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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Chicken Pot Pie Biscuits and Gravy


Chicken Pot Pie Biscuits and Gravy
serves 3-4 with leftovers
1 tsp olive oil
1 small onion
1 tsp minced garlic
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 cup milk (or more)
1 tsp poultry seasoning (or whatever seasonings you want)
salt and pepper
2 cups shredded roast chicken
1 small baked potato- diced
6 biscuits

In a saucepan, saute onions in olive oil until they are soft. Add the garlic at the last minute and cook for a few seconds. Add cans of soup, milk,and seasoning bring to a simmer. If you want the mixture thinner, add more milk. Simmer for 5-10 min on low. Add chicken and potato, and heat through. Spoon over biscuits.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Cinnamon Wheat Pancakes

Cinnamon Wheat Pancakes
  • 1 and 1/2 cups buttermilk (or 1 and 1/2 cups milk with 2 TBS lemon juice)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup while wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 egg
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • cooking spray
  1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk egg and butter into the buttermilk. Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/3 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Carefully flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side.
Recipe adapted from here.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Olive Garden Breadsticks {in the Bread Machine}


original recipe here
1 1/2 cups very warm water
2 Tbs white sugar
1 Tbs yeast
1 Tbs salt I know it's a lot of salt. but it works!
2 Tbs margarine
4 1/2 cups flour
 
Pour water, sugar and yeast into the bottom of the bread machine and let it set for like 5 minutes until it gets foamy. Then add the flour, margarine, and salt (add salt last, don't let it touch the yeast yet because it will kill it) Turn on the machine to the dough cycle and allow to run the full amount of time. Once the cycle is done, remove the dough and cut into about 12 peices. Roll into breadstick shape. Allow to rise again in a warm place until about doubled in size. Brush with an egg wash (1 egg+1 Tbs water) Bake at 400 for around 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
 
While they are baking, melt 3 Tbs margarine + 1 /2 tsp garlic powder + a pinch of salt and brush this over the breadsticks when they are done.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Menu Monday

Tuesday: Meatloaf and baked potatoes
Friday: French Toast
Saturday: Date Night
Sunday: Roast Beef

50 Great Side Dishes {Free Printable}

I'm not sure about every one else, but I have the hardest time thinking of side dishes to go with my meals every day! When I was growing up, we had at least 2 or 3 sides with every meal, every day! And I like to do the same for my family! But I found myself picking the same few over and over! So I made up a sheet to put in my recipe binder to help me with new ideas! When I sit down to plan my menu every week, I have this with me, and it becomes a lot easier to just pick one or two, instead of having to come up with some!

Or here's the list so you can copy and add to it yourself!
1. Green salad
4. Macaroni salad
5. Coleslaw
6. Fruit salad
8. Refried beans
9. Fresh veggies and dip
10. Corn on the cob
11. Corn
12. Peas
13. Asparagus
14. Green beans
15. Brussel sprouts
16. Steamed broccoli
17. Steamed carrots
18. Steamed cabbage
20. Steamed cauliflower
21. Steamed spaghetti squash
22. Baked potato
24. Mashed potatoes
25. Au gratin potatoes
26. Roasted red potatoes
27. Apple sauce
28. Mixed fruit
29. Melon
30. Spanish rice
31. Wild rice
32. Rice-a-roni
34. Polenta
35. Mozzarella sticks
37. Onion rings
38. Stuffing
39. Chips and salsa
40. Chips and guacamole
41. Bread and butter
42. Garlic bread
43. Bread sticks
44. Buttermilk biscuits
47. Muffins
48. Cornbread
50. Crescent rolls

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Installing Fonts

I have had quite a few emails and comments asking how to download a font onto your computer! So I thought I'd address it on here for all of you! Now I am NO expert! But this is how I would understand it!
Keep in mind that I have Windows, if you have a Mac computer, you may want to try this link to help you!
Anyways... here goes nothin'!

1. Find the font you want online, and click download.
2. When the option menu pops up, click save. Make sure you know where it saves! Mine automatically saves to the 'downloads' folder.
3. It will save as a Compressed or "Zipped" file. Meaning you need to 'Unzip', or extract the files before using.
4. Right click on the compressed folder and select 'Extract all'
5. Select 'Extract'
6. It should open a page like this...
This is what is called your 'True Type File'... this is what you want! You may have to open a folder first that it's in.
7. Go to your Start menu, and select the 'Control Panel'
8. Once that is open, select the 'Fonts' File. You should see all of the fonts that are already in your computer.
9. Pull up both the new Font file and the Folder with ALL the other fonts. Select the new font you want to install, and drag it in with the others.
10. You're done! Open up a word document and look for your font! It should be ready to use!
I really hope this helps!!
Need some fun fonts? Try these previous posts!




Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Biscuit Doughnuts with Maple Glaze

Doughnuts are a weakness of mine! And these are so simple and yummy they should be illegal! We had them during the super bowl and my husband and I devoured them!
This is all you need...
1 can buttermilk biscuits
Vegtable Oil (enough to come up about 1/2 inch in your pan)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 TBS milk
Mapaline flavoring

Okay ready for this....
Cut out the center of the biscuit with a small cookie cutter.
Heat oil to med-high.
Fry the biscuits until golden.
Set on a paper towel to cool and drain.
Mix powdered sugar, milk and a few drops of the maple flavoring (optional).
Drizzle.

Easy enough right!?
(the doughnut holes will be a tad doughy... my hubby ate all those)

What I love Wednesday

We had a few warm days here in Southern Utah, and it sent me into SPRING mode! I stashed away all of the banana bread and caramel apple scents and pulled out the Fruity ones! I was at Walmart the other day and saw this and fell in LOVE with the smell! It's super tart and just smells like summer! I have it melting right now, and even though it's 45 degrees outside and it looks like it's about to downpour... my house smells like it's August and the sun is shining!

I seriously live in these skinny jeans now-a-days! They are so stretchy and comfy, and for around $10 I can afford a pair... or 2... or 6. :) Forever 21, here I come.

Have you tried these chips yet!? Go out. Buy them. They are so darn good! I bought 2 bags the other day, now I just need to make some guacamole!

Menu Monday

Sorry this is SO late! But I'd thought I'd let you in on what we are having/had this week!

Tuesday: Pizza Chicken (although this was nasty... so I am not posting it. we ended up turning the breadsticks into pizza sticks for dinner)
Wednesday: Taco Chili
Thursday: Manacotti with bread sticks
Friday: Enchiladas
Saturday: Date Night
Sunday: Stuffed Hamburgers and Steak Fries

Be My Valentine..

Be My Valentine Blocks



Ok ladies! Its been a while since Ive posted anything!!! So I thought I would share what I did for the hubs for Love Day! Maybe you can share the Love and make one yourself!

Items:
3 blocks (Cut into ANY size you want)
Paper
Vinyl
Mod Podge
Wire

Directions:
*Cut your blocks to any size you want. I did 5 1/2, 4 1/2 and 3 1/2. Just make sure they stack, then sand your blocks to your liking. 
*Cut your paper and mod podge it onto your block
*Cut the vinyl I stuck with 2 1/2 in. for the top 2 blocks, then 1 1/2 in. on the bottom.
*I then drilled holes on each block..
-Bottom has a total of 6 holes ( 3 on each side)
-Middle has 4 holes (2 on each side)
-The Top has has 3 holes, smack dab in the middle, although I did stagger the holes a little bit (to put my girly touch of cuteness on it)
*Final step I curled the wire and stuck it in the wholes.

WAHOO, The blocks are made! NOW for the special touch .. I wrote "I Love...." notes on 13 little pieces of paper, and stuck them on the curled wire. But then I thought, why stop there.. so I wrote about 30 "I Love.." Notes and bunched up around the blocks. Now ladies, its fun to write the cutesy stuff, but it is Valentines day.. get creative (he is your hubby). I did write a couple naughty things, for my hubbies eyes only!
He absolutly LOVED this gift!!! He laughed at some, smiled at most. It didnt cost me anything, I had everything lying around. And the best part is I got to tell him "I love you because" in a cutesy way! Now every Valentines I can use the blocks.

Hope your Valentines day is special.
Tasha Bracken

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Italian Bean Salsa

This is pretty much the same thing as Cowboy Caviar (if you've ever heard of that), but this is just our 'pantry' version! Usually this had onion, tomato and avacado in it, but my husband hates tomato and onion, and the avacados were rock solid at the store that day! This was all stuff that was already in my pantry!
1 can black beans
1 can black eyed peas
1 can sweet corn
1/2 cup italian dressing
1 tsp lime juice
salt and pepper
Mix everything up in a big bowl, and seasong with s&p to taste. Allow to sit in the fridge for at least an hour or two! Serve with frito scoops.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

What I love Wednesday

These ice cream bars are my new obsession. I am not a huge sweets fan, but these are so good! And 110 calories? Can't beat that!

So I really really love this song. Don't worry I linked the clean version! I've got little ears around here! This is actually one song (other than country) that my husband and I agree on!

I got this cereal the other day because it was on sale and I had a coupon making it .99 cent a box, but I LOVE it! I'm a huge Honey Bunches of Oats fan anyways, but this one takes the cake!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese

Saying that I love grilled cheese is like the understatment of the year. I love grilled cheese. love. So when I saw this on pinterest I knew I had to try it. SO good. You'll make it for luch again and again! I promise you!

makes 2 sandwiches
4 slices bread
1/2 cup sloppy joe meat (I used this from the freezer)
4 slices cheese
butter

Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the non-buttered side, spead 1/4 cup of the sloppy joe meat and top with the cheese and the other slice of bread. Put in a hot grill pan until browned nicely. Flip and repeat on the other side.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Menu Monday

Monday: Dinner with my Mom's family
Tuesday: Chinese
Wednesday: French Dips
Thursday: Shrimp Tacos
Friday: Manacotti (didn't happen last week)
Saturday: Date Night
Sunday: Hamburgers

In a Pikle.

You all thought I spelled pickle wrong didn't ya? Well, that's not the kind of pickle I was talking about! I'm talking about these pikles!

In a Pikle is a fun little purse insert that has literally everything you would ever need when you are in a jam! They are so handy and fun and CUTE! I LOVE mine and have already used it a ton in these past 2 months that I've had it! It has everything from a notebook and pen, to a sewing kit and screwdrivers! It's amazing!
I got mine from my wonderful Momma for Christmas! I had NO idea what it was when I opened it, but when she explained it, I thought it was genius! With that and my Picket Fence Planner, I feel SO organized! Which is a big deal for me! ;)
They have a ton of cute designs too! I have the top left one! Arent they so cute!?
I would honestly suggest these for gifts, or just to buy one for yourself!!EVERYONE needs one!
ps. NO they didn't ask me to write this, I just LOVE it so much I wanted to share!!

Friday, February 3, 2012

Brown Sugar Baked Beans

These aren't your mother-in-laws baked beans!... ya know how I know? Because they are MY mother-in-laws baked beans! Shout out to Sandy! ;) (with a few add in's just because I can't leave anything alone)
 These are thick, and sweet and spicy, and My husband wont ever let me make any other kind.

1 can pork and beans
1 can kidney beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can white beans
4 strips turkey bacon cut into pieces
1 small onion
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup honey bbq sauce
2 heaping TBS yellow mustard
2 TBS molasses
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

In a skillet, saute onion and bacon until onion is soft and bacon is cooked. Drain all the beans except for the pork and beans, throw everything into a crockpot and turn on low for 2-6 hours adding water if necessary.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

More Free Fonts!

I love that the last two font posts I did turned out to be so popular! I've got a major thing for fonts, and it's fun to know that I'm not alone out there! :)
So here are some more of my favorites!

Quaver Sans - GREAT simple font. I use this one all. the. time.
Simply Glamorous - Way fun cursive font that isn't TOO fancy.
Airplane - This is another great simple font. I love this one for kids stuff that you still want to make look neat.
Combustion - New favorite for vinyl, especially Christmas, it was just fancy enough.
Lobster Two - Um... Hello new favotie font ever. Where have to been all my life? I love this font, its super cute, but modern. Great for subway art.
Noodle Girlfriends - Kevin and Amanda never dissapoints! I love all their fonts!
mtf porkchop - short, squatty, plump. what's not to love? also great for vinyl!
Pea Shally- I love how dainty and feminenne this font is. not great for vinyl though. :(
Wisdom Script AL - The retro fonts always get me. This one is a lot like Lobster Two, but just different enough that I could justify downloading both! ;)
Digs My Heart - Fun for typing. I love it on invitations.

Visit HERE to learn how to install these fonts!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

St. Patty's Day bow giveaway!

My Amazing Sister-in-Law is doing another bow giveaway! They are SO cute!

Lemon Broccoli Farfalle with Chicken

Okay so honestly this is probobly my favorite lunch ever. Aside from a big fat cheeseburger with onion rings and a strawberry shake that is ;) But the scale appreciates this recipe more! :)
Makes 2 servings
1/2 box Farfalle pasta
2 cups frozen broccoli
1 cup grilled chicken
2 TBS olive oil (or less)
2 TBS fresh lemon juice
1 TBS parmesan cheese (optional)
salt and pepper
Cook pasta according to package directions, after the pasta is done, drop the broccoli in the boiling water and heat until thawed and warmed through, then drain everything.
In a large bowl toss all ingredients together, add S&P to taste.
This takes really like 10 minutes to make and it is SO yummy!