tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62463470646177955412024-02-19T17:36:54.291-08:00Northern Girl With A Southern HeartUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246347064617795541.post-86017665684995871102012-05-21T10:13:00.001-07:002012-05-21T10:14:34.878-07:00Banana Crumble Muffins<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Oh Bananas!!! Always looking for a way to use up those banana's sitting on the counter getting brown again? Here's a new twist on banana muffins I'm sure you & your family will LOVE! Give 'em a whirl and let me know what ya think!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: yellow; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: yellow;">BANANA</span> <span style="color: #783f04;">CRUMBLE </span><span style="color: yellow;">MUFFINS</span></strong></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">BANANA BATTER:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 1/2 C. White Flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 tsp. Baking Soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 tsp. Baking Powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/2 tsp. Salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3 ripe banana's all smashed up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3/4 C. White Sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 Egg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/3 C. Melted Butter, Unsalted if ya have it</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">CRUMB TOPPING</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/2 C. Brown Sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 TBS. Flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/4 tsp. Cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1-2 TBS. Butter Firm, that you chop into the topping until crumbly.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Grease or line your muffin tin. This recipe will make 12 nice size muffins. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mix the first set of ingredients to make the batter and distribute throughout the muffin tin.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Next, this next step is totally optional...I did it just because it gave a little extra touch to the muffins.. take a small little handful of brown sugar and sprinkle it over top of the muffins...when the brown sugar bakes into the muffins it falls down into small swirls through the muffin and just looks extra special.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now mix up your Crumb topping ingredients and add the firm butter last until it becomes crumbly and is ready to sprinkle onto the muffins.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes.</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246347064617795541.post-25600574489732834152012-02-17T06:33:00.000-08:002012-02-17T06:33:06.740-08:00<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday Game & Movie Night</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tonight will be filled with a game and a movie here at our house so I’m sitting here racking my brain for some quick and easy snacks that I can throw together to feed my hubby and kids. In order to satisfy their appetites and still maintain some bit of a waistline I have to be sure to have healthy snacks and one comfort food snack. So far my shopping list consists of all the ingredients I will need for a big salad, almonds & pistachios to snack on, carrot sticks and fruit. That should cover the healthy nibbling that will need to be done for the weekend. Now onto the yummy fattening stuff! This past New Year’s I made a recipe I had found on </span><a href="http://www.daisybrand.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.daisybrand.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, Warm & Creamy Bacon Dip. It is very delicious, takes about 5 minutes to throw together and then you just bake it. Give it a try, I promise you won’t be disappointed! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Warm & Creamy Bacon Dip</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8 Ounces Cream Cheese, Softened </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 Cups Daisy Brand Sour Cream </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 Ounces bacon bits </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Cup Chopped Green Onion (I only had 3 green onions so I chopped them up and used what I had) </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Combine all ingredients. Place the mixture in a 1-quart baking dish. Cover. Heat the dip for 25-30 minutes or until hot.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We actually used this method when baking this dip- Serving option: Placed dip in a hollowed square sourdough loaf, wrapped in foil and heated in 400 degree oven for 30 minutes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serve with veggies and crackers.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This seriously tastes like a baked potato, it’s wonderful!</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246347064617795541.post-21143126798150639232012-02-15T08:15:00.000-08:002012-02-15T08:15:04.091-08:00Valentines Day, Bone Collector, Hockey… That all goes together, Doesn’t it??<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our Valentine’s Day began with pink heart shaped pancakes and by afternoon involved eating a quick pizza while watching Bone Collector then off to the rink for hockey practice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a fun evening watching Dawson skate around and do the drills. Bella enjoyed watching while snacking on her favorite food, cheese puffs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids zonked out after 10 and I followed within minutes. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our fun Valentine’s evening will be celebrated tomorrow night. On the menu is: Cheese Crusted Flat Iron Steak, Lobster Tail, thanks to Giant Eagle having it on sale, Roasted Asparagus , Smash Potatoes and for dessert, chocolate covered raspberries. I wanted strawberries but the grocery store was out. I think raspberries will be just as good. This is a big deal for us. Quite the fancy meal I think. I’ve never cooked a lobster tail but have watched my parents steam crab legs every Christmas so here’s to hoping I don’t ruin it! Here is the steak recipe I’ll be using. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cheese Crusted Flat Iron Steak</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 lb of Flat Iron Steak </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/8 Teaspoon Salt</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/8 Teaspoon Black Pepper</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ Cup Shredded Cheddar</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 Tablespoons Crumbled Blue Cheese</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Heat Broiler.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Season </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">steaks with salt and pepper. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Broil, about 6 inches from heat, 8 minutes or until done the way you like your steak, turning after 5 min. Meanwhile, mix cheeses together.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Top </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">steaks with cheese mixture. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Broil<b> </b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">about 3 minutes until cheeses are melted and lightly browned.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Enjoy!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246347064617795541.post-72834976677177260542012-02-07T05:21:00.000-08:002012-02-07T06:46:45.274-08:00Looking for a quick and easy dinner?Last night we enjoyed Creamy Chicken and Dumplings for dinner. It took 25 minutes from start to finish. Not much time for a great home cooked meal.<br />
<br />
<br />
Creamy Chicken and Dumplings <br />
<br />
Ingredients: <br />
<br />
2 Tablespoons Butter<br />
1 Cup (4 medium) Carrots chopped (I like mine in chunks)<br />
1 Medium Onion chopped (not too fine)<br />
1 Teaspoon Poultry Seasoning<br />
1/2 Teaspoon Salt<br />
<br />
Combine the above ingredients and saute for 5 minutes on low-med heat.<br />
<br />
5 Cups of Chicken Broth<br />
<br />
Add in the chicken broth and bring to a boil (this took about 5 minutes)<br />
<br />
2 Cans of cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz size)<br />
1 Can evaporated milk (12 oz.)<br />
<br />
Bring back to a slow boil on medium heat (this took another 5 minutes)<br />
<br />
2-3 Cups shredded cooked chicken<br />
<br />
Add in the cooked chicken.<br />
<br />
Get a separate bowl ready to whip up the dumplings.<br />
<br />
Dumpling Mix:<br />
<br />
2 Cups Flour<br />
1/2 Cup Water<br />
1/2 Cup Milk<br />
4 Teaspoons Baking Powder<br />
1/2 Teaspoon Salt<br />
<br />
Finally mix up the dumpling ingredients and drop in small teaspoons into the soup base which is at a slow boil. Cook this for about 5 more minutes with a lid or a few minutes longer if you don't have a lid. Thats it! Super easy and Super delicious!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246347064617795541.post-8997926267144825782012-02-06T11:39:00.000-08:002012-02-06T14:19:05.885-08:00I'm a Hockey Mom...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m a Hockey Mom…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a hockey filled weekend, I thought it would be fun to share some of my thoughts about the game and my role as the mom. This the first year my son Dawson is playing in an organized league, with a team and traveling to games and all that fun jazz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dawson held his first hockey stick at about 6 weeks. He barely held his held up but you should have seen his dad’s face when he held onto that stick. It was a glimpse into my future. One that you can only understand if your living it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He first stepped foot onto the ice at 18 months. Another proud moment for dad, and this time, the mom too. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hockey isn’t like any other sport. I knew nothing, absolutely NOTHING about hockey until I met my husband. Hockey fans have a passion like no other. They have a burning desire to play, to watch, to be around it, to follow it. It’s amazing. At first I was annoyed by how consuming it was. And I won’t lie and say that I still don’t get annoyed with it at times. Boy do I ever! Training camp starts in September and The Stanley Cup Playoffs go into Mid-June. It’s basically a year round sport. I get jealous of the time that goes into being a hockey fan.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I said above, Dawson has skated since he was 18 months. We went through the frustrating learn to skate sessions when all he wanted to do was roll on the ice. That was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a treat to stand in a freezing rink and just watch as he did that. Thinking back on it now, I was so frustrated that he wasn’t out there at least TRYING to skate, but the thing I think that he took from those days was that feeling. That feeling that he knew at that moment that he loved the ice. He didn’t want to skate on it, he wanted to be as close to it as possible.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dawson started playing hockey at a league about 45 minutes from our home. We live in a small town and there are two rinks, both the same distance away. The 45 minute drive really isn’t bad. We would drive further if we had to. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is something about the hectic schedules and traveling that makes this sport so worth it. It’s that moment when your boy comes up to you and says “I can’t wait to feel the ice again” or when he looks up to you after he gets that goal with the “did you see that??” look. It melts your heart and just makes you happy. It’s that moment of pure joy that you know it’s all been worth it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More to come as more hockey filled weekends occur. Enjoy the videos!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This first video was taken at home when Dawson was just 4 four years old. </span></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FXAvYZpYycY" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My husband created this video for Dawson's team and shows some highlights from the season so far.. He is #5 in red.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UOO6jhJuzwo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">P.S. CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS on the menu for tonight...Recipe to follow!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246347064617795541.post-38796879342247872392012-02-02T06:40:00.000-08:002012-02-02T07:51:16.287-08:00Parenting is a Process....<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I received a call last night from a wonderful mother who wanted to know if my daughter, Bella, who is five years old, could have a play-date at their house after preschool today. This will be the first time Bella has gone to a friends house to play without mommy. She is beyond excited! Myself on the other hand got a little wacko. You know, the usual thing mothers do before play-dates. Called my husband to see if he thought <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BELLA was ready for this big step. In NO WAY was I checking to see if I was ready for this step. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went online to Mapquest to see how far away they lived from us. A little nuts? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe. Don't judge me, I know what your thinking, Mapquest, Really?? I had to know where she would be in case they needed me to pick her up in the rare incident that Bella might miss me too much. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to think of it as protective parenting and I’m okay with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bella wants me to be at her school today at the end of her class so I can give her hugs and kisses before she goes to play. This makes me happy and gives me some relief. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another important item to note is that the family she will be with for these few short hours today is wonderful. They are such kindhearted people. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bella will be gone for a few extra hours today. If this is a preview of what a whole day away from her will be like this fall once she starts kindergarten I am in NO WAY ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parenting is a process, I am stuck in the “I know it’s time to give a little freedom” stage and the “I CANT LET GO AT ALL” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stage…Please tell me this does get easier??</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGo3O40rd2ZdzGEzHh-KgQStB2DJky48PaLRRrSxRrOa5SCMH2d4AzCVxUpidDlvRb-LpXn4DB7jojkqx6qqUc6BCrsVvNFqrYtVRDtq-6XIskAhW8r00I-ZJ1EFbfRCiQGBrEaSCjIn6/s1600/173360_768897229_1974371316_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGo3O40rd2ZdzGEzHh-KgQStB2DJky48PaLRRrSxRrOa5SCMH2d4AzCVxUpidDlvRb-LpXn4DB7jojkqx6qqUc6BCrsVvNFqrYtVRDtq-6XIskAhW8r00I-ZJ1EFbfRCiQGBrEaSCjIn6/s1600/173360_768897229_1974371316_n%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246347064617795541.post-53489944090807732632012-01-25T06:43:00.000-08:002012-01-25T09:32:22.039-08:00See what happens when the kids sleep in...<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Happy Wednesday everyone, we have made it to the middle of our work week! My son had hockey practice last night so we didn’t get home until late. The kids are sleeping in which is wonderful. Dawson slept until 7:50 and Bella slept until 8:10, that’s a few extra hours than normal in this house. So I thought I would create something new and different to try for dinner tonight. There are more steps than I would normally do for a weekday meal but now that it is done and ready to throw in the oven all the fuss seems worth it. Plus the house smells AMAZING!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Sweet Potato and Onion Stuffed Manicotti with Butternut Squash Sauce</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 large onion chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3 Tbs butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 tsp garlic power</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">¼ tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">8 oz. box of Manicotti</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">¼ C. Chicken Broth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">¼ C. Apple Juice or Cider</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 ½ C. Mashed Sweet Potato</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 C. Shredded Asiago Cheese</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Saute onions and butter until soft, then add garlic powder and salt. Turn to low and simmer for 15 minutes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While the onions are cooking boil the Manicotti according to box directions. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After the onions have simmered for 15 minutes add chicken broth and apple juice. Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Add the onion mixture to the mashed sweet potatoes. You could use left over mashed sweet potatoes or peel and boil your own before making. It is an extra step but doesn’t take too much time. In order to get the amount of sweet potatoes that you’ll need for the recipe I used 2 small and 1 large sweet potato.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once the manicotti is boiled you can start to stuff them with the sweet potato mixture.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Preheat oven to 375 and begin making the Butternut Squash Sauce.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Butternut Squash Sauce:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 1/2 cups butternut squash</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 cups chicken broth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 cups apple juice </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dash of Cinnamon </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Bay Leaf</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Tbs butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">½ C. Parmesan</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Peel and cut butternut squash into small chunks. You can even buy butternut squash cubes in the produce section. That’s what I did and it saved a ton of time! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Boil all ingredients except butter and parmesan until squash is soft. Separate the liquid and the squash. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">DO NOT throw away the liquid! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mash the squash, butter and parmesan together with a mixer. Mashing will leave the sauce like more of a chunky sauce, kind of a marinara sauce type texture. If you want a smooth texture you can puree the ingredients. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Grease a 9x13 pan and pour just enough of the sauce into the pan to coat the bottom. Place the manicotti in pan. Top with the Sauce and Bake for 15 minutes until bubbly. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Try to leave a little bit of the sauce in a bowl so you can top the manicotti with some before serving. Make a big side salad and you’ve got yourself a heartwarming comfort meal!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We will be taste testing ours tonight and will let you know what reviews I receive. I do know that the Sweet Potato & Onion filling tasted delicious! And the Butternut Squash Sauce was mighty tasty also. The two combined should be a treat!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246347064617795541.post-28390627264769879602012-01-20T08:58:00.000-08:002012-01-20T09:20:46.232-08:00You go grab them tater chips, I'll whip up some party dip<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We got some laid back country tunes on the radio! (Gotta love Blake!) Happy Friday all! Get yourself all the ingredients below and whip it up and enjoy...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have made this recipe for about 10 years now, and no one ever gets sick of it and I still get requests for it often.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pizza Dip</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2-8 oz pkg. cream cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Tablespoon Italian Dressing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pinch of Garlic </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 c. mozzarella cheese shredded </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Parmesan Cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">16 oz. pizza sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pizza toppings: we love green peppers and pepperoni but whatever your family enjoys will work perfectly.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mix: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2- 8 oz. pkg. of cream cheese ( I usually soften for 30 seconds in microwave)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Tbs. Italian Dressing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pinch of garlic powder</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Place in the bottom of 9x13 baking dish. Top with 1 c. mozzarella cheese shredded, then 16 oz. pizza sauce, 1 c. mozzarella cheese shredded, parmesan cheese and any pizza toppings that you like!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. Serve with tater chips or crackers. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246347064617795541.post-28293270773848835912012-01-18T07:18:00.000-08:002012-01-18T08:56:57.111-08:00Snow and Stuffed Pepper Soup<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Woke up to ice and snow...Scraped off my truck then an hour later it was completely covered again, gotta love it! Took the kiddos to school, came home and logged in for a long day of work. Thank God I get to work from home with my handy extra large coffee cup beside me. Stuffed pepper soup is starting to heat up in my good ole' crock pot. And by ole' I mean 10 years, not ancient. That crock pot has saved me and my marriage many a nights! Let's see how this goes, we can all test it out. Let me know what you think! Happy Wednesday All!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>STUFFED PEPPER SOUP</strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ingredients:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 1/2 lbs ground beef</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 pound of pork sausage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 c chicken broth or beef broth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 lg. can of crushed tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 can of sloppy joe sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 c of cooked rice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 green peppers (chopped)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 yellow pepper (chopped)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 red pepper (chopped)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/4 c sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 tsp salt ( you can always add more to your taste)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 tsp onion powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 tsp garlic</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Instructions:</span></strong><br />
<div class="instructions"><ol><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<li class="instruction"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Roast peppers in oven before chopping. (Drizzle with olive oil and roast on 400 for 20 min.)</span></li>
</span>
<li class="instruction"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In a large skillet brown ground beef and sausage.</span></li>
<li class="instruction"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When done, drain ground beef and sausage in colander.</span></li>
<li class="instruction"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In a crock pot add all ingredients.</span></li>
<li class="instruction"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Set on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.</span></li>
</ol></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246347064617795541.post-81203632284469664042012-01-17T10:16:00.000-08:002012-01-17T10:40:26.791-08:00Welcome to Northern Girl With A Southern Heart!Welcome to <a href="http://northerngirlwithasouthernheart.blogspot.com/">northerngirlwithasouthernheart.blogspot.com/</a>. I began this blog as a way to de-clutter my cluttered mind. The goal is to create new and loved recipes on this site and keep track of my crazy life. I am the mama to two children, one boy, one girl. I am married to the man of my dreams, who is a school teacher and hockey coach. He is one man but plays many roles. I have successfully worked from home for eight years now. Country music makes me smile. I love to bake, hate to diet, and love life! I am a country girl at heart and can't wait to have a cabin in the woods someday...<br />
<br />
Follow me and you'll learn some new recipes and laugh along with me at the funny mom moments we all encounter daily.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0