More Recipe swap cards

Today's post brings you some recipe swap cards from my friend Rachel.

She did a great job and I can't wait to try these out...

Happy Scrappin'

Lynn's Swap Recipe Card

Here is a cute recipe swap card from Lynn.

She is so creative (even if she say's she's not!)

Happy Scrappin'

Recipe cards

Here are some recent recipe cards I made for a swap I'm in with some of my fun friends.

They are actually recipes that I have shared with you before, but the cards are kind of cute, so I thought I would share them with you, too!

The first is for my Rhubarb Slush - click here for the recipe - or as always, you can click on the photo to view it larger.

The next is for my Baked Caramel French Toast - recipe can be found here.

Would you and your friends like to get together to put together a recipe album of your own.  contact me for the details, as we can set up a fun party to create one.

Happy Scrappin'

Time for more artwork!

I know, you're probably thinking, "It's about time!"  Well, I've been busy and life just happens :)

I happen to have a snow day (more about this later) from work today, so I figured I'd get some pictures taken of all this artwork that's been sitting here just waiting for me.  Now that's done so I can start posting them for you! 

Here is some artwork that I created using the new Footloose paper pack.  I just love the beach and had a lot of fun creating this layout.

Here are a couple of cards.  Don't you just love the shaker card?  It was fun to create.

Then I came up with a recipe card, too.  I have not made this recipe yet but my girlfriends at work have and said it was really good :)

Now, about this snow day...I really did try to go to work, really, I did!  I made it about 15 miles from home (it is about 55 miles to work one way) and the roads were so bad (main highways were not even plowed) so I decided to turn around and head back home.  That alone took me about 50 minutes!  Once I got home, I decided I may as well start blowing the driveway.  We had about 10-12 inches of snow at that point and it was still coming down!  By the time I got done with the driveway, we had gotten about another 2 inches!  I will have to go back out later to do another round, but at least I got that much taken care of.  After the snowplow went by, I had about 4 feet of snow at the end of my driveway!  Wow, we haven't had much of a winter so far, but I guess it's catching up with us now.  Oh well, it's a good day to stay in and create!

Happy Scrappin'

Another fantabulous weekend!

And YES, fantabulous is a word, I just said so, so it is :)

It was a crafty weekend for me.  I had a bunch of girlfriends over on Saturday for a day of scrapping.  What fun we all had!  Lots of laughs and lots of work done.  Lynn even spent the night instead of driving all the way home.  Now, she's the kind of gal that never comes empty handed, and let me tell you, she provided some of the BEST food ever!

Sunday was Club day, so another day of crafting for me...WINNER!

Here is what I was working on most of the time - cards for fundraising for my upcoming Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure Walk.  I am so determined to do this and made a bunch of handmade cards to send out.  I plan to get them in the mail soon.

 I even stamped the envelopes.

If you are so inclined, you can even click on the 3-Day link on the side of my blog to donate.  I would be ever so grateful :)

OK, I guess I teased you with the yummy food we had, so now I'll share some recipes.  Here is Lynn's recipe for Zuppa Toscano soup (ever had that Olive Garden?  It's as good or better!)

1 lb ground Italian sausage
1 1/2 tsp crushed red peppers
1 large diced onion
4 tbsp bacon pieces
2 tsp garlic puree
10 c water
5 chicken bouillon cubes
1 c heavy cream
1 lb sliced russet potatoes (about 3 large)
Bunch of Kale

Saute sausage and crushed red pepper in a large pot. Drain excess fat. Refrigerate while preparing other ingredients.
In the same pan, saute bacon , onion and garlic over low -med heat (about 15 mins until soft).
Add chicken bouillon and water to the pot and heat until it starts to boil.
Add sliced potatoes and cook just until soft, about 30 mins
Add heavy cream, cook till thoroughly heated. Stir in sausage and kale and heat through.

Yields 6-8 servings

Then she also brought a Summer Cooler Punch for us.  Here is the recipe for that, too.

• 1 12-ounce can frozen pineapple juice concentrate, thawed
• 1 6-ounce can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
• 4 cups cold water * 1 liter club soda, chilled
• Ice cubes
• Fresh strawberries (optional)
• Short (6-inch) wooden skewers
• Assorted fruits such as halved orange slices, halved lime slices, orange sections, raspberries, strawberries, sliced kiwifruit, and mint sprigs

Directions

In a large pitcher combine pineapple juice concentrate, limeade, and water. Chill for at least 30 minutes.  Before serving, add Club Soda.

The recipe had you skewer the fruit for each glass, but we just cut it up and added it to the pitcher and let it soak.  It worked great!

Another side note about this recipe...we all decided that the punch just didn't do it for us using Club Soda - we would make it next time using 7-Up or Fresca or some such soda instead.  However, since it was all mixed up, we did sample it adding some Malibu Rum...OMG!  That was yummy!  Since there was some Moscato wine opened up, we also tried it with that added.  Super yummy - our own Sangria :)  Do with it what you will, but let me know how you tried it.

Happy Scrappin'

Baked Caramel French Toast

Today's post brings you a yummy, yummy recipe.  It's so sinful, but worth every last bite!

I found a recipe while blog surfing a few weeks ago that sounded delish.  Well, after making it, I was not impressed.  I was hopeful for it, though, so I found another recipe and kind of combined the two.  The result is pure perfection.

I made this Baked Caramel French Toast at the retreat for the rest of the girls.  Everyone agreed, it was a winner :)  *The photo really does not do justice, trust me, it's very tasty!

Here is my version of the recipe:

Topping:
1 cup brown sugar
1 stick butter
1/3 cup milk
1 Tbsp. corn syrup

French Toast:
4 eggs
2/3 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
6-8 slices french bread (however many will fit in your pan)

Combine topping ingredients and cook over medium heat until smooth.  Pour into greased 9x13 glass pan.

Beat rest of ingredients  Dip both sides of french bread into mixture and place slices over topping in pan.  **Now, when I made this, the egg mixture is enough for about 2 pans so either double the topping ingredients and make 2 pans or cut the egg mixture in half - it's up to you :)

Cover and refrigerate overnight.  In the morning, bake uncovered at 400 for 20-25 minutes.  Take out of oven and let stand for 5 minutes.  Invert over a large serving tray.

*You could also add some pecans to the topping mixture (maybe after you invert it onto the tray??)

Enjoy and Happy Scrappin'

Grown up Mac n Cheese

Remember these pictures from a couple of years ago?

The girls from work all got together at my place and we put together these fun little recipe albums.

Well, I have looked at one of the recipes many times and just not ever made it.  I had the perfect opportunity yesterday.  See, my sister had a little surgery done (bye, bye bunion) and I went over to see her.  I brought over lunch (with enough leftovers for the family for supper, too).  What better than a little Mac n Cheese comfort food.  This is even the grown up version and oh-so-yummy!

Just so you know, I've added my comments to the recipe, too (don't I always).  If you have read my blog for a while and know how I cook, I do not always follow recipes exactly-I usually use what I have or make it work for me :)  I guess I am a little like my Dad after all-that's the way he would cook!     Also, just so you know, I doubled the recipe and just made it in two separate dishes-a bigger one for my sister's family and a small one for myself. 

Baked Swiss Cheese & Ham

1/2 package (8 oz.) large rings (I just used macaroni because it's what I had on hand-pasta's pasta, right?)
3/4 cup chopped onion
2 Tbsp. butter
1 1/2 cups cubed ham
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 (8 oz.) container sour cream
1 1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded Swiss Cheese (I used 1/2 Swiss and 1/2 whatever I had opened in the frig)
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
2-3 tsp. Dijon style mustard
1 (2.8 oz.) can French Fried onions

Cook pasta according to package directions.  In a small skillet, cook onion in butter until tender.  Combine all ingredients except French Fried onions, mix well.  Put in greased 11x7 baking dish.  Cover and bake 35 minutes at 350 or until hot and bubbly.  Uncover and top with French Fried onions.  Bake 5 minutes longer.  Let stand 10 minutes and then eat.  Oh so creamy and delicious.

I made a loaf of beer bread to go along with this.  Doesn't get much better than that!

Happy Scrappin'

Easy Potato and Bacon Breakfast Bake

Today I have a recipe for you that I tried out on Saturday morning.  It was really tasty, but I will also share my thoughts about it.

Potato & Bacon Breakfast Bake

4 cups Southern Style hash brown (the cubed kind), thawed
1 pound bacon
3 cups shredded cheese (I used a mixture of cheddar and whatever I had left in my frig)
1 bunch green onions, chopped
3 eggs (I would use at least 5 or 6 eggs as mine needed a little bit more)
1 cup milk (if you up the egg amount, I would add a little more milk, too)
salt and pepper to your liking

Cook the bacon.  While bacon is cooking, put hash brown in a greased 9x13 pan.  Sprinkle cheese over the potatoes.  When bacon is done, drain and reserve 2 Tbsp. of drippings.  Cook onions in the drippings for 2-3 minutes or until they're tender and smell really good.  Spread onions over cheese and then sprinkle with crumbled bacon.  Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt and pepper-pour over the potato mixture.  cover and refrigerate overnight.

Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly but not brown.  Let stand about 15 minutes (or until your tummy won't let you wait any longer) before digging in.

See, it's really easy, but like I said, I'd add the extra eggs.  My potatoes were just a little bit too dry for my liking.  Other than that, it was very yummy!  Of course, when I reheated some leftovers to eat, I added some butter and that made it all better, too...doesn't everything need a little butter?

Happy Scrappin'

10 Years Old and 2 new recipes

Last night we went over to my Sister's house for my Niece's birthday party.  Wow!  Kiana is 10 years old already!  At first when she opened the card from us, she was not too happy.  I'm not sure that you can see it in the picture, but her card had her 'fake' present in it.  It said, "you said you wanted a bean bag for your birthday, does this work?"  Inside I had put some poly beans in a tiny plastic bag and taped it inside her card.  Let's just say she was a little bummed.  Then I told her to go down into the entryway to get her real present.  We did get her the bean bag chair she wanted.  It was so big, she needed help getting it up the stairs!  I think she liked it!  I know it's not your birthday until Friday, but Happy Birthday, Kiana!  We love you!

Since I had my 9x9 recipe album out to add my new recipe layouts, I was looking through and found this recipe for BLT Dip.  It sounded so yummy - and lucky for me I was headed to that birthday party.  I whipped up a batch and brought it with.  It was yummy!  As you can see, I served it with some Triscuits.  So easy...just my style!

BLT Dip

8 oz. sour cream
1 cup Miracle Whip
1 shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup chopped tomatoes
green onions for garnish
Mix all ingredients together.  Refrigerate overnight.

Now, I also have another recipe to share with you.  At Kiana's birthday party was this salad.  What do you think is in it?  Any guesses?

Ok, I'll tell you.  It was Popcorn Salad.  I had never even heard of it before, but it was really good - trust me, it was.  This is one of those salad's though that you need to eat it all right away or the popcorn gets all soggy and then it wouldn't be too good.  Here is the recipe for that, too.

Popcorn Salad

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups water chestnuts, drained and chopped
2 cups celery, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups mayo (NOT salad dressing)
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
6 1/2 oz. bag Old Dutch white popcorn
Mix all ingredients, adding popcorn just before serving.

See, a couple of easy recipes - and hopefully something new to you.  Enjoy!

Now, I just need to add my little plug here for the Super Bowl - GO PACKERS!  Enjoy the game and hopefully my team will bring the Lombardi trophy back home where it belongs!  :)

Happy Scrappin'

4 new recipes!

Look what I received in the mail the other day!  I love Happy Mail (hey, it's much better than receiving bills, isn't it?)

My friend Lynn and I swap "happy's" in the mail every now and then.  She participated in a 9x9 recipe swap (that I thought I was also signed up for) and made a few extras for me, too!  What a sweetheart!  Check out the great job she did!

As always, you can click on the photos to enlarge them so you can even read the recipes. And Thank You, Lynn!

Happy Scrappin'

Bloody Mary Friday

Oh my gosh, what a fun day yesterday was.  Yesterday was a non-work day for our group, so we decided that us girls needed a girl's day out together.  We all met at Leslie's house (in our jammies, no less) for Bloody Mary's at 10:00.  We each brought a dish to pass and we had a yummy lunch, too.

We always have such a fun time when we get together!  We love to talk and just plain be silly all day!  What great friends I am blessed with!  I am thankful for them everyday!

Today I will also share a recipe with you.  It is a Pampered Chef recipe, not my own creation, but so easy and so yummy, I just had to share it with you.  The girls really liked it, too.  In addition, it looks kinda pretty-always a plus :)  OK, mine never turns out as pretty as the pictures in the recipe books, but I'm ok with that!

I made a Reuben Sandwich ring.  First of all, here are the directions to show you how to make the ring.  (Click on the photo to enlarge it if you need to.)

And here is the recipe for you.

8 ounces sliced deli corned beef, chopped
1 can sauerkraut, drained
1 1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
2 Tbsp. parsley (it called for fresh, but I used  freeze dried)
1 garlic clove, pressed

Combine all ingredients and scoop filling evenly over desired sandwich shape (I used the ring).  Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.  Enjoy!

Thanks for the fun day, girls!
Happy Scrappin'



**Don't forget to post a comment telling me what you think I did on vacation.  The correct winners will receive a happy in the mail from me.  I will be revealing what it was tomorrow.  I already have a couple of guesses, but I can't tell you if they are right or not.  You will just have to wait until tomorrow...