How about this yummy Fruity Lemonade Slush?
I'm over at The Frugal Girls today sharing this yummy recipe and links to other great strawberry recipes. Stop by and say hello!
Have a lovely day friends!
Showing posts with label guest post. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guest post. Show all posts
Monday, May 23, 2011
Got Strawberries?
I am loving all the strawberry recipes right now - are you? Do you need a reason or reasons to get some more?
How about this yummy Fruity Lemonade Slush?
I'm over at The Frugal Girls today sharing this yummy recipe and links to other great strawberry recipes. Stop by and say hello!
Have a lovely day friends!
How about this yummy Fruity Lemonade Slush?
I'm over at The Frugal Girls today sharing this yummy recipe and links to other great strawberry recipes. Stop by and say hello!
Have a lovely day friends!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
A Keeper Of The Home
Time for another old guest post of mine! I wrote this one over 2 years ago as a guest post for Sarah Mae at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee. I've made no secret here of my struggles with housework and this post tells a little of my story. I still struggle, but know that the Lord is my strength and all things are possible through Him!
I want to make sure that you understand that we are in no way called to be *perfect* homemakers and will never be able to do it "all." When I say that we are called to do it ALL (in my post) - I mean that we are called to do the good, the bad, and the ugly - not just the fun or easy parts of keeping a home. As a sinner I often find myself resting too comfortably in the fact that we will never succeed in doing it "all", saying that the Lord won't mind me letting the laundry pile up while I put my feet up and read a blog or two...ahem. Sometimes we do need rest! And sometimes the Lord does want the laundry to pile a little while we attend to ministering to our husband or children in other ways! But sometimes we need the Lord to work in our hearts and remind us of our priorities.
I would love to hear about your struggles with being a Keeper of the Home!
Originally published at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee on August 14, 2008:
In her 31 Days To Clean posts, Sarah Mae has talked about self-discipline and why we need to keep working at the daily drudgery. I agree with her and wanted to share some of my thoughts on the subject.
Being a good keeper of the home is a big struggle with me, so I’m really talking to myself here! Before I was pregnant with my son, I was Miss Career Woman and a terrible Keeper of the Home. God started helping me to realize that I needed to make a shift at that time. Eventually, I found myself an inexperienced Stay At Home Mom.
Domesticity did not come naturally to me. I did the bare, and I mean bare minimum of cleaning and I let my husband do the cooking. I was doing good at taking care of my baby boy, at least! At some point, I realized that Keeper of the Home was a most important job and I hadn’t been treating it that way. If I was working for “pay” outside the home, I did a great job and took pride in my work. Why wouldn’t I do the same for my more important job? That way of thinking about it helped me – I created some routines, did a little better with cleaning, and took over all the cooking duties.
Later on, it all became a struggle again and it still is. I understand the concept of taking pride in my home and keeping up with things because it’s the job that I was called to do. But that isn’t enough. I realize that there is more to it. This is what God has called me to do. It’s not an employer who gives me a job description and will give me money and recognition for a job well done. It’s God. If God somehow spoke to me and told me my job description for Keeper of the Home – would I say, “You know, I’m kind of tired. Maybe I could do the dishes just when they pile up and start the dusting next month?” I think not.
Maybe knowing that God calls us to do ALL of it, not just the parts that we like, can help us with our perspective and motivation. And there is a reward – a heavenly home with our Savior. There is even recognition. It will come when we hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
I’m not saying that we won’t struggle. We’re sinners after all. But maybe we can do a little better and ask God to help us grow as home makers and keepers. I pray that the Lord blesses your home keeping endeavors this week.
I want to make sure that you understand that we are in no way called to be *perfect* homemakers and will never be able to do it "all." When I say that we are called to do it ALL (in my post) - I mean that we are called to do the good, the bad, and the ugly - not just the fun or easy parts of keeping a home. As a sinner I often find myself resting too comfortably in the fact that we will never succeed in doing it "all", saying that the Lord won't mind me letting the laundry pile up while I put my feet up and read a blog or two...ahem. Sometimes we do need rest! And sometimes the Lord does want the laundry to pile a little while we attend to ministering to our husband or children in other ways! But sometimes we need the Lord to work in our hearts and remind us of our priorities.
I would love to hear about your struggles with being a Keeper of the Home!
Originally published at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee on August 14, 2008:
In her 31 Days To Clean posts, Sarah Mae has talked about self-discipline and why we need to keep working at the daily drudgery. I agree with her and wanted to share some of my thoughts on the subject.
Being a good keeper of the home is a big struggle with me, so I’m really talking to myself here! Before I was pregnant with my son, I was Miss Career Woman and a terrible Keeper of the Home. God started helping me to realize that I needed to make a shift at that time. Eventually, I found myself an inexperienced Stay At Home Mom.
Domesticity did not come naturally to me. I did the bare, and I mean bare minimum of cleaning and I let my husband do the cooking. I was doing good at taking care of my baby boy, at least! At some point, I realized that Keeper of the Home was a most important job and I hadn’t been treating it that way. If I was working for “pay” outside the home, I did a great job and took pride in my work. Why wouldn’t I do the same for my more important job? That way of thinking about it helped me – I created some routines, did a little better with cleaning, and took over all the cooking duties.
Later on, it all became a struggle again and it still is. I understand the concept of taking pride in my home and keeping up with things because it’s the job that I was called to do. But that isn’t enough. I realize that there is more to it. This is what God has called me to do. It’s not an employer who gives me a job description and will give me money and recognition for a job well done. It’s God. If God somehow spoke to me and told me my job description for Keeper of the Home – would I say, “You know, I’m kind of tired. Maybe I could do the dishes just when they pile up and start the dusting next month?” I think not.
Maybe knowing that God calls us to do ALL of it, not just the parts that we like, can help us with our perspective and motivation. And there is a reward – a heavenly home with our Savior. There is even recognition. It will come when we hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
I’m not saying that we won’t struggle. We’re sinners after all. But maybe we can do a little better and ask God to help us grow as home makers and keepers. I pray that the Lord blesses your home keeping endeavors this week.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Beginning A Blog
Oops - didn't post last week! Very busy! I decided that this week I'm going to republish some guest posts that I've done over the last couple of years. Most likely you've never read them and I hope you will enjoy!
Today's post was the first guest post that I did - for Sarah at Real Life. I was a new blogger and if I did this post today, it would be much more wordy and complicated. That's why I like this post - simple, sincere, and still true now.
Originally published at Real Life on June 18, 2008:
This is the blog {Real Life} that inspired me to start my own blog. I’m blogging on the blog that got me blogging…hmmm…is that like googling google? Will something explode?
I’ve only been blogging for a little over 2 months and though I still have a lot to learn, I’m starting to feel like I’ve been around a while. I’m getting the hang of this whole thing and really enjoying it! If you haven’t started a blog and have even remotely considered it, I’m here to tell you – do it! For one thing, it’s FREE! And I seem to be doing OK, considering that just 3-4 months ago, I had no exposure to blogs – didn’t even read them! So you can definitely do it.
The best way to start is by reading other blogs – lots of them, to get a feel for what you like and don’t like. You should also decide if you just want a private blog to get your thoughts out, or if you feel the need to share your thoughts with several unknown people. I myself feel the need to share, whether anybody is really interested or not. They can always move on if they don’t like what I have to say or my style.
You can get a blog started in 5-10 minutes. That’s it! They make it so easy (I know..who are they??). No, you do not have to know HTML or any other fancy anagrams to get started. I started with Blogger and have had no trouble following instructions and using templates. Even writing a post is easy. The rest of the stuff you can figure out later. Once you’ve started, do not be afraid to seek advice and learn about the extras. If you have a blog you like to read, e-mail the blogger and ask questions – no matter how “big” you think the blog is. Behind every great blog is a simple blogger who delights in reading comments and answering questions for “newbies”.
When I started, Sarah referred me to some great resources to help me along. She has a great article for beginners here and referred me to MamaBlogga for more helpful info. I also found a lot of tips on Blogging Basics 101 And I have asked other bloggers and my readers (I have readers; can you believe it?) for input.
This is certainly not a comprehensive post about beginning a blog, but I hope it’s enough to get you started.
Bloggers-to-be…you can do it! New bloggers…keep it up! The rest of you bloggers…I salute you and thank you for sharing a piece of yourselves with the rest of us.
Have a blessed day!!
Today's post was the first guest post that I did - for Sarah at Real Life. I was a new blogger and if I did this post today, it would be much more wordy and complicated. That's why I like this post - simple, sincere, and still true now.
Originally published at Real Life on June 18, 2008:
This is the blog {Real Life} that inspired me to start my own blog. I’m blogging on the blog that got me blogging…hmmm…is that like googling google? Will something explode?
I’ve only been blogging for a little over 2 months and though I still have a lot to learn, I’m starting to feel like I’ve been around a while. I’m getting the hang of this whole thing and really enjoying it! If you haven’t started a blog and have even remotely considered it, I’m here to tell you – do it! For one thing, it’s FREE! And I seem to be doing OK, considering that just 3-4 months ago, I had no exposure to blogs – didn’t even read them! So you can definitely do it.
The best way to start is by reading other blogs – lots of them, to get a feel for what you like and don’t like. You should also decide if you just want a private blog to get your thoughts out, or if you feel the need to share your thoughts with several unknown people. I myself feel the need to share, whether anybody is really interested or not. They can always move on if they don’t like what I have to say or my style.
You can get a blog started in 5-10 minutes. That’s it! They make it so easy (I know..who are they??). No, you do not have to know HTML or any other fancy anagrams to get started. I started with Blogger and have had no trouble following instructions and using templates. Even writing a post is easy. The rest of the stuff you can figure out later. Once you’ve started, do not be afraid to seek advice and learn about the extras. If you have a blog you like to read, e-mail the blogger and ask questions – no matter how “big” you think the blog is. Behind every great blog is a simple blogger who delights in reading comments and answering questions for “newbies”.
When I started, Sarah referred me to some great resources to help me along. She has a great article for beginners here and referred me to MamaBlogga for more helpful info. I also found a lot of tips on Blogging Basics 101 And I have asked other bloggers and my readers (I have readers; can you believe it?) for input.
This is certainly not a comprehensive post about beginning a blog, but I hope it’s enough to get you started.
Bloggers-to-be…you can do it! New bloggers…keep it up! The rest of you bloggers…I salute you and thank you for sharing a piece of yourselves with the rest of us.
Have a blessed day!!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Happenings
I'm honored to be a guest over at Blessed today! Joanne is so sweet - you should stop by and peruse her blog. This month she has an interview every day! There are so many great people to read about! And I'd love it if you leave a comment over there and say hello!
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Now, I am linking up with my friend Clair over at Mummy Deals today! She convinced me to try a challenge with her and I'm doing it!! We are going to do something that is not only frugal, but healthy for us (and better for the environment at the same time) - we are washing our hair with baking soda for 1 week! That's right - no shampoo, just baking soda. You didn't know I was brave enough for that, did you?!
And yes I'll be leaving the house during that time and appearing in public! Are you brave? Are you willing to try something different for a week? Join us! Stop over at Mummy Deals for the details, leave a comment if you're participating, and feel free to post about it and link up! We'll be blogging about the results after the 7 days.
See you over there!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Almost A Guest Post, But Not - How To Make Your Own Lattes
As promised yesterday - here are my hubs' tips for making your own coffee house lattes at home! He took these pics and wrote up some directions to put on his facebook and I thought it would make a great post. He's letting me post this on my blog. It's almost like he's guest posting - which he is not because he tells me he would never do something like that. :)
Hubs makes these lattes for me every weekend (yes, I AM spoiled)! Here are the directions - in his words:
The kind of coffee you want to buy is dark roast, e.g. espresso roast, Italian roast, French roast, African coffees. Basically you want the kinds of coffee with dark oily beans. Grind the coffee beans really fine. If you decide to buy the pre-ground espresso in the can, go with a more expensive brand like illy. Be warned - the cheap stuff in the cans at the grocery store tastes terrible. I mean really bad.
I use a stovetop espresso maker because they make more shots of espresso in a brewing cycle. Most kitchen and bath stores sell them. I got this one at IKEA. It was around $20. Follow the instructions that come with it to brew the espresso.
While the espresso is brewing, start steaming the milk. We already have a single shot espresso machine and I use the steamer attachment to steam the milk. You can buy a low-price espresso maker and just use the steamer or you can steam milk in the microwave. Here's one way to do it (http://www.ehow.com/how_4750814_steam-milk-espresso-machine.html). Steam the milk to no more than 160 degrees (I use our meat thermometer to check the temp) or it will scald. You’re probably wondering: “Why don’t you just use the espresso maker side of the machine to make espresso?” I used it when we first got it, but it was laborious to make more than one shot of espresso because you have clean out the espresso basket after each brew cycle. Plus the grind of the espresso has to be just right or the espresso won’t brew right (too fine the basket clogs, too coarse the espresso flavor is too weak). The stovetop maker will brew a very fine grind of espresso without clogging and, as I said above, you get way more espresso shots in a brew-cycle.
Also in this pic is the flavored syrup to add to the latte (my wife likes foo-foo). You can buy these syrups at any grocery store.
As soon as espresso is done brewing, it's good to pour it into a separate container so it won't continue cooking in the espresso maker since the maker gets very hot. If it stays in the hot maker too long, it will become bitter.
The espresso is done brewing. Too bad this isn't smellivision. Good stuff!
To make a latte the way my wife likes (a "lighter coffee experience") which is like a Starbucks flavored latte, pour into cup in this order: approx. 2 tablespoons flavored syrup, 1 shot espresso (1/4 cup), then 1 1/2 cups steamed milk. To make a bolder latte (a "normal" latte), pour 2-3 shots espresso and then 1 1/2 cups steamed milk.
The finished product. This cup cost about a dollar to make (if you use organic milk; much less if not) and my wife says it tastes just as good as "Fourbucks". ;)
Isn't it lovely? Such a treat! Thanks hubs!! Um, for the record though, my lattes do not cost four bucks (hubs rounds up). :)
I'm linking this up to the Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap! Also linking this to DIY Day at A Soft Place To Land!
Hubs makes these lattes for me every weekend (yes, I AM spoiled)! Here are the directions - in his words:
The kind of coffee you want to buy is dark roast, e.g. espresso roast, Italian roast, French roast, African coffees. Basically you want the kinds of coffee with dark oily beans. Grind the coffee beans really fine. If you decide to buy the pre-ground espresso in the can, go with a more expensive brand like illy. Be warned - the cheap stuff in the cans at the grocery store tastes terrible. I mean really bad.
I use a stovetop espresso maker because they make more shots of espresso in a brewing cycle. Most kitchen and bath stores sell them. I got this one at IKEA. It was around $20. Follow the instructions that come with it to brew the espresso.
While the espresso is brewing, start steaming the milk. We already have a single shot espresso machine and I use the steamer attachment to steam the milk. You can buy a low-price espresso maker and just use the steamer or you can steam milk in the microwave. Here's one way to do it (http://www.ehow.com/how_4750814_steam-milk-espresso-machine.html). Steam the milk to no more than 160 degrees (I use our meat thermometer to check the temp) or it will scald. You’re probably wondering: “Why don’t you just use the espresso maker side of the machine to make espresso?” I used it when we first got it, but it was laborious to make more than one shot of espresso because you have clean out the espresso basket after each brew cycle. Plus the grind of the espresso has to be just right or the espresso won’t brew right (too fine the basket clogs, too coarse the espresso flavor is too weak). The stovetop maker will brew a very fine grind of espresso without clogging and, as I said above, you get way more espresso shots in a brew-cycle.
Also in this pic is the flavored syrup to add to the latte (my wife likes foo-foo). You can buy these syrups at any grocery store.
As soon as espresso is done brewing, it's good to pour it into a separate container so it won't continue cooking in the espresso maker since the maker gets very hot. If it stays in the hot maker too long, it will become bitter.
The espresso is done brewing. Too bad this isn't smellivision. Good stuff!
To make a latte the way my wife likes (a "lighter coffee experience") which is like a Starbucks flavored latte, pour into cup in this order: approx. 2 tablespoons flavored syrup, 1 shot espresso (1/4 cup), then 1 1/2 cups steamed milk. To make a bolder latte (a "normal" latte), pour 2-3 shots espresso and then 1 1/2 cups steamed milk.
The finished product. This cup cost about a dollar to make (if you use organic milk; much less if not) and my wife says it tastes just as good as "Fourbucks". ;)
Isn't it lovely? Such a treat! Thanks hubs!! Um, for the record though, my lattes do not cost four bucks (hubs rounds up). :)
I'm linking this up to the Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap! Also linking this to DIY Day at A Soft Place To Land!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Would You Like Chocolate With That? ~ Guest Post: Toffee Chocolate Cupcakes
Hello everyone. It's Kim from Homesteader's Heart here. I love guest posting for my bestest bloggy buddy Lisa. I love her and chocolate so much I thought about renaming my blog to "I Stopped, I Smelled, I ATE the Chocolates!" LOL! Okay, maybe not! I feel I blog more about chocolate then she does sometimes. Hee! Hee! You wanna trade names Lisa? Just kidding!
Anyway, for Christmas my dear friend Lisa sent me this lovely book named Chocolate! With it came a small request. That I would make something out of it and guest post for her Chocolate Friday! Well after much arm twisting and leg pulling I caved and made a recipe. (Did I mention she bribed me by sending chocolate with the book?) How do you say no to that? Hee! Hee! I would have done it anyway and she knows it! I mean come on, it's CHOCOLATE!! I hope you dare try it.
I made the Toffee Chocolate Cupcakes on page 56. But like I do everything I make, I had to tweak it a little due to the fact that I didn't have ALL the ingredients it called for. But I think it still turned out yummy. I took a picture of the original recipe so you can try it the way it is.
The only thing I did differently was I put homemade caramels, left over from Christmas, in the middle of the batter instead of the toffee filling.
I simply filled the muffin cups half way with batter, stuck a yummy caramel in the middle and then covered them with more batter. I admit these were really yummy right out of the oven while the caramel was still soft and gooey. If I had to do it over I would probably stick 2 caramels in the middle but they were still good just the way they were.
I then melted some dark chocolate chips that I had on hand with a little coconut oil and then drizzled them over the top after they cooled about 5 mins. They went perfect with a hot cup of coffee!
Thanks Lisa for this opportunity to say Howdy to YOUR blogging buddies. Feel free to stop by and visit me at my blog! HUGS!
Yummy!! Those look great and you could have fun trying different things in the middle! Thanks Kim!
Now you know the drill. It's your turn to...yes, link up!! Bring those old or new chocolate posts over here and link them up below so we can all share the chocolate!
Have a fantastic chocorrific Friday!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Would You Like Chocolate With That? ~ Chocolatey Guest Post
Happy Chocolate Friday!! Glad you made it to the end of the week - time for a chocolate break!
I have a wonderful guest poster for you today! Jen is a sweet blogger who loves chocolate just as much as I do and often links up her wonderful recipes. You can find her blogging at Many Blessings, Busy Life where she talks about her life as a Christian Stay-at-home mom with 9 children, homeschooling, and whatever comes her way. Is it any surprise that she loves Dr. Pepper, chocolate, and has a great sense of humor?!
I have a wonderful guest poster for you today! Jen is a sweet blogger who loves chocolate just as much as I do and often links up her wonderful recipes. You can find her blogging at Many Blessings, Busy Life where she talks about her life as a Christian Stay-at-home mom with 9 children, homeschooling, and whatever comes her way. Is it any surprise that she loves Dr. Pepper, chocolate, and has a great sense of humor?!
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Hello to all you Chocolate Lovers out there. I am so honored to be guest posting for Lisa. I have been really excited about this post; one because it involves my favorite dessert: chocolate (what else!?), and two because it features a store that is ALL about chocolate!Have you ever been to Roanoke, VA? I went there this past weekend. (Which if you read my blog you would know that already). I had a lot of fun. It was a sweet weekend in more ways than one. First, I got to meet a fellow blogger - Hey, Kat!, and second I got to go to this store.
Chocolate Paper is mouth-watering, drooling, chocolate-induced happiness all in one place. Let me show you:
Now that you've seen all that yummy goodness, don't you want some of your own? Well, the good news is that even if you don't live near Roanoke, VA you can have some of their chocolate. That's right, they have mail order (for some of their chocolate, truffles are local delivery only). Just go to their website and find the ones you want to order. Personally I would not advise ordering while it's hot. You want to get these in the shape they are supposed to be, not oozing all over the place.
The only thing they can't send you is the chocolate-y scent that wraps around you when you walk in the store. Aaaahhhh!
And the friendliness of the staff. The two ladies who served us were very nice - and patient. It took quite a while for our crew to decide exactly what they wanted. (I actually never decided, I just took an assortment box. :) YUM!!)
So if you're ever in Roanoke, VA or even if you're not. Go by Chocolate Paper and sample some of their chocolate-y goodness.
JenT
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Thanks Jen!! Sounds so yummy and I suppose I can forgive you for not giving me any of their chocolate! :)
Now it's your turn to share the chocolate! Go find or write a chocolate post and come back to link it up right here below with MckLinky! I'll appreciate it and so will Jen!
Have a lovely chocolate-filled day!
Now it's your turn to share the chocolate! Go find or write a chocolate post and come back to link it up right here below with MckLinky! I'll appreciate it and so will Jen!
Have a lovely chocolate-filled day!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Would You Like Chocolate With That? ~ Guest Post: Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Bars
Welcome to Chocolate Friday! I have a guest poster today to bring you chocolate while I am away on vacation. It's Melissa from Frugal Creativity. Melissa is a newer blogger and I'm so glad I found her blog! She's a mom who enjoys cooking, papercrafting, cardmaking, baking, and other creative endeavors, but all while she's on a budget! Fun and helpful at the same time. And she likes chocolate, which seals the deal of course! Thanks for helping out Melissa!
One of my family's very favorite Christmas cookies is this Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bar. For summer, though, I was looking for bar cookies that were a little less decadent. I turned to my Hershey's Homemade cookbook (copyright 1991 and still available at Amazon.com) and found this recipe for Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Bars. I made only one change: I used the microwave instead of the stovetop for heating the sugar-butter-water mixture. In fact, I mixed the entire batter in a 2-cup Pyrex measuring cup, so I didn't need to use a bowl at all. Next time I'd use a 4-cup measuring cup so there's a little more space for stirring.
Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Bars
1/3 cup sugar
2 T. butter
2 T. water
1-3/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks, divided
1 egg
1 t. vanilla extract
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1/3 cup seedless raspberry preserves
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (I used walnuts)
Heat oven to 350F. Grease 8-inch square baking pan. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils. Remove from heat; immediately add 1 cup chocolate chunks, stirring until melted. Stir in egg and vanilla until blended. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt; add to chocolate mixture. Stir in remaining chocolate chunks; spread into prepared pan. Place pan in freezer 10 minutes. Stir raspberry preserves to soften; spread over chilled batter. Sprinkle chopped nuts over top. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. Makes about 16 bars.
The raspberry flavor intensifies in the oven. I cut the first bar while it was still warm, and I don't recommend that! I cut these into small triangles--about 32 for the whole pan--because of the intense flavor.
Enjoy!
Thanks again Melissa - wiping up drool right now! Now it's your turn to link up some chocolate posts right here. Share the chocolate - please!!
Thanks again Melissa - wiping up drool right now! Now it's your turn to link up some chocolate posts right here. Share the chocolate - please!!
*ETA - I don't know why Mr. Linky didn't show - grrr. Here are the links that I've received in the comments so far:
1. knit1kids4 (WW Chocolate Chip Cookies)
2. Becky (Chocolate Peanut Butter Ribbon Dessert)
3. Jen T (Chocolate & Giveaway!)
4. Controlling My Chaos (Oreo Truffles)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tea For Two-sday ~ Guest Post Deliciousness
My friend Kim from Homesteader's Heart is back once again on my blog - in more ways than one! Do you see the super-cute new header above?! That's Kim's doing (and the super-cute previous header was her doing also)! Thank you, my artistic friend!! :)
But that's not all - she's guest posting for Tea For Two-sday today. She's got tea and scones - yum!! If you have not yet been to Kim's blog, you must stop by! She's always got something to make you smile and her Friday Funnies will have you laughing out loud! And she likes chocolate - I knew I liked her! By the way, her birthday is coming, so tell her Happy Birthday when you stop by (and she likes coffee, chocolate, and smileys if you are in a gift-buying mood - LOL!!) !
Howdy everyone! This is Kim from Homesteader's Heart and I want to thank Lisa for inviting me back once again to guest post for her Tea for Two-sday. The fact that I'm guest posting usually means she is going to be off doing something really fun and I'm not! *sigh* But I'm a big girl and I'll get over it!
I have a tea review today and like most reviews they may not all be positive ones. In the last Tea for Two-sday post I did for Lisa ,I reviewed the same brand of tea but different flavor and it was delicious. I figured this time around I would buy a different flavor and neither I or my daughter thought it was all that great.
Kim's daughter helping review tea. Isn't she pretty just like her mom?
The tea Kim tried. Can you find the difference in these 2 pics??!
Hey, wait a sec - all cookies showing up on my blog should be shared with me!
But to make up for it I am bringing you a delicious scone recipe to go with one of YOUR favorite teas or with the tea I recommended last time. My friend Kathy from Blessed Beyond Imagination came up with this recipe and it is delicious! See?!
Bacon and Cheese Scones Recipe From Kathy's Cooking Blog The Wooden Spoon
You can change up the meats to chunks of ham, or smoked turkey, and change up the cheese to swiss or any other cheese that you prefer. They are tasty, flaky, a tiny bit spicy and just plain yummy!
I like to bake this on my preheated Pampered Chef stone atop a sheet of parchment paper, but you can use a cookie sheet.
Ingredients:
2 cups flour (I prefer Whole White Wheat by King Arthur)
1 tbsp. Baking Powder
2 tsp. Sugar
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
3 tbsp. cold butter
3/4-1 cup shredded cheese (I use fiesta mix cheese because that's usually what I have)
1 pkg. bacon (try Applegate Farms with no nitrates) cut all the white fat off, cook and crumble
3/4 cup fat-free buttermilk (1 tbsp. lemon juice + skim milk to = 3/4 cup)
1 large egg
Heat oven to 400. Whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and cayenne in a large bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or your fingers, leaving pea size chunks for best flakiness. Stir in the cheese and bacon. In a small bowl combine milk and egg with whisk; add to flour mixture, stir just until moist.
Turn it onto the parchment paper and with water dampened hands, form it into an 8-inch disk.
Slice it 3/4 of the way through into 8 wedges.
Slide parchment onto preheated stone (or form this on a lightly buttered cookie sheet). Bake 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
Yum! Thanks Kim! Have a lovely Tea For Two-sday everyone!
But that's not all - she's guest posting for Tea For Two-sday today. She's got tea and scones - yum!! If you have not yet been to Kim's blog, you must stop by! She's always got something to make you smile and her Friday Funnies will have you laughing out loud! And she likes chocolate - I knew I liked her! By the way, her birthday is coming, so tell her Happy Birthday when you stop by (and she likes coffee, chocolate, and smileys if you are in a gift-buying mood - LOL!!) !
Howdy everyone! This is Kim from Homesteader's Heart and I want to thank Lisa for inviting me back once again to guest post for her Tea for Two-sday. The fact that I'm guest posting usually means she is going to be off doing something really fun and I'm not! *sigh* But I'm a big girl and I'll get over it!
I have a tea review today and like most reviews they may not all be positive ones. In the last Tea for Two-sday post I did for Lisa ,I reviewed the same brand of tea but different flavor and it was delicious. I figured this time around I would buy a different flavor and neither I or my daughter thought it was all that great.
Kim's daughter helping review tea. Isn't she pretty just like her mom?
The tea Kim tried. Can you find the difference in these 2 pics??!
Hey, wait a sec - all cookies showing up on my blog should be shared with me!
It's great paired with a nice salad as well. Makes a great Tea Time lunch!
Bacon and Cheese Scones Recipe From Kathy's Cooking Blog The Wooden Spoon
You can change up the meats to chunks of ham, or smoked turkey, and change up the cheese to swiss or any other cheese that you prefer. They are tasty, flaky, a tiny bit spicy and just plain yummy!
I like to bake this on my preheated Pampered Chef stone atop a sheet of parchment paper, but you can use a cookie sheet.
Ingredients:
2 cups flour (I prefer Whole White Wheat by King Arthur)
1 tbsp. Baking Powder
2 tsp. Sugar
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
3 tbsp. cold butter
3/4-1 cup shredded cheese (I use fiesta mix cheese because that's usually what I have)
1 pkg. bacon (try Applegate Farms with no nitrates) cut all the white fat off, cook and crumble
3/4 cup fat-free buttermilk (1 tbsp. lemon juice + skim milk to = 3/4 cup)
1 large egg
Heat oven to 400. Whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and cayenne in a large bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or your fingers, leaving pea size chunks for best flakiness. Stir in the cheese and bacon. In a small bowl combine milk and egg with whisk; add to flour mixture, stir just until moist.
Turn it onto the parchment paper and with water dampened hands, form it into an 8-inch disk.
Slice it 3/4 of the way through into 8 wedges.
Slide parchment onto preheated stone (or form this on a lightly buttered cookie sheet). Bake 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
Yum! Thanks Kim! Have a lovely Tea For Two-sday everyone!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Would You Like Chocolate With That? ~ Guest Post: The Brownie Criminals
Have you seen these gals?
They have committed a serious crime.
What crime?
They have altered a time honored brownie recipe. *Gasp*
What was I thinking asking *criminals* to guest post on my blog? Especially Brownie Criminals!! Who are they? Kim is from Homesteader's Heart - she brings a smile to your face every day with her posts! Today she is hosting Friday Funnies - go read her story about her first cup of coffee! Lots of people link up funnies so you'll find plenty of laughs to get your weekend started! And Kim's partner in crime? That's Kathy from Blessed Beyond Imagination. Check out her pretty dessert post!
Whatever - they're still criminals for altering this brownie recipe.
They dared, yes dared to mess with perfection and what did they get? We'll watch the vlog to find out!
Gather up the ingredients - you know you want to!
Best Dark Chocolate N’ Coconut Brownies
½ cup butter – room temp
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
½ cup Whole White Wheat flour
1/3 cup Special Dark Cocoa
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
½ cup sliced almonds
1 cup shredded sweet coconut
Handful of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Optional)
Preheat oven to 350. Butter a 9x9 pan. Beat butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs; beat well with spoon. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, almonds & coconut. Add flour mixture to egg mixture & stir just until blended. Spread evenly into pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips if desired.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely in pan on rack.
I would say yum, but they didn't even share with me. :)
Please do be careful. The Brownie Criminals are dangerous. I have the evidence - this picture shows them violently attacking a chocolate-covered spatula!
Now, you still need to link up your chocolate posts right here! Don't let the Brownie Criminals scare you. Go get a chocolate post out of your archives or whip one up right now and bring it back to link up!
They have altered a time honored brownie recipe. *Gasp*
What was I thinking asking *criminals* to guest post on my blog? Especially Brownie Criminals!! Who are they? Kim is from Homesteader's Heart - she brings a smile to your face every day with her posts! Today she is hosting Friday Funnies - go read her story about her first cup of coffee! Lots of people link up funnies so you'll find plenty of laughs to get your weekend started! And Kim's partner in crime? That's Kathy from Blessed Beyond Imagination. Check out her pretty dessert post!
Whatever - they're still criminals for altering this brownie recipe.
They dared, yes dared to mess with perfection and what did they get? We'll watch the vlog to find out!
Gather up the ingredients - you know you want to!
Best Dark Chocolate N’ Coconut Brownies
½ cup butter – room temp
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
½ cup Whole White Wheat flour
1/3 cup Special Dark Cocoa
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
½ cup sliced almonds
1 cup shredded sweet coconut
Handful of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Optional)
Preheat oven to 350. Butter a 9x9 pan. Beat butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs; beat well with spoon. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, almonds & coconut. Add flour mixture to egg mixture & stir just until blended. Spread evenly into pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips if desired.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely in pan on rack.
I would say yum, but they didn't even share with me. :)
Please do be careful. The Brownie Criminals are dangerous. I have the evidence - this picture shows them violently attacking a chocolate-covered spatula!
Now, you still need to link up your chocolate posts right here! Don't let the Brownie Criminals scare you. Go get a chocolate post out of your archives or whip one up right now and bring it back to link up!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Works-For-Me-Wednesday: Guest Posting
Happy WFMW everybody!
Guest posting is something that is working for me. I have written guest posts for other blogs and I have had guest posters on my blog. There are benefits to both and it can be a lot of fun!
I have guest posted a few times and really enjoy it. I get to write for a different audience than my own blog and sometimes I get to talk about a subject that I don't always address on my own blog. It's fun to use my own voice, but fit my content to the style and subject matter of the blog owner. If done well, new people will stop by my blog - bringing not just more traffic, but the possibility of new friendships! And if I promote the guest post on my own blog, then I help bring new traffic to the hosting blogger.
I recently had a week of guest posters on my blog. I enjoyed the mental break - it was so nice to put up great content written by somebody else. The guest posters had some fresh new material for my blog and brought some new readers along with them. My readers got a taste of some of my favorite bloggers and had new places to go visit!
How do you find guest post opportunities? Bloggers will often ask for guest posters when they are going to be gone or just need a break. Sometimes you may be asked specifically; other times a general request is given on another blog. If it's a friend or a blog you read, you should definitely offer to do a guest post. You can also offer to do a guest post for a blog by giving them an idea that you have and why you would like to guest post. They might take you up on it!
How do you find guest posters? Ask your friends and favorite bloggers if they are willing and have the time to do one for you. You can also put a request on your blog and/or other places like Twitter. You might be surprised by who responds!
There is some etiquette to follow when guest posting. Problogger has a very helpful article about how to be a good guest blogger.
Have you written some guest posts for blogs? Have you had guest posts written for your blog? What are your thoughts?
Stop by Works-For-Me-Wednesday at We Are THAT Family to see what's working for everybody else!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
What A Fun Week!
Hello! Good Monday morning to you! Nice to be back from my blogging break last week. And this will be such a fun week!
First, I think I better give you an idea of what's going on this week, you know, so you can plan your schedule accordingly - LOL!
*Tuesday - Tea For Two-sday as usual
*Wednesday - Info about my Blogaversary and a Prize Preview ('cause there are a few prizes and some were kindly donated!)
*Thursday - 1 Year Blogaversary - Woo Hoo!! Let the giveaways begin! I think the latest count is 8 different fabulous prizes. One of the prizes will have entry instructions only given on Twitter, so you might want to get signed up there now (you don't even have to be a blogger!) and start following me @stop4chocolate
*Friday - The party continues with Would You Like Chocolate With That? - a look back at the year of chocolate and your opportunity to link up chocolate posts.
*Saturday - Thoughts on blogging; giveaways still going...
*Sunday - Happy Easter! Have a blessed Resurrection Day!
*Monday - Last day of giveaways and it's actually my b-day!
Well, I suppose you would like to know how last week was. It was really nice having a blogging break! Though I wasn't gone, I was busy with Spring Break sorts of things, baseball, and my Dad visiting. It was lovely having the mental break, but still hopping on occasionally to comment and twitter.
Thank you so much to my sweet guest posters for helping me out: Kim, Sarah Mae, Alecia, Donna , and Pamela. You ladies are wonderful! I highly recommend using guest posters - I liked having them and I like being one, too. I think I'll write more on that in a future post.
While Dad was here, we shopped and ate out a lot (hello - that's why I'm blaming Dad for my weight gain). We had a great time touring a Cavern and Dad and my son "mined" for gemstones - very fun! Dad also got to see one of my son's baseball games and it just happened to be the team's first win - Woo Hoo! Go Royals!
Dad is back home now, but we hope that he will visit again soon! We ended our week with more baseball, a little relaxation, the beginning of a backyard project, and then a church potluck. Now hubby is off for this next week of Spring Break. I guess that means I will be busy - LOL!
But it is my Blogaversary this week and my birthday in a week! Um, in case you didn't know - that makes this my birthday week. I may be using that fact to get extra fancy coffee drinks this week and to eat out occasionally! I was going to say that it should allow me not to cook, but then I remembered that it will be Resurrection Day this Sunday and I will need to cook for that! At this point, I think I'm making ham, scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, strawberry poppy-seed slaw and a couple different cakes ('cause I am still trying to get a Cake Week ready for you all in the next month or so).
Guess I should end this! Long enough post for you? Well, you asked for it. oh. you didn't. oops.
Have a chocolate-filled Monday to start your week out right! :)
First, I think I better give you an idea of what's going on this week, you know, so you can plan your schedule accordingly - LOL!
*Tuesday - Tea For Two-sday as usual
*Wednesday - Info about my Blogaversary and a Prize Preview ('cause there are a few prizes and some were kindly donated!)
*Thursday - 1 Year Blogaversary - Woo Hoo!! Let the giveaways begin! I think the latest count is 8 different fabulous prizes. One of the prizes will have entry instructions only given on Twitter, so you might want to get signed up there now (you don't even have to be a blogger!) and start following me @stop4chocolate
Look at this super cute button that Sarah from Real Life made for me! Perfect for dressing up your blog and spreading the word about the fun and giveaways! If you post it on your blog (or facebook if you don't have a blog), you'll get an early extra entry for the giveaways! Just leave a comment here telling me about it. Thanks for sharing the fun!
*Friday - The party continues with Would You Like Chocolate With That? - a look back at the year of chocolate and your opportunity to link up chocolate posts.
*Saturday - Thoughts on blogging; giveaways still going...
*Sunday - Happy Easter! Have a blessed Resurrection Day!
*Monday - Last day of giveaways and it's actually my b-day!
Well, I suppose you would like to know how last week was. It was really nice having a blogging break! Though I wasn't gone, I was busy with Spring Break sorts of things, baseball, and my Dad visiting. It was lovely having the mental break, but still hopping on occasionally to comment and twitter.
Thank you so much to my sweet guest posters for helping me out: Kim, Sarah Mae, Alecia, Donna , and Pamela. You ladies are wonderful! I highly recommend using guest posters - I liked having them and I like being one, too. I think I'll write more on that in a future post.
While Dad was here, we shopped and ate out a lot (hello - that's why I'm blaming Dad for my weight gain). We had a great time touring a Cavern and Dad and my son "mined" for gemstones - very fun! Dad also got to see one of my son's baseball games and it just happened to be the team's first win - Woo Hoo! Go Royals!
Dad is back home now, but we hope that he will visit again soon! We ended our week with more baseball, a little relaxation, the beginning of a backyard project, and then a church potluck. Now hubby is off for this next week of Spring Break. I guess that means I will be busy - LOL!
But it is my Blogaversary this week and my birthday in a week! Um, in case you didn't know - that makes this my birthday week. I may be using that fact to get extra fancy coffee drinks this week and to eat out occasionally! I was going to say that it should allow me not to cook, but then I remembered that it will be Resurrection Day this Sunday and I will need to cook for that! At this point, I think I'm making ham, scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, strawberry poppy-seed slaw and a couple different cakes ('cause I am still trying to get a Cake Week ready for you all in the next month or so).
Guess I should end this! Long enough post for you? Well, you asked for it. oh. you didn't. oops.
Have a chocolate-filled Monday to start your week out right! :)
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Guest Post: Above The Storm
When I was looking for guest posters so I could take a little blogging break, Pamela offered to let me use one of her watercolors and stories. She blogs at Behind the Paintings and her watercolor paintings can be found at Watercolor by Pamela. Her watercolor paintings are lovely, but what I like the best is that there are wonderful stories that go with each painting. In fact, you can even get a free Ebook of all the stories. The painting I chose to use is called Stormy Skies. I thought that the story would be encouraging for many of my friends and readers who are struggling through their own storms right now. Thanks Pamela for sharing your art with us!
Above the Storm
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
An eagle doesn't seek cover during a storm. Instead, it flies through the storm by learning to rise above it. With a wing span of up to 80 inches, the eagle creates a powerful illustration.
In my carefree childhood, I knew nothing about storms. On warm Sunday afternoons, I fondly remember sailing on our catamaran with my family. In a strong breeze, my father would let my brothers and me hang from the sailboat's center bar that connected the two pontoons. As the boat skimmed across the surface, we loved to drag in the water. My father even taught me how to sail.
But my idyllic childhood changed when the first real storm hit. One day after returning home from middle school, I discovered that my father had suddenly moved out. He abandoned my mother, my two brothers, and me.
New waves of fear, loneliness, and anger pounded against me like one breaker after another. Before I could catch my breath from the first wave, the next incoming wave toppled me over.
With my parent's separation, my entire life changed. Overnight I lost everything I valued. My father rarely came home; during the day, my mother avoided home. At night, one brother and I would sit in the dark crying.
To cope with the storm, I began eating. I would sneak a can of frosting with a spoon and hide them under my bed. Before long, I gained 25 pounds. My food addiction really didn't numb the pain. I only felt more miserable.
For the first time, I began to understand my extreme need for something bigger than myself. With my father gone, the agonizing pain awakened me to a new craving. As a child, I had heard of Jesus Christ. But it took this storm to make me realize that I didn't know Him.
A couple of months later, I knelt alone in my room and prayed, “Jesus, I am sorry for ignoring You. Thank you for dying on the cross and rising from the dead. Please come into my life. And please fix my family.” Through this simple prayer, I traded in a worthless religion for an invaluable relationship.
At 13, I told my pastor about my decision to follow Jesus Christ. Though my parents quit attending church, I continued going. I hungered to learn more about Jesus.
My father did return home during my high school years. But in my first year of college, he divorced my mother. I hated him for being selfish. He broke my heart.
Apart from Jesus, I discovered that there was no real lasting relief from painful memories and bitterness. Though it took years, He began to lead me gently down a path towards forgiveness. And He helped me begin the process of forgiving, especially my dad.
Many times during those turbulent years, I thought the storm would destroy me, and I wanted to be rescued. But Jesus didn't rescue me the way I wanted. My parents still divorced. However, the storms gave me a new perspective and ultimately led me to Jesus. I found hope in the midst of it.
Jesus taught me how to weather fierce storms like the eagle by relying upon Him and clinging to His promise: He won't ever leave me or forsake me. He showed me how to go through the storm, and eventually He even taught me how to rise above it. I learned to soar.
“...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles...”Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Friday, April 3, 2009
Would You Like Dessert With That? ~ Guest Post: Chocolate Bread Pudding
One of my newer blog friends is Donna, who (whom?) I got to know through Twitter (where we may or may not have sent each other "tweets" pretending that we were actually at the Blissdom blog conference). She blogs at Way More Homemade and has recipes at Way More Homemade Recipes. Compared to my dessert offerings, she really should call her blog Waaaaayyyy More Homemade! Another blogger who loves chocolate as much as I do, is a WAY better baker, and has a good sense of humor - what's not to love? Donna is treating you to some Chocolate Bread Pudding today.
*Mr. Linky will be at the bottom so you can link up your dessert posts today (with or without chocolate). It is polite to share your dessert, you know. :)
I was so excited when Lisa asked me to guest post for her today. Honored, in fact. However, I will admit that I had a hard time organizing my thoughts for this post. We had some family sickness and whatnot, but the real problem I was having was that this was “Dessert Friday” here at Stop and Smell the Chocolates – not necessarily “Chocolate Friday.” I kept trying to come up with a suitable dessert to post about that didn’t involve chocolate. I found it to be a practical impossibility for me.
And then I had a “twitversation” (Twitter lingo for conversation for all you “twilliterate” people) the other day about one of my new favorite chocolate desserts.
But wait, let me back up a bit and tell you how I came across this dessert recently.
I have watched Food Network for years. I used to love Sarah Moulton and did my share of watching a little “BAM” action with Emeril Lagasse, as well as Food 911 with Tyler Florence. But something about Food Network has changed in recent years. It seems to be more personality driven than really sharing information about food. But that may be another post for another day entirely.
I have decided recently that my favorite show on Food Network is now Throwdown with Bobby Flay. I think the thing I like most about it is that they showcase local cooks doing what they do best and seeing local cuisine from around the country. If you don’t know the premise, Bobby Flay gets an assignment at the beginning to come up with a dish that will challenge some local cook at his or her signature dish. He surprises the local cook, challenges them to a “throwdown,” they both make their dishes and then they have two judges do a blind taste and judge a winner. Sometimes Bobby Flay wins, and sometimes the local cook does.
I have recently seen episodes involving Gumbo in New Orleans, Chicken Pot Pie somewhere in Texas, and Grilled Cheese somewhere in New Jersey. But the one that possibly made the biggest impression on me recently was the one about Chocolate Bread Pudding in Manhattan. This was a dish I had never tasted.
Now, I love my sister’s traditional bread pudding that she started making while they lived in Baton Rouge years ago. It’s one of those dishes that we just expect her to make for family get-togethers now. And I had within the last year or so tasted a Mascarpone Bread Pudding at Carino’s Italian Grill and nearly passed out it was so good. But Chocolate Bread Pudding??? Oh, you have GOT to be kidding me. The thought was just too heavenly.
The thought of this heavenly concoction kept milling about in my brain until I finally purposed to make it.
Having never made bread pudding before I began doing some research and hunting around for recipes. It’s strange to say, but none of the recipes I was coming across online really sounded like something I would make. See, I don’t usually take the short cuts. I love to spend time in the kitchen and I believe the longer route usually leads to more delicious results. And many of the recipes I was finding just seemed like they were throwing some ingredients in a bowl and calling it chocolate bread pudding because it had some bread and some chocolate in it.
No. That just wouldn’t do for me. I didn’t know what I was looking for exactly, until I found it.
I found this recipe and literally said out loud, “Now, that looks like something I’d make.” I made it several weekends ago and it did not disappoint one bit. My husband described it well when he said it tasted like the brownies that I make, but it was this smooth velvety texture.
As I’ve continued to think about and drool over and research this dish here are a couple of things I’ve thought of:
*Make sure that as the bread is soaking in the custard before baking that you toss the bread around once or twice so that the top layer is as soaked with the custard as the bottom. My top layer was a little dry for my taste.
*It seems that traditionally, it is served with Crème Anglaise.
*Variation 1: Add dried (Bing or other) cherries. Plump them in some orange juice for a little while before adding them to the mix. Chocolate and cherries… mmmmmm.
*Variation 2: For a southwestern twist, serve in a softened corn husk and tied on each end almost like a tamale. (I got this from a new cookbook from one of my new favorite restaurants.)
*Variation 3: Serve drizzled with a caramel sauce. You can hardly ever go wrong with chocolate and caramel.
So, now, go and enjoy some chocolate bread pudding goodness. I’m craving it again already.
*OK, now go get your old or new dessert posts and come back to link them up with Mr. Linky!
*Mr. Linky will be at the bottom so you can link up your dessert posts today (with or without chocolate). It is polite to share your dessert, you know. :)
I was so excited when Lisa asked me to guest post for her today. Honored, in fact. However, I will admit that I had a hard time organizing my thoughts for this post. We had some family sickness and whatnot, but the real problem I was having was that this was “Dessert Friday” here at Stop and Smell the Chocolates – not necessarily “Chocolate Friday.” I kept trying to come up with a suitable dessert to post about that didn’t involve chocolate. I found it to be a practical impossibility for me.
And then I had a “twitversation” (Twitter lingo for conversation for all you “twilliterate” people) the other day about one of my new favorite chocolate desserts.
But wait, let me back up a bit and tell you how I came across this dessert recently.
I have watched Food Network for years. I used to love Sarah Moulton and did my share of watching a little “BAM” action with Emeril Lagasse, as well as Food 911 with Tyler Florence. But something about Food Network has changed in recent years. It seems to be more personality driven than really sharing information about food. But that may be another post for another day entirely.
I have decided recently that my favorite show on Food Network is now Throwdown with Bobby Flay. I think the thing I like most about it is that they showcase local cooks doing what they do best and seeing local cuisine from around the country. If you don’t know the premise, Bobby Flay gets an assignment at the beginning to come up with a dish that will challenge some local cook at his or her signature dish. He surprises the local cook, challenges them to a “throwdown,” they both make their dishes and then they have two judges do a blind taste and judge a winner. Sometimes Bobby Flay wins, and sometimes the local cook does.
I have recently seen episodes involving Gumbo in New Orleans, Chicken Pot Pie somewhere in Texas, and Grilled Cheese somewhere in New Jersey. But the one that possibly made the biggest impression on me recently was the one about Chocolate Bread Pudding in Manhattan. This was a dish I had never tasted.
Now, I love my sister’s traditional bread pudding that she started making while they lived in Baton Rouge years ago. It’s one of those dishes that we just expect her to make for family get-togethers now. And I had within the last year or so tasted a Mascarpone Bread Pudding at Carino’s Italian Grill and nearly passed out it was so good. But Chocolate Bread Pudding??? Oh, you have GOT to be kidding me. The thought was just too heavenly.
The thought of this heavenly concoction kept milling about in my brain until I finally purposed to make it.
Having never made bread pudding before I began doing some research and hunting around for recipes. It’s strange to say, but none of the recipes I was coming across online really sounded like something I would make. See, I don’t usually take the short cuts. I love to spend time in the kitchen and I believe the longer route usually leads to more delicious results. And many of the recipes I was finding just seemed like they were throwing some ingredients in a bowl and calling it chocolate bread pudding because it had some bread and some chocolate in it.
No. That just wouldn’t do for me. I didn’t know what I was looking for exactly, until I found it.
I found this recipe and literally said out loud, “Now, that looks like something I’d make.” I made it several weekends ago and it did not disappoint one bit. My husband described it well when he said it tasted like the brownies that I make, but it was this smooth velvety texture.
(The pictures do NOT do it justice.)
As I’ve continued to think about and drool over and research this dish here are a couple of things I’ve thought of:
*Make sure that as the bread is soaking in the custard before baking that you toss the bread around once or twice so that the top layer is as soaked with the custard as the bottom. My top layer was a little dry for my taste.
*It seems that traditionally, it is served with Crème Anglaise.
*Variation 1: Add dried (Bing or other) cherries. Plump them in some orange juice for a little while before adding them to the mix. Chocolate and cherries… mmmmmm.
*Variation 2: For a southwestern twist, serve in a softened corn husk and tied on each end almost like a tamale. (I got this from a new cookbook from one of my new favorite restaurants.)
*Variation 3: Serve drizzled with a caramel sauce. You can hardly ever go wrong with chocolate and caramel.
So, now, go and enjoy some chocolate bread pudding goodness. I’m craving it again already.
*OK, now go get your old or new dessert posts and come back to link them up with Mr. Linky!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Guest Post: Three Blind Mice
After getting to know Alicia over the past few months, I now consider her a friend! She blogs at Confessions of a Snowflake. Her posts are often convicting, inspiring, and encouraging. Alicia is so good about using her own trials and struggles to help other women look to the Lord for help. She is posting about taking a break from the running.
“Three Blind Mice…See how they run.”
Do you feel like a blind mouse sometimes? Between school schedules, ball practice, work obligations and church activities, days can become hectic and life can seem overwhelming. It can leave you feeling like you’re running without any idea of where you are going. And you’re afraid that if you stop, you just might lose your tail.
The good news is life doesn’t have to be that way. Proverbs 3:5-6 promises us that if we trust in the Lord with all of our heart and acknowledge Him in all of our ways that He will direct our paths. However, this involves spending time in prayer. This involves getting intimate with an almighty God and trusting that He has our best interests in mind.
So, sit still and take a break from the running. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your day today. Listen to His still, small voice and regain peace in your life. Then maybe you won’t feel like you have to run from the farmer’s wife anymore.
Dear Lord, thank you for the privilege we have to come before your throne. Help us to hear Your still small voice and allow it to guide our lives. May we not be swayed by the things of this world, but hold onto your word and your promises. We thank You and we praise You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Thank you for taking a minute out of your busy day to spend a few minutes with Lisa and me today. And thank you, Lisa, for letting me share this day with you. I hope you are enjoying your week!
“Three Blind Mice…See how they run.”
Do you feel like a blind mouse sometimes? Between school schedules, ball practice, work obligations and church activities, days can become hectic and life can seem overwhelming. It can leave you feeling like you’re running without any idea of where you are going. And you’re afraid that if you stop, you just might lose your tail.
The good news is life doesn’t have to be that way. Proverbs 3:5-6 promises us that if we trust in the Lord with all of our heart and acknowledge Him in all of our ways that He will direct our paths. However, this involves spending time in prayer. This involves getting intimate with an almighty God and trusting that He has our best interests in mind.
So, sit still and take a break from the running. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your day today. Listen to His still, small voice and regain peace in your life. Then maybe you won’t feel like you have to run from the farmer’s wife anymore.
Dear Lord, thank you for the privilege we have to come before your throne. Help us to hear Your still small voice and allow it to guide our lives. May we not be swayed by the things of this world, but hold onto your word and your promises. We thank You and we praise You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Thank you for taking a minute out of your busy day to spend a few minutes with Lisa and me today. And thank you, Lisa, for letting me share this day with you. I hope you are enjoying your week!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Guest Post: What Kind of Woman Do Your Children See?
Sarah Mae has been a wonderful blog friend for a long time. She blogs at Like A Warm Cup Of Coffee. She just recently had her third sweet baby and still took time to do a guest post! Her blog is full of wonderful inspiring series including cleaning, modesty, and marriage among others. She started the 5:16 Am Club and hosts Motivate Me Mondays. She is also responsible for me finally joining Twitter - when Sarah Mae signed up, I could resist the trend no longer - LOL! She has an excellent post on something I struggle with.
What Kind of Woman Do Your Children See?
As I was sitting at the computer this morning I looked over at my two kiddos and thought, "is this how they picture mommy - always at the computer?"
How often am I at the computer? How often do they see me "reading the news?" How often do they hear, "just a minute honey...I'll be with you in just a minute." How many minutes a day is "just a minute" really?
I don't know about you, but the above thoughts really made me think about what kind of woman my kids see when they look at me? What kind of woman am I?
Recently I have been hearing this question from mom's: "how can I balance it all - family, work, me-time, life?" The question bothers me because it implies that somehow all these "things" should be balanced, as if they are equal. They are not, can not, and should not be equal or balanced.
Then I look at myself and realize I am the mom trying to "balance" everything.
I pretend I'm not, like I'm somehow above the women who actually ask the question out loud. They are honest, just deceived by the cultural mentality that we can do it all, and do it all well. I may not be under that same deceit, but I am under another. One perhaps far worse. The deception that I am doing it all, and doing it all well.
How about you?
When your children look at you, who do they see? What legacy are you leaving imprinted on their impressionable memories?
Balance - let's rethink it.
What Kind of Woman Do Your Children See?
As I was sitting at the computer this morning I looked over at my two kiddos and thought, "is this how they picture mommy - always at the computer?"
How often am I at the computer? How often do they see me "reading the news?" How often do they hear, "just a minute honey...I'll be with you in just a minute." How many minutes a day is "just a minute" really?
I don't know about you, but the above thoughts really made me think about what kind of woman my kids see when they look at me? What kind of woman am I?
Recently I have been hearing this question from mom's: "how can I balance it all - family, work, me-time, life?" The question bothers me because it implies that somehow all these "things" should be balanced, as if they are equal. They are not, can not, and should not be equal or balanced.
Then I look at myself and realize I am the mom trying to "balance" everything.
I pretend I'm not, like I'm somehow above the women who actually ask the question out loud. They are honest, just deceived by the cultural mentality that we can do it all, and do it all well. I may not be under that same deceit, but I am under another. One perhaps far worse. The deception that I am doing it all, and doing it all well.
How about you?
When your children look at you, who do they see? What legacy are you leaving imprinted on their impressionable memories?
Balance - let's rethink it.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tea For Two-sday ~ This Guest Has Good Taste
It is the start of my little blog break so I can enjoy Spring Break and a visit from my Dad. My blog friends really stepped up to help me out with guest posts - I am so blessed! Please give them lots of comment love!
My fabulous friend Kim blogs at Homesteaders Heart. You shouldn't expect any canning or pioneer posts over there. Her blog is a light-hearted look at the real life of a homemaking, home schooling, rather competitive, slightly OCD, super silly, kind mom! She hosts Friday Funnies and Show & Tell Saturdays. And I'm sure she would like for you to know that she is my Top Commentator - LOL! Kim likes tea, too, and has a wonderful Tea For Two-sday post to share with you.
For this edition of Lisa's Tea for Two-sday I wanted to do a little tea review on some new tea I bought. I always make it a point to stop in the aisle where they have all the wonderful teas and just kind of stand there perusing it all. There is always something new to find. A couple of weeks ago I stumbled across Kalahari Cafe Artisan Chocolatte' Green Tea Matcha Mint. Phew that's a mouthful.
I wasn't real sure at first if I wanted to give it a try. I usually can't picture chocolate with tea but I threw caution to the wind and bought it. Let me tell you I am some glad I did. As soon as you open the little package the tea bag is in, the aroma just permeates the air. It smells soooooo good. I know sometimes I've gotten tea that smells good but tastes awful but not the case with this. It tasted wonderful. They say you can add milk to it but I like all my tea plain. I like to taste the tea and all it's pungent flavors. This tea has a very minty flavor with chocolate undertones. I highly recommend it.
On another note. Do you like the tea cup that my new found tea is in? I had written on my blog about my first tea cup that was given to me by a wonderful friend of mine and how I really don't like buying my own, hence the reason I only had one! LOL. But my husband was at someone's house to buy a mosquito killer ( that's another story entirely ) and the people had just had a garage sale the weekend before and they had their leftovers sitting in the garage and this tea cup was still there. Can you believe that? It's beautiful and without a chip.
Here's the best part. He only paid a dollar for it!!! Can you say SCORE!!! So I officially have 2 tea cups in my collection. I can now invite one of you over for tea. Who wants to be first?
My fabulous friend Kim blogs at Homesteaders Heart. You shouldn't expect any canning or pioneer posts over there. Her blog is a light-hearted look at the real life of a homemaking, home schooling, rather competitive, slightly OCD, super silly, kind mom! She hosts Friday Funnies and Show & Tell Saturdays. And I'm sure she would like for you to know that she is my Top Commentator - LOL! Kim likes tea, too, and has a wonderful Tea For Two-sday post to share with you.
For this edition of Lisa's Tea for Two-sday I wanted to do a little tea review on some new tea I bought. I always make it a point to stop in the aisle where they have all the wonderful teas and just kind of stand there perusing it all. There is always something new to find. A couple of weeks ago I stumbled across Kalahari Cafe Artisan Chocolatte' Green Tea Matcha Mint. Phew that's a mouthful.
I wasn't real sure at first if I wanted to give it a try. I usually can't picture chocolate with tea but I threw caution to the wind and bought it. Let me tell you I am some glad I did. As soon as you open the little package the tea bag is in, the aroma just permeates the air. It smells soooooo good. I know sometimes I've gotten tea that smells good but tastes awful but not the case with this. It tasted wonderful. They say you can add milk to it but I like all my tea plain. I like to taste the tea and all it's pungent flavors. This tea has a very minty flavor with chocolate undertones. I highly recommend it.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Coming Up...
I thought I would give a little update of what's coming up on my blog in the next couple of weeks or so. It's partly for you so you don't miss out on anything and it's partly for me so I don't forget about anything - LOL!!
~ Friday 3/27: There will NOT be a Chocolate Friday! I am taking Kimba's challenge (from A Soft Place to Land) to completely "unplug" this Friday. Her button is on my sidebar if you'd like to join in or get more information. Her timing was perfect as I was already planning a Bloggy Break next week! Let's see what I can actually accomplish on Friday by staying away from the computer (chest tightening, palms sweating) for the entire day!!
~ Monday 3/30: Kimba wants us to link up on Monday 3/30 (the start of a 2-week Spring Break for us!) to tell about our "unplugged" experiences. I will post about that on Monday, but the rest of next week I will be trying my best to stay mostly away from the computer and enjoying some time with my son and my Dad who is coming to visit.
~ Tuesday thru Saturday (3/31-4/4): I have some fantastic guest posters lined up for next week! I think you will really enjoy their posts - please give them lots of comment love and visit their blogs too!
~ Thursday 4/9: It's my 1-year Blogoversary and there will be a party happening here!! Yes, there will be chocolate. Yes, there will be giveaways - a few of them actually! Some very sweet people are even donating some of the prizes. You won't want to miss out on the fun! I will let you in on a little secret right now...the instructions for entering to win one specific prize will only be given on twitter...so you may want to get signed up on there and start following me now - I'm @stop4chocolate!
I think I've covered all the important stuff! What's happening with you this next couple of weeks?
~ Friday 3/27: There will NOT be a Chocolate Friday! I am taking Kimba's challenge (from A Soft Place to Land) to completely "unplug" this Friday. Her button is on my sidebar if you'd like to join in or get more information. Her timing was perfect as I was already planning a Bloggy Break next week! Let's see what I can actually accomplish on Friday by staying away from the computer (chest tightening, palms sweating) for the entire day!!
~ Monday 3/30: Kimba wants us to link up on Monday 3/30 (the start of a 2-week Spring Break for us!) to tell about our "unplugged" experiences. I will post about that on Monday, but the rest of next week I will be trying my best to stay mostly away from the computer and enjoying some time with my son and my Dad who is coming to visit.
~ Tuesday thru Saturday (3/31-4/4): I have some fantastic guest posters lined up for next week! I think you will really enjoy their posts - please give them lots of comment love and visit their blogs too!
~ Thursday 4/9: It's my 1-year Blogoversary and there will be a party happening here!! Yes, there will be chocolate. Yes, there will be giveaways - a few of them actually! Some very sweet people are even donating some of the prizes. You won't want to miss out on the fun! I will let you in on a little secret right now...the instructions for entering to win one specific prize will only be given on twitter...so you may want to get signed up on there and start following me now - I'm @stop4chocolate!
I think I've covered all the important stuff! What's happening with you this next couple of weeks?
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Works-For-Me Wednesday: Memes
One thing I did when I started out on my blog was set up memes (before I knew what they were!!) to help me have a better idea of what to write about on certain days. I'm so glad I did. It does help me and I really enjoy it! Here's what I do:
It makes my blogging week easier knowing at least the subject of my blog posts. And I still have Mondays and Thursdays when I write about whatever topic I feel like.
What do you think of this idea? Do you have something similar on your blog? Do you think I should let people link up to these on Tuesdays or Fridays?
These memes work for me. For LOTS of wonderful tips, please visit Rocks In My Dryer for Works-For-Me-Wednesday.
P.S. You know what else works for me? Being asked to guest post! What an honor! My first guest post is at Real Life (the blog that inspired me to start) today!! If you have time, please stop by. :)
***I like tea things, so every Tuesday is "Tea for Two-sday" on my blog. I write about whatever I want, as long as it relates to tea - thoughts, pictures, recipes, ideas, etc.
***I know now that every Wednesday, I will link up to "Works-for-me-Wednesday" at Rocks In My Dryer and try to write about something that works for me. I'm not sure how long I can keep going, as I feel like not too many things work so well for me!! :)
***I LOVE CHOCOLATE, so every Friday on my blog is "Would you like chocolate with that?" I always have a chocolate dessert recipe of some kind. And believe it or not, these are all recipes that I have made at least once and enjoyed. Yum!
***I know now that every Wednesday, I will link up to "Works-for-me-Wednesday" at Rocks In My Dryer and try to write about something that works for me. I'm not sure how long I can keep going, as I feel like not too many things work so well for me!! :)
***I LOVE CHOCOLATE, so every Friday on my blog is "Would you like chocolate with that?" I always have a chocolate dessert recipe of some kind. And believe it or not, these are all recipes that I have made at least once and enjoyed. Yum!
What do you think of this idea? Do you have something similar on your blog? Do you think I should let people link up to these on Tuesdays or Fridays?
These memes work for me. For LOTS of wonderful tips, please visit Rocks In My Dryer for Works-For-Me-Wednesday.
P.S. You know what else works for me? Being asked to guest post! What an honor! My first guest post is at Real Life (the blog that inspired me to start) today!! If you have time, please stop by. :)
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