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Sweet Thursday: Super Bowl Sunday Treats

January 31, 2008 2 Comments
As promised, here are some sweet snacks for Super Bowl Sunday. Personally, I’ve been in a baking mood lately. Last week I made some brownies, and a few days ago I baked a cake, and for Super Bowl Sunday, this weekend I’ll probably make some football cookies. I have some frozen cookie dough that we ordered from a school kid, and several weeks ago I bought a huge set of cookie cutters, and I haven’t yet found the time to try them out, so it seems like a good time to do so. (although I wouldn’t mind having a pie or a cheesecake this weekend either….hmm. Well, I’ll let you know how it goes.)
Anyway as usual, links to the original source are underneath the picture. And I’ve also included the recipe for Chocolately Football Bites from Kraft. This recipe reminds me of Cocoa Pebbles/Rice Krispie treats, except it’s made with corn syrup instead of marshmallows. And this is another good recipe that you could easily change, using a different cereal or simply molding the snacks into a different shape or using different decoration. Enjoy!

flickr – mysimplysweet

6 squares BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1/2 tsp. vanilla
4 cups POST Cocoa PEBBLES Cereal
White decorating gel
MICROWAVE chocolate, corn syrup and butter in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2-1/2 min., stirring after 1-1/2 min. Blend in vanilla.
ADD cereal; mix well. Cool 10 min. Shape into 18 (3-inch-long) football shapes with lightly moistened hands. Place on large sheet of wax paper; cool completely.
USE decorating gel to add “lacings” to “footballs.” Let stand until gel is firm.

Filed Under: desserts, recipes, Sweet Thursday

Bacon Cheddar Appetizers

January 30, 2008 3 Comments

Here’s an easy and rather tasty looking treat. I found these on Nabisco. It’s a cute, bite-size (and quick) version of potato skins, and I bet you can’t eat just one! And for those of you aren’t in to bacon and cheese, perhaps you could do a variation of this idea; instead of bacon and cheese try mixing in the ingredients for spinach dip or some other type of vegetable dip. Just an idea I had….but for I think I’ll stick with the bacon and cheddar.

Bacon Cheddar Appetizers
1 pkg. (8 oz.) Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
3 Tbsp. finely chopped onion
1/2 cup Real Bacon Bits
64 TRISCUIT Thin Crisps
Preparation:
PREHEAT broiler. Mix all ingredients except crackers until well blended.
PLACE crackers on baking sheet. Top each cracker with about 1 tsp. of the cheese mixture.
BROIL 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Garnish with chopped red and green pepper, if desired.

Filed Under: appetizers and snacks, recipes

Simple Solutions: Easy Super Bowl Snacks

January 30, 2008 Leave a Comment

If members of your household will be watching the Super Bowl this Sunday (or essentially any sporting event on television in the future) it is the perfect day for an appetizer buffet. You can make many of your snacks the day before the event and other items can be made fairly quickly on the day of the event. Then put them out on the counter so that everyone can help themselves whenever their hungry.

If you’re having guests over, you might want to do a potluck buffet, but even if you do all the cooking yourself, you don’t have to spend a lot of money or even a lot of time to make snacks for your family, friends, and fellow sports fans. Save time by getting ready made appetizers from your grocer’s freezer or the refrigerated section of your deli. Check your deli for meats and hoagie buns, vegetable and meat trays, and desserts. Or buy pizza, wings, chicken fingers, or sandwiches from a fast food place. You can usually get a good deal on party platters.

Here are easy appetizer choices:

Chicken wings (plain, buffalo, honey barbeque)
Chicken fingers
Cheese fries/Chili Cheese Fries/Bacon Cheese Fries
Pizza (delivery or oven-baked)
Pizza Rolls & Mini Pizzas
Sub sandwiches
Hot dogs or chili dogs
Potato skins
Chips & dip (homemade, store bought, or check your deli section)
Potato wedges
Ham & Cheese tray (make your own or buy one already made from the store)
Vegetable tray & dip (store bought or homemade
Chili
Cheese sticks
Pigs in a blanket
Sausage Balls or Meatballs(homemade or buy frozen)
Cocktail weanies
Cookies or brownies

Filed Under: appetizers and snacks, party ideas, recipes, Simple Solutions

Baskets for Storage and Organizing

January 29, 2008 Leave a Comment

Since moving in to our new home, I’ve had to do some rearranging and reorganizing. In particular I had to find new ways to store items because I have less drawer and cabinet space. I have some different items in mind to buy for the new place (after we get some bills taken care of, that is), but in the mean time I’ve been shopping around.

One thing I’ve looked at is baskets. I’ve never been a “basket person” but they are starting to grow on me. I think it’s because I’ve begun to realize how multi-functional they are. You can store pratically anything from clothes, linens, and towels, to craft & office supplies, to books and magazines, household items, and bath and body items.

I also like these because you can place them in just about any room and they won’t clash. It’s also easy to find high quality baskets that look good without paying a fortune. (It’s one thing to find containers to organize and store stuff, it’s another thing to find containers that actually look good; with baskets you can get both, even on a low budget.)

And depending on what size you get, you can easily place them under counters, on shelves, in closets, and even under end tables or other furniture. I don’t know about you, but I like the idea of organizing something and also essentially being able to hide items away.

Here are just a few baskets that I’ve found on the internet.

Storage Basket – Natural by Organize It All

Rope Basket Set by Greenbriar Home & Garden


Wicker Waste Basket by Organize It All


Round Wicker Hamper with Lid by Organize It All



Cabana Willow Basket – Large by Greenbriar Home & Garden


Filed Under: cleaning, organizing

Menu Plan Monday

January 28, 2008 1 Comment

In this week’s menu I’ve included a recipe for Chicken Noodle Casserole. It’s a new recipe that I just recently came across, and I’m going to be trying it for the first time. I’ll let you know how it turns out. And speaking of new recipes, over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be posting some new recipes for Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day. (so back soon, food lovers!)

Now here’s my menu for the week:

Monday – Sloppy Joes
Tuesday – Chicken Noodle Casserole w/ steamed vegetables (recipe below)
Wednesday – Chicken, Aug Gratin Potatoes, & Green Beans
Thursday – Leftovers
Friday – Breakfast for supper
Saturday – Eating out
Sunday – appetizers & snacks (for Super Bowl)

Chicken Noodle Casserole
Ingredients:
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Condensed Cream of Chicken and Mushroom Soup
1/2 cup milk
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups cubed cooked chicken OR turkey
3 cups cooked medium egg noodles (about 3 cups dry)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
In large saucepan mix soup, milk, pepper, cheese, chicken and noodles. Over medium heat, heat through, stirring occasionally. Garnish with parsley.
Tip: For 2 cups cubed cooked chicken, in medium saucepan over medium heat, in 4 cups boiling water, cook 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed, 5 min. or until chicken is no longer pink.

Click here to view other menus for this week.

Filed Under: menu plan Monday

Chemistry for the Kitchen

January 27, 2008 1 Comment

Marye at Baking Delights recently posted a link to this fun & amusing, yet rather useful chart. If you’ve ever had a chemistry class in high school or college, and you like cooking, then you should enjoy this. It takes the layout and design of the periodic table of elements, but instead of hydrogen, helium, and carbon, you’ll find things like mayonaise, jelly, and tartar sauce. And what does the chart tell you? How long the items will stay fresh, of course! Visit the links below for a good laugh, or print the chart out and keep it handy in your kitchen as a reference tool.

Table of Condiments that Periodically Go Bad – Black & White version

Table of Condiments that Periodically Go Bad – Color Version

Filed Under: random news, recipes

Recipe of the Week: Fantasy Football Meatballs

January 25, 2008 1 Comment


Here in the United States, there will be a lot of buzz about the upcoming Super Bowl next week, and many households will be holding Super Bowl parties, big and small, next Sunday. For this reason, I decided to post an appetizer for the recipe of the week. Whether eaten as a finger food or put on a sandwich, meatballs are a tasty treat for any party or gathering, and this recipe from Smuckers is no exception. And even if you’re not a football fan, you can still enjoy this great snack.

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1/2 cup minced onion
1/4 cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup Vegetable Oil -or-
1 (16 ounce) pkg frozen prepared, bite-sized meatballs, thawed (about 32)
1 (12 ounce) jar Concord Grape Jelly
1 (12 ounce) bottle chili sauce

Directions:

1. COMBINE first eight ingredients, mixing well; shape into 36 one-inch meatballs.

2. COOK in oil over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until browned. Drain on paper towels. 3. COMBINE grape jelly and chili sauce in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring until well combined, about 3 minutes.

4. PLACE cooked or thawed meatballs in a single layer in skillet coating each meatball evenly with sauce. Cover; simmer 10 minutes stirring occasionally, until sauce is bubbly and meatballs are heated through.

5. TRANSFER glazed meatballs to a chafing dish or slow cooker. Serve with toothpicks. Makes about 32 appetizers

Filed Under: appetizers and snacks, Recipe of the Week, recipes

Tips to Prevent Colds & Flu, Pt 2 – Housekeeping & Personal Hygeine

January 23, 2008 1 Comment

Here is the second part to my post on preventing colds and flu. This part lists tips about proper hygeine and housekeeping.

*Go for yearly checkups, and take a yearly flu shot, and get other necessary screenings and vaccinations.

*Wash your hands frequently with hot water and antibacterial soap for at least 30 seconds. Be sure to wash after using the restroom and before eating, and wash frequently if you are around sick people or if you are around a lot of school kids. Also, wash up after handling raw meats & after washing dishes & performing other cleaning duties.

*Don’t cover your sneezes and coughs with your hands. This only puts germs on your hands which will then spread to others. Cover your mouth with a tissue instead.

*Avoid touching your face. Viruses enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. Touching their faces is the major way children catch colds, and a key way they pass colds on to their parents.

*Clean your house regularly, including floors, counter tops, toilets, sinks & tubs, and bedding.

*Avoid sharing towels and rags, as this spreads germs.

*Change out dish towels, rags, and sponges regularly.

*Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months, and if anyone is sick replace their toothbrush after they get well, as well as any toothbrushes that are stored nearby.

*When someone is sick, wash their sheets and spray their mattress with Lysol to kill germs. Also, clean and sanitize toys that children play with while they are sick.

*Spray door knobs with Lysol or other antibacterial cleaners, especially if anyone in your home has been sick.

*Use plastic cups & silverware and paper plates while someone in your household is sick, in order to avoid spreading germs.

Filed Under: cleaning, health

Tips to Prevent Colds & Flu, Pt 1 – Lifestyle

January 23, 2008 2 Comments

*Due to the all the recent cold weather and because we’re right in the middle of the season in which people are most likely to miss work due to sickness, I decided to research tips to help prevent colds, flu, and other illnesses. I found so much information I’ve decided to divide it up into 2 or 3 different posts. Part one (as you can see) involves tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

*Get plenty of exercise, especially aerobic exercise in order to strengthen your heart and carry oxygen from your lungs into the blood and the rest of your body. Exercise also causes you to perspire, which helps to naturally get rid of toxins in your body and helps your body to create cells which kill viruses.

*Get fresh air. During the winter people spend more time indoors. Central heating dries you out and makes you more vulnerable to viruses. So spend more time outside and open the windows and doors of your home for a few minutes each day to allow fresh air to circulate. This will help you to avoid catching airborne viruses.

*Drink plenty of fluids, including water and fruit juice. You should drink eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day. Drinking water helps to clean out your system and is crucial to maintain proper bodily functions.

*Maintain a healthy diet. Be sure you get enough fruits and vegetables, including green and yellow vegetables. And get plenty of vitamins (especially vitamin C) and foods that are high in antioxidants.

*Also, eat yogurt. Some studies show that eating a cup of yogurt each day can help reduce your risk of catching a cold by 25%.

*Avoid smoking. Smokers are more prone to getting colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, and other infections.

*Cut down on alcohol consumption. Alcohol suppresses the immune system and dehydrates you and could make you more vulnerable to disease and complications.

*Rest and relaxation. It is very important to get about 8 hours of sleep each night. Additionally you should try to spend about thirty minutes a day relaxing. Try meditation or deep concentration while listening to relaxing music or focusing on a particular image.

*Avoid stressers. Too much stress can seriously compromise your body’s ability to fight infection.

Check back in a day or two for part 2 of this article!

Filed Under: health

Menu Plan Monday

January 21, 2008 1 Comment

Hello everyone! Well, here’s my second MPM post. Just a quick note: I’ve decided to keep this feature for now, along with the other features that I introduced over the last couple of weeks. (I had a couple of other ideas I wanted to try, but I dropped them at the last second.) My goal is to try and do MPM each week, although sometimes I go out of town on weekends, so I may not always be on to do the post. Sweet Thursday posts will be up 2-3 times a month (at least once every two weeks or more frequently if I see something that strikes my fancy to post on). And the Quick Meals & Simple Tips will come out 1-2 times each per month. If anyone has any further suggestions for me, let me know. This is all subject to change, of course, but for now that is the plan.

Here’s what’s on my menu for this week:

Monday – Chicken w/ Ranch Sauce, vegetables
Tuesday – Potato Soup
Wednesday – Roast beef & gravy w/ mashed potatoes & peas
Thursday – leftovers
Friday – Mexican Chicken Casserole
Saturday – leftovers
Sunday – Tuna salad sandwiches

Check out what others have on their menus. Have a great week!

Filed Under: menu plan Monday
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