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We've all had them- the nasty comments that come from the Internet sissies. The ones that insult our clothes, food, blog styles, parenting choices, word choices or whatever else some coward who is too chicken to leave their real email address feels the need to pick on that day. However, lovelies, today I was privy to be introduced to the worst of all kind of people when I popped in to check my email and saw this comment waiting in my inbox as a comment under my Say Hello tab.
"your baby is actually really hideous. Should've gotten an abortion xoxo" I'm sorry- but back the hell up. You want to say something about me, that's fine. Take your best shot anonymous. However it is reprehensible, unacceptable and basically abominable that you would dare to leave a comment like this about my child- or ANY child for that matter. Obviously you knew that and that would explain why you are far too cowardly to leave your name or contact info. You wouldn't want to have to be held accountable for your words, no. You just wanted to get a dig in where you felt you could and move on- and sign off with a little hug and kiss to make yourself feel better about being such a piece of low life scum, I assume. Well let me tell you something, anonymous. My son is not hideous. No baby is "hideous". Some children may be more naturally beautiful than others but no little human being is disgusting to look at or extremely unpleasant. All babies are full of wonder and hope, they are amazing little beings that don't have hate, jealousy or contempt in their hearts. They love and trust and laugh and teach their parents and anyone who has the privilege to be around them how to truly enjoy life. They don't have a hideous bone in their tiny bodies. What is hideous, anonymous, is a person who would feel that this is okay to say about someones child. As much as I would love to find you, I know that you were only trying to get attention and feel like you got one "up" on me. Congratulations- you hit me where it really hurt, you insulted my kid. A grown person took aim at a 16 month old who doesn't deserve your hateful spite, I hope that makes you feel like a big deal who has won. But I do have to ask, whats the prize? Its not much of a challenge when you don't leave your name to engage with a person who can respond with something more than a smile and a few simple words. Would I be lying if I thought about making this blog private? Not at all. Because my kid doesn't deserve to be called names and be subjected to the mere notion that his life is not meaningful and should have just been "fixed" by a simple visit to the abortion clinic. I didn't start this blog to have people be outwardly cruel- I started it to chronicle Grayson's life so I could look back on the months that fly by way too fast and see how he changed and grew and remember all of the good in his life. However I know that I have met so many amazing people and recieve so many sweet comments from the people who I have come to know as my bloggy friends that this one person's opinion is not significant. Even if it is someone I know in real life, a blog friend that comments regularly, or a "silent" reader who reads and just sits in silence and judges- your opinion simply does not matter to me. You can hide behind your anonymity but I know that the only person who is truly hideous here is you.
5 Şubat 2013 Salı
Kindness
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I saw this today on a blog Istalk read regularly- Love, Fun and Football. If you've never been introduced to Erin, you must pop over to say hello to her- shes seriously a gem (even if our teams are football rivals!). It couldn't be more fitting that today Erin posted about kindness, because in the past 24 hours you all have been so incredibly kind to me. I dont know if she intended her wave to spread, but Im passing it on tonight.
Yesterday, as you may be aware, someone let loose with a vial rant in the form of a comment aimed at my sweet baby boy. Now normally I'm pretty laid back, but this hit me hard on many levels. I crafted my response- which to my surprise only contained one four letter word! But even before I could hit publish the comments started pouring in, and they didn't stop all day. Many of you were angry, outraged and disgusted along with me and you shared your sweet words of encouragement through facebook, email, twitter and comments. Some of you, like Rebecca, made me literally laugh out loud and nearly pee my pants. All of you told me that this person was obviously not right, and lifted my spirits when they were down. It was truly one of the greatest acts of kindness I've ever personally received. Bloggers are special people. We let people into our life and we go into peoples lives and we form bonds with people who in "real" life we may never get the chance to meet. However I know that every day I stop in to check to see how someones baby is doing, what another sweet lovely made for dinner the night before, or what other Mommas wanted to pull their hair out because of something the toddlers did or said (or more likely WOULDN'T do). Now I know my neighbors in real life, but not on the level that I know some bloggy friends and I'm totally okay with that. In truth I wish we could all live next to each other (can you imagine the laughs/crafting/cooking that would be happening on that block?!) but even though we cant, I'm so very glad that we're all neighbors on our little slices of the Internet. You all are some of the kindest, bravest, sweetest women I've ever had the chance to meet, and I cant thank each of you enough for the kindness you've shown me. I can only hope that someday I can return the favor. Until then, spread your own kindness wave and know how much you are all appreciated and loved here in my crazy life.
I saw this today on a blog I
Yesterday, as you may be aware, someone let loose with a vial rant in the form of a comment aimed at my sweet baby boy. Now normally I'm pretty laid back, but this hit me hard on many levels. I crafted my response- which to my surprise only contained one four letter word! But even before I could hit publish the comments started pouring in, and they didn't stop all day. Many of you were angry, outraged and disgusted along with me and you shared your sweet words of encouragement through facebook, email, twitter and comments. Some of you, like Rebecca, made me literally laugh out loud and nearly pee my pants. All of you told me that this person was obviously not right, and lifted my spirits when they were down. It was truly one of the greatest acts of kindness I've ever personally received. Bloggers are special people. We let people into our life and we go into peoples lives and we form bonds with people who in "real" life we may never get the chance to meet. However I know that every day I stop in to check to see how someones baby is doing, what another sweet lovely made for dinner the night before, or what other Mommas wanted to pull their hair out because of something the toddlers did or said (or more likely WOULDN'T do). Now I know my neighbors in real life, but not on the level that I know some bloggy friends and I'm totally okay with that. In truth I wish we could all live next to each other (can you imagine the laughs/crafting/cooking that would be happening on that block?!) but even though we cant, I'm so very glad that we're all neighbors on our little slices of the Internet. You all are some of the kindest, bravest, sweetest women I've ever had the chance to meet, and I cant thank each of you enough for the kindness you've shown me. I can only hope that someday I can return the favor. Until then, spread your own kindness wave and know how much you are all appreciated and loved here in my crazy life.
DIY Birth Announcements
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Hello, Lovelies! Dropping in today to share with you a post I was lucky enough to share with Kristens readers over at Life With The Ellwoods over a year ago.
Birth Announcements.
You have to do them. I mean, come on, you spent 9 months baking the bean you want to show him or her off. But have you checked the price of them out?
Sorry kiddo, can't send you to college- we spent all our money on birth announcements.
I spent hours pouring over the Internet looking for the perfect announcement. The ones I absolutely loved?
These beauties are from Minted.com. If you click on the picture it will link directly to the listing.
They were perfect, sweet, simple and unique. Oh, yeah, they were also $2.20 each. We needed 100 to send out to all of our family/all of the people who came to the baby shower.
They had a similar one at Shutterfly.com
They were cheaper, at $1.35 each...but still way too much for my cheap pocket's liking.
Enter Pixlir.com.
I made these little babies for free, then printed 4x6 prints at Ritz camera to the tune of $0.09 each. Yeah, that's right nine cents each. Oh, and the nice people at Ritz gave us the envelopes for free as well. Score!
If you haven't used pixlr before you need to check it out. You dont need an account, and it works like photoshop but is much easier. They have a few options, either express or avanced- but Express seems to work for most of my needs.
Start by uploading a photo, then have fun playing around with the different effects. You can add text, crop, color splash- tons and tons of different effects.
If you want a 4 x 8 flat card, just click on the collage tab at the beginning. Then you can choose your layout and upload photos from there.
Then choose your style, I like the four boxes side by side.
Drag and drop your pictures where you want them, leaving one block free for text. Once you finish, click finished and then it will bring you to the editing screen where you can add the effects you want.
When you're all done, click save- and thats all there is to it!
Then you just upload it to any photo printing site as a blank 4x8 card, and you're good to go. We made similar ones for Grayson's baptism, and they cost $0.54 each at Ritz, and that included the envelopes.
And there you have it. DIY birth announcements for super cheap, and they take almost no time to make.
Birth Announcements.
You have to do them. I mean, come on, you spent 9 months baking the bean you want to show him or her off. But have you checked the price of them out?
Sorry kiddo, can't send you to college- we spent all our money on birth announcements.
I spent hours pouring over the Internet looking for the perfect announcement. The ones I absolutely loved?
These beauties are from Minted.com. If you click on the picture it will link directly to the listing.
They were perfect, sweet, simple and unique. Oh, yeah, they were also $2.20 each. We needed 100 to send out to all of our family/all of the people who came to the baby shower.
They had a similar one at Shutterfly.com
They were cheaper, at $1.35 each...but still way too much for my cheap pocket's liking.
Enter Pixlir.com.
I made these little babies for free, then printed 4x6 prints at Ritz camera to the tune of $0.09 each. Yeah, that's right nine cents each. Oh, and the nice people at Ritz gave us the envelopes for free as well. Score!
If you haven't used pixlr before you need to check it out. You dont need an account, and it works like photoshop but is much easier. They have a few options, either express or avanced- but Express seems to work for most of my needs.
Start by uploading a photo, then have fun playing around with the different effects. You can add text, crop, color splash- tons and tons of different effects.
If you want a 4 x 8 flat card, just click on the collage tab at the beginning. Then you can choose your layout and upload photos from there.
Then choose your style, I like the four boxes side by side.
Drag and drop your pictures where you want them, leaving one block free for text. Once you finish, click finished and then it will bring you to the editing screen where you can add the effects you want.
When you're all done, click save- and thats all there is to it!
Then you just upload it to any photo printing site as a blank 4x8 card, and you're good to go. We made similar ones for Grayson's baptism, and they cost $0.54 each at Ritz, and that included the envelopes.
And there you have it. DIY birth announcements for super cheap, and they take almost no time to make.
Football Food- BBQ Chicken Crescent Rolls
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Yes- that deliciousness happened in our house tonight. We love football in this house. Its the one sport that hubs and I can watch together because I understand it enough to not annoy him to bits with my questions. Its not a question of what team we root for here- this gal bleeds Black and Gold. Now while they are good, they obviously don't win every year (and some years we down right crap the bed like we did this season). Usually when my beloved Steelers aren't in the big game, we still watch the Superbowl every year, and pick a team to root for. This is the first time that I don't care who was playing or who really wins. Its tough to root for the Ravens, they're a division rival- and if San Francisco wins they tie the Steelers for the most Superbowl wins....it really is a catch 22. So this year, I've decided that I'm just watching for the commercials. That didn't, however, stop me from wanting some good munchies for the game. My mom had made shredded chicken to use in a pulled chicken dip and had some extra so she tossed it our way. I love me some leftovers, so that was fine by me, but I wanted something different to make with them. So after searching my fridge and asking the hubs what he was in the mood for I came up with this. 
So super easy, so good and they took a whopping 15 minutes. 
All you need is some shredded chicken, cheese, BBQ sauce and a tube of crescent rolls. Preheat oven according to directions on the rolls. Put chicken in a bowl and add enough BBQ sauce to coat. 
Unroll your crescents and put a good spoonful of chicken on the fat end of each roll. Top with some shredded cheese and then roll up. 
I was worried that the cheese would glug out of the side of the crescent as it baked, but it didn't. Everything stayed where it was supposed to, which also made for easy clean up. Perfect for football food- so you can spend more time in front of the tv! I popped them into the hot oven for 10 minutes and they were all gone in less than 5. I may not care much about the game, but at least the food was delish!
So super easy, so good and they took a whopping 15 minutes. All you need is some shredded chicken, cheese, BBQ sauce and a tube of crescent rolls. Preheat oven according to directions on the rolls. Put chicken in a bowl and add enough BBQ sauce to coat. Unroll your crescents and put a good spoonful of chicken on the fat end of each roll. Top with some shredded cheese and then roll up. I was worried that the cheese would glug out of the side of the crescent as it baked, but it didn't. Everything stayed where it was supposed to, which also made for easy clean up. Perfect for football food- so you can spend more time in front of the tv! I popped them into the hot oven for 10 minutes and they were all gone in less than 5. I may not care much about the game, but at least the food was delish!
Cottage (Shepherd's) Pie
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A few short days ago, I told you about how my husband had come down with a severe cold. It should be with little surprise that I am now, too. With every last drop of chicken noodle soup now consumed, I had to turn to another comfort food for some relief.
We call this dish shepherd's pie around here; however, its correct name is cottage pie. From what I understand, both dishes are basically the same with the only variation being the type of meat used in the dish. For shepherd's pie, lamb is used. For cottage pie, beef is used.
Regardless of what we call it, cottage (shepherd's) pie is hearty comfort food at its best. Serve with warm biscuits or crusty bread... A perfect meal for warming a sick, old soul on this cold and blustery April day.
Ingredients
5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 Tbs. sour cream
1/4 c. milk
1/2 c. mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
1 to 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. brown gravy mix
1 c. water
3 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbs. ketchup
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 carrots, diced
2 medium onions, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
1/2 c. frozen corn
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
salt and pepper
2 Tbs. butter
2 Tbs. olive oil
Directions
Preheat oven broiler.
In a medium pot, cover potatoes with cold water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until completely soft. Drain and mash. Add sour cream, milk, 1/4 c. mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and salt/pepper to taste. Mix to thoroughly combine. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef. Drain any fat, then return to skillet. Add garlic, brown gravy mix, water, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and salt/pepper to taste. Mix well. Reduce heat to low and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated. Spread evenly into a medium sized casserole dish. Set aside.
In the same skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add vegetables, Italian seasoning and salt/pepper to taste. Cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Spread evenly over meat mixture. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over vegetable layer. Top with remaining 1/4 c. mozzarella cheese. Place in broiler to brown potatoes and cheese, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
We call this dish shepherd's pie around here; however, its correct name is cottage pie. From what I understand, both dishes are basically the same with the only variation being the type of meat used in the dish. For shepherd's pie, lamb is used. For cottage pie, beef is used.
Regardless of what we call it, cottage (shepherd's) pie is hearty comfort food at its best. Serve with warm biscuits or crusty bread... A perfect meal for warming a sick, old soul on this cold and blustery April day.
Ingredients
5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 Tbs. sour cream
1/4 c. milk
1/2 c. mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
1 to 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. brown gravy mix
1 c. water
3 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbs. ketchup
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 carrots, diced
2 medium onions, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
1/2 c. frozen corn
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
salt and pepper
2 Tbs. butter
2 Tbs. olive oil
Directions
Preheat oven broiler.
In a medium pot, cover potatoes with cold water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until completely soft. Drain and mash. Add sour cream, milk, 1/4 c. mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and salt/pepper to taste. Mix to thoroughly combine. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef. Drain any fat, then return to skillet. Add garlic, brown gravy mix, water, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and salt/pepper to taste. Mix well. Reduce heat to low and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated. Spread evenly into a medium sized casserole dish. Set aside.
In the same skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add vegetables, Italian seasoning and salt/pepper to taste. Cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Spread evenly over meat mixture. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over vegetable layer. Top with remaining 1/4 c. mozzarella cheese. Place in broiler to brown potatoes and cheese, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
3 Ocak 2013 Perşembe
Garlic Toasts With Red Pepper Aioli - #SundaySupper
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This is my first official posting for #SundaySupper and I'm super nervous and excited to be here.
Considering the fact that I'm a wet-behind-the-ears newbie with the #SundaySupper crowd, I'm a bit worried that I'll mess up on some of the important links and mentions that I need to include in my post.
That said, I'll plow ahead and do my best!
I would like however to give a giant shout-out to a wonderfully patient #SundaySupper mentor I've had helping me with all my seemingly silly questions. Thank you SO MUCH to Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez of Girliechef. Your patience and kindness were/are an important ingredient to this, my first #SundaySupper post Heather. You ARE my elf in the background... quietly whispering in my ear. LOL
This particular #SundaySupper event (hosted by Tammi of Mama's Meals) was "celebrity chef" week. Everyone got the opportunity to make a dish from there own particular favorite chef personality. The dish I chose was one I adapted from Giada De Laurentiis' cookbook "Giada's Family Dinners". It's a wonderful zippy appetizer that would be a welcome addition to any holiday gathering!!!
This recipe is quick and easy to whip together and what makes it perfect for a holiday party (other than the zippy taste and crunch) is that you can make the aioli a few days in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Perfect for the harried hostess!
Here is my adaptation of Giada's recipe. I hope you'll try it...
GARLIC TOASTS WITH RED PEPPER AIOLI
Red Pepper Aioli:
4-5 small cloves garlic
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 - 12 ounce jar of roasted red peppers, dried with paper towels
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Toasts:
1 baguette (store bought or homemade) sliced diagonally
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper
1 large clove of garlic, peeled
2-3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley for garnish
-To make the aioli place the garlic cloves in a microwave safe dish with the olive oil and microwave on low power until the garlic is soft and pliable (watch it carefully as this will not take long).
-In a food processor, add the cooked garlic, dried peppers, mayonnaise, smoked paprika and the sugar.
-Pulse just until the mixture comes together and is creamy, but not overly processed.
-Place in a small bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve with the garlic toasts.
-To make the toasts, brush each slice with a little olive oil.
-Sprinkle each slice with a little salt and pepper.
-Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven until golden brown (approximately 5-7 minutes)
-Remove from the oven and as soon as they're cool enough to handle, rub a cut garlic clove over each slice of toast. Mmmmm.
-To serve, spread the red pepper aioli onto the garlic toasts and garnish with some fresh chopped parsley.
Well, there you have it, my first recipe submission for #SundaySupper and it couldn't have come at a better time than the for all your holiday entertaining!
For more fabulous celebrity chef inspired recipes, check out all the other wonderful lip smackin' good recipes and blogs listed below.
Starters or Snacks :
Martin at ENOFYLZ Wine Blog - Oyster and Brie Soup and Wine Pairings for Celebrity Chef #SundaySupper
Linda at The Urban Mrs. - Inspired by Bobby Flay, Lobster Chowder with Roasted Corn Salsa
Erin from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts - Rachael Ray’s Cinnamon Popcorn
Cindy over at Cindy’s Recipes and Writings - Jamie Oliver’s Bread and Tomato Soup
Jeff at The Catholic Foodie - Drop Biscuits – Breakfast with Chef John Besh
Renee over at Kudos Kitchen By Renee - Giada De Laurentiis’ Garlic Toasts With Red Pepper Aioli
The Main Dish:
Sheila at Cooking Underwriter – Paula Deen’s Chicken in a Crock Pot w/ Sauerkraut and Apples
Laura over at Small Wallet Big Appetite – Martin Yan’s Beef Chow Fun
Claire at The Realistic Nutritionist – Alton Brown’s 40 Cloves and a Chicken
Sarah over at Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends - Michael Symon’s Lola burger with crab tater tots
Susan at The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen - Ina Garten’s Baked Shrimp Scampi
Katy over at Happy Baking Days - Mary Berry’s Treacle Tart
Tammi at Momma’s Meals – Lee Drummond’s Sloppy Joe’s
Lane over at Supper for a Steal - Bobby Flay’s Rosemary Bricked Chicken
Tara from Noshing with the Nolands - Michael Symon’s Pork and Apple Scallopini
Shannon at Country Girl in the Village – Simple Red Sauce over Rigatoni. Inspired by, Debi Mazar and Gabriele Corcos
Kris over at In the Kitchen with Audrey and Maurene - Rachael Ray’s Muffin Tin Meatloaf
Nicole from The Daily Dish Recipes - Paula Deen’s Slow Cooker Pulled Pickled Pork Sandwiches
Becca from It’s Yummilicious - Ina Garten’s Grown Up Mac & Cheese
Alice at Hip Foodie Mom - Sunday Pot Roast with Risotto Cakes from Kelsey Nixon
Jen over at Juanita’s Cocina - The Neely’s White Turkey Chili
Brianne from Cupcakes & Kale Chips - Crockpot Beef Pot Roast with Mushrooms inspired by Giada DeLaurentiis
Isabel at Family Foodie - Polenta with Garlicky Shrimp inspired by Chef Todd English
Wendy from The Weekend Gourmet - Shrimp Penne in Pesto Cream Sauce, From Emeril Lagasse
Bobbi over at Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen - Cheesy Poblano Chicken
Patti at Comfy Cuisine - Tyler Florence’s Chicken Francese
Chris from Sustainable Dad - Pork Tenderloin with Jerusalem Artichokes and Negroni Vinaigrette
Roxanne over at The Roxx Box - Jambalaya Pasta with Penne, Chicken, Shrimp and Andouille
Sue from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz – Rachael Ray’s Spicy Corn Chowdah Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Jamie at Mama Mommy Mom - Penne with Asparagus, Smoked Gouda and Prosciutto. Adapted from, Giada De Laurentiis’
Tora over at Tora’s Real Food – Pork and beans with Alton Brown’s pickled pork
Amazing Sides:
Elizabeth over at The Hand That Rocks The Ladle - Emeril’s New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice
Megan from I Run For Wine - Curtis Stone’s Acorn Squash Roasted with Thyme
Sandi over at Midlife Road Trip - Gabriele Corcos’s Gnocchi di Patate
Shelby at Diabetic Foodie - Orange Pecan Black Rice, adapted from Ina Garten
Katie from She likes Ruffles, He likes Truffles - Chef Fabio Viviani’s Spinach and Artichoke Risotto
Sweet Endings:
Kim over at Cravings of a Lunatic - Chocolate Cream Puffs with Hazelnut Filling
Renee over at Magnolia Days – Brownie Tart
Connie at The Foodie Army Wife - Inspired by Ree Drummond – Scrumptious Apple Coffee Cake
Paula over at Vintage Kitchen Notes - Bill Granger´s Cherry Tart
Pam from The Meltaways – Savannah Sheet Cake
Amber at Mama’s Blissful Bites - Huggy Buggy Bread Pudding
Jaime over at Mom’s Test Kitchen - Southern Tea Cakes
Amy over at Kimchi MOM - Crack Pie, I Can’t Quit You
Lyn from The Lovely Pantry - Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Squares
Melanie at From Fast Food to Fresh Food – Sand Tarts
Wine Pairings:
Martin at ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
Please join on us via Twitter for #SundaySupper on December 2, 2012, throughout the day. In the evening, we will meet at 7 PM EST for our weekly #SundaySupper live chat. All you have to do is follow the #SundaySupper hashtag or you can follow us through TweetChat.
I hope you'll come back soon. You're always welcome in my Kudos Kitchen!!!
Renée
Considering the fact that I'm a wet-behind-the-ears newbie with the #SundaySupper crowd, I'm a bit worried that I'll mess up on some of the important links and mentions that I need to include in my post.
That said, I'll plow ahead and do my best!
I would like however to give a giant shout-out to a wonderfully patient #SundaySupper mentor I've had helping me with all my seemingly silly questions. Thank you SO MUCH to Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez of Girliechef. Your patience and kindness were/are an important ingredient to this, my first #SundaySupper post Heather. You ARE my elf in the background... quietly whispering in my ear. LOL
This particular #SundaySupper event (hosted by Tammi of Mama's Meals) was "celebrity chef" week. Everyone got the opportunity to make a dish from there own particular favorite chef personality. The dish I chose was one I adapted from Giada De Laurentiis' cookbook "Giada's Family Dinners". It's a wonderful zippy appetizer that would be a welcome addition to any holiday gathering!!!
This recipe is quick and easy to whip together and what makes it perfect for a holiday party (other than the zippy taste and crunch) is that you can make the aioli a few days in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Perfect for the harried hostess!
Here is my adaptation of Giada's recipe. I hope you'll try it...
GARLIC TOASTS WITH RED PEPPER AIOLI
Red Pepper Aioli:
4-5 small cloves garlic
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 - 12 ounce jar of roasted red peppers, dried with paper towels
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Toasts:
1 baguette (store bought or homemade) sliced diagonally
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper
1 large clove of garlic, peeled
2-3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley for garnish
-To make the aioli place the garlic cloves in a microwave safe dish with the olive oil and microwave on low power until the garlic is soft and pliable (watch it carefully as this will not take long).
-In a food processor, add the cooked garlic, dried peppers, mayonnaise, smoked paprika and the sugar.
-Pulse just until the mixture comes together and is creamy, but not overly processed.
-Place in a small bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve with the garlic toasts.
-To make the toasts, brush each slice with a little olive oil.
-Sprinkle each slice with a little salt and pepper.
-Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven until golden brown (approximately 5-7 minutes)
-Remove from the oven and as soon as they're cool enough to handle, rub a cut garlic clove over each slice of toast. Mmmmm.
-To serve, spread the red pepper aioli onto the garlic toasts and garnish with some fresh chopped parsley.
Well, there you have it, my first recipe submission for #SundaySupper and it couldn't have come at a better time than the for all your holiday entertaining!
For more fabulous celebrity chef inspired recipes, check out all the other wonderful lip smackin' good recipes and blogs listed below.
Starters or Snacks :
Martin at ENOFYLZ Wine Blog - Oyster and Brie Soup and Wine Pairings for Celebrity Chef #SundaySupper
Linda at The Urban Mrs. - Inspired by Bobby Flay, Lobster Chowder with Roasted Corn Salsa
Erin from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts - Rachael Ray’s Cinnamon Popcorn
Cindy over at Cindy’s Recipes and Writings - Jamie Oliver’s Bread and Tomato Soup
Jeff at The Catholic Foodie - Drop Biscuits – Breakfast with Chef John Besh
Renee over at Kudos Kitchen By Renee - Giada De Laurentiis’ Garlic Toasts With Red Pepper Aioli
The Main Dish:
Sheila at Cooking Underwriter – Paula Deen’s Chicken in a Crock Pot w/ Sauerkraut and Apples
Laura over at Small Wallet Big Appetite – Martin Yan’s Beef Chow Fun
Claire at The Realistic Nutritionist – Alton Brown’s 40 Cloves and a Chicken
Sarah over at Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends - Michael Symon’s Lola burger with crab tater tots
Susan at The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen - Ina Garten’s Baked Shrimp Scampi
Katy over at Happy Baking Days - Mary Berry’s Treacle Tart
Tammi at Momma’s Meals – Lee Drummond’s Sloppy Joe’s
Lane over at Supper for a Steal - Bobby Flay’s Rosemary Bricked Chicken
Tara from Noshing with the Nolands - Michael Symon’s Pork and Apple Scallopini
Shannon at Country Girl in the Village – Simple Red Sauce over Rigatoni. Inspired by, Debi Mazar and Gabriele Corcos
Kris over at In the Kitchen with Audrey and Maurene - Rachael Ray’s Muffin Tin Meatloaf
Nicole from The Daily Dish Recipes - Paula Deen’s Slow Cooker Pulled Pickled Pork Sandwiches
Becca from It’s Yummilicious - Ina Garten’s Grown Up Mac & Cheese
Alice at Hip Foodie Mom - Sunday Pot Roast with Risotto Cakes from Kelsey Nixon
Jen over at Juanita’s Cocina - The Neely’s White Turkey Chili
Brianne from Cupcakes & Kale Chips - Crockpot Beef Pot Roast with Mushrooms inspired by Giada DeLaurentiis
Isabel at Family Foodie - Polenta with Garlicky Shrimp inspired by Chef Todd English
Wendy from The Weekend Gourmet - Shrimp Penne in Pesto Cream Sauce, From Emeril Lagasse
Bobbi over at Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen - Cheesy Poblano Chicken
Patti at Comfy Cuisine - Tyler Florence’s Chicken Francese
Chris from Sustainable Dad - Pork Tenderloin with Jerusalem Artichokes and Negroni Vinaigrette
Roxanne over at The Roxx Box - Jambalaya Pasta with Penne, Chicken, Shrimp and Andouille
Sue from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz – Rachael Ray’s Spicy Corn Chowdah Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Jamie at Mama Mommy Mom - Penne with Asparagus, Smoked Gouda and Prosciutto. Adapted from, Giada De Laurentiis’
Tora over at Tora’s Real Food – Pork and beans with Alton Brown’s pickled pork
Amazing Sides:
Elizabeth over at The Hand That Rocks The Ladle - Emeril’s New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice
Megan from I Run For Wine - Curtis Stone’s Acorn Squash Roasted with Thyme
Sandi over at Midlife Road Trip - Gabriele Corcos’s Gnocchi di Patate
Shelby at Diabetic Foodie - Orange Pecan Black Rice, adapted from Ina Garten
Katie from She likes Ruffles, He likes Truffles - Chef Fabio Viviani’s Spinach and Artichoke Risotto
Sweet Endings:
Kim over at Cravings of a Lunatic - Chocolate Cream Puffs with Hazelnut Filling
Renee over at Magnolia Days – Brownie Tart
Connie at The Foodie Army Wife - Inspired by Ree Drummond – Scrumptious Apple Coffee Cake
Paula over at Vintage Kitchen Notes - Bill Granger´s Cherry Tart
Pam from The Meltaways – Savannah Sheet Cake
Amber at Mama’s Blissful Bites - Huggy Buggy Bread Pudding
Jaime over at Mom’s Test Kitchen - Southern Tea Cakes
Amy over at Kimchi MOM - Crack Pie, I Can’t Quit You
Lyn from The Lovely Pantry - Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Squares
Melanie at From Fast Food to Fresh Food – Sand Tarts
Wine Pairings:
Martin at ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
Please join on us via Twitter for #SundaySupper on December 2, 2012, throughout the day. In the evening, we will meet at 7 PM EST for our weekly #SundaySupper live chat. All you have to do is follow the #SundaySupper hashtag or you can follow us through TweetChat.
I hope you'll come back soon. You're always welcome in my Kudos Kitchen!!!
Renée
Making Peppermint Vodka
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I don't know about you, but as we turn the corner from November being all about the pumpkin, December for me is all about peppermint!!!
Peppermint candy, peppermint cookies, peppermint cheesecake, peppermint coffee...Well, you get the idea!
So, when I saw this fast and easy idea in the December 2012 edition of Rachael Ray Everyday magazine, I knew in a moment I must make this drink!!!
This recipe is a no brainer and comes together in a matter of moments. Of course you can use whatever bottle you have laying around and even make your own label for it off your computer. But, if you're familiar with me and have visited here before, you know that I'm a painter and can't seem to keep my paintbrushes quite for long. Before the peppermint vodka, I also dabbled in some limoncello and some Cuba Libra Rum (HO!HO!HO! it's a wonder I can still type!) LOL
This would make a wonderful holiday gift. Drink it straight or mixed in with some hot chocolate for a decedent cup of adult good cheer!!!
PEPPERMINT VODKA
1 - 1.75 liter of vodka
1 package of candy canes
1 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
-Using a food processor, grind up all the unwrapped candy canes to a very fine powder.
-Using a funnel, add the vodka to a peppermint vodka bottle of your choice.
-Dry the funnel completely and use it again to SLOWLY funnel the powdery candy cane mixture into the bottle.
**TIP - Do not do it the other way around as I did. I added the candy cane powder first and then the vodka. All that did was form a hard candy mass at the bottom of the bottle that is still taking a long time to dissolve. If you add the vodka first, the candy cane powder will dissolve as you slowly add it into the bottle. Learn from my mistakes people :)**
-Allow the mixture to sit for a few days and then take a small taste test to determine if you need more peppermint flavor. If so, add the peppermint extract.
There you have it. Simple, tasty, fun and festive. What more do you want for a holiday gift?
What I do suggest however is that you have a few guards stand over it so nobody sneaks a taste here or there if you are planning on giving it as a gift. It won't last very long if you don't! HA!
CHEERS TO A MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!!
Peppermint candy, peppermint cookies, peppermint cheesecake, peppermint coffee...Well, you get the idea!
So, when I saw this fast and easy idea in the December 2012 edition of Rachael Ray Everyday magazine, I knew in a moment I must make this drink!!!
This recipe is a no brainer and comes together in a matter of moments. Of course you can use whatever bottle you have laying around and even make your own label for it off your computer. But, if you're familiar with me and have visited here before, you know that I'm a painter and can't seem to keep my paintbrushes quite for long. Before the peppermint vodka, I also dabbled in some limoncello and some Cuba Libra Rum (HO!HO!HO! it's a wonder I can still type!) LOL
This would make a wonderful holiday gift. Drink it straight or mixed in with some hot chocolate for a decedent cup of adult good cheer!!!
PEPPERMINT VODKA
1 - 1.75 liter of vodka
1 package of candy canes
1 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
-Using a food processor, grind up all the unwrapped candy canes to a very fine powder.
-Using a funnel, add the vodka to a peppermint vodka bottle of your choice.
-Dry the funnel completely and use it again to SLOWLY funnel the powdery candy cane mixture into the bottle.
**TIP - Do not do it the other way around as I did. I added the candy cane powder first and then the vodka. All that did was form a hard candy mass at the bottom of the bottle that is still taking a long time to dissolve. If you add the vodka first, the candy cane powder will dissolve as you slowly add it into the bottle. Learn from my mistakes people :)**
-Allow the mixture to sit for a few days and then take a small taste test to determine if you need more peppermint flavor. If so, add the peppermint extract.
There you have it. Simple, tasty, fun and festive. What more do you want for a holiday gift?
What I do suggest however is that you have a few guards stand over it so nobody sneaks a taste here or there if you are planning on giving it as a gift. It won't last very long if you don't! HA!
CHEERS TO A MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!!
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