An Accomplished Woman

Menu: Week Ending February 5th

2012-01-31T07:00:00.001-05:00

Winter affords me the opportunity to spend quality timeon the inside of my home; painting, cleaning, dreaming of new projects orfinishing old ones. I get to curl up by the fireplace with a stack of magazinesto catch up on what is possible. Winter gives me a break from the yard work.However, as February approaches, the garden and flowers always start to call myname. Here in Tennessee, we have winter weeds that pop up... so this week....the weeding and clean-up begins.

My office is a pile of projects halfway done or in thedrawing stages... I need some quality project time this week too. With theSuperBowl and the Super Hubby on his way home this weekend.... Tailgating willtake a high priority too. I would love to have some people over but don't knowif I have time to organize it.

So this week, I am relying on my trusty freezer meals.This week, the crockpot will get a full work out.

Tuesday

Fig Balsamic Chicken thighs in the slow cooker

Iceberg Wedge with Blue Cheese

Wednesday

Source

Apple, Ham and Brie Panini

Corn Fritters

Garden Salad

Thursday

Out

Friday

Source

Black Bean Burgers

French Fries

Cole Slaw

Saturday

Source

Red Beans and Rice

Arugula Salad with Cranberries, Almonds

and Homemade Ranch

SundayBrunch

Source

Belgian Waffles

Sliced Strawberries

Warm Maple Syrup with Pecans

SundayBowl Menu

Source

Chili with all the trimmings

Southwest Burritos

Chicken Empanadas

Football Cupcakes

Salted Caramel Brownies.

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

I am sharing this secret recipe with youall. The reason it is a secret is because my sister and I agree that these arethe best brownies we have ever eaten. I mean like totally addicting, slap yourmomma and sell your children to get more of these brownies. Also, thesebrownies make you look like you’re the best baker in the world.

But I am agiver, so here goes.

For the Caramel Sauce:

Start bymaking the caramel sauce, in a medium sauce pan, combine sugar, corn syrup andwater. Swirl the pan carefully to mix. Cook until the sugar mixture is at 345degrees using a candy thermometer to measure the temperature or until it iscaramel colored, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.

Remove fromheat and add ½ c. of heavy cream and then 1 t. of fleur de sel. Be carefulbecause it can bubble up and burn. Next add ¼ c. of sour cream. Set aside tocool.

For the Brownies:

Butter thesides and bottom of his glass or metal 9 by 13 inch pan. Line the bottom withthe sheet of parchment paper.

In a mediumbowl, whisk together flour, salt and cocoa powder, I had a hard time findingthe dark unsweetened cocoa powder but my dear sweet sister brought me some…thank you.

Place 11 oz.of dark chocolate coarsely chopped

and 1 c. of butter in the top of a doubleboiler, stirring until the mixture is fully melted. Turn off the heat but keepthe bowl over the water to keep it warm.

Add thesugars and whisk until the sugar has melted. Remove from the double boiler andallow to come to room temperature.

Once thechocolate mixture has cooled, add three eggs, whisking to combine.

Add vanilla,mixing gently.

Lighlty addthe flour mixture and fold into the chocolate, until the dry ingredients arejust mixed in. The important thing with brownies, muffins, cakes, etc is not toover mix.. it becomes a brick.

Pour half thebrownie mix into your prepared pan, making smooth with a spatula.

Drizzle ¾ c.of the caramel sauce over the brownie mixture, and then spread with an offsetspatula. Do not let the caramel touch the edges or it will burn.

Top withother half of the brownie mix and smooth to cover the caramel.

Bake at 350degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out a few moist crumbs.

Remove thebrownies from the oven and sprinkle 1 ½ t fleur de sel and 1 t. of coarse salt.

Coolcompletely before serving.

These arecrazy good.. you will love them. I am joining Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum, she has lovely food and so many wonderful contributors any Show and Tell at My Romantic Home.

CaramelSalted Brownie

Ingredients

Filling:

1 c. sugar

2 T. light corn syrup

½ c. heavy cream

1 t. fleur de sel

¼ c. sour cream

For the Brownie:

1 ¼ c. flour

1 t. salt

2 T. dark unsweetened cocoa powder

11 oz. of dark chocolate (60 to 72%),coarsely chopped

1 c. butter

1 ½ c. sugar

½ c. brown sugar, lightly packed

5 large eggs, at room temperature

2 t. vanilla

Finally:

1 ½ t. of fleur de sel

1 t. coarse salt

Bird Seed Balls

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love watching the birds and love feeding them. However,in the winter, the cold weather birds need a little more in their diet thanseeds and nuts.

Each week, my daughter and her new hubby have been tryingto use a piece of their wedding gift kitchen equipment. Well, a new meatgrinder attachment for her Kitchen Aid mixer was next on the list to try. Isuggested they find some suet or lard and put that through the grinder.

They then mixed some birdseed with the lard and make somebird seed balls. After chilling them, I am going to place them in my shelteredbird house. This picture makes me long for spring.

I hope the birds like them, the newlyweds had fun makingthem and now they know how to use the meat grinder..

Next up for them, the KitchenAid shredder.

Cheese Steak Calzone

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

As a former Pennsylvania from around Philadelphia, I loveCheese Steaks but living in the south... leaves this former Yankee a little sadlonging for a true Philly Cheese Steak.

However, I can make a close facsimile to the CheeseSteak.

Start with defrosted loaf of bread and spread it out in a9 by 14 inch square layer.

Layer thinly sliced steaks that I broiled this weekend. Iseasoned them with salt, pepper and garlic powder before I broiled them. Topwith mozzarella cheese.

Starting at one long edge, roll the steak and cheesecarefully in the bread.

Place edge side down on cookie sheet. Brush with olive oil and add several slits to allow steam to escape. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until brown.

Now, I like my cheese steak plain but imagine all thesides you could add.... melted Velveeta (very Pat's Steaks of you), grilledonions, peppers, mushrooms or tomato sauce. YUM!!!

This dish can be frozen for a great SuperBowl snack or a weeknight dinner.

Menu: Week Ending January 29th

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it is already the last full week ofJanuary. Garden planning has to hit high gear. January cleaning has to becompleted.

My classes are hitting their first full week and with mydaughter out of town, I have a week of boys to feed.

The Easter outfit for the baby has been pleated and isready for smocking but I am not completely happy with the pleating. The fabricis a gingham mini-check and it appears to be crooked after pleating it fourdifferent times. Time to make a run to the store and check if it is fixable.

What are your plans for the last week of January?

Monday

Steak Calzone

Sweet Potato Fries

Tomato Caprese Salad

Source

Tuesday

Peach Glazed Chicken

Twice Baked Potatoes

English Peas

Source

Wednesday

Reubens

Potato Salad

Crudities

Source

Thursday

Out

Friday

White Truffle Macaroni and Cheese

Garden Salad

Source

Saturday

BLT Pizza

Source

SundayDinner

Bourbon Pecan Ham

Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Asparagus

Apple Gallette

Source

Sunday Dinner: Garden Planning Part 1

2012-01-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

The winter brings out all the hopes and dreams of mostgardeners and I am no different than any other gardener. The seed catalogues start to arrive and I pour over them with enthusiasm.

However, I always step back to think about the bigger picture. With my notes on the garden from last year and some gardening books, I begin to edit the things that did and did not work in my yard last year.

With everyone preoccupied for the day, I am going to spend this afternoon working on the garden plans of the possible....

My favorite place to work in during winter evenings is my bedroom secretary. My office is pretty cold and the coziness of the bedroom spurs me to write notes or work on ideas. What a perfect place to work on this year's garden.

With everyone gone, I thought I would eat dinner in here with some reminders of the garden. Tulips in this radish vase are such a wonderful reminder.

My old cabbage dishes.... looks like spring, even though I am filling it with soup.

The placemat is an old Bread basket liner that I found at a yardsale. The Kate Spade flatware reminds me of the embroidery.

My old friend the bunny napkin ring comes to the garden party also. The napkin is another old linen find at yard sales. Do you know how beautiful some of these old linens are? They sell for so cheap. I know how hard it was for the maker to sew it and I hate that no one loves them any more.

Even the birdie comes to sit with me for dinner.

I hate that the pictures lighting is not perfect. It has rained for four straight days... even more reason to curl up in the bedroom with garden books. Don't you hate when the sun won't cooperate with you?

Thank you for spending this afternoon with me. I will keep you posted on the garden planning progress.

Potato and Leek Soup

Garden Salad

Homemade Bread

Plates: Bordallo

Flatware:Kate Spade Wickford - Marshall's

Table Linens - Yard Sales!!!

Again, Susan has her fabulous Tablescape Thursday that I will be joining,.

A Stack of Baby Bibs

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

The baby hasstarted to eat. And can that be messy. So I bought a stack of brightly coloredbibs and wanted to add a special touch... a monogram.

Even thoughthe baby will be messy, doesn't mean he can't eat in style.

Menu Week Ending 1/22

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

School hasgone into full gear. So any extra fun stuff has to be squeezed in during myfull time. I am working my January goals and have pleated the baby’s Easteroutfit. Now the smocking begins…

Insideprojects are going slow. I can only paint about an hour a day. And the yardclean-up should start but it is January and the weather is not really cooperative.

I will planthe garden this week… I have a stack of seed catalogs and will spend a sweetafternoon pouring over them.

What is onyour agenda this week?

Tuesday

Source

Turkey CranberryPanini

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Wednesday

Source

Pecan CrustedChicken Breast

MashedPotatoes

Sauteed GreenBeans

Thursday

Out

Friday

Source

Shrimp andGrits

Green Saladwith Balsamic Vinaigrette

Homemade CrescentRolls

Saturday

Source

Turkey Chili

Iceberg WedgeSalad

CornbreadMuffins

Sunday Dinner

Stuffed Shells

Cesar Salad

Garlic Rolls

Sunday Brunch: A Farmhouse Breakfast

2012-01-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

The boys areback in town and boy, did they bring their appetites. During the holiday, Iwanted to make them Eggs Benedict with Steak but never seemed to have the right time. This Sunday after church, I am making them a special brunch so when they leave, they will not only be filled physically but quality time with the family and church will leave them filled spiritually.

But such a brunch requires some extra prep work ahead of time. Because it is winter and sort of dreary, I decided to set a fresh farm table for brunch.

I found this table runner at Home Goods and thought how pretty would it be in my kitchen with my aqua and cream dishes?

I love theaqua and cream colors, especially in the winter.

And it matches my kitchen perfectly. I found this Star of Bethlehem plant, sadly I forgot to plant paperwhites but this plant is so pretty, it makes me forget about the paper whites. Also my big rooster is one of three, he has sat in my bay window for more than ten years. I know he is glad to be at brunch.

I know last week, I poo pooed layering plates but this week, I can't help myself. Look at the little roosters on this plate.

And the new flatware is just Gorgeous... I love it.

The boys will not be impressed but I think my daughter will be.

She helped me pick out the flatware, another Home Goods find.. That store is amazing.

The glass rooster is ready for the butter.

And coffee mugs for the coffee drinkers. My juice glasses are twenty years old but we still love them, especially for breakfast. I use them for everything, jams, dressing, etc. They have lids so you can cover any item.

Sugar and creamer all ready for the morning.

Which brings me to the favorite item on this table, the napkin rings are Arthur Court and fairly old.

They are the perfect compliment to breakfast... who doesn't love a pig for a napkin ring.

Or a bunny?

or a duck?

or a chicken?

I hope you enjoy my Sunday Brunch table. It is a special feeling to serve your family a wonderful meal on a pretty table.

Eggs Benedict with Steak and

Bernaise sauce

Oven potatoes

Cinnamon Rolls

Pineapple

Chargers: Ikea

Aqua Plates:Bordella - TJ Maxx

Cream Chicken Plates: Tuesday Morning - on clearance

Flatware: Silver Tear by Gourmet Setting - Home Goods

Mugs: Mikasa French Countryside

Napkin Rings: Arthur Court - Belk, a long time ago

Table Linens: Home Goods

Glass Rooster: Antique Store

Big Rooster: Tuesday Morning more than ten years ago.

I am joining Susan at her Tablescape Thursday Party... come join in!!

Freezer Cooking

2012-01-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

We like mostfamilies have a hectic and bustling schedule. My family is scattered across thecountry, so when they are home, I want them to have home-cooked meals.Sometimes hard to achieve with all the chores and activities they have to catchup on. In addition, a grand baby can make for an unpredictable schedule,especially at meal times.

I have alwaysbeen a frugal grocery shopper but two month ago never realized that it would beeasier to cook my bargains before I froze them rather than store them in thefreezer and defrost for a prepared meal.

Ham and Bean Soup and Red Beans and Rice

This was arevelation.

After findingthis great website, she had a ton of freezer meal recipes available. So I havespent the last month transforming my freezer from packed with meats to packedwith meals. Since I always have a menu, sometimes it is hard to follow it… weare out and can’t get back in time. Or frankly, I have had a tough timeteaching that day. Well now, I have meals in the freezer ready to be eatenafter baking, or defrosting. I even have crockpot meals ready to go into thecrockpot at the beginning of the day.

My freezer isstocked with healthy, inexpensive meals that make my life so much easier.

How did Itransform my freezer? Well first I stocked up on the Gladware baking pans.Next, I began to make three or four meals freezer meals every week, rotatingwith what was on sale; chicken dishes, pork dishes, etc.

These bakingdishes stack easy and I attach a copy of the recipe to the top of the dish,that way, I know what I need to do to have the meal ready for dinner.

Glad has these great dishes that allow you to stack your dinners. I need to finish those dishes in the oven, so I include the recipe on top of the dish.

Anotherbenefit of a freezer full of prepared meals is that you can share one easilywith a friend in need. The recipe is on the package for them and they know howto reheat it.

Throughoutthe year, I will be working through my freezer and sharing some of the greatrecipes I find…. Stay tuned.

Blueberry Bars

2012-01-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

January canbe such a dismal month… I mean I love stews, soups and pasta but every once ina while, you need to jazz up the menu with something fresh… something thatreminds you of summer. The long hot days by the pool with no cares… Back toJanuary… To make the meals interesting, I try to add fruit in everywhere I can.

Theseblueberry bars are an awesome treat….they are a lot like lemon bars. Like a sweet tart and blueberry pie all rolled into one delicious bite. I adaptedthe recipe from All Recipes.

Start with 1c. sugar, 1 t. baking powder and 3 c. of flour. Using a food processor, cutinto the dry mixture one cup of butter. Add ¼ t. salt and zest on one lemon and one egg.

Press half ofthe dry mixture into a 9 by 13 inch pan.

Thoroughlythaw and drain five cups of blueberries. This step takes the better part of 8hours… and make sure your drain the blueberries over the sink. Add ½ c. of sugar, 4 t. of cornstarch, 1 t. cinnamon and the juice of one lemon.Sprinkle the blueberry mixture evenly .

Top with theremaining dry mixture.

Bake at 375degrees for 55 to 60 minutes.

Completelycool before cutting.

Absolutelydelicious and so fresh….

Simplifying

2012-01-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

While I wasmaking my New Year's Resolutions, I decided this was the year I was going to SIMPLIFY. This concept goes am beyondjust organizing. And it does not mean to be a minimalist.

By Simplifying to me means, finding routine,

smell the roses,

giggle with a baby,

eating better,

meals with family,

spending time on adventures,

enjoying the fruits of my labors,

getrid of what you don't like, want or use.

Carefully, closet bycloset, drawer by drawer, I am looking at every item in this house andaccessing its importance. Do I really want to give up space for the item?

1. Each item that stays through theediting gets organized and catalogued. Several fun apps help with clothingorganization.
2. I created an excel spreadsheet toorganize dishes, table linens, place cards, etc.

3. Pinterest is a great way to organizeblog or magazine ideas.
4. I am taking items to Goodwill weeklyrather than a big pile that waits for a truck, etc. They leave each week.

What are youdoing this year to get organized? I will be sharing which clothing app I end upusing and my excel spreadsheet in the coming weeks.

My Greenhouse

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

After somecareful research, I have decided to replace the glass in my existinggreenhouse. As easy as this sounds, the clips that hold the glass have beenblown away in the storm. Replacing the house would be the easiest thing but theidea of dismantling this house, purchasing and assembling a new one was morethan I could bear. Besides on of the reviews for one of the houses I waslooking at mentioned the wind blowing the house away.... I know this house issturdy but needs new paint, shelves, new glass and a window regulator.

So add aproject to my February to do list... but it will totally be worth it.

You know how passionate I am about gardening being pretty. So just wait untilyou see how pretty the greenhouse will be!!!

Gardening Goals

2012-01-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

This year, I do not have any majorplans for the garden. However, on Christmas, my lovely sister found me a bottletree that she and my daughter worked together to give me for Christmas.

I have longed for a bottle tree forthree years. The first year, I was too embarrassed to ask the family for it.The second year, my family refused to even entertain the idea. My daughtersaid... "We are going to save you from yourself."

And this year, I finally won themover. It is a beautiful tree. My son and son-in-law installed it Christmasafternoon.

Now I do have to find bottles for thetree but isn't it lovely?

My other goal is transform some of myvegetable beds into a cutting garden. I love the vegetable garden but lastyear, I decided that I prefer flowers. Delicious vegetables can be bought atthe farmers market.. except for tomatoes and herbs. I am planting only flowers.

Next year, I may build more beds butfor this year... I am embracing the flowers.

Mainly, I need to spruce up and addplants where I have holes.... nuture, fertilize, and weed.... the goals forthis year.

I will keep you posted about my greenhousequest... am I going to re-glaze or buy new?

Menu: Week Ending January 15th

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Classes starton Wednesday and I have two days to wear PJ's, sleep late, shop, sew, readbooks, start a project, bake, etc. Two more days of Winter vacation... until weget back to reality. I think my daughter and I will take one of those two daysto enjoy the last remnants of the break.

I have totell you, I had weird goals for the holiday vacation.... You know how goaloriented I am.

1.     Learn one game on the XBox 360. I amlevel 50 on Call of Duty Black Ops... Conquered....
2.    Watch Friday Night Lights frombeginning to end. I only got halfwaythrough the shows but am totally hooked.
3.    Spend some serious time on Photoshop.Almost acomplished
4.    Spend two days in my PJ's. One downand one to go.
5.    Totally reorganize Christmas... done

Back toreality but first, I have garden planning to do this week and seeds to order.The promises of spring beckon in the pages of those seed catalogues.

If you notice, my menu is all winter, hearty food. Not only is the food hearty but it all freezes beautifully, except the Monte Cristo sandwiches. I am doubling every recipe for days in February that I may not want to cook.

Monday

ShrimpRisotto

Garden Saladwith Vinaigrette

Tuesday

Chicken FettucciniVerde

Cesar Salad

French Garlic Bread

Wednesday

BoeufBourguignon

Beer Bread

Thursday

Out

Friday

Monte CristoSandwiches

HomemadePotato Chips

Crudities

Saturday

Senate BeanSoup

Arugula Salad

Dinner Rolls

Sunday Dinner

Stuffed PorkChops

RoastedCarrots

CreamedSpinach

SaltedCaramel Brownies

What's on your menu this week?

Sunday Dinner: Tulips by the Fire

2012-01-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today, the kids are busy and so I amalone with the hubby in New Mexico. So Friday, I moved the little Pottery Barntable into the living room. A quiet dinner by the fire place.

What happier flowers during the winterthan tulips?

Just because I am by my self for dinner, doesn't mean I can't have a pretty table.

With the old coronation flatware and my great Aunt's China... what could be more sentimental and sweet.

The wonderful thing about older china is the accessory pieces are so special. Don't you love the double handled bouillon bowl?

With an old silver napkin ring, a yard sale find and a pretty yellow damask napkin to give the table a little more color. I am ready for a quiet dinner for one.

A moment to take in the weekend and prepare for the week ahead.

Now I know that people love to layer fancy dishes of all different types but how special for this pattern to be repeat.... very classic.

For the centerpiece, I just took a hydrangea blossom, added some tulips and green mums... for a special table setting.

With only a few flowers and my favorite china, I can have a dinner set for a queen.. or just me.

And because it is Sunday, I found this scripture that sums up my day: Mark 6:31, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

QuicheLorraine

Fruit Salad

Popovers

Plates:Noritake Alicia - My Great Aunt's China -

Flatware: Oneida Coronation flatware

I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. There are some fabulous tablescapes on her website.

Our Family Christmas Picture 2011

2012-01-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, myChristmas Cards should have gotten to their destinations by now and I thought Iwould share our family Christmas Card picture.

We loveBurberry at our home and my daughter had this beautiful Burberry dress. So whynot an entire Burberry Christmas picture?

Afterordering bow ties for the dogs, the baby and the boys……

How cute isthat? Not toocheesy but so cute with the baby.

Butcorralling a baby and two dogs?

Okay, cutebut not in the sun……

Look hereguys….

No funnyfaces…..

Dogs… lookthis way…..

Muchbetter….. No, baby, look here…..

All done!!! The money shot!!!!

A little likethe Kardashians, according to my daughter but hey....

Have aBurberry Christmas from us!!!

January Goals

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Now that Ihave my New Year's Resolutions set, how do I break them down to monthly goals.

January

1.     Start Italian software to learnItalian
2.    Finish knitting one baby item
3.    Easter smocked outfit picked out andstarted
4.    Work out three times a week
5.    Order three flower design books
6.    Spring and summer garden planned
7.    Seeds ordered
8.    Purchase two new sets of sheets.
9.    Embroider towels for guest rooms
10. Wash baseboards and door jamsthroughout the house
11. Research new greenhouse.

January isthe month to replenish sheets, bath towels, hand towels and any kitchen towelsor mitts. I love new sheets. If I were rich, I would have freshly washed sheetson my bed every day. This month, linens are on sale and it is a good time totake stock.

Photo via Pottery Barn

I am also going to make an effort to spritz the sheets withlavender water. We need some loveliness in January... this step should help.

My greenhousetook a beating last spring in a hail storm. I need to replace the glass at theleast. I will research whether I want to replace just the glass or the wholehouse. Here it is when we were installing the knot garden.

In addition,I have three months to complete any indoor projects that I want. The bathroomremodel needs to start but I am waiting to see when my son-in-law gets out ofthe Navy. His help is invaluable for this project.

What are yourJanuary goals?

New Year's Resolution

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love makingyearly goals and did pretty well on my New Year' s Resolutions last year. Well,it is time to make this year's Resolutions. As a family, we always have ayearly dinner to discuss what goals we want to accomplish.

This year, Ihave two big projects to accomplish.

1. Remodel a bathroom

Love this inspiration photo:

Source

Here is the current bathroom!!!

2. Start the remodel of the kitchen. Thebasic items will be ordered and I need to talk to an architect about a loadbearing wall that I want to remove. The kitchen remodel will begin in earnestin January 2013, but I want to spend this year, planning, purchasing items andlaying the ground work of electrical.

Photo via Pinterest

While thosegoals are big and need time, most of my goals are much smaller but focus onexpanding the things I already do.

1. Take a flower design class

Photo via Pinterest

2.    Learn Italian
3.    Knit three baby items
4.    Smock four outfits for Mr. Fletcher - starting with Easter... and wait for the other cute outfits.

Maison de Belles

5.    Work out three times a week and lose30 pounds. That is 2.5 pounds a month... I will have to keep an eye on thatgoal.
6.    Sunday dinners with the family two timesa month.
7.    A week spent with the family at thebeach.

While thosegoals don't seem earth shattering, I think they are fun and achievable goalsthat will make me happy if I complete them.

Far too manypeople make New Year's Resolutions that are negative.... I won't smoke, I willlose weight, etc. But few people include positive goals and less people put amonthly target for the goals. Losing weight will be tough, there is no doubtbut when you break it down to 2.5 pounds a month, it doesn't seem unattainable.

How to achieve and keep your NewYear's Resolutions:

1.     Make the goals positive
2.    Make your goals achievable
3.    Set monthly goals.
4.    Post your goals in a high trafficarea, like the bathroom mirror.
5.    As you hold me accountable, you shouldfind someone to help you be accountable.
6.    Have fun!!! You are transforming yourlife, one small step at a time.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Pardon my absencefor the last two weeks. My grandson's mother had her gallbladder removed andunexpectedly, I had a full time baby.... It was wonderful but I between Christmasand the baby... I was not prepared. So the blog suffered but the baby didn't.

He reminds meof the song... Santa Baby...

We had awonderful Christmas, went to the Music City Bowl

and hung out with the family.

I hope you all have a Happy New Year. I have big plans for this year... but that can wait.

Baking: Oh oh homemade marshmallows

2011-12-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Time to make the marshmallows!!!

My friends and family love my homemade marshmallows.

And they are so easy.

Homemade Marshmallows
Ingredients

Vegetable shortening (Crisco recommended) for preparing the pan
1 cup cold water
3 tablespoons (3 envelopes) unflavored gelatin
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Confectioners sugar (for coating the marshmallows)

Instructions

1.Cut a piece of aluminum foil long enough to cover the bottom and sides of the pan. Place the foil in the pan and press it gently into place. With a pastry brush or crumpled wax paper coat the foil thoroughly but lightly with vegetable shortening. Set aside.

2. Place 1/2 cup cold water in the large bowl of an electric mixer, Sprinkle the gelatin over the surface of the water and set aside. Notice, it is not imperative to use a halloween dish but nice to mix your holidays. I doubled this recipe so I have 1 cup of cold water and 6 packets of unflavored gelatin.

Place the sugar, corn syrup, salt and the other 1/2 cup water in a heavy 1-1/2 quart or 2 quart saucepan over moderately low heat.

Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.Raise the heat to high, insert a candy thermometer, and let the syrup boil without stirring until the temperature reaches 240 degrees. This process takes a little while so be patient.

Almost there but it has to be 240 degrees, or soft ball stage. Do not overcook. Remove from the heat.

Beating constantly at medium speed, pour the syrup slowly into the gelatin mixture. After all the syrup has been added, increase the speed to high and beat for 15 minutes until the mixture is lukewarm, snowy white, and the consistency of whipped marshmallow, adding the vanilla a few minutes before the end of the beating. (During the beating, occasionally scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula. The marshmallow will thicken and become sticky -- if the mixture crawls up on the beaters as it thickens, carefully wipe it down with a rubber spatula.) 10 minutes of mixing, here you need to add vanilla. A side note, you can add peppermint extract or any other flavoring you would like.

Pour the slightly warm and thick marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan and, with your forefinger, scrape all the mixture off the beaters. Smooth the top of the marshmallow. Let stand uncovered at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours or longer if it is more convenient.

Then sift or strain confectioners sugar generously onto a large cutting board to cover a surface larger then your pan. Invert the marshmallow over the sugared surface. Remove the pan and peel off the foil. Strain confectioners sugar generously over the top of the marshmallow.

Prepare a long, heavy, sharp knife by brushing the blade lightly with vegetable shortening. Cutting down firmly with the full length of the blade, cut the marshmallow into 1 inch strips and each strip into 1 inch squares. Place the cubes on a cookie sheet with extra sugar in it.

Polka Dot Cake

2011-12-15T19:00:00.000-05:00

Several years ago, I begged, pleadedand bribed my family for this Christmas cake plate for Christmas. And my sonwas so kind to his poor old mother that he bought her this cake plate.

The cake plate is beautiful andinspired me to make some fancy cupcakes a couple of years ago.

But how about a Red Velvet Cake forthis pretty cake plate.

Beautiful, huh

Oh wait

It get better

Because I thought how much more funwould a red velvet polka dot cake be?

I mean on the inside

Is that not amazing?

No, I did not learn how to defy thelaws of baking

But with the help of this blog, thecake pop baker and my lovely daughter, I baked cake pops with a white cake mix.

Used my sister’s fabulous red velvetcake recipe. But before the cake went into the oven, plopped the cake ballsinto the batter.

My only mistake was not putting morecake balls in tightly. I should have also added a few halved cake balls.

Bake the cake as normal, I had to addabout five extra minutes to the red velvet baking time.

But the cake came out perfectly. Iwould have thought the cake pops would have been dry but they were perfect evenbaked a second time in the cake.

How pretty is this cake?

I can imagine a beautiful polka dotcake for a bridal shower, Easter or any fancy girl occasion. It makes for a funsurprise when you cut the cake.

I am joining Foodie Friday.

A Candy Cane Polka Dotted Tablescape

2011-12-14T23:05:00.000-05:00

This table was inspired by my favoritecake plate, wait until tomorrow’s post about how that plate came to live at myhome. As you know, I have put a request that we have an old fashioned Sundaydinner at my home.

For me, food is love. I want to makethose that I love feel special and my Sunday dinners and my tables need toreflect the love I feel for those people.

For this table, I thought we wouldhave dinner in my kitchen. I have the cutest kitchen decorations… candy, candycane inspired decorations along with this fun sandwich platter, topped with these snowman mugs, ready for hot chocolate. I will show you the rest of the kitchen next week.

As someone wholoves to bake, what better theme for a kitchen than a sugar coated red andgreen kitchen.

It all started with this cake plate. I mean look how cute her feet are!!!

For the table, I decided that red andwhite polka dots would be perfect. From the tablecloth and napkins

To the plates.

Topped with the Santa plate. Hisblushing cheeks make this dish so sweet.

Polka dots can make any table more funand less formal.

Kate Spade flatware with the tiniestruffle along the edge continue the fun theme.

I found these cute candy vases anddecided to set not one arrangement but three.

Although I am making Sunday dinner,how cute would this table be for a cookie party for the kids.

Sunday Dinner Menu

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Baked Potato with Sour cream and chives

Green Salad with Candied Pecans, Cranberries and Feta

Red Velvet Cake with Cream CheeseFrosting

Chargers: Home Goods

Dinnerware: Spode

Flatware: Kate Spade

Napkin Rings: Christmas store

Centerpieces: Vases - Carolina Pottery

Santa Plates: Carolina Pottery

Tablecloth and Napkins: Home Goods

I am joining Susan and her Tablescape Party. I love all her fun tables and the tables of all the fun ladies

Homemade Marshmallows and their Fancy Wrapping

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Every year, Ihave special friends that I am required to take my marshmallows to for a treat.

In particular, one lovely older lady saves and counts her marshmallows for hotchocolate. One marshmallow a day. I always make a special batch for her.

I have shownyou before how easy the marshmallows are to make but I never get tired offinding fun and interesting ways topresent them.

When I foundthese little plastic trays, I knew they would be the perfect size.

Wrapped withcellophane.

And somepersonalized ribbon.

These treatsare a special, inexpensive way to tell someone how cherished they are to you.