Monday, December 31, 2012

2013



         This New Years eve we decided to have a low key gathering with my Sister, Brother in Law, and some close friends. Slowly this smallish gathering has evolved into something just a wee bit bigger. Never the less, I am so so excited to ring in 2013 with our friends and my new Husband. I'll be spending the day prepping food and drinks and day dreaming of my first new years kiss as a newly wed. 2013 is going to be magical and I cant wait!
Happy New Years to you and yours!! xoxo

Friday, December 21, 2012

Santa's NEW favorite cookie

I don't think I've ever met a cookie Santa wouldn't like. But these just take the cake, err cookie...
The combination of bacon, no not regular bacon, CANDIED bacon is unreal. For real. I followed this recipe to a T. I'm so not gonna hide the fact that I literally ate these cookies for breakfast the next day. They are THAT good. My Husband took some to work with him and I heard I am now a bit of a celebrity over there (not that I'm complaining). When, not IF, but when I make these again, I'll sprinkle just a dash of sea salt on top to amp them up.
       
Note: To candy my bacon I laid them out on this handy bacon making tool, smothered them in brown sugar and popped them in the microwave for about 4 - 5 min. You can also bake them on a wire rack for 20 min...but really, when your anticipating eating possibly one of THE best cookies ever, who has 20 min to spare!

OK now I dare you make these for Santa and NOT eat them all. Go on I dare you!
Have a happy Christmas!! Be back after the holidays!
xo

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Christmas Boozing with Jello Shots

White Chocolate Peppermint Jello Shots

These are super yummy! And they make any holiday party festive and fun!

Ingredients:
• 1/3 cup Skinny Mixes in White Chocolate Peppermintini flavor. (if you don't have this please see my note below)
• 3 tbsp water
• 2 envelopes Knox Gelatin
• 1/2 cup Godiva White Chocolate liqueur
• 1/2 cup Vanilla Vodka (reduce to 1/4 cup for a slightly weaker shot)
• 2 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream liqueur
• Crushed candy cane
• White Chocolate Chips (optional)

To prep your molds or pan lightly spray with oil. Then wipe away leaving just a light unnoticeable film. 

Pour the Skinny Mixer and water into a sauce pan and sprinkle the gelatin over the mixture. Allow it to soak up for about a minute. Turn the heat on to low and mix until everything is dissolved, about 3-5 min. When its ready add the peppermint extract, all the alcohol and mix well until everything is incorporated. Pour into molds (I used a mini muffin pan) leaving a little bit left over for later if you want to add the chocolate chip filling. If not then use up all the mix and let it set over night.
             To add the chocolate chip, let them set for about 1/2hr till it's just sticky to the touch. Place a single white chocolate chip in the middle and push it into the shot with a tooth pick. Carefully spoon over a little of the leftover jello mixture to cover up the hole. Let it set over night or for about 8 hours.
           Before serving garnish with some crushed candy cane (do not add garnishes till your ready to serve as they will melt, even in the fridge). Then get ready to get a bit tipsy!

Note:
You can cub Skinny Mixes with:
1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk and adjust the peppermint extract to your liking.




Monday, December 17, 2012

A Day to Reflect...


My Heart is heavy today. As I'm sure the entire nation is still feeling the emotions after the horror that took place at Sandy Hook elementary school in Newtown Connecticut.  On this Monday when the rest of us are getting up, going to work, sending our kids to school, there are 20 little people and 6 adults who don't get to do that. Who's families lives are forever changed. I cant even fathom what they must be going through. But today I will think of them and I will pray for them. For the little lives lost, and the Heroes who risked it all. Their families and friends and the entire community of Newtown. Today my heart is with them.

Friday, December 14, 2012

A Friday Find


Remember this little Kate Bosworth ensemble? Sure you do. You must have been as obsessed with it as I and every other fashion obsessed female was. Well, After a quick stop in Old Navy to buy some little doggy stocking stuffers, I passed their table of these critter crews and noticed the sign, $15! Now if that's not a steal I don't know what is. They are super soft, and have a really great fit. Unfortunately they are no longer available on line, Although it seems people are selling them on ebay for double the original price! So if your out and about this weekend doing some last minute Holiday shopping, do stop in Old Navy and snatch some up. I can tell you the Old Navy on 34th street has quite and abundance of them right now and I'm thinking they will make some really great gifts! Happy weekend and happy shopping!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Butternut Squash Frittata

This weekend my brother-in-law came to visit. Whenever we have visitors my favorite thing to do is to prepare a special breakfast. Typically I make it indulgent, and sweet. Like pumpkin pie pancakes, I've posted about here. This time I wanted to cook up something a bit more savory. I had a fridge filled with butternut squash from my husbands butternut squash soup he made earlier in the week, so I knew I wanted to use that up somehow. After a quick search I came across this recipe and it sounded interesting enough to try out. I made a few adjustments to the recipe and it really turned out super! Everyone even went in for seconds.

My adjustments were:
Sub Kale for Spinach
Omitted the mushrooms (My Husbands hates them, sigh...)
Omitted the sage
Sub the gruyere for goat cheese
I used almond milk instead of a diary milk

Monday, December 10, 2012

Fa La La La LIPSTICK

Stocking stuffers have to be my favorite part of Christmas morning. Any of these Too Faced La Créme super creamy lipsticks would make any girl swoon. These 4 colors are in my weekly rotation right now.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Bacon & Maple Pancakes

 Happy Friday!
 This weekend I intend to do a lot of indulging. And I'll start by making these perfect, crunchy, salty, sweet pancakes.

 I use this recipe for the base of my pancakes and they always come out perfect. Just add super crispy pork bacon or turkey bacon and top with more crumbled bacon, and drizzle the best maple syrup you can find! A Perfect way to start a Saturday morning. Have a wonderful weekend!