Tag Archives: blue

Food, Friends

{Insta}recipes ~ Cheeseburger Calzone

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Last week one of my Instagram friends, Melissa, posted a cheeseburger calzone picture and was gracious enough to type out the recipe on her iPhone WITH a cast on one hand! Thanks, girl!

So, this was what was for dinner last night. I could hardly wait to make it since I had never made a calzone before.

Elliott suggested, “How about Sundays are ladies cook nights!”. I couldn’t say no to that so we donned our aprons and got to work.

Here is the ingredient line-up:

1 tube Pillsbury French Bread loaf

1 pound ground beef or turkey

1/2 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup Ketchup

1/4 cup Mustard

6 slices cheese {I used pre-shredded cheddar}

Pickles

Brown your ground beef with the onion and garlic. Add the ketchup and mustard and mix together. Roll out your bread {this is where it gets sketchy…I don’t know if you’re supposed to unroll the dough by hand as it comes out of the tube and THEN roll it with a rolling pin or just roll it out directly as it comes out of the tube which is what I did. I had trouble getting it into a big flat piece which is what I envisioned} At any rate, I ended up cutting it in half and having two long pieces of dough. Lay the bottom piece of dough on a greased {with Pam} pan, put cheese, pickles and then the meat down the middle, leaving a little room on the top and sides. Add the top layer of dough and press the edges together {I also got a fork and pressed down to seal and give it those little lines}. Put a few slits in the top to vent and bake according to package directions {26-30 minutes at 350*}. Let cool for about 5 minutes, slice and serve!

{not the prettiest calzone I’ve ever seen, but still delish}

I served ours with blue cheese coleslaw.

Three quarters of the family thoroughly enjoyed it…Holden opted for a ham sandwich. Surprise.

*****

Happy Monday!

Family, Friends, Fun

Something Blue

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Linking up again today over at Angel Face Designs for another fun Saturday post in Heather’s {Hello, I Love You…} series!

Today the prompt is BLUE.

Hello, aqua piano…

{via}

{Told Jay I wanted to buy an old piano and paint it….he said may not be a good idea because all the paint might affect the way the piano sounds. Uh, your point? Who cares how the piano sounds when it looks this cute? No offense, babe, if you’re reading}

Hello, peep toe pumps with sweet rosette…

{via}

Hello, ever so faint blue door…

{via}

Hello, beautiful isle of Capri…

{via}

I will visit you someday.

Hello Blue Velvet Cake…

{via}

I will bake you someday.

Hello, blue lifeguard tower on a Saturday morning in Hermosa Beach…

{and hello cute little beachgoers!}

*****

Food, Frugal Finds

Kids Eat Free

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Tonight Holden ate FREE at Casa Aspiras.

Our Target recently underwent the {fresh food upgrade} and we’ve gotten a couple free coupons to come and check it out. I’m in there at LEAST once a week so why not grab some free eggs and a free box of Kraft mac n cheese, right? Those two are staples in our house.

Holden chose the Perry The Platypus mac n cheese and that was his dinner ~ almost the whole box. Done.

Elliott had leftover Thai food and leftover jasmine rice. Done.

Jay and I sampled some Pasta Fagioli {recipe coming soon} that I made and polished off the baby backs from last night!

For our anniversary dinner I made Mel’s slow cooker baby back ribs.

The best baby backs I ever had were in OKC while there on business about 8 or 9 years ago. I’ll never forget them. Because of those ribs I have to ask at every restaurant, “Do your baby backs fall off the bone? I mean really, literally FALL off the bone? If not, I will send them back!” If I sense any hesitation from the waiter, I will order something else. That is how serious I am about my ribs. I have never made them in a slow cooker, but figured if I did them on low for 8 hours they couldn’t help but separate from the bone….and that is exactly what they did! The sauce is a cherry dijon BBQ sauce and it couldn’t be easier to prepare. We will be making these LOTS more ~ thanks, Mel!

We paired these up with some blue cheese mashed potatoes {3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed and boiled until fork tender. Melt some butter [4 tsp] and a small carton of whipping cream [1 cup? the teeny tiny one] in a sauce pan and add that to the potatoes after draining. Pour in about half to 3/4 container blue cheese with some salt & pepper and mix with a hand mixer or low on your Kitchenaid until blended and creamy} and some boring steamed broccoli.

For dessert, I made one of Jay’s and my all-time favorites, tiramisu. This was a first for me to actually make and I was petrified because there are all kinds of raw eggs going on in this dish, but we lived to tell about it.

I followed this recipe.

It was magnificent. Don’t let the raw eggs scare you…I would not feed it to the kiddos or anyone that has an compromised immune system just to be on the safe side.

We may have had some tonight, too, and it is better the longer it sits….so I’ve heard. 😉

*****

This is a fancy dinner {the ribs not the Perry the Platypus mac n cheese} that you can literally enjoy on a weeknight. Stick the ribs in the crock pot in the morning and they’ll be ready by din din. The mashed potatoes can be made a day ahead or over the weekend and keep well in the ‘fridge for a couple days. They reheat really well. And the broccoli, that’s just there so you don’t feel too guilty about the tiramisu, but you could substitute any veggie or a green salad for that if you’re not a fan.

Happy Monday, friends. I hope your weekend was fabulous.

Tomorrow I will be announcing a little giveaway which is a bundle of some of my favorite things…stay tuned!

Nighty night.

Food

Cooking With Whine

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We had 16 eggs that needed to be used. I decided to take 10 of them and do a baked frittata for dinner this evening.

{I was afraid Jay was going to say,”Babe, it’s not Friday…why is there no meat in this meal?”}

No, he wouldn’t {dare} say that, but folks, that’s what was being served up this evening and if you didn’t like it, you know where the nearest Chipotle or Chick-fil-A is.

I also cut up a cantaloupe to go with…..

While I was prepping the frittata, all I heard was whining, whining, whining!

Ugh!

“Holden, don’t do that!”

“Moooom, El-yit threw my monster truck in the trash!”

“Holden hit me!”

“Can we go outside?”

“I wanna go outside…it’s not night time yet!”

“Where’s my lip gloss?”

Ugh!

Why do they always lose it {extra big time} RIGHT when it’s time to get {the vegetarian} dinner started?

Back to the frittata…

Asparagus, Blue Cheese & Caramelized Onion Frittata

You’ll need:

10 eggs

1/2 cup whole milk {that’s all we had, but I’m sure you could use lowfat, skim or even heavy cream!}

1/4 to 1/2 onion, sliced thin

bunch asparagus, cut into 1.5 inch pieces

1/2 cup blue cheese

Salt & Pepper

Start by caramelizing your onions. In a small pan, warm a little butter and olive oil on med-high heat. Add the onions along with just a sprinkle of brown sugar. Stir, stir and stir some more for about 5-7 minutes until they are dark brown, but not burnt. Keep stirring! Let them cool off to the side while you get the rest ready.

Even though the asparagus was pencil thin {which I normally don’t buy} I blanched it anyway to make sure it would be tender enough. Just bring some water to a boil and drop the cut asparagus into the water for about a minute. Then put it in a ice bath {just some ice and water in a bowl} to cool and stop the cooking so that it stays bright and doesn’t overcook.

Whisk the eggs and the milk with some salt & pepper. Add in the caramelized onions, the blue cheese and the asparagus. Pour into a buttered dish {I used an 8X11} and bake at 350* for about 35 minutes.

{I took ours out after about 30, added the whole stalks of asparagus on top and put it back in the oven for about 5 minutes}

*****

Despite the whining, this meal was delish…even Jay loved it!

And so Spring!

And I FINALLY picked the perfect cantaloupe. Generally I am not very good at picking melons.

Linking up to {What I Whipped Up Wednesday} over at Sugar and Dots. Come over and see what else is being whipped up!

*****

Have a beautiful Thursday! Looks like it’s going to be gorgeous!

Food

The Happiest Sandwich On Earth

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I remember years {and years} ago my Mom ordered a Monte Cristo sandwich at The Blue Bayou Restaurant at Disneyland.

At the time I had no idea what it was, but once I took a bite, I knew it was something special. Like a mash up of french toast and ham & cheese. With powdered sugar. And maple syrup.

Julie over at Joy’s Hope introduced an updated, much healthier version of this ‘wich and I immediately knew it was on our Saturday lunch menu.

All you need is a tube of crescent rolls, some ham or turkey {or both} and queso of choice. I used honey ham and swiss. I finished them off with a light dusting of powdered sugar and seedless blackberry jam.

{Just follow Julie’s easy tutorial to put these sammies together}

I served it with some mini banana & blueberry skewers.

These were fantastic and I could close my eyes and imagine sitting {outside} at the Blue Bayou as park goers climb on the Pirates Of The Caribbean boat ride.

This may very well be the {happiest lunch on earth}.

Enjoy!

Friends, Fun

Admit One

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We rarely go to the movies.

I always tend to fall asleep, so $14 {or whatever the going rate at the local box office is these days} is a lot to pay for me to doze off.

I think the last movie we saw was TS3 over 4th of July weekend!

However, last night I saw the previews for Blue Valentine.

{via}

I SOOOO want to see this. However, I think my Valentine will have zero interest, but since it’s a Sundance film, maybe he’ll want to join me.

If not, I will be going to see this at the theaters.

Holla at me if you’d like to come along….

Fiestas & Fetes, Fitness, Food

Rabbit Food & Rabbit Ears

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We’re on like night four of salad, protein and no carb for dinner.

I’m certain Jay is dreaming of pasta, rice, tortillas and bread.

Last night I made my favorite burgers {turkey with horseradish & cheddar cheese} and we ate them sans buns.

With salad.

{mixed greens, carrots, red pepper, sugar snap peas, cucumber, red onion, raisins, blue cheese, garbanzo beans and light ranch}.

Tonight we’re having the SAME thing.

Although, I’m adding some curried carrot soup…again, one of my faves and super easy.

Looks like I’m going to have to do some serious meal planning action.

Fortunately there is a Cooking Light subscription with my name on it making it’s way to the mailbox soon.

I need some new ideas.

Stay tuned…..more new recipes to come!

And speaking of staying tuned….we’re NOT going to be….we’ve {Jay} has decided that for the first quarter of 2011 we’re turning off Direct TV.

No Bravo.

I’m dying inside.

And then he informs me that the new TVs these days do not have antennas so you can’t even get a fuzzy showing of local channels!

A pair of old skool rabbit ears is looking pretty attractive right now.

BUT…

I think it will be good. I can’t imagine how much more I’ll/we’ll get done without our dear friend, Mr. Samsung. Last night as I was in the workout room watching RHofBH, I thought at least I may get more elliptical and treadmill time in if I HAVE to go to the gym at night to watch TV!

It’ll be interesting to see how it goes ~ it could go either way.

Who wants to invite us over to watch the Superbowl?

*****

On another note, here is a hint {a big one} of the theme of Holden’s birthday next month:

{via}

The planning is {ablaze}…..

*****

Happy Friday Floppers!

Food, Friends, Fun

Milestones & Munchies

This weekend Elliott was invited to her first official sleepover.

She was so excited.

Disney Princess suitcase on wheels packed with her Christmas pajamas, toothbrush and “Monkey”, her lime green, long-armed, long-legged stuffed primate.

Disney Princess sleeping bag rolled nicely inside the matching DP backpack over both shoulders.

Mermaid pillow under her arm.

We walked two doors down to Emilie’s…..Holden in tow and me with some nibbles for the Mommies to enjoy as we chatted and sipped on margaritas and eventually wine!

The four girlies feasted on mini pb&j’s, chicken nuggets, steamed broccoli, fruit salad and the ever popular nacho cheese Doritos.

Once the girls changed into their jammies, Holden immediately called out, “Jammies on! Jammies on!” So, he and I walked home, suited up in his “doggie jammies”, grabbed his “rocketship pi-woe”, zipped up the Buzz & Woody light up boots and headed back down to the girl fest:

Barbie And The Diamond Castle was playing, but not quite capturing all their attention because a pillow fight broke out:

Even though this picture is blurry, I loved it as I thought it captured her pure happiness throughout the night. Sheer excitement as the much anticipated “sleep over” was being played out in real life. A new milestone that I think she will want to relive again real soon.

I talked her through it and reminded her that I was not going to stay. She insisted that she would be OK.

And she was.

*****

I brought a new appetizer that I’d been dying to try…Warm Blue Cheese and Bacon Dip. (Thanks to this cute blog!)

Super easy and super delish.

Here is the line up (minus half&half/milk):

And here is the final goodness:

Highly recommend this is you love the blue!

I also made BBQ Chicken Pizza:

Normally I am a traditionalist when it comes to pizza. Extra sauce, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes…just a simple vegetarian pizza, but I like to make this creation from time to time…reminds me of my BFF, Denise, down in San Diego.

Here’s what you need:

TJ’s Pizza dough (I use the whole wheat)

Your favorite BBQ sauce

Rotisserie chicken or grilled tenders or breast (I grill with a bit of olive oil and Montreal Steak Seasoning)

Red onion slices

Cheese of choice

Fresh cilantro, chopped

Follow instructions on dough package and roll out to desired shape and size. Poke dough with fork to prevent bubbling. Spread a bit of sauce onto pizza. Arrange red onion slices around the pizza and then cut up chicken in small chunks and toss around in a small amount of bbq sauce and sprinkle across pizza. Add shredded cheese and bake at 450 for about 10-12 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro confetti, let cool and then cut into small appetizer size squares.

Family, Feathered Nest, Food

Kid Swap

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My friend, Hollie, had a brilliant idea…

Take turns swapping the kids and celebrate Valentine’s Day sans midgets!

GREAT idea.

Jay and I celebrated last night and the Sullivan kiddos will come spend a few hours with us tonight.

We went to Saturday evening Mass and then came home to prepare a Pioneer Woman Valentine’s dinner:

Filet with onion and blue cheese sauce
Twice Baked Potatoes
Bread Pudding with Bailey’s Irish Cream sauce

Talk about a meat and potatoes meal. Veggies were NOWHERE to be found on this table tonight.

Personally I don’t like to prepare steaks at home…I always screw them up. I think cooking steaks is a science and it makes me WAY nervous. But we were trying to save some dough and decided to stay in. I substituted PW’s ribeye recipe with some filets. I told the butcher to say a prayer for me that I wouldn’t massacre them. They turned out OK, but the onion blue cheese sauce was simply out of this world and oh SO easy to make.

I’m telling you, the sauce was divine!

I’ve also not been able to successfully graduate from the school of bread pudding…not too sure why…it’s NOT that difficult.

I attempted PW’s sourdough bread pudding and substituted some almond extract for a portion of the vanilla and added sliced almonds on the top rather than the pecans she calls for. I also used Bailey’s Irish Creme Coffee liquor in place of the Jack Daniel’s for the sauce. Both substitutions worked out nicely and the pudding had a very distinct, but not overpowering, almond flavor.

We were so stuffed from our hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dinner that we just sampled the dessert, but are looking forward to enjoying it again this evening.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

~XOXO~

Fashion, Frugal Finds

Blue Suede Shoes

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75% of my Target purchases come with that little reddish-orange clearance tag…the only things I WILL pay full price for are toiletries, toilet paper, cleaning products, food items, etc. ~ you know…the necessities.

I WON’T spend full price on clothing, handbags, home decor, shoes, etc. Why pay full price when you can get it for 50-75% off a month or so down the road?

These are my latest find:

$4.98 for suede upper and a nice comfy rubber sole?

I’ll take ’em!

Feeling a little like Elvis today…