A Second Blog~

I just created a second blog dedicated to more of my professional interests.It's called "Fashion Spark"- I hope you all check it out! It caters more to fashion, style, and beauty trends.  Something new for The New Year. Hope you enjoy! http://fashion-spark.blogspot.com/

Happy New Year! Bring On 2010-

Merry Christmas~

Old Fashioned Sweets, For The Holidays~

During the Christmas Season I always seem to go back to more nostalgic, old fashioned recipes.Things my Mom passed down to us or recipes I have learned from friends or from my favorite vintage cookbooks. I just love making these  recipes every year! There is just something special  about old time recipes, like snippets of history and a peek into the past. Or having fun updating a recipe from long ago, by changing a few things to make it just as delicious, however saving time and clean up. Many of these recipes are also perfect for  holiday parties, for family and friends, hostess gifts, coworkers, gift bags etc. Nothing warms the heart more  then a tray of sweet goodies! Happy Holidays!

Peppermint Fudge-
1 1/2 teaspoons butter, softened
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 teaspoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped nuts

Peppermint Layer:
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy

Line the bottom and the sides of an 8-in x 4-inch loaf pan with foil. Grease foil with 1 1/2 teaspoons butter; set aside.In a small bowl , beat cream cheese until creamy.Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar, cocoa , milk and vanilla until smooth. Stir in nuts. Spread into prepared pan. Chill for 1 hour or until firm. For the peppermint layer, beat cream cheese in a small bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar, milk and extract until smooth. Stir in peppermint candy. Spread evenly over chocolate layer. Chill for 1 hour or until firm.Using foil , lift fudge from pan. Gently peel off foil. Cut into squares.

Chewy Coconut Macaroons-
2 1/2 cups flaked coconut
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 can (14 ounces) fat free sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract

In a bowl, toss together the coconut, flour and salt. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and almond extract until blended.( mixture will be thick and sticky.)Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 3 inch apart on baking sheets lightly coat with cooking spray. Bake at 300'F for 18-22 minutes or until edges are lightly browned . Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks. Store in a airtight container, So yummy!

Rocky Road Fudge-

4 -41/2 -ounce milk chocolate bars
3 cups miniature marshmallows
3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Partially melt chocolate bars in microwave; remove  beat until smooth. Stir in marshmallows and nuts. Spread in a buttered 8x8x2 inch pan. Chill - Cut when firm.


Penuche- (Rich and creamy brown sugar fudge)

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup light cream
1/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 teaspoon good vanilla
1/2 cup chopped pecan's

Butter sides of heavy 2 quart saucepan. In it combine sugars, cream, milk, and butter.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, till sugars dissolve and mixture comes to boiling. Then cook to soft ball stage (238'), stirring only if necessary.Immediately remove from heat and cool to lukewarm(110') without stirring. Add vanilla ,beat vigorously till fudge becomes very thick and starts to lose it's gloss. Quickly stir in nuts and spread in buttered shallow pan or small platter, score in squares while warm; cut when cool and firm.

*Helpful Tip*When making any kind of  fudge or candy I like to always use a  candy thermometer. I have also learned by trail and error while making fudge, to always make sure the granulated  sugar is totally dissolved or it will give the fudge a grainy texture. And you can't fix it after that point.

~ This next recipe is a new take on my Family's Classic Holiday favorite, Cherry Cheesecake. 

White Chocolate Cherry Pie-
1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons sugar 1/2 cup butter, melted
6 (1 ounces) squares white chocolate
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 (21 ounce)can cherry pie filling

Preheat oven to 350'F, in a medium bowl, combine cracker crumbs and sugar. Add butter, stirring to combine. Press mixture into bottom and up sides of a 9 inch deep dish pie plate. Bake for 5 minutes. Cool Completely. In a medium bowl , combine white chocolate and cream. Microwave on high in 30- second intervals, stirring between each, until chocolate is melted and smooth; cool for 10 minutes. Add cream cheese, and beat at low speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spoon mixture into prepared crust; chill for 2 hours. Just before serving, spoon pie filling evenly over white chocolate mixture. Cut into wedges to serve. So Decadent and Delicious!

Almond Toffee-

1 1/2 teaspoons plus 2 cups butter, softened, divided
2 cups sugar
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 package (11-1/2 ounces) milk chocolate chips
1 cup finely chopped almonds, toasted

Line the bottom and sides of a 15-in. x 10 in.-x 1 inch pan with foil . Grease the foil with 1 1/2 teaspoons butter; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, melt remaining butter. Add sugar, water, and the corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 290'(soft-cracked stage).
Pour into prepared pan. Cool for 4 minutes. Sprinkle with chocolate chips; let stand for 3 minutes. Spread melted chocolate evenly over candy. Sprinkle with almonds; press down lightly. Cool until chocolate is firm. Break into bite size pieces. Store in airtight containers.

We Now Love Wednesday Nights!

Great Shows On ABC this Season, have you seen them?

Christmas Memories~

Memory - Definition: Faculty from the mind by which it retains the knowlege of previous thoughts or events. Time within which past events can be remembered. State of being remembered.

Christmas is thee memorable Holiday in my house, Growing up with and to this day my parents delighted in always giving us kids a sweet, wonderful  and special Christmas experience. We have many fun holiday family traditions, which have been passed down to us. From having a big picnic "buffet" indoors on Christmas Eve, reading  stories and verses from the Bible aloud , singing beautiful Christmas songs from the piano as well as a special performance from Daniel and Alex on the guitar. We also would drive around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights, or going to see The Nutcracker ballet. My Mom and Dad would give us a present from "Santa"; super cute and cozy PJ's on Christmas Eve then it was off to bed for some wonderful dreams.
Christmas Day is a  very fast moving and exciting  experience in "The Adams" household it's an early morning of surprising each sister with a cheerful wake up call, then getting ready for  pictures by the tree and unwrapping gifts and then stockings.  After resting for a little while, we all sit down for the best breakfast ever laughing and telling stories, also enjoying Christmas movies and music! Then, we begin helping my Mom with preparing for the big Christmas dinner!  Daniel  remembers his sweet family and the wonderful times they shared during the hoilday season  in Michigan. His Mom baking and wrapping gifts and decorating the house, playing in the snow with his younger brother Jay and all his cousins. Having many snow days off from school. Picking out the perfect Christmas Tree with his Dad. Spending time with his Grandparents "The Harvey's" and of course "The Brown Family" and waking up on Christmas Day, lots of family amazing food and stories told around the Christmas table. We have such heartfelt family memories and stories over the years.
Since Daniel and I are staying in Florida  for our own Christmas this year. We decided to share some of our Christmas pictures of the many, fun and blessed holiday times we have had . I hope it doesn't make us to melancholy but helps us to appreciate and treasure all the wonderful times that we cherish, what a wonderful family we have and how lucky we truly are. We wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hope you enjoy our photo collection. 

Peace and Love - from "The Brown 's".

Comfort Food~ Relax And Unwind

Despite our busy lives today everybody still loves good home cooked food and it rightly occupies a central place in our hearts and on our tables. A home cooked meal is always something to look forward to. A quick midweek home cooked meal is a relaxing and comforting end to the day or a perfect antidote for days we're not feeling great and everything has gone wrong!  Like when it's cold and nasty outside or it's been a stressful week. Comfort food also helps us to unwind at the weekend with a lazy brunch or a long , relaxing supper featuring familiar dishes. Like a wonderful, substantial casserole or a tasty and filling  bowl of soup. We all deserve an extra-special treat sometimes like a cup of ultimate hot chocolate and oatmeal cookies.I have found that these recipes are healthy, economical as well as fun and easy to cook. So take an opportunity to relax and unwind- either alone or in the company of family and friends.
 Comfort Food- YES PLEASE! Here are some of our Favorites..

Mac and Cheese-

1 ( 8ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups milk
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon onion salt
2(10 ounce)blocks sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 4 1/2 cups) and divided
1 cup soft breadcrumbs
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain well. Set aside
Place milk, flour, and onion salt in a quart jar;cover tightly, and shake vigorously
1 minute. Stir together flour mixture, 3 1/2 cups cheese, add macaroni. Pour macaroni mixture into a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking pan or 2 (11 inch)oval baking dishes. Sprinkle evenly with breadcrumbs and remaining 1 cup cheese; drizzle evenly melted butter. Bake at 350'F for 45 minutes or until golden brown. I also use mild cheddar cheese instead of sharp cheddar and also include chopped cooked ham before baking. My all time favorite Comfort Food!

Baked Spaghetti-

1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1(15ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 water
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons  house seasoning(recipe follows)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
2 small bay leaves
8 ounces angel hair pasta
1 (8 ounce) package cheddar cheese, shredded
1 ( 8ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded

House Seasoning-
1 cup salt
1/4 cup ground black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder

In a large saucepan, cook ground chuck, pepper, onion , and garlic over medium heat,
stirring until beef is browned and crumbly and vegetables are tender; drain well.
In a large dutch oven , combine meat mixture, crushed tomatoes , diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, parsley, italian seasoning, house seasoning, salt, sugar and bay leaves.Bring mixture to a boil , stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove and discard bay leaves. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain well, set aside. Preheat oven to 350'F. Spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with non stick cooking spray. Spoon one-third of sauce mixture over the bottom of prepared baking dish.Top with half of pasta, then one-third of cheese. Repeat layers, ending with sauce and reserving remaining one-third cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes. Top with remaining one third cheese, and bake for 10-15 minutes longer, or until cheese is melted. Remove from oven, and let rest for 10 minutes before cutting into squares to serve.

Chicken Tortilla Soup-
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion , chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed tomato soup
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 1/2  cups chicken broth
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/4 teaspoon ground  black pepper
1 cup frozen yellow corn, thawed
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
Garnish: sour cream, shredded mexican blend cheese, chopped avocados

In a large dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion , red pepper and jalapeno; cook for 4 minutes. Add garlic , cook 2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes , condensed soup , chicken , chicken broth , cumin , salt , chili powder , poultry seasoning , pepper , stirring to combine , stir in  corn , cream , cilantro. Stir in chips and cook uncovered until heated through. Garnish with sour cream, cheese, avocados , if desired. Serve immediately.
Note: Soup can be made ahead and frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator.

Artichoke Spinach Lasagne-

1/2 cup chopped onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can (14-1/2ounces) vegetable or chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 teaspoon each ground nutmeg and  black pepper
1 can (14 ounce) water packed artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained, and quartered
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 jar (16 ounces) roasted garlic Alfredo or Parmesan and mozzarella pasta sauce
12 no cook lasagna noodles
3 cups (12 ounces) shredded part skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup crumbled tomato and basil feta cheese or feta cheese
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon each dried oregano, parsley flakes, and basil

In a large saucepan, saute onion and garlic in oil for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
Stir in the broth, rosemary, nutmeg and pepper. Bring to a boil . Add artichokes, spinach and mushrooms. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in pasta sauce.
Spread 1 cup sauce mixture into a greased 13x9inch baking dish. Top with three noodles and 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers three times. Top with remaining sauce mixture and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with feta cheese, garlic powder, oregano, parsley and basil
Cover and bake at 350'F for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

Cheese  Garlic Biscuits-

2 cups Original Bisquick mix
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter melted
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Heat oven to 450' F. In a medium bowl stir Bisquick mix, cheese, milk until soft dough forms.
On a  ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by spoonfuls. Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. In a small bowl , mix the butter, garlic powder. Brush over warm Biscuits. YUM!!

Spicy  Oatmeal Cookies-
1 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup each packed brown sugar and sugar
1 cup old fashioned oats
1 cup swirled milk chocolate and caramel chips
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large bowl, beat the butter, egg, and vanilla. Add the remaining ingredients. Mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inch apart onto a ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350'F for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.

Dreamy Hot Chocolate-

1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 1/2 cups hot water
mini marshmallows or whipped cream-

In a large saucepan add milk, cocoa, vanilla, salt. Mix well medium heat. Stir in water. Don't boil. Enjoy a little Chocolate Therapy !

A Must See~

Every year we enjoy watching  "A Christmas Carol" movie, in all the many productions over the years. It's one of our favorites,we always look forward to seeing it. Disney's new version  in 3D is simply masterful and  magical. It was such fun! Which put us right in the Christmas spirit. We highly recommend it, let the Christmas Season Begin- Enjoy!