Perfect Steak

My secret: Dipping the steak in a combination of butter & oil, coating it with a generous layer of kosher salt  & cracked black pepper, & searing it over the hottest possible fire.

Fire up the grill until it's seriously hot -- hot enough to sear the outside quickly and form a crust.

To me the goal -- the perfect steak -- is defined by the contrast between the charred exterior & the warm, juicy center - medium rare.

Filet Mignon (is the only steak I like) but I prepare New York strip steak same way
unsalted butter
corn oil
kosher salt
cracked black pepper

Melt the butter over medium-high heat & skim the milk solids from the surface. Set aside to cool.

Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 30 to 40 minutes before cooking. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow the steaks to come to room temperature. Before grilling, I typically shape the steaks by gently pushing the sides into the center to create height. (height is typically more important than weight in my opinion)

Mix the oil & clarified butter on a large serving plate. Put the steaks into the oil-butter mix to coat each side, ( mixing oil with the butter helps it not to burn) then lift the steaks to allow the excess oil to drip off. (Make sure that the steaks don't have too much oil-butter mix on them, as this will create flare-ups on the grill.) Coat each side of the steaks with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. "You can't have too much salt on a steak," as it makes a great crust.  I like it just plain like this (sometimes i add a little garlic), but honestly most of the time i just like the simple flavor.

* I make a killer whiskey butter sauce & bernaise sauce, that I prefer vs. a bunch of spices on my steak.  Will share on a future post.

Place the meat on the hottest part of the grill. If at any time the grill flares up, move the steaks to the outside edge, returning them to the center when the flame dies down. Do not slide the steaks across the grill; gently pick them up with tongs. I have found the key is not to flip them around. Ultimately only flip the steaks 3 times, cooking each side twice for 3 minutes at a time (for a total cooking time of 12 minutes), to get a
med rare steak with adequate char.  I like to bring them in & finish in the oven, till the themometer reads 125.

Then key to let them rest without slicing into them about 10minutes or so.
Bon appetite!

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Dipped Frozen Oreo Banana Bites

Bananas ready to eat 

1. Creamy Peanut Butter
2. Chocolate Bark or melting chocolate of choice
3. Crushed Oreo Cookies

Peel then cut bananas into 1 inch pieces.
Melt peanut butter in microwave until very soft.
Roll bananas into peanut butter then place on a wax paper lined baking sheet.
Place in freezer for 20 minutes or until peanut butter has firmed up.
 Melt chocolate according to package directions.
With spoons, dip bananas into chocolate and place back on the parchment paper.
 Press cookies into sides of bananas so they stick in the chocolate.

 Stick back into freezer until frozen, about 1 hour. Serve with toothpicks or just pop in your mouth!

 

 

 

Reeses Peanut Butter Egg Cookies

After the Easter basket grass aftermath, this is a tasty treat to make from Reese Peanut Butter Eggs. They are crispy peanutbutter discs with a slight salty topping. Mmmm trust me they are so good, you will be hoping the Easter Bunny brings you your own peanutbutter eggs next year!:)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

3 Ingredients are all that is needed to whip these up!

• 24 snack size Reeses Peanut Butter Eggs, individually wrapped.
• 1 large egg
• Sea Salt

Unwrap all Reeses Eggs. Use food processor, Pulse until smooth. Next add an egg and again pulse until combined. Use ice cream scoop, & scoop med. Size dough on to a Pam sprayed cookie sheet.  With the heel of your hand, press each cookie down to about 1/2 inch thick.

What sets these apart is to sprinkle with sea salt. The salt heightens the chocolate sweetness. If these easter goodies weren't addicting enough before, well now you have one more guilty pleasure to look forward too.

Bake for 15-17 minutes or until cooked through and edges start to crisp.

Let cool for 15 minutes on baking sheet before removing to cooling rack.

Makes 12-14 cookies

NOTE: This recipe works equally well with individually wrapped snack size Reese Cups.

Devil's Surprise

OMG you've got to try this! I picked this recipe off the Hungry Girl Show... Brownie Muffins. They are somewhat goey yet kind of cakey. Very Very moist and rich. 

Healthy & Chocolatey goodness that is soooooooo easy. Really it doesn't get any easier than this esp. when its guilt free!  2 ingredients is all it takes to whip these babies up! 

Seriously, you would never know when you take a bite that this is what is in here.  I never knew how good pumpkin could be. It taste great & at the same time cuts the fat & sodium.

Preheat Oven  to 400 degrees.

1 box Devil's Food Cake Mix

15oz 100% Pure Pumpkin

Mix, & Mix & Mix some more until all the cake mix is whipped into the pumpkin.  Do NOT add any other liquid.  You will think its never gonna mix all together, but trust me just keep mixing and eventually it will all mix together.  Next time I will use my Kitchen Aid Mixer. 

Once its all mixed together, spray muffin tin with Pam.  It will fill 3 mini trays or 1 reg. size tray.

Bake at 400 for 20min.

That's it! Next time I think I will add banana pieces in just for an added something something. 
1 Muffin or 3 minis = 181 calories, 3.5g fat, 37g carbs, 2g fiber, 2g protein

CHOCOLATE TIP

Did you know that 48 Chocolate Chips is 1oz of Chocolate?

When eating healthier, but craving a little sweetness of Chocolate - 

experts say 1oz of chocolate is ok, and typically helps you not feel deprived.

One week out of the month 

or 

7 individual days per month 

is a great way to get a little fix & keep in mind the darker the chocolate the better!

ENJOY!!

Beer Grilled Cheese Sammies

This screams superbowl comfort food with a grown up twist!

I love homemade bread! Beer bread is easy & really takes this family favorite to a new level.  Cut into squares for a finger food for your next tailgating party.  Trust me its a total crowd pleaser! Serve it with the BLT salad. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it! :)

 Makes 2 (extra bread leftover)


INGREDIENTS:

Beer Bread

3 cups all-purpose flour

4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/3 cup sugar

One 12-ounce can or bottle of beer (I use whatever I have on hand – so use your fav)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Caramelized Onions

1 tbsp evoo

1 white onion, thinly sliced

1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Salt & pepper to taste

Dress your Sammy

2-3 teaspoons Dijon mustard* (optional) I Sometimes use my *Lemon Basil Aioli for variation

4 ounces Colby cheese

1 tbsp salted butter, melted

DIRECTIONS:

Make the beer bread:

Preheat oven to 350°F & Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Pour in beer, stir until a stiff batter is formed. Best to just mix dough with your hands. Scrape dough into prepared loaf pan. Melt butter & spread evenly across top of dough. (Makes it golden and crusty!)

Bake in preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let cool completely before slicing.

NOTE : You can also find Beer Bread in a box mix (Tastefully Simple) makes this even easier.

Caramelize the onions:

Heat evoo in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions to pan. Sauté onions until they begin to wilt, then add a pinch of salt and pepper, oregano and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat to medium low and cover. Cook covered until onions become soft and caramelized (about 40 minutes). Add more Worcestershire sauce to taste if you like.

Sear your Sammy

Preheat the flat griddle or skillet to medium-high heat.

For each sandwich: Spread a little Dijon mustard (or variation) inside one slice of beer bread. Layer on half of the cheese and onions and close the sandwich with a second slice of beer bread. Brush a little melted butter on top.

Sear for on each side till golden brown & until the cheese is melted. Carefully cut the sandwich in half, serve immediately & enjoy!

TIP - If serving for a crowd.

Cut these into quarter & stick with a fancy toothpick (Sammy Sliders) 

Serve with BLT Salad in the middle or

Put a big bowl of love on the table AKA Jamie's Loaded Potato soup.

Perfect anytime including Superbowl Sunday!

Creamy Comfort Chowder without the guilt

1 tbsp EVOO


1 scallion, white & green parts separated, thinly sliced

1 medium carrot, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

healthy shake red pepper flakes

Salt & ground pepper to taste

1 baking potato, peeled & cut into small cubes (or a pkg of cubed hasbrowns -quicker/easier)

1 pkg (10 ounces) frozen corn kernels

1 can (15 ounces) chicken broth

1/2 cup soy milk or Fat Free Milk
 
1/2 cup 0% Greek Yogurt (FAGE) - more if needed (adds creamy no guilt texture)
 
Cook Time: 15 to 20 minutes


In a medium pan, heat evoo over medium heat. Add white part of scallion, carrots, chili powder, red pepper flakes & oregano. Cook scallions, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 2 minutes. Add potato cubes, corn, broth, milk & yogurt. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook until potato is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in green part of scallion.

CLEAN CHICKEN CHILI SALAD

1Can Tomoatoes with Jalepenos
1Can Chili Tomatoes
1Can Northern Beans
1 Tbsp EVOO
1Cup Onions diced
1lb Chicken Tenderloins - cut into pieces
3 dollops Greek Yogurt - 0% fat (FAGE pronounced "fa-yeh")
1 Cup Raw Spinach

Spices - Garlic, chili powder, red pepper flakes*, white pepper, Paprika (I do it to taste - when in doubt - make it a tsp then add more or less as you decide what you like)
*Unless you like it pretty spicy don't put as much red pepper flakes.


GARNISH
1 tbsp Fat Free Sour Cream
1tsp chives
1 tbsp reduced fat feta


In a deep skillet or stock pot, add onion and lightly brown, then add EVOO & cut up chicken, let it brown well together.  Add spices & stir to coat well, then add all tomatoes, & beans, stir well.  Add in Greek Yogurt, stir it will begin to get thick and creamy looking, let it simmer on low for about 10min.  Right before serving, add in 1cup raw spinach. Stir well to coat, let it wilt some but just enough to soften. It adds texture, bit of brightness and bring the together the dish like a taco salad would taste without being dry. 

Garnish with sourcream, chives, & feta crumbles.

Prepared exactly as directed including garnish the nutrition breakdown per serving below:

SICILLIAN PAN BAKE

This is perfect comfort food for a party. Easy dipping & hearty for all your guests.  Typically there is nothing left, luckily since it is hot fresh out of the oven it lasts a little longer. (well if you are lucky) ;)

1. Make your favorite pizza sauce. My fav easy sauce. 1can Kroger tomatoes with basil, oregano & garlic in it. Add more spices to taste, I like red pepper flakes to give it a spicy kick, and more garlic, oh and onion can't ever have too much onion!  Let that simmer.


2. For the bottom layer: In a medium bowl, combine the 0% fat greek yogurt (fage), 1/8C Parmesan, 1egg, garlic and sicillian spices. Spread the mixture evenly into an oven-safe casserole (8-9-inch pie pan). Set aside.

3. For the toppings:  pepperoni in pan & stir until pepperoni is just crisp, 4 to 5 minutes, and then drain on a paper towel-lined plate. (usually pepperoni emits enough of its own oil) but if not add 1tbsp evoo.

4. Add 1tbsp evoo, red bell peppers & saute over medium-high heat until just starting to soften. Add the shallot, cook for 2 minutes, and then add the mushrooms. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes and remove from the heat. I also like zucchini & squash for more veggies in my bake & when being health conscious use a ¼ amount of the pepperoni or cut it out.

5. To assemble: Spread the pizza sauce over the top of the bottom layer of cheese, sprinkle with the pepper, veggie/mushroom mixture, and then the pepperoni. Evenly distribute rough chopped mozzarella over the top.

6. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the Parmesan.

7. Garnish with fresh chopped basil & and serve hot with breadsticks.

SPINACH SCALLOP HEAVEN

Add to skillet

8 scallops
...1 capful evoo


½ Lemon – squeeze juice in pan & on scallops before cooking
(if you warm the lemon for 20sec in microwave it makes the lemon juicier.)

Garlic powder, black pepper, Sicilian spice, light dashes to taste directly on the scallops. Lightly brown 5-6min total (don't overcook)

Splash of wine (I used Moscato I had on hand) (about 2tbsp if I measured)

Stir & get all the bits off the bottom of the pan.
Then add 1 dollop of Greek Yogurt (Fage) non fat plain (about 1tbsp if I measured)
stir quickly it will clot together to look sort of like parmesan cheese.

Run scissors over Chives ends twice (about 1tbsp if measured)
add this at the end right before taking scallops out of pan.

1 -2cups fresh spinach leaves in bowl
Smidge of reduced fat feta cheese crumbles (it was so good w/out not really needed) (2tsp if measured)

1can tomatoes (Kroger brand w/oregano, basil, garlic in can) I pour in a Ziploc bag & then just used 3 spoonfuls over the dish.



That was it! It was so good, I was slurping the broth at the end!! Lol

Nutrient breakdown per serving

according to “My Fitness Pal” iphone app –



140 calories

1g fat

35 cholesterol

301 sodium

8.7 carbs

2 g fiber

1g sugar

25.5 protein

60% Vitamin A

34.5% Vitamin C

10.5% Calcium

2% iron

AVOCADO'S

Did you know.... Pureed avocados freeze very well and can be used in salads, sandwiches and dips.

•Wash, seed and peel the avocado.

•Puree the flesh, adding one tablespoon of lemon juice for each two pureed avocados. Pack the puree into an air-tight container, leaving 1 inch of headspace.

•Seal and label the containers.

•Freeze and use within four to five months.

Limoncello

 Homemade lemon liqueur is as easy as pie.

Limoncello is a southern Italian lemon liqueur traditionally served cold as a digestif*.

It’s ridiculously easy to make:

Combine ½ cup lemon rind strips with 4 cups vodka, cover, and let stand for two weeks; strain and combine with simple syrup made from 3 cups water and 1½ cups sugar.

The higher the proof of the vodka, the more lemon flavor your finished product will have.


*Digestif definition, a drink of brandy, liqueur, etc., taken after a meal to aid the digestion.

Quick Blueberry Frozen Yogurt

Few more months until the official start of spring. Until then, here’s a tasty cure for the whole family to beat the winter blues: homemade blueberry frozen yogurt.  Frozen blueberries are available year-round, and in the off-season are usually better tasting than fresh ones being shipping long distances to your local supermarket. When mixed with yogurt, they make for a refreshing treat you can feel good about eating and serving. Did you know blueberries are considered a "superfood"? 

Makes 2 servings

For an added protein boost, try swapping in Greek yogurt.

1 cup frozen blueberries
½ cup vanilla yogurt

Add the ingredients to the bowl of your food processor and pulse a few times until berries and yogurt are fully combined. Serve immediately for a slushy treat or freeze until firm enough to scoop, about an hour.

That's it! How easy! :)

Zucchini Parmesan Hummus

Necessity is indeed the mother of invention, especially when it comes to a fridge full of zucchini. This recipe hits a homerun with my kids, and it disappears quickly at every family function too!

Makes about 2 cups

1 cup chick peas, drained & rinsed

1 cup roasted or grilled zucchini

Freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Add the chick peas, zucchini, lemon juice, cheese, salt and pepper to your Cuisinart food processor. Process until mixture forms a chunky paste, about 45 seconds. Slowly drizzle in oil and continue processing until hummus becomes smooth and creamy, one to two more minutes. Serve with cut up vegetables, crackers, pita or slices of baguette.

Poached Chicken Breasts

We are always looking for ways to eat healthy.  Poaching is a great way to infuse flavor into your dishes without using oil.  This is chicken is healthy and incredibly good. For special occassions serve with Blackberry Cabernet sauce I posted earlier.

2 cups water
1 cup dry white wine
1 bay leaf
1 slice onion, coarsely chopped
1 carrot, coarsely chopped
Leaves from 1 stalk celery, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
6 chicken boneless skinless breast
Blackberry Cabernet Sauce (see former post)

In a large pot over medium heat, combine the water, wine, bay leaf, onion, carrot, celery leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and boil 5 minutes. Add chicken bring back to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer 15 minutes. Turn off heat and let pot stand, covered, until cool.

Prepare Blackberry Cabernet Sauce and spoon over chilled chicken just before serving. To serve, fan out chicken slices on individual plates and top with sauce.

Makes 6 servings.

Blackberry Cabernet Sauce

This is a really good sauce that makes the ordinary appear special.  It's quite easy, & oh so flavorful!This sauce is good with Chicken, pork, shrimp & even duck.

2 cups blackberries
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup Cabernet Sauvignon wine (I like Estancia)

In a food processor or blender, puree and then strain enough blackberries
to measure 1 cup pulp.

In a large frying pan, saute onion in olive oil or until onions are transparent usually about 5min. Add the blackberry pulp, sugar, and wine. Simmer sauce until reduced to approximately 1/2 the original quantity. Remove from heat and let cool.

Refrigerate until ready to use.

TUNA VERA CRUZ

1 SERVING

TTL CALORIES 321

TTL FAT - 16G (14g Of that - come from1 Tbsp evoo)

...

Cholesterol 50mg

Sodium 371.8 mg

Potassium 170.1 mg

Total Carbs 9.2

Fiber 2.4g

Sugar 5.9

Protein 35.6g

Vitamin A 16.4%

Viitamin C 26.2%

Calcium 11.3%

Iron 10.8%

Dining Room Hutch Makeover

Projects are what get me thru the winter months.  The cabinet you see here is a two piece unit. The top portion is large curio cabinet with glass shelves, mirrored back, I will show you this redo later, its still in the garage.

Anyway, I took them apart, and sanded the bottom portion down heavily.  I have never really loved this piece as it was, but I've always thought it had really nice lines, and if I could decide on a finish, it would probably be a beauty when I was done. 

So a few weeks ago began tackling it. 

I was planning using the same aluminum leaf on it as I used on the turquoise tray show here now sitting on top of the hutch base.  After everything I read, it said to put a base coat on, before you apply the sizing liquid. 

I decided to apply a metallic silver coat, that way if the aluminum leaf didn't cover all the areas it wouldn't be a noticable as it was on the turquoise tray. 

Here is a shot after the first coat. I propped the piece up on wood blocks, as I didn't have anyone to help me move it.  The plan is to get the carpet ripped out this winter and put in handscrapped hardwood floors. So if I get any drips, well that's just more motivation to get the carpet ripped up! ;)

Change of plans.  As I applied the base metallic coats I began to like the way it was shaping up.  I did four coats of silver metallic inside and out.

Then I took 2parts raw umber and 1part glaze and stir well.  I wiped this on and then right back off, using cheese cloth.  Its important when doing this step to do it in one long  motion to cover the area you are working on.  That way the glaze doesn't bunch up in areas.  If this does happen, just lightly swipe over the area so that you remove it, without having to reapply to the whole area.  The raw umber just tones down the shine a little and in my opinion makes it look more opulent, like real silver.

I really LOVE the way it has turned out.

I feel like now its the special sparkle in the room. Just a little something to make the room seem like its celebrating us when we are in it! :)

The next project I'm contemplating, is gilding the chairs.  I'm nervous about doing the edges around the fabric, but after working with the leafing I think it is totally doable. If I mess up its ok because I really want to get rid of them anyway! ;)  

Doesn't the new hutch look perfect in this holiday setting. I'm also now in search of an 80" glass table top. Oh the plans swimming in my head. ;)

By the way, the metallic silver paint that I used on the hutch was a 16oz $4 bottle from Michaels in the craft section. It goes really far.  The glaze I already had on hand from various other projects. So this basically cost me $4 for the paint, $10.00 for the crystal handles I choose, and well I didn't even crack a sweat - its cold here you know. I still may add handles for the bottom, haven't quite found what I'm looking for, so I will just keep my eyes open.  I actually kind of like it just plain without any additional bling.

Very inexpensive way to turn this into something I now love!

How to get Paint OFF of Hinges, knobs, etc.

I have found over the years, that Baking Soda, Vinegar, & Hydrogen Peroxide can pretty much do everything! :) They have been Green for years! lol

So here's a quick tip that you might need someday.

I don't know about everybody else, but many times I'm starting a project I'm in a hurry, i'm always squeezing stuff in, in my life.  Like recently I decided to paint my vanity in my bedroom & my hutch. I did not have time to talk someone in to moving them for me, & I really didn't care about the pieces enough to truly prep them. Both are things that I have been wanting to get rid of for years, so any improvement in the items great.

One thing tho, I tend to change my mind OFTEN.  I like such a gamut of things that I tire of things easily, and my creative mind always wants to try something different.

So this tip is how to strip paint OFF of hardware, hinges, screws, knobs etc.  Anything that you might of decided to paint over without the necessary prep work, because at the time you didn't really care and it wasn't going to show anyway. 

All you need to do is...

Put a quart of water onto the stove, add in 1/4 cup of Baking soda & let it boil.
Drop in your hardware with paint, it will most likely start to fizz & you will feel like a mad scientist doing a science project! ;)  Wait about 15minutes, and then use tongs to pull out the first piece. The paint should show signs of peeling.  lay it on a paper towel, & allow it to cool for a few minutes.  Trust me that metal gets HOT - don't touch! Once it feels cool enough, You should be able to peel the paint right off.  If not, do the process over. 

This trick is something my Grams has sweared by for years. 
Her favorite motto (& mine too!) ... If it doesn't move - Paint it! lol :)

Super Easy Delicious Chocolate Pie

This is super simple & delicious. I'm posting in honor of Thanksgiving this week, so I have it handy.  Try it, your family will think you are a star!

1 & ½ C sugar
4 heaping T Flour
8 T cocoa ( or 2 packets of redi blend)
1 t vanilla
3 C milk
3 egg yolks
½ stick margarine ( 2oz)

Mix sugar, flour and cocoa, add milk mixed with egg yolks, cook until thick. Remove from heat, add margarine and vanilla

Pour into a baked 9 inch oreo crust or pie shell.  Bake 20 minutes at 325.
Top with Whip Cream.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Oatmeal Crumble Topping

My boys love yams. I'm posting so it will be handy this week.

6 cups mashed sweet potatoes (that’s about 5 or 6 sweet potatoes depending on how big they are)
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup melted margarine
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups of mini marshmallows (which will be used later)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

At this point your sweet potatoes should still be in the mixing bowl. Add in the brown sugar, the cream, the melted margarine, the cinnamon and salt. Mix well with a hand mixer until everything is mixed in. Then pour the mixture in to an 8 x 8 baking dish and spread it out equally around the dish.

Now make the Oatmeal Crumble.

1/4 cup rolled oats
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons cold margarine

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a food processor or blender place the oats in and pulse quickly two times; you just want to break them up just a little. Then pour the oats in to a bowl and put in the flour and cinnamon. Cut the butter up in to a few pieces and place in in to the bowl and then cut it into the oat mixture. Meaning take a fork and kind of mash it it to the mixture trying to incorporate it in to as much of the mixture as you can.
Sprinkle the topping over the sweet potatoes as evenly as possible and place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 55 minutes. Keep an eye on it though starting from about the 40 minute marker and the moment the crumble starts to get little brown remove it right away.

Then sprinkle on the two cups of mini marshmallows, cover it with aluminum foil and let it sit for 10 minutes giving the marshmallows a bit of time to melt in a bit

Gharam Masala

Have you ever tried looking for Gharam Masala in your grocery and can't find it? I have, I haven't been able to find it anywhere.

What is it? Gharam Masala from Hindi Gharam ("hot") and masala ("mixture") is a basic blend of ground spices common in Indian and other South Asian cuisines. It is used alone, or with other seasonings. The word gharam refers to spice intensity, not heat; gharam masala is pungent, but not "hot" in the same way as a chili pepper.

Over time I have put together a list of spices that are in in, and thought I would share here with you.

¼ cup Black cardamon pods

5 Cinnamon sticks, broken up

2 tablespoons Cloves

¼ Nutmeg seed, grated

¼ cup Black peppercorns

¼ cup Caraway or cumin seed

½ cup Green cardamom pods, husked

2 tablespoons Black cardamom pods, husked
3 Cinnamon sticks, broken up
¼ cup Cloves
¼ Nutmeg seed, grated
¼ cup Black peppercorns
¼ cup Cumin seed
½ cup Coriander seed
1 cup Green cardamon pods, husked
2 Cinnamon sticks, broken up
¼ cup Cloves
1 tablespoon Nutmeg, grated
¼ cup Black peppercorns
1 cup Green cardamon pods
5 Cinnamon sticks, broken up
¼ cup Cloves
½ Nutmeg seed, grated
¼ cup Black peppercorns
½ cup Black cumin seed
½ cup Aniseed or fennel seeds

Here’s how to Prep everything, so that you can save & keep on hand the next time your recipe calls for a bit.

First, roast the spices in a small, heavy-based pan over a medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly until they become a shade darker than their original color. The spices will also give out a distinct aroma and the pan will emit light fumes of smoke.

Next, remove the spices from the pan and grind them to a fine powder in a coffee grinder.

This will keep well when stored in an airtight jar for up to 6 months.

Blowing thru the JASMINE in my mind...........

I'm not sure anyone really knows how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE the smell of fresh Jasmine.  There is something about that scent that is completely intoxicating to me.  For some reason it reminds me of vacation.  As soon as I smell it I perk up and am in a better place. 

Awhile ago when shopping for vitamins, I found they also sold essential oils there.  Low & behold they had the Jasmine Essential Oil.  Open the cap and Mmmm the smell takes me to that place instantly.  It was 7.99 fo the bottle, which at first glance might seem like a lot, but you only have to use drops or half drops when putting it on. At first I was rubbing it on my wrist everyday, crazy I know but if it makes you happy well... you know the rest. DO IT

So yesterday I was at Michaels picking up more silver paint for my hutch redo, and I found these little spray bottles.  I immediately thought, perfect size.. I can make some homemade air freshner!

So in literally less than 5minutes this morning. I gathered a 3 items, the bottle, vodka, & the Jasmine oil.

I put about 20drops of Jasmine oil in the bottom of the bottle, then I took some old cheap Vodka, and poured it in the same bottle, shake well, and let sit for a minute. 

Voila, a really inexpensive air freshner or perfume, that I can't get enough of.  :)

The awesome thing with this recipe is, essential oils come in all scents.  Many have aromatherapy benefits.  Choose the one you love and follow the steps above. 

These would also make inexpensive hostess gifts, etc.  Get a pretty bottle, make a nice label, a little bit of ribbon. Today I went down the Vodka aisle at the grocery store and found you can get quite a nice size bottle for 3.99.  A bottle that size along with some essential oil could make several dozens of these. 

I so love this project. My whole house smells like fresh vacation.  I'm thinking I'm going to go back and pick up some lemon oil.  Another clean fresh smell I love.  Lavendar would be great in guest room, as Lavendar provides a cozy and restful benefit. 

If you try this, let me know what scents of essentials oils you love best.  Now I'm going to start looking for some pretty bottles, so I can keep this all over the house.  Can you tell I'm in love. :)


NOTE:  Another quick way to use a few drops of essential oil is to put it on a cotton ball and then wipe on to your lightbulbs. When your turn on the light, it will emit the smell.  Also works on candles, sprinkle a little bit and when you light them, it will also give off the scent.

Great Green way to freshen up your home.

Silver Vase

More silver leaf. I love the vases that I'm seeing in all the magazines.  I picked up this clear glass vase for a buck from the dollar store, and used few sheets of Aluminum leaf  inside of it, and voila I love the way it turned out!

Vanity Tray Redo

I decided to repurpose this turqoise plastic tray that I used for an "Easter Basket" so long ago.  Since I'm into the silver finishes, I decided I would try my hand at gilding.  I had help my dad Gold leaf a large floor to ceiling mirror when I was a young girl, and remember it to be a tedious yet very rewarding process.  As much as I love silver, I decided to use Aluminum leaf, because it never tarnishes, and the finish is a little brighter, which works great when you want to tone it down with a little raw umber & black glaze. 

 Here is what I did. I put the sizing liquid on it, and let it set up for 12hrs.

From everything I read, I knew it was a messy project. So I got a garbage bag and cut it open, and began.  As  you can see the silver/Aluminum is very thin

I bought a book of 500 sheets. They actually go quite far, i only used the first pack (25sheets per pack) to do the entire tray and still had 5 sheets left in the pack.

Carefully layout each piece onto the already sized surface. You can smooth out with a paint brush, or use your hands. I like to use my fingers as I felt like I had more control.  My surface had small edges, handle cutouts, and lip where the plastic went in and out, using my fingers I was able to use more of the leafing in these areas without wasting it.  I used a brush at the end to smooth the areas.

Here is the finished result.

I love it!

Metallic Cabinet Redo

I love some of the mirror furniture finishes out there. I have always been a silver girl at heart.  I also have comtemplated many times what I could do to my vanity to update it, until I replace it.  I have been considering moving walls, and now and addition which has kept me stuck from doing anything. The floor which I want changed, the vanity, the sink, the closet, etc.  If I knock walls down and or do an add on, it seems so pointless to make any kind of real changes right now.  I also have been wanting more storage, so I decided to just buy a unfinished wood cabinet that I could paint and get some of the creative urge out of my system. 

So I went to Lowe's picked up a cabinet, then I went to Michael's and picked up a bottle of silver Metallic craft paint, 16oz.  and the creating began.  You just can't imagine how much I love doing stuff like this. 

I forgot to get a before shot, but just think of a completely unfinished cabinet, and here is the after...

I wish that it was a little taller.  I would like to rip those bright vanity lights down, but I really have no idea how to do electrical work, so for now, i'm leaving them alone.

I added this decorative paper on the front in 12x12 squares to cover the "unfinished oak wood grain" that is so prevanlent in cheap unifinshed cabinets from the store.  It picks up the other colors in the room and just gives it a little pop.  Remember its just a temporary fix until I can make the real changes I'm wanting to do, and for now I'm loving it! :)

VANITY BEFORE

In fact, i loved it so much that I decided the next morning to tackle the vanity.  Since it was laminate I thought I better sand and prime it.  Because of that prep work, the finish turned out darker, but equally stunning. 

VANITY AFTER

Hot Vanilla

Last night I was craving something hot.  I am not a coffee drinker, just do not like that stuff on any level, not even the foo foo drinks my girlfriends drink! The night before I tried some hot Tea, but really that's not my thing either. I LOVE hot chocolate, but let's face it, its not great to drink that every night thru the winter, or I'm going to pick up some extra pounds.  After all... the day is finally over and I'm typically ready to collapse at this point.  Anyhow... my cravings were getting the best of me, when I had the idea, to take some French Vanilla Coffee Mate, and add it to milk.  I have one of those Bialetti Hot Chocolate makers, and trust me it is worth every dime. It makes THE BEST Hot Chocolate on earth, which is far superior to Hot Cocoa (which btw.. are really two entirely different things) nonetheless it also makes many other things, and last night I decided to go with the vanilla coffee Mate as is fat free, next time I will have to look into getting the low sugar.

Here's what I did,

10oz of 1% milk
1/4C French Vanilla Coffee mate
2tbsp of Malt Powder

mini marshmallows (optional)

Turn it on, and voila, it was literally scrumptions without the guilt. OMG, I could see drinking this every night.  Now if you don't have a Bialetti maker  to do this in, you could do the same thing with a pot on the stove, warm up the milk, add the ingredients, and stir well.  It won't be as frothy as the maker, but i'm guessing it will still be mighty delicious for a night cap without the guilt. 

I'm also betting that a little bit of white chocolate Godiva liquer could take this drink to a whole new level!  (Actually made it again tonight so I could add pics, & put the Godiva in, & YUM-O!)

Serve with or without mini marshmallows on top and even a little bit of fresh nutmeg, that stuff screams holiday goodness. :)

Enjoy!!