Happy Halloween ~

Happy Birthday Daniel!

Happy Birthday Daniel!

I love you so very much, what a wonderful day.

What a brilliant man  and husband you are!

love -Meg

Movie And Snacks Night, From Home

Daniel and I are both homebodies. We love just hangin around the house. Doing our thing. I guess that's because we both have worked late nights surrounded by so many people over the years. Having time to be at home and being comfortable sounds great to us. That's why we started a Movie night! It's so nice to spend  time with each other and friends watching a funny movie and making the night special by eating fun, delicious and a little more sophisticated snacks or appetizers than usual. It's great to mix things up! Being entertained and eating great food, sounds like the perfect night! I hope you  enjoy and make a couple of these snack and movie  options.

Some Snack Ideas-

Italian Nachos-

2 baguette french bread(sliced 1/4 inch thick)

olive oil cooking spray

 1 pound Italian sausage ( I use Jimmy Dean)

2/3 cup alfredo pasta sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 large tomato seeded and chopped

1 can sliced black olives,drained

1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

chopped fresh parsley if desired.

*Also use pita bread or bagel chips instead of french bread.*

Heat oven to 400'F. Line large cookie sheet with foil. On cookie sheet,arrange bread slices

with sides touching. Spray tops of bread lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile in 10 inch skillet cook sausage over medium heat (5 to 7 minutes) breaking in small pieces until browned and drain sausage. Stir in alfredo sauce and italian seasonings. Spoon sausage mixture evenly over bread,sprinkle with the tomato, olives and cheese. Bake a few minutes till cheese is melted.

Layered Nacho Dip-

2 (16 ounce) cans refried beans

1 (4.5 ounce) can chopped green chiles

1 package taco seasoning mix

1 package shredded Mexican four cheese blend

1 (8 ounce) container refrigerated avocado dip

1(8 ounce) carton sour cream

3 green onions, thinly sliced

2 cans sliced ripe olives, drained

1 large tomato, chopped

Combine first 3 ingredients, stirring well;spread into a slightly greased 7-x11-inch baking dish

or 9 inch deep dish pie plate. Bake at 350'F for 25 minutes or until throughly heated.Sprinkle evenly with cheese;bake 5 more minutes till cheese melts. Spread avocado dip over cheese;spread sour cream over avocado dip. Top evenly with green onions, olives, and tomato. Serve warm with tortilla chips or corn chips.

 Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms-

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic,minced

1 cup chopped pepperoni

1 cup canadian  bacon

1 package(3 ounce) cream cheese,softened

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

5 (8 ounce) packages baby bella mushrooms,stems removed

Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.Preheat oven to 350'F. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook for 4 to 5 minutes,or until onion and garlic is tender. Remove from heat. Stir in pepperoni, canadian bacon, cheeses, tomato paste, and italian seasoning. Spoon mixture evenly into mushroom caps. Place mushrooms on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve immediately.

Butterscotch Truffles-

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese,softened

1/4 cup confectioners sugar

1(11 ounce ) package butterscotch flavored morsels,finely chopped

1(8 ounce) package toffee bits

In a medium bowl,beat cream cheese and sugar at medium speed with a electric mixer

until smooth.Add butterscotch morsels,beating until combined. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Roll mixture into 1 inch balls.In a shallow dish, place toffee bits. Roll balls in toffee bits. Place in paper or foil cups, if desired. Store in refrigerator.

Turtle Popcorn-

6 quarts freshly pooped popcorn

1 cup butter

2 cups firmly packed brown sugar

3/4 cup light corn syrup

6 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 200'F

Place popcorn in a roasting pan;set aside. In a large saucepan,combine butter,brown sugar,and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over a medium-high heat; boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate, salt and vanilla. Let stand, stirring occasionally,until chocolate is melted and smooth.Pour over popcorn; tossing gently to coat well. Bake for 30 minutes, Stirring occasionally. Pour popcorn in a even layer onto parchment paper. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

~Just Desserts~

The holiday season is right around the corner. I think it's always wonderful to make something from the heart. Desserts are always special and show loved ones that you are truly thinking of them. A few years ago I really got my sweet tooth after I bought a old fashioned "Better Homes and Gardens, Cookies and Candies" cook book. The inspiration and love had begun. Before that I was always a salty, savory kind of person with only the occasional Baskin Robbins (mint chocolate chip) ice cream fix, or  my Mom's summertime strawberry shortcake, still my favorite dessert to this day! Show off your baking skills with a freshly baked pie or a comforting crisp or cobbler. Win over your family and friends with a delicious cake or cupcakes that look and taste like they took for hours to make. I hope you find these recipes simply scrumptious. Enjoy the desserts!























Praline Pumpkin Dessert-
1 can (15oz) pumpkin(not pumpkin pie mix)
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 package (1 lb 2.25 oz)golden vanilla cake mix with pudding ( or a  butter yellow cake mix is fine)
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts
3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
whipped cream,if desired
additional pumpkin pie spice,if desired


Heat oven to 350'F.Grease bottom and sides of 13x9 inch pan with shortening or cooking spray. In a medium bowl, beat pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar and 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
with a whisk until smooth. Pour into pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over pumpkin mixture.
Sprinkle with pecans. Pour melted butter evenly over top of dessert.Bake 50 to 60 minutes
or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.cool slightly. To serve, cut dessert into 4 rows by 3 rows. Serve warm or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with pumpkin pie spice. Store in refrigerator. So Yummy!!


Chocolate Dream Tart-
1/3 cup butter or margarine,softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 can (14oz)sweetened condensed milk
1 bag (12oz) semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla  and serve unsweetened whipped cream on top, if desired.
Heat oven to 400'F. In a medium bowl,cut 1/3 cup butter into flour,using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until mixture is crumbly. Stir in egg until dough forms. Press firmly and evenly against bottom and side of 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown; cool on wire rack. Reduce oven temperature to 350'F. In a 2-quart saucepan,melt 1 tablespoon butter over low heat. Stir in milk and chocolate chips. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted.Stir in walnuts and vanilla.Spread in baked crust. Bake about 25 minutes or until edge is set but chocolate appears moist in center.Cool completely in pan on wire rack,about 1 hour.To serve, top each slice with whipped cream.


Caramel Apple Cupcakes-
1 package (about 18 oz) butter recipe yellow cake mix plus ingredients to prepare
1 cup chopped dried apples
Caramel Frosting( recipe follows)
chopped nuts (optional)
Preheat oven to 375'F. Line 24 regular sized(2 1/2-inch) muffin pan cups with paper muffin
cup liners. Prepare cake mixture according to package directions.Stir in apples.
Spoon batter into prepared muffin pan. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove to racks;cool completely. Prepare Caramel frosting. Frost cupcakes.Sprinkle cupcakes with nuts, if desired.


 Caramel Frosting-
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
Melt butter in 2 quart saucepan. Stir in brown sugar, evaporated milk and salt
Bring to a boil,stirring constantly. Remove from heat; cool to lukewarm.
Beat in powdered sugar until frosting is of spreading consistency.Blend  in vanilla.


White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Fudge-
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
3(4oz)white chocolate bars,chopped
1(7oz) jar marshmallow creme
1(6oz) package roasted salted macadamia nuts,chopped


Line a 9x13inch baking pan with heavy duty aluminum foil,allowing to extend over sides of pan. In a medium saucepan,combine sugar,butter, milk, and salt over high heat,whisking often. Bring mixture to a rolling boil.Reduce heat to medium, stirring constantly,until mixture reaches 234'F on a candy thermometer.Remove from heat,stir in chocolate,marshmallow creme, and nuts. Spread into prepared pan.Cover, and chill for 4 hours,or until set.Cut into 1 inch pieces.Store,covered in refrigerator.


* White Chocolate Macadamia nut cookies are my all time favorite cookie, if you love the cookie you will love this fudge.It's also a great gift idea.Make a couple of different  kinds of fudge and give as a thanksgiving greetings, christmas gifts, holiday favors etc.*

~ From France With Love~

Since I was a little girl I have been drawn to all things French. I love their fashion style, architectural design, art history, food, music and the way they truly enjoy everyday moments and experiences. I haven't seen France in person yet, but were working on it! I hope you  have enjoyed some beautiful images that remind me of what we have to look forward to! C'est magnifique!

~ Picnic Time ~

Going for a picnic is so delightful, regardless of whether you have a pretty lake,beach or a grassy spot at your local park. Get outside, smell the fresh air and watch the leaves change. It's a great way to reconnect and enjoy one another. So grab your picnic basket and head outdoors.

- Some Fun Menu Idea's-


Chicken Caesar Wraps-
1 (3 1/2 pound) cooked rotisserie chicken
1 small head romaine lettuce,shredded(about 8 cups)
1 cup shredded Parmesan chesse
1/2 cup prepared caesar dressing
6 (10 inch) flour tortillas
Skin, debone chicken,discarding skin and bones; shred chicken.
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, lettuce,and cheese, tossing gently to combine.
Add dressing,tossing to coat. Divide chicken mixture
evenly between flour tortillas. Roll up tortillas to enclose chicken mixture.
(Time Saver-Purchase bags preshredded lettuce and Parmesan cheese to keep prep time to a minimum.)

Picnic Coleslaw-
1 (1 pound)bag old fashioned cole slaw mix
1 (11-ounce)can whole kernel mexicorn,drained
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup minced fresh parsley
1 red onion,diced green pepper,diced
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/8 cup splenda
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
In a large bowl,combine first 6 ingredients,tossing gently.
In a small sauce pan,combine apple cider vinegar,and remaining
ingredients; bring to a boil over medium heat.Remove from heat,let cool completely.
pour dressing mixture over slaw,tossing to coat.

BLT Stuffed Eggs-
6 large eggs,hard boiled and peeled
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 slices bacon,cooked and crumbled
2 cherry tomatoes,seeded and finely chopped
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
salt and pepper
Additional crumbled bacon for topping (optional)
Halve eggs lengthwise.Remove yolks and place in a small bowl.
Mash yolks with a fork and stir in mayo,bacon,tomatoes,and parsley
until well blended.Add salt and pepper to taste.
Fill eggs whites evenly with yolk mixture.Garnish with bacon,if desired.
Store covered in refrigerator.


Strawberry  Limeade - (Makes 3 quarts) Instead of just having soda try something new!
So refreshing-
2 cups sugar
3 cups hot water
3 cups freshly squeezed lime juice
2 (8-ounce)packages frozen strawberries;pureed or
1 pound fresh strawberries pureed with 1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 (12-ounce)cans lemon-lime soda
Fresh strawberries,lime wheels to garnish-
Mix sugar and hot water together until completely dissolved.Pour
into serving container.Add lime juice,strawberry puree and soda
to sugar/water mixture.
Garnish with strawberries,lime wheels if desired.


Something Sweet and Seasonal-
Pecan Dream Bars-
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar,divided
1/2 cup butter
4 large eggs
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup butter,melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 (8-ounce)package almond brickle chips


Preheat oven to 350'F.Lightly grease a 13x9x2 inch pan
In a small bowl, combine flour, 3/4 brown sugar, cut in butter with a pastry blender
until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press mixture evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 15 mins. In a medium bowl,combine eggs, remaining 1 cup brown sugar,corn syrup,and melted butter; stirring until smooth.Stir in vanilla,pecans,and brickle chips. Pour over hot crust.
Bake 30 minutes,or until set. Cool completely before cutting into squares..


Pack everything up, and enjoy a fall day!

~ Why We Love October~

 

October just makes us happy! From start to finish.From finding fun activities to do outside to celebrating holidays and birthday's (Daniel's). October is also one of the best month's,to enjoy all of our five senses, like eating and smelling a sweet caramel apple and a piece of pie, roasting pumpkin seeds, decorating and taking long walks in the cooler weather. Hearing and watching all the cute kiddies having fun on halloween.."Trick Or Treat"....It's the perfect month to feel like a kid again. Thats why we love it!