tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37509740258920095682024-02-07T21:42:52.509-08:00Cookin' CowgirlCookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.comBlogger340125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-14603457995635249372014-08-19T19:44:00.003-07:002014-08-19T19:44:20.605-07:00bitter SWEET moveWell folks, I've finally done it. I've moved from Blogspot to Wordpress. That's right, I've made the giant leap in the blogging world and now I have my very own .com.<br />
<br />
This may not seem like a big deal to most people, but for this technically challenged cowgirl, it's freakin' scary, man!<br />
<br />
On that note, I am SO EXCITED to have a new space to call my own. I'll make this last post on Blogger short and sweet, and I'll try not to be too sappy.<br />
<br />
I've been blogging on this site for almost 4 years. How is that even possible?! I don't know. It's been a good little bloggy home, but now it's on to bigger and better things.<br />
<br />
So what are you waiting on?! Come see my new place <a href="http://www.cookincowgirl.com/" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
<br />
A house warming gift you ask? Oh no I don't need anytn......chocolate. I like chocolate!<br />
<br />
No but seriously. I would be so excited for you to come check out the new site and let me know what you think. All the recipes over here are coming with me and will be on the <a href="http://www.cookincowgirl.com/" target="_blank">new site</a>. It's fresh, clean and it's going to be full of great new recipes! See y'all over there!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Cookin' Cowgirl<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cookincowgirl.com/">www.cookincowgirl.com</a><br />
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-6585475330196378652014-07-07T20:53:00.002-07:002014-07-07T20:53:11.759-07:00Jack and Jerky Bouquet<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-color="white" data-pin-height="28" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>I'm so excited to be able to share fun DIY project with you. If you've ever tried to make a little bouquet using liquor bottles, it can be challenging. Once the bottles are taped or glued to the sticks, they become top heavy and turn around on you. Grrrr. Sometimes DIY projects look SO easy in a picture, but once I start them, I kinda want to pull my hair out. I've got a few tricks to help those pesky little bottles stay put. No hair pulling on this project! Promise.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f_cwy_9yweY/U7tejymKUDI/AAAAAAAAUOw/coHi-7r8oYY/s1600/Jack+and+Jerky+Bouquet+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f_cwy_9yweY/U7tejymKUDI/AAAAAAAAUOw/coHi-7r8oYY/s1600/Jack+and+Jerky+Bouquet+.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This "Jack and Jerky" bouquet consists of a jar of my homemade <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2014/07/whiskey-praline-pecans.html" target="_blank">Whiskey Praline Pecans</a>, some beef jerky steak sticks, and two different kinds of Jack Daniels bottles. You could do this with any kind of small bottles you like.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ0e2aecibU/U7te4FqPdWI/AAAAAAAAUO4/rSbfJpQlgJA/s1600/Jack+Daniels+Whiskey+Praline+Pecans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ0e2aecibU/U7te4FqPdWI/AAAAAAAAUO4/rSbfJpQlgJA/s1600/Jack+Daniels+Whiskey+Praline+Pecans.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I made this for Hunter Hann and surprised him with it. He was so excited about it that he took a picture of it and texted it to a few of his friends. He said something like, "My wife is so awesome. She gets me!" To which a friend of his replied, "Apparently your wife gets me too!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hb1tSpX5GO0/U7tngOSdbLI/AAAAAAAAUQI/3VNSD3-WM-8/s1600/DSC_0451-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hb1tSpX5GO0/U7tngOSdbLI/AAAAAAAAUQI/3VNSD3-WM-8/s1600/DSC_0451-002.JPG" height="640" width="432" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So yeah, it's safe to say that this would be a fun gift for just about any dude. Switch up the treats or the booze to customize it to your man's liking.<br />
<br />
<b>DIY Jack & Jerky Bouquet</b><br />
- Basket or bucket<br />
- Dry craft foam to put sticks in {usually in floral/vase department}<br />
- Paper filler<br />
- Small Jack Daniels or other liquor bottles<br />
- Beef steak or beef jerky sticks<br />
- Skinny, flat popsicle craft sticks, {5 3/8 x 7/32 x 1/16 in}<br />
- Decorative paper straws<br />
- Mason jar(s) for your <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2014/07/whiskey-praline-pecans.html" target="_blank">Jack Daniels Pecans</a><br />
- Hot glue gun and glue<br />
- Ribbon or burlap to decorate {optional}<br />
<br />
Gather up all of your goodies and fill jars with pecans or other treats. Fill basket with craft foam and arrange jars where you want them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig62jQVtd4E/U7tfBrRQqNI/AAAAAAAAUPA/ktAKGYCts7g/s1600/DSC_0371-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig62jQVtd4E/U7tfBrRQqNI/AAAAAAAAUPA/ktAKGYCts7g/s1600/DSC_0371-001.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Squeeze hot glue on a straw, about one long and place on the back of one of the Jack bottles. Repeat with remaining bottles. Let dry completely. Put a craft stick inside straw and them arrange them by gently pushing the sticks in craft foam. These sticks will insure that the straws and bottles won't turn. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68y4T8d8_mA/U7thYcXVCNI/AAAAAAAAUPM/FK-ENgrA6D8/s1600/DSC_0389-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68y4T8d8_mA/U7thYcXVCNI/AAAAAAAAUPM/FK-ENgrA6D8/s1600/DSC_0389-002.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Repeat with beef sticks, but after you squeeze the glue on the straws, let it cool for a few seconds before placing on the wrapper so it does not melt the plastic. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8tNfpI20wU/U7thgAQ1kRI/AAAAAAAAUPU/lDGTFX-1Eo4/s1600/DSC_0393-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8tNfpI20wU/U7thgAQ1kRI/AAAAAAAAUPU/lDGTFX-1Eo4/s1600/DSC_0393-002.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Press the straw down into the grooves of the packaging to make sure it stays put. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3neA_PWWKA/U7tjFciEEqI/AAAAAAAAUPg/Dy4N1PKE-dU/s1600/DSC_0396-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3neA_PWWKA/U7tjFciEEqI/AAAAAAAAUPg/Dy4N1PKE-dU/s1600/DSC_0396-002.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Place craft sticks in the end of straws and arrange in foam behind the jack bottles. Double check placement of everything before adding paper filler. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y0MXINxAEw/U7tjjU0wa8I/AAAAAAAAUPo/qb23Nga5iS4/s1600/DIY+Jack+Daniels+Bouquet+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y0MXINxAEw/U7tjjU0wa8I/AAAAAAAAUPo/qb23Nga5iS4/s1600/DIY+Jack+Daniels+Bouquet+.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Fill top of basket with paper filler. Add extra bottles or goodies to the base of basket. Add decorative ribbon or burlap bows to the outside. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JTF5mD_kln4/U7tkcBx50cI/AAAAAAAAUP0/2YyZ2hKc72c/s1600/IMG_8818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JTF5mD_kln4/U7tkcBx50cI/AAAAAAAAUP0/2YyZ2hKc72c/s1600/IMG_8818.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love the look of the cute little straws. Use team colors or other favorite colors to further customize this gift.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3XXhUqnBjqs/U7tktJn4Z5I/AAAAAAAAUQA/BoVqCJzxTlM/s1600/Jack+Daniels+Whiskey+Bouquet+Gift+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3XXhUqnBjqs/U7tktJn4Z5I/AAAAAAAAUQA/BoVqCJzxTlM/s1600/Jack+Daniels+Whiskey+Bouquet+Gift+.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
"Hey Ladies!" This could be a fun bachelorette party idea too!! Use mini bottles or champagne or whatever the bride likes. And for the snack, make a batch of my easy <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2011/01/tie-knot-party-mix.html" target="_blank">"Tie the Knot" party mix!</a> It has Tiffany blue pretzels and would be adorable all wrapped up! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fAgIf-3FSc/U7tnzD8TcZI/AAAAAAAAUQQ/bdhb9kefjbU/s1600/How+to+make+a+jack+daniels+bouquet+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fAgIf-3FSc/U7tnzD8TcZI/AAAAAAAAUQQ/bdhb9kefjbU/s1600/How+to+make+a+jack+daniels+bouquet+.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Anniversary, Valentine's Day, birthday, Father's Day, Christmas, Graduation, 21st birthday, whatever, this is the perfect gift.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aStaAx4iPeI/U7tpCHUd_-I/AAAAAAAAUQc/ipablOwIpBc/s1600/Jack+Daniels+bouquet+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aStaAx4iPeI/U7tpCHUd_-I/AAAAAAAAUQc/ipablOwIpBc/s1600/Jack+Daniels+bouquet+.JPG" height="640" width="472" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6qjvU0zoGI/U7tpNfYVz2I/AAAAAAAAUQk/JD4L7sfaKE0/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6qjvU0zoGI/U7tpNfYVz2I/AAAAAAAAUQk/JD4L7sfaKE0/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-91416540132149228992014-07-03T13:17:00.002-07:002014-07-07T21:14:57.423-07:00Whiskey Praline Pecans<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>I made these Jack Daniels pecans for my husband. Just because I love him. Ok, truth be told, it's kind of a late birthday present. Better late than never though, right?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A16qx6UiTtA/U7VWcdtEXxI/AAAAAAAAUMk/P0sXgntktzQ/s1600/Jack+Daniels+Praline+Pecans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A16qx6UiTtA/U7VWcdtEXxI/AAAAAAAAUMk/P0sXgntktzQ/s1600/Jack+Daniels+Praline+Pecans.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
One of my love languages is giving people gifts. I have always loved to make little crafts and give them away. These little beauties are no exception.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kA3r6SWQfU/U7W3oS-tM5I/AAAAAAAAUM0/tzBtTZ0WS_c/s1600/DSC_0347-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kA3r6SWQfU/U7W3oS-tM5I/AAAAAAAAUM0/tzBtTZ0WS_c/s1600/DSC_0347-002.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the MANY reasons that these nuts are so super awesome, is that they are the dangerous combo of sweet & savory. So, apologies in advance for you devouring the entire batch in a week. No? Just me? Ok.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s6DuFizewmY/U7W31PKWqsI/AAAAAAAAUM8/fw7WW_JuVJg/s1600/Jack+Daniels+Whiskey+Praline+Pecans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s6DuFizewmY/U7W31PKWqsI/AAAAAAAAUM8/fw7WW_JuVJg/s1600/Jack+Daniels+Whiskey+Praline+Pecans.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Whiskey Praline Pecans</b><br />
<b><i> makes 1 pound</i></b><br />
1 lb pecan halves {16 oz bag}<br />
1 large egg white<br />
2 T <b>Jack Daniels</b>, other Tennessee Whiskey, or Bourbon<br />
1 T honey<br />
1 T vanilla<br />
1/4 C sugar + 1 T for later<br />
1/4 brown sugar<br />
1 T cinnamon<br />
1/4 tsp nutmeg<br />
1/8 tsp cayenne {optional}<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 250º and line baking sheet with silicone mat.<br />
In a large bowl, combine the 1/4 C of sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne and salt. Stir and set aside.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, combine the egg white, whiskey, vanilla and honey. Whisk together until frothy. Add the pecans and stir to coat. With a slotted spoon, remove pecans and add them to sugar mixture, leaving extra liquid behind. Once the pecans are coated in sugar mixture, sprinkle in the remaining T of sugar, and stir. Pour pecans out onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes or so. The pecans will be sticky until they cool. Allow to cool, then package them up all cute like.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCdwGXrCPOI/U7W3_Z49kOI/AAAAAAAAUNE/5zlK9lNQfY8/s1600/Sweet+and+Savory+Jack+Daniels+Pecans+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCdwGXrCPOI/U7W3_Z49kOI/AAAAAAAAUNE/5zlK9lNQfY8/s1600/Sweet+and+Savory+Jack+Daniels+Pecans+.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
If your man is a "Jack & Coke," or in my husband's case, a "Jack and Diet" kind of guy, please do him a favor, and make him these boozy pecans. He will thank you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kSOwkrlY7ps/U7W4QXNw4UI/AAAAAAAAUNU/3qWMWi6SS84/s1600/DIY+Whiskey+Pecans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kSOwkrlY7ps/U7W4QXNw4UI/AAAAAAAAUNU/3qWMWi6SS84/s1600/DIY+Whiskey+Pecans.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
These Whiskey Praline Pecans are similar to my <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2011/01/cinnamon-vanillla-almonds.html" target="_blank">Cinnamon Vanilla Almonds</a> and will be such a hit at Christmas! Package them up in cute little jars for stocking stuffers!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1a_TQTNaoo/U7W4EAmcv5I/AAAAAAAAUNM/ifSmwt8w8-8/s1600/Bourbon+Pecans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1a_TQTNaoo/U7W4EAmcv5I/AAAAAAAAUNM/ifSmwt8w8-8/s1600/Bourbon+Pecans.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And hey! If you don't like whiskey {gasp!}, use bourbon. Or nothing! Just leave the booze out completely. I won't tell anyone. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0wWCaPTP-90/U7W4YvH9XJI/AAAAAAAAUNc/jxeUl4syNMM/s1600/Whiskey+Pecans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0wWCaPTP-90/U7W4YvH9XJI/AAAAAAAAUNc/jxeUl4syNMM/s1600/Whiskey+Pecans.JPG" height="640" width="396" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And just in case you needed another excuse to make these, how about chopping them up and pouring them in your favorite cookie or brownie batter? Or on top of some beautiful vanilla ice cream? Yeah, that's what I thought. Oh, and I apologize in advance for your house smelling ah-MAZING while these things are baking. Mmmmmmm, yum. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And if you REALLY want to impress <i>him,</i> take a look at this <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2014/07/jack-and-jerky-bouquet.html" target="_blank">"Jack & Jerky" Bouquet</a> I put these in! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pR5NMi9IpRU/U7W5ETegZ1I/AAAAAAAAUNk/pYSY-svIqaA/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pR5NMi9IpRU/U7W5ETegZ1I/AAAAAAAAUNk/pYSY-svIqaA/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-67637746761736702882014-06-24T07:16:00.001-07:002014-06-24T07:29:36.143-07:00Grilled Romaine with Figs, Pomegranate & Chicken <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>This is my new favorite salad, and I have a sneaky feeling it's about to be your new favorite also!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GKzHvqiX0Z0/U6liU-n92pI/AAAAAAAAULI/g3Q1gE0jEFY/s1600/Grilled+Romaine+with+Figs,+Pomegranate+Chicken+Goat+cheese+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GKzHvqiX0Z0/U6liU-n92pI/AAAAAAAAULI/g3Q1gE0jEFY/s1600/Grilled+Romaine+with+Figs,+Pomegranate+Chicken+Goat+cheese+.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This salad has everything you need to feel perfectly satisfied after a meal is over, with out making you feel like you need to nap the rest of the day away. Not that I've ever done that after lunch. Except for maybe twice. Maybe.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-G3qKuUjto/U6lkC_uogkI/AAAAAAAAULU/ZJSr_QAi_i0/s1600/DSC_0290-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-G3qKuUjto/U6lkC_uogkI/AAAAAAAAULU/ZJSr_QAi_i0/s1600/DSC_0290-004.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Salads have a tendency to get a bad rap for one of two reasons. The first is that it's so "light and healthy" that you are hungry with in an hour of finishing your meal. And what a terrible feeling THAT is! What's the point of eating something healthy only to scarf down a family size bag of potato chips later? This salad doesn't have that problem. It's loaded with protein from the chicken and toasted pecans to fill you up. It's also loaded with fiber from the fruits, veggies and pecans to help <i>keep</i> you feeling full longer. Potato chip problem solved.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ExMzAZvzb-Y/U6lkI1_XJ1I/AAAAAAAAULc/JTcP9OdT60g/s1600/DSC_0273-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ExMzAZvzb-Y/U6lkI1_XJ1I/AAAAAAAAULc/JTcP9OdT60g/s1600/DSC_0273-004.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The other problem with a lot of salads is that they are actually loaded with junk you don't need like tasteless croutons and greasy fried stuff. Again, not the problem here. The fresh figs and pomegranate seeds are bursting with flavor and nutritious benefits. The sweetness from the drizzle of balsamic and the tiny sprinkle of sea salt are such a lovely play off of each other, and the creamy goat cheese just sends it over the top. Like I said, who needs all that other junk?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2Vh8mU4pVQ/U6lnpAmqWVI/AAAAAAAAULo/cdKhn1Ovwgc/s1600/DSC_0283-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2Vh8mU4pVQ/U6lnpAmqWVI/AAAAAAAAULo/cdKhn1Ovwgc/s1600/DSC_0283-004.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For this recipe, I used an indoor grill pan to grill the romaine, but they would also get wonderful flavor from the outdoor grill. So do whatever makes you happy. Or try it one way one time and the other way another time. Believe me, this salad will be a repeat! </div>
<br />
<b>Grilled Romaine with Figs, Pomegranate & Chicken</b><br />
<i> serves 2</i><br />
2 hearts of romaine lettuce<br />
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled and sliced*<br />
4 oz fresh figs, sliced<br />
Seeds/arils from 1/2 pomegranate<br />
1/2 red onion, very thinly sliced<br />
2 oz pecans, toasted and chopped<br />
2 oz goat cheese<br />
1 T <a href="http://www.devooliveoil.com/products/Fig-Balsamic-Vinegar.html" target="_blank">fig balsamic</a>, or balsamic of choice<br />
Sprinkle of sea salt<br />
<br />
Separate romaine leaves and place face down on grill or grill pan. Grill romaine until edges begin to wilt and get grill marks, but stems are still firm. Remove and plate. Top with grilled chicken, figs, pomegranate seeds, red onion, and toasted pecans. Crumble goat cheese with a fork and sprinkle on salad. Drizzle salad with fig balsamic, and sprinkle with sea salt. Serve.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LkwKpuvTxeg/U6mF7WBBzMI/AAAAAAAAUL4/KoaL5Odc1IU/s1600/DSC_0295-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LkwKpuvTxeg/U6mF7WBBzMI/AAAAAAAAUL4/KoaL5Odc1IU/s1600/DSC_0295-004.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
*I have served this salad with the chicken hot off the grill, and with leftover chicken that has been refrigerated. Both ways work wonderfully because the goat cheese and red onion and pomegranate seeds are cool, but the romaine is warm. You can't go wrong either way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iTGabT3VYIY/U6mGLyfoZgI/AAAAAAAAUMA/ybvv7U62eN8/s1600/DSC_0297-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iTGabT3VYIY/U6mGLyfoZgI/AAAAAAAAUMA/ybvv7U62eN8/s1600/DSC_0297-004.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What is your favorite kind of salad? Do you like fruit on your salads? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8fbSPh0lU8/U6mGZhQMYLI/AAAAAAAAUMI/1z5KAWAIEhQ/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8fbSPh0lU8/U6mGZhQMYLI/AAAAAAAAUMI/1z5KAWAIEhQ/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-84718066534624957612014-06-18T04:19:00.001-07:002014-06-18T04:34:34.484-07:00Chipotle Corn and Cotija Cheese Dip<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
Mmmmm, sweet corn. Mmmm, cheese. Mmmmm, spicy dip.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Oh, sorry, I didn't know anyone else was here. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vD89W4D_fN8/U6CkQKLhKxI/AAAAAAAAUIw/WQBfLPaGsdo/s1600/Chipotle+Corn+and+Cotija+Cheese+Dip+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vD89W4D_fN8/U6CkQKLhKxI/AAAAAAAAUIw/WQBfLPaGsdo/s1600/Chipotle+Corn+and+Cotija+Cheese+Dip+.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the past few years we have gotten several bags of sweet corn from Chris' family. We keep it in the freezer and thaw out a few ears at a time. For some reason, even though we have it all year in the freezer, we still eat the majority of it in the summer. I guess it's kinda of like making chili in the fall or puppy chow in December.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well, a few weeks ago I made a chipotle corn side dish with Mexican Cotija cheese crumbles. Wow, it was good. But the only problem was I wanted more. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IagNNieQ1_g/U6ClhEq9ZSI/AAAAAAAAUI4/12k6taU9XQI/s1600/DSC_0142-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IagNNieQ1_g/U6ClhEq9ZSI/AAAAAAAAUI4/12k6taU9XQI/s1600/DSC_0142-004.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
More cheese that is. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8S_KCJm6Gw/U6Clq0i5_3I/AAAAAAAAUJA/hLn-PuLksMo/s1600/DSC_0164-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8S_KCJm6Gw/U6Clq0i5_3I/AAAAAAAAUJA/hLn-PuLksMo/s1600/DSC_0164-003.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's salty and perfect for this dip! And the chipotle peppers? They only enhance the flavor of the cheese and the sweet corn. This smoky, spicy, cheesy dip is sure to be a crowd pleaser!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Chipotle Corn and Cotija Skillet Cheese Dip</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> serves 6</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 ears of sweet corn, cleaned</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 tsp smoked paprika, divided</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 tsp cumin, divided</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 T olive oil</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 yellow onion, diced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
1 clove garlic, minced or grated</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 oz Greek yogurt cream cheese</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 5.3 oz container fat free, plain Greek yogurt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6 oz Cojita cheese, crumbled with a fork, plus more for topping</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, seeded and chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tsp adobo sauce {optional}</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Chips or veggies for dipping, or tortillas to eat dip in</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Preheat oven to 375º. Sprinkle about 1/8 tsp each of smoked paprika and cumin on the cleaned corn. Heat skillet over medium-high heat, to char the outsides of the kernels.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MKLQ3G8UXdk/U6CoRlq-MFI/AAAAAAAAUJM/V0JxceGnyUw/s1600/DSC_0122-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MKLQ3G8UXdk/U6CoRlq-MFI/AAAAAAAAUJM/V0JxceGnyUw/s1600/DSC_0122-004.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Use tongs, to rotate and char all sides. Remove corn from skillet and set aside to cool slightly. Turn skillet down to medium low and add T of olive oil. Swirl skillet and add onion and garlic. Cook until softened. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt cream cheese, Greek yogurt and Cotija cheese. Add remaining smoked paprika, cumin, chipotle peppers and adobo sauce.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once corn has cooled enough to handle, cut kernels off with a knife. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9oUqSrY-SBQ/U6CqBhfYkMI/AAAAAAAAUJY/1mGl6XwrlP8/s1600/DSC_0128-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9oUqSrY-SBQ/U6CqBhfYkMI/AAAAAAAAUJY/1mGl6XwrlP8/s1600/DSC_0128-004.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Add corn and cooked onion/garlic mixture to cheese mixture and stir to combine. Pour mixture back into skillet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is hot and starts to bubble. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z54LySPr21o/U6CrgPQ7GbI/AAAAAAAAUJ0/CzgNdzxXiZM/s1600/DSC_0146-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z54LySPr21o/U6CrgPQ7GbI/AAAAAAAAUJ0/CzgNdzxXiZM/s1600/DSC_0146-004.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Serve with chips or veggies for dipping, or spoon some into a warm tortilla and roll up. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpyDsKy8EW4/U6Cra_A5gjI/AAAAAAAAUJk/xDwRGrlYI8E/s1600/DSC_0169-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpyDsKy8EW4/U6Cra_A5gjI/AAAAAAAAUJk/xDwRGrlYI8E/s1600/DSC_0169-002.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This husband approved, game day dip will be THE hit at your next par-tay. And if it's not, send it over to me. I'll get rid of it for ya! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Need another amazing corn dish?! Try my <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2013/01/bacon-jalapeno-and-corn-griddle-cakes.html" target="_blank">bacon-jalapeño and corn griddle cakes</a>. They're lip-smakin' good! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ENgVwjzUiM/U6Cu9Ni-pjI/AAAAAAAAUKk/tDnbesuaywI/s1600/Bacon_Jalapen_o_and_Corn_Griddle_Cakes_Recipe_Cookin_Cowgirl_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ENgVwjzUiM/U6Cu9Ni-pjI/AAAAAAAAUKk/tDnbesuaywI/s1600/Bacon_Jalapen_o_and_Corn_Griddle_Cakes_Recipe_Cookin_Cowgirl_.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFEV9ipEqN4/U6Cs2pIRtyI/AAAAAAAAUKY/7VJ4_5ytc0c/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFEV9ipEqN4/U6Cs2pIRtyI/AAAAAAAAUKY/7VJ4_5ytc0c/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-64179525153870198592014-06-17T12:44:00.000-07:002014-06-17T12:44:51.839-07:00Tinsley Harper - 18 Months and a Surprise Father's Day Shoot<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>My dad recently bought an old truck for the farm. Just something to haul stuff in and tool around in and whatever else farmers do in trucks. He pulled up in it and I immediately thought "PHOTO OP!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8P_z5S4qtCk/U6CS_oyRQPI/AAAAAAAAUGc/-hIZ7H7YR9s/s1600/DSC_0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8P_z5S4qtCk/U6CS_oyRQPI/AAAAAAAAUGc/-hIZ7H7YR9s/s1600/DSC_0584.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
You know me, I can make <i>anything</i> a prop. Or at least I like to think so.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ3pq7Hcmx8/U6CTN6Jl30I/AAAAAAAAUGk/pFOkw3Dpn6w/s1600/DSC_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ3pq7Hcmx8/U6CTN6Jl30I/AAAAAAAAUGk/pFOkw3Dpn6w/s1600/DSC_0365.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Plus, hello! I DO have the cutest model in the world. So that doesn't hurt either. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ1hrkbjqY8/U6CTlqunQ1I/AAAAAAAAUG8/Rqxa8mkL494/s1600/DSC_0709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ1hrkbjqY8/U6CTlqunQ1I/AAAAAAAAUG8/Rqxa8mkL494/s1600/DSC_0709.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sure, she has food in her mouth half the time,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2skqfxXhVB8/U6CTcH9q14I/AAAAAAAAUGs/YWzh6n1-NRw/s1600/DSC_0467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2skqfxXhVB8/U6CTcH9q14I/AAAAAAAAUGs/YWzh6n1-NRw/s1600/DSC_0467.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
and when she doesn't have food in her mouth, it looks like she needs a piece of straw in her mouth, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUhqS-0FJpk/U6CTeKrQU7I/AAAAAAAAUG0/F8XSO9ZRIH0/s1600/DSC_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUhqS-0FJpk/U6CTeKrQU7I/AAAAAAAAUG0/F8XSO9ZRIH0/s1600/DSC_0405.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
but she's probably the cutest thing I've ever seen with my own two eyes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Yh4WIf1uvA/U6CUmaTEkmI/AAAAAAAAUHI/wqCPGdePmno/s1600/DSC_0648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Yh4WIf1uvA/U6CUmaTEkmI/AAAAAAAAUHI/wqCPGdePmno/s1600/DSC_0648.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She's got sweet little droopy cheeks like her momma, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y65Gr2WfAPI/U6CUy1kdYgI/AAAAAAAAUHQ/2Nro6iI6sfk/s1600/DSC_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y65Gr2WfAPI/U6CUy1kdYgI/AAAAAAAAUHQ/2Nro6iI6sfk/s1600/DSC_0581.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
the most beautiful hazel eyes, like her daddy,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gi2HLHwgNlA/U6CVPuZeeyI/AAAAAAAAUHY/B3x6uSxz9Kc/s1600/DSC_0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gi2HLHwgNlA/U6CVPuZeeyI/AAAAAAAAUHY/B3x6uSxz9Kc/s1600/DSC_0599.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
and she loves the "Hot Dog Song" from the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse more than anything in the world.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4W5K2XFbIJc/U6CVusMW73I/AAAAAAAAUHg/6G25SNXBXjI/s1600/DSC_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4W5K2XFbIJc/U6CVusMW73I/AAAAAAAAUHg/6G25SNXBXjI/s1600/DSC_0472.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Yes, she is listening to it here!}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, while my dad was out of town, I snuck the truck and off, dressed little Tinsley up, and did a little photo shoot for him for Father's Day. I made Chris come with us to be my "photo assistant," because I knew there was a good chance that at some point, Tinsley would get cranky and need some lovies. This was so awesome because when he was "calming her down," I was still snapping the camera. And what I got was pure heaven. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ooa3jWM1IMk/U6CXpty16zI/AAAAAAAAUHw/GbjOSU52gq8/s1600/DSC_0486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ooa3jWM1IMk/U6CXpty16zI/AAAAAAAAUHw/GbjOSU52gq8/s1600/DSC_0486.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zft7gvxYQUU/U6CXpix72CI/AAAAAAAAUH4/_NHDWn3-eD0/s1600/DSC_0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zft7gvxYQUU/U6CXpix72CI/AAAAAAAAUH4/_NHDWn3-eD0/s1600/DSC_0492.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUp_HWKXf4k/U6CXpR3bu9I/AAAAAAAAUHs/bPaGxnhFJuA/s1600/DSC_0493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUp_HWKXf4k/U6CXpR3bu9I/AAAAAAAAUHs/bPaGxnhFJuA/s1600/DSC_0493.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{my favorite one!}</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_54jIWQwyCo/U6CXranofQI/AAAAAAAAUII/1v9SKmIQ60E/s1600/DSC_0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_54jIWQwyCo/U6CXranofQI/AAAAAAAAUII/1v9SKmIQ60E/s1600/DSC_0505.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8omkYHm-BwE/U6CXrbwRRlI/AAAAAAAAUIE/kKOnJeETDXc/s1600/DSC_0536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8omkYHm-BwE/U6CXrbwRRlI/AAAAAAAAUIE/kKOnJeETDXc/s1600/DSC_0536.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Am I an evil genius or what?! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So happy Father's Day to my Dad, to Chris and to my father-in-law, Tony. And a very happy 18 months to you, sweet Tinsley Harper! xoxo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tg60whsNcg8/U6CY8H2mhYI/AAAAAAAAUIc/J0sT7sDUokU/s1600/DSC_0738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tg60whsNcg8/U6CY8H2mhYI/AAAAAAAAUIc/J0sT7sDUokU/s1600/DSC_0738.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nw1I4kJZAaw/U6CYsRlRY7I/AAAAAAAAUIU/3iO4F6vnZ90/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nw1I4kJZAaw/U6CYsRlRY7I/AAAAAAAAUIU/3iO4F6vnZ90/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<br /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-81141430458367655852014-06-17T04:15:00.000-07:002014-06-17T04:15:05.503-07:00Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake with Tart Lemon Glaze<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
I have never been a huge pound cake person. Maybe that's because I always thought they were dry. Or a little boring. I'm really not sure. I used to much prefer something light, like an angel food cake. But after my taste buds got ahold of this amazing cake, I am forever converted!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake with Tart Lemon Glaze</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InNYjWDztF4/U6Ab-9S388I/AAAAAAAAUE8/Iwdsn42_zVY/s1600/Lemon+Blueberry+Pound+Cake+with+Tart+Lemon+Glaze+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InNYjWDztF4/U6Ab-9S388I/AAAAAAAAUE8/Iwdsn42_zVY/s1600/Lemon+Blueberry+Pound+Cake+with+Tart+Lemon+Glaze+.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
See, my Mom IS a pound cake person. And a lemon lover. She's a little pound cake lemon lover. And when I saw <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2012/07/03/blueberry-lemon-buttermilk-bundt-cake/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> a few weeks ago, I sent it over to her, because it "looked like her." </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hmmm, I wonder what kind of recipe person I "look like." Yeah, let's play that game. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you were going to send me a recipe that you think "looks like me," what would it be? Lucky for me, Reece's Puff cereal already comes in a lovely bright orange box, thank you very much! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Anyway, she made it when I was in Florida a few weeks ago for my uncle's birthday, and it. was. awesome. Yes, I made her be the guinea pig. Sorry momma.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9G_WgoZB-is/U6AcLEJkDXI/AAAAAAAAUFE/tnm7qbR8QTI/s1600/Lemon+Blueberry+Pound+Cake+with+Tart+Lemon+Glaze+Cookin'+Cowgirl+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9G_WgoZB-is/U6AcLEJkDXI/AAAAAAAAUFE/tnm7qbR8QTI/s1600/Lemon+Blueberry+Pound+Cake+with+Tart+Lemon+Glaze+Cookin'+Cowgirl+.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
With the butter and buttermilk in this recipe, believe me, it is impossible for it to be dry! It is an unbelievably moist, flavorful, summery cake, and it is pretty enough for a special occasion. Even though this recipe reminds me of something that would be made on Mother's Day or the 4th of July, I made it over the weekend for Father's Day for my husband and my dad. Turns out boys like lemon blueberry pound cake too.<br />
<br />
Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2012/07/03/blueberry-lemon-buttermilk-bundt-cake/" target="_blank">browneyedbaker</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake with Tart Lemon Glaze</b><br />
<i>For the Cake:</i><br />
2 1/2 C all purpose flour<br />
2 tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
2 sticks of unsalted, room temperature butter<br />
1 3/4 C sugar<br />
Zest of 1 lemon<br />
3 eggs, room temperature<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1 T fresh lemon juice<br />
3/4 C buttermilk<br />
3 C fresh blueberries<br />
<br />
<i> For the Glaze:</i><br />
1 1/2 C powdered sugar<br />
1 T milk {I use vanilla almond milk}<br />
2 T fresh lemon juice<br />
Zest of 1 lemon<br />
<br />
<i><b>For the Cake:</b> </i>Preheat oven to 350º. Spray a Bundt pan with floured baking spray and set aside. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt together and set aside.<br />
In the large bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter, sugar and lemon zest. Cream together for 3 to 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the mixer. Add in 1 egg at a time, and mix for an additional minute after each egg. Turn mixer down to low and add the lemon juice and vanilla extract and mix just to combine. Alternate adding a little bit of the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture. Remove bowl from mixer and fold in blueberries with spatula. Transfer batter to prepared Bundt pan, and smooth out the top with spatula. Bake for 55-60 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMV3wibDZbQ/U6AcWp2WJwI/AAAAAAAAUFM/BsE0hZj_fVc/s1600/DSC_0182-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMV3wibDZbQ/U6AcWp2WJwI/AAAAAAAAUFM/BsE0hZj_fVc/s1600/DSC_0182-003.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Let cake cool on wire rack for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a serving platter to cool completely. Once cake has cooled, top with glaze.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZaOWuJvsRE/U6AccC8aVhI/AAAAAAAAUFU/nYd-qWMSUYs/s1600/DSC_0191-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZaOWuJvsRE/U6AccC8aVhI/AAAAAAAAUFU/nYd-qWMSUYs/s1600/DSC_0191-003.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i><b>For the Glaze: </b></i><br />
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk and lemon juice. Whisk in lemon zest. Glaze will be thick. Add additional tsp of milk at a time to thin glaze if desired. Drizzle glaze over cake. Serve.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tSZfYcERAzg/U6AckeKFmwI/AAAAAAAAUFg/cCZsto1qYy4/s1600/DSC_0196-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tSZfYcERAzg/U6AckeKFmwI/AAAAAAAAUFg/cCZsto1qYy4/s1600/DSC_0196-003.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You have my permission to face plant that! You know you want to.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFYanMvSdzI/U6AhyqE_gPI/AAAAAAAAUFs/8Gr1RvKV9eo/s1600/DSC_0214-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFYanMvSdzI/U6AhyqE_gPI/AAAAAAAAUFs/8Gr1RvKV9eo/s1600/DSC_0214-002.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I really love the tart lemon glaze, and that fact that you can see the grated lemon peel in the glaze. Drool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TehancEFqRY/U6Ah5v7VDmI/AAAAAAAAUF0/h9rdos9Yryo/s1600/DSC_0249-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TehancEFqRY/U6Ah5v7VDmI/AAAAAAAAUF0/h9rdos9Yryo/s1600/DSC_0249-002.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
By the way, I had to sneak this picture in here. If you've ever wondered what it's like to try and photograph food with an 18 month old around, it looks a little something like this....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTpGN6jFWUQ/U6AiMSpgvHI/AAAAAAAAUF8/BC_SbS2SJ-Q/s1600/DSC_0234-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTpGN6jFWUQ/U6AiMSpgvHI/AAAAAAAAUF8/BC_SbS2SJ-Q/s1600/DSC_0234-003.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Wait, Tinsley. No touch. Thank you for my peanut butter crackers honey. Oh, Yuuuuummmmmmmmy. Thaaaaaank you! Ok, can you go share with Daddy? Mommy needs to take oooooone more picture. There. All done."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l9UTniP1X0E/U6AitWmcseI/AAAAAAAAUGE/r01aeYEC984/s1600/DSC_0232-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l9UTniP1X0E/U6AitWmcseI/AAAAAAAAUGE/r01aeYEC984/s1600/DSC_0232-003.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1KoKzhs6hc/U6Ai6JMBoiI/AAAAAAAAUGM/vdNNG6dE4pg/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1KoKzhs6hc/U6Ai6JMBoiI/AAAAAAAAUGM/vdNNG6dE4pg/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-38814200326620199142014-06-12T14:59:00.002-07:002014-06-12T15:20:31.344-07:00Oven-Roasted BBQ Pulled Pork<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Oh sweet BBQ pulled pork, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MptortWbPSk/U5onoyXKYbI/AAAAAAAAUD8/XOTKdvCPUBM/s1600/DSC_0886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MptortWbPSk/U5onoyXKYbI/AAAAAAAAUD8/XOTKdvCPUBM/s1600/DSC_0886.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
I would love to say that this was my first time to make pulled pork in the oven, but I would be lying. And you know I would <i>never</i> do that to you. So here's what happened. Long story short, it wasn't low enough and it wasn't slow enough. The end. But that won't happen to you with this recipe. Promise!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hG5hKqBt5XA/U5nb0grxhWI/AAAAAAAAUCw/r_wFZDow9Hs/s1600/DSC_0883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hG5hKqBt5XA/U5nb0grxhWI/AAAAAAAAUCw/r_wFZDow9Hs/s1600/DSC_0883.JPG" height="426" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The reason I really wanted to give you a good oven-roasted pulled pork recipe is because some people just don't have crock pots. I know that sounds crazy but it's true. Or at least not a crock pot that is big enough to roast a large pork butt - one that will make all that waiting worth their while. And the number of people with a grill or smoker is even less. But don't those people deserve to have fall-off-the-bone pulled pork too? I think YES!<br />
<br />
Oh, did someone say fall off the bone?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJhtdcKrjc8/U5ncIkXTK9I/AAAAAAAAUC4/2y0EKdGHCZo/s1600/DSC_0826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJhtdcKrjc8/U5ncIkXTK9I/AAAAAAAAUC4/2y0EKdGHCZo/s1600/DSC_0826.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
There is a whole mess of deliciousness you can do with bbq pulled pork but let me give you just a few ideas. As I told Mr. Pork Shoulder before I put him in the oven, "I've got big plans for you, so you better turn out good!" Obviously, you can eat it as is, delicious bone suckin' good bbq! Or you can get all fancy pants and make a grilled bbq pizza with it like I did. Still have more leftover? Make some bbq nachos. Or you could honor the original recipe that I adapted this from, and make pulled pork bbq sandwiches like miss Jessica at <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2014/05/saucy-pulled-pork-sandwiches/" target="_blank">howsweeteats</a>.<br />
<br />
Whatever you choose, I don't think you can go wrong.<br />
<br />
<b>Oven-Roasted BBQ Pulled Pork</b><br />
1 (6 to 7 pound) pork shoulder<br />
1/4 C brown sugar<br />
1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika<br />
1 tsp garlic powder<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder<br />
1/2 tsp onion powder<br />
1/2 tsp cumin<br />
1 1/2 tsp canola oil<br />
1/2 C beer, stock or apple juice<br />
1 C of your favorite bbq sauce (I use 1/2 C <a href="http://www.thekansascitybbqstore.com/products/cowtown-night-of-the-living-barbeque-sauce-1" target="_blank">this</a> and 1/2 C <a href="http://www.thekansascitybbqstore.com/products/cowtown-barbeque-sauce" target="_blank">this</a>)<br />
<br />
Remove all racks from the oven except for one, and position it so that your pot/pan sits in the middle of the oven. Preheat oven to 325º. Pat the pork shoulder completely dry with paper towels.<br />
<br />
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, chipotle powder, onion powder, and cumin; stir to combine. Rub half of the dry rub mixture all over the outside of the pork.<br />
In a large French oven over medium-high heat, add canola oil. Sear pork on all sides for about 1-2 minutes, until golden brown. Use large tongs to help with the sides of the pork if needed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UYJe3iE0D8/U5nRcFkfBNI/AAAAAAAAUBo/4octtlDaU9U/s1600/2014-06-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UYJe3iE0D8/U5nRcFkfBNI/AAAAAAAAUBo/4octtlDaU9U/s1600/2014-06-07.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Turn off heat and add beer or other liquid to the bottom of the pot. Cover pot with lid or foil and place in the oven. Roast for 7 to 8 hours. Remove pork and check to see that is falling apart and shreds easily with a fork.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-efIReK8YGEY/U5naPe4WcuI/AAAAAAAAUCA/QzTOrJaNqtY/s1600/DSC_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-efIReK8YGEY/U5naPe4WcuI/AAAAAAAAUCA/QzTOrJaNqtY/s1600/DSC_0774.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Remove any bones at this time. {bones should come out easily and clean}.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9MW7w4CD8A/U5naJLkXjpI/AAAAAAAAUB4/D4A_SNnsj_c/s1600/2014-06-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9MW7w4CD8A/U5naJLkXjpI/AAAAAAAAUB4/D4A_SNnsj_c/s1600/2014-06-008.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Shred pork with forks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BNgHaJHn2rM/U5nagCPFVdI/AAAAAAAAUCI/PLX7m8pLXNg/s1600/DSC_0828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BNgHaJHn2rM/U5nagCPFVdI/AAAAAAAAUCI/PLX7m8pLXNg/s1600/DSC_0828.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Leave some of the charred, "burnt end" type pieces whole for pizza, nachos or just eating.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MS0FdFWlp40/U5napo5dUwI/AAAAAAAAUCQ/vwN8W_0XWTM/s1600/DSC_0841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MS0FdFWlp40/U5napo5dUwI/AAAAAAAAUCQ/vwN8W_0XWTM/s1600/DSC_0841.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Add in about 1/2 of the remaining dry rub spice mixture,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WD9Eugf0w8/U5nbkcECpOI/AAAAAAAAUCo/AAiPi6jMBVo/s1600/DSC_0850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WD9Eugf0w8/U5nbkcECpOI/AAAAAAAAUCo/AAiPi6jMBVo/s1600/DSC_0850.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
and about 1 cup of your favorite sauce or sauce mixture. Sauce it up right nice!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqLKRRHUQtA/U5nbW0-0DSI/AAAAAAAAUCg/JLB55MTa4y8/s1600/DSC_0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqLKRRHUQtA/U5nbW0-0DSI/AAAAAAAAUCg/JLB55MTa4y8/s1600/DSC_0865.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cover again and return pot to oven for about 30 minutes. Before serving, taste pork to see if additional seasoning or sauce needs to be added. Put your bib on, and serve.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_MJPWQaZcew/U5odyCWdTQI/AAAAAAAAUDY/eweGTq2MTUM/s1600/DSC_0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_MJPWQaZcew/U5odyCWdTQI/AAAAAAAAUDY/eweGTq2MTUM/s1600/DSC_0871.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">In my opinion, the pork does not need more sauce than this, if you are going to eat it alone. If you are making pizza or sandwiches out of it, you will probably want to drizzle some over the top. </span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">You can even do this if you don't have a large French oven {the large white pot I'm using} but you will need a large skillet or heavy bottom pot to sear the sides of the pork, and a large roasting/baking pan of some kind.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Like I said before, anyone can make this, no need for a crock pot, grill or smoker. Make this for your pops for Father's day, or for your buddies for Memorial Day or 4th of July. Or just keep it in mind for a game day weekend or Super Bowl party. Either way, you'll have a great go-to recipe for some dang good barbecue! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDYfOUX0XvU/U5ohf9CrHiI/AAAAAAAAUDk/mMJWWH7BAA4/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDYfOUX0XvU/U5ohf9CrHiI/AAAAAAAAUDk/mMJWWH7BAA4/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-65958953102148782432014-06-07T20:16:00.000-07:002014-06-07T20:23:30.708-07:00Oven-Baked Baby Zucchini "Fries"<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
Two weekends ago we made a quick trip down to the huge farmer's market in downtown Kansas City. It's called the <a href="http://www.kcrivermarket.com/">Kansas City River Market</a> and if you are ever in the area you HAVE to go. It has just about everything you could imagine when it comes to produce. And what makes it even more fun is that it is surrounded by little restaurants so you can grab a bite to eat while you're shopping. A few things you cannot miss are <a href="http://www.tasteofbrazilkc.com/">Taste of Brazil Market</a> restaurant and <a href="http://www.beignetkc.com/">Beignet</a>, a family favorite!<br />
<br />
Anyways, after we stuffed ourselves on peanut butter beignets and Brazilian coxinhas {fried potatoes filled with chicken and cheese!}, I decided it was time to look for some veggies. Everything in moderation, right?<br />
I was walking along when I spotted the cutest darn things I ever did see....baby zucchini!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w35H_nJOAws/U30ZveUiSVI/AAAAAAAAT-s/tv3ISguYffM/s1600/2014-05-013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w35H_nJOAws/U30ZveUiSVI/AAAAAAAAT-s/tv3ISguYffM/s1600/2014-05-013.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I kind of loved zucchini already, but these sent my obsession over the edge. They are so stinkin' small and cute. And the stems were so tender that I didn't even trim them off. And after they were baked, I just popped them in my mouth, stem and all! These things are the best.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cU5LQ7ygc7c/U5PSY-gBJPI/AAAAAAAAUA4/uJhP4hpbn3E/s1600/DSC_0133-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cU5LQ7ygc7c/U5PSY-gBJPI/AAAAAAAAUA4/uJhP4hpbn3E/s1600/DSC_0133-003.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
By the way, if you haven't tried my <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2012/03/oven-fried-okra.html" target="_blank">oven-fried okra</a> recipe, you need to check it out! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLqWtJHBs3c/U5PUkYlqWsI/AAAAAAAAUBQ/azmaFJadXv0/s1600/DSC_0122-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLqWtJHBs3c/U5PUkYlqWsI/AAAAAAAAUBQ/azmaFJadXv0/s1600/DSC_0122-003.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Oven-Baked Baby Zucchini "Fries"</b><br />
1 lb baby zucchini<br />
1/2 C Italian bread crumbs<br />
1/3 C shredded Parmesan cheese<br />
1/4 tsp garlic powder<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
1/4 tsp smoked paprika<br />
2 eggs<br />
Splash of milk<br />
Cooking spray<br />
Marinara or sun dried tomato hummus<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 425º and line baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place a wire rack on top of baking sheet.<br />
Wash and slice baby zucchini in half, lengthwise. In a shallow dish, mix together bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt and paprika. In another shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk. Dip each zucchini in egg mixture, then dredge in bread crumb mixture. Place on prepared baking sheet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WindvZ0n8gg/U5PQJIRxbuI/AAAAAAAAUAc/5L93zW-Pxqc/s1600/DSC_0117-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WindvZ0n8gg/U5PQJIRxbuI/AAAAAAAAUAc/5L93zW-Pxqc/s1600/DSC_0117-003.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Spray prepared zucchini lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown and desired crispness. Serve immediately.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DljArm99w0I/U5PR3XMRKQI/AAAAAAAAUAw/Qla7Ux_wQwo/s1600/DSC_0155-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DljArm99w0I/U5PR3XMRKQI/AAAAAAAAUAw/Qla7Ux_wQwo/s1600/DSC_0155-001.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I served mine with sun-dried tomato and basil hummus, but marinara would also be great.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqFHqcTxM60/U5PRorL6_MI/AAAAAAAAUAo/3wr6IUMTuRI/s1600/DSC_0161-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqFHqcTxM60/U5PRorL6_MI/AAAAAAAAUAo/3wr6IUMTuRI/s1600/DSC_0161-002.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
These are such a light option to serve instead of regular potato fries. Especially since they are baked. And if you'll notice, I did not use any flour in the recipe either, so they are pretty low in carbs compared to regular fries also.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZdVq_K8pHk/U5PTMLFFbfI/AAAAAAAAUBE/vBGzf6wq83M/s1600/DSC_0163-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZdVq_K8pHk/U5PTMLFFbfI/AAAAAAAAUBE/vBGzf6wq83M/s1600/DSC_0163-001.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One reason these little guys turn out so crispy and delicious is because I put them on the thin wire rack. That helps the air to be distributed under them during baking, which helps them crisp up a bit! So, if possible, don't skip that step. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Like I said earlier, I'm kind of obsessed with zucchini. If you want some other great recipes give one of these a try: <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2011/06/italian-style-stuffed-zucchini.html">Italian Style Stuffed Zucchini</a>, <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2011/05/zucchini-and-chickpea-fritters.html">Zucchini and Chickpea Fritters</a>, <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2011/08/zucchini-walnut-poppy-seed-bread.html">Zucchini Walnut Poppyseed Bread</a>, <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2013/09/whole-wheat-zucchini-pineapple-bread.html">Whole Wheat Zucchini Pineapple Bread</a>, of this <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2011/08/white-eggplant-ratatouille.html" target="_blank">White Eggplant and Zucchini Ratatouille</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qTIR4d40uow/U5PVT03a-HI/AAAAAAAAUBY/SMSaInUZY2I/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qTIR4d40uow/U5PVT03a-HI/AAAAAAAAUBY/SMSaInUZY2I/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /><br />
<br /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-37918239150884788632014-05-20T19:45:00.001-07:002014-05-20T19:57:03.899-07:00Pumpkin Cinnabun Protein Smoothie<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>I have a new favorite protein powder. I mean I really, REALLY love this stuff! It tastes delicious all by itself but is even more amazing blended into this Pumpkin Cinnabun Protein Smoothie.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nbI2zRaa3Gw/U3uhTDZ1ouI/AAAAAAAAT9Q/waDisU_YLls/s1600/IMG_5667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nbI2zRaa3Gw/U3uhTDZ1ouI/AAAAAAAAT9Q/waDisU_YLls/s1600/IMG_5667.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The protein powder is called Healthy 100% Whey by NNW and I get the Cinnamon Bun flavor. The thing I really love about this protein is that it's sweetened by Stevia so it is great for diabetics. For a whole scoop there is only 1 gram of sugar. It is also a gluten free protein powder, which is not a huge deal to me because I am not gluten sensitive, but for those that are, this stuff is awesome. It is also has the most amazing taste and smell. It is very cinnamony! Even if I use a flavored protein, I usually still end up adding spices like cinnamon or a pumpkin pie spice, but I don't have to with this one. Can you tell I really love it? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3S6HbW17fk/U3uibVYgTOI/AAAAAAAAT9Y/_Qkh7VHuQ54/s1600/2013-11-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3S6HbW17fk/U3uibVYgTOI/AAAAAAAAT9Y/_Qkh7VHuQ54/s1600/2013-11-18.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
And because it's so yummy, I only end up using 4 ingredients to make this smoothie. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dU1b2eoCdR8/U3uk21QjzoI/AAAAAAAAT9k/Kag-nYodUYg/s1600/DSC_1004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dU1b2eoCdR8/U3uk21QjzoI/AAAAAAAAT9k/Kag-nYodUYg/s1600/DSC_1004.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Milk, pumpkin, the protein and a little peanut butter powder make this the most delicious drink, it honestly tastes like a decadent dessert. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFP9uCEbNV8/U3ultYNpnbI/AAAAAAAAT9s/8cTweLUzJT0/s1600/Pumpkin+Protein+Smoothie-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFP9uCEbNV8/U3ultYNpnbI/AAAAAAAAT9s/8cTweLUzJT0/s1600/Pumpkin+Protein+Smoothie-001.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Pumpkin Cinnabun Protein Smoothie</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> makes 1 smoothie</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk {I use Almond Breeze}</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 C pumpkin puree</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 serving protein powder</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 T PB2 {powdered peanut butter}</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 C crushed ice*<br />
<br />
Add the first 4 ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides, add ice and blend until smooth again. Pour and enjoy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wcchNN2LJ9E/U3uo7-X-RSI/AAAAAAAAT98/ygqMNjbcMOs/s1600/Pumpkin+Cinnabun+Protein+Smoothie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wcchNN2LJ9E/U3uo7-X-RSI/AAAAAAAAT98/ygqMNjbcMOs/s1600/Pumpkin+Cinnabun+Protein+Smoothie.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This drink is thick and smooth and so satisfying. It really is so filling for how low calories it is! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXK9xMjMmXQ/U3upTb9VLvI/AAAAAAAAT-E/X2_2FTxNNSY/s1600/Pumpkin+Protein+Smoothie-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXK9xMjMmXQ/U3upTb9VLvI/AAAAAAAAT-E/X2_2FTxNNSY/s1600/Pumpkin+Protein+Smoothie-002.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I don't normally calculate the nutrition facts of my recipes but this one made me so curious that I had to work it up. Here's the "skinny" on this healthy smoothie:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
223 Calories, 6.5g fat, 30g protein, 16g carbs, 8.2g fiber, and 6g of sugar, WOW!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
I buy this protein at my local Hy-Vee grocery store, but it is also available on their website, <a href="http://healthywhey.com/">Healthy Whey</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5H4ZiV2q7RE/U3utpgXARoI/AAAAAAAAT-Q/Ko3ANxXwuT0/s1600/IMG_5663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5H4ZiV2q7RE/U3utpgXARoI/AAAAAAAAT-Q/Ko3ANxXwuT0/s1600/IMG_5663.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
*If you have a mediocre blender and get annoyed that your smoothies are never smooth, I've got THE solution! Crushed ice from Sonic. No seriously, did you know that you can buy it by the bag from Sonic? It's about $2.50 per bag and it is the best way to get the perfect smoothie consistency every time!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Now it's your turn. What's your favorite healthy smoothie? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwDHqEUqIz4/U3uuBr08nnI/AAAAAAAAT-U/Tee3NQ5JOg4/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwDHqEUqIz4/U3uuBr08nnI/AAAAAAAAT-U/Tee3NQ5JOg4/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" />cinnamon bun </div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-14601230320325073572014-05-14T11:28:00.000-07:002014-05-14T11:28:14.343-07:00Lemon Strawberry Bars with Lemon Glaze <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>I am not a huge lemon bar person. Sure I'll have one or two a year, but when it comes to dessert, I'd rather have carrot cake or something chocolaty. Heck, give me a huge spoonful of peanut butter and I'm a happy girl! But for some reason lately I've been craving a good lemon dessert. Maybe it's the fact that it's spring, or that Mother's Day was last weekend. Whatever the reason, I've had a lemon bar-sized hole in my belly lately.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBNUjTcImFQ/U3OzEJN4W2I/AAAAAAAAT8M/e06i8EtfpuQ/s1600/DSC_0228-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBNUjTcImFQ/U3OzEJN4W2I/AAAAAAAAT8M/e06i8EtfpuQ/s1600/DSC_0228-002.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And I was going to fill it with <u>just</u> lemon bars, honest! But strawberry season is in full swing, or at least around here it is. Or at least it was this weekend at my farmer's market. Hello big beautiful juicy strawberries!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bqNCfuEqLu0/U3OzNi189JI/AAAAAAAAT8U/vHTjzzQfc9E/s1600/DSC_0222-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bqNCfuEqLu0/U3OzNi189JI/AAAAAAAAT8U/vHTjzzQfc9E/s1600/DSC_0222-001.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
These cake like bars are not as gooey as regular lemon bars. They're not as dense as a brownie or as hard as a cookie. Nope, they're kind of pillowy, with a big ZING from the tart lemon glaze. Do you know what I mean? That zing that makes the sides of your mouth water? Then it is promptly dialed down by the amazing strawberry flavor running through out. If you ask me, these bars are kind of.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yc8oq_vFzuo/U3OzVi0WjHI/AAAAAAAAT8c/yhEnqYPIMzE/s1600/2014-05-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yc8oq_vFzuo/U3OzVi0WjHI/AAAAAAAAT8c/yhEnqYPIMzE/s1600/2014-05-13.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
PERFECT.<br />
<br />
Forget what I said earlier. I guess I am a big lemon bar person.<br />
<br />
<b>Lemon Strawberry Bars with Lemon Glaze </b><br />
<b><i>makes 16 bars</i></b><br />
1 stick butter, softened<br />
3/4 C sugar<br />
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 C all-purpose flour<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
1/2 C diced fresh strawberries<br />
<br />
<b>Glaze</b><br />
1/2 C powdered sugar<br />
1-2 T lemon juice<br />
Lemon zest<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 22px;">°</span>. Grease an 8x8 or 7x11 baking dish and set aside.<br />
Cream butter and sugar together in mixer, using paddle attachment. Add eggs, lemon juice and lemon zest and mix in. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and salt, then add to mixing bowl. Mix on medium, stop to scrape down the sides and mix again until everything is combined. Fold in diced strawberries with spatula. Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes.<br />
<br />
Cool completely. For the glaze, in a small bowl, use a fork to whisk together the powdered sugar and the lemon juice. Stir in the lemon zest and pour over completely cooled bars. Wait for glaze to harden and cut into bars.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0v4KSFMIZLs/U3Ozlg5xTzI/AAAAAAAAT8k/2-yzEqY8vgY/s1600/DSC_0208-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0v4KSFMIZLs/U3Ozlg5xTzI/AAAAAAAAT8k/2-yzEqY8vgY/s1600/DSC_0208-001.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
These would be a great Mother's Day or Easter dessert. They would also be lovely to serve at a brunch or shower.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3RdYTmAfS4/U3Ozp8lngZI/AAAAAAAAT8s/g-WjoGd35FE/s1600/DSC_0215-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3RdYTmAfS4/U3Ozp8lngZI/AAAAAAAAT8s/g-WjoGd35FE/s1600/DSC_0215-001.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Need some more lemon in your life? Check out my <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2012/04/whole-wheat-lemon-poppy-seed-muffins.html">whole wheat lemon poppy seed muffins</a>!<br />
Or just make these. Yeah, you can't go wrong with these.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7m6K-ZwOdM/U3O1lUds3lI/AAAAAAAAT84/s4kkzseYzYc/s1600/DSC_0198-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7m6K-ZwOdM/U3O1lUds3lI/AAAAAAAAT84/s4kkzseYzYc/s1600/DSC_0198-001.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTTZQuYdimQ/U3O1sDRyYjI/AAAAAAAAT9A/W0AsVvWFD1U/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTTZQuYdimQ/U3O1sDRyYjI/AAAAAAAAT9A/W0AsVvWFD1U/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-7675740350586674162014-05-09T04:55:00.004-07:002014-05-09T05:05:30.134-07:00Strawberry Rhubarb Pop-Tarts<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>This 5 ingredient recipe for homemade Pop-Tarts could not be any easier. In fact, I made these while Tinsley was AWAKE! And running around. And pulling at my legs. And saying, "Book? Bite? Mama. Bite? Bite, bite bite bite? Mama. Mama. Shoe. Bite?"<br />
Yeah, you get the idea.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-obe680Csw5U/U2vXPGfZa2I/AAAAAAAAT6k/JurNHnBQu3M/s1600/5+ingredient+strawberry-rhubarb+pop-tarts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-obe680Csw5U/U2vXPGfZa2I/AAAAAAAAT6k/JurNHnBQu3M/s1600/5+ingredient+strawberry-rhubarb+pop-tarts.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I've seen several recipes online and on pinterest for homemade pop-tarts with a ton of ingredients. And that makes total since because you have to make the dough for the pastry, then the fruity or chocolatey filling, and then there's the glaze or icing, and don't forget about the sprinkles. Who has time for that?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WkAd9-5lutM/U2vU1IO2ybI/AAAAAAAAT6Y/qpVbhrSkktk/s1600/Homemade+strawberry+rhubarb+pop+tarts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WkAd9-5lutM/U2vU1IO2ybI/AAAAAAAAT6Y/qpVbhrSkktk/s1600/Homemade+strawberry+rhubarb+pop+tarts.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
But when I saw that Rachel at Baked by Rachel made some delicious <a href="http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/apple-cinnamon-pop-tarts-caramel-icing/">Apple Cinnamon Pop-Tarts</a> with pre made pie dough, a light bulb went off in my head!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tHtzlGHvYk/U2vnH2Br0WI/AAAAAAAAT68/2UFBBairL18/s1600/2014-05-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tHtzlGHvYk/U2vnH2Br0WI/AAAAAAAAT68/2UFBBairL18/s1600/2014-05-06.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I had seen this <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/clearbrook+farms+strawberry+rhubarb+fruit+tart+filling">strawberry-rhubarb fruit tart</a> at World Market a few days before but decided not to get it because besides it sounding yummy, I didn't really have a use for it. Sheesh, should have listened to that little foodie angel on my shoulder whispering, "Get the tart filling!" So back to World Market I went. To buy the best. stuff. ever!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5QDV66jyKE/U2vtefotcII/AAAAAAAAT7g/3lHHHbmGp14/s1600/Easy+homemade+pop-tarts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5QDV66jyKE/U2vtefotcII/AAAAAAAAT7g/3lHHHbmGp14/s1600/Easy+homemade+pop-tarts.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<b>5 Ingredient Strawberry-Rhubarb Pop-Tarts</b><br />
Pie dough {one package of 2 unbaked 9-inch pie crusts}<br />
Strawberry-rhubarb fruit tart<br />
3/4 C powdered sugar<br />
2 T milk<br />
Sprinkles<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350° and line baking sheet with silpat or parchment paper. Roll out pie dough and cut into an even number of rectangles. Make sure that the top crust and bottom crust match in size.<br />
<br />
Add about 1 1/2 - 2 T of fruit filling to the bottom rectangle and spread out, leaving 1/4-1/2 inch of space around the edges.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGgv2hKXgkk/U2vUevO2THI/AAAAAAAAT6Q/9aybBF8uPIQ/s1600/Strawberry+Rhubarb+Fruit-Tart+Clearbrook+Farms+Pop-Tarts+filling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGgv2hKXgkk/U2vUevO2THI/AAAAAAAAT6Q/9aybBF8uPIQ/s1600/Strawberry+Rhubarb+Fruit-Tart+Clearbrook+Farms+Pop-Tarts+filling.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Top with second piece of dough and press down around the edges to seal. Crimp edges with fork.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QsxIzwxuB7o/U2vj2Zwa6DI/AAAAAAAAT60/RUtCYIqjU40/s1600/How+to+make+pop+tarts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QsxIzwxuB7o/U2vj2Zwa6DI/AAAAAAAAT60/RUtCYIqjU40/s1600/How+to+make+pop+tarts.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. To make the icing, mix powdered sugar and milk together in a small bowl with a whisk or fork. Drizzle over pop-tarts and add sprinkles immediately.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k835y_1FwPs/U2vrZYTymBI/AAAAAAAAT7Q/cO3h-_pi63I/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k835y_1FwPs/U2vrZYTymBI/AAAAAAAAT7Q/cO3h-_pi63I/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This recipe is so awesome because you get flaky pie crust and the fun of a pop-tart with just a few ingredients and a minimal amount of work! This recipe made 8 pop-tarts total.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_YhtGrEZ4hs/U2vsTEPiQ7I/AAAAAAAAT7Y/qnhTMnKRQRQ/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_YhtGrEZ4hs/U2vsTEPiQ7I/AAAAAAAAT7Y/qnhTMnKRQRQ/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And just for fun, I made one of them in the shape of a heart with a simple cookie cutter. This little hand pie was perfect for my sweetie.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1y0uTUSf5uc/U2vqemBfeVI/AAAAAAAAT7I/ujmcGB2w1F8/s1600/Heart+shaped+pop-tarts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1y0uTUSf5uc/U2vqemBfeVI/AAAAAAAAT7I/ujmcGB2w1F8/s1600/Heart+shaped+pop-tarts.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
How fun would these be to make with kiddos?! And don't even get me started on what a fun treat this would be for a birthday party or a sleep over! And because I have to document everything, this is Tinsley enjoying her first ever pop-tart with her daddy. And a little smooch. They make me melty!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAh1J4zy0tc/U2zCEli46_I/AAAAAAAAT78/8izZH5pmvn8/s1600/Tins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAh1J4zy0tc/U2zCEli46_I/AAAAAAAAT78/8izZH5pmvn8/s1600/Tins.jpg" height="180" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Want another rhubarb idea? Check out my <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2011/08/rhubarb-crisp-for-chris.html">rhubarb crisp recipe</a>.<br />
<br />
If there is not a Cost Plus World Market around you, or if you are interested in other flavors, check out <a href="http://clearbrookfarms.com/tart-fillings-shells/tart-fillings.html">Clearbrook Farms</a> for their other tart filling flavors! {key-lime, caramelized banana, vanilla, lemon and their newest flavor, cherry!}<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ky3uW_0UAI8/U2vvO0H0HTI/AAAAAAAAT7s/H9eGKNqE_cE/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ky3uW_0UAI8/U2vvO0H0HTI/AAAAAAAAT7s/H9eGKNqE_cE/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-44529184772738942782014-05-06T06:42:00.004-07:002014-05-06T06:42:47.016-07:00Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>"It's peanut butter jelly time! Peanut butter jelly time! Peanut butter jelly time! Peanut butter time!"<br />
Hey, stop laughing. This is serious business!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8GNBa-h84nA/U2jX-1tjHvI/AAAAAAAAT4s/Zwb_kYbk5e4/s1600/Peanut+Butter+and+Jelly+Granola+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8GNBa-h84nA/U2jX-1tjHvI/AAAAAAAAT4s/Zwb_kYbk5e4/s1600/Peanut+Butter+and+Jelly+Granola+.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches seem like one of those simple things that you grew up with that is totally no-fuss. But you know me, and I like to complicate simple. Just ask my husband.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6V9_6a7xhHg/U2jYOsKsipI/AAAAAAAAT40/UjRBtVLvCbc/s1600/PB+&+J+Granola+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6V9_6a7xhHg/U2jYOsKsipI/AAAAAAAAT40/UjRBtVLvCbc/s1600/PB+&+J+Granola+.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
There are so many options when it comes to making a classic PB & J, it's not even funny. Creamy or crunchy peanut butter. Grape or strawberry jelly. Crust on or off. Cut into triangles or down the middle. See? Serious business.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJPRPyOKtUs/U2jZAfBf3JI/AAAAAAAAT48/uzlKUt9kon8/s1600/Peanut+butter+granola+with+jelly+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJPRPyOKtUs/U2jZAfBf3JI/AAAAAAAAT48/uzlKUt9kon8/s1600/Peanut+butter+granola+with+jelly+.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So in order to please <i>almost</i> everyone, I went all out for this recipe. Instead of using just peanut butter, I used <i>creamy </i>peanut butter and <i>salted</i> peanuts. And instead of using <i>just</i> jelly to sweeten things up, I also threw in a bunch of yummy, <i>chewy</i> dried fruit. So it's like you're getting a double dose of each. And the cool thing about this recipe is that it's totally customizable. For example, I grew up eating my PB& J's with strawberry jelly, none of that grape junk for me. And it was an extra special treat if mom would buy raspberry jelly, mmmmm. But if you are a grape jam lover, you can swap it out no problem, just as long as you don't tell me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzQ0ByHk0sw/U2jZMuoBQ9I/AAAAAAAAT5E/g0LxO8-5H6U/s1600/Granola+with+peanut+butter+and+jelly+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzQ0ByHk0sw/U2jZMuoBQ9I/AAAAAAAAT5E/g0LxO8-5H6U/s1600/Granola+with+peanut+butter+and+jelly+.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And peanuts in granola? I know it sounds crazy, but don't knock it till ya try it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lCaW7FUhKA/U2jZ-ILh-NI/AAAAAAAAT5M/dWuEw10zbtg/s1600/Peanut+butter+&+Jelly+Granola+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lCaW7FUhKA/U2jZ-ILh-NI/AAAAAAAAT5M/dWuEw10zbtg/s1600/Peanut+butter+&+Jelly+Granola+.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Granola already smells good when it's baking but the smell of the preserves cooking with that cinnamon, WOW! It smells like a wonderful fruit pie!<br />
<br />
<b>Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola</b><br />
3 C rolled oats {old fashioned, not quick-cooking<br />
1 C TVP {textured vegetable protein}<br />
1/2 C flaxseed meal<br />
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1 C salted peanuts, roughly chopped<br />
1/2 C creamy peanut butter<br />
1/4 C honey<br />
1/4 C + 2 T seedless raspberry preserves {or jelly of your choice, sugar free is fine}<br />
1 C dried fruit {I used dried strawberries and dried cherries}<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 250˚ and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or non-stick foil. In a large bowl, mix together oats, TVP, flaxseed meal, cinnamon and chopped peanuts. Set aside. In a small bowl, melt the peanut butter and honey together in the microwave for 20 seconds, stir, heat for 20 more seconds. Pour over the oat mixture and stir to combine. Add the jelly and stir to combine.<br />
<br />
Pour onto prepared baking sheets. I mean seriously? Those chunks of peanuts coming out? Yeeesssss!<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKTsoXyBFxA/U2jaHLgKzrI/AAAAAAAAT5U/B7ClDvM56b0/s1600/Granola+with+peanuts+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKTsoXyBFxA/U2jaHLgKzrI/AAAAAAAAT5U/B7ClDvM56b0/s1600/Granola+with+peanuts+.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. </div>
<div>
Remove from oven and cool completely. Mix in dried fruit. Store in air tight container.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLRWJ4Dz3Z8/U2jauuW5cuI/AAAAAAAAT5c/shmA6gGPFww/s1600/DSC_0899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLRWJ4Dz3Z8/U2jauuW5cuI/AAAAAAAAT5c/shmA6gGPFww/s1600/DSC_0899.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I thought this might be kind of strange when eaten with milk, but it's actually really delicious that way. It would also be great as a parfait with some fruit or Greek yogurt.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhvivRGx32s/U2jayfXJukI/AAAAAAAAT5k/RJsLVOIknK0/s1600/DSC_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhvivRGx32s/U2jayfXJukI/AAAAAAAAT5k/RJsLVOIknK0/s1600/DSC_0885.JPG" height="426" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
One more thing about this recipe that I adore is that I've completely taken out all the oil. That's right, all oil was swapped for peanut butter. So by making this swap, there is less fat, added fiber and WAY more protein! I'll take that swap any day.<br />
<br />
If you are looking for a more traditional version of a granola, you can't miss my <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2013/08/cookin-cowgirls-favorite-granola.html">Cookin' Cowgirl's Favorite Granola</a> recipe!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1lR0LPSIy8U/U2jmV0CTnzI/AAAAAAAAT50/4AkaabSt-r0/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1lR0LPSIy8U/U2jmV0CTnzI/AAAAAAAAT50/4AkaabSt-r0/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /><br />
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-61163556526176394142014-05-01T05:10:00.003-07:002014-05-01T05:55:35.796-07:00Taste Of Park Place Recap <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Saturday we packed up little Tinsley and headed to <a href="http://www.parkplaceleawood.com/" target="_blank">Park Place</a> in Leawood, KS for the <a href="http://www.parkplaceleawood.com/special-offers/taste-of-park-place/" target="_blank">Taste of Park Place</a>. The event was held to benefit <a href="http://www.newhouseshelter.org/" target="_blank">Newhouse Women's Shelter</a>, which serves abused women and their children in the Kansas City area. The tasting event was held from 2-4pm on April 26th and included small plate tastings from all the restaurants and several of the specialty food shops of Park Place.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YGC24lUHII/U2I5RFlRzqI/AAAAAAAAT4Q/MpdkRImt_-E/s1600/Taste+of+Park+Place+Leawood+KS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YGC24lUHII/U2I5RFlRzqI/AAAAAAAAT4Q/MpdkRImt_-E/s1600/Taste+of+Park+Place+Leawood+KS.png" height="220" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Image from <a href="http://chefaaronsanchez.com/calendar/taste-of-park-place/">www.chefaaronsanchez.com</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This was a well organized event in my opinion. Upon arrival, you head to the Newhouse tent to pick up your goodie bag. I made Hunter Hann "wear" Tinsley so I could be free to <strike>EAT</strike> take pictures. Thank you baby bjorn!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWCya6VJyGY/U1_Rj05RR3I/AAAAAAAAT20/i8UkHMpvgMk/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWCya6VJyGY/U1_Rj05RR3I/AAAAAAAAT20/i8UkHMpvgMk/s1600/photo+1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The goodie bag included a $5.00 gift card to use at any restaurant or store in Park Place. It also included a map, a menu of the tastings and a brochure of the specials of the day that the event offered.<br />
<br />
Our first stop was <a href="http://801restaurantgroup.com/801-chophouse/leawood/" target="_blank">801 Chophouse</a> where we enjoyed the beef kabobs with onions and peppers and a port wine ju. This is also where Tinsley had her first cheesecake bite with raspberry <i>and</i> strawberry sauce. I'm raising this little foodie right!<br />
<br />
Our next stop was <a href="http://801restaurantgroup.com/pig-and-finch/pig-finch-leawood/" target="_blank">Pig & Finch</a>. This was our first time at Pig & Finch and it was fantastic! The executive chef, John Smith, prepared our favorite plate of the day: Espresso Rubbed Porchetta served with an Alabama White Sauce, and {drumroll please!} Bacon Marmalade with Blue Cheese Crumbles served on Grilled Toast Points.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nb9Z5CHcNQo/U1_1FobpAVI/AAAAAAAAT3E/Eh_IXAhxKfI/s1600/Pig+&+Finch+Bacon+Marmalade+with+Blue+Cheese+Crumbles+served+on+Grilled+Toast+Points+and+Espresso+Rubbed+Porchetta+served+with+Alabama+White+Sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nb9Z5CHcNQo/U1_1FobpAVI/AAAAAAAAT3E/Eh_IXAhxKfI/s1600/Pig+&+Finch+Bacon+Marmalade+with+Blue+Cheese+Crumbles+served+on+Grilled+Toast+Points+and+Espresso+Rubbed+Porchetta+served+with+Alabama+White+Sauce.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hunter Hann and I both agreed this was our favorite stop of the day and can't wait to go back and try the whole menu, er, more of what they have to offer. We also liked the decor in there and it would be a great spot to grab some drinks with a few friends or even snag a baby sitter and have a date night! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIHPhXAHcMY/U1_1wtX9luI/AAAAAAAAT3M/JPo4im_aZ3M/s1600/Pig+&+Finch+Leawood,+KS+Parkplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIHPhXAHcMY/U1_1wtX9luI/AAAAAAAAT3M/JPo4im_aZ3M/s1600/Pig+&+Finch+Leawood,+KS+Parkplace.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Next, it was off to <a href="http://www.mestizoleawood.com/" target="_blank">Mestizo</a> for some flavors of Mexico by celebrity Chef Aarón Sánchez. Here we had spicy chorizo sliders on a brioche bun with chipotle aioli, and vegetable empanadas. We also used our gift cards and got a few of Mestizo's specialty drinks. Hunter Hann got the Smokin' Rita and I had one of their Mojitos and had them add a shot of Chambord, {basically one of my <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2011/07/cowgirl-cocktail.html" target="_blank">Cowgirl Cocktails</a>!}<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G0tSNxpJlJY/U1_4wVHGqsI/AAAAAAAAT3Y/uZEuqXwvzHE/s1600/Drinks+at+Mestizo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G0tSNxpJlJY/U1_4wVHGqsI/AAAAAAAAT3Y/uZEuqXwvzHE/s1600/Drinks+at+Mestizo.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I was also fortunate enough to get to meet Chef Aarón Sánchez. He was there to judge the Celebrity Chef Competition later that afternoon, but he was kind enough to snap a photo with me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1jILcnO_nA/U1_6x1GgPyI/AAAAAAAAT3k/n_yl_OJBlmk/s1600/Chef+Aaron+Sanchez+chopped+judge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1jILcnO_nA/U1_6x1GgPyI/AAAAAAAAT3k/n_yl_OJBlmk/s1600/Chef+Aaron+Sanchez+chopped+judge.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
From there we went to <a href="http://www.cpk.com/" target="_blank">California Pizza Kitchen</a> and had the sausage & poblano flat bread {spicy and super yummy!} and the spinach & mushroom flat bread. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next on our culinary adventure of Park Place was <a href="http://www.gordonbiersch.com/" target="_blank">Gordon Biersch</a>. This is where things got a little dicy. They were extremely busy and we were warned that they were under staffed. Hunter Hann was excited to try the beer cheese soup, but we never got to. We did however get to try the stuffed shrimp and the chocolate torte {I would totally go back for that!} </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At this point we felt like we started running out of time so we kind of hurried things along. We have been to <a href="http://www.rasushi.com/" target="_blank">Ra Sushi</a> several times and really like the place, so we just popped in quickly for 1 roll each. But if you ever ARE in the area, you must try the Scallop Dynamite Roll. It's like the best sushi roll ever had a baby with the sauce of the Bang Bang Shrimp at Bone Fish Grill. Yeah, it's amazing! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next was down to the <a href="http://www.tloft.net/" target="_blank">t. Loft</a> for a few of their protein balls. On Saturday they had the peanut butter ones out to try {peanut butter, oats, nuts, flaxseed, maple syrup and honey. But I've been there before and had their Sunbutter Protein Balls, and they are so good, I had to get a few for Hunter Hann to try! {Sunbutter balls- sunbutter, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed, sesame seeds, maple syrup, and honey}.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next we went down the street to <a href="http://www.cupcakealamode.com/index.html" target="_blank">Cupcake A La Mode</a> for a sweet treat. Hunter Hann got the red velvet, and I got the chocolate obsession {holy delicious!} and the Stuffed French Toast cupcake. {That one tasted like the cereal, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, so yeah, it was pretty dang good!} Tinsley did get a few bites of the goodies. After all, I did get 2 cupcakes. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The last stop on our foodie parade was <a href="http://www.CarmaKC.com/" target="_blank">Carma</a>. There we had the chicken spiedini skewers, which were fantastic. They were almost out of everything and we did have to wait a bit, but it was nearing the end of the tasting. I look forward to going back to this place as well. The atmosphere looked great but we only had a chance to pop our heads in quickly. Plus I have looked at their menu, and everything sounds wonderful. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our last stop of the day was to just hang out for a bit outside <a href="http://ingredientrestaurant.com/leawood.html" target="_blank">Ingredient Restaurant</a>. It was after 4 by the time we got there, but we did order one of their soft pretzels and cheese. YUM! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you've never been to Park Place, there is a great little open area this time of year between Ingredient and Mestizo's with the cutest little baby adirondack chairs. I may or may not have made Tinsley pose for a photo op. What can I say, I can made her sit but I cannot make her look at the camera! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rprvejwEx-Q/U2AGIJkC1GI/AAAAAAAAT30/j6JftG_mMXA/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rprvejwEx-Q/U2AGIJkC1GI/AAAAAAAAT30/j6JftG_mMXA/s1600/photo+3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Overall we had a great time at this event! My only criticism was that there was simply not enough time to get through everything, and we really were rushing along. Some places were understaffed, but that's to be expected. The staff at every single place we went was extremely hospitable, even to our 16 month old. It was a great family atmosphere and we got to try some amazing new restaurants that I look forward to going back to.</div>
<div>
<br />
A few of the places we did not even have time to make it to were <a href="http://www.parisicoffee.com/" target="_blank">Parisi Cafe</a>, <a href="http://801restaurantgroup.com/801-fish/" target="_blank">801 Fish</a>, <a href="http://www.burgerfi.com/" target="_blank">Burger Fi</a> (opening soon), </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Side note: In the picture with Aarón Sánchez, I'm wearing my <a href="http://www.banded2gether.com/" target="_blank">Banded2Gether</a> headband from the <a href="http://goblogsocial.com/" target="_blank">Go Blog Social</a> event I attended in KC earlier this month. Banded teamed up with <a href="http://amazima.org/" target="_blank">Amazima Ministries</a> and the proceeds from these adorable headbands goes to feed children in Uganda. Amazingly enough, 1 headband provides 3 meals to a child. Check them out! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Please check out NewhouseShelter.org for ways to help their amazing cause {taken from their website}: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7a394e; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">It is our mission to break the cycle of domestic violence by providing the tools which allow women to make positive choices and lead self-sufficient lives.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKzsWyQ9xvY/U2I8hjKDPYI/AAAAAAAAT4c/0RxKwYMqtzQ/s1600/New+House+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKzsWyQ9xvY/U2I8hjKDPYI/AAAAAAAAT4c/0RxKwYMqtzQ/s1600/New+House+Logo.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">logo from <a href="http://newhouseshelter.org/">newhouseshelter.org</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I want to hear from you. Have you been to any of these places? Or did you attend Taste of Park Place? If so, what was your favorite stop? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxIH6ROwO34/U2AIXa6WbDI/AAAAAAAAT4A/PJhSuiSMcAw/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxIH6ROwO34/U2AIXa6WbDI/AAAAAAAAT4A/PJhSuiSMcAw/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-30149891640230306042014-04-29T05:08:00.000-07:002014-04-29T05:12:01.418-07:00Ham and Pineapple Fried Brown Rice <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Have you ever been to an Asian restaurant like Pei Wei or PF Changs and ended up with extra plain or brown rice? If so don't throw it out! I've got a great, easy recipe for you to jazz it up!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RG7TuoMABtU/U18a0FtTIJI/AAAAAAAAT2E/8oshseWX1HY/s1600/Ham+&+Pineapple+Fried+Brown+Rice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RG7TuoMABtU/U18a0FtTIJI/AAAAAAAAT2E/8oshseWX1HY/s1600/Ham+&+Pineapple+Fried+Brown+Rice.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You may be thinking, "Yikes! I can't make fried rice!" Well, let me assure you that you can. This was my first time making fried rice and it could not be simpler. So believe me when I say that if I can do it, anyone can. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a944KC56oKk/U18bp1uEzsI/AAAAAAAAT2M/qIMz1qyQPFE/s1600/Ham+and+Pineapple+Brown+Fried+Rice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a944KC56oKk/U18bp1uEzsI/AAAAAAAAT2M/qIMz1qyQPFE/s1600/Ham+and+Pineapple+Brown+Fried+Rice.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Ham and pineapple. Such a great combination, why wouldn't it be any different in a fried rice dish? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Ham & Pineapple Fried Brown Rice</b><br />
<i>serves 8</i><br />
1 T vegetable or canola oil<br />
1 onion, diced<br />
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced<br />
4 green onions, chopped<br />
2 garlic cloves, minced<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 T low sodium soy sauce<br />
8 oz or about 2 cups ham steak, cut into cubes<br />
4 C cooked leftover brown rice {or cook your own, according to package directions in low sodium chicken broth}<br />
1 T sesame oil<br />
4 T reduced sodium soy sauce<br />
2 C chopped pineapple<br />
<br />
In a large skillet, heat T of oil and add onion. Sauté for a few minutes, stirring. Add chopped red bell pepper, green onions and garlic and stir. Cook until veggies are tender crisp. In a small dish, beat 2 eggs with 1 T soy sauce; add to pan and stir until scrambled.<br />
When eggs are cooked, add ham and rice and stir to combine. Add the T of sesame oil and 4 T of soy sauce and stir to coat rice evenly. Cook until heated through and well combined. Stir in pineapple and heat through. Serve hot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vXXDky1yzk/U18dCawyhGI/AAAAAAAAT2Y/soxCcw6nZYQ/s1600/Pineapple+and+Ham+Fried+Brown+Rice+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vXXDky1yzk/U18dCawyhGI/AAAAAAAAT2Y/soxCcw6nZYQ/s1600/Pineapple+and+Ham+Fried+Brown+Rice+.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was actually <i>really</i> happy with the flavor of this dish and how it turned out. The little bit of sweetness from the pineapple was so good with the rich flavor of the sesame oil, and the salty soy sauce and ham. We had this fried brown rice with Hunter Hann's ribs, yowza! What a great combination.<br />
<br />
This would be a great side dish to take to a BBQ or a family gathering.<br />
I am no longer scared of fried rice. Have you tried making it? What do you think about this flavor combination?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-neatvnigwwM/U18ftWPB18I/AAAAAAAAT2k/dVoa8SLaO04/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-neatvnigwwM/U18ftWPB18I/AAAAAAAAT2k/dVoa8SLaO04/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-7409883315955409782014-04-28T12:10:00.000-07:002014-04-28T20:48:06.806-07:00Crispy Kale Chips<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Yum, yum, yum! This recipe is such a fun way to get your greens in. And it's <i>eeeeeaasy</i>!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Crispy Kale Chips</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YMMUX_pgn2U/U16gUeF7qbI/AAAAAAAAT0I/wXT2HlMZ6Ts/s1600/Crispy+Kale+Chips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YMMUX_pgn2U/U16gUeF7qbI/AAAAAAAAT0I/wXT2HlMZ6Ts/s1600/Crispy+Kale+Chips.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's hard to believe that something this crispity crunchy could be good for you, but these really are. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ0k8DAuv1E/U16h_0tZDdI/AAAAAAAAT0U/vo6MZlGj8Qk/s1600/Homemade+Crispy+Kale+Chips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ0k8DAuv1E/U16h_0tZDdI/AAAAAAAAT0U/vo6MZlGj8Qk/s1600/Homemade+Crispy+Kale+Chips.JPG" height="640" width="482" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Kale chips can be on the expensive side, especially if you eat a lot of them, like I do. So making them at home can save you a bundle. Plus, you can control the amount of fat and sodium on them by making them yourself! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
I have a few tips to make these chips good and keep you coming back for more. First off, use a cooling rack or something similar on top of the baking sheet so the heat gets all around the kale and not just the top of the leaves. This will ensure that your kale is crisp all the way through and not soggy on the bottom. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGZoDWh7AoI/U16imXR6VEI/AAAAAAAAT0c/YGFpaLnhX7E/s1600/DSC_0252-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGZoDWh7AoI/U16imXR6VEI/AAAAAAAAT0c/YGFpaLnhX7E/s1600/DSC_0252-001.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Secondly, don't crowd the baking sheet. You want to keep things in an even layer and not get too many leaves on at one time. If this means you have to make 2 batches or use 2 pans, do so. Believe me, it's worth it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Crispy Kale Chips</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 bunch of kale leaves</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Olive oil cooking spray or olive oil {I prefer to use cooking spray for even distribution}</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sea salt or seasoning of choice*</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Preheat oven to 275°. Line baking sheet with foil and place cooling rack on top. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wash and dry kale completely so it does not steam when cooking. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-srPl-XLjVtQ/U16j6k5s9gI/AAAAAAAAT0o/ydPHHwZ97UU/s1600/DSC_0574-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-srPl-XLjVtQ/U16j6k5s9gI/AAAAAAAAT0o/ydPHHwZ97UU/s1600/DSC_0574-002.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remove stems and tear kale leaves into bite sized pieces. Place on prepared baking sheet(s).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rgU5m53lHLw/U16kGXEcIcI/AAAAAAAAT0w/BEBaEXtxvwQ/s1600/DSC_0580-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rgU5m53lHLw/U16kGXEcIcI/AAAAAAAAT0w/BEBaEXtxvwQ/s1600/DSC_0580-002.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lightly and evenly spray with olive oil cook spray {or drizzle with olive oil}. Sprinkle sea salt or seasoning blend on top of leaves. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bake for 25 minutes or until leaves are crisp all the way through. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UoQWdBG6wQ/U16ki72XXhI/AAAAAAAAT04/YAnLzlMos9o/s1600/DSC_0582-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UoQWdBG6wQ/U16ki72XXhI/AAAAAAAAT04/YAnLzlMos9o/s1600/DSC_0582-002.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leaves will shrink up quite a bit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8njB7aKhyks/U16kwF9-uiI/AAAAAAAAT1A/zFwDSWNSASw/s1600/Crispy+Kale+Chips+recipe+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8njB7aKhyks/U16kwF9-uiI/AAAAAAAAT1A/zFwDSWNSASw/s1600/Crispy+Kale+Chips+recipe+.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Told ya that was easy! So what do you think? Can you manage that? I think so. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
*I like to use my favorite "french fry" seasoning on top but almost anything else will work also. A mix of cajun seasonings would be great. And sea salt is pretty tasty by itself. You really can't go wrong. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYXercXQQSM/U16lj4uUJxI/AAAAAAAAT1M/3xpCE2vmbmg/s1600/DIY+Crispy+Kale+Chips+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYXercXQQSM/U16lj4uUJxI/AAAAAAAAT1M/3xpCE2vmbmg/s1600/DIY+Crispy+Kale+Chips+.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever tried kale chips? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0KqDfYuAzI/U16nSZ8YChI/AAAAAAAAT1Y/YbGCJXFiyEQ/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0KqDfYuAzI/U16nSZ8YChI/AAAAAAAAT1Y/YbGCJXFiyEQ/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-76737051142390371842014-04-22T13:54:00.000-07:002014-04-22T13:55:24.355-07:00Carne Asada Skillet Nachos<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
A few years ago I went to San Diego and had the most amazing carne asada fries at La Puerta. I think my life was changed forever. No really. Don't believe me? I even came home and recreated the dish, and then <u>lucky for you</u> I blogged about it <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2011/03/carne-adada-fries.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Anywho. I was craving that a few weekends ago and got everything to make it, but after the meat had marinated, I started craving nachos. Luckily, I had a bag of chips big enough to feed an army in my pantry. Thank you, Costco. So I made these instead.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Carne Asada Skillet Nachos</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7VUE5fOyVs/U1agVTJQh0I/AAAAAAAATr4/z0huxrpl74I/s1600/Carne+Asada+Skillet+Nachos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7VUE5fOyVs/U1agVTJQh0I/AAAAAAAATr4/z0huxrpl74I/s1600/Carne+Asada+Skillet+Nachos.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Oh so glad I made these! When it comes to carne asada, the nachos are my favie.<br />
No, the fries are my favorite. Wait, the nachos. Fries. Nachos. Ok, DON'T MAKE ME CHOOSE!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPps9URpJtg/U1agiOO_C7I/AAAAAAAATsA/t8sBEMGEjm8/s1600/Carne+Asada+Nachos+in+skillet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPps9URpJtg/U1agiOO_C7I/AAAAAAAATsA/t8sBEMGEjm8/s1600/Carne+Asada+Nachos+in+skillet.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Is it a plate of carbs piled high with grilled beef and cheese? Then THAT is my favorite.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4pV5-tz0w0/U1ahBsvm0gI/AAAAAAAATsI/KPXkBpaV9uQ/s1600/Carne+Asada+Nachos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4pV5-tz0w0/U1ahBsvm0gI/AAAAAAAATsI/KPXkBpaV9uQ/s1600/Carne+Asada+Nachos.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Drool. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The mojo marinade it unreal. It's full of fresh lime and orange juice, cilantro, garlic and spices. It's not spicy for those who are worried about that. It just highlights the flavor of the meat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ0tdQbKiWs/U1ahlgxy9AI/AAAAAAAATsQ/C-nguzyxaFA/s1600/Carne+Asada+Marinade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ0tdQbKiWs/U1ahlgxy9AI/AAAAAAAATsQ/C-nguzyxaFA/s1600/Carne+Asada+Marinade.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And this time I topped the nachos with delicious poblano and red bell peppers. It made me feel better about eating my Costo-size bag of chips!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HJMMD1U_LTE/U1aiD6A4NaI/AAAAAAAATsY/MOiyjC_nr9w/s1600/DSC_0464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HJMMD1U_LTE/U1aiD6A4NaI/AAAAAAAATsY/MOiyjC_nr9w/s1600/DSC_0464.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Everything in moderation. {Insert eye roll here}.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b>Carne Asada Skillet Nachos</b></div>
<div>
1 recipe of <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2011/03/carne-adada-fries.html" target="_blank">Mojo Marinade</a></div>
<div>
2 lb flank steak</div>
<div>
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips</div>
<div>
1 1/2 poblano pepper, seeded and cut into strips</div>
<div>
1 onion, cut into strips</div>
<div>
Fajita seasoning, optional</div>
<div>
Tortilla chips</div>
<div>
Cheddar cheese blend</div>
<div>
Cilantro for topping</div>
<div>
And anything else you LOVE on your nachos {you have my permission)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After the steak has marinated, either grill outdoors or on a grill pan to preferred doneness. Let rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before cutting into bite sized pieces. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQo53G9enD4/U1bTBwq1HnI/AAAAAAAATso/GCwfdnrx88I/s1600/Carne+Asada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQo53G9enD4/U1bTBwq1HnI/AAAAAAAATso/GCwfdnrx88I/s1600/Carne+Asada.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Meanwhile, saute onion and peppers until tender crisp. I sprinkled a little fajita seasoning on them when they were almost done cooking. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lMDJ4lWEcdA/U1bTqj-1ypI/AAAAAAAATsw/YAb664I6sns/s1600/DSC_0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lMDJ4lWEcdA/U1bTqj-1ypI/AAAAAAAATsw/YAb664I6sns/s1600/DSC_0480.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Preheat oven to broil and load up your oven safe skillet with tortilla chips. Top with cubed carne asada, peppers and onions, and cheese. Broil in oven for a few minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown. Carefully remove skillet from oven and top with cilantro, salsa or additional goodies.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3OiMvMyJn1w/U1bVMcaUGaI/AAAAAAAATs8/TEX0cwjn3y4/s1600/Cast+Iron+Skillet+Carne+Asada+Nachos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3OiMvMyJn1w/U1bVMcaUGaI/AAAAAAAATs8/TEX0cwjn3y4/s1600/Cast+Iron+Skillet+Carne+Asada+Nachos.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This dish is like a beef version of fajita nachos. So if you've ever had those in a restaurant or at home, imagine it with an amazing marinade on the meat and you know what I'm talkin' about!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZTtX-8pfgI/U1bVUFNwp0I/AAAAAAAATtE/n3IlaYkFns4/s1600/DSC_0512-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZTtX-8pfgI/U1bVUFNwp0I/AAAAAAAATtE/n3IlaYkFns4/s1600/DSC_0512-001.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This would be a fantastic meal to serve for Cinco de Mayo! Or on a Monday. Or Tuesday. Or whenever you decide to invite me over for dinner. Mmmmm nachos. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4rDIT541N0/U1bVlJYGMCI/AAAAAAAATtM/olom88zPWps/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4rDIT541N0/U1bVlJYGMCI/AAAAAAAATtM/olom88zPWps/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-75079141271233088892014-04-05T04:32:00.003-07:002014-04-22T14:21:59.943-07:00Homemade Fruit Leather - In the Oven<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
Have you ever seen a picture and thought, "I want to make that!" So you click on the link, only to find out that the blogger or chef has some SUPER fancy machine or tool that you would never have in your kitchen? Yeah, bloggers are so annoying.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Homemade Fruit Leather - In the Oven</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bh0DN2Tt7M0/Uz_dcghIR_I/AAAAAAAARBw/XWloHM1IIEc/s1600/Homemade+Fruit+Leather.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bh0DN2Tt7M0/Uz_dcghIR_I/AAAAAAAARBw/XWloHM1IIEc/s1600/Homemade+Fruit+Leather.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br />
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
Well, I happen to have a dehydrator, that was super inexpensive, that I kind of love. But it's circular so it has a hole in the middle. It's great for drying fruit like apples, bananas, pears, strawberries, and other stuff like that. But I'm a tad compulsive about things and fruit leather dried on a circular dehydrator is just, well, weird. I want it to come off the tray and be pretty and have straight sides. I know, I need help. It all tastes the same, but it's just not.the.same. So, to the oven we go!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0tsNDfjUWE/Uz_dUn75zrI/AAAAAAAASzs/VuyKJ450e-Q/s1600/DSC_0669-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0tsNDfjUWE/Uz_dUn75zrI/AAAAAAAASzs/VuyKJ450e-Q/s1600/DSC_0669-002.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>raspberry fruit leather</i></div>
<br />
I am actually excited about this because my grandad always made homemade fruit roll ups when I was growing up, so these hold a special place in my heart. He had a rectangular dehydrator, with no hole in the middle, lucky! He would use applesauce and make tons of them, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze them for when we came over. It was such a fun snack for my siblings and me, while feeding us a healthy treat at the same time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AlUIdsoEmqo/Uz_fRHurUHI/AAAAAAAARB8/w2Zc3_g9UsU/s1600/DSC_0663-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AlUIdsoEmqo/Uz_fRHurUHI/AAAAAAAARB8/w2Zc3_g9UsU/s1600/DSC_0663-002.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>blackberry fruit leather</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
You can use a lot of different kinds of fruit when making fruit leather or fruit roll ups, but some do work better than others. Berries generally work well and so do apples and pears. I haven't experimented with many other than those, but I have some great tips for you. This will serve as my basic post for fruit leather and I will probably get into more fun recipes and combos as more fruits become in season. For this post, I did one batch of raspberry fruit leather and one batch of blackberry. You will notice that I put "optional" down below for most of the ingredients. That's because if your berries are in season and ripe, ALL YOU REALLY NEED IS THE FRUIT! The add-ins are just extra little flavor bonuses, according to taste. I love adding some citrus to brighten the flavor of the fruit. Cinnamon is another favorite. And of course, you could always use a sweetener of your choice.<br />
<br />
<b>Homemade Fruit Leather - In the Oven</b><br />
4 C raspberries OR blackberries {fresh or frozen}<br />
*optional add-ins:<br />
-1/4 t cinnamon<br />
-up to 1 T sweetener of choice {I've used honey and stevia. Could also use agave or sugar}<br />
-up to 1 T fresh lemon juice<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 200º and line baking sheet with either a silicone mat/silpat or with parchment paper.<br />
{If you have a convection oven and are doing more than one row at a time and you choose the "convection setting, your oven might change the temperature to 175º and that's fine.}<br />
<br />
Heat berries in a sauce pot over medium heat and add sweeteners and other options. Keep stirring until sugar/sweetener is incorporated, being careful not to scorch fruit. This will only take a few minutes. {The idea here is not to cook the nutrients out of the fruit, but just to dissolve the sugars}. After everything is incorporated, transfer to food processor and blend until smooth. Pour onto prepared baking sheet and level out with an offset spatula. Bake for 3-5 hours. The leather should peel off easily and will be sticky to the touch but not wet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zleYlUW_Bvk/Uz_kkratKbI/AAAAAAAARCM/c94ojlxLX7I/s1600/DSC_0601-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zleYlUW_Bvk/Uz_kkratKbI/AAAAAAAARCM/c94ojlxLX7I/s1600/DSC_0601-003.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>raspberry - on parchment paper</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvQfyn19cG4/Uz_klinNf9I/AAAAAAAARCU/PrV1ATjMKGI/s1600/DSC_0617-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvQfyn19cG4/Uz_klinNf9I/AAAAAAAARCU/PrV1ATjMKGI/s1600/DSC_0617-003.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>blackberry - on silicone mat</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvdDRoqv2Tg/Uz_knQKiWhI/AAAAAAAARCc/VSYNuixDJr8/s1600/DSC_0635-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvdDRoqv2Tg/Uz_knQKiWhI/AAAAAAAARCc/VSYNuixDJr8/s1600/DSC_0635-003.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvdDRoqv2Tg/Uz_knQKiWhI/AAAAAAAARCc/VSYNuixDJr8/s1600/DSC_0635-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvdDRoqv2Tg/Uz_knQKiWhI/AAAAAAAARCc/VSYNuixDJr8/s1600/DSC_0635-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>raspberry on left, blackberry on right</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I showed these side by side so you can see how they looked when they were done. In my opinion, the silicone mat worked better and made the leather easier to remove. The parchment paper worked fine and they still tasted great, but if you are going to be making these a lot, I suggest investing in a silpat or even an inexpensive, no-name brand silicone mat. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last tip, it is much easier to cut these into desired strips with kitchen sheers or scissors instead of a knife or pizza cutter. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Wrap these in plastic wrap or little baggies for easy snacking! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7_1x2cg57o/Uz_o1xXftAI/AAAAAAAARCo/Tvm-neLiRvY/s1600/DSC_0659-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7_1x2cg57o/Uz_o1xXftAI/AAAAAAAARCo/Tvm-neLiRvY/s1600/DSC_0659-003.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Aren't those seeds just lovely? Do me a favor and don't strain them out. They are the best part and they set these fresh beauties apart from the processed store bought ones. Mmmmk? Thanks! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMFcy6hWmLI/Uz_o3-L6EMI/AAAAAAAARCw/vEveXgpIbIs/s1600/DSC_0653-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMFcy6hWmLI/Uz_o3-L6EMI/AAAAAAAARCw/vEveXgpIbIs/s1600/DSC_0653-004.JPG" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
So is anyone else just DYING for berries to be cheap and delicious and in season? What is your favorite dried fruit or fruit leather flavor? Want to see a combo flavor? I'd love to hear from you! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-14F92fS7UwE/Uz_pwNK1tcI/AAAAAAAARC4/d4a_Vvcwj5Y/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-14F92fS7UwE/Uz_pwNK1tcI/AAAAAAAARC4/d4a_Vvcwj5Y/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<br /></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-zleYlUW_Bvk%2FUz_kkratKbI%2FAAAAAAAARCM%2Fc94ojlxLX7I%2Fs1600%2FDSC_0601-003.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zleYlUW_Bvk/Uz_kkratKbI/AAAAAAAARCM/c94ojlxLX7I/s1600/DSC_0601-003.JPG" -->Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-41719936862456656252014-03-29T05:56:00.002-07:002014-03-29T05:57:30.871-07:00Now on BlogLovin'! Just a quick note. I'm now on BlogLovin'! Anyone else out there on BlogLovin'? Post your log in the comments below so I can follow you!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2901442/?claim=5amhqbqr7v4">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4eKFHuZEuzA/UzbDA8zX2II/AAAAAAAAQ-o/S25nB9o_SxE/s1600/bloglovin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4eKFHuZEuzA/UzbDA8zX2II/AAAAAAAAQ-o/S25nB9o_SxE/s1600/bloglovin.png" height="149" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GzqdW73hBvs/UzbCnDWdyqI/AAAAAAAAQ-g/eEWgzLd6E3Y/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GzqdW73hBvs/UzbCnDWdyqI/AAAAAAAAQ-g/eEWgzLd6E3Y/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-59106105730829687282014-03-27T06:53:00.001-07:002014-04-19T07:38:21.852-07:00Scandal Wine Glasses - ON SALE<a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br />
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
Are you a <i>Scandal</i> fan? As in the TV show that airs on ABC? Well, Gladiators get ready for this!<br />
<br />
The famous wine glass that Kerry Washington is seen using multiple times on every episode is <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/camille-wine-glasses/f35742" target="_blank">ON SALE now at Crate&Barrel</a>.<br />
<br />
*Update - This sale ended April, 10th.*<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OJAJJbK7iW8/UzQs1QD1moI/AAAAAAAAQ-I/NV61Fpu-SIA/s1600/Scandal+Wine+Glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OJAJJbK7iW8/UzQs1QD1moI/AAAAAAAAQ-I/NV61Fpu-SIA/s1600/Scandal+Wine+Glass.jpg" height="317" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://CrateandBarrel.com/">CrateandBarrel.com</a></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For someone who has not seen the show, this may not seem like a big deal. But oh, is it ever. I have seen these long stemmed beauties in person and they are so lovely and delicate! I've been looking for some new stem wear for a while and these are exactly what I was looking for. I wanted something with a lovely bowl shape and something with a very long stem. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These glasses are part of the <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/camille-wine-glasses/f35742" target="_blank">Camille collection</a> at Crate&Barrel. They normally retail for $14.95 but they are on sale now for $11.96. (And I actually saw an article for the same glasses sold last fall for $12.95. So they have increased their base price $2 over the past few months. Supply and demand, you know). I don't know how long this sale lasts, but I'm sure it's not more than a few days. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oHOpIH0BlL0/UzQm6Ri1aSI/AAAAAAAAQ9Y/DSjdYMbNfrg/s1600/Scandal+Wine+Glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oHOpIH0BlL0/UzQm6Ri1aSI/AAAAAAAAQ9Y/DSjdYMbNfrg/s1600/Scandal+Wine+Glasses.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
***These red glasses are on back order, but you can still order them for the sale price and they will ship them to you when they are available. And BETTER STILL, if you live near a store, have them shipped there for free and pick them up. Even more money saved! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/camille-23-oz.-red-wine-glass/s573208" target="_blank">red wine glass</a> holds 23oz and the <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/camille-13-oz.-white-wine-glass/s330817" target="_blank">white wine glass</a> holds 13oz. And they are seriously beautiful! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Get the "Olivia Pope wine glasses" now! Cheers!<br />
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-43574062714268618012014-03-24T16:27:00.000-07:002014-03-24T16:47:11.087-07:00Roasted Poblano Guacamole Chicken Salad <a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br />
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy first week of spring! I love this time of year when things start to warm up and more and more of my favorite fruits and vegetables start to become "in season." </span><br />
<div style="font: 13.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">But, truth is I'm trying to hold back laughter right now because as I sit here and type this, it's still 34º here in Kansas City and I'm trying to figure out how I can jump into my mug of coffee! Brrrrr. Ok, enough about my rough life. But do you know what are <i>always</i> "in season," as long as you have enough patience to let them ripen on the counter? You guessed it, AVOCADOS! </span></div>
<div style="font: 13.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Roasted Poblano Guacamole Chicken Salad </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AOUxpxhwQo/UyrdTAXv7OI/AAAAAAAAQ5I/3k4O6y5uA80/s1600/DSC_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AOUxpxhwQo/UyrdTAXv7OI/AAAAAAAAQ5I/3k4O6y5uA80/s1600/DSC_0549.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Another thing that I think is kind of spring-y is chicken salad. And I have several recipes for different types of chicken salad. Usually the base of chicken salad, besides the chicken of course, is mayonnaise. But I like to play with that and mix it up. I've used Greek yogurt for the base before to increase protein and decrease fat. I've also used low fat mayonnaise but one of my favorite things to use is avocado. It gives you that creaminess you expect from chicken salad and it is loaded with fiber and healthy fat. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2v4HxjZkN7w/UzC1NvJQbaI/AAAAAAAAQ5Y/GkzklfhYbCE/s1600/DSC_0564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2v4HxjZkN7w/UzC1NvJQbaI/AAAAAAAAQ5Y/GkzklfhYbCE/s1600/DSC_0564.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />For this guacamole version of chicken salad, I roasted two large poblano peppers and used 3 chicken breasts. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brL41Qd5B-c/UzC1ScrwltI/AAAAAAAAQ5g/GlNs8YtnuhA/s1600/DSC_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brL41Qd5B-c/UzC1ScrwltI/AAAAAAAAQ5g/GlNs8YtnuhA/s1600/DSC_0523.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Roasted Poblano Guacamole Chicken Salad </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b> </b><i>serves 4 as a meal or 8 as a snack</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">3 chicken breasts, seasoned, cooked and chopped</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2 ripe hass avocados</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2 large poblano peppers, roasted and peeled, seeded and diced</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Juice from 2 limes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Handful of cilantro leaves, torn</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Guacamole seasoning to taste*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In a large bowl, mash 1 1/2 of the avocados and add guacamole seasoning mix. Add the lime juice and stir. Add chicken, diced peppers and cilantro and combine. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tex5XGIT9Zk/UzC5dfDjOqI/AAAAAAAAQ5s/5d-Ye6fwWpA/s1600/DSC_0528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tex5XGIT9Zk/UzC5dfDjOqI/AAAAAAAAQ5s/5d-Ye6fwWpA/s1600/DSC_0528.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Chop the remaining 1/2 avocado into cubes and gently mix them in.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5IGD04ZTgE4/UzC7HmOTvXI/AAAAAAAAQ50/bfHasAqsPGY/s1600/DSC_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5IGD04ZTgE4/UzC7HmOTvXI/AAAAAAAAQ50/bfHasAqsPGY/s1600/DSC_0532.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Taste and add additional seasoning or salt. Cover and refrigerate until ready to eat. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QI6yvKg1pco/UzC7xZ_8S_I/AAAAAAAAQ58/h3H4V51IlGg/s1600/DSC_0553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QI6yvKg1pco/UzC7xZ_8S_I/AAAAAAAAQ58/h3H4V51IlGg/s1600/DSC_0553.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">*I like to keep a few guacamole seasoning packs on hand for those quick guacamole cravings. They can be found in the produce section, usually near the avocados. If you don't have any of those or don't like using stuff like that, feel free to spice this up with ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, onion and garlic powder, and some salt. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btAEiwoCX2c/UzC-L6O07lI/AAAAAAAAQ6I/S6AhN4RdCuI/s1600/DSC_0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btAEiwoCX2c/UzC-L6O07lI/AAAAAAAAQ6I/S6AhN4RdCuI/s1600/DSC_0570.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fun thing about making chicken salad this way is all the options you have for eating it. Eat this stuffed in a pita pocket or rolled up in a tortilla. Use it as a dip with tortilla chips or crackers. Toast bread and eat it as a sandwich or just eat it by itself. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etya5fB9RRw/UzC-Q9W27gI/AAAAAAAAQ6Q/uVWq06XLSJo/s1600/DSC_0572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etya5fB9RRw/UzC-Q9W27gI/AAAAAAAAQ6Q/uVWq06XLSJo/s1600/DSC_0572.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what is your favorite way to gobble up chicken salad?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJaMvk9FSyI/UzC-ZNbKasI/AAAAAAAAQ6Y/GKicF9LvI-s/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJaMvk9FSyI/UzC-ZNbKasI/AAAAAAAAQ6Y/GKicF9LvI-s/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-88874876052760392452014-03-18T05:41:00.001-07:002014-03-18T05:41:42.011-07:00Ham and Spinach Strata with Wheat French Bread<a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br />
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
Any meal that can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner is, in my opinion, the best meal ever.<br />
Besides kettle corn. That counts as a meal, right?<br />
Thought so.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Ham and Spinach Strata with Wheat French Bread</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wJTStdaeEv4/Uyg-Cs8ufeI/AAAAAAAAQ4Q/enyLbfF6SCo/s1600/DSC_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wJTStdaeEv4/Uyg-Cs8ufeI/AAAAAAAAQ4Q/enyLbfF6SCo/s1600/DSC_0447.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I feel like people say that a lot but don't really mean it. "You can even have this breakfast dish for dinner..." but I actually <i>made </i>this for dinner. Then had the leftovers for breakfast. And the great thing about this meal is that because it can be covered in the fridge for a few hours to several hours, so you can make it ahead of time if need be. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6sK0G-d-hNM/Uyg-kBCedvI/AAAAAAAAQ4w/6fwkCp2Ie2o/s1600/DSC_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6sK0G-d-hNM/Uyg-kBCedvI/AAAAAAAAQ4w/6fwkCp2Ie2o/s1600/DSC_0444.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I think Chris described it best when he said this dish was like a breakfast stuffing! I think the flavor of the thyme reminded him a little of Thanksgiving. Yum! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b>Ham and Spinach Strata with Wheat French Bread</b></div>
<div>
<i>adapted from Williams-Sonoma</i></div>
<div>
<i> makes 12 servings</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 T olive oil</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 large onion, diced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1/2 tsp salt, divided</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
10 oz box frozen spinach, thawed and drained</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1/2 lb loaf of wheat French bread, cut into 1" squares, toasted until dry</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
12 oz ham, diced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
8 oz Gruyere cheese, grated</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
10 eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 1/2 C low fat milk</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 T fresh thyme</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Heat oil in skillet over medium heat, add onion, and season with 1/2 tsp salt. Stir and caramelize onions. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Transfer onions to a very large bowl. Add drained spinach and mix. Add the diced ham, cheese, and bread cubes. Transfer to a 4-qt baking dish. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kABZGqJxIsw/Uyg-JKlY4pI/AAAAAAAAQ4Y/iyX9ZU1t5D4/s1600/DSC_0419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kABZGqJxIsw/Uyg-JKlY4pI/AAAAAAAAQ4Y/iyX9ZU1t5D4/s1600/DSC_0419.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In a medium bowl, beat together eggs, milk, 1 tsp salt and thyme. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TeAiVqDp9Xo/Uyg-OHB35-I/AAAAAAAAQ4g/nkLBB9t4ryc/s1600/DSC_0426-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TeAiVqDp9Xo/Uyg-OHB35-I/AAAAAAAAQ4g/nkLBB9t4ryc/s1600/DSC_0426-001.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cover with foil and place in fridge for 2-16 hours. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Preheat oven to 350°. Bake, covered, for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is browned and egg is cooked through, about 40 more minutes. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIutb-2RRHE/Uyg-WVIcGRI/AAAAAAAAQ4o/K07Xs9Q7PS4/s1600/DSC_0441-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIutb-2RRHE/Uyg-WVIcGRI/AAAAAAAAQ4o/K07Xs9Q7PS4/s1600/DSC_0441-001.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When I was mixing everything together I was thinking this would be the perfect recipe for an Easter brunch! It's got everything you need to make a lovely meal: ham, eggs, cheese, bread, veggies. Plus it's pretty! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niJ6987SXts/Uyg-pme9PNI/AAAAAAAAQ44/uNInsImLlsQ/s1600/DSC_0457-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niJ6987SXts/Uyg-pme9PNI/AAAAAAAAQ44/uNInsImLlsQ/s1600/DSC_0457-001.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you are watching your carbs but are still interested in the other flavors of this dish, try my <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2013/01/green-eggs-and-ham-frittata.html" target="_blank">Green Eggs and Ham Frittata</a>! It's loaded with spinach, ham and eggs and you won't even miss the bread! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXJ-1bFld34/Ux94lEyJxpI/AAAAAAAAQ4A/yc2x478r9s4/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXJ-1bFld34/Ux94lEyJxpI/AAAAAAAAQ4A/yc2x478r9s4/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-49573905260121207742014-03-07T11:11:00.002-08:002014-03-07T11:15:42.585-08:00Sweet Potato, Apple & Cranberry Hash <a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br />
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>I have made several versions of sweet potato hash and I like them all. But this time I was pairing it with pork, so it only seemed right to toss some apples in there too.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sweet Potato, Apple & Cranberry Hash</b></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4aCukOZwSI/UxoT_iA0a-I/AAAAAAAAQ3A/CDQrl_gik7U/s1600/DSC_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4aCukOZwSI/UxoT_iA0a-I/AAAAAAAAQ3A/CDQrl_gik7U/s1600/DSC_0385.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
Because I microwave the potato cubes for a few minutes first, it really speeds up the cooking process and makes this a quick week night side! This sweet and savory combination is really one of my favorites. I love the smokiness the paprika adds, and the sage just reminds me of the holidays.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMhmA4sNYhg/UxoZaRH96-I/AAAAAAAAQ3g/KIuEHAHrOUQ/s1600/DSC_0410-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMhmA4sNYhg/UxoZaRH96-I/AAAAAAAAQ3g/KIuEHAHrOUQ/s1600/DSC_0410-001.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Sweet Potato, Apple & Cranberry Hash</b></div>
<div>
<i>serves 8</i></div>
2 lb sweet potatoes (about 2 large or 4 small)<br />
2 T walnut oil<br />
1 red onion, roughly chopped<br />
2 red apples, cored and chopped into 1/2 inch cubes<br />
1/2 tsp smoked paprika<br />
1/4 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/3 tsp cloves<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1/4 C chopped walnuts {or pecans}<br />
1/2 C dried cranberries, divided<br />
Chopped sage<br />
<br />
Cut sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes and place in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 4 minutes, or until slightly softened.<br />
<br />
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add walnut oil. Sauté onion for a few minutes. Add apple and sweet potatoes, stir to coat in oil. Add smoked paprika, cinnamon and cloves and stir. Let the sweet potatoes cook for a few minutes with out stirring. Give everything a quick stir, then leave alone for a few minutes. This should allow the sweet potato cubes to get a nice little crispy char on them. Add the salt, chopped nuts and sage and about half of the cranberries. Cook a few minutes longer, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Top with additional sage and cranberries.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPFLKW5TaYI/UxoZJpJt6ZI/AAAAAAAAQ3Y/5ig3W5HDXvQ/s1600/DSC_0412-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPFLKW5TaYI/UxoZJpJt6ZI/AAAAAAAAQ3Y/5ig3W5HDXvQ/s1600/DSC_0412-001.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This would be the PERFECT side dish for Thanksgiving! And don't let this one fool you. It seems like a "dinner" only dish with the sage and salt and what not, but the <u>best</u> meal on earth is BRUNCH so I'll fill you in on the little saying playing over and over in my head.....<br />
"Hash, it's not just for dinner anymore!"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KyraUvIpX88/UxoZA1a0JkI/AAAAAAAAQ3Q/twXTv6to4C8/s1600/DSC_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KyraUvIpX88/UxoZA1a0JkI/AAAAAAAAQ3Q/twXTv6to4C8/s1600/DSC_0402.JPG" height="426" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Serve this in the morning with a side of lovely sausage and a <strike>heaping mound</strike> normal amount of french toast, and Come.To.Mama.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6Hd9dkcWQI/UxoZfsY_HqI/AAAAAAAAQ3o/Ev14Qqrxj00/s1600/DSC_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6Hd9dkcWQI/UxoZfsY_HqI/AAAAAAAAQ3o/Ev14Qqrxj00/s1600/DSC_0393.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What would you serve this on the side of? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwaKs2xc7uc/UxoZq5dpIXI/AAAAAAAAQ3w/5Tkquh6WBPA/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwaKs2xc7uc/UxoZq5dpIXI/AAAAAAAAQ3w/5Tkquh6WBPA/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-69219209216467462742014-02-23T19:44:00.000-08:002014-03-04T05:20:24.255-08:00King Cake Coffee Giveaway Woooo hoooo!! It's my 30th birthday! And I LOVE to give things away, so today I'm giving away a bag of my favorite "fancy" coffee. Yes, I have more than one favorite kind of coffee. My favorite regular kind is the cinnamon vanilla nut from Target. My favorite to have while I'm out and about it the hazelnut from Panera Bread. And my favorite fancy coffee, that is only available once a year, is the King Cake coffee from <a href="http://www.pjscoffee.com/" target="_blank">PJ's Coffee of New Orleans</a>. It has a rich cinnamon-cream flavor and honest to goodness smells like french toast. YUM! And it's only available right before Mardi Gras. In fact, the winner will be announced ON Mardi Gras! SO, tweet about it, comment below, or like me on Facebook for a chance to win a free 16oz bag of King Cake coffee, and as they say in New Orleans, "Laissez Les Bon Temps Roule" - Let the Good Times Roll!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Uu25mWRfl0/Uwq9EsdU4yI/AAAAAAAAQ2o/_4olVhFsJg8/s1600/kingcake.png.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Uu25mWRfl0/Uwq9EsdU4yI/AAAAAAAAQ2o/_4olVhFsJg8/s1600/kingcake.png.jpg" height="171" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I just wanted to say a special thanks to the nice people at PJ's Coffee for providing this for me to give away! You guys are awesome!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zwn_6D18_Xg/Uwq9MMN4llI/AAAAAAAAQ2w/9WeVPyYNRuU/s1600/kingcake.png.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zwn_6D18_Xg/Uwq9MMN4llI/AAAAAAAAQ2w/9WeVPyYNRuU/s1600/kingcake.png.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Enter below for your chance to win. There are 4 easy options:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Tweet <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #292f33; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enter Cookin' Cowgirl's <a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23giveaway&src=hash" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #666666; text-decoration: none;"><s style="color: #a3a3a3; text-decoration: none;">#</s><b style="color: #666666; font-weight: normal;">giveaway</b></a> for a chance to win a free bag of King Cake Coffee for Mardi Gras! <a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-expanded-url="http://bit.ly/1fM5Bi3" dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/fIlFk1whEz" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #666666; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/1fM5Bi3"><span class="tco-ellipsis"></span><span class="invisible" style="font-size: 0px; line-height: 0;">http://</span><span class="js-display-url">bit.ly/1fM5Bi3</span><span class="invisible" style="font-size: 0px; line-height: 0;"></span><span class="tco-ellipsis"><span class="invisible" style="font-size: 0px; line-height: 0;"> </span></span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Comment Below about your favorite coffee.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. Comment below about how you celebrate Mardi Gras</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Like Cookin' Cowgirl on Facebook</div>
</div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5008796/" id="rc-5008796" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***Update, March 4, 2014....And the winner is, Allie Ziemann! Congratulations, Allie!***</div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750974025892009568.post-63397223598772535862014-02-11T12:36:00.001-08:002014-02-11T12:36:22.739-08:00French Onion Soup<a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br />
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
Sniff, sniff, tear,.....tear, sniff. Don't worry about me, I'm just chopping onions. Lots and lots of onions. Why am I chopping so many onions? Because my husband loves French onion soup, and I love my husband.<br />
<br />
I know, that was super sappy. But before you roll your eyes, hear me out. This year for Valentine's Day, I decided that instead of getting Chris one big gift, I'm doing one random act of kindness for 7 days straight. Nothing big, just seven random things. One day I got him a new phone charger because his mysteriously disappeared after my sisters came to visit. :) One day I'm downloading the new Eric Church album on iTunes for him. Just little things that he likes. And one new recipe that he LOVES. Did I mention that he loves French onion soup? Oh, good. Well, he really does.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>French Onion Soup</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zauG5qlR2ts/UvmcWC-DwcI/AAAAAAAAPmc/Xki1agBfj4Y/s1600/DSC_0314-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zauG5qlR2ts/UvmcWC-DwcI/AAAAAAAAPmc/Xki1agBfj4Y/s1600/DSC_0314-001.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I've been telling him for a few years now that I was going to make it for him. And I finally did. Are you curious about his reaction? Ok, let me cross this off my <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/p/contact-me.html" target="_blank">bucket list</a> and we'll get started so I can tell you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvyxlODnsoo/UvmeVTnYY3I/AAAAAAAAPmo/1MhPZRda43k/s1600/DSC_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvyxlODnsoo/UvmeVTnYY3I/AAAAAAAAPmo/1MhPZRda43k/s1600/DSC_0290.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>French Onion Soup</b><br />
<i>serves 6</i><br />
6 T butter<br />
4 large or 6 medium yellow onions, sliced thin, lengthwise<br />
2 cloves garlic, chopped<br />
6 sprigs of fresh thyme<br />
2 bay leaves<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp pepper<br />
1 T all purpose flour<br />
1/2 C dry white wine or sherry (I used sherry)<br />
1/2 C red wine (I used a shiraz)<br />
8 C reduced sodium beef stock<br />
Loaf of ciabatta bread, cut into 1 inch cubes<br />
8 oz freshly grated Gruyere<br />
<br />
Heat heavy bottom pot, such as a French oven, to medium low heat and melt butter. Add onions, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Stir occasionally and allow onions to caramelize. This process will take 45 minutes to an hour. You don't want to onions to stick to the bottom, but don't stir them too much. You want them to get translucent and a deep golden brown color.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63CTJMSNh98/UvmhvQ7b3HI/AAAAAAAAPm0/S3A2CnMArs0/s1600/DSC_0302-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63CTJMSNh98/UvmhvQ7b3HI/AAAAAAAAPm0/S3A2CnMArs0/s1600/DSC_0302-001.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dust the onions with flour and stir for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the wine, scrapping the bits off the bottom of the pot. Bring wine to a boil, reduce heat and cook until wine has evaporated and onions are dry. Add beef broth and allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Meanwhile, preheat broiler, arrange ciabatta on baking sheet and toast until crispy. Remove from oven and set aside. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves and season to taste. Ladle soup bowls or crocks with soup, top with ciabatta croutons, then top with grated Gruyere. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MRpTBMBe6WE/UvmnpXQPyAI/AAAAAAAAPnE/Bj0YqNVTGfE/s1600/DSC_0306-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MRpTBMBe6WE/UvmnpXQPyAI/AAAAAAAAPnE/Bj0YqNVTGfE/s1600/DSC_0306-001.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-diPmxG6eMl8/Uvmnwda22bI/AAAAAAAAPnM/tmsu6T06ayA/s1600/DSC_0307-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-diPmxG6eMl8/Uvmnwda22bI/AAAAAAAAPnM/tmsu6T06ayA/s1600/DSC_0307-001.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Place crocks under broiler for a few minutes until cheese is meeeeellllty and starts to get golden brown. Or until you just can't wait any longer! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-qtO6h03SQ/Uvmoh8UAsQI/AAAAAAAAPnU/fvz4xP-P_B0/s1600/DSC_0315-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-qtO6h03SQ/Uvmoh8UAsQI/AAAAAAAAPnU/fvz4xP-P_B0/s1600/DSC_0315-001.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ok, a few notes. I read a lot of reviews of different recipes for this soup and there are some things that I think are really important to mention. I used a red and a white wine here to really get some great flavor into the onions. Also, it is very important to cook the onions low and slow to get a real caramelization going. You don't just want sautéed onions. That would just be weird. I also think it's important to get a great cheese. The Gruyere is so nutty and creamy and I think it makes a huge difference. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SxUo-st06KE/UvmrFEtbqiI/AAAAAAAAPng/0pJpGBErV9s/s1600/DSC_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SxUo-st06KE/UvmrFEtbqiI/AAAAAAAAPng/0pJpGBErV9s/s1600/DSC_0308.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, the verdict? After two bites, Hunter Hann said it was the best French onion soup he had ever had. I yelped out a loud "YEA!" and did a little happy dance. So Tinsley started clapping. :) She makes me melty. Almost as melty as the delicious Gruyere! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So despite our onion breath, this was a fun, romantic dinner. What's your favorite kind of soup? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qdLEIT9TLI8/UvqIZ4non3I/AAAAAAAAPnw/juVufLvYBOU/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qdLEIT9TLI8/UvqIZ4non3I/AAAAAAAAPnw/juVufLvYBOU/s1600/Cookin'+Cowgirl+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" /></div>
Cookin' Cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16973924525398266766noreply@blogger.com2