Monday, January 19, 2015

What's Been Goin' On

While at a fun dinner out with the tall dr's friends, I slipped on an umbrella and did the splits.  In public.  
#embarrassed #rosacea #partyfoul #bruisedknee


When the temperature drops to 13 degrees, a pot of taco soup is a must!
#yum #ilovesoup


The cold temps called for some indoor s'mores makin'!
#ilovesmores #tasty


I spent a weekend in A'ville with the fam.  K's "Library Bear" came along with us for the weekend!
#librarybear #doughnuts


We headed up to Chattanooga to do Christmas with my dad's family!
#gasstationtea  #risingfawn


Sister and I love a big cup of hot tea to start the morning!
#welovetea #thirdrowfun #weneededcaffeine


The whole family enjoyed a fun hibachi lunch!
#librarybearcanusechopsticks 


 Sister and her girls!
#posing #bringonthefire


Katherine's expression says it all!
#librarybeargotalittlescared #onionvolcano


K looked so "big girl" in her new rain boots!
#hunter #pink


Baby Lucas was obsessed with his new grill!
#socool #itmakessteam


Daddy D is the best...he stopped and got us our all time favorite snack-Frosty's!
#kidsize #weneededfriesfordipping


Lish didn't want to miss out on all the Frosty fun!
#nospills #shesgreatwithaspoon


Whoever invented these headphones deserves a medal!
#silencefinally #disneymovie


I made my first attempt at making homemade cornbread for Recipe Club!
#castironskillet #sourcreamcornbread


Made another trip to A'ville for an engagement party.  When we got there, we had a blind wine tasting!
#itgotheated #sofun #welovevino #swirlsniffsipandswallow 


Dee Dee's attention to detail never ceases to amaze me!
#wineeverything 


The tall dr and I enjoyed getting all gussied up for the Sprouse/McClendon engagement party!
#croptop #istillfeelshort 


For the NFL playoffs, I decided to dress in theme for the late game!
#gopatriots


January Recipe Club

 Anna Kate's Hoppin' John Salad


1/2 c uncooked rice (I always use brown rice these days.)
2 c frozen black-eyed peas
2 tsp salt, divided
1/4 c lemon juice
2 T olive oil
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (I didn't use nearly this much.)
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 c chopped celery
1/2 c loosely packed fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 c loosely packed fresh mint, chopped

1. Prepare rice according to package directions.  Cook peas and 1 t salt in water to cover in large pan over med-high heat, stirring often, 30 mins or until tender; drain.
2. Whisk together lemon juice, next 4 ingredients and remaining 1 t salt in large bowl.  Stir in peas, rice, celery, and herbs until blended.  Cover and chill 2 hours.


Sarah's Butternut Squash and Kale



½ whole butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Black pepper to taste
¼ teaspoon chili powder (more to taste)
1 bunch kale, leaves torn, stalks discarded

Preparation Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add squash and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chili powder.  Cook for several minutes, turning gently with a spatula until squash is a deep golden brown and tender (but not falling apart). Remove to a plate and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium high heat and add in the kale. Toss it around with tongs and cook it for 3 to 4 minutes. Add in the cooked squash and gently toss together.

Serve as a side dish with chicken or beef, as a main veggie dish, or as a filling for quesadillas or sandwiches.


Lauren's Spinach Artichoke Bites


One package of cream cheese
1/3 cup mayo
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic
1 can artichoke hearts drained and chopped
1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
2 tubes of crescent roll dough
shredded mozzarella
    Preheat your oven to 375.
    Mix the cream cheese, mayo, parmesan, garlic, artichoke, and spinach in a large bowl.
    Now roll out your crescent roll dough and cut it in squares.  Place each piece in a miniature muffin tin.  Fill each piece with your artichoke dip from the bowl and top with mozzarella cheese


    Amy's Spicey Dr. Pepper Pork


    5-7 lb pork butt
    1 large onion
    2 tablespoon brown sugar
    7oz Adoba peppers in sauce
    24 oz dr pepper

    The actual Pioneer Woman is a little different but I always put in the crock pot. 
    Cut onion in large chunks and place in bottom then add all other ingredients. Cook on low for 8 hrs. 
    You can serve as BBQ, tacos, potatoe, etc!
    ***FYI- I never use full 7oz can of peppers. I normally use 1/2 to 3/4 depending on the size of pork! 


    Virginia's Sour Cream Cornbread


    1 1/2 cups self-rising white cornmeal mix
    1/2 cup all-purpose flour
    1 (14.75-oz.) can low-sodium cream-style corn
    1 (8-oz.) container light sour cream
    3 large eggs, lightly beaten
    2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
    1/2 cup (2 oz.) 2% reduced-fat shredded Cheddar cheese (optional) 

    Preheat oven to 450°. Heat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in oven 5 minutes.  Stir together cornmeal mix and flour in a large bowl; add corn and next 3 ingredients, stirring just until blended. Pour batter into hot lightly greased skillet. Top with cheese, if desired.
    Bake at 450° for 22 to 24 minutes or until golden brown and cornbread pulls away from sides of skillet.


    Caron's One Pot Shrimp and Grits


    8oz andouille sausage chopped
    3tbsp olive oil
    1.25lb medium- large shrimp peeled
    1 medium size sweet onion diced
    2 celery ribs chopped
    3 garlic cloves chopped
    1 cup dry white wine
    6 cups vegetable broth
    1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes drained
    1/2 green bell pepper diced
    1/2 red bell pepper diced
    1/2 cup chopped green onions
    1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning
    1tsp salt
    1/2tsp pepper
    1.5 cups uncooked grits
    2tbsp chopped fresh oregano

    Cook sausage in large Dutch oven. Remove sausage with slotted spoon, reserving drippings in Dutch oven. Drain sausage on paper towels.
    Stir oil into drippings. Cook shrimp in batches over med-high heat until opaque. Remove with slotted spoon. Reduce heat to medium.
    Sauté onion and celery in Dutch oven over medium heat 3-5 minutes until tender. Add garlic, and saute one minute. Stir in wine and cook, stirring occasionally, five minutes or until reduced by half. Stir in broth and next 7 ingredients, and bring to boil over medium heat. Whisk in grits and return mixture to a boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, 20-25 ,minutes or until thickened. Stir in oregano, reserved sausage, and shrimp. Cook, stirring occasionally, 5 more minutes.


    Dede's Pecan Pie


    3 eggs
    1/2 cup sugar
    1 cup brown corn syrup 
    2 heaping tbsp butter
    1 tsp vanilla
    1 cup pecans, broken
    1 unbaked pie shell

    Beat eggs thoroughly.   Add sugar and corn syrup.  Add butter, vanilla and pecans. Pour into unbaked pie shell and bake in 400 degree oven for 10 minutes reduce temperature to 300-325 and bake 40 minutes. 


    Sunday, January 4, 2015

    Christmas

    In early December, I celebrated the nuptials of one of my fave coworkers!
    #mrandmrsgalafassi


    The tall dr was in Miami, so I missed my better half!
    #solo 


    If you're in need of a great pepper grinder, go to World Market!
    #treatforthetalldr #christmasmorningpepper


    Babysat my Lish while her Momma and Sister went to a birthday party!
    #shessocute


    Went to the Vestavia Christmas parade with the Crowes!
    #sisterselfie


    Loved getting to see my DB in her first parade!
    #shelovedit #flyingcandy


    I whipped up some Rosemary Roasted Cashews for the tall dr's family!
    #christmasbaking #yummy


    We had a blast at school doing Christmas crafts with the kid-os!
    #gingerbreadgigi #crosseyed


    The Nest celebrated the last day of school by going "tacky"!
    #lovetheseladies #ooctacky


    The tall dr and I had a much needed date night with the Tanleys!
    #chezfonfon #highlands


    I got an early Christmas present from my parents...a new duvet and insert!
    #muchneeded #hotelcomfy


    Sister and the girls came over for a "movie morning!"
    #popcorn #mickey


    Christmas Day at the Crowes!
    #sisters #jinglejuice


    We loved K's Headbands Disney game!
    #shebeatusall


    Sister looked oh-so cute in her Mickey ears!
    #shessocompetitive


    Sister and I discovered we weren't as in shape as we thought!
    #twister #downwarddog #tooold


    I loved K's "carrier" for her new doll, Isabelle.
    #itgoeseverywhere #myminime


    K serenaded us all day with her Frozen karaoke machine!
    #letitgo #foreverstuckinmyhead


    Loved Sister's wine tags!
    #darioush


    One of my favorite presents were my hot pink Ugg slippers!
    #warm #cozy #wearthemallthetime


    I got the tall dr an Auburn Yeti!
    #readyforthelake


    My favorite present I got for him was a pencil sketch of his two dogs!
    #hollyandkatie 


    I went all red for NYE!
    #alliwantforchristmasisOPI


    We enjoyed a delicious NYE  meal at Bottega with the Lucas'!
    #perfecttable  #thankfulforgoodfriends


    Loved ringing in the New Year with my tall dr!
    #bringon2015


    He keeps me laughing all the time!
    #mrplanterspeanuts


    New Years morning started off with some mimosas!
    #readyforgameday


    The tall dr has been working a lot, so I thought he needed a treat...heard this Whiskey Wedge was all the rage!
    #surlatable #hopeitworks #heloveswhiskey


    If you're like me, January can be a little dark and dreary...these fresh blooms have helped brighten up my living room!
    #gerberdaisies #pink


     
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