by Natalie | Oct 6, 2018 | Recipes
It’s can be hard to find the perfect gift for the one who “has it all” or at least has what they need and would like to select their own “wants.”
My husband is turning 40! (a great looking, awesome 40 year old), I want him to know I put serious thought into his gift. So I’m making chocolate covered bacon.
Bacon!!
It’s a rare person that doesn’t love bacon 🥓. Crispy, melt in your mouth bacon, makes every dish better.
Which reminds me have you heard Jim Gaffagen’s bacon jokes, 👉 while you eat chocolate covered bacon.
If you’ve worked with chocolate you know it can be tricky if heated and cooled too quickly you can get “bloom” where the chocolate butter separates and white spots appear on top.
Or its melted at too high of a temperature and it seizes up, losing its milky smooth texture and becomes a chocky solid.
This is how you do it right.
Bake the bacon till crispy, but not burnt 😊 and let it cool completely.
If you have a double boiler use it. ☺️ You will beat water in the lower bowl until very warm, but not boiling. It will melt your chocolate and keep it liquid with less risk of messing up your chocolate’s composition.
If you have a microwave melt on medium to low heat for 20 second increments mixing between each time. I added about 1 1/2 Tbs butter to 8 oz of dark chocolate. The butter is to increase its spreadability (which in not sure is a word) 😂
Heart until just melted, be careful not to overcook add it will burn and ruin your chocolate. Then use a pastry brush to brush the chocolate into your slices of bacon.
After I was done spreading chocolate I placed them in a warm (not burning oven) to even out the chocolate).
Sprinkle with course salt to balance out the sweetness of the chocolate and enhance the bacon flavor.
Then package with string and a card and you’ve got an awesome guy gift – or the perfect gift for anyone with refined taste buds. 😉
Happy creating! Comment with other ideas you have for the men in your life and /or those who already have it all.
Until next time… 😊👉 Shares your thoughts.
by Natalie | Apr 18, 2019 | Recipes
Grilled cheese is an amazing food. Definitely in the top 10 of my favorite foods. The best part, they never have to get boring.
The classic combination of grilled cheese and tomatoe soup – is perfect, never gets old. Grilled cheese buzzfeed sites pump the internet full of ideas to make sure you have seen every single style known to man.
But the internet hasn’t seen anything like this… Yet! and it’s amazing. These grilled cheese sandwich recipes are to die for.
Double Grilled Cheese and Ranch
Sprinkle cheese and dry ranch mix (about a 1/4 tsp) on top.
Here is another shot with the same idea I just used regular bread and Greek Yogurt Dips Ranch Mix. The thick slices of cheese will give you more of a cheesy sandwich. The shredded cheese will melt up faster.
To get the double grilled cheese you can either put the cheese right on top while cooking, let it melt a bit then flip it.
Oorrr, put the cheese right on the grill and flip your sandwich onto the cheese immediately. Let it grill until the cheese inside is melted and the cheese outside is perfectly crisp.
Voila! You’ve got double grilled cheese and ranch perfection. The cheese outside hits your tongue immediately and adds an extra layer of crisp right before the soft cheesy center.
The dry ranch mix gives a subtle flavor upgrade that the 5 year old to 40 year old equally loved.
I’m counting this as a home run!
Gourmet Grilled Cheese Add-Ons
When it comes to comfort foods, grilled cheese is right up there. Here are a few more gourmet ideas to make your taste buds happy. If you are looking to change things up a bit, try this selection of creative grilled cheese recipes.
Grilled Cheese and Avocado
Avocados are an amazing super food. A great source of healthy fat and full of vitamins.
Avocados are packed with vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. They also provide the fats you need such as lutein, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids. Not only that, avocados are full of healthy, beneficial fats that help keep you full and satiated.
That must be why I love avocados so much – it makes me feel satisfied after eating and stops craving. When you give your body what it needs the cravings subside.
Grilled Cheese with Bacon
Bacon is the ultimate food right? Is there anything bacon can’t do? There is bacon ice cream, bacon sprinkled on donuts, chocolate covered bacon – check out my easy recipe, trust me you’ll love it.
And while you’re at it, you might as well try grilled cheese with bacon and avocado together. These two were meant to be…in a sandwich together. 😊
Grilled Cheese with Apricot Jam
I know what you are thinking, ‘she’s crazy!’ I thought it was too when I first heard about it. If you like to try new things, then you have to try this, it like nothing you’ve had before – unless you’ve had this exact sandwich before. Then I’ve got nothing new for ya.
Many years ago, my amazing big brother married into a family that all ate cheese sandwiches with apricot jam in the middle. I resisted for years, until one day I thought, “Here’s this whole group of people who think it taste good, there’s got to be something to it.”
…. It was good!
Apricot Jam cheese sandwiches taste nothing like grilled cheese, it’s a whole new experience. Go in with that mind set and you’ll like it.
Grill the sandwich first, then open it up and put some jam in the middle.
Which Cheeses are the Best for Grilled Cheese?
These were Google‘s top pick when asked, cheeses for the best grilled cheese sandwich. So if you’re wanting to up it a notch for a fancy grilled cheese sandwich style, you may want to try one of these. Feta, goat cheese, havarti, Swiss, Cheddar, Muenster, Provolone and American – all this according to Thrillest.com.
I was a bit surprised to find that my favorite cheese upgrade was not listed – Pepper Jack. If you like a bit of spice you will love this cheese grilled with a few slices of crispy bacon.
I usually just go with plain old Cheddar, because you can’t go wrong there. If I’m not cooking for kids and I have Pepper Jack, it’s the go to. Which isn’t often because my super power, among other things, is to raise little humans into adults and they always need to eat…and they like Cheddar.
I hope you enjoy these grilled cheese sandwich twists, especially grilled cheese and ranch – I think you’ll love it.
Let me know how it goes. Please comment and subscribe for more awesome how – to.
Later
Natalie
by Natalie | Mar 1, 2019 | Recipes
Tasty, quick to the table and full of good-for-you vegetables. Bistro Chicken makes a long day taste delicious.
I discovered this recipe years ago in a Kraft foods magazine. It quickly became a favorite and is so easy to make it became part of the permanent dinner rotation.
Specialty Ingredients
This recipe does require a few things I don’t always have on hand like bacon and fresh mushrooms. Everything else I usually have in the house. It is easy to make, but I usually have to plan ahead.
Easy Bistro Chicken
2 tsp. vegetable oil
3 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 med. Onion, chopped
1 can (15 Oz) stewed tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup Italian dressing
3 Tbsp. tomatoe paste
4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb)
1 cup mozzarella cheese
2 slices bacon, crumbled
Heat oil in large skillet on med – high heat. Add mushrooms and onions; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes (with liquid), dressing and tomato paste.
Add chicken; cover. Reduce heat to med-low. Simmer 12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. I’ve found it tastes best simmering longer, as long as the heat is low, the chicken becomes even more tender.
Sprinkle with cheese and bacon; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve over rice if desired.
Makes 4 servings – I usually double it because the leftovers are also amazing – amazing that I don’t have to cook the next day. 😉 (and they’re also amazing).
I served the Bistro Chicken with a side of sautéed summer squash and zucchini, (recipe found here) and a fresh loaf of bread.
Tips to make this meal even faster
Bread Tip: buy frozen bread and set it out to rise in the pan in the morning. Then put it into bake when you start the entrée. Your family will love you.
Chicken Tip: set chicken in a bowl in the fridge to defrost the same time you set out the bread to rise. You’ll be eating a half hour after getting home.
Bacon Tip: cook the whole package of bacon when you buy it. Put it in the freezer and pull out just the amount you need when cooking.
Tomatoe Paste Tip: most recipes don’t call for a whole can of tomatoe paste. Place the rest in a zip lock bag, flattened out. With the blunt edge of a butter knife section into roughly 1 Tbsp sections then put in the freezer for next time.
Saving tip for leftover tomatoe paste
Mmmmm.
Sautéing the mushrooms and onions is the secret to a great dish.
For the most tender chicken it’s important to cover and reduce the heat to med – low as it cooks.
Mozzarella and bacon are the final touch.
Searve over rice with a side of sautéed summer squash and fresh bread.
What is your go to meal, easy and tastes delicious?
by Natalie | Feb 7, 2019 | Baking, Recipes
A few years ago I created a Bouquet Dinner for my family on Valentine’s. It was an immediate hit. Our kids now look forward to it as soon as they see the Valentine’s decorations go up in the stores (which is like right after Christmas 😅).
The thing I love about Valentine’s Day is we don’t have to spend huge amounts of money to show others how important they are to us.
Of course businesses are often trying to convince us that a diamond bracelet or luxury cruise is the only way to show your love. We all know better. 😊 While those things are nice, real love is expressed in less complex ways.
When I feel truly loved it is because someone remembered me. My husband gives me a music mix of the very best songs from the previous year. I love it because whenever I listen to it I think of him. The CD also introduces me to the latest hits which I have to admit is needed. I quickly get behind on what’s up and coming.
Children are natural Valentine masters. They are so incredibly loving and forgiving and their cards and presents are truly from the heart.
A few of the homemade Valentine’s I’ve gotten over the years. ❤️
Last year my son was struggling with keeping his cool. His teacher used a little post it note to track expected and unexpected behavior and send it to me at the end of the day. This is probably the most beautiful way he could show his love for me at the time. All smiles and no frowns ❤️❤️.
It seemed only natural for me to make a fun, creative dinner to show my affection for my family. I make notes and everything, but this way I can feed their bellies and souls. They also never forget this tradition, their eyes light up when they see Valentine’s Dinner.
It’s exciting to “pick” what you want to eat. With such a unique way of serving dinner the whole room is jumping with excitement.
A few needed items
- Flower vases to hold your bouquets
- Cooking skewers
- Your choice of meat, fruit /Vegitables and bread
Our Bouquet Versions
Each year we try something a little different. One year we had meatballs, smokies and bacon alternating on a skewer. Another year I tried my hand at bacon roses which I thought would be an especially tasty way to my husband’s heart.
Chocolate Covered Bacon
You could also try chocolate covered bacon – which is actually amazing. Here is the recipe and how-to here. Or make bacon roses and then dip in chocolate! I will likely be trying that this year.
Inside-out Chocolate Strawberries
If you look closely, you’ll see these chocolate strawberries have the chocolate on the inside. I found that chocolate covered strawberries were a little messy to eat. The chocolate shell would break and fall off before you could eat it with the strawberry. You’re using two hands, one to eat and one to catch the chocolate falling off.
This version you simply pour the chocolate inside the strawberry. There is often a hole inside so it makes it easy. It’s perfect to eat for little ones and I actually like it better with a chocolate core.
Pigs-in-a-Blanket
Pigs-in-a-blanket are easy to do on a stick as well. To mix it up a little, try one of these versions Cheesy Ranch or a puff pastry crust.
I also just discovered this completely easy to make Soft Pretzel recipe, which I’ll probably do this year for the Bouquet as well.
I was surprised that the Oreo’s on a stick were not a hit. I think the kids had already had so much sugar from school Valentine’s that they were ready for real food by dinner.
My amazing Valentine. He makes it easy to want to make Valentine’s Day special.
There are endless ideas to create a Bouquet meal. What would you put in an edible bouquet?
P. S.
You may be wondering if we get alone time – for an actual romantic dinner? The answer is yes, we will be going out just the two of us on the weekend.😊
Happy baking, until next time – which will likely be a home DIY!
Natalie
by Natalie | Nov 22, 2018 | Home Decor, Personal Development
Each year my family draws each other’s names for Christmas. While we do have store bought gifts, these particular gifts are supposed to be handmade.
I wanted my kids to know the real spirit of giving and found it was easier to encourage them to give their time in making a present than it was earn money to buy a present.
As the years have gone by our kids (and ourselves) have really gotten into it.
Calendar or photobook
My favorites have been when my husband has made me a personalized calendar from shutterfly.com. They have deals constantly and are worth looking into. If they by chance aren’t having deals, Walgreens and Walmart let you make them for around $12.
Made from Felt
My next go-to for homemade presents is felt. It comes in a variety of colors and doesn’t unravel on the edges, making it easy to work with. You can either go with inexpensive 50¢ felt or get a more luxurious look with wool felt.
My Little Pony Castle
This is my newest homemade gift, the My Little Pony Castle playset. The pony buttons can be found at Walmart, Joanne’s or Amazon. I then attached each pony with rainbow ribbon. It folds up to make a convenient quiet book. Let me know if you’re interested and I can share my pattern.
Trolls Poppy and Branch
Last year I made Poppy and Branch out of felt. Felt is so easy to use and makes cute gifts.
Christmas Pajamas
Another great go-to is creating fun shirt and pj’s gifts (really anything made from cotton will work).
I stumbled across this idea years ago while teaching art at a family camp. A little boy had been using toll paint and unbeknownst to me or his mother, ended up getting some on his shirt. By the time she found it, the paint had dried. She came back to the art room begging for help and we had to tell her once it was dry it was permanent, which up to this point had been a bad thing. But I told her to leave the shirt and I’d see if I could match the colors and paint over it. I was able to fix the shirt and while I painted it I realized I should have been doing this all along.
Masking tape stencil
Here are some of the best examples we’ve done for our homemade Christmas presents. This is the masking tape technique. Use masking tape to create a “stencil”then paint over it
TV show Pysch
This particular gift is a throw back to the TV show Psych. My daughter has been working on this and is going to add the words,” I’ve heard it both ways. ”
Freestyle paint
Despicable Me, Gru and Minions
You can also freestyle paint it, which I used in our Despicable Me theme for the purple minion and masking tape for Gru’s scarf.
Freezer Paper Stencil
Another toll paint method is to cut your design out of freezer paper and iron (wax side down) onto your shirt. This also creates a stencil to paint on.
You can cut it with a Cricut, Shillouett machine or a razer.
At the time our son had been calling himself “the happy kid ” so I made him a smiley face shirt. So far I’ve noticed dark colored cotton shirts don’t absorb the toll paint as well. I’m guessing this is because the fibers already hold alot of pigment. Prewashing new shirts can help a little. Deep red shirts have been the least effective with holding onto paint.
Setting the paint in the shirt
Whichever technique you choose, cover the shirt with an old towel and iron the paint into the shirt. This helps set the paint (after it has dried) and makes it a permanent image. For all of my projects (except red shirts) the painting has become permanent and only fades with natural wear.
Weaving
Our older son learned how to make a bead bracelet. This picture gives an idea of the set up. There was not any DIY for this style on YouTube – which as you can tell is very simple and easy to do. I guess my son needs to make a video.
In the mean time you can check out a different DIY beadloom style here.
PVC Pipe toys
And of course there is PVC pipe. Whether you are making marshmallows shooters or lounging chairs, PVC pipe has endless possibilities. These were made by my boys for each other last year.
Copper wire doll furniture
We also had some creative gifts come from copper wire. My son, twisted it into the shape of lawn furniture for his sister’s house, making a chair and a swing.
Doll house renovation
The house came a few years before. It was a rickety, old doll house from a yard sale. I revived it with support beams along the roof and foundation, cardboard roof shingles and painted siding shingles.
Tic Tac Toe
This Tic Tac Toe game was given by my then two year old. I sewed the bag from plaid and burlap. My daughter painted on paper, which I cut into circles and modge podged to the bottom of glass beads. I liked how it preserved her artwork and let her participate in the giving process.
Seasoned Salts
The last present I will share today is gifting seasoned salts. Bacon salt is easy and a tasty gift for the men in your life (or anyone who really loves bacon). The bacon flavor came out well in the food. We used it on salads, sandwiches, soups etc. This gift needs to be stored in the fridge.
To make, cook a pound of bacon to very crispy. Let cool and crumble into tiny bacon pieces. Add two cups of course salt and two tsp of ground pepper. Mix together and fill up your bottles.
The packaging was made with burlap, doubled over and glued around the neck of the bottle from the dollar store.
Tied with Raffia and a homemade, laminated tag.
The possibilities are endless. I hope this sparks some creative ideas and as always feel free to send questions or comments.
And have a wonderful Christmas holiday. 🎄 🌟 🎁
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