Dishwasher!

When it rains it pours, right?! With all the renovations going on, the last thing we needed was one more project in the mix. But, in our family, we like to keep the stress level high! So, after dealing with the old dishwasher not washing dishes effectively and having to put towels under it while it was running, we decided to bite the bullet and get a new one! My husband researched and we decided what we wanted. He pulled out the old one (pictures to follow as soon as I get them off my camera) and we went to pick up a new one. Guess what? None in stock. UGH. We ordered one and they said it would be delivered a week later (TODAY!), so I was the "dishwasher" for a week. It actually wasn't too bad-of course, we intentionally held back a bit on the cooking & baking to save some work. Tonight we will be installing it! I say "we", but it will most likely be hubby! I'll be his assistant :)

So, without further adieu, here is our new LG Stainless Steel Steam Dishwasher! I am super excited to try out the steam function!

YAY for clean dishes!

Outdoor Fun!

With a new deck, I envisioned lots of family meals "al fresco" and entertaining family & friends. That meant we needed some furniture! We had a small round dining set out on the back patio, but I wanted to leave that one there. We have a wicker set that I placed on the new deck. So, I was on the lookout for the perfect dining set for our spacious new deck. I wanted something that would seat at least 6 people and I didn't want any puffy cushions as they would get rained on (and this summer we have had more rain than ever!). I found the perfect set for us at Sam's Club! It's called "Carrington". We love it!
It came with the dining table, 6 chairs and an umbrella base. So, we needed a large umbrella and guess what? Sam's had one of those too!

Then, we picked up this little baby...

I mean, seriously-what is a party without the perfect margarita?! LOVE it! So far, we've made smoothies, slushies, coffee coolattas, and come to think of it we haven't even made a margarita yet?!

We are loving our new outdoor "room" so far! Now if only the weather would cooperate a bit it would be just perfect :)

Another Project!

Since we have a gorgeous view from the front of our home, we decided to have an 800 square foot deck built on our house this summer. We also installed french doors for easy access to the deck. Here are a few pics of the project in progress...

Here is the view from the stairs-the trim is incomplete in this picture as the doors had just gone in that day.

And another...

And here is the view from the ground...

Now I need to take some pictures of the finished project! We are excited to get it stained, but have to wait until Fall.

More pictures to come!

New Outdoor Lighting!

We bought several outdoor lights a few years back in anticipation of staining our home. We bought 2 large ones for the front of the house, 2 for the garage, 1 for the side entrance, and 2 large post lamps for the driveway. We found them at Home Depot-they are the Hampton Bay Rustic Bronze Lantern collection. Well, we finally got the house stained this summer, so up they went! We love them!

Now, I need to find before & after pics of the house!

Closet Organization

I finally organized my closet! Well, actually I organized it back in February, but am just getting around to posting it. It was a sad sight before. I went out and bought a ton of skinny hangers and a hanging shoe rack and went to town! What a HUGE difference. It's so organized now-let's hope it stays that way (so far, so good!).

This is what I saw before when I opened the door (yikes!).

Here is the after view...

Here is a view of one of the hanger racks with shelf above. I found the adorable brown suede "baskets" at Bed, Bath and Beyond after Christmas on clearance for pennies. They had Christmas sayings on them, so I simply turned them backwards. I have hats, scarves, and gloves in them.

And here is another "after" shelf photo...

And this is my favorite part of my closet! This shoe rack was 3 pieces put together and it hangs on the door...LOVE it!

Onto more organizing efforts...

Election Night Menu!

Here is our election night menu:

"Pigs in Lipstick" (Turkey hotdogs wrapped in crescent rolls with a ketchup smile)

"It's Raining Democrats" Dip with Blue Tortilla Chips

This recipe was originally called "It's Raining Men" Dip (AKA Buffalo Chicken Dip). I got it from www. stiritupwithjackie.blogspot.com. It is FANTASTIC!

It's Raining Democrats Dip

Ingredients:
1-8 oz. pkg. Cream Cheese
1/2 C Blue Cheese Salad Dressing
1/2 C Buffalo Wing Sauce
Salt/Pepper to taste
2-3 C Shredded Cooked Chicken (from rotisserie chicken)
2 Scallions, sliced (oops...I forgot)
(I also added approx. 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese)

Celery Sticks & Tortilla Chips for dipping

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place the cream cheese into a medium-sized bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds to soften slightly. Whisk in salad dressing, wing sauce, cheese, salt & pepper until smooth. Stir in the shredded chicken until just coated. Spread the mixture in a pie plate and drizzle the top with additional wing sauce if desired. Bake the dip for 15-20 minutes until mixture is heated through and edges are bubbly. Cool slightly and top with scallions.





"Barack-olli & Cheese Casserole"

Broccoli & Cheese Casserole

From : http://www.allrecipes.com/

Ingredients:

1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup

1/2 C Milk

2 tsp. Mustard

1 (16 oz) Pkg. Frozen Broccoli Florets, thawed

1 C Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1/3 C Bread Crumbs

2 T. Butter, melted

Directions:

Stir the soup, milk, mustard, broccoli and cheese in a 1-1/2 quart casserole dish. Mix the bread crumbs with the butter in a small bowl and sprinkle over the broccoli mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until hot.

"Joe Six Packs" (rootbeer)

Palin Ale (ginger ale)

"Biden Time to the Whitehouse Cupcakes" (white cupcakes with white frosting)

"McCain's Balls to the Walls" (Nutter Butter Balls)

Nutter Butter Balls

I'm not sure of the source of this recipe.

Crush one package of Nutter Butter Cookies and mix in 1 pkg of softened cream cheese. Make into balls and chill. Dip in melted chocolate. YUMMY!

We had a great time!

Halloween Cupcakes!

Recipe to follow...

Mom's Chicken Divan

Recipe to follow...

It's Raining Men Dip!

I got this recipe from www. stiritupwithjackie.blogspot.com. It is FANTASTIC!

It's Raining Men Dip

Ingredients:

1-8 oz. pkg. Cream Cheese
1/2 C Blue Cheese Salad Dressing
1/2 C Buffalo Wing Sauce
Salt/Pepper to taste
2-3 C Shredded Cooked Chicken (from rotisserie chicken)
2 Scallions, sliced (oops...I forgot)
(I also added approx. 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese)

Celery Sticks & Tortilla Chips for dipping

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place the cream cheese into a medium-sized bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds to soften slightly. Whisk in salad dressing, wing sauce, cheese, salt & pepper until smooth. Stir in the shredded chicken until just coated. Spread the mixture in a pie plate and drizzle the top with additional wing sauce if desired. Bake the dip for 15-20 minutes until mixture is heated through and edges are bubbly. Cool slightly and top with scallions.

Taco Pasta Bake

Ooooh....what a fantastic dish this was! Mexican-check! Pasta-check! Cheese-check! What more could you ask for really?! I found this on a blog, but I can't remember whose blog it was, so if it's yours please let me know and I will gladly give you credit.

Taco Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

1 lb. Ground Turkey

1/2 Onion, diced

1 Packet Taco Seasoning

1 Can (15 oz) Tomato Sauce

1 Box Pasta (I used bowties because they are cute)

1 pkg (8 oz) Cream Cheese, softened

1 C Sour Cream

1 Pkg (8 oz) Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Directions:

Cook pasta according to directions. Meanwhile, brown ground turkey with onions. Add taco seasoning and tomato sauce and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Mix softened cream cheese & sour cream in separate bowl. Spray bottom of 9x13 pan. Place pasta in the pan. Spread cream cheese mixture over pasta. Spoon ground turkey mixture over pasta. Sprinkle cheese over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

Chicken & Dumplings

It was a crisp Autumn day so I decided that Chicken & Dumplings would be yummy...and I was right! This was quick & easy and so good. I'm quite proud of myself that I didn't even use a recipe..GO ME! I forgot to take a picture though-bummer.

Chicken & Dumplings

In a large dutch oven, saute 4 diced chicken breasts in about 2 T Olive Oil. Add 1 diced onion and cook until chicken is no longer pink (adding salt & pepper to taste). Add 1 cup of frozen mixed veggies, 1/2 cup frozen peas, 1/2 cup frozen corn and 3 diced potatoes. Add about 3 cups of chicken broth or until the chicken & veggies are covered. Simmer until potatoes are cooked through. Add 1 can of mushrooms. Mix 2 cups of Trader Joe's Multigrain Baking Mix (or Bisquick) with 1 cup of milk. Drop by spoonfuls onto the chicken mixture. Cover dutch oven and simmer for approximately 10 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through. Enjoy!

Another prize from Blake Makes!

I was so excited to win another giveaway from Blake Makes! This giveaway was for letter and number trays. I thought they would be great for my daughters. I haven't done anything with them yet, but will soon! And, in case you haven't done so yet-get yourself over to www.blakemakes.com and become a "Sooper Hero" so you can win something!

Newest Edition to our Cleaning Supplies...

I've been eyeing this beauty for some time. This weekend, we finally bit the bullet! Her name is "Pronto" and boy, does she do a great job. Pronto is a stick vacuum with a rotating head and she has a removable hand vac. LOVE her more than words can say. With 2 highchairs and a dog with an ever expanding waistline, it was time to get something that can quickly do the job.

With the steam mop and this little beauty, here's to clean floors!

Mexican Pie

I found this recipe on a blog. I usually write down the source but for some reason didn't on this one, so if it's yours let me know so I can give you credit.

I just bought a springform pan and figured this would be a great way to try it out-and I was right! This was so good! I'll definitely make it again.

Mexican Pie

Ingredients:

1 lb. Ground Turkey

Flour Tortillas (the ones I had were smaller than my pan, so I used 3 for each layer)

1 Packet Taco Seasoning

1 Can Black Beans, drained & rinsed

1 Onion, chopped

1 C Frozen Corn

1 Poblano Chile, chopped

2 C Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Add some olive oil to a large saute pan and add ground turkey, onion, and chile-cook until done. Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and 2/3 cup water and simmer 4-5 minutes or until most of liquid is gone. Spray the bottom of the springform pan with cooking spray. Place tortillas on bottom (trim if necessary). Add half of the turkey mixture to the tortilla and press down. Add half of cheddar cheese. Place another layer of tortillas, then the remainder of the turkey mixture, then the remainder of the cheddar cheese. Place tortillas on top to cover. Bake for 20 minutes. Be sure to place a baking sheet underneath to catch any drippings. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes prior to cutting. Garnish with sour cream & cilantro.

Enjoy!

Spaghetti Squash

I was rather intrigued by the idea of spaghetti squash, never having had it. All I can say is WOW! This stuff is amazing. I cut a large spaghetti squash in half, drizzled olive oil and sprinkled salt & pepper over it-then baked in a 400 degree oven for one hour. I let it cool enough to handle it and took a fork and pulled the squash out. Then, I sauteed it in some olive oil and garlic-YUM! Delicious and way better nutrition-wise than spaghetti! Maya LOVED it, but this is what Suri thought of it...

Maybe next time?!

White Bean Chicken Chili

I found this recipe on one of my favorite food blogs, www.annieseats.wordpress.com. We love white chicken chili, so I figured I should give this one a shot. I am glad that I did-we loved it! In fact, my husband decided that he likes this version even better than the one I usually make! This chili is very creamy-so good! I made a few changes, such as 3 fresh poblano chiles in place of the canned chiles. And I used my new dutch oven-love it!

White Bean Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½ -inch cubes (I used 4 breasts)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 ½ tsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. oil
2 (15.5 oz) cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed (I used cannelini)
1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth (I used 2.5 cups of stock)
2 (4 oz.) cans diced green chiles (I used 3 large poblano chiles, sliced)
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
½ tsp. pepper
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
1 cup reduced fat sour cream
½ cup whipping cream (I used whole milk)
fresh cilantro and paprika, for garnish (we were out of cilantro, but I garnished with shredded cheddar cheese)

Directions:

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, sauté chicken, onion and garlic powder in oil until chicken is no longer pink. Add beans, broth, chiles and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer; let simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the sour cream and whipping cream. Sprinkle with paprika and top with fresh cilantro for garnish, if desired.

Dishes, Dishes and More Dishes

Ok, anyone who knows me knows how much I love dishes! Nothing makes me happier than a beautifully decorated table...LOVE it! I own about 6 sets plus lots of chargers, holiday-inspired, you get the idea. Well, now let's change that to 7! I have been looking for a simple, white pattern to change up appetizer plates a la Katie (www.hyperhomemaker.blogspot.com). Seriously, Katie is my idol! While on our Sam's adventure this weekend, I saw this beautiful embossed, flute pattern service for 4 for TEN BUCKS. No joke! So, 2 boxes came home with us! My husband thinks I'm crazy, but I think he secretly loves a beautifully decorated table as much as I do!

...off to find a place to store the off-white service for 12 that this set replaces...

Our New Baby!

Isn't she pretty?! She is even prettier in person. This weekend we went to Sam's Club. We have been wanting to get an enameled cast iron dutch oven. Well, when we saw this 6.5 quart beauty for only $38.44, we figured there was no time like the present (for a present)! She has a lifetime warranty and cooks beautifully. My husband made a chicken curry that turned out beautifully and she cleaned up like a charm. LOVE it!

Chicken Pot Pie

I had some phyllo dough that I needed to use up (and oops...I still have more) so figured why not make a nice, comforting chicken pot pie? I usually use the Barefoot Contessa recipe, which is delish, but when I saw the recipe on Chelley's blog (www.browneyedbaker.com) I knew it would be great! I was able to fill 8 individual casseroles with this recipe.

NOTE: For veggies, I used frozen mixed veggies (carrots, green beans, peas). I also used more puff pastry. I used about 4 layers each.

Chicken Pot Pie(Source: Williams Sonoma)

8 Tbs. (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes
½ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken stock
½ tsp. chopped fresh thyme (I used 1/8 tsp dried thyme)
1 bay leaf (I used 2)
½ cup chopped yellow onions (I used red)
½ cup chopped celery (oops...I forgot this!)
½ cup peeled and chopped carrots
½ cup chopped white button mushrooms
½ cup chopped red-skinned potatoes
1 cup chopped cooked chicken (I actually used 4 breasts)
½ cup cooked fresh or frozen peas
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Four 6-inch squares frozen puff pastry
1 egg, beaten with 1 tsp. water

Preheat an oven to 400ºF.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture smells fragrant and nutty, 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly add the stock, whisking until smooth, and bring to a boil. Add the thyme, bay leaf, onions, celery, carrots and mushrooms and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the potatoes, chicken, peas, salt and pepper and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and discard.

Divide the filling among 4 ovenproof bowls and place on a baking sheet. Brush the puff pastry squares with the egg mixture. Brush the rims of the bowls with water. Place 1 pastry square on top of each bowl, pressing lightly on the edges. Bake until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serves 4.

Enjoy!

Mexican Redneck Casserole-how can you not love it?!

Ok, so at work yesterday everyone was raving about this recipe-love the name. Debbie found it on sparkpeople.com and made it over the weekend. Well, after smelling it in the microwave I just had to try it! It reminded me of Hamburger Helper-homemade version. Yum-O! I made a couple of modifications and it was FABULOUS! I'll be waiting for the next one, Debbie!

Mexican Redneck Casserole

Ingredients:
1/2 Box Macaroni, cooked
1 lb. Ground Turkey
1 pkg. Taco Seasoning
2/3 C Water
1 Onion, diced
1 Green Pepper, diced
3 Cloves Garlic, minced
1 C Frozen Corn
1 C Sour Cream
1 Pkg. Dry Onion Soup Mix
1 Can Cream of Celery Soup
1 Can Cheddar Soup
8 oz. Mild Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Directions:
Brown Turkey with onions, garlic, corn and green pepper. Once browned, add taco seasoning, water, and simmer for 5 minutes. Mix sour cream, onion soup mix, cheddar cheese soup, Cream of Celery soup, and cheddar cheese and add to the ground turkey mixture. Place mixture in a 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Invite all of your redneck buddies over to enjoy!