PHILLY WONTONS AND SWEET POTATO CHIPS

I love making great healthier versions of food with wonton and eggroll wrappers.  Everything about their crispy, crunchy texture just gets me excited about what's in store for my mouth!  I came up with a quick, healthy and easy way to get that philly cheese steak craving that you have been searching for with my version of Phily Wontons and a side of homemade sweet potato chips.

Philly Wontons
24 wonton wrappers
1/2 large green pepper (diced)
1 small red sweet pepper (diced)
1 small orange sweet pepper (diced)
1 small yellow sweet pepper (diced)
1/2 cup mushrooms (diced)
1/2 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced and then diced)
4 laughing cow Swiss cheese wedges
1/4-1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
4 slices of deli cut provolone cheese
1 (6 ounce) package of Tyson's Seasoned Steak Strips- grilled and ready (cut into small chunks)

Place two wonton wrappers in each muffin tin (Cris-crossed) and gently push them down into place.  Prep all of the veggies into small sized diced chunks and put in a microwaveable bowl.  Add chunked steak pieces and laughing cow Swiss cheese wedges and mix well.  Heat up the mixture in the microwave until the laughing cow cheese is melted and well blended (stirring about every 20 seconds).  Add mozzarella and mix well.  Spoon out mixture into the wonton cups.  Cut each piece of provolone cheese into four.  Place one piece of cheese on each of the filled wonton wrappers.  Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and wonton wrappers are crispy and brown.

Sweet Potato Chips
2 sweet potatoes
cinnamon
olive oil

Wash sweet potatoes well.  Slice sweet potatoes 1/8 inch thick with a mandolin.  In a large bowl mix the sweet potatoes with olive oil (to coat) and cinnamon (to taste) until well covered.  You can bake these, microwave them or even fry them at this point.  And of course- enjoy them!

-Mallory Mudd Pomerville

CORN FRITTER DOGS

I made these the other day and they were a wonderful quick snack.

Corn Fritter Dogs
Ingredients for the corn fritter:
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup yellow stone ground corn meal
1 T baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
1 t. salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup honey
2 (11 ounce) cans of super sweet yellow and white corn

You will also need 1 package of 8 hot dogs.  We used Ballpark full bun sized all beef hot dogs

Mix up all ingredients for the corn fritters, adding the canned corn in last after the rest of the ingredients are well blended.  Cut each hot dog into three equal parts.  Grease two (12 holed) muffin pans really well and set up right one hot dog piece in each hole opening.  You can set your hot dogs vertically or horizontally (which ever way you would like).  I prefer to set mine vertically.  Pour corn fritter batter around the hot dog.  Repeat this with the rest of the hot dogs and batter.  Wipe off any spillage on the muffin pans before baking.  Baking at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. 

-Mallory Mudd Pomerville

Homemade therapy

I've been trying homemade recipes for common items I use... So I'll share my attempts at homemade shaving lotion and also, Chapstick!!

Shaving lotion
1 c shampoo
1 c conditioner
5 Tbsp each of baby oil and lotion (I used cocoa butter)
Mix and let sit one hour then pour into a pump bottle for use in the shower.
I tried it and it moisturizes and keeps skin soft after your shower. Let me know what you think!

2 ingredient Chapstick
Melt 3 Tbsp crisco or shortening in microwave and slowly mix in one packet of kool aid mix. Pour into plastic container or empty lip balm container and refrigerate overnight to solidify.
Tip - I used knock off kool aid mix and it didn't dissolve well. Next time, I'll use the real deal.

Enjoy!!
--Macae

International goodness!

This week, Michael and I went over to his parent's house for dinner. I really enjoy cooking for those around us, so it's fun to try new recipes out this way. I made oven baked sweet and sour chicken with packaged chicken fried rice (sorry, it can't all be original) and Michael's mom showed me a great recipe for Italian pull apart bread below. It all turned out great!!!

Garlic Parmesan pull apart bread
1 tube refrigerated biscuits
1/2 stick butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves minced Garlic
Italian seasoning (optional)

1. Place butter in a bundt pan and throw pan in oven. T melt while it preheats at 350 degrees
2. Cut the biscuits into quarters.
3. In large bowl, combine biscuit quarters with Parmesan cheese, garlic and seasoning.
4. When butter is melted in bundt pan, add the biscuit mixture to bundt pan.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes at 350 and enjoy!!!

Oven baked sweet and sour chicken
For Chicken/coating:
3-4 boneless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
Cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 c oil

For sauce:
3/4 c sugar
4 Tbsp ketchup
1/2 c distilled white vinegar
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic salt

Preheat oven to 325. Rinse chicken breasts in water and cut into cubes/chunks. Season with salt and pepper. Dip into cornstarch then dip in eggs. Heat oil in skillet then cook your chicken until lightly browned, not fully cooked! Place chicken in greased 9x13 pan. Mix sauce ingredients with whisk and pour evenly over chicken. Bake for one hour, turning chicken every 15 minutes.

Enjoy!!
--Macae

SCARF HOLDER

So along with the growing fashion of scarves for daily use, my scarf collection has grown a bit out of control over the last year or so.  I've bought fancy hangers (which don't work), I've draped them over things (and what I really mean is everything) and I've even thrown them in a box.  What I've found out is everyone of these just don't work.  I end up pushing my scarves aside and forgetting all about them since I've moved them out of sight.  I decided to make one of these pinterest scarf holders (with modification of course).  So here it is:

SCARF HOLDER

2 Plastic Hangers
2 Packs of Shower Curtain Hooks (round plastic versions)
1 Spool of 1/4 inch wide ribbon (to tie)
Scissors

Cut strips of ribbon about 5 inches long.  You'll need quite a few of these since you will tie everything together with them.  Tie your two plastic hangers together with the ribbon.  You will want to tie all sides of the hangers together so don't skip out on this step.  You can use one hanger for this project but I wouldn't recommend it.  The weight of the scarfs will flex the hanger and it probably won't last long (see the middle picture on the bottom for what I'm talking about when it comes to this).  After you are done tying the two hangers together, set your plastic shower rings in a line (up with the bottom of the hangers) all the way across.  Tie each  each of the rings to the hangers on the top and then tie the rings to each other.  After you get the first row of hooks tied on you can begin to tie the second row.  This row you need to set the the hooks in between the previous row..  Tie this hooks on to each hook above it.  When you are done tieing everything on, make sure you have good knots (double and triple the knots if you are worried about them holding) then trim off the extra strands of ribbon.  Slip tie your favorite scarfs to your holder and hang it in your closet for easy display.

This whole project cost me $2.29!  You can't beat that!

-Mallory Mudd Pomerville

BACON REMIXED

Today I tried a new and improved way of cooking bacon and I'm super excited about it!  It might sound funny to some but seriously, it's worth a try!

Bacon Remixed

Start by placing slices of bacon in your skillet.  Next cover the bacon with water.  Place the skillet on the burner on high.  Allow the water to boil and move the bacon around a little in the pan.  When all of the water has evaporated decrease the temperature to a simmer.  Finish cooking off your bacon until desired crispiness this way turning bacon over as you check it.

You will find this bacon is more flavorful as well as doesn't get over cooked this way. 

*Note:  My bacon might be different from yours since I eat turkey bacon.

-Mallory Mudd Pomerville

A little bam for breakfast

Nothing smells better first thing in the morning than cinnamon rolls... and easy homemade ones at that!
http://reallyfrompinterest.blogspot.com/2012_05_01_archive.html - I found this recipe on pinterest and it was so easy and delicious too.

For the rolls you need:
2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
1 stick butter softened
1/2 c white or brown sugar
1 Tablespoon cinnamon

For the glaze you need:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 Tablespoons milk

Combine butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.  Lay out crescent rolls (triangles on pan).  Put spoonful of mix on each triangle and spread.  Roll the crescent rolls into traditional roll.  Bake 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes (until golden brown).  While baking, mix glaze well.  When you take rolls out of the oven, drizzle with glaze and let cool for a few minutes.

When I made them, they left the pan really messy so I would recommend covering your baking pan with foil first!

Enjoy!

--Macae

DISHWASHER POWDERED SOAP

I hate spending my hard earned money on "unfun" things!  I'm pretty sure no one likes buying toilet paper, laundry soap and cleaning supplies just to name a few.  Until recently, I felt like I really didn't have an option on these things.  It led me into mounds of research for a better alternative to spending all my money on these "unfun" things.  One of the ways I have been cutting back on spending money on these things is by making my own items.  I know to some it might seem like I've gone off the deep end but really, I have found it's cost effective, you waste less product and resources (so it's much greener), most of the time they are more natural products and homemade solutions tend to work much better than their store bought expensive counterparts.  Here's my version of homemade powdered dishwasher soap.

Dishwasher Powdered Soap
1 Box of Borax
1 Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
24 Packets of Unsweetened Lemonade (Kool-aide sized)
3 Cups of Epsom Salts
1 Container of Lemi-Shine

Mix all of the above ingredients really well and store in a container of your choice.  To use simply add 1 tablespoon of the mixture into detergent section of your dishwasher and start the cleaning cycle.  For best results use with white vinegar in the rinse aid section or add 1 tablespoon white vinegar before starting.

Obviously, it will take you a long time to use up this entire recipe since you only use 1 tablespoon per load.  This mixture will start to get hard overtime and that is okay- you just have to break it up when you go to scoop it.

*Note: Vinegar and the citric acid in the lemi-shine and lemonade packets helps fight and remove hard water stains and deposits.  Vinegar is also a great rinse aid to leave your glasses sparkling.

I got my container that you see in the above picture from Wal-Mart.

-Mallory Mudd Pomerville

MARSHMALLOW FONDANT

Have you ever wanted to make some of those wonderful desserts with fondant?  If you are like me, the flavor of typical fondant makes you steer clear.  I have created my fondant knockoff that's flavored like buttercream icing yet has the texture of regular fondant.

Buttercream Flavored Marshmallow Fondant
16-18 ounces of mini marshmallows
5 tablespoons water
1 1/2 tablespoons clear butter flavoring
1 1/2 tablespoons clear vanilla flavoring
2 pounds of sifted powdered sugar
crisco

Place the marshmallows, water, butter flavoring and vanilla flavoring into a microwave safe bowl.  Heat the mixture until the marshmallows are melted- stopping and stirring frequently so the mixtures is well mixed.  Add melted marshmallow mixture to sifted powdered sugar mix well.  Kneed with hands (well greased in crisco) to make sure all of the powdered sugar is absorbed into the mixture and there isn't any lumps.  You can reheat a little to help break up the clumps if you have any.  Cool the fondant before use.

-Mallory Mudd Pomerville

Monday's Munchies

As I was prepping for round two, pictured below, I made a great dinner last night.

Crock pot pork chops
1 pkg pork chops (I used thinly sliced, there were about 7 small chops)
1 can cream of chicken soup (I made it two because there were a lot of pork chops)
1 pkg ranch seasoning
Combine in crock pot... Cook on low for 8ish hours depending on your crock pot

Oven grilled potatoes
5 potatoes sliced
Olive oil
Pepper
Meat season all
Chopped onions for additional flavor
Combine all in greased glass pan, cover with foil and bake at 350 for one hour. Stir every 15 minutes or so

Dessert - devils food cake cookies
1 box devils food cake mix
2 eggs
1 stick butter melted
2 Tbsp water

Mix together and bake at 350 degrees for 11 minutes. I put Reese's candy eggs on top... Amazing!!

Enjoy!!
--Macae

Pinning princess

So I went on a pinning spree this weekend and actually tried quite a few things also.

1 - homemade shaving lotion
1 c shampoo
1 c conditioner
5 Tbsp each baby oil and lotion (I used cocoa butter)
Combine, let sit one hour and then pour into squirt pump bottle.
It is amazing and leaves your skin SO soft!!!!

2 - homemade modge podge
I bought a mason jar at dollar tree and mixed one part Elmer's glue to one part water. It's kind of runny, but I look forward to using it in my scrapbook projects soon!!

3 - lastly, a tiered stand
I've seen these all over Pinterest. I bought two square, modern looking plates from dollar tree and a candlestick holder. I painted the candlestick holder a neat turquoise color and used E6000 glue to attach the holder to the plates. I LOVE how it turned out and look forward to using it as a fruit holder, cupcake stand,etc whenever I move!!!


And a slight tip for you... In this weather, I feel like my energy is going to start to run thin and I am going to fall in to a mood of not wanting to do anything. To make it easier on myself (and a tip for you)-- organize out items such as fruit, chips, and sandwiches for lunches ahead of time. Below you will see how I cut and sorted out fruit for lunches for the week. I found out during my student teaching that it was much easier to grab junk food out of the cabinet then making my lunch in the morning. The night before, all I have to do is set my meal together in the fridge and grab it before I go. Try it -- you'll be amazed :)

Enjoy and pin on my princesses!!
--Macae

Saturday's situations

Okay, I admit it. I was getting stir crazy yesterday so I decided it would be best to run to the stores and then make Pinterest projects.

First I mixed up homemade ranch and taco seasonings for me.

Next, I made homemade cleaning solutions. I ended up making six of them so hang in there.

1 - Blessing in a bottle, all purpose shining cleaner for kitchens, bathroom tubs, etc.
12 oz white vinegar, 12 oz dawn soap, 1 tsp laundry detergent

2 - Febreeze
1 oz fabric softener, 2 Tbsp baking soda and then fill bottle with water

3 - Window cleaner
1 oz white ammonia, 4 oz rubbing alcohol, 1 drop laundry detergent and fill remainder with water

4 - Hard water remover ( for sinks, tubs, faucets )
1/2 way up your spray bottle of vinegar, 1/4 c lemon juice and fill the rest with soap

5 - Bleach cleaner
2 oz bleach, 1 tsp laundry detergent and then fill bottle with water

6 - "the cure all" multipurpose cleaner
5 oz rubbing alcohol, 1 tsp laundry detergent, 1 tsp white ammonia, 3 oz white vinegar and fill the rest of the bottle with water


I made all of these according to other recipes on Pinterest. I put them in cheap spray bottles found out the dollar tree. It was perfect because they had the ounce measurements on the side. Remember to shake well before using any of the since they will settle.

Lastly, I made an Easter egg tree decoration. I bought small egg ornaments from dollar tree and cut off the ribbon hangers. I hot glued them to a floral foam cone tree and then stuffed green Easter grass in the small holes to fill it. I used some small pieces of floral wire to reinforce the eggs that just wouldn't quite stay. I plan to get a small stuffed bunny to put next to eat for Easter!!

Enjoy!
--Macae

ONE DRAWER AT A TIME

A good girlfriend of mine, Danyelle, told me once that she decided as a New Year's resolution she would go through her house and clean everything with a door or a drawer.  Not all at once but just one cabinet or drawer here and there when she had an extra five minutes.  It was part of her resolution to clean up a little.  I've always thought that this is a great idea but lets face it- who likes to clean?  So like a lot of great ideas, I've remembered this over the years but haven't really put much thought into it-  that is, until today.

 

As anyone who knows me knows- I love spending time in my kitchen.  I love to cook and bake and frankly I just love to eat!  Usually I can manage my rather little kitchen with ease.  I know where everything is (most of the time) and it seems to fit our needs of our two person household.  While putting away the dishes today, I ran into that dreaded problem of that one drawer just not opening without using maximum force.  After tugging, slipping my fingers in for the blind sweep and eventually popping it open (I know you have all done this series of kitchen moves before), I was faced with a mess of a utensil drawer!  Life literally came to a screeching halt until this drawer was dismantled.

While sorting through my mess, I came to the conclusion that I had many things I didn't need.  I called my husband into the kitchen for the tie breaker items and the duplicates.  He got to have the final say on what was staying and what was going, until he stated, "the culinary specialist in me says we should keep them both because what if something happens to the other one?"  Seriously?  How many spatulas does one really need?  After sorting, cleaning and properly storing my items I was amazed by my new found space (as well as my new pile of stuff for donation).

What I'm trying to get at with this whole story is we all could learn from Danyelle.  Start with one drawer or a cabinet whenever you have an extra five minutes.  Cleaning one drawer makes you feel amazing!  Cleaning one drawer is also contagious (it will lead to cleaning more drawers- I promise).  If you view this as a simple task (similar to putting away those dishes), you will be amazed at what you can get accomplished in a week!  So I'm going to ask you- Seriously?  How many spatulas does one need?  And what are you waiting for- clean a drawer!

-Mallory Mudd Pomerville

Card night round two!!

I made two more cards tonight. One with Stampin Up's Henry Says and the other with Bootiful Occasions. Check it out!!!


--Macae

Crock pot Italian chicken

If you know me, you know I am in love with a crock pot. I made crock pot Italian chicken for dinner with Michael and my parents tonight... So easy and very delicious

1 block 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 packet zesty Italian seasoning mix
4 chicken breasts
Milk if you like your sauce creamier... About 3/4 cup or so

Combine all in crock pot and cook on low 4-5 hours depending on the strength of your crock pot. The chicken was so tender I just shredded it about 1 hour before serving. Stir and serve over noodles of your choice.

Recipe adapted from http://homeiswheretheholmansare.blogspot.com/2010/05/white-cheddar-chicken-pasta.html

Enjoy :)

--Macae

SCRABBLE TITLE ART

I have been working on this little project for a couple of weeks now.  Which really translates in my craft language to I started it a couple of weeks ago - gathered up all of my supplies, moved them into a central location (usually my dining room table), began tearing up the place with all my stuff (my nice way of saying the craft bomb blew up), got knee deep into this great idea, had to step away from it (someone wanted me to make them dinner) and of course left it sitting there- in the way of everything until now.  So after thinking to myself that I either need to abort my craft mission or finish it- I decided to go ahead and finish it.

I've been seeing a lot of really cool art using scrabble tiles.  Just try checking it out on pintrest if you aren't sure about what I'm talking about.  I thought this new fad of scrabble art was kind of cool but I wanted to make it more personal.  That's when this idea hit me.  I created a list of words that meant things to my family and decided to make a crossword puzzle with these words.  The whole reason why you need to do the crossword puzzle is so you know how to piece the words together for your art.  Put some thought into these words since they are very importantly shown in your art.

Scrabble Title Art

Supplies:
Printed scrabble tiles
Scissors
Dimensional "pop-up" stickers
Paper
Picture frame (I got mine from the Dollar Tree)
Computer
Printer

Optional Supplies:
Stamps
Ink
Paper cutter

First create a list of words that you would like to use in your art.  Create a crossword puzzle online.  There are many of these sites for free and some even let you change the layout of your puzzle.  Try the crossword puzzle maker at http://worksheets.theteacherscorner.net/make-your-own/crossword/crossword-puzzle-maker.php. 

Next print off scrabble tiles from online.  You can choose from all different kinds of tiles.  If you copy the image of the tiles and paste them in a word document you can resize the tiles to better fit your project.  I choose tiles like these for my project.  This website has these tiles http://74limelane.com.au/blog/2009/07/29/board-games-make-a-comeback/.

 

 



Now comes the tedious part.  You need to cut out each tile that you will be using.  Trim the tiles alike so that they look pleasing to the eye when you match them up.  When I cut them out, I placed them in the shape of the crossword puzzle so I could see it coming together.  This makes it easier to assemble after all the pieces are cut out.  Once the pieces are cut out then you need to apply a dimensional adhesive square to the back of each tile.

Cut a piece of pattern paper to the size of your picture frame.  You might choose to stamp on this paper or add embellishments if you wish.  This is a good time to do this.

Next arrange and stick your tiles in your crossword puzzle shape on the paper.  You can finish embellishing your art if you need to at this point.  Put the paper in the frame and display your artwork proudly!

-Mallory Mudd Pomerville

FAUX FEBREZE

I've been making my own "Faux Febreze" for awhile now and many of my facebook friends keep asking for the homemade recipe.  So here it is again for you guys!

 

Faux Febreze
1/8 cup of your favorite fabric softener or hair conditioner
2 Tablespoons baking soda
warm water to fill up the rest of the spray bottle

Add the ingredients to a spray bottle (I reused a Febreze bottle) and shake really well until mixed.  Spray and enjoy this refresher all throughout your home!

Note:  Remember to shake well before each use since it will separate.

Tips: Use your label maker and put the recipe on the bottle. This makes refilling the bottle easier and there nothing to remember.  You can find cheap spray bottles at the dollar store if you don't have an empty Febreze bottle to use.  Just note that you might need to half the recipe since the bottles are usually smaller than the Febreze bottles.  You can also find a wide range of funnels at the dollar store to make refills a mess free occasion!  Remove writing on bottles with acetone nail polish remover and a cotton ball.

-Mallory Mudd Pomerville

DIY LIGHT STUDIO

I think I can easily speak for everyone when I say this economy has really hit everyone hard!  With that being said, you might be cutting corners, cutting back or maybe just trying to cut out things in your budget.  If you are like me the need to "purge" from excessive items are rapidly approaching as spring is around the corner and tax season is upon us.  Around this time every year, I like to go through things and get rid of things that I just don't need anymore.  It's time to make some cash and start selling those things that you just don't need.

One problem I have had when trying to sell things (weather it be craigslist, ebay or just a classified ad) is taking those dreaded pictures!  It seems like I can never just get the camera to show the light in just the right spot and my subject matter tends to just look "blah" when I'm done. Let's all face it- it is about the looks and I haven't done my things any justice! I don't have a terrible camera but like many of us I'm sure I just don't know how to operate it (but that's on my list of "to learn" things another time).  So I decided to come up with an easy, inexpensive way to help aid in those pictures to get more cash for those items I want to sell.  Who wouldn't want more cash for their things?

A simple DIY light studio is just the thing for you if you are wanting to make your items look better and retail at a higher value.  With much of what you probably already have around the house and few other inexpensive items you can really make a mound of a difference and make a showstopping showcase item!  Here's how I did it!

DIY Light Studio (large fold-able version for storage)
What you'll need:
Foam board (5 pieces of 30x20 inches)
Poster board (2 pieces)
Heavy duty tape (I used packing tape on a tape gun)
White wrapping tissue paper
Cutting mat
Box cutter or scissors
Pencil
Ruler

Additional items when using your light studio:
Clamps or heavy duty clothing pins
Clamp lamps or adjustable neck table top desk lamps (I used three of them)
Craft paper or freezer paper

Directions:
First take two pieces of foam board and lay them next to each other with the 30 inch sides together.  Tape these sides together with heavy duty tape on the bad side first (the side that has a sticker on it it) then smoothly tape the nice side together.  Set this aside.  This piece is your base for you light studio.  *You can omit taping this together to make storage easier or you can tape them loosely in the middle so you can fold this piece.

Next take your two pieces of poster board and lay them down next to each other with the longer sides touching.  Tape these pieces together with your heavy duty tape.  This piece is the top part of your light studio.

Now you need to mark your two side pieces.  Mark one of the pieces of foam board (30x20 inches) by marking two inches on the top and the bottom (on the 30 inch length) with your pencil.  Then mark four inches in (on the 20 inch sides).  I used a dashed line and then used my ruler on my cutting mat to make sure my lines were straight.

 

When you've marked the two pieces, carefully use a box cutter to cut out the center of each piece.  You will probably have to cut around this area at least twice to get it to cut through the foam board.  Once the middle section is cut out, you are ready to set in your tissue paper.  Lay the tissue paper over the opening (I did this on the side of my foam board that still had the label on it that I couldn't get off).  Starting on one end begin taping the tissue paper to the foam board, pulling the tissue paper tightly and smoothly.

 



 

Next take each side piece (long ways) and tape one to each side of the the remaining piece of foam board.  Tape them loosely to the top side so that you can fold them easily and shape them for your light box.
 

 

Now you just need to assemble and step up your light box when you are ready to use it.  To assemble the light box place your bottom piece down first.  Next put your three piece section with the tissue paper sides on top of the base.  At this point take craft paper or freezer paper and drape it from the back of the box to the front of the box like a runner.  Next clip the top to the side panels (this adds support and bounces the light in the box).  Set up your lamps on the sides and in front of the box.  Now your ready to start taking pictures!

 

Here are some pictures of my rings using my new light studio!  I'm so excited of the results and just can't wait to start taking some more pictures!

 





-Mallory Mudd Pomerville

Creativity release

So it's been awhile since I've sat down and created a card... So I found inspiration on Pinterest for a cute new stampin up set called "Henry Says"

Here are some pictures of the two cards I've done so far!!!

--Macae

One more yummmmm

So I started this amazing potato soup after I realized we were all going to really be stuck today. I got it from this site via Pinterest: http://pearls-handcuffs-happyhour.blogspot.com/2011/03/outback-aint-got-nothin-on-me.html


Easy crockpot potato soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
3 cans chicken broth
30 oz bag of frozen hash brown potatoes (I used the shredded shoestring ones)
Chopped onions to your liking
Ground black pepper to your liking
8 oz cream cheese

Put all in crock pot except cream cheese. Cook 5-6 hours on low, add cream cheese and cook for another hour. Stir occasionally to break up cream cheese. Garnish with toppings like cheese, bacon, etc. I put the oyster ranch crackers on it that I made earlier today! I would say it was a hit!!!

--Macae

Crack crackers

While spending more time in the Kitchen, my mom and I decided to make ranch oyster crackers. They really are like crack, you cant just have one.. or a handful... or two. I used a Pinterest recipe... Check it out below!!!

1 1oz package ranch dressing seasoning mix
1/4 cup veg oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 bag oyster crackers

Preheat oven to 250. In large bowl, mix first four ingredients really well. Stir in oyster crackers until all are coated. Pour crackers onto cookie sheet and bake 15 minutes, stirring every five. Cool and store in airtight container.

While prepping, we ran in to the predicament of not having enough ranch seasoning mix... So we pinterested that also!!!

http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/homemade-ranch-seasoning-mix/

1/3 c dry buttermilk
2 Tbsp dried parsley
1 1/2 tsp dried dill weed
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp dried onion flakes
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp dried chives
1 tsp salt

Mix well and is equivalent to hidden valley ranch seasoning mix. 3 Tbsp equals 1 oz(serving)

We didn't have dill weed or chives, but it still tasted great!!! :)

--Macae

Easy enchiladas

Last minute lunch plan today... Turned out great! Love this EASY recipe I have discovered from Pinterest
http://www.chef-in-training.com/2011/07/bubble-up-enchiladas/

Brown 1 lb ground turkey
Drain grease and add 1 8 oz can enchilada sauce and 1 can tomato sauce
Cut one can of refrigerated biscuits into fourths and mix into turkey/sauce mixture
Preheat oven to 350. Pour into greased 9x13 pan and bake for 25 minutes. Top with cheddar cheese and bake additional 10 minutes.

Only 6 weight watchers points if you count them!!!

Goes great with quick and easy blender salsa!

--Macae

Prepping for the storm

I'm not a doomsday prepper, but I did prep a little for this snow storm. Last night I made quick and easy blender salsa (adapted a little of course) and it was wonderful!

1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
1 10 oz can original rotel
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 Tbsp minced garlic (a little less than 1 T)
3/4 jalapeño ... Seeded and cut into pieces
2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp cilantro leaves
Juice of one lime

I sliced my onions and then chopped them in a food processor. Then I added all ingredients in a blender and pulsed it a few times. I like my salsa runny so I opted for a less chunky version. Tasted great with some tortilla chips with lunch today!

Adapted from http://www.mountainmamacooks.com/2012/01/quick-and-easy-blender-salsa/

Enjoy!
--Macae

Snow day happenings

Well the snow is falling quickly here in the burg so I opted to be snowed in at my parents... I believe recipes, organizing books and crafts are in my future... And finishing homework :(

I woke up this morning and made a great breakfast of scrambled egg muffins adapted from a Pinterest recipe... Check it out!!

Dozen eggs
Half pound pork sausage
1/2 c onion chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup cheddar cheese

Cook the pork until no longer pink and drain. In large bowl, mix eggs, onion, and seasonings. Then add cheese and sausage. Grease muffin tin and spoon in the egg mixture close to the top. Makes a dozen muffins. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes

I opted to switch up the seasoning and not include green pepper...
Adapted from http://reallyfrompinterest.blogspot.com/2012/05/scrambled-egg-muffins.html

--Macae

Bacon Cheeseburger Eggrolls (and magic sauce!)

Tonight after seeing many similar pinterest post on cheeseburger eggrolls, we decided to try our hand at it.  Of course none of the recipes that I came across seemed to fit our needs so I did some tweaking for healthier substitute.  The results we amazing and pleasantly surprising!  I think I finally came up with a dinner menu that even my instant plate clearer can't finish (bonus points for me)!

Bacon Cheeseburger Eggrolls and Magic Sauce
Ingredients:
1/2 package of turkey bacon
1 pound ground turkey
1 pound lean ground beef
1 pack of eggrolls
1/2 red onion
1 1/2 cup mushrooms
1 package of reduced fat cheese (we used cheddar)
Mrs. Dash Steak seasoning
Sesame seeds to top
For the Sauce:
2/3 cup thousand island salad dressing
1/3 cup french dressing

First cook turkey bacon in a skillet and chop into 1/2 inch pieces.  Set these aside.  Brown ground turkey and ground beef mixing well while browning in the same skillet.  Drain off grease when done cooking.  Add finely sliced red onion and Mrs. Dash Steak seasoning to taste into the skillet with the brown meat.  Cook until onion slices are tender.  Add chopped mushrooms into the the skillet cooking for about 3 minutes on medium heat and remove skillet from the heat and set aside.

Next place eggroll wrapper down on a clean plastic mat or cutting board.  Get a small bowl of water to work with and have it easily accessible to use when wrapping up the eggroll.  Place about two spoon fulls of the meat mixture in the middle of the eggroll wrapper.  Next place a few cut pieces of turkey bacon on top of the meat mixture.  Then sprinkle with cheese.  Now wrap the eggroll as in the picture below using water from the bowl on your fingertips to seal the wrapper up as you fold.  Place finished eggrolls on a lined greased baking sheet.  When the whole baking sheet is filled (or you are finished making eggrolls) moisten the tops of the eggrolls and sprinkle with sesame seeds on the top.

Bake the eggrolls on 375 until the wrappers are golden brown.  This takes about 25 minutes but watch because all ovens bake a little differently.

While baking your eggrolls it's time to make the magic sauce.  Mix the thousand island salad dressing and the french salad dressing until well blended and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

We served our eggrolls with some baked sweet potato fries since we were already heating up the oven.  We really enjoyed this meal and are very excited to eat it again.

-Mallory Mudd Pomerville

Outstanding Orange Cleaner

Have you ever wondered what to do with all of those orange peels that you just throw away?  What about those citruses that somehow manage to make it to the back of the fridge and when you finally realize they've made their great escape- they are out of the question for digestion?  This is just the post for you!

I'm always trying to reduce, reuse or just plain reconfigure something else in my home.  Much of what seems to steam around cleaning.  Let's face it- no one wants to pay money for these things but we all need them!  That's how Outstanding Orange Cleaner was made!

The first version of Outstanding Orange Cleaner is the easiest basic version and for more extreme cleaning power try the more concentrated version at the bottom of the post.

Outstanding Orange Cleaner (basic recipe)
You will need:
mason jar with sealing lid and ring
vinegar (distilled white vinegar is just fine)
lots of citrus peels

Gather up all of your orange peels and pack into a mason jar.  Fill the jar with vinegar and seal the lid.  Let this mixture sit for at least two weeks.  The peels will fall to the bottom of the jar when the mixture is good to use.  When you are finished you will have a cheap, green cleaner that smells wonderful!  To use just uncap and pour (without the peels) into an inexpensive spray bottle.  Use your outstanding orange cleaner anywhere!

Outstanding Orange Cleaner (extreme clean extended recipe)
You will need:
mason jar with sealing lid and ring
potato masher
strainer
cheesecloth or an old dish towel
vinegar (distilled white vinegar is just fine)
lots of citrus peels
some past prime critus' (we know you've all had them!)

Put peeled citrus and vinegar in a pot and bring to a boil.  Place the peels into the mason jars while waiting.  When the fruits and vinegar boil reduce to low and cook down for about ten minutes.  Use a potato masher to squish fruits into the liquid to cook down.  When fruit and vinegar is done, strain through cheesecloth (use a potato masher to get all the juices out without getting the fibrous pieces) into a bowl.  When strained add to the mason jar with the peels.  If you need to you can add more vinegar to top off the jar.  Seal the jar and allow it to sit for two weeks before use. To use just uncap and pour (without the peels) into an inexpensive spray bottle. Use your outstanding orange cleaner anywhere!

-Mallory Mudd Pomerville

Perfect Potato Bread

Like most of us when asked, "What couldn't you live without?" a lengthy list appears in my mind.  I know while you're sitting here reading this things like your family and friends, pictures, clothing, or that beloved hand-me down probably pop into your mind.  I'm not here to take about the sentimental things but about a kitchen appliance.  YES- a kitchen appliance!

My love for my bread machine goes all the way back to when I was a little girl.  My parents loved using their bread machine.  The wonderful aromas of yeasty sweet breads and daily grains would fill the house and automatically make my stomach growl in hunger like I've never ate before!  I'm not sure if it was about making the bread for them as much as it was about feeding an ever consuming family of five, but I'm grateful for the memories and of course having two willing to at least give it a try parents.  I bought my first bread machine from the Salvation Army Store in Richmond, Missouri for $5 when I lived alone while going to nursing school.  I just moved out of my parent house on my own and was on a Raman noodle kind of budget.  Making bread in that little $5 machine was my highlight of mounds of textbooks and numerous tests.  Best of all it reminded me of home and because of that is why I couldn't live without my bread maker.

One of my favorite bread machine recipes is what I like to call Perfect Potato Bread.  It's an original recipe that like it's name says, it's perfect for just about anything.

Perfect Potato Bread (2 pound loaf)
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup buttermilk (I use powdered buttermilk that I make)
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Tablespoons honey
3 cups bread flour
3/4 cup instant potato flakes
1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vital wheat gluten
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast

According my my bread machine manufacture, the way the ingredients are listed is the proper order to add to my machine.  Check with your bread machine manual on the proper order of ingredients to add to your machine.

Set your bread machine on a regular white bread cycle.  I set my crust for light and of course make sure my machine is set for a 2 pound loaf.  It takes about three hours from start until it's ready to come out and cool.

To best cool your bread, remove from pan and place bread on it's side on a cooling rack.  This prevents the bread from squishing down and messing up your loaf.

I really hope you enjoy it!  It's one of our favorites!

-Mallory Mudd Pomerville

Homemade Taco Seasoning

If you're like me then you're probably constantly trying to find new ways to be healthier and save money in this tough economy.  Two ways that I have found to be thrifty is by reusing things and making many things I would have usually bought instead.  Just the other night I decided to make my version of Mexican pizza only to realize I was out of taco seasoning.  In what use to mean running to the local grocery store, picking up an overpriced pack of taco seasoning loaded with a bunch of not so good for you things, to get one meal out of it- I reached into the spice cabinet and crossed my fingers for a Pinterest solution (and on the double)!  After scouting through many suggestive "pins" I realized taco seasoning is defiantly a taste preference.  Since my husband Luke has a mild sense of flavor I decided to go with a more milder flavored homemade taco seasoning and this recipe was born!

 

Homemade Taco Seasoning (Mild)

4 Tablespoons chili powder

3 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon paprika

3 Tablespoons ground cumin

1 Tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

 

Mix all the ingredients well in a glass bowl and store in an airtight container until ready to use.  To use: prepare your taco meat first in a skillet (brown ground meat or thoroughly cook non ground meat like steak or chicken).  After meat is well cooked, drain any grease, add 2 heaping Tablespoons of Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix and a cup of water to the skillet.  Mix water and seasoning in well with the meat and cook on medium-low until none of the water remains.  Eat and enjoy!

 

 

 

 

I stored my Homemade Taco Seasoning in a reused sour cream container that I removed all of the old writing from.  I also used my label maker to mark my container as well as add the recipe on the side of the container.  I have found that if I have to dig for the recipe again, I probably won't do it.  By adding the recipe to the container, makes it easy for me to make more without the hassel of trying to figure out what I did with that recipe!

 

-Mallory Mudd Pomerville

Some things in life you just can't live without...

What are the things you can't live without? For me, I have a long list of people including my sisters, parents, boyfriend, and mentors. But thinking about actual things can seem so obsolete. That is, unless you share the passion for one thing that I do... My label maker. Yes, I have to admit, I'm in love with my label maker. It has helped me through my organization rampages and been there (as long as the batteries weren't dead) through thick and thin. I don't use it much in my apartment, but every time I go home it seems I have something new to work my magic on. Don't have one? Consider this minimal purchase to simplify life. It really can make a difference.

--Macae

So We're Blogging!

So after numerous suggestions and compliments on our craftiness we have decided to start blogging to share all of our wonderful things that we are always up to.  Obviously, this is new to us, therefor pardon the mess and enjoy watching us make some memories!  Suggestions are always warmly welcomed and we are glad you've shown some interest in us!