
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 3-quart rectangular baking dish; set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in large skillet cook sausage and onion until meat is browned and onion is tender. Drain fat, Return sausage and onion to skillet. Stir in green salsa.
3. In prepared baking dish layer half of the cooked pasta, half the sausage mixture, and half the cheese. Repeat layers. Bake, uncovered, for 35 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes. Top with tomato, jalapeno, and cilantro. If desired, serve with additional salsa. Makes 12 servings.

My friend Pat tried the Banana Split Pizza dessert and apparently her family loved it.. Glad to hear that my followers are trying out some of my recipes.. that is what makes me keep doing the blog...

ENJOY
CHEERS
GRANNY

Sunday, February 26, 2012

SITDOWN SUNDAY

EVENING EVERYONE
Have had a very busy weekend.. Yesterday went to Victoria to spend a couple of hours with Kimberly while Grumpy had lunch with the Hotrod boys... Today we were on the road early heading down to Mike and Lisa's for the Daytona race .. but it was under rain delay so we just watched the hockey game, and Scottie's Tournament of Hearts on his new big screen TV.. felt like it was at the Theatre..
I missed my posting yesterday so I will post a craft and a Sweet this evening.

SWEET SATURDAY

BANANA SPLIT BROWNIE
PIZZA
Looking for a special treat for the kiddos? Look no further than this Banana Split Brownie Pizza. Using your favorite boxed brownie mix as a base and load it up with fruits, nuts, marshmallows and chocolate fudge sauce.
1 (20-ounce) box fudge brownie mix (recommended: Duncan Hines)
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened ( Can use Cool Whip instead)
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
2 tablespoons sugar
2 banana, sliced
1 cup fresh strawberries sliced
Marshmallows
Maraschino cherries
1 cup chopped nuts
Coconut
Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
Whipped cream
Mint, for garnish
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Foil line and Grease a 15-inch pizza pan.
2. Prepare brownie mix according to directions on box. Pour onto prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until done. Remove from oven and cool.
3. Beat cream cheese while adding pineapple and sugar together in a bowl. Spread mixture over brownie crust. Arrange banana, strawberry slices, marshmallows, and cherries over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with nuts and coconut. Drizzle with chocolate syrup. Add whipped cream on top and mint for garnish. To serve, slice as you would a pizza

3C'S CRAFT
TIC TAC TOE
Pinned Image
This is quite easy to make and everyone loves tic tac toe... Small rocks painted like a ladybug and a worm.. then take a childs chakb board..how easy was that...
Well tomorrow I am heading down to Victoria to go to the spa with Andrea to get a pedicure so my feet will be happy for Scottsdale... Can't wait to wear flip flops..
ENJOY
CHEERS
GRANNY

Friday, February 24, 2012

FASTFOOD FRIDAY

MORNING EVERYONE..
Did not get a chance to post yesterday was dealing with a broken work machine.. Took me all day to fix it but it is up and running again and I did not have to call a service guy ..I empressed my self on doing it my self.. as Grumpy would say PROUD. PROUD. PROUD..
Today is a day to finish up little things and then it is the weekend..Looking forward to it... Spend time with Grumpy not sure what we are up to other then going to a Daytona 500 Brunch...
I want to give a shout out to my stepdaughter Kyrsta's "Bestie" Jolene.. she has started up a business of becoming a Watkins associate so for those of you who need any product please send her an email as she would love to hear from you as well as get this adventure off the ground with lots of clients..
Here is her info and I am going to post the Watkins Onion Soup Recipe today.


http://gogreenwithjolene.blogspot.com/2012/02/sharing-love.html

Thursday's recipe:
CHICKEN AND RICE

Ingredients

  • 2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 4 cups Cooked Brown Rice
  • ¾ cups Frozen Corn
  • 15 ounces, fluid Can Black Beans, Drained And Rinsed
  • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (or Sour Cream)
  • 4 ounces, fluid Can Green Chilis
  • ½ cups Salsa
  • 1 cup Low-fat Cheddar Cheese, Plus More For Topping
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Cilantro For Garnish




Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except for cilantro and mix thoroughly to combine. Make sure the yogurt and cheese are stirred in throughout the entire bowl. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Transfer to an oven-safe dish and top with extra cheese if you would like. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
To make this process easier, I always have cooked chicken on hand, and use Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice. If you have those two things, this can be throw together in a matter of minutes! It can also easily be made ahead of time and reheated.

WATKINS ONION SOUP
Fabulous French Onion Soup
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Ingredients
5 medium onions
3 tbsp/45 mL butter or margarine
1-1/2 quarts/liters water
1/4 cup/60 mL Beef Soup & Gravy
1 tbsp/15 mL Onion Soup & Gravy
1/4 tsp/1.2 mL Black Pepper 6 oz
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Pinch of Thyme
6 slices French bread
Butter or margarine
1 cup/250 mL (4 oz/113 g) shredded cheese (Swiss or Cheddar)

Cooking Directions
Peel and thinly slice onions. Heat the 3 tbsp/45 ml butter in a heavy 3-quart/liter saucepan over low heat; add onions and cook slowly, stirring until golden in color, about 10 minutes. Gradually blend in water, soup bases, and seasonings. Bring to a boil; cover and simmer about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, toast one side of bread under broiler until golden brown. Butter untoasted side and sprinkle slices with 1/4 cup/60 ml cheese; broil until cheese is melted. To serve, place hot soup into oven-proof bowls or mugs; float French bread slices on top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; broil until cheese is bubbly and brown

I have highlighted the ingredients that you can order from Jolene your new Watkins Associate  :)

Since I missed Thrifty Thursday here it goes.
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It seems that the new style for bedding is to have a throw stretched over the middle of the bed.. Well I know how expensive throws can be so what I have been doing in my last couple of changingof duvets is taking my large tablecloths (I have a linen closet full of them cause as you know I love to set a nice table for dinner) and using them as a throw.. I have attached a photo to give you an idea of what I mean... Gee to bad this was not "Walk About " day I might just have to check out the thrift stores for some nice spring tablecloths..

ENJOY
CHEERS
GRANNY

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

CROCKPOT WEDNESDAY

MORNING EVERYONE
Hope you like the new look.. I cannot seem to get Granny's Kitchen in the right spot on my header so will have to work on that.. Today is nice and sunny up here but have not stepped outside to see if it is warm or cold.. Have to head to town today as I broke a needle on my work pleater so might just have to do another look in the stores for the Jones bottles that have my grandkids pictures on them...no luck so far..

BACON CHEESE POTATOES
 
Ingredients
  • 1/4 pound bacon, diced
  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 pound cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
  • salt and pepper
  • butter
  • Green Onions (optional)
Directions
  1. Line crockpot with foil, leaving enough to cover the potatoes when finished.
  2. Layer half each of the bacon, onions, potatoes and cheese in crockpot. Season to taste and dot with butter.
  3. Repeat layers of bacon, onions, potatoes and cheese. Dot with butter.
  4. Cover with remaining foil.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours.

We are going to a brunch for Daytona 500 race this Sunday  so I think I am going to make this the night before and take it out with me in the morning and crisp it up in the oven...Well let you know how that worked out.. Have a good day ...
ENJOY
CHEERS
GRANNY

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

TIPSY TUESDAY

MORNING EVERYONE
Already been to town, did some banking and grabbed a coffee now it is down to work.. Had a great time on the weekend .. went to the states and never even went into the mall to shop.. I am saving that shopping trip for when I go to Phoenix with my girlfriend... Since I have not posted the last couple of days I will try do fit it all in today...

TUESDAY..
Chicken Alfredo Biscuit Casserole
Chicken Alfredo Biscuit Casserole

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon butter
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 jar (16 oz) Alfredo pasta sauce
1/4 cup milk
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
2 cups Green Giant® SELECT® frozen broccoli florets, thawed
1/4 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 can (7.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

1 Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.                   
2   In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Cook mushrooms and onion in butter, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in Alfredo sauce, milk, chicken, broccoli and basil. Cook until mixture is thoroughly heated and bubbly, stirring constantly. Spoon into baking dish.                   
3 Separate dough into 10 biscuits. Cut each biscuit in half crosswise. Arrange around edge of baking dish, overlapping slightly. Drizzle biscuits with melted butter; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.                   
4 Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.
 
To make ahead, follow directions through step 2, using a glass baking dish. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, uncover and heat in microwave until bubbly and heated throughout, stirring as needed. Then complete steps 3 and 4.
 
WEDNESDAY.. Bacon Cheese Potatoes
THURSDAY...Chicken and Rice
FRIDAY..Watkins Onion Soup

SWEET SATURDAY
Fresh Strawberry
Yogurt Cake
Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Cake

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 Tb. lemon juice, divided
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • ½ tsp. baking soda
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 8 oz. plain or vanilla, Greek yogurt
  • 12 oz. fresh strawberries, diced
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325*. Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan. Sift together the 2 ¼ cups of flour, baking soda and salt. Mix in the lemon zest and set aside.
  2. With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 Tb. lemon juice. Alternate beating in the flour mixture and the yogurt, mixing just until incorporated.
  3. Toss the strawberries with the remaining ¼ cup of flour. Gently mix them into the batter.
  4. Pour the batter into the Bundt pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  5. Allow to cool at least 20 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. Once cooled whisk together the remaining 2 Tb. of lemon juice and the powdered sugar. Drizzle over the top of the cake.
What you will discover is that the consistency of the yogurt and the juiciness of the berries, greatly determined the consistency of the batter. Thick, (dryer) yogurt will produce a thicker batter, in which the berries won’t sink to the bottom (top) of the cake. Either way, it is a great cake–don’t worry about the thickness.
Preparation time: 15 minute(s)
Cooking time: 1 hour(s)

3C's SUNDAY
Painted art Canvas with painted twigs ..here is the tutorial for the paper flowers
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Now this tutorial that I have attached is not the same as what is on the canvas but I love the way these flowers are done.. so I just had to post it.. Sky is the limit here ladies on what you can do..

 11

TIPSY TUESDAY
Mini Taco bowls
Mini Taco Bowls.
Take a 6" taco and  Sprinkle each tortilla lightly with water and stack them on a plate. Cover the top with another plate turned upside down and microwave the tortillas for 1 minute or until warm. Turn two 12 cup muffin pans upside down. Mist each side of a tortilla lightly with cooking spray and center it in the space between 4 muffin cups, creating a bowl. Repeat with the 5 remaining tortillas, forming 3 bowls on each tin (as pictured above). Bake in the oven at 375  for 8-10 minutes.

Well now my fingers are tired from typing I will go and have a nice cup of tea..
ENJOY
CHEERS
GRANNY

Friday, February 17, 2012

FAST FOOD FRIDAY

MORNING EVERYONE..
Suitcases are packed..car is packed and we are ready to go.. Much needed brake for us...Just hope that the border crossing is not to long.. It is Presidents Weekend in the states this weekend so could make for lineups at the border.. Hoping to get the 1:00 ferry but might have to wait for the 3:00.. Got my Ipad in hand and we can play some games of scrabble with a coffee in hand.. LOVE that game..
Maybe I shouldn’t admit this, but I love hot dogs. I mean, I really love hot dogs. I think that’s probably because of oven hot dogs.I know, they sound crazy. And you have to eat them with a fork and knife. But I promise oven hot dogs are absolutely delicious.
OVEN HOTDOGS
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8 hot dogs
8 hot dog buns
1 can of chili
1/2 an onion, diced
cheddar cheese
mayonnaise
mustard
sweet relish
Line inside of hot dog buns with mayonnaise and sweet relish. Evenly add mustard. Fill with hot dogs and squish into a 13×9″ baking pan.
Top hot dogs with chili, cheese, and diced onion. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350F for 45 minutes.
Now be careful when you take them out or they could land on the floor.. You have to eat them with a knife and fork cause they are crispy on top. One of the best things about this recipe is that the kids can help make these..
ENJOY
CHEERS
GRANNY

Thursday, February 16, 2012

THRIFTY THURSDAY


MORNING EVERYONE
Another morning of getting up when it is still dark.. what is up with that.. I have a homebased business so that I can sleep in but for some reason that has not been happening this week.. Must be getting excited about going away in March for a couple of weeks and knowing that I have lots of work to do before I leave...
MUSHROOM STUFFED
CHICKEN
Pinned Image

Ingredients

  • 2 (1-ounce) slices white bread, torn
  • Cooking spray 
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 8 ounces presliced mushrooms 
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 garlic clove, minced 
  • 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided 
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided 
  • 4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 
Preparation
  1.  Preheat oven to 350°.
  2.  Pulse bread in a food processor to form fine crumbs. Place in a dish.
  3.  Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onions and mushrooms; sauté 10 minutes. Stir in thyme and garlic. Cool mixture 10 minutes; stir in cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  4.  Cut a slit through thickest portion of each breast half to form a pocket. Stuff each with 1/4 cup mushroom mixture. Sprinkle chicken with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place flour in a shallow dish. Place eggs in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken in flour. Dip in eggs; dredge in breadcrumbs.
  5.  Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 2 minutes on each side or until browned. Place pan in oven. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until a thermometer registers 165°
THRIFTY THURSDAY
How to clean your silver jewelry with kitchen supplies.. All you need is a hot water, baking soda and disposable aluminum roasting pan.. Now I would not clean any silver that has a precious stone not sure how the Baking Soda would be on the the jewel.. I use an piece of flannel to do the buffing after it is clean... This method has worked great on my native silver jewelry that I have.. I have attached a video on how this works...
Well off to work downstairs for this morning then I have to pack a bag for the weekend.. We are off to see our friends at the lake...
ENJOY
CHEERS
GRANNY

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

CROCKPOT WEDNESDAY

MORNING EVERYONE
It is still dark out , but then it is 6:00 in the morning... Got a busy day today getting a couple of orders finished off and then heading down to Victoria to have supper with Grumpys mom and help her take down her Christmas decorations... We had told her that she should leave her tree up and then we could hang her Easter stuff on it ..Chuckle Chuckle...Hope you all had a nice Valentines and got spoilt..
If you like licorice you should like this recipe.. Fennel has that licorice flavour that will go great with the pears...I have not tried this recipe myself but it intrigued me ... so if you get a chance to try it before me let me know how it worked..

FENNEL AND PEAR
CHICKEN THIGHS
Fennel-and-Pear Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
  • 1 medium fennel bulb, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges
  • 2 6 - 7 ounce jar (drained weight) sliced mushrooms, drained
  • 1/2 cup coarsely snipped dried pears
  • 2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca, finely ground
  • 2 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
  • 3/4/ teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup pear nectar or apple juice
  • Hot cooked couscous or rice
  • Fennel tops (optional)
Directions
1. In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker, combine sliced fennel, mushrooms, and dried pears. Sprinkle with tapioca. Add chicken thighs; sprinkle with salt, thyme, and pepper. Pour pear nectar over mixture in cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 7 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3-1/2 to 4 hours.
3. Serve chicken mixture with hot cooked couscous. If desired, garnish with fennel tops. Makes 6 servings.

I was thinking that you might be able to use some unriped pears as well ..
ENJOY
CHEERS
GRANNY

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

TIPSY TUESDAY

MORNING EVERYONE
Happy Valentines to you all especially my family..... Love my orange roses that I got this  morning... Love you Grumpy!..It looks like it could be another nice day today..yesterday was beautiful... Went for a walk to the mailbox and I am sure I will do that again today...

Lemon Garlic
Chicken Breasts
Ingredients:

1/4 cup good olive oil
3 tablespoons minced garlic (9 cloves)
1/3 cup dry white wine (I used a Chardonnay)
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme eaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 boneless chicken breasts, skin on (6 to 8 ounces each)
1 lemon

Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Warm the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the garlic, and cook for just 1 minute but don't allow the garlic to brown. Remove pan from stove, and off the heat, add the white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and 1 teaspoon salt and pour into a 9 by 13-inch baking dish.

Pat the chicken breast dry and place them skin side up over the sauce. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle them liberally with salt and pepper. Cut the lemon in 8 wedges and tuck it among the pieces of chicken.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts, until the chicken is done and the skin is lightly browned. If the chicken isn't browned enough, put it under the broiler for about 2 minutes. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Serve hot with the pan juices.

TIPSY TUESDAY
Hair Elastic Bobbin Keeper
Hair Elastic Bobbin Keeper

I think the picture tells it all.. I have been doing  alot of sewing lately for the new baby and I am forever having to change the bobbins for the different colours of thread..and if you are a sewer you all know how thread seems to always keep unraveling off the bobbin.. No more for me..
ENJOY
CHEERS
GRANNY