Problem Solved...I hope!!!

The last couple of days we've been experiencing some "technical difficulties" with our internet....well, after several phone calls to our ISP and many hours of aggravation and frustration, I'm hoping that the problem has been solved.  It seems there was a problem with our modem, so my wonderful husband made the trip to our ISP office and picked up a new one and came home and installed it...so far, so good!!!!  YAY!!!

I took advantage of my time "off-line" to cook and bake up some yummy recipes....hope you like them as much as we did!!!

First up is Pulled BBQ Chicken sandwiches.....SUPER easy and  VERY yummy!!!  I served it on toasted kaiser rolls with french fries and homemade cole slaw!!!

Pulled BBQ Chicken

1 2 lb. rotisserie chicken

 (you could roast your own, but why bother when so many grocery stores offer them already roasted)

1 Bottle BBQ Sauce
(your favorite homemade or bottled...I used our favorite bottled)

Preheat a skillet and add enough olive oil to thinly cover the bottom of the pan.  Take the chicken off the bone and shred.  Place in the heated skillet and saute just until warmed through.

Using your favorite recipe for BBQ sauce or your favorite bottled sauce, add enough to the skillet to completely cover the chicken and cook until heated through.  Serve on kaiser rolls or hambuger rolls.

See I told you it was EASY!!!



Cole Slaw

4 cups shredded green or red cabbage

1 cup shredded carrot

1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion

Shred cabbage, carrot and onion into large bowl...set aside

Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise or salady dressing

1 Tblsp. vinegar

1 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. celery seed

1/2 tsp. salt

Add all ingredients to meduim bowl and mix together well.  Add to the cabbage mixture and stir thoroughly.

Regrigerate until chilled through....usually at least 1 hour!!!

and for dessert....Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie.....another SUPER easy recipe (do you see a pattern here???).....served with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate syrup....does it get any better than that?!?!?!

Skillet Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie



2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups (about 9 ounces) semisweet-chocolate chips

                                     

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

 In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars until mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla; mix until they are fully incorporated. Add flour mixture, and beat until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

Transfer dough to a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, and press to flatten, covering bottom of pan. Bake until edges are brown and top is golden, 40 to 45 minutes. Don't overbake; it will continue to cook a few minutes out of the oven. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, 15 to 20 minutes. Cut into 8 wedges. Serve warm; top each wedge with a scoop of ice cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup. 

We've got another BUSY weekend ahead of us!!!!!  Any big plans for you???  Whatever you have planned....Have Fun!!!

'Til Next Time...

Enjoy!!!

linking to: http://stonegable.blogspot.com

linking to:  http://atthepicketfence.com 

Projects: Past, Present & Future

Hi Everybody....I spent some time the other day going through some older photos on my Kodak easy share and came across some of the projects that  I've gotten done.  Some of them are from a couple of years ago, but I thought I'd share them with you anyway....

This is my pot rack...I had wanted one for a very long time but couldn't find one I really liked, or could afford, so I decided to make one myself...it's just a very simple rack and one of these days I'll get around to spray painting the chains black...

...the bar stools I painted...

I made this pillow out of painters dropcloth fabric and stenciled on the pattern...

and more recently

 I had some pretty orange fabric that I planned on using to make a valance for my kitchen window.....

   nothing special, a couple of hems and seams, but it certainly did add a punch of color where it  was    needed!!!

and remember the cute little vanity chair that was begging for some new fabric on it seat....

...here she is right where she belongs...

Well...there's a few things done...now on to making the list of upcoming projects....flower beds, painting the porch swing, expanding the patio, etc., etc....oh yeah, I still have the hall cupboard to finish...but more on that later!!!

'Til Next Time...

Enjoy!!!

linking to:  http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com, http://debbie-debbiedoos.com, http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com, http://itallstartedwithpaint.com   http://kristenscreations.blogspot.com http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
http://frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com
http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com
http://www.atthepicketfence.com
http://impartinggrace.com

HAPPY SPRING!!!

It's official....Spring is here!!!  According to the calendar, at least!!!  Now, I've lived here long enough to know that anything can happen weather wise in March.....even though it was 74 degrees today that doesn't necessarily mean it's here to stay...but as long as it is, I'm going to take advantage of it!!!


There's nothing like a burger on the grill when the sun is shining and the birds are singing.....

So YUMMY!!!

served with Canellini Bean salad and potato salad!!!

The canellini bean salad is really good and pretty healthy, too...give it a try!!!

Canellini Bean Salad

2 cans Canellini Beans, drained and rinsed

Half of a seedless cucumber

1 pint grape tomatoes, halved or quartered

1/2 medium onion, chopped finely

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper to taste

Toss beans, cucumber, tomatoes, onion and garlic together.  Drizzle with Olive Oil; add salt & pepper to taste.  Refrigerate until chilled.

...and it's hard to believe that it's March 20 and I can walk through my yard and see new growth....I love the color GREEN....

...beautiful new growth on my day lillies...I can't wait to see these orange flowers...

...buds on my dwarf rhododendron.....these will be bright pink when it blooms...

....and buds on my weeping cherry tree (not to mention the GREEN grass)...

I don't have anything in bloom in my gardens right now, but if these temps stick around, I can't imagine it will be too much longer....can't wait to post pics when everything is in bloom!!!

Hope everyone has a chance to get out and enjoy the sunshine!!!

'Til Next Time...

Enjoy!!!

Curtains, Coasters, A Cushion, A Cupboard & Cooking...

....just a few of the projects I have lined up for this coming weekend!!! It's going to be a busy couple of days!!!

But first, here are some pretty Orange Tulips to brighten your day!!!

linking to:  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com

Curtains...I fell in love with this orange fabric....I'm hoping to make a curtain valance for the kitchen!!!

Coasters...The coasters I made out of ceramic tiles and cocktail napkins were such a hit, my daughters have now requested them for their apartments...one set down one more to be made...

linking my coaster to:  http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com ,  http://theivycottageblog.blogspot.com and http://www.asimplyklassichome.blogspot.com
http://www.atthepicketfence.com http://www.theroosterandthehen.com

A Cushion.....I've had this sweet little vanity chair forever (see her pretty legs on the right)....it's seen many fabric changes over the years and will probably see many more...

 A Cupboard (table)....this is the little cupboard (table) that lives in the upstairs hallway...not really loving the palm trees!!!  The wood will stay as it is, but the palm trees on the door have got to go...they're not really my style!!!

Also on the agenda for this weekend is a little road trip on Sunday to see Daughter #2....that's where the cooking comes in....seems she's hungry for Lemon Bars....so I'm heading to the kitchen!!!


Hope everyone has an amazing weekend...get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather!!

'Till Next Time...

Enjoy!!!

WOW Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style!!!

Hello Friends,

I'm linking this wonderful chicken recipe to the WOW Us Wednesday party over at http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com !!

Not only is it delicious, but it's very photogenic!!!  LOL

Stop by and visit Kim's blog....she's got a beautiful home and great design style!!!







Skillet Lemon Rosemary Chicken

3/4 to 1 lb. baby red potatoes, halved or quartered, depending on the size

Kosher Salt

2 large springs of Rosemary, plus 2 Tblsp of the leaves

2 cloves of garlic, chopped

Pinch of red pepper flakes

Juice of 2 lemons (squeezed and halves reserved)

2 Tblsp. olive oil, plus some to drizzle in the pan

4 Chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on)

          10 oz. baby bella or crimini mushrooms, cut in half

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Clean and cut potatoes, put in sauce pan, cover with water and bring to a boil over med-high heat and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Season both sides of the chicken and

in a large cast iron skillet, or other large skillet, drizzled with olive oil, brown both sides of the chicken until the skin is very crispy. Remove from skillet to a plate and set aside.

Pile rosemary leaves, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes on a cutting board and mince together until very fine. Transfer this mixture to a bowl and stir in the juice of 1 lemon and the olive oil.

Add potatoes and mushrooms to the skillet and place the chicken on top of the potatoes and mushrooms and drizzle with the rosemary, garlic and crushed red pepper mixture, making sure to evenly coat each piece of chicken and squeeze the remaining half of the lemon over the chicken.

Add the 2 large rosemary sprigs and squeezed lemon halves to the skillet and place the skillet in the oven and roast, uncovered, until the chicken is cooked through. About 20-30 minutes.

Serve right from the skillet and don't forget to get some of the pan juices when serving the potatoes and mushrooms!!!

'Til Next Time...

Enjoy!!!

Another Party...Oh my!!!

Yep, I'm linking up to another party today hosted by Marty a http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com  ....she's got a great blog and is very talented!!!


Today she is hosting an Egg-cellent Spring Cloche Party so I thought I send my Easter Egg Cloche on over...

Stop over and check it out!!!

'Til Next Time...

Enjoy!!!

It's a Copy Cat Challenge!!!

Well, I did it...I joined my first link up party at Debbiedoo's (http://debbie-debbiedoos)  !!!  I decided to enter my Lazy Susan that I painted with a French motif that I showed you in my post on March 10...I've seen alot of these around the internet on various sites including Pinterest....it's a super easy project!!!  I used a $7.95 lazy susan from IKEA, stencils that I already had and black acrylic craft paint...this started as a plain, pine lazy susan...amazing what a little paint can do (wish I had a before pic)!!!

'Til Next Time...

Enjoy!!

Sometimes life gets a little crazy....

....and that's exactly what's been going on here lately!!! Some days there's just not enough time to get everything done....and on top of that I've got a major case of cabin fever!!! 
We've been taking the simple approach in the kitchen...just kind of going with easier, less time consuming meals...it's been kind of nice and it's given us some time to think about some other projects that we've got coming up!!!


So, even though I haven't done alot of cooking I've still got a couple of sweet recipes for you today....the apple tart was soooo good and the crust is super simple to make (thanks to Pioneer Woman) and the orange olive oil cake, may sound kind of strange but it is really yummy!!!

Apple Tart

For the crust:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

1 1/2 sticks butter, cold

3/4 cup vegetable shortening

1 egg

5 Tblsp. cold water

1 Tblsp. distilled white vinegar

Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl.  Add the butter, shortening.  Using a pastry cutter, gradually work the butter and shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles tiny pebbles.  This step should take 3 or 4 minutes.

Lightly beat the egg with a fork and add it to the flour mixture.  Next, add in the cold water and vinegar.  Stir the mixture together until it's just combined (I prefer to use my hands), be sure not to over mix.  Remove the dough from the bowl and wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

For the filling:

4 cups apples, peeled,cored and sliced (I used Empire), but use what you prefer

Sugar, to your taste

Cinnamon, to taste

2 Tblsp. flour, enough to thicken the apples

Mix all ingredients together.

Roll out pie crust to approx. 9 or 10 inch round and put on baking sheet.  Pile apples in center of crust leaving enough crust to fold over the edges of the apples about 3 or 4 inches.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes, until crust is nicely browned and apples are tender.

Glaze:

2 cups confectioners sugar

Milk, enough to make a drizzle consistency

1 tsp. vanilla

Whisk all ingredients together and drizzle over cooled tart.

Orange Olive Oil Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 Tblsp. baking powder

1 tsp. kosher salt

4 large eggs, separated

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup plain yogurt

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Zest from 3 oranges

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Generously spray a 10 inch bundt pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, whish together flour, baking powder and salt.  Set aside.

In another large bowl, beat egg yolks until they are pale and light; slowly pour in 2 cups sugar until it's completely incorporated.  Add the yogurt and olive oil and mix thoroughly combined.  Add the orange zest and vanilla, mix thoroughly.

Add the flour to the wet mixture in 2 parts, beating well after each addition, until just combined, scrape the sides of the bowl and beat an additional 5 seconds.

In a seperate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, Scoop 1 cup of the egg whites into the batter and using a rubber spatula fold into the cake batter, until combined.  Add remaining egg whites and continue to fold into the batter.

Pour the batter into the bundt pan and bake for 40-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Transfer pan to cooling rack and cool for 10-15 minutes.  Gently loosen the sides of the cake from the pan and turn onto the cooling rack. Cool completely.

Dust with powdered sugar or using the glaze recipe above, drizzle over the cake.

linking to: http://cozyhomescenes.blogspot.com and http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com

http://janesadventuresindinner.com

I wish I'd taken a before pic of this...

it started life as a very plain pine lazy susan that cost $7.95 from IKEA....it's amazing what a little paint can do!!!  :)

Next thing on my "To Do" list is my Spring/Easter Decorating....I'll let you know what I come up with!!

'Til Next Time....

Enjoy!!!

Update:  I linked my Lazy Susan re-do to the Copy Cat Challenge at Debbie Doos  @ http://debbie-debbiedoos and http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com, http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com, http://www.atthepicketfence.com, http://bringingbeauty.blogspot.com, http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com  
http://frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com
http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com
http://thespacebetween.wordpress.com

Spring Cleaning...Is it too early???

Good Friday Afternoon Friends....I don't know about you, but I'm in the mood for some Spring!!!  We've been very fortunate here with the winter weather this year...it's been VERY mild for this part of the country....but I'm ready to get outside and play in the dirt (not mud or snow)!!!  I'm so looking forward to planting and weeding and just BEING outside and going to the farmer's market for real fresh produce!!!

Until I can get outside, I guess I'll pass the time doing some Spring cleaning inside....it amazes me how much clutter accumulates over the winter months!!!  To keep my energy up while I'm working so hard, I think I'll make batch of homemade granola...it's wonderful by itself, as a cereal with some skim milk or mix it into Greek vanilla yogurt and you've got a great breakfast or snack!!!  Hope you'll give it a try!!!

Homemade Granola

4 cups rolled oats

2 cups coconut

2 cups slivered

1cup cashews

3/4 cup olive oil

1/2 cup honey

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. kosher salt

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix together until oil and honey are well distributed.

Spread on to 2 baking sheets and bake for 20-30 minutes, stirring half way through.

Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets.

Additional Ingredients (add after baking):

Craisins

Raisins

Dates

Dried Apricots

Dried Cherries

Chocolate chips

Have a GREAT weekend!!!

'Til Next Time...

Enjoy!!!

You Asked For It...

Hi Everybody...Today's post is for a couple of my friends that have requested one of my soup recipes...this soup is so yummy and my whole family loves it, especially Daughter #4....she likes it so much she asked for it for her birthday dinner!!!  :)

Chicken Meatball soup is one of those dishes that is hearty and warm but still on the light side.  Served with warm Italian bread...it's the perfect cozy evening meal!!!

Chicken Meatball Soup

For the meatballs:

1/4 cup bread crumbs

1/4 cup chopped parsley

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 Tblsp. milk

1 Tblsp. ketchup

3/4 cup grated romano cheese

1 large clove of garlic

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper

1 lb. ground chicken

  

In a meduim bowl stir together the bread crumbs, parsely, eggs, milk, ketchup, romano cheese, salt and pepper. Add the chicken and gently combine all ingredients together.

Using a teaspoon for measurement, roll meat mixture into approx. 1 inch meatballs.

In a large skillet or pot, heat  1/4 olive oil over medium heat.  Working in batches, brown the meatballs in the hot oil, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. 

When all the meatballs have been browned, remove from pan and set aside. 

For the Soup:

4 cups chicken broth or stock

3 cups grape tomatoes. cut in half

1/2 cup parmesian cheese, grated

2 cups Baby spinach

In the same pan that the meatballs were cooked in add the grape tomatoes and saute just until tender.  Add the chicken stock to the tomatoes and bring to a boil.  Add meatballs to broth and tomatoes and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and add baby spinach.

While soup continues to cook, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orrichiette pasta until tender.  Drain and add to soup.   Top with grated parmesian.

"Til Next Time...

Enjoy!!!  :)

linking to:  http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/