Monday, November 9, 2009

Mom's Gourmet Hot Chocolate (and a great project)

Welcome to the Creative Cuts and More Recipe Blog hop. If you came here from Kayla's blog, welcome!! Did you see the super cute picture of her baby in Beavers gear? So cute!! If you did not arrive via Kayla's blog, you might want to start your journey here.


When Terry from Creative Cuts and More approached me about this project, I knew I had to do it (not to mention the fact that my mom was also doing it). You see, I have been bugging my mom and grandma for the last two years about making me a recipe book for Christmas with family recipes in it. Since I cook and scrapbook and believe in preserving family memories, I think passing on family recipes and traditions is very important.
After I recieved the kit, I decided that it will make the perfect gift for my little 18 year old sister who just moved out of our parents house into her own place. Needless to say, she's been calling me a couple of times a month to ask me cooking questions. The recipes I included in this book were relatively easy and inexpensive. I think when you decide on giving someone a recipe book, you should keep these things in mind. This kit from Creative Cuts and More is perfect for a Christmas recipe book. It includes everything you need. Seriously, I only added three brads and used a hole punch and a corner rounder (well a corner chomper and a crop a dile), some adhesive, a paper cutter and a printer. Anyone can do this!I included my recipe for pizza crust (with easy to follow and through instructions). I also included a dinner recipe from my mother and grandmother. The kit from Creative Cuts and More includes the words "Family", "Recipes", "Sweets" and "Dishes". When I started on this project, I knew I had to include my mom's amazing gourmet hot chocolate. It is the perfect treat for a cold rainy day.

Ingrediants
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
dash of cheyenne pepper
cold milk
marshmellows (yes they are vital)

In a microwave safe bowl, mix the chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of milk. Heat in the microwave on high for 30 second increments until the chocolate is melted. Add the cinnamon and pepper and stir. Strain the melted chocolate through a fine mesh screen into a microwave safe cup. Top with cold milk while stirring. Heat in the microwave until nice and warm and top with marshmellows.


I knew I had to find some way to incorportate this little toast guy into my book so I added him to the back. I know that Carly is going to love and appreciate this book, even after she has memorized all the recipes.I would really encourage you to think about making a recipe book for one of your loved ones this year for Christmas. Terry at Creative Cuts and More has two different kits available to purchase here and here. The first one is the kit that I used. Again, these kits come fully packed with everything you will need to make your own recipe book. As a celebration for the two day blog hop, Creative Cuts and More is offering 20% the entire store. Just enter recipebloghop2009 during check out.

As a continuing part of the celebration CC&M will of course give away great gifts. Each day Terry is giving away one kit. Here is the twist – go through the blog hop, leave wonderful comments for the great designers. After you have finished the blog hop, return to Diecut Diva and instead of leaving a comment, you need to share a recipe to have a chance at winning the kit. Share the recipe on your blog and link it back and get another chance to win the kit. Help us also make this a great recipe swap. Also, make sure to check out the Diecut Diva blog tomorrow for the Apron Holiday Treats Recipe Book and blog hop!

To continue on the Treasured Family Recipes blog hop, go to Sharon Harnist's blog next. And yes, that is THE SHARON HARNIST. Holy moly when I saw I was linking to her I knew the pressure was on. She is amazing!!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Psst...

I'm still alive. I'll be posting something pretty cool tomorrow that involves this:and this:My two favorite hobbies in one happy place.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Meal Planning 7/26-8/6

Sunday 7/26
Trout with watermelon and salad

Monday 7/27
Orzo pasta salad

Tuesday 7/28
Portland for Clutch Concert

Wednesday 7/29
Grilled Ahi Tuna

Thursday 7/30
Burgers and hot dogs (veggie for me, family in town)

Friday 7/31
Grilled Pizza (family in town still)

Saturday 8/1
Greek Salad

Sunday 8/2
Spaghetti

Monday 8/3
Tuna Melts

Tuesday 8/4
Falafels

Wednesday 8/5
Grilled veggies and salad

Thursday 8/6
Grilled Salmon

Garden Update 7/26/2009

Holy hell it's hot here in Eugene. The only positive that I can think of is that this heat wave should turn a bunch of my tomatoes by the end of the week. It's still not comforting. Anyway, here are the pictures.







Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Pesto Salmon

This is easy, way too easy and yet it tastes SO very good.

Ingredients
Salmon fillet (We love Trader Joe's frozen salmon)
Pesto
Tomatoes

Place a salmon fillet skin side down (if there is skin) on an oiled cookie sheet. Spread a layer of pesto over the salmon and top with fresh sliced tomatoes. Cook in an oven preheated to 375* until the salmon flakes, about 25-30 minutes.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Cold Orzo Pasta Salad


What a great and healthy pasta salad! This is such a yummy alternative to a mayonnaise laden potato or macaroni salad. You can really adjust whatever mix ins you like. I wanted a Mediterranean feel, so I based the ingredients I added on that.Ingredients
Orzo pasta
Feta cheese
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Fresh herbs such as dill and oregano
Mix in veggies (I used cucumbers, tomatoes and canned artichokes in water)

Cook the orzo pasta until tender and drain. While the pasta is still warm mix in the feta cheese to let it slightly cream. Add the remaining ingredients mixing as you go. I try for a 1:1 vinegar to oil ratio and start with around two tablespoons each. The first time I made this salad, the pasta definitely dominated, the second time I really added a bunch more veggies! I think I liked it better with the additional vegetables.

I'll have a recipe for salmon tomorrow. Promise!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Baba Ganoush




Prior to this, I had never really tried eggplant. I always considered it mushy and bland. Turns out those qualities are perfect for this blended dip.

Ingredients
2 large eggplants
1/2 cup tahini
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 large lemon, juiced
4-6 cloves of garlic
1/4 teaspoon red pepper
1/4 teaspoon cumin
half bunch of parsley or cilantro
couple fresh basil leaves

Begin by roasting the eggplants in the oven. Turn the oven onto broil and let preheat. Prick the eggplant with a fork and then place on a cookie sheet. Put in the oven with the eggplants 2 inches from the top of the oven (where the heat from the broiler comes). Let broil for 15 minutes and turn and cook for about 10 more minutes. Allow the eggplants to cool.

After roasting the eggplants in the oven and cooling, they are relatively easy to skin. Cut them in half and scoop out the flesh with a large spoon, placing directly in a bender (or food processor). From there add all of the other ingredients. Blend until semi-smooth. Serve with cucumbers, peppers and pita slices.