December 20, 2011

a Christmas tradition

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I want to share with y'all a Christmas tradition we have around here. Well, I guess not so much a tradition in the literal sense. Because some years I'm just too darned lazy busy to make it. But every time I do make this confectionery delight, I am so. stinkin'. glad. I did. Meet Ellie's Caramels. So named for the kindly older lady that introduced me to these hip-packin'-melt-in-your-mouth bites of heaven. Actually, first meet the innards of Ellie's Caramels. With a cast of characters this small and unassuming, I find this recipe delightfully … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: cooking, things I love
November 20, 2011

Sunday Snapshot: {Saturday Night Special}

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I love Saturdays. For lots of reasons. But the biggest one? My husband is home. Ahhhhhhh. And on Saturdays, only on Saturdays, he has time to make my very favorite meal. Chicken Fried Steak, where have you been all my life? Of course, I could make it myself. But why? He makes it so much better than I. And all the work? The dipping? The frying? And the cleaning? Doesn't bother him nearly as much as it bothers me. Which just works for us. Because I? Like to do the eating. Hey, some things, I'm good at. … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: cooking, marriage, Sunday Snapshot
November 17, 2011

my day.

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I spent 1 hour this morning compiling recipes. Then 1 hour hustling to get everyone ready. And 1/2 hour to get to the commissary. Then close to 2 hours to complete the shop. And change a diaper. And go to the bathroom. And eat a few monster cookies. Three baskets of groceries, I kid you not. Another 1/2 hour to get home. And, exhaustingly, 2 more hours to get everything brought in and put away. Okay, we were moving pretty slow by then. All this for a Thanksgiving dinner. At our new house. Surrounded by all our … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: celebrations, cooking
October 22, 2011

um… yum.

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I bought these on a whim at the commissary the other day. Something newer, and I hoped better, than the canned cinnamon rolls my kids love to indulge in on Saturday morning. And since we can't really justify the cost of getting everyone a Cinnabon at the mall, well... this seemed like a fun, and much less 'spensy, alternative. So last weekend, we made the first batch (the box has enough to make 2 batches). It was an unqualified success. Easy enough for the kids to make, and yummy enough for everyone to eat. And they ate it ALL. And it actually was … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: cooking
May 24, 2010

thanks, PW.

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Yes I did.I just felt so bad, y'all.My man and young 'uns had labored long and hard on Saturday afternoon, getting my car all spic and span. And they deserved to leave the dinner table with full bellies.Full and happy bellies.Enter Pioneer Woman.And her Ranch Chicken.I thought it looked good when it was all done... but my crew doesn't judge on looks. They judge on taste.The conclusion?Thumbs up all around.Even from the one who had to clean all the dishes.The burden has been lifted. … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: cooking
June 9, 2009

salsa, old school style

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I'm just gotta say it. I am a lazy cook. I always almost always take the easy, quick route, if possible. Rarely do I deviate from this methodology, it just works for me.Unless you're talking about salsa. During tomato season.I saw these beautiful Romas the other day at the grocery and I couldn't resist. I can only make salsa a few times each season, it's so laborious, but my taste buds could hold out no longer.I bought 'em. And brought 'em home.Then I chopped them up before making them endure more cruelty in the food processor.There are certain unnamed people in my … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: cooking, what works for us