Spanish Chicken with Potatoes and Chorizo : LOSER!

I was actually REALLY excited about this one because I really like Nigella Lawson, but it was a total and complete let down.  It was so oily and heavy.  It is no kidding sitting in about 5 inches of oil in my fridge.  Middle C eats everything that I cook and HE was vocally repulsed. You know it is bad when he hates it!

I could not find link chorizo, so I used ground, same effect, just with out the skins.

Save your money and your time, this one isn't worth it.

Original pin:  Spanish Chicken with Potatoes and Chorizo

WINNER!!!!!! Garlic Parmesan Cheese Beer Dip

The main man in my life approves this message!  I actually made this to accompany the buffalo chicken chili that I posted about yesterday and it was a great choice.

I served this with the bagel chips and oh my, my, my; it was awesome.  I am not the biggest beer enthusiast out there.  I would much prefer a pinot noir any day, but I would no kidding drink this dip if I could!

It is a little garlicky so I wouldn't eat it if I were on a date, per se, thinking that I may actually get close to my date.  In fact, I wouldn't get within 500 feet after eating this, but who cares?  I'm married and if we are both eating it, it doesn't matter! :)  (That is what 11+ years of marriage will do to a person.)

Here is the original pin:  Garlic Parmesan Cheese Beer Dip

It gave you a choice to use a smoked cheese and I chose gouda.  I would do it the same next time!

This is a hands down awesome dip to have for a sports party or a tailgate!

Also, sidenot: it warms up even better the next day!

WINNER! Buffalo Chicken Chili

Original pin: Buffalo Chicken Chili

Buffalo Chicken Enthusiasts, unite!  Are you about to host game day at your house?  If so, then this recipe is PERFECTO!

It is really good and hearty.  It may be a little too spicy for the kiddos, but the adults will love it.

Things I did different:  I did 1/2 cup of beer and 1/2 cup of chicken broth instead of 1 cup of the other.

Super yummy, super easy and a definite to add to your dinner menu

Pumpkin Alert : Pumpkin Mac & Cheese

When I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it.  I love all things pumpkin: smells, taste, and color!  I was a little concerned about this one because you either love pumpkin sweet or you like it savory.  Rarely, do people like it both ways.  I think it was a little too sweet, but other than that, it was actually really good.  The kids didn't really like it, but the hubs and I did!  The recipe on the Rachel Ray site actually called for a beer, so I added the pumpkin beer instead of chicken broth.


Here is the original pin:  Pumpkin Mac & Cheese
Here is the original Rachel Ray post:  Pumpkin Mac & Cheese-Rachel Ray's Site

Would I make this again: Yes, but I would change a few things......

Next time I make this, I am going to saute' an onion and about 2 cloves of garlic, then add the flour and so on.  I also would not use the honey, I think it made it too sweet.  If you use the onion, that should add enough sweetness and you won't need the honey.

I am also going to do just one cup, beer and one cup chicken broth.  Sounds like a happy medium, right?

All in all, this one is a winner!

WINNER: Zuppa Toscano

ZUPPA TOSCANO

Ok, so I am back, AGAIN.  But, this time, I am making it a nightly ritual to sit down and do a blog post or 2 a day!  The kids are back in school, and the littlest one is in a 3 day pre-school.   I have time! 

If you know anything about South Texas, it is a place that has two seasons:  hot and uber hot with a few days of sprinkled coolness, but those are far and VERY few between.

Back on track, Nicole, back on track......Zuppa Toscano.  I am of the sound mind that your attitude can completely change by what you eat.  For instance, if you get the summer blues (like I do all of the time) then cook something "wintery".  Insert Zuppa Toscano here.  While everyone else is about to dust of their jeans and boots (and find $20 in the coat jacket pockets), I am just starting to carry around a short sleeve sweater just in case the restaurant or store is a little too chilly.   So, just because you are living in Hades doesn't mean you can't imagine you are in the snowy North Pole by diving into a good bowl of soup!

Here is the original pin:  Zuppa Toscano.   It is YUMMY!  The boys loved it and so did Miss C.  In fact, there were no left overs.  I served it with grilled mozzarella sandwiches.  

My advice:  go get the ingredients and cook away, it is a winner!  

No Bake Cake Mix Cake Balls

I'm Back!

Original pin:  http://pinterest.com/pin/157555686934563603/

OK, so maybe I did something wrong, (which could very well be) but I was NOT impressed at ALL with these.  


I used lemon cake mix instead because the kids like lemon so much and to be honest, it is so hot outside, I am trying anything to cool us down!  Cake mix is cake mix.  Shouldn't be an issue what you use. 


They did not mold correctly and I used an ENTIRE can of condensed milk!  They were too sweet and too firm.  It literally broke down into powder in your mouth.  YUCK!!!!

I *might* try them at a later time but for now:  

VERDICT : LOSER!

Stomach Bugs, Storms and Flooded Cars, Oh my!

I'll be back!

The Softest Most Pillowest Sugar Cookies EVER!

The pin:  http://pinterest.com/pin/58757970108435232/

I am not the biggest fan of sugar cookies.  Every food aversion has a story, right?  Well, mine  goes back to a Christmas Eve (WAYYYYY) over indulgence of them when I was either 11 or 12.  I was skinny then, so I could eat something like 15 of them and not have to worry about it.  Well, my body said otherwise and made a protest. 


My kiddos LOVE sugar cookies.  So, I hold my nose and make them year round.  I am always looking for different versions hoping to overcome my aversion.  I saw this pin and decided to try them.  I have to say that I LOVED these.  I think the sour cream really does the trick.  One thing I did add was almond flavoring.  I am addicted to wedding cake flavor and almond most resembles that.  You can definitely stick with just vanilla too, and they taste just fine.  


Didn't like the icing so much, but adored the cookie. The are soft, pillowy and just down right wrong.  


These will become a staple in your "cookie" repertoire.  

My Verdict:  WINNER!

Super Easy "Annie's Eats" Chicken Gyros on the Grill

Here's the pin:  http://pinterest.com/pin/157555686933735069/

Growing up in Louisiana, I was introduced to many different cuisines because after all, New Orleans is a "Melting Pot".  (Yet another reason that I love Louisiana so much! Haven't been yet?  Book a ticket and "geaux"....preferably during LSU Football season!)


One of my all time favorite types of food is Lebanese/Mediterranean.  So, I got on Pinterest and found this recipe.  It is AWESOME.  I have made it several times.  Once on the grill (my favorite) and the other times in the oven.  Both ways are healthy, so it really just depends on if you want a smokier flavor or if you want heat the house.  (Does that help you decide the best way to do it?)


The only thing I changed was that I used Greek yogurt.  I didn't strain it.  I honestly did not have the willpower to wait for it and besides, it was one less thing I had to do!


I also added a little more garlic than it calls for, but that is just my Sicilian coming out, by no means do you have to add anything extra to this recipe.


I serve mine with homemade hummus (topped with a sprinkle of feta and parsley) and warm wheat pita's and Calamata olives.


I seriously urge you to make it ASAP.  It will absolutely become a staple of your own personal menu.  


After you get really good making it and tweaking it to what you like, then invite friends over and surprise them with a lovely Lebanese/Mediterranean inspired night!   

My Verdict:  WINNER!

Homemade Jewelry Cleaner

The pin:  http://pinterest.com/pin/157555686933920313/


Here I go again using my kitchen chemical lab.  Darn you, Pinterest!  


Anyway, this jewelry cleaner, no kidding, honest to all goodness....WORKS!  I have a sterling silver ring that I have not worn in probably 10 years and it was COMPLETELY black.  


I dropped it in and 5 minutes later, VOILA - a beautiful sterling silver ring reappeared!


Two things I would do to maximize this wonderful homemade concoction:


1.  Buy a small brush to really get into the grooves of your jewelry.
2.  Buy a good polishing cloth. 

What you will need:


1 T Salt
1 T Baking SODA
1 T Dish Detergent  (I just used my lavender mint dish soap and it worked great!)
1 C water
Sheet of aluminum foil 
Medium/Small bowl


A.  Heat water in the microwave for 1 or 2 minutes.
B.  Cut a piece of aluminum foil that roughly covers the bottom of a small bowl (like a cereal bowl).
C.  Pour hot water into bowl. Place salt, soda, and dishwashing liquid into bowl. Place jewelry on top of foil and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse jewelry in cool water and dry jewelry completely with soft cloth. Discard solution after use and make a new batch next time.
D.  According to wire-sculpture.com, "this works well for gold-filled, brass, german (nickel) silver, and sterling silver. I have even cleaned jewelry with freshwater pearls, shell cameos and mother of pearl with no problem.".

Want to know more?  Click on the Pin and it will bring you straight to the website of the original pin!

***Oh, and do this with the kids!  I was literally waiting for a poof and then a rabbit to appear, but it didn't.  The kids still thought it was cool to see the "fizz".  

My Verdict: WINNER!

Lip Scrub

The pin:  http://pinterest.com/pin/157555686933938969/

I am always a little hesitant when you have to turn your kitchen into a chemical lab, however, this was super easy and I even added lemon oil to mine the first go around!


What you need:

1 T of sugar
1 T honey
1/2 t each olive oil and vaseline
(I added a few drops of lemon oil to mine.  Flavor suggestions:  lemon, coconut, tea tree-if you are  ready for a good burn, mint)

Take a small spoon and mix together the honey and sugar, then add the vaseline, then the olive oil.  VOILA! IT keeps for about a week.

It works and I plan on changing it up and adding coconut oil instead of lemon this time!  I need a little beach in my life.

Enjoy!

P.S.  I am a complete sucker for Philosophy products and this is about as close as I am going to get and I get to choose the flavor and it costs next to nothing to make!

 My Verdict: WINNER!

Williams Sonoma Store Smell

The pin:  http://pinterest.com/pin/83809243035563887/

The smell is fantastic!  Who doesn't love rosemary, vanilla and lemon?


My kitchen window has a bay view, so I open the windows and let the ingredients simmer for hours on my stove.  (Don't forget to add a little bit of water here and there.) 


It really smells like the store and my husband even complimented that it doesn't smell like a girl.  


As a mom of three, it is a little piece of chic living.

Go to your closest store and get the ingredients, you will be really glad you did!

My Verdict: WINNER!

The T-Shirt Necklace

The T-Shirt Necklace:


You've probably seen the pin everywhere.  I actually saw it on a website, then "Pinterested" it and thought I would give it a try.




What you need to start:


1.  Either a Men's small or medium t-shirt (you can go large or xl if you want the necklace to be LONG or so you can double them) OR a ladies large/xl t-shirt.  Choose any color!  I only had white on hand, so that is what I used.
2.  Scissors or a rotary cutter



3.  Flower or bow or ribbon to accent and add color
  


So, just take a t-shirt (preferably with OUT seams) and cut the bottom hem off.  (Before you start, the cuts don't have to be perfect, because you won't see how they are cut after you stretch them.  Keep reading to find this out.)


 Then, start cutting about 2 " strips (try to keep them about the same length!)  until you get to the under arms.  Stop there!  


Take your 12 or somewhat strips and stretch them in an oval shape.  They roll beautifully and you won't see any type of edging.  


Now what I did next was place them all together and give them one last stretch.  Then, I added a smaller piece of stretched t-shirt and tied it to a.) hold them together and b.) to allow me to attach any type of flower or bow or ribbon that I wanted to!

Hobby Lobby has t-shirts 30% off tomorrow.  I am going to buy every color that I can!

My Verdict: WINNER!

Welcome Fellow Pinterest Enthusiasts or Soon-to-Be Enthusiasts

Ok, so everyone who is anyone is on Pinterest!  If you are not, please request to join!  You'll love it.  You'll hate it.  You'll feel creative.  You'll incredibly stupid.  You are either going to love your friends more.  Or begin to question your friendship.  (I personally have the best friends in the world, so the later doesn't apply to me!)  You'll get excited.  You'll get annoyed.  You win some and you lose some.  Here, you and I will take a journey into Pinterest world....together.

I am going to be the guinea pig from recipes, to crafts, to clothing replication to everything in between.  I am going to tell you if it works or not!

If I try something and I consider it an epic fail, then I urge you to try it to see if you have a different outcome.

All in all, this is going to create some sort of creativity in your life that you may not have ever known you had before.

It's going to be fun!  So hold on to your britches.  (Heck, we may even be making a wreath out of them one day. ) Insert sarcasm....here.....