Christmas Cookie Memories

This holiday season was an amazing one for baking cookies.  Although we didn't get to do all the cookies we wanted, we did make some new ones from the norm.

My sister in law wanted to take her chances with Italian Butter Cookies.  With the appeal, she decided to give them a whirl.  After many teaks, they turned out FANTASTIC! She dipped the ends in milk chocolate and "Jimmies" of all different colors.  My favorite were the rainbow ones of course.  These cookies didn't stay around long after Christmas Eve dinner.  The recipe she used was from Cooks.com.

My favorite cookies are the ones my mom used to make, "Santa's Whiskers."  These contain candied cherries with the dough rolled in coconut.  You can find the recipe on Betty Crocker or Land O lakes websites.  For the first time this year, I didn't roll it in coconut.  My husband isn't a big fan.  The problem was that they were so moist and yummy, that they broke apart easily.  I still have a bag of all the pieces, perfect bite-sized yummies.

My next blog will be regarding my new testing of cupcake recipes.  These will be coming from cupcakeproject.com.

The Foodie Tour of Chicago

OK so I haven't given my foodie tour of Chicago yet.  Hope you enjoy!!

So Day 1 we started at Portillo's for Italian Beef Sandwiches.  Let me tell you, it was AMAZING!!!  We had them aloong with Sam Adams beers.

In front of Portillo's



We headed from there over to the John Hancock building where we had some cocktails and enjoyed the scenic view from atop the 95th floor.

The view from the 95th floor

Long Island Iced Tea and A Fruitie Concoction

From there we went back to our hotel to get changed and ready for the evening.  We started out at a couple dive bars near the hotel.  We then headed to Shaw's Oyster Bar. There we had the hot appetizer platter and the cold appetizer platter. These included blue crab claws, calamari and of course oysters.

The evening was topped off with a party on the rooftop bar of our hotel, Vertigo Lounge.  There I LITERALLY ran into Jeremy Piven, aka Ari Gold on "Entourage."

Saturday we put on our walking shoes and made our way to Navy Pier.  On the way we stopped at a little European Bistro for croissants with egg, bacon and roasted peppers.  Absolutely delish!  Especially great for hangover that I was nursing.

The rest of Saturday was spent hanging with Rascal Flatts and enjoying their "Flatts Fest."  Basically the whole reason why we went.  Since I won the trip from local radio station here in Atlanta.  :)

Sunday we awoke and we had to pack up and get ready to leave.  Unfortunately, nothing was open to get take out to bring home.  We were hoping to bring a pizza back and if we were lucky enough, some Italian Beef Sandwiches.  We were so bummed!!

We headed over to a cool breakfast place called "Eggsperience." It was a bright, lively place that was packed. 

Eggs Benedict with Lox and Tomato

With the short time we had in Chicago, we loved all the food we had.  I just wish there was more time to get everywhere I wanted to.  I'm sure we will have plenty more adventures there.  A great time was had by all!!

Please send me your fave foodie spots in Chicago.  Want to keep a journal!

Summer Recipe Swap

I wanted to put together some great Summer recipes for my readers.  I sell Pampered Chef and have a lot of recipes, so if there is something in particular you are looking for I would love to share!  All I ask is that you send me one in return.  Summer Recipe Swap we'll call it.

One of my fave pasta salads is Tuna Noodle.  Very simple.  Mayo, Elbow noodles, frozen peas and tuna.  How simple is that?  Of course you can add scallions, shallots or anything else you want.  It's a good basic!

Please send me your favorite recipes and I will send more of mine. If I choose your recipe to post, I will send you a $25 Pampered Chef gift certificate!

Have fun!

A Wonderful Easter Meal

So I hope everyone had a FABULOUS Easter!

We ended up having extra people, which made it fun.  I love a houseful at the holidays.

The Menu?

• Spiral Sliced Ham
• Roasted Asparagus
• Mashed Potatoes
• Buttered Corn
• Bread

We had great food, wine and great company!

Easter Appetizer Recipes

Found these on a post from Food Network.

Asparagus-Prosciutto Bruschetta

Prep

10 min

Inactive Prep

--

Cook

15 min

Total:

25 min

Directions

Thinly slice a baguette; arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 425 degrees F until lightly golden, about 7 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Toss halved asparagus spears with olive oil, salt and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast at 450 degrees F until slightly crisp, 7 minutes. Spread softened butter on the toast rounds. Top with sliced prosciutto and the roasted asparagus.



Barbecue Deviled Eggs (from the Neely's)

Directions

Mash 6 hard-boiled egg yolks, 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons yellow mustard, a dash or two of hot sauce, and salt and pepper. Mix in 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce. Fill the egg whites with the yolk mixture; top with sliced scallions and paprika.

Photographs by Levi Brown

 

In the Kitchen with the naked chef

So my husband decided to show me how to make mushroom risotto.

We started out with caramelizing onions and fresh white mushrooms with 1/2 stick butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then we added the Arborio/Risotto rice and slowly added 1 cup of Chicken Broth 4 times (32 oz.) as it absorbs into the rice.  Sirring occasionally.

Simmer til all liquid is absorbed and rice is fluffy.

Top with Fresh Parmesan Cheese for extra YUM factor!

Bon Appetit!!

Chicken-How do you like yours?

Well I cooked tonight, chicken with cheesy broccoli rice.


The chicken was so moist.  I put Crushed Garlic, Peppercorn and Chipotle rub on it. YUM!


So how do you like your chicken?  I usually like it breaded in panko and baked.  Side dishes are usually mashed potatoes and buttered niblet corn from Green Giant.


What are your favorites sides with chicken?


Post your faves here.