tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89462987694784339012024-03-13T10:24:32.535-04:00nora's little nooka little window into my world of projects, recipes, and things that inspire me or make me happy. :) hope it brings you happiness or inspiration as well.norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-57496351016606456572013-09-22T19:43:00.003-04:002013-09-22T19:43:53.595-04:001/2-baked!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
well, baby Della is officially 20 weeks (yesterday)</div>
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and 1/2-way to her due date!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe7OKnFaniM/Uj9v8G9G45I/AAAAAAAACJY/6UX-MiVfdlo/s1600/dcc.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe7OKnFaniM/Uj9v8G9G45I/AAAAAAAACJY/6UX-MiVfdlo/s320/dcc.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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i am very excited that we have made it to the half-way point!</div>
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in all honesty, this pregnancy has gone much faster than i had anticipated </div>
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and has been much easier than i could have imagined.</div>
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we had planned a trip to charleston this weekend to visit some friends </div>
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and i was really looking forward to a fun weekend away to celebrate this fun milestone...</div>
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but wednesday i got a cold. </div>
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i figured like most colds that i have had it would be gone in 2 or 3 days </div>
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and we would still be able to get away for the weekend.</div>
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but it seems that my pregnant body takes much longer to fight off germs.</div>
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each day i have felt progressively worse.</div>
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so rather than enjoying the beach with friends this weekend, </div>
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i was lying in bed or on the couch with a mug of decaffeinated hot tea.</div>
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i just keep reminding myself that i am building up baby girl's immune system,</div>
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but unfortunately that isn't making me feel any better in the meantime.</div>
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i have spent many, many hours on the couch in the last few days.</div>
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but i have had some of the best company in my misery.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fdov1X9W-Y/Uj9ythcHacI/AAAAAAAACJk/Y64CKyZ-a0E/s1600/blankie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fdov1X9W-Y/Uj9ythcHacI/AAAAAAAACJk/Y64CKyZ-a0E/s320/blankie.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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she is always happy to snuggle. </div>
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she can always tell if i am not feeling well,</div>
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and i am pretty sure that she has figured out that there is something different about mommy.</div>
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i go back and forth between feeling like i am so huge that my belly is about to burst </div>
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and then the next day feeling like i am hardly showing enough of a bump to be at the half-way point.</div>
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this picture was taken this morning before i had eaten anything or even had anything to drink, </div>
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so it is not the best representation of my 'real' belly size</div>
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especially not by the end of the day when i am all swollen, </div>
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but here is my little belly in all its glory</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fBc1udorOM/Uj90HpNM69I/AAAAAAAACJw/Ee12DZuciUw/s1600/bump.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fBc1udorOM/Uj90HpNM69I/AAAAAAAACJw/Ee12DZuciUw/s320/bump.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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thursday afternoon we actually got to get an 'extra' ultrasound of sweet little Della.</div>
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the doctor said that the pictures that we had gotten at the 18 week ultrasound were a little grainy, </div>
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so he wanted to have us get another ultrasound of her heart to make sure that everything was working exactly as it should.</div>
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i was very relieved that everything looked perfect.</div>
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and Della must have spent the last week and a half practicing her little performance for us,</div>
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because she showed us some very impressive contortions and movements. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xn36hef4IrY/Uj91gBswm2I/AAAAAAAACJ8/lp_v0eLLHiM/s1600/bendy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xn36hef4IrY/Uj91gBswm2I/AAAAAAAACJ8/lp_v0eLLHiM/s320/bendy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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apparently i need to start looking into baby gymnastic classes for when she arrives.</div>
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we have loved every opportunity that we have gotten to see our sweet little miracle and we feel so blessed that God chose us to be her parents.</div>
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we cannot wait to meet her in 20 weeks.</div>
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last night i was feeling absolutely terrible</div>
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and the only thing that i could think of that would make me feel better was a bowl of soup.</div>
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so i did a little searching on google, </div>
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browsed through my pinterest files,</div>
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and decided that creamy jalepeno popper chicken soup sounded like a winner...</div>
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and it was!!!!</div>
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<u>Creamy Jalepeno Popper Soup</u></h2>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></h3>
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<b>1 lb bacon, fried and crumbled</b></div>
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<b>(set aside 1/4 cup for garish)</b></div>
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<b>2 Tablespoons olive oil</b></div>
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<b>1 medium onion, diced </b></div>
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<b>6 jalepeno peppers, diced very finely</b></div>
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<b>6 cloves garlic, minced or pressed</b></div>
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<b>1 1/2 lbs chicken, baked and shredded</b></div>
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<b>(i used part of a rotisserie chicken)</b></div>
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<b>2 Tablespoons flour</b></div>
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<b>1 teaspoon oregano</b></div>
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<b>1 teaspoon cumin</b></div>
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<b>2 teaspoons chili powder</b></div>
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<b>1/2 teaspoon salt</b></div>
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<b>1/4 teaspoon pepper</b></div>
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<b>4 cups chicken broth</b></div>
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<b>1 can corn, drained</b></div>
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<b>1 can navy beans, drained</b></div>
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<b>2 cans tomatoes with green chilis (rotel)</b></div>
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<b>1, 8 oz package cream cheese, cubed</b></div>
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<b>1 cup half and half</b></div>
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directions:</h3>
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1. heat oil in large pot, add onions, peppers, and garlic.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-amxUb94M-0k/Uj95tr7_7yI/AAAAAAAACLM/hTTSHHbFllk/s1600/jaleps.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-amxUb94M-0k/Uj95tr7_7yI/AAAAAAAACLM/hTTSHHbFllk/s320/jaleps.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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we like a little extra heat,</div>
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so i also added one thai red pepper from my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's garden</div>
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but you could also add a little cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes for extra heat.</div>
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i can't taste much right now so i didn't want to add too much and over-do the spiciness.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ6ZuZicg6Y/Uj95wDRMQnI/AAAAAAAACLo/JNEQCutrN_w/s1600/red+pepper.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ6ZuZicg6Y/Uj95wDRMQnI/AAAAAAAACLo/JNEQCutrN_w/s320/red+pepper.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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let the onion, garlic, and peppers saute for 5-7 minutes.</div>
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then add the flour</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tZV_ghksa0M/Uj95rp9XlKI/AAAAAAAACK0/_S5hzwC0SCc/s1600/flour.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tZV_ghksa0M/Uj95rp9XlKI/AAAAAAAACK0/_S5hzwC0SCc/s320/flour.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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this will absorb a little of the oil and thicken the soup</div>
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(so if you are going gluten-free you could easily leave this out).</div>
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cook the flour for about 3 minutes, stirring often.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qA2-qza6btE/Uj95rA1_oeI/AAAAAAAACKs/YPTZVEuO-DE/s1600/chicken.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qA2-qza6btE/Uj95rA1_oeI/AAAAAAAACKs/YPTZVEuO-DE/s320/chicken.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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then add the cooked chicken to the pepper mix to reheat it.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gLlWTibZis/Uj95wsiP-iI/AAAAAAAACL0/WHxczFoyCLA/s1600/spice.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gLlWTibZis/Uj95wsiP-iI/AAAAAAAACL0/WHxczFoyCLA/s320/spice.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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let the chicken heat through for 2 or 3 minutes then add the spices.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-872upvUgFeM/Uj95xrgu10I/AAAAAAAACL4/Qg_DHT9YKHU/s1600/spices.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-872upvUgFeM/Uj95xrgu10I/AAAAAAAACL4/Qg_DHT9YKHU/s320/spices.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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stir well</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-15p9io_7umw/Uj95r9fxVUI/AAAAAAAACK4/yWMsvgpYU34/s1600/chix.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-15p9io_7umw/Uj95r9fxVUI/AAAAAAAACK4/yWMsvgpYU34/s320/chix.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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then add the chicken broth, corn, beans, and tomatoes with chilis</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c56LvIQCg1w/Uj95pDYuriI/AAAAAAAACKU/lll3xIBS7ss/s1600/canned.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c56LvIQCg1w/Uj95pDYuriI/AAAAAAAACKU/lll3xIBS7ss/s320/canned.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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let soup simmer for about 30 minutes, uncovered</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7jve0voVhZo/Uj95pEqnG7I/AAAAAAAACKY/ubkbmNmsdHA/s1600/cheese.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7jve0voVhZo/Uj95pEqnG7I/AAAAAAAACKY/ubkbmNmsdHA/s320/cheese.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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then add the cubed cream cheese</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIfi0wfeSEE/Uj95uPa1PtI/AAAAAAAACLQ/IqgWp__8piA/s1600/melt.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIfi0wfeSEE/Uj95uPa1PtI/AAAAAAAACLQ/IqgWp__8piA/s320/melt.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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heat, stirring often, until the cream cheese has melted.</div>
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(i actually ended up whisking it to make sure that all of the little pieces of cream cheese melted)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vdUZEiS4NI/Uj95pHcEqII/AAAAAAAACKc/xQb1v_WBUQQ/s1600/bacon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vdUZEiS4NI/Uj95pHcEqII/AAAAAAAACKc/xQb1v_WBUQQ/s320/bacon.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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then add the bacon</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zC8TbXQ0GzA/Uj95sgJQUiI/AAAAAAAACLE/RrsvCGwpp5Y/s1600/half.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zC8TbXQ0GzA/Uj95sgJQUiI/AAAAAAAACLE/RrsvCGwpp5Y/s320/half.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and the half and half.</div>
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let heat for several minutes, but do not allow to boil again once half and half has been added</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rrp_l5-xJGA/Uj95wUN_jbI/AAAAAAAACLk/cVQHqZ5OuPo/s1600/soup.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rrp_l5-xJGA/Uj95wUN_jbI/AAAAAAAACLk/cVQHqZ5OuPo/s320/soup.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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enjoy your soup with whatever toppings you like</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXPZHaf2sSM/Uj95x62Zv4I/AAAAAAAACL8/jcmko4WYJsc/s1600/topping.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXPZHaf2sSM/Uj95x62Zv4I/AAAAAAAACL8/jcmko4WYJsc/s320/topping.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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we garnished with cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon, and cilantro.</div>
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Perfection!!!!!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OTh2AEpc4gc/Uj95uv4cmPI/AAAAAAAACLU/ycu-YVDvT9U/s1600/popper.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OTh2AEpc4gc/Uj95uv4cmPI/AAAAAAAACLU/ycu-YVDvT9U/s320/popper.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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jalepeno popper soup is definitely now on my top 10 list!</div>
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hope you enjoy!</div>
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norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-68350533965210219322013-09-16T18:52:00.000-04:002013-09-16T18:52:14.262-04:00sugar, spice... and soup<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #212122; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">there have been a few fun things that have occurred since the last time that i blogged.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">first of all, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">our sweet puppy amos celebrated his 2nd birthday! </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGgKqX_joBA/UjdgRKqDZtI/AAAAAAAACEE/RdP2Keo7x9g/s1600/amos.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGgKqX_joBA/UjdgRKqDZtI/AAAAAAAACEE/RdP2Keo7x9g/s320/amos.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">i cannot believe that this tiny little puppy is 2 years old already. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd_2J7ZdVsU/UjdgX1olyXI/AAAAAAAACEM/jgxz167ESMA/s1600/pup.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd_2J7ZdVsU/UjdgX1olyXI/AAAAAAAACEM/jgxz167ESMA/s320/pup.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">i do miss his adorable puppy days and i miss being able to hold him on my lap.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">but i do NOT miss the months and months of potty training that we endured to get him house broken.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and we have been enjoying his sweet, relaxed, cuddly, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">yet incredibly protective personality.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQ7LRw7w1Ng/Ujdglf6iKgI/AAAAAAAACEU/CS5LN8oJbSA/s1600/amo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQ7LRw7w1Ng/Ujdglf6iKgI/AAAAAAAACEU/CS5LN8oJbSA/s320/amo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">it was ridiculous how quickly he grew!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKGNVmvxOdo/Ujdj-wmiL5I/AAAAAAAACFs/VbNLSCZKaI4/s1600/mirror.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKGNVmvxOdo/Ujdj-wmiL5I/AAAAAAAACFs/VbNLSCZKaI4/s320/mirror.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">i caught him last night checking himself out in the bathroom mirror. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">haha. he is such a funny dog. wouldn't trade him for anything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we are so thankful to have him as a part of our little family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">i cannot wait to see him in his new role as a protective big brother.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and on that note, ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we actually have had 2 ultrasounds since i last posted about our sweet little bun in the oven.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we went and had a 4D ultrasound at almost 14 weeks (13 weeks, 5 days).</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzsM7azC_3U/UjdgzTxwozI/AAAAAAAACEc/5ubxOWvJWI0/s1600/girl.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzsM7azC_3U/UjdgzTxwozI/AAAAAAAACEc/5ubxOWvJWI0/s320/girl.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">technology is so amazing now. we got such clear pictures and actually an incredible video of our VERY active baby who kicked and wiggled almost the entire 1/2 hour that we were watching.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-41qoMHgqCWY/UjdiP7H-YDI/AAAAAAAACE8/YPWXxzR6peY/s1600/B_15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-41qoMHgqCWY/UjdiP7H-YDI/AAAAAAAACE8/YPWXxzR6peY/s320/B_15.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Look at those little legs! no wonder i started feeling little kicks at 14 weeks! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">at that point the technician was absolutely certain of the baby's gender.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we told family and close friends what we found out,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> but we decided to wait to make the 'big announcement' until after our 18 week ultrasound at the OB.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">i just knew that i would be embarrassed if the gender changed and i had already told hundreds of people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we went last tuesday for our 18 week ultrasound and anatomy scan at the OB.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyXX5vvWeDQ/UjdiUuofO6I/AAAAAAAACFQ/Q688xB9HqaI/s1600/hand.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyXX5vvWeDQ/UjdiUuofO6I/AAAAAAAACFQ/Q688xB9HqaI/s320/hand.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the baby was so perfect in every way!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we are both so in love with this tiny miracle!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYzn28b_D-8/UjdiVX69-nI/AAAAAAAACFk/0Gzhh0Pwg2s/s1600/point.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYzn28b_D-8/UjdiVX69-nI/AAAAAAAACFk/0Gzhh0Pwg2s/s320/point.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we were just amazed that we could literally see every tiny little bone in the baby's spine, fingers, and toes,</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSGe0k0OvOE/UjdiSzYuSNI/AAAAAAAACFM/zNsq49VgVpE/s1600/bones.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSGe0k0OvOE/UjdiSzYuSNI/AAAAAAAACFM/zNsq49VgVpE/s320/bones.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and those legs! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">always kicking (almost every 30 minutes!!! day & night)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">which, i am not complaining about at all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> i actually find it rather comforting to feel the baby move all the time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and we were SO excited that my husband got to feel little kicks just before 18 weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">i was hoping that he wouldn't have to wait till 24 weeks,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> which most of the things that i had read said 24 weeks was about when others would be able to feel movements.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pG3XYzf-u0A/UjdiT6JWDJI/AAAAAAAACFc/UQNX214to8Q/s1600/feet.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pG3XYzf-u0A/UjdiT6JWDJI/AAAAAAAACFc/UQNX214to8Q/s320/feet.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> we also got to see </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">every organ, and even facial expressions.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cbCnBB1KnIY/UjdiS6fz0mI/AAAAAAAACFI/fEiCx40Jjjg/s1600/face.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cbCnBB1KnIY/UjdiS6fz0mI/AAAAAAAACFI/fEiCx40Jjjg/s320/face.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and we got the confirmation that our first ultrasound had been correct on gender,</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gKmSm9XUC_k/Ujde9lTcRCI/AAAAAAAACDw/ip5nY2PPSM4/s1600/Its+A+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gKmSm9XUC_k/Ujde9lTcRCI/AAAAAAAACDw/ip5nY2PPSM4/s320/Its+A+Girl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">it's a GIRL!!!!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Della Claire Collogan will be joining our family shortly after the new year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">we are naming her after my husband's grandmother Della who passed away about 9 years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was named after my grandma Norma, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">so i have always thought family names were very special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">so thrilled that our home will be filled with much more sugar and spice this february.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKRJss-gRes/Ujd56-U_6XI/AAAAAAAACGU/W_n-Ngzvek8/s1600/19.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKRJss-gRes/Ujd56-U_6XI/AAAAAAAACGU/W_n-Ngzvek8/s320/19.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">here we are, almost 1/2-way! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">this pregnancy is flying by.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">i was also happy that we finally got a little bit of cooler weather this weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">saturday's high was 78 degrees!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> i normally hold onto summer for as long as i can,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> but as none of my summer clothes fit anymore, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and my hormones are keeping me a little warmer these days,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">i am ready to embrace fall and all of the things that i love about the cooler months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">if you have read many of my other posts you know that i am slightly obsessed with soup.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">i could probably eat it 5 nights a week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and fortunately my husband likes it too... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and is even a good sport about it if i happen to make it when it isn't a particularly cool day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">when i found out that it was supposed to be cooling off this weekend i decided to browse through my pinterest <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/norajoy/soup-sandwich/">soup recipes</a> and as soon as i saw this picture:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6_rphIeTlGo/UjdnFLIRT5I/AAAAAAAACF4/keIlSTcJCJ4/s1600/Hamburger-Soupfinal1resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6_rphIeTlGo/UjdnFLIRT5I/AAAAAAAACF4/keIlSTcJCJ4/s320/Hamburger-Soupfinal1resize.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">it was over!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">i did what i usually do and found 4 recipes for cheeseburger soup, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">chose my favorite components of each of them,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">made my shopping list,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and got to work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">i actually found out shortly after going to the store that several of our friends were going to come up from charleston to spend the evening with us, so i decided to double the recipe to ensure that we would have some leftover</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(which i will admit is one of my favorite things about soup, the leftovers!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">i did stay pretty close to the recipe from <a href="http://therecipecritic.com/2012/12/cheeseburger-soup/">the recipe critic's cheeseburger soup</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">but if i learned one thing from my mother,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">who has her own blog- </span><a href="http://beckasblog.ivman.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">becka's blog</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> it is that you don't EVER have to follow a recipe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">no one will ever know if you change a few things. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">so here is my recipe </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>cheeseburger soup</u></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>ingredients:</u></span></h3>
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<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 pound lean ground beef </span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 lb. pork sausage</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup chopped onion</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup shredded carrots</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup diced celery</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon dried basil</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6 tablespoons butter, divided</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6 cups chicken broth</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5 large peeled and diced potatoes (i used red potatoes because that's what i had)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/3 cup all purpose flour</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 cups of Velveeta processed cheese cubed (I used 16 ounce)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 1/2 cups fat free 1/2 & 1/2</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 1/2 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">½ teaspoon pepper</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading" style="clear: both; font-family: custom-three !important; font-size: 21px; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<u>directions:</u></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: inherit;">1. brown the ground beef and sausage. drain and set aside</span></div>
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading" style="clear: both; font-size: 21px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: inherit;">2. in the same saucepan melt 2 T butter and add onion, shredded carrots, parsley flakes, basil and celery. saute until tender and onions are transparent, about 7-10 minutes.</span></div>
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading" style="clear: both; font-size: 21px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: inherit;">3. add the broth, potatoes and beef and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. i let it simmer for close to 45 minutes, just because i like the potatoes to be slightly more tender.</span></div>
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading" style="clear: both; font-size: 21px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: inherit;">4. in small skillet melt remaining butter (4 T) and add the flour. Cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly. Add to the soup and bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: inherit;">5. stir in the cubed velveeta, 1/2 & 1/2, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until cheese melts. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: inherit;">6. serve with grated cheddar, sour cream, and garlic bread.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: inherit;">A-Maz-InG!!!! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: inherit;">and i truly believe that the leftovers were even better.</span></div>
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</div>
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</div>
</div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">and since we finished up the leftovers of this soup last night, </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;">
naturally i had to make a new pot for tonight. </div>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;">i had cooked up a 2 lb pack of ground beef on saturday, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;">so i had to choose a recipe that called for ground beef. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;">i have made this recipe before and we loved it!</span></div>
<h2 style="color: #212122; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u><br /></u></strong></h2>
<h2 style="color: #212122; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">pasta e fagioli soup</span></u></strong></h2>
<div style="color: #212122; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u><br /></u></strong></div>
<div style="color: #212122; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u>ingredients:</u></strong></div>
<span style="color: #212122; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
4 slices bacon</div>
</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #212122; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 1/2 lb ground beef</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #212122; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> (I used 1/2 lb ground beef and 1 lb. pork sausage</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #212122; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> that i had cooked up on saturday for the cheeseburger soup)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #212122; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 Tablespoons butter</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 small onions, chopped (1 cup)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
2 medium carrots, chopped finely (1 cup)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 stalks celery, chopped finely (1 cup)</div>
</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #212122; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6-10 cloves garlic, minced or pressed</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #212122; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">15oz can diced tomatoes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
15oz can tomato sauce</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
6 cups chicken broth</div>
</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #212122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">15oz can red kidney beans (with liquid)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #212122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #212122; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
2 15oz cans great northern beans (with liquid)</div>
</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #212122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1-2 teaspoons salt (to taste)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #212122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #212122; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
1 teaspoon dried oregano</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 teaspoon dried basil</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme</div>
</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #212122; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon ground sage</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #212122; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #212122; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #212122; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 teaspoon pepper</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #212122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">2 or 3 bay leaves</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #212122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #212122; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
2×2″ parmesan rind (optional)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
16 oz dry small pasta (i used small shells because that's what i had, but the recipe is usually made with ditalini pasta)</div>
</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #212122; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u>directions:</u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.<b> c</b>ook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, crumble and set aside.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_YPSNZIrr8/Ujd579WA47I/AAAAAAAACGY/IGbDyUp6gH8/s1600/bacons.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_YPSNZIrr8/Ujd579WA47I/AAAAAAAACGY/IGbDyUp6gH8/s320/bacons.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;">2. brown ground beef (and pork if using both) in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until no longer pink, lightly seasoning with salt & pepper. drain and set aside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. cook onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, in butter. lightly season with salt & pepper, then saute for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bvEGrULXvCw/Ujd6EzkpY-I/AAAAAAAACIM/-ElR021UL-8/s1600/veg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bvEGrULXvCw/Ujd6EzkpY-I/AAAAAAAACIM/-ElR021UL-8/s320/veg.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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let me just add that i like garlic A LOT!!!!</div>
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<br /></div>
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i usually always add about twice as much as the recipe calls for.</div>
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one of my favorite kitchen utensils is my pampered chef garlic press.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Bq7DLlrwjs/Ujd5_sMth2I/AAAAAAAACHM/cQI88kZ9QmI/s1600/press.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Bq7DLlrwjs/Ujd5_sMth2I/AAAAAAAACHM/cQI88kZ9QmI/s320/press.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you just put the garlic clove inside,</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZE2uGnAczw/Ujd5-BfWi7I/AAAAAAAACG8/zsoiPqN7qbc/s1600/garlic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZE2uGnAczw/Ujd5-BfWi7I/AAAAAAAACG8/zsoiPqN7qbc/s320/garlic.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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squeeze, &</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HR4flxlMSE/Ujd6AMLcQ5I/AAAAAAAACHU/AX6AxsEAY2E/s1600/pressed.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HR4flxlMSE/Ujd6AMLcQ5I/AAAAAAAACHU/AX6AxsEAY2E/s320/pressed.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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there you have finer than you can mince garlic.</div>
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plus you can avoid stinky garlic fingers.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChSZkpeyl0U/Ujd6A85cIgI/AAAAAAAACHg/h9Bj1_NId_Q/s1600/saute.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChSZkpeyl0U/Ujd6A85cIgI/AAAAAAAACHg/h9Bj1_NId_Q/s320/saute.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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add the cooked ground beef and sausage</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pulQrU3_pew/Ujd5-qENmBI/AAAAAAAACHE/_DUugktXrLo/s1600/meat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pulQrU3_pew/Ujd5-qENmBI/AAAAAAAACHE/_DUugktXrLo/s320/meat.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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then add the spices</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_isQ6vRuE0/Ujd6EOKm2YI/AAAAAAAACIA/ot6u9U5_xHo/s1600/spice.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_isQ6vRuE0/Ujd6EOKm2YI/AAAAAAAACIA/ot6u9U5_xHo/s320/spice.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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add all remaining ingredients, except for the bacon and pasta, </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvu2T_1I2fs/Ujd58mAV9SI/AAAAAAAACGs/Z7NCUXh-5AU/s1600/beans.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvu2T_1I2fs/Ujd58mAV9SI/AAAAAAAACGs/Z7NCUXh-5AU/s320/beans.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2cMwofHNHzs/Ujd6EdeWP3I/AAAAAAAACIE/T9bsG_L_r9k/s1600/tomatoes.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2cMwofHNHzs/Ujd6EdeWP3I/AAAAAAAACIE/T9bsG_L_r9k/s320/tomatoes.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zwM9fEET9WQ/Ujd6BYS4CTI/AAAAAAAACHk/c8ZMh4cNl3I/s1600/rind.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zwM9fEET9WQ/Ujd6BYS4CTI/AAAAAAAACHk/c8ZMh4cNl3I/s320/rind.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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then simmer for 1 hour stirring occasionally. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UIm-MLDkVY/UjeJ9pc-GnI/AAAAAAAACJE/-LrkhuWsf08/s1600/soup2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UIm-MLDkVY/UjeJ9pc-GnI/AAAAAAAACJE/-LrkhuWsf08/s320/soup2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and if you have assistants it helps. ;)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-MyPSYrvzY/Ujd593UlozI/AAAAAAAACG4/CK36FbLp7DQ/s1600/helpers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-MyPSYrvzY/Ujd593UlozI/AAAAAAAACG4/CK36FbLp7DQ/s320/helpers.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(i actually made mine at lunchtime and let it simmer until dinner just because i could. You can also make the soup to this point and put it in the crockpot on low for 4-6 hours).</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J2aoeVrI-o0/Ujd58DKwHsI/AAAAAAAACGo/5HQx2OxJeqU/s1600/barefoot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J2aoeVrI-o0/Ujd58DKwHsI/AAAAAAAACGo/5HQx2OxJeqU/s320/barefoot.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and this blog post would not be complete without a barefoot and pregnant picture.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. 15-20 minutes before you are ready to eat, cook pasta in salted boiling water until just under al dente. drain then add to the soup along with the bacon </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1anf117lqo/Ujd6DSxuE0I/AAAAAAAACH0/d6BpiveXxkA/s1600/shells.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1anf117lqo/Ujd6DSxuE0I/AAAAAAAACH0/d6BpiveXxkA/s320/shells.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAQe0ucU5yM/UjeJ8p1zuBI/AAAAAAAACI8/3PXUvXXPAzs/s1600/pasta.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAQe0ucU5yM/UjeJ8p1zuBI/AAAAAAAACI8/3PXUvXXPAzs/s320/pasta.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">simmer for 5-10 more minutes</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6vYvgZ_zUw/UjeJ7TuurpI/AAAAAAAACIo/1_JEfUCwAAU/s1600/efag.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6vYvgZ_zUw/UjeJ7TuurpI/AAAAAAAACIo/1_JEfUCwAAU/s320/efag.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> remove parmesan cheese rind and bay leaves.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cA5SYumOYg4/UjeJ60BdhMI/AAAAAAAACIg/NM2MIddlGz8/s1600/cheese.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cA5SYumOYg4/UjeJ60BdhMI/AAAAAAAACIg/NM2MIddlGz8/s320/cheese.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ObwKXNHNoYY/UjeJ8f39DNI/AAAAAAAACI0/sY9pgMJWXWU/s1600/grated.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ObwKXNHNoYY/UjeJ8f39DNI/AAAAAAAACI0/sY9pgMJWXWU/s320/grated.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> or as my husband prefers, 'shakey cheese'</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jz2LoAFpzfI/UjeJ8859awI/AAAAAAAACJA/RnedeydSNfA/s1600/shake.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jz2LoAFpzfI/UjeJ8859awI/AAAAAAAACJA/RnedeydSNfA/s320/shake.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-50666225703567117702013-07-21T15:19:00.000-04:002013-07-21T15:19:43.387-04:00Our latest project<div style="text-align: center;">
a little less than 2 weeks from now will be my last day as a nanny of 5. </div>
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i have very mixed emotions, as i have been with this family for almost 6 years, </div>
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and 3 of the childrens' entire lives.</div>
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but i am VERY excited to have more time to devote to my little cookie business, </div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cookiekiln">The Cookie Kiln</a></div>
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and to have a little extra time to work on some of the many projects </div>
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that have been on my list for months.</div>
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but I am most excited about preparing for what is definitely my favorite thing that i have ever had part in creating. ;)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkGurQ_vOlw/Uewk3VmZpbI/AAAAAAAAB-U/QaMfKv1TB6Q/s1600/Nora&Topher-13+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkGurQ_vOlw/Uewk3VmZpbI/AAAAAAAAB-U/QaMfKv1TB6Q/s320/Nora&Topher-13+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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my husband and I cannot wait for our newest family member to arrive in february!</div>
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we had my friend jennifer wakefield from <a href="http://www.jcatherinephotography.com/">J. Catherine Photography</a> take some family photos for us to make our announcement this week. she is SO incredibly talented and was so patient with the dogs.</div>
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if you ever need a family, child or pet photographer, i would highly recommend her!</div>
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<u>here are a few of my favorites~</u></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NBzGnXZf6CE/UewmX-rcGeI/AAAAAAAAB-k/cyYkUJjczSQ/s1600/Nora&Topher-12+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NBzGnXZf6CE/UewmX-rcGeI/AAAAAAAAB-k/cyYkUJjczSQ/s320/Nora&Topher-12+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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so excited to add another member to our little family!</div>
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{i loved that she was able to get this shot with no cars in it}</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-95mHNlZzDsk/UewmbvRWhnI/AAAAAAAAB-s/1AxYZJhGvMY/s1600/Nora&Topher-14+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-95mHNlZzDsk/UewmbvRWhnI/AAAAAAAAB-s/1AxYZJhGvMY/s320/Nora&Topher-14+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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this was at the beginning of the photo session when the dogs were still somewhat behaved.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwLV6Y05xrE/Uewmgi5FuJI/AAAAAAAAB-0/uKcE8s4Gw6s/s1600/Nora&Topher-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwLV6Y05xrE/Uewmgi5FuJI/AAAAAAAAB-0/uKcE8s4Gw6s/s320/Nora&Topher-4.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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this one just makes me smile. </div>
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love these 2!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nd0HWGY5IzE/UewmkilGABI/AAAAAAAAB-8/YqXjlMzfZmI/s1600/Nora&Topher-18+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nd0HWGY5IzE/UewmkilGABI/AAAAAAAAB-8/YqXjlMzfZmI/s320/Nora&Topher-18+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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'we're going to have a baby!' </div>
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{unfortunately i think that they probably thought that i was saying something about treats}</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8sbVtMOORg8/UewmmoOsmhI/AAAAAAAAB_E/vUtEdjwe0HI/s1600/Nora&Topher-10+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8sbVtMOORg8/UewmmoOsmhI/AAAAAAAAB_E/vUtEdjwe0HI/s320/Nora&Topher-10+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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i absolutely LOVED this one. </div>
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the sky was gorgeous that evening.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttd1iVMYhHA/Uewmql-oLkI/AAAAAAAAB_M/-nrZ7dBaipU/s1600/Nora&Topher-22+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttd1iVMYhHA/Uewmql-oLkI/AAAAAAAAB_M/-nrZ7dBaipU/s320/Nora&Topher-22+(2).jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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amos loves to stand up like a real boy, paisley is usually pretty hesitant.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPGHhexqyNg/UewmtG27_AI/AAAAAAAAB_U/SJqHi0l_woU/s1600/Nora&Topher-23+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPGHhexqyNg/UewmtG27_AI/AAAAAAAAB_U/SJqHi0l_woU/s320/Nora&Topher-23+(2).jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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me and my baby girl, paisley jaye</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--yDJq-gogTs/UewmvOggtvI/AAAAAAAAB_c/6WcZtGcL478/s1600/Nora&Topher-24+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--yDJq-gogTs/UewmvOggtvI/AAAAAAAAB_c/6WcZtGcL478/s320/Nora&Topher-24+(2).jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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topher and his boy, amos hawke</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nVeE6w5NnDA/UewmxECKGrI/AAAAAAAAB_k/Fs5bPPxeEjE/s1600/Nora&Topher-26+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nVeE6w5NnDA/UewmxECKGrI/AAAAAAAAB_k/Fs5bPPxeEjE/s320/Nora&Topher-26+(2).jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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paisley and amos, soon-to-be big brother and sister!!!</div>
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{they have NO idea what is about to happen to their little worlds}</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCR4tLACp9o/Uewmybze7XI/AAAAAAAAB_s/CVNL4bQpTaM/s1600/Nora&Topher-9+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCR4tLACp9o/Uewmybze7XI/AAAAAAAAB_s/CVNL4bQpTaM/s320/Nora&Topher-9+(2).jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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we let the balloons go off the top of the parking garage.</div>
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sending them up to heaven to the baby that we lost in december. </div>
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we are so thankful and feel so blessed that God has given us this precious gift! </div>
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praying for and looking forward to meeting our healthy baby in 7 months.</div>
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i put together this little announcement for on my facebook profile:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FDwm-uPYYKs/UewqHcAHZBI/AAAAAAAAB_8/4WcdmNPwaZY/s1600/announcement.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FDwm-uPYYKs/UewqHcAHZBI/AAAAAAAAB_8/4WcdmNPwaZY/s320/announcement.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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i used a picture from a few months after we started dating,</div>
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a picture of our cake toppers from our wedding day, </div>
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and then i asked my dad to knit me a tiny hat and 'sweater' for our little peg baby.</div>
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i made the little stroller with some wire, leftover bridesmaid dress fabric, tires off of a toy dump truck, and nail polish for the handles and the wheels. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXHghtGi4mA/Uewy_xoh9JI/AAAAAAAACCI/5-Uzd_33eI0/s1600/carriage.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXHghtGi4mA/Uewy_xoh9JI/AAAAAAAACCI/5-Uzd_33eI0/s320/carriage.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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my dad is amazing! </div>
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i thought that it turned out perfectly. </div>
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<u>favorite things (thank you hormones)~</u></div>
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it has been kind of ridiculous the things that i have been craving since being pregnant.</div>
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the first few weeks literally all that i wanted to eat was sour patch kids and diet root beer.</div>
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now sour things don't really sound good to me at all.</div>
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sweets however are still sounding really good.</div>
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here are a few of my most-craved/favorite things since pregnancy hormones </div>
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have taken over my body:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5gAIdH28En8/Uewtf0sEzYI/AAAAAAAACAY/Y14x3wK5PwU/s1600/skittle.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5gAIdH28En8/Uewtf0sEzYI/AAAAAAAACAY/Y14x3wK5PwU/s320/skittle.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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i eat an embarrassing amount of skittles each week!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPLBl1xKifE/Uewti4hwFDI/AAAAAAAACAg/IV95FaEniKM/s1600/peaches.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPLBl1xKifE/Uewti4hwFDI/AAAAAAAACAg/IV95FaEniKM/s320/peaches.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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i am loving fruit! peaches are my favorite, </div>
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but i have been devouring lots of cherries, blueberries and grapes too.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PHHPzD69og/UewtmMdi21I/AAAAAAAACAo/J2q3isXLKzI/s1600/yogurt.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PHHPzD69og/UewtmMdi21I/AAAAAAAACAo/J2q3isXLKzI/s320/yogurt.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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i cannot start my day without a yogurt, or 2.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AxSYojfmuFI/UewtoT6wFcI/AAAAAAAACAw/gZnnncuWIrc/s1600/wm.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AxSYojfmuFI/UewtoT6wFcI/AAAAAAAACAw/gZnnncuWIrc/s320/wm.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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so very thankful that i am still allowed a little caffeine.</div>
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my 1/2-caf, nonfat white mochas are definitely a splurge that our budget would appreciate me quitting.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9Wm4HAN1NQ/Uewtq5pbOEI/AAAAAAAACA4/_-PVMhbu52o/s1600/ddp.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9Wm4HAN1NQ/Uewtq5pbOEI/AAAAAAAACA4/_-PVMhbu52o/s320/ddp.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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so glad that they make caffeine-free diet dr. pepper!</div>
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and then there's the salty.</div>
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if i don't develop gestational diabetes by the end of my first trimester,</div>
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i will likely swell up like a balloon from my sodium intake.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_u1CJGCxLzM/UewttFstcTI/AAAAAAAACBA/UyHoGGElfF0/s1600/pickles.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_u1CJGCxLzM/UewttFstcTI/AAAAAAAACBA/UyHoGGElfF0/s320/pickles.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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i have to admit, at least 1/2 the stereotypical 'pickles and ice cream' pregnancy cravings </div>
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has proven true for me,</div>
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i have gone through an insane number of pickles in the past 2 months!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgINznozMY4/UewvesX9VhI/AAAAAAAACB4/V15X_v-AikM/s1600/chip.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgINznozMY4/UewvesX9VhI/AAAAAAAACB4/V15X_v-AikM/s320/chip.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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i discovered these chips which taste almost exactly like the ones that they serve at Chili's!</div>
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they are so thin that they practically melt in your mouth. </div>
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caution, they're addictive! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nn4GHeC_RO8/Uewtzx7z4DI/AAAAAAAACBQ/szr2k-WlDTE/s1600/salsa.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nn4GHeC_RO8/Uewtzx7z4DI/AAAAAAAACBQ/szr2k-WlDTE/s320/salsa.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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but in all honesty, i only use the chips as a vessel to get the salsa into my mouth. </div>
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salsa is by far my most craved food for the past 8 weeks. </div>
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i decided to just make a huge batch of my favorite salsa {<a href="http://noraslittlenook.blogspot.com/2010/07/salsa-recipe.html">recipe here</a>} to save my poor husband from my daily requests to go out for mexican.</div>
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(i do not lie, we had mexican for 8 meals last week!)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXaztn7DMVc/Uewt3330OSI/AAAAAAAACBY/lByGbgc5slc/s1600/walk.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXaztn7DMVc/Uewt3330OSI/AAAAAAAACBY/lByGbgc5slc/s320/walk.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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i love going on walks with these 2!</div>
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(or 3)</div>
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and i figure that it is good for all of us to get some exercise to work off all of the above cravings.</div>
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<br /></div>
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and i just thought that i would add a few pictures of my babybump so far.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1Wmp1SBvew/Uewt5quTfWI/AAAAAAAACBg/8I8N1bSrO34/s1600/10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1Wmp1SBvew/Uewt5quTfWI/AAAAAAAACBg/8I8N1bSrO34/s320/10.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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this was last weekend at 10 weeks. </div>
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i kept thinking that it was just 'bloat', </div>
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but i was very excited when the doctor told me tuesday</div>
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that it was definitely my baby making that little bump. :)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CH2sP9XDsLM/Uewt73n_YdI/AAAAAAAACBo/JAe5x4GsLIo/s1600/11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CH2sP9XDsLM/Uewt73n_YdI/AAAAAAAACBo/JAe5x4GsLIo/s320/11.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and this is saturday's weekly picture. </div>
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it is pretty exciting to watch this little miracle happen.</div>
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we are SO thrilled about this new addition to our family.</div>
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norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-2066598060267028162013-06-09T22:36:00.001-04:002013-06-09T22:36:58.352-04:0010 random things<div style="text-align: center;">
i haven't blogged in quite a while, so i thought that tonight i would just do a fun one.</div>
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i decided that i would share 10 random things about myself...</div>
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just because.</div>
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1. i am incredibly and shamefully addicted to candy.</div>
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{generally sour patch kids, sour patch watermelons, or some other type of sour candy,</div>
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but there is an embarrassingly long list of my 'favorite' candies}</div>
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2. i believe that if i didn't have sensible parents, and now a sensible husband to keep me on track that i would have a serious animal hoarding problem.</div>
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it really is a miracle that topher and i only have 3 pets.</div>
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i LOVE animals. especially baby animals.</div>
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possibly due to the fact that throughout my childhood we had:</div>
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*5 cats</div>
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*2 guinea pigs</div>
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*a rabbit </div>
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(i also rescued a baby rabbit in college that lived in my purse in my dorm room)</div>
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*more fish than i could count</div>
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*more parakeets than i could count</div>
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*numerous baby birds that we attempted to rescue</div>
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*a rescued squirrel</div>
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*2 ducks</div>
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*2 salamanders</div>
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*a crab</div>
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*3 turtles</div>
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and i am sure that i am forgetting some.</div>
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i cannot even look at the animals that need rescuing without feeling an intense burden to go adopt them to save their lives. </div>
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as if i am their only possible chance of finding a good home.</div>
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fortunately i have done my share of pet sitting</div>
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to give me a healthy reminder of what life with 5 or 6 dogs and cats would be like.</div>
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which makes me appreciate our little family of 5 again.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82zdRadn1Uo/UbUz48lB5DI/AAAAAAAAB6s/N_dH99mhjp0/s1600/amo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82zdRadn1Uo/UbUz48lB5DI/AAAAAAAAB6s/N_dH99mhjp0/s320/amo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GaBMJH7T8RU/UbUz8QrE_QI/AAAAAAAAB60/pNzWbMQfe-s/s1600/pais.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GaBMJH7T8RU/UbUz8QrE_QI/AAAAAAAAB60/pNzWbMQfe-s/s320/pais.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1cPIaTqjaQ/UbUz-op2ZnI/AAAAAAAAB68/ipbZHOX4EOg/s1600/reg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1cPIaTqjaQ/UbUz-op2ZnI/AAAAAAAAB68/ipbZHOX4EOg/s320/reg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ijTQX1uQiI/UbU0BazMbKI/AAAAAAAAB7E/c2T1Ro1effM/s1600/pets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ijTQX1uQiI/UbU0BazMbKI/AAAAAAAAB7E/c2T1Ro1effM/s320/pets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z16cgDta6aU/UbU0ECVjwnI/AAAAAAAAB7M/V5faIeLugI4/s1600/kiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z16cgDta6aU/UbU0ECVjwnI/AAAAAAAAB7M/V5faIeLugI4/s320/kiss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. my favorite flower for as long as i can remember,</div>
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and certainly as long as i knew of its existence, </div>
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is the ranunculus.</div>
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these beautiful, tight, little blooms just make me happy!</div>
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i was so glad that i was able to have them in my wedding flowers.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPGInjLrmGc/UbUyt1ADHGI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/k4JCjR9N55A/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPGInjLrmGc/UbUyt1ADHGI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/k4JCjR9N55A/s320/flowers.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5A2reCeJAk/UbUyvxGzt2I/AAAAAAAAB6g/toEA0yxaC_E/s1600/wedflow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5A2reCeJAk/UbUyvxGzt2I/AAAAAAAAB6g/toEA0yxaC_E/s320/wedflow.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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4. i cannot stand to be touched where my knees and elbows bend. </div>
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i think that it is somewhat due to the fact that i associate inner elbows with giving blood and having an extreme needle phobia, it just nauseates me to be touched there.</div>
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i shuddered just thinking about it as i typed this.</div>
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5. that being said, i am not ticklish at all. and i consider that a great strength. ;)</div>
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6. i have difficulty sleeping in past 6:30 AM. even on the weekends.</div>
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topher was slightly annoyed by it when we were first married, </div>
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but now he realizes that it is just how i am and as long as i sometimes let him stay in bed it's ok.</div>
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(although he is up before me most weekdays)</div>
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7. i LOVE turquoise. like, seriously i would own only turquoise if i didn't think that i would get bored with it. i am really glad that my husband didn't hate it, because when we met about 85% of the things in my kitchen were turquoise, most of which have remained in our current kitchen.</div>
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i have a white kitchen-aid mixer, but i would love to get a second one...</div>
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along with all of the other kitchen-aid appliances...</div>
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...in turquoise.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hFWl0mfzP8/UbU3jrOPIMI/AAAAAAAAB7c/u4qCa2cC0t8/s1600/something_blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hFWl0mfzP8/UbU3jrOPIMI/AAAAAAAAB7c/u4qCa2cC0t8/s320/something_blue.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
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8. i always use to joke that whoever i married had to have a last name with 'O' as the second letter.</div>
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my name was Nora Joy Loach, </div>
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and my nickname was NoJoLo, </div>
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so i said that i had to make sure that my new last name would still work.</div>
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turns out, Collogan is my last name. </div>
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i am now NoJoCo</div>
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or NoJoLoCo.</div>
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it was just another confirmation that i married the right man. </div>
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9. i am allergic to myself.</div>
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well, i have a hormone allergy so every time that my hormones change </div>
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(which being a woman is about 12 times a year)</div>
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i break out in hives, itch and if it progresses too far before i can take my medicine, </div>
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my eyes and face swell. </div>
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10. i am not a good liar and therefore i cannot keep secrets well at all!!!</div>
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even to the point that if i buy gifts, i generally do not make it to the holiday without either telling the recipient what the gift is or giving it to them early.</div>
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i do not like surprises at all. </div>
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or maybe i should say that i do not like knowing that there is a surprise. </div>
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surprises are fun if they are complete surprises.</div>
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well, that's 10.</div>
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and now you know 10 things that you may or may not have cared to know about me. </div>
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hope that they make you feel better about yourself. </div>
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haha.</div>
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norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-26575442350240670142013-05-05T19:15:00.001-04:002013-05-05T19:15:39.332-04:00Cinco de Salsas and a Contest Winner<div style="text-align: center;">
I didn't have time to announce the winner of the cookie contest on wednesday, </div>
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and my many attempts to do a blogpost on my iphone were unsuccessful.</div>
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( i really need to keep working on that, </div>
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because i would definitely post more often if i could blog from my phone). </div>
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anyways... the random winner of the dozen cookies for mother's day is christina neal.</div>
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christina, please email me your mom's contact information so i can get her cookies to her next weekend.</div>
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thank you all so much for your participation and support. i have gotten SO many orders in the past few weeks. it has been encouraging to see this tiny little cookie business become a reality.</div>
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and i also thought while i was actually at a computer that i would post about our cinco de mayo celebration.</div>
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i love mexican food... i would eat it about 5 times a week if i was the only one influencing our dinner decisions, so any opportunity that i get to make it is welcomed. </div>
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i decided for cinco de mayo that i would make </div>
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5 kinds of salsa for our 'lunch'.</div>
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so i thought that i would share those 5 recipes with you.</div>
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here, in no particular order, are our </div>
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'cinco de salsas':</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ds5DurE2N-Q/UYbYWY4SEsI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/BVKds18wFRM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ds5DurE2N-Q/UYbYWY4SEsI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/BVKds18wFRM/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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starting top right and going clockwise:</div>
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traditional fresh salsa, roasted tomatillo salsa,</div>
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black bean and corn salsa, creamy avocado salsa, and mango salsa.</div>
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I have already done a blogpost about the first one. </div>
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it is just a traditional fresh tomato salsa, and is probably my favorite.</div>
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here is the link: </div>
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<a href="http://noraslittlenook.blogspot.com/2010/07/salsa-recipe.html"><b>garden fresh salsa</b></a></div>
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i thought that i would also add a few pictures of how to easily peel the tomatoes for this salsa.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPdqGU5uPkk/UYbVpu7OsaI/AAAAAAAABzc/ovSyh6I84DY/s1600/image+(3).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPdqGU5uPkk/UYbVpu7OsaI/AAAAAAAABzc/ovSyh6I84DY/s320/image+(3).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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begin by cutting a very shallow 'x' into the skin of the tomato.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3WMmYSj0Hmk/UYbVobfgXHI/AAAAAAAABzQ/YRJQqKyq8iw/s1600/image+(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3WMmYSj0Hmk/UYbVobfgXHI/AAAAAAAABzQ/YRJQqKyq8iw/s320/image+(2).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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drop the tomatoes into boiling water.</div>
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boil for about 1-1 1/2 minutes. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBN95AEOzi8/UYbVpyoMnuI/AAAAAAAABzg/K2ObIS3aQjo/s1600/image+(4).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBN95AEOzi8/UYbVpyoMnuI/AAAAAAAABzg/K2ObIS3aQjo/s320/image+(4).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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remove the tomatoes from the water once the skin begins to loosen at the 'x'</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W01k3y6IjN0/UYbVqxTY-GI/AAAAAAAABzs/8g-NFi36GfU/s1600/image+(5).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W01k3y6IjN0/UYbVqxTY-GI/AAAAAAAABzs/8g-NFi36GfU/s320/image+(5).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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immediately place the tomatoes into ice water to '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blanching_(cooking)">blanch</a>' them.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMBYRmx6GG0/UYbVr-geG8I/AAAAAAAABz0/ZE_llGAFE_U/s1600/image+(6).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMBYRmx6GG0/UYbVr-geG8I/AAAAAAAABz0/ZE_llGAFE_U/s320/image+(6).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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once the tomatoes have cooled in the ice bath, the skins will easily peel off.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZIuZvJRtkU/UYbVsvGoUZI/AAAAAAAAB0A/YsRSmxLmAic/s1600/image+%25287%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZIuZvJRtkU/UYbVsvGoUZI/AAAAAAAAB0A/YsRSmxLmAic/s320/image+%25287%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Combine the tomatoes and the remaining <a href="http://noraslittlenook.blogspot.com/2010/07/salsa-recipe.html">ingredients</a> and process well in food processor.</div>
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next i will share the</div>
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<u><b>roasted tomatillo salsa</b></u> recipe:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E421VRf-KmU/UYbVtfUbh0I/AAAAAAAAB0E/PQHBPXEfxDc/s1600/image+(8).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E421VRf-KmU/UYbVtfUbh0I/AAAAAAAAB0E/PQHBPXEfxDc/s320/image+(8).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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begin by peeling and rinsing 7 or 8 tomatillos</div>
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half and seed 2 or 3 jalepenos, </div>
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and peel 3 or 4 garlic cloves.</div>
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place vegetables 4" under the broiler on a baking sheet or pan with raised edges.</div>
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broil about 4 minutes on each side, (turning to broil each side).</div>
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remove from oven and cool, reserving juices from roasted tomatillos.</div>
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Once cooled place broiled vegetables and juices in blender with 2 T. chopped cilantro.</div>
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(i used my immersion blender)</div>
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Blend well and then add 1/4 c. finely chopped white onion </div>
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and 1 t. salt.</div>
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Chill before serving.</div>
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One of my favorite salsas/dips is </div>
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<u><b>black bean and corn salsa</b></u></div>
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whisk the dressing ingredients:</div>
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1/4 c. red wine vinegar</div>
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1 1/2 T. olive oil</div>
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3 T. honey</div>
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3 cloves garlic, pressed</div>
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1/2 t. salt</div>
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1/2 t. cumin</div>
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dash of pepper</div>
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then add </div>
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1 can (or 2 c. thawed frozen corn)</div>
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1 can black beans, drained and rinsed</div>
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1/2 red onion, chopped finely</div>
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2 green onions, sliced</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcSU6mfDHPg/UYbVjclPIRI/AAAAAAAABys/f6r4BM8Pue4/s1600/image+%252810%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcSU6mfDHPg/UYbVjclPIRI/AAAAAAAABys/f6r4BM8Pue4/s320/image+%252810%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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combine all ingredients with dressing </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsBRvIgwyQA/UYbVj8ICDlI/AAAAAAAAByw/kPlFk4qwM5g/s1600/image+%252811%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsBRvIgwyQA/UYbVj8ICDlI/AAAAAAAAByw/kPlFk4qwM5g/s320/image+%252811%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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then add 6 oz. crumbled feta cheese</div>
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and let sit for several hours or overnight.</div>
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this saturday morning we went to the <a href="http://www.saturdaymarketlive.com/">Greenville, SC saturday downtown market</a>.</div>
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it is one of my favorite things to do on the weekend,</div>
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and this was the first saturday market of 2013 so i was very excited to go.</div>
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the saturday market combines so many of my favorite things.</div>
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i love fresh, quality, organic food and produce.</div>
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i love supporting small, local business.</div>
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i love our downtown.</div>
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and i love people watching. ;)</div>
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one of my favorite booths at the market is the</div>
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<a href="http://www.spinningspidercreamery.com/">spinning spider creamery</a> booth</div>
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they have the most delicious goat cheese. </div>
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my favorite is the spreadable<a href="http://www.spinningspidercreamery.com/cheese/fresh-chevre/"> fresh chevres</a>.</div>
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i usually can't resist the garlic dill chevre and the rosemary fig chevre. </div>
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my summers in France gave me a ridiculous love of cheese!</div>
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but this week i decided to get the aged feta </div>
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since for some reason in the past few weeks i have been eating feta by the pound. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GblewCUstl4/UYbVl5kLw5I/AAAAAAAABzA/9xRGacmz7GE/s1600/image+%252813%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GblewCUstl4/UYbVl5kLw5I/AAAAAAAABzA/9xRGacmz7GE/s320/image+%252813%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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spinning spider has quite a few <a href="http://www.spinningspidercreamery.com/cheese/aged-cheese/">aged cheeses</a>, which are very strong, but delicious!</div>
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they have samples of all of them at their booth, so you don't have to blindly invest in a cheese without knowing whether you will like it or not.</div>
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my favorite of the 5 salsas that i made today was the</div>
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<u>creamy avocado salsa</u></div>
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combine in blender:</div>
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(i used the immersion blender)</div>
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1 avocado, pitted and removed from peel</div>
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1 c. water, </div>
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1 jalepeno, seeded and chopped</div>
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1 t. white vinegar</div>
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3/4 t. salt</div>
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2 t. cilantro, chopped</div>
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2 t. white onion, chopped</div>
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blend until smooth and creamy and chill.</div>
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and the 5th and final salsa recipe:</div>
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<b><u>mango salsa:</u></b></div>
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2 mangoes, peeled and chopped</div>
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1/4 c. red bell pepper, finely chopped</div>
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(i used 3 small sweet red peppers)</div>
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2 green onions, sliced</div>
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2 T. cilantro chopped</div>
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2 fresh jalepenos, chopped finely</div>
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1/4 small red onion, chopped finely</div>
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2 T. lime juice</div>
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1 T. lemon juice</div>
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1/2 t. salt</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hzQEiWsALA/UYbVuh7qiCI/AAAAAAAAB0M/8Z22axFtnls/s1600/image+(9).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hzQEiWsALA/UYbVuh7qiCI/AAAAAAAAB0M/8Z22axFtnls/s320/image+(9).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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combine all ingredients and chill at least 30 minutes before serving.</div>
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i also made some guacamole deviled eggs</div>
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since avocado makes everything seem mexican.(?)</div>
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first i boiled 8 eggs, cooled them, </div>
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then halfed them length-wise.</div>
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i removed the yolks and added them to 1/2 of a pitted, peeled, and mashed avocado</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uMzJxGmSunw/UYbVkw-OLJI/AAAAAAAABy4/OMef3gmmQ6g/s1600/image+%252812%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uMzJxGmSunw/UYbVkw-OLJI/AAAAAAAABy4/OMef3gmmQ6g/s320/image+%252812%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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then i added</div>
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1 t. red wine vinegar</div>
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1 t. yellow mustard, </div>
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1 T. mayonnaise</div>
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1/2 t. salt</div>
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dash of pepper</div>
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i combined all of the ingredients with a fork until it was smooth.</div>
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then i placed the yolk mixture in a small zip-lock bag.</div>
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i cut the corner off the bag and 'piped' the guacamole-yolk mixture into the boiled egg whites.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yoaOd_x5qWw/UYbVnokoB0I/AAAAAAAABzU/zX6SGQbHHsA/s1600/image+%252815%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yoaOd_x5qWw/UYbVnokoB0I/AAAAAAAABzU/zX6SGQbHHsA/s320/image+%252815%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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i garnished the eggs with paprika and some chopped cilantro leaves.</div>
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don't they look festive?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wxqijJhsu0/UYbVmkz3FmI/AAAAAAAABzI/TrLi592rtwA/s1600/image+%252814%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wxqijJhsu0/UYbVmkz3FmI/AAAAAAAABzI/TrLi592rtwA/s320/image+%252814%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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so this was our 'cinco de salsa' lunch.</div>
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what did you do to celebrate cinco de mayo?</div>
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norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-83891432132603834602013-04-28T15:06:00.000-04:002013-04-28T15:06:20.709-04:00the cookie kiln<div style="text-align: center;">
once again it has been months since i have blogged.</div>
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and again, not because we have had nothing worth blogging about, </div>
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quite the opposite actually. our life has been beyond busy.</div>
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on a daily basis i think about multiple things that i should blog about, </div>
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not because anyone else would want to read about it, </div>
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but because i know that someday i will want to remember it.</div>
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so today i had a little down time and i decided that i would do a little blog update.</div>
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several months ago, with a little (actually, more than a little) encouragement from my husband,</div>
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i decided to open a part-time, custom sugar cookie business out of our home.</div>
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my husband came up with the name,</div>
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'<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the cookie kiln</span>', </div>
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which i thought was rather clever, </div>
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as a kiln is just an extra-large, extra-hot oven for baking pottery.</div>
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i created a facebook page, </div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/cookiekiln">www.facebook.com/cookiekiln</a></div>
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so that i would have somewhere to post pictures of the cookies that i had made</div>
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and to have a place to direct anyone interested in seeing my cookies.</div>
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i honestly didn't think that i would get many orders at all, </div>
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and in a way i hoped that i wouldn't get many,</div>
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as i am fairly exhausted after working 50-60 hours a week as a nanny to 5 very active children.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G0jUjPDpe50/UX1xT1HuC-I/AAAAAAAABx4/692I1J52vw4/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G0jUjPDpe50/UX1xT1HuC-I/AAAAAAAABx4/692I1J52vw4/s320/kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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but i thought that i would just give it a chance and see what happened.</div>
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i have been overwhelmed with the number of orders that i have gotten, </div>
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mostly word-of-mouth by friends and family.</div>
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it has been a very fun, tiring, and incredibly exciting few months.</div>
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i honestly never could have hoped to see this kind of response </div>
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without actually marketing my little business in any way...</div>
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facebook and friends are amazing things. haha.</div>
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we are praying about the next steps to take in growing this little business. </div>
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but for now i am just enjoying all of the fun, creative orders that my clients have been sending my way.</div>
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i will post a few of my favorite orders from the past few months.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3NiR3yuMcU/UX1o4NYELjI/AAAAAAAABwI/LS7jl1hkMZo/s1600/onesie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3NiR3yuMcU/UX1o4NYELjI/AAAAAAAABwI/LS7jl1hkMZo/s320/onesie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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i actually made these little onesies for a baby shower last fall.</div>
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it was after this shower that my husband really started pushing me to try to make a business out of my baking.</div>
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i LOVE paisley!!! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMywi-fQgXY/UX1o4bbHtMI/AAAAAAAABwQ/eCXAynt5p3Q/s1600/pais.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMywi-fQgXY/UX1o4bbHtMI/AAAAAAAABwQ/eCXAynt5p3Q/s320/pais.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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so i made these for a sweet mommy who was in the hospital on bedrest,</div>
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awaiting the arrival of her baby boy.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1YWCemPjG8c/UX1o492OtrI/AAAAAAAABwg/bR61e8D-FD4/s1600/palettes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1YWCemPjG8c/UX1o492OtrI/AAAAAAAABwg/bR61e8D-FD4/s320/palettes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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these little paint palettes were for a 6-year old's art-themed birthday party</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mz2CX4gcpTQ/UX1pKChJzFI/AAAAAAAABxg/_cgyWkWA2QE/s1600/bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mz2CX4gcpTQ/UX1pKChJzFI/AAAAAAAABxg/_cgyWkWA2QE/s320/bday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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i thought that these little birthday cake cookies were pretty fun.</div>
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and a great option for those who dislike cake.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sgcziMpd94/UX1pE_P56NI/AAAAAAAABxY/oR6AyrBDjtM/s1600/easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sgcziMpd94/UX1pE_P56NI/AAAAAAAABxY/oR6AyrBDjtM/s320/easter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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i had several easter cookie orders. </div>
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they were a little time-consuming because of all of the colors, </div>
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but they were SO much fun to make.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtlv8LrKFMw/UX1o9ZO6kEI/AAAAAAAABwo/Ax8s_sE9oto/s1600/guitars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtlv8LrKFMw/UX1o9ZO6kEI/AAAAAAAABwo/Ax8s_sE9oto/s320/guitars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and these guitars were for a highschool student's senior thesis presentation.</div>
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he actually made that guitar, which i thought was really awesome! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wHZXNXVJMFo/UX1o-8OGPyI/AAAAAAAABww/g7PnBGIbzg8/s1600/lingerie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wHZXNXVJMFo/UX1o-8OGPyI/AAAAAAAABww/g7PnBGIbzg8/s320/lingerie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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i had 2 bachelorette party orders the same weekend. </div>
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i thought that they were pretty fun. :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6AmeDhx7TQ8/UX1pKF6hU4I/AAAAAAAABxk/RM_sDEM8pK0/s1600/bu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6AmeDhx7TQ8/UX1pKF6hU4I/AAAAAAAABxk/RM_sDEM8pK0/s320/bu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and i never would have imagined that an upside-down heart-shaped cookie cutter </div>
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would have made such adorable lingerie.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wHZXNXVJMFo/UX1o-8OGPyI/AAAAAAAABww/g7PnBGIbzg8/s1600/lingerie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D92qogWdJws/UX1pBeLPFXI/AAAAAAAABxQ/tXUSR2pcmtM/s1600/giraffes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D92qogWdJws/UX1pBeLPFXI/AAAAAAAABxQ/tXUSR2pcmtM/s320/giraffes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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these cute little mommy and baby giraffes were for a baby boy shower this past weekend.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qh3Mq6x2eWM/UX1o_LNdMSI/AAAAAAAABw0/4gqix18FRRw/s1600/md.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qh3Mq6x2eWM/UX1o_LNdMSI/AAAAAAAABw0/4gqix18FRRw/s320/md.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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mother's day cookies-</div>
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i did a mother's day cookie give-away on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/cookiekiln">facebook</a> page.</div>
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i ended up giving away 3 dozen because there were too many deserving moms nominated</div>
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that i felt like i should give more than one of them an opportunity to win.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZwHcdoJ6_w/UX1o_oSlp4I/AAAAAAAABxI/6ruYYzFxL4Q/s1600/md2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZwHcdoJ6_w/UX1o_oSlp4I/AAAAAAAABxI/6ruYYzFxL4Q/s320/md2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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another mother's day cookie set</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj2YQuM_pA8/UX1o4XHrCwI/AAAAAAAABwM/xR55eVe21qE/s1600/paisley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj2YQuM_pA8/UX1o4XHrCwI/AAAAAAAABwM/xR55eVe21qE/s320/paisley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and this was probably one of my favorite cookies that i have made.</div>
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i love paisley, and turquoise and seafoam are my favorite colors.</div>
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so that is a little bit of what has been going on inside my kitchen walls.</div>
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there is so much more going on in our lives beyond the walls of my kitchen,</div>
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but i will stop for now.</div>
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and just because i am feeling extra generous this year, i thought that i would give away one more set of a dozen cookies on my blog. </div>
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send me a comment either on the blog or on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/cookiekiln">facebook</a> page telling me about a mom </div>
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(either your own mom, or a friend who is a mom)</div>
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that you think should win a dozen cookies.</div>
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i will have the random drawing wednesday evening.</div>
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norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-29884743559905706112012-11-25T16:43:00.000-05:002012-11-25T16:43:28.123-05:00no soup for you! - a week of soup recipes<div style="text-align: center;">
in the next few blog posts (at the request of my sister and several others)</div>
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i am going to share 5 soup recipes </div>
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that we could eat over and over again.</div>
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i will share 2 today </div>
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and hopefully (i promise), </div>
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i will share the others 3 later this week.</div>
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it goes without saying that this post is far more than overdue...</div>
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but i just said it. </div>
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my poor neglected little blog. :(</div>
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i know that it would take more than one blog post to get you updated on all that has gone on since i last posted.</div>
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first of all, we moved to a new house.</div>
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the combination of the actual move and </div>
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reorganizing our lives</div>
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has occupied more than a great deal of my time.</div>
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[i will post pictures of our house and the resulting projects in another post.]</div>
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amos celebrated his 1st birthday and has not yet stopped growing... </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wG_BtVR-WNs/ULJ-M0s0w0I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/PF5FZF9JxFc/s1600/jump.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wG_BtVR-WNs/ULJ-M0s0w0I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/PF5FZF9JxFc/s320/jump.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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to give this a little perspective, my husband is 6' 2"</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjkETkEK10c/ULJ-OwoEHVI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/-MRFsk7WM8M/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjkETkEK10c/ULJ-OwoEHVI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/-MRFsk7WM8M/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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and this picture shows amos's height sitting down.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M5TtlcQlvtQ/ULJ-HyixKrI/AAAAAAAAA0A/h6hu47PNZuM/s1600/ampa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M5TtlcQlvtQ/ULJ-HyixKrI/AAAAAAAAA0A/h6hu47PNZuM/s320/ampa.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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paisley and amos are inseparable, which just makes me so happy!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2DKXmugQJ7E/ULJ-Kh4qWaI/AAAAAAAAA0I/e0XWIYcQ6aw/s1600/babies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2DKXmugQJ7E/ULJ-Kh4qWaI/AAAAAAAAA0I/e0XWIYcQ6aw/s320/babies.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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best friends. :) i love the 'hug.'</div>
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and i know we are crazy, but we have added another furbaby child to the family</div>
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this is our new kitten, reggie.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppUpK4uVO08/ULJ88LLtJlI/AAAAAAAAAzg/onFsFS0RwGk/s1600/12+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppUpK4uVO08/ULJ88LLtJlI/AAAAAAAAAzg/onFsFS0RwGk/s320/12+-+2" width="213" /></a></div>
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please excuse the </div>
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instagram </div>
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screenshots</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67ispvtJHVU/ULJ88KDOs3I/AAAAAAAAAzg/EnLcgfN1Mxc/s1600/12+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67ispvtJHVU/ULJ88KDOs3I/AAAAAAAAAzg/EnLcgfN1Mxc/s320/12+-+4" width="213" /></a></div>
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he was 3 months old when we rescued him. </div>
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i wanted a black, male cat. i was hoping for a slightly younger kitten, </div>
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but we got so lucky to get a kitten with so much personality,</div>
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that both of our dogs fell in love (obsession) with instantly.</div>
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he LOVES the dogs, in fact he thinks that he is a dog.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ApDALvUgwjM/ULJ88CwR6_I/AAAAAAAAAzg/6CzEhQJDWHU/s1600/12+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ApDALvUgwjM/ULJ88CwR6_I/AAAAAAAAAzg/6CzEhQJDWHU/s320/12+-+1" width="213" /></a></div>
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and the dogs (especially amos) love him. </div>
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amos is completely obsessed with him and won't leave him alone.</div>
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reggie was supposed to be an outdoor cat... </div>
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which we still both keep saying is what he is going to be</div>
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but he had several health issues that we were trying to resolve before we let him go out.</div>
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and since he seems to be enjoying his indoor life [a lot], </div>
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we are in no hurry to release him to the 'barn' (garage), which was where he was intended to live.</div>
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ok, so now for the recipes.</div>
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i will start with my husband's new favorite.</div>
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i made this for my family last weekend and topher requested that i make a second batch the very next day.</div>
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always a good sign! :)</div>
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<u><b>White Chicken Chili</b></u></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Y72ruLDsIM/ULKC4sqk4SI/AAAAAAAAA1U/edjxIslGCJs/s1600/chickenchili.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Y72ruLDsIM/ULKC4sqk4SI/AAAAAAAAA1U/edjxIslGCJs/s640/chickenchili.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<u>ingredients:</u></div>
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3 chicken breasts, boiled and shredded </div>
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2 T. olive oil</div>
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1 medium onion, diced finely</div>
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4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed</div>
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1 jalepeno</div>
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2 cans green chilis</div>
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1 lb. great northern beans</div>
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8 cups chicken stock (or 2 boxes chicken broth) </div>
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1 1/2 T. cumin</div>
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1 T. chili powder</div>
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1/2 t. paprika</div>
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1/4 t. cayenne pepper</div>
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salt to taste</div>
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pepper to taste</div>
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1 c. whole milk or 1/2 and half</div>
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2 T. masa harina (or cornmeal)</div>
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optional garnishes:</div>
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sour cream</div>
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grated monterrey jack cheese</div>
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avocado</div>
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cilantro</div>
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tortilla chips</div>
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<u>directions:</u></div>
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boil chicken for 20-25 minutes. </div>
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let cool and shred, then set aside.</div>
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(you can just buy and shred a whole rotisserie chicken if you prefer)</div>
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heat oil at medium-high in a large pan or dutch oven.</div>
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add onions and garlic and cook for 3 mins or until onions are transparent.</div>
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rCW0tI4PIs/ULKC-YunXNI/AAAAAAAAA1s/JMhFP0totdM/s1600/onion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rCW0tI4PIs/ULKC-YunXNI/AAAAAAAAA1s/JMhFP0totdM/s320/onion.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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add jalepenos and chili peppers and saute an additional 3-5 mins</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PdvGBRbQAu4/ULKDAd6FIOI/AAAAAAAAA14/9TXSQWz6lFw/s1600/pepper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PdvGBRbQAu4/ULKDAd6FIOI/AAAAAAAAA14/9TXSQWz6lFw/s320/pepper.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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rinse dried beans then add them to the pot.</div>
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then add the chicken stock or broth.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixJjZYXFuCU/ULKC280Il0I/AAAAAAAAA1M/jcwiKZ3FalY/s1600/beans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixJjZYXFuCU/ULKC280Il0I/AAAAAAAAA1M/jcwiKZ3FalY/s320/beans.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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decrease heat to low, cover, then cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.</div>
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next add the shredded chicken, the salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, and paprika.</div>
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when the beans are tender</div>
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mix several tablespoons of masa harina (corn powder) </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UE8Kgcgc9ig/ULKC8XRYuRI/AAAAAAAAA1k/cOg9FghuTjI/s1600/masaharina.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UE8Kgcgc9ig/ULKC8XRYuRI/AAAAAAAAA1k/cOg9FghuTjI/s320/masaharina.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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into the cup of whole milk. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhMT-KsaozA/ULKC6dVlIOI/AAAAAAAAA1c/RkqLLV-hLVI/s1600/masa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhMT-KsaozA/ULKC6dVlIOI/AAAAAAAAA1c/RkqLLV-hLVI/s320/masa.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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{again, if you can't find masa harina you can use cornmeal. it is just to thicken the soup.}</div>
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whisk together and let sit for several minutes before adding to the soup. </div>
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cook soup for an additional 10 minutes.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9jbJwtP8fg/ULKDCmIhHKI/AAAAAAAAA2A/QcqMY28jI98/s1600/whitechili.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9jbJwtP8fg/ULKDCmIhHKI/AAAAAAAAA2A/QcqMY28jI98/s320/whitechili.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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serve with sour cream, guacamole, cilanto and cheese.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvvaLLa19_w/ULJ3my_S04I/AAAAAAAAAyk/2r17lohCLFE/s1600/12+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvvaLLa19_w/ULJ3my_S04I/AAAAAAAAAyk/2r17lohCLFE/s400/12+-+2" width="266" /></a></div>
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again, sorry for the instagram picture. </div>
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i didn't save the picture to my phone after i instagramed it.</div>
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next....</div>
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<u>Chili's copycat chicken tortilla soup:</u></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sm5dOqC7ZLs/ULKLMH9zEUI/AAAAAAAAA2w/ekPpknw5doA/s1600/tortillasoup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sm5dOqC7ZLs/ULKLMH9zEUI/AAAAAAAAA2w/ekPpknw5doA/s320/tortillasoup.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<u>ingredients:</u></div>
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1 T. olive oil</div>
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3 large chicken breasts, cut into 1/2" cubes</div>
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small yellow onion, finely chopped</div>
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4 garlic cloves (pressed or chopped)</div>
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4 c. chicken broth</div>
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1 c. masa harina</div>
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3 c. water</div>
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1 can enchilada sauce</div>
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12 oz. velveeta cheese, cubed</div>
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1 c. fat-free half and half</div>
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1 t. salt</div>
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1 1/2 T. chili powder</div>
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1 1/2 T. cumin</div>
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optional toppings-</div>
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pepper jack cheese, shredded</div>
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avocado</div>
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pico de gallo</div>
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tortilla chips</div>
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<u>directions:</u></div>
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heat olive oil at medium-high in a skillet. </div>
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brown chicken cubes, about 4 minutes per side. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRP7X71GOuI/ULKLKLJF1RI/AAAAAAAAA2o/twAQJbcJ4-w/s1600/chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRP7X71GOuI/ULKLKLJF1RI/AAAAAAAAA2o/twAQJbcJ4-w/s320/chicken.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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remove chicken and set aside. </div>
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brown onion and garlic for about 4 minutes, until onion is clear.</div>
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add chicken broth. </div>
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combine masa harina and 2 cups of water. whisk well.</div>
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add to the onion mixture. </div>
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add remaining water, enchilada sauce, velveeta, half and half, and the spices to the pot and bring to a boil.</div>
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add the chicken, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.</div>
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serve with your choice of garnishes.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SRTYgqnNQm4/ULKMUtSmh6I/AAAAAAAAA24/jSJiB9F0sAk/s1600/tortilla.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SRTYgqnNQm4/ULKMUtSmh6I/AAAAAAAAA24/jSJiB9F0sAk/s320/tortilla.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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hope that you enjoy as much as we did.</div>
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norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-45918345101866393422012-08-19T21:24:00.000-04:002012-08-19T21:27:02.722-04:00healthy-ish {paleo} living<div style="text-align: center;">
i know, i haven't posted in months... </div>
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we decided to turn our internet off for the summer</div>
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because we were both out of town more than we were in town this summer. </div>
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i shouldn't complain that i was able to go to the beach 6 times this summer, several times with work and a few days with my husband as well. but i definitely disliked living out of a suitcase and am very convinced that although i LOVE traveling, i am a bit of a home body and i really missed being at home with my husband and our puppies. and i missed my kitchen more than i should admit.</div>
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my favorite trip this summer was definitely our trip to iowa to visit family.<br />
{we decided to take the dogs, which was quite an adventure}<br />
we had a family camping trip with about 25 family members. it was such a fun week with so many fun memories.<br />
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here are a couple of my favorite pictures
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7vqh5UztxK0/UDGQMwWbA5I/AAAAAAAAAvg/nOR5HrjDqSg/s1600/pdot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7vqh5UztxK0/UDGQMwWbA5I/AAAAAAAAAvg/nOR5HrjDqSg/s320/pdot.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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after 17 hours in the car together they were the best of friends.<br />
this is just the sweetest picture of my puppies</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Idys1maUCQ0/UDGQLtjC4hI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/6woc3mtmXD8/s1600/amo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Idys1maUCQ0/UDGQLtjC4hI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/6woc3mtmXD8/s320/amo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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uncle dave's girlfriend, krista got this awesome picture of amos at the campsite</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-grNLc-OCe8w/UDGQMQ84C0I/AAAAAAAAAvY/zyx6t0p6k1w/s1600/pais.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-grNLc-OCe8w/UDGQMQ84C0I/AAAAAAAAAvY/zyx6t0p6k1w/s320/pais.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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paisley loved the easy access to nature.</div>
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there were so many things that she could chew on .</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3T-Ayf2z8hM/UDGPI_stU3I/AAAAAAAAAvA/3uq_lxNM9dQ/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3T-Ayf2z8hM/UDGPI_stU3I/AAAAAAAAAvA/3uq_lxNM9dQ/s320/family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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this is most of the collogan clan at the campsite</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9fdAQ1UTyE/UDGPJZ2Cb5I/AAAAAAAAAvI/wP14Ce9lRuk/s1600/grandpa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9fdAQ1UTyE/UDGPJZ2Cb5I/AAAAAAAAAvI/wP14Ce9lRuk/s320/grandpa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and this is my favorite! 3 generations of collogans- topher, lyle, and jim</div>
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this summer has been anything but relaxing, but despite the craziness, i have been busy with projects and cooking and baking here in our own kitchen.</div>
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my husband and i had both gained a little weight in the last several months. </div>
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and a few months ago my husband decided that he wanted to join <a href="http://www.crossfit.com/">crossfit</a> and he assured me that he was more than serious about living a healthy lifestyle, so i bought him a membership at one of the local crossfit gyms. he has been incredibly dedicated to it for several weeks now and i am so proud of him. i know that i don't need to lose much weight, but i also know that i need to </div>
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work on eating a healthier diet and i am training for my first race... and i decided to start with a big one. i am hoping to do a <a href="http://go-greenevents.com/event/id/229">half-marathon</a> at the end of october, so i would appreciate any support and insight that any of you runners might have for me.</div>
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i am doing my best to encourage my husband to continue in his workouts and to make healthy dinners for us.</div>
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we have been trying to stick to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleolithic_diet">paleo diet</a> as much as possible.</div>
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and honestly, the meals that we have had since we started eating more healthfully have been delicious!</div>
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the only thing that i have really missed has been cheese. i am pretty sure now that i could live without sugar, bread, and pasta, but cheese is definitely my guilty pleasure.</div>
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several of our favorite paleo recipes so far (which i will attempt to blog in the next few days) have been zucchini hummus (which i must say, i could not even begin to imagine that it would taste so much like hummus), eggplant stacks = amazing!!!!, and tilapia with peach-mango salsa, which i think was our favorite.</div>
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tonight i made the HUGEST batch of paleo marinara sauce, which i plan to use in 3 of our dinners this week. i know that i am probably a little prejudice, but it was incredible!</div>
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****note: this makes an EnORmOUS batch of marinara,</div>
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but it is SO worth it.</div>
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i sauteed </div>
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1 large red onion</div>
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5 large cloves of garlic, chopped</div>
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1 1/2 T. olive oil</div>
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for about 5 minutes,</div>
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then add</div>
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2 carrots, grated</div>
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1 large zucchini, grated </div>
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and sautee for 3-5 minutes</div>
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add</div>
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3 T. fresh basil, chopped</div>
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2 t. fresh oregano</div>
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1 t. red pepper flakes</div>
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4 packets splenda</div>
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salt and pepper, to taste </div>
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( i added about 2 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. pepper)</div>
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then add </div>
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1 - 35 oz. can roma tomatoes (i used Nina, roma tomatoes from costco), chopped, with juices</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e1BOh-OYzpc/UDGH7mK8yiI/AAAAAAAAAuA/Ne-5DpbyCiE/s1600/roma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e1BOh-OYzpc/UDGH7mK8yiI/AAAAAAAAAuA/Ne-5DpbyCiE/s1600/roma.jpg" /></a></div>
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let simmer at medium heat for 30 minutes to 1/2 hour.</div>
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tonight we had grilled chicken marinara </div>
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(a grilled chicken breast, seasoned with balsamic vinegrette, salt and pepper), </div>
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and it was everyone seemed to enjoy it. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vuz5irGNzDI/UDGLpO9ediI/AAAAAAAAAuk/chsBg6xTvng/s1600/dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vuz5irGNzDI/UDGLpO9ediI/AAAAAAAAAuk/chsBg6xTvng/s320/dinner.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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omorrow we are going to try<a href="http://www.multiplydelicious.com/thefood/2011/09/paleo-spaghetti/"> paleo 'spaghetti'</a> with julienned zucchini 'noodles' and marinara...</div>
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i will let you know the results. </div>
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norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-72848341793189027492012-05-20T22:18:00.001-04:002012-05-20T22:18:27.448-04:00how does your garden grow?<div style="text-align: center;">
i am a little hesitant to continue blogging about my attempts at gardening since i will likely jinx myself.</div>
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i have not been known to have a green thumb... at all. </div>
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but if this garden doesn't make it, it is not for my lack of effort!</div>
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this weekend i went to the <a href="http://www.saturdaymarketlive.com/">downtown farmers market</a> and bought a couple more plants for our little garden.</div>
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and i decided that it was getting a little crowded out there,</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lP2CcGiBC0A/T7meq-Ne-yI/AAAAAAAAAsY/drM_su9c090/s1600/IMG_6782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lP2CcGiBC0A/T7meq-Ne-yI/AAAAAAAAAsY/drM_su9c090/s320/IMG_6782.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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so i made some plant markers to help keep it organized.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bpVu0z7E8yE/T7melkXYtGI/AAAAAAAAAr4/3-q6kBiA1aQ/s1600/IMG_6769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bpVu0z7E8yE/T7melkXYtGI/AAAAAAAAAr4/3-q6kBiA1aQ/s320/IMG_6769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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i just painted some paint stirrers {free at home depot} with black paint {$0.83 at hobby lobby} and wrote on them with a white paint marker {which i already had}.</div>
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total project = $0.83 </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKRQ7yqpkRU/T7menJnANxI/AAAAAAAAAsA/YLLPFLHVXpA/s1600/IMG_6771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKRQ7yqpkRU/T7menJnANxI/AAAAAAAAAsA/YLLPFLHVXpA/s320/IMG_6771.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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it is so exciting to see things starting to grow! </div>
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especially since i thought that this pepper plant had died last week.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jewIoKH7KO8/T7meoXtC8sI/AAAAAAAAAsI/cr-V61JK_o0/s1600/IMG_6777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jewIoKH7KO8/T7meoXtC8sI/AAAAAAAAAsI/cr-V61JK_o0/s320/IMG_6777.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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the tomatillo plants are probably my favorite plants in our garden. </div>
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they just kind of do their own thing and drape their vines in all different directions.</div>
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and their cute little tomatillo 'pods' remind me of lanterns or lampshades. so fun!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GT7scNqvLXs/T7mepthSE_I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/fh__uenNKCU/s1600/IMG_6780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GT7scNqvLXs/T7mepthSE_I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/fh__uenNKCU/s320/IMG_6780.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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this is one of the new plants that i got this weekend. </div>
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i haven't had much luck growing basil indoors, so hopefully i will be able to keep it alive outside.</div>
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and i was SO excited to find that our little eggs in our lantern hatched last weekend.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtrQAl6g24E/T7micYIAk6I/AAAAAAAAAs0/odCQKMPNQ7E/s1600/IMG_6659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtrQAl6g24E/T7micYIAk6I/AAAAAAAAAs0/odCQKMPNQ7E/s320/IMG_6659.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and all 4 of the babies are doing well.</div>
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and i was rather shocked with what i found when i was watering my hanging flower baskets on tuesday.</div>
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another nest with 4 eggs in it!!!</div>
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our porch is quite the happening place this month.</div>
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this makes 8 babies on our porch </div>
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i was just glad that i saw it before i drown them.</div>
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this is a picture of the babies yesterday</div>
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and here they are this afternoon a little more alert...</div>
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and i must say, it's getting kinda nasty in there.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZhfJETrtOA/T7mivbCNKZI/AAAAAAAAAtk/y4RWHSlag1c/s1600/IMG_6809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZhfJETrtOA/T7mivbCNKZI/AAAAAAAAAtk/y4RWHSlag1c/s320/IMG_6809.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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so this afternoon i decided that with our growing aviary on the front porch</div>
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that i should probably provide some food for those hungry mamas.</div>
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so i made this little bird feeder to get us through till i find one that i want to invest in.</div>
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i just poked a couple holes in a soda bottle</div>
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{sparkling pink lemonade to be exact} </div>
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and stuck some bamboo skewers through for perches.</div>
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i am looking forward to watching our new little babies grow up.</div>
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<br /></div>norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-14641263588742732292012-05-16T21:58:00.000-04:002012-05-16T21:58:52.491-04:00my little addiction {shoes}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
last night was i was shoe "shopping" online, which i guess is the 2012 version of 'window shopping'</div>
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my husband made me aware of a little obsession that i now admit to having...</div>
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i love camel wedges. </div>
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i already have more than a handful of them </div>
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and it was brought to my attention that every pair of shoes that i</div>
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'LOVED' </div>
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were camel or light brown wedges...</div>
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which i convinced myself was ok, because they are very 'practical', </div>
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but at the same time<br />...</div>
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do i really need to be so practical?
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...</div>
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and how many camel wedges does one girl need?</div>
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...</div>
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and i am disappointed that i am so predictable?</div>
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[YES]</div>
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...</div>
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guess my husband should have no trouble buying me gifts. ;)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-CejyEdde4/T7Qg-ZVeaXI/AAAAAAAAAq4/1MwIfZhajOU/s1600/matisse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-CejyEdde4/T7Qg-ZVeaXI/AAAAAAAAAq4/1MwIfZhajOU/s320/matisse.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.revolveclothing.com/DisplayProduct.jsp?product=MATS-WZ31&c=&d=Shoes&currency=USD&utm_source=shopstyle-en_US&source=shopstyle-en_US&utm_medium=affiliate">these are one of my favorites</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0eLmFsD2DA/T7Qg37MvZ1I/AAAAAAAAAqI/SyenOOn89uQ/s1600/cynthia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0eLmFsD2DA/T7Qg37MvZ1I/AAAAAAAAAqI/SyenOOn89uQ/s320/cynthia.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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and these have <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=342774268&ctr=1&ctc=1&ctn=2&ctp=2">cork </a>soles which is very different.</div>
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most of mine have the 'grass'-like (jute or hemp) soles</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf2EF8p0HRo/T7Qg4srW9VI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/3DPGdIuzlg0/s1600/edelman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf2EF8p0HRo/T7Qg4srW9VI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/3DPGdIuzlg0/s1600/edelman.jpg" /></a></div>
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i justified these in that they are actually more<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VDCSFC/ref=asc_df_B004VDCSFC2016150/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395021&creativeASIN=B004VDCSFC&linkCode=asn&hvpos=1o2&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11944689191516994129&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt="> 'chestnut'</a> than camel</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PqIm4JqvdkQ/T7QgbhnJz8I/AAAAAAAAApw/xm7Ooi4qx1M/s1600/bandalino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PqIm4JqvdkQ/T7QgbhnJz8I/AAAAAAAAApw/xm7Ooi4qx1M/s1600/bandalino.jpg" /></a></div>
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and these are <a href="http://www.zappos.com/bandolino-volume-bronze-multi">metallic</a> rather than camel, so they're different, right?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f0tgohf0mtk/T7QhArxLhhI/AAAAAAAAArA/tCSbfrXEh0Q/s1600/nella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f0tgohf0mtk/T7QhArxLhhI/AAAAAAAAArA/tCSbfrXEh0Q/s320/nella.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
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and these are <a href="http://www.zappos.com/jessica-simpson-nella-brown-mahogany-cheetah">cheetah</a>, and animal print is the new neutral</div>
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and i will admit, i LOVE jessica simpson shoes... </div>
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although i don't care for her much as a person</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5MSgD0nQvv8/T7Qg9q7--yI/AAAAAAAAAqw/AkjkTfjBjSM/s1600/lucky+clancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5MSgD0nQvv8/T7Qg9q7--yI/AAAAAAAAAqw/AkjkTfjBjSM/s320/lucky+clancy.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
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these are <a href="http://www.zappos.com/lucky-brand-clancy-bombay">neutral</a> and camel, but different from all the shoes that i already have</div>
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and i really like them.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMTDvuK0FpU/T7Qg2wOgbCI/AAAAAAAAAqA/o5ySCl2S9CU/s1600/clancy+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMTDvuK0FpU/T7Qg2wOgbCI/AAAAAAAAAqA/o5ySCl2S9CU/s1600/clancy+blue.jpg" /></a></div>
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but this is the turquoise version of the same shoe...</div>
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and turquoise is my FaVoRiTe color,</div>
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and i actually LOVE these!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_BJ66GFFGtk/T7Qg6kov3WI/AAAAAAAAAqg/sm2raFEWIyY/s1600/its-javi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_BJ66GFFGtk/T7Qg6kov3WI/AAAAAAAAAqg/sm2raFEWIyY/s320/its-javi.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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these are a completely different style from what i usually go for</div>
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and i would consider this more of a 'mushroom' color</div>
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but definitely <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Sam-Edelman-Javi-Suede-Platform-Wedge-Cusp-Shoes/prod145350113/?ecid=NMCIGoogleBaseFeed&003=5840816&010=X16BD&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=prod145350113skuBEIGE">neutral</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muzDe48BrkE/T7QkWAEGyTI/AAAAAAAAArk/pyBBPyVWUOo/s1600/javi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muzDe48BrkE/T7QkWAEGyTI/AAAAAAAAArk/pyBBPyVWUOo/s1600/javi.jpg" /></a></div>
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but it does come in <a href="http://www.hsn.com/shoes-handbags/sam-edelman-javi-suede-peep-toe-platform-wedge_p-6346991_xp.aspx">mustard</a>!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fgbJkwXM7RE/T7QhCoEsMJI/AAAAAAAAArI/xsyaTGwhsNg/s1600/pammy-grey-fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fgbJkwXM7RE/T7QhCoEsMJI/AAAAAAAAArI/xsyaTGwhsNg/s320/pammy-grey-fabric.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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and i am loving these <a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=133719002&tid=plpn000611&kwid=1&ap=7&mkwid=U4j00a&adid=Cebqhpg+Nqf&redirect=true">gray</a> suede wedges!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWQjCaWYtV8/T7QhGEsd9rI/AAAAAAAAArY/J-ycXOGBtSk/s1600/steve-madden-shoes-pammy-blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWQjCaWYtV8/T7QhGEsd9rI/AAAAAAAAArY/J-ycXOGBtSk/s320/steve-madden-shoes-pammy-blue.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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but they come in this WAY more fun indigo color!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzEP7Me_AgY/T7QlB2HInyI/AAAAAAAAArs/PsQP6632ZwA/s1600/harlo-light-taupe-streak-patent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzEP7Me_AgY/T7QlB2HInyI/AAAAAAAAArs/PsQP6632ZwA/s320/harlo-light-taupe-streak-patent.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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and these are definitely adorbs!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGGxu-GawT8/T7Qg5tO12zI/AAAAAAAAAqY/bwk6Z9_gwFc/s1600/harlo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGGxu-GawT8/T7Qg5tO12zI/AAAAAAAAAqY/bwk6Z9_gwFc/s320/harlo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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but this <a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=914358012&tid=plpn000611&kwid=1&ap=7&mkwid=U4j00a&adid=Cebqhpg+Nqf">'salmon'</a> color makes them so much more fun!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--YSfrKd6PIY/T7Qg2flwcmI/AAAAAAAAAp4/y6UIN_1bu6s/s1600/carrack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--YSfrKd6PIY/T7Qg2flwcmI/AAAAAAAAAp4/y6UIN_1bu6s/s320/carrack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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did i mention that i am a sucker for jessica simpson shoes?</div>
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and these combine the neutral with a pop of <a href="http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-jessica-simpson-carrack-coffee-lthr-ultra-violet-p_id254989">color</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I46y3hXUmgY/T7Qg8WcmB-I/AAAAAAAAAqo/EM4WAsUascg/s1600/kensie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I46y3hXUmgY/T7Qg8WcmB-I/AAAAAAAAAqo/EM4WAsUascg/s1600/kensie.jpg" /></a></div>
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like these</div>
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& capturing the latest trend-
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<a href="http://www.6pm.com/kensie-girl-galia-slate-limoncello">'color blocking'</a></div>
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in gray and yellow, which is also trending in both fashion and design</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fGG7wfQyz0/T7QhEZn36dI/AAAAAAAAArQ/q0abI2pXDtg/s1600/silvia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fGG7wfQyz0/T7QhEZn36dI/AAAAAAAAArQ/q0abI2pXDtg/s1600/silvia.jpg" /></a></div>
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again with the gray and yellow</div>
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which i have been told are the <a href="http://www.dillards.com/product/Lucky-Brand-Silvia-Sandal_301_-1_301_503134417">new 'neutrals</a>'... </div>
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which makes me feel like again i am being </div>
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PRACTICAL</div>
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but really, what's wrong with practical?!</div>
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i think the main problem is that i have a shoe addiction...</div>
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sigh.</div>
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<br />norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-66067643181388535952012-05-15T19:58:00.001-04:002012-05-16T22:01:14.117-04:00you just can't be too cheesy<div style="text-align: center;">
i have to admit that dairy is probably my favorite food group.</div>
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i honestly don't know if i could survive without cheese and ice cream. </div>
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must be my french heritage coming out.</div>
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i will say that the 2 recipes that i am about to post are not recipes that we eat on an every-day basis, or even monthly, although i wish that i could eat them more frequently without seeing their results. ;)</div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">crazy good </span></b></u></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">bacon mac n cheese</span></b></u></div>
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this mac n cheese recipe has evolved over the past couple years.</div>
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and i must say that we have definitely enjoyed the 'experimental' process that i have gone through to come up with the {likely not so} final product.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COAaPBz2B7c/T7LUzc90EcI/AAAAAAAAAmw/cZQkdGr9fv4/s1600/IMG_5656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COAaPBz2B7c/T7LUzc90EcI/AAAAAAAAAmw/cZQkdGr9fv4/s320/IMG_5656.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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just looking at this picture makes me want some... it's SOOOO good!</div>
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<b><u>ingredients:</u></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">1 1/2 cups skim milk</span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">One 12 oz can evaporated skim milk (evaporated milk keeps the egg and milk from curdling)</span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted & cooled to room temp</span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 large eggs</span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">1 tsp salt</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">3 cups (12 oz) shredded cheese </span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">(I used 2 cups Italian blend and 1 cup cheddar</span></span><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">1/2 pound macaroni [i prefer the corkscrew pasta]</span></span><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">, par cooked and drained </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">(*cook the pasta for about five minutes until tender but not completely cooked)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Freshly ground black pepper to taste</span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">1/2 tsp. oregano</span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">1/4 tsp. garlic powder</span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">1/4 tsp. ground mustard</span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">1 tsp. tabasco sauce or 1/4 t. cayenne pepper (optional)</span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">6 slices <span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffcc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222;">bacon</span>, cooked and crumbled</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">3 green onions, sliced thinly</span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">paprika</span></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">directions</span></u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>{for slow cooker- i.e. crockpot}</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">1. Spray the inside of your slow-cooker with cooking spray or grease it with olive oil. Combine milk, evaporated milk, eggs, butter, and salt in slow-cooker and whisk until until smooth (or you can use an immersion blender to do the whisking for you). </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFNC1bb3E3U/T7LU5H-IuRI/AAAAAAAAAm4/_7pltPqDUQk/s1600/IMG_5611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFNC1bb3E3U/T7LU5H-IuRI/AAAAAAAAAm4/_7pltPqDUQk/s320/IMG_5611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">2. Add the shredded cheeses (not the Parmesan) and pre-cooked pasta, sprinkle with black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, ground mustard, and tabasco or cayenne. stir well.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4H0gOad54s/T7LU67kwgyI/AAAAAAAAAnI/Xl_nSaz3ZGU/s1600/IMG_5619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4H0gOad54s/T7LU67kwgyI/AAAAAAAAAnI/Xl_nSaz3ZGU/s320/IMG_5619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> Add green onions and <span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffcc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222;">bacon</span> . Stir gently with a spatula to coat evenly. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--XSpSg6_QUY/T7LlLz4ZoiI/AAAAAAAAAoc/qzCgNZivhFA/s1600/mac.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--XSpSg6_QUY/T7LlLz4ZoiI/AAAAAAAAAoc/qzCgNZivhFA/s1600/mac.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top and a little paprika then cover and cook on HIGH for 30 minutes</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">After 30 minutes, reduce the temperature to LOW and cook for 2 hours, until custard is set in the center and the pasta is tender. The macaroni and cheese may sit in the cooker on the KEEP WARM setting for 30 minutes before serving.</span></span></span></div>
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it looks something like this.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kWACaQksWs/T7LmWBgEnLI/AAAAAAAAAok/bBVre_MSXiA/s1600/IMG_5642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kWACaQksWs/T7LmWBgEnLI/AAAAAAAAAok/bBVre_MSXiA/s320/IMG_5642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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in the slow cooker version, the edges browned a little more than my liking (although it did not burn).</div>
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so i decided to try it in the oven.</div>
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i baked it at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes. </div>
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i made it in the dutch oven and in a glass 9" x 13" pan and both turned out beautifully! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuE0RcuJeWE/T7LU-wZtusI/AAAAAAAAAnw/28hpngDj_2A/s1600/IMG_5650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuE0RcuJeWE/T7LU-wZtusI/AAAAAAAAAnw/28hpngDj_2A/s320/IMG_5650.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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serve as a main dish or as a side at your next cookout.</div>
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my family told me that it goes great with barbeque sandwiches </div>
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{unfortunately... i am a disgrace to my southern upbringing</div>
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and i do not like barbeque.</div>
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but my mom made bbq and i made mac n cheese and everyone seemed happy} </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEMJqukp19I/T7LVATkjoxI/AAAAAAAAAoA/33yly40XOAw/s1600/IMG_5654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEMJqukp19I/T7LVATkjoxI/AAAAAAAAAoA/33yly40XOAw/s320/IMG_5654.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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YUM!!!</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">cheesy stuffed mushroom bread</span></u></b></div>
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i originally got this recipe from my aunt deb when i was in jr. high.</div>
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and with some minor changes, this is the most insane cheesy bread that you ever put in your mouth!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fet563PmhYA/T7LoUDugqhI/AAAAAAAAApU/9alDT0l3ENs/s1600/IMG_6644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fet563PmhYA/T7LoUDugqhI/AAAAAAAAApU/9alDT0l3ENs/s320/IMG_6644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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yes, it looks about as ridiculous as it actually is, but it is A-MA-ZING!!!!!</div>
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<b><u>ingredients:</u></b></div>
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1 loaf italian bread</div>
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2 sticks margarine, melted</div>
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1/2 lb. baby swiss cheese {or cheese of your choice}, shredded</div>
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8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced and sauteed (or a small can of mushrooms)</div>
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1/4 c. c chopped onion (about 1/2 of a small onion)</div>
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2-3 T. chopped fresh chives</div>
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2 T. poppy seeds</div>
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1 T dijon mustard</div>
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<b><u>directions:</u></b></div>
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1. place bread on sheet of foil on a cookie sheet. slice bread horizontally.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_sKN1Ili_Ag/T7LoPs2GKDI/AAAAAAAAAos/kLy0O29na58/s1600/IMG_6619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_sKN1Ili_Ag/T7LoPs2GKDI/AAAAAAAAAos/kLy0O29na58/s320/IMG_6619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. mix cheese, mushrooms, onions, chives, poppy seeds, and mustard.</div>
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then pour the melted margarine over the cheese mixture.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3gN-v_f0tas/T7LoQXj48UI/AAAAAAAAAo0/4kL9WF7c-ks/s1600/IMG_6626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3gN-v_f0tas/T7LoQXj48UI/AAAAAAAAAo0/4kL9WF7c-ks/s320/IMG_6626.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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mix the buttery, cheesy mess gently </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hNK07X-PfHE/T7LoTdKf4OI/AAAAAAAAApM/u6TK3XK4frQ/s1600/IMG_6629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hNK07X-PfHE/T7LoTdKf4OI/AAAAAAAAApM/u6TK3XK4frQ/s320/IMG_6629.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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stuff the bread with the cheesy mushroom mixture.</div>
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seal inside the foil and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.</div>
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let cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.</div>
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slice into 12-15 pieces.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9-iZL8KGNw/T7LsX29Qr3I/AAAAAAAAApg/jH2Ynk7uFec/s1600/IMG_6644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9-iZL8KGNw/T7LsX29Qr3I/AAAAAAAAApg/jH2Ynk7uFec/s320/IMG_6644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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beware of food coma!!! </div>
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<br /></div>norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-63016922815378752762012-05-08T21:48:00.003-04:002012-05-16T22:02:48.310-04:00no-grocery challenge<div style="text-align: center;">
for whatever crazy reason</div>
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last week when i 'desperately needed' to go to the grocery store, i decided that we are far too wasteful.</div>
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i looked at what we had in the freezer and pantry and i told my husband that i wanted to try to make it 15 days without buying groceries.</div>
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i was actually surprised that he seemed okay with it.</div>
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so... several interesting, but surprisingly good dinners later, i thought that i would share one of the 'freezer leftover recipes' that i came up with. </div>
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we may never have these leftovers in the freezer and pantry again, but i really loved this recipe and might make it again... with some minor adjustments.</div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">peanutbutter pasta & potsticker meatballs</span></b></u></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwgs1nMrSEo/T6nD9OZoxZI/AAAAAAAAAlw/stVH2LTVqr4/s1600/IMG_6518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwgs1nMrSEo/T6nD9OZoxZI/AAAAAAAAAlw/stVH2LTVqr4/s320/IMG_6518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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i do realize that this picture actually doesn't make it look appetizing, or even close to as delicious as it was</div>
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but it was rather incredible despite its randomness.</div>
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i was fortunate enough to have 1/2 a batch of pork wonton {potsticker} filling in the freezer </div>
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[recipe below]</div>
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so, i just thawed it & rolled it into meatballs and browned them in a skillet with a little olive oil.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxySt8lUUjg/T6nD6wPWnaI/AAAAAAAAAlY/r306zW0Pcm4/s1600/IMG_6506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxySt8lUUjg/T6nD6wPWnaI/AAAAAAAAAlY/r306zW0Pcm4/s320/IMG_6506.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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pretty sure that the meatballs were my husband's favorite part of this meal.</div>
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next i sauted in 1 T. olive oil:</div>
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3 cups chopped cabbage</div>
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1 medium onion, chopped</div>
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2 small carrots, julienned</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3TS5BC8RkK0/T6nD6I7lvBI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/ZU9l9RmTReY/s1600/IMG_6497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3TS5BC8RkK0/T6nD6I7lvBI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/ZU9l9RmTReY/s320/IMG_6497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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cook the vegetables until softened then reduce heat to low.
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while the veggies were cooking i started boiling my pasta [al dente]. </div>
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my husband prefers any long, skinny pasta over the smaller shapes, but i only had about 1/2 serving of whole wheat linguini, so i used that and about 1/2 lb. of whole wheat rotini noodles.</div>
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i also added about 1 cup of frozen edamame beans to the pasta while it was cooking.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-elSMK-m8PEo/T6nD8UX26OI/AAAAAAAAAlo/cOywLLe_uYA/s1600/IMG_6514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-elSMK-m8PEo/T6nD8UX26OI/AAAAAAAAAlo/cOywLLe_uYA/s320/IMG_6514.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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next make the sauce:</div>
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1/3 c. peanut butter </div>
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(i used creamy, but crunchy would be good as well) </div>
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2 t. lime juice</div>
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3 t. brown sugar</div>
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3 t. soy sauce</div>
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3 t. worchestershire sauce </div>
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1/2 t. crushed red pepper</div>
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1 t. curry powder</div>
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1/4 t. ground cloves</div>
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3 cloves garlic, minced </div>
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once above ingredients are heated through, gradually add </div>
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1 1/2 c. half & half</div>
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*do not boil*</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBaWMtd2qao/T6nD7tHgfJI/AAAAAAAAAlg/5Bc6iBDVQ4k/s1600/IMG_6512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBaWMtd2qao/T6nD7tHgfJI/AAAAAAAAAlg/5Bc6iBDVQ4k/s320/IMG_6512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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mix cooked pasta with sauce and veggies.</div>
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stir in 3 T. chopped cilantro.</div>
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hope you like it. :)</div>
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oh, and my husband's only complaint was one that i could have predicted, </div>
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he didn't care for the rotini noodles. </div>
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**<u>potsticker filling {meatball recipe}</u>**</div>
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1/2 c minced cabbage- pour boiling water over cabbage and let sit 1/2 hour</div>
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3/4 lb. ground pork</div>
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4 t. soy sauce</div>
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dash pepper</div>
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2 cloves minced garlic</div>
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1 1/2 t. minced ginger</div>
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2 egg whites</div>
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2 T. chopped green onion</div>
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mix above filling ingredients and chill 1/2 hour before using</div>
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<br /></div>norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-54714654544474185262012-05-07T22:29:00.000-04:002012-05-16T22:05:24.130-04:00the latest around our house<div style="text-align: center;">
i realized a few weeks ago that it's been months since i posted pictures of our 'kids.'</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WnUfVpDaWVw/T6g_ODYhvII/AAAAAAAAAiE/jfGULER_GFs/s1600/IMG_6484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WnUfVpDaWVw/T6g_ODYhvII/AAAAAAAAAiE/jfGULER_GFs/s320/IMG_6484.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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can you tell amos has grown? :)</div>
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they have been LOVING the warmer weather and all of the extra outdoor time that they have been getting. </div>
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and i will admit, i probably enjoy our walks as much as they do. </div>
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paisley has adjusted very well to having a 'little' brother... and she also doesn't seem to have noticed that he is no longer little. </div>
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it has been ridiculous watching amos grow. we often have to remind ourselves that he is still a puppy.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwBPrD374Uw/T6hAGpbdC5I/AAAAAAAAAiM/2qRzxYWW_ws/s1600/IMG_6559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwBPrD374Uw/T6hAGpbdC5I/AAAAAAAAAiM/2qRzxYWW_ws/s320/IMG_6559.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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he is 7 months old and 100 lbs of sweetness. he is so incredibly affectionate. </div>
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i never thought that he would be so BIG this soon, but he really has no idea that he is big. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqEbd25v5Pc/T6hBzgF-5qI/AAAAAAAAAiU/jQpGVHSsc3g/s1600/amosh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqEbd25v5Pc/T6hBzgF-5qI/AAAAAAAAAiU/jQpGVHSsc3g/s320/amosh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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he still tries to sit on my lap </div>
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and he doesn't seem to notice that he towers over his sister.</div>
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paisley is so sweet and patient though. she has actually become a little more snuggly, probably because she has competition for attention... and is rather jealous after being the only child.</div>
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she definitely fits the 'needy' characteristic of the weimeraner breed. </div>
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but she is clearly happy to have a playmate.
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i will admit, that i never imagined that SO much of my time would be consumed by dogs, especially after growing up without ever having a dog. </div>
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i did manage to find a little time to do other things this month though.</div>
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about a month ago a did a little work on the front porch.</div>
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i will admit that i have never had good luck keeping plants alive. pets and children are so much easier... or maybe not.</div>
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but every year i do manage to keep my hanging plants alive. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qyI0ya21wg/T6h6rFn4v3I/AAAAAAAAAkA/3-t0qZ8HSeE/s1600/IMG_6345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qyI0ya21wg/T6h6rFn4v3I/AAAAAAAAAkA/3-t0qZ8HSeE/s320/IMG_6345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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this year i planted them really early. i ususally just plant sweet potato vine (both purple and bright green), but since spring (high 80's and 90's) started in february this year, i couldn't find those yet. so, i planted 2 kinds of ivy and impatiens...</div>
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but i was REALLY excited to find ranunculus(es)!!!</div>
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{my VERY favorite flower}</div>
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they didn't last very long, but they made me smile every time that i saw them</div>
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aren't they so fun? they were in the middle of my hanging baskets, </div>
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but didn't make it till i remembered to get pictures</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjqZL47RDec/T6h0EXdEbGI/AAAAAAAAAjU/oUgvuLf4IG4/s1600/IMG_6349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjqZL47RDec/T6h0EXdEbGI/AAAAAAAAAjU/oUgvuLf4IG4/s320/IMG_6349.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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i was also really excited to get our porch lanterns. </div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4005481">i love world market!</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--PIrGhQb1Oo/T6h0B7xpWlI/AAAAAAAAAi8/vEu_vRANn70/s1600/IMG_6342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--PIrGhQb1Oo/T6h0B7xpWlI/AAAAAAAAAi8/vEu_vRANn70/s320/IMG_6342.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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we spend at least part of every summer evening out on the front porch, so it is so fun to have our 'nightlights'</div>
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we LOVE our little downtown porch</div>
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i think that new house numbers might be an upcoming project. ;)</div>
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this cute little guy showed up to watch over our garden</div>
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i have wanted a gnome for years and my husband got me this little guy on our anniversary trip. </div>
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isn't he cute?</div>
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this weekend my parents and i went to the local farmers market to get some produce and some tomato plants. i was so appreciative to have my dad's gardening expertise.</div>
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i actually ended up getting 4 times as many plants as i had planned to get.</div>
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i planted a whole salsa garden-</div>
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4 kinds of tomatoes, 3 kinds of peppers, tomatillos</div>
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& cucumbers and okra</div>
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[both of which were starts from my dad]</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YOJCP6cQF8A/T6h-32r44OI/AAAAAAAAAkU/wGis_C6LpAE/s1600/IMG_6553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YOJCP6cQF8A/T6h-32r44OI/AAAAAAAAAkU/wGis_C6LpAE/s320/IMG_6553.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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don't you love the gaping hole in the masonry? </div>
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the joys of old homes... and renting. (sigh)</div>
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and an exciting little happening on our front porch this week was the appearance of a nest in one of the hanging lanterns from our rehearsal dinner.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3h2ZYKlv7eQ/T6h_sbAK8MI/AAAAAAAAAkc/9mfQDrPvKDw/s1600/IMG_6531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3h2ZYKlv7eQ/T6h_sbAK8MI/AAAAAAAAAkc/9mfQDrPvKDw/s320/IMG_6531.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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my mother-in-law got these lanterns to decorate the tables at the rehearsal dinner</div>
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and this weekend i noticed that there was a little nest inside one of them </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mx3RevGkCJo/T6h_wTTZbhI/AAAAAAAAAlE/-awHBS78378/s1600/IMG_6549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mx3RevGkCJo/T6h_wTTZbhI/AAAAAAAAAlE/-awHBS78378/s320/IMG_6549.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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here is the mama bird sitting on her nest. :)</div>
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she is rather anxious when we bring the dogs out on the porch, but we are enjoying getting to watch the whole process.</div>
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<br /></div>norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-24347176294514465932012-04-23T17:26:00.000-04:002012-04-23T17:26:34.817-04:00giveaway winner and wedding cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
first off, i would like to thank all of you for participating in my first giveaway!</div>
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i had a lot of fun doing it and i hope to have many more in the near future. </div>
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thank you so much for entering and for sharing it with your friends.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vEHRlxdH_fg/T5XHMsrQt6I/AAAAAAAAAh8/uEwFahOX8Xs/s1600/IMG_4910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vEHRlxdH_fg/T5XHMsrQt6I/AAAAAAAAAh8/uEwFahOX8Xs/s320/IMG_4910.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">&</span></div>
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the computer chosen winner is...</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>'<span style="color: #93c47d;">melissa!</span>'</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">please send me a note with your address and what color necklace you would like</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and i will send you a fun little package.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">{several of you have asked if you were not the winner if i would be willing to sell you a necklace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> i would happily sell these little pretties. they are $14 each. just contact me with your color choice and address and i will send it your way... </span></div>
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i am hopeful to have them in my etsy shop in the very near future as well, but am not making any promises}</div>
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this month my husband and i celebrated our 1st anniversary. i must say that i never could have imagined a more perfect first year of marriage. we had so much fun and God taught us so many things about ourselves, each other, but most importantly about how much we need Him in our marriage.</div>
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i have been so incredibly blessed!</div>
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i also had NO idea that a year could pass so quickly.</div>
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it seems like i was just planning the wedding.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1RzLF-LOQrQ/T5V33qglTII/AAAAAAAAAhc/lWxQ4CdvL4Y/s1600/DSC_4642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1RzLF-LOQrQ/T5V33qglTII/AAAAAAAAAhc/lWxQ4CdvL4Y/s320/DSC_4642.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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i love traditions (old and new), so i really wanted to keep the tradition of saving the top layer of the wedding cake for our first anniversary.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXx-6RjoG0U/T5W7t8Kg9aI/AAAAAAAAAhs/Hqwd6OGgR3E/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXx-6RjoG0U/T5W7t8Kg9aI/AAAAAAAAAhs/Hqwd6OGgR3E/s320/cake.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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our wedding cake was SO delicious!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2IBVIL0WNM/T5V3G4sIiAI/AAAAAAAAAhM/HYstFW2JDzQ/s1600/DSC_1413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2IBVIL0WNM/T5V3G4sIiAI/AAAAAAAAAhM/HYstFW2JDzQ/s320/DSC_1413.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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it was a keylime-coconut cake.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DK-86ptam_g/T5XCyC7pyPI/AAAAAAAAAh0/6b0FI4UyvZw/s1600/gone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DK-86ptam_g/T5XCyC7pyPI/AAAAAAAAAh0/6b0FI4UyvZw/s320/gone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and from the looks of things, i was not the only one that thought that it was AMAZING! </div>
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i was so extremely lucky to know an incredible cake baker quite well</div>
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{my very talented mother}.</div>
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she experimented for weeks to come up with a recipe that we all loved. </div>
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not only did she make our wedding cake during the crazy wedding week,</div>
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but she told me that instead of saving our top layer of the cake and pretending to enjoy eating frost-bitten cake on our anniversary in the name of tradition, that she would just make us a fresh cake for our celebration. </div>
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so this weekend we got to enjoy this cute little anniversary cake!</div>
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thank you so much mom. :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_T0IiM4uek/T5V05ESZT6I/AAAAAAAAAhE/R72mZNFJn_E/s1600/IMG_6380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_T0IiM4uek/T5V05ESZT6I/AAAAAAAAAhE/R72mZNFJn_E/s320/IMG_6380.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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and i think that it may have been even better after a year. ;)</div>
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if you would like the <a href="http://beckasblog.ivman.com/the-wedding-cake/">wedding cake recipe</a>, <------ this is the link to my mom's blog.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qZNz-D_fmU/T5V0y949lHI/AAAAAAAAAg8/Sr1r1DVXp0s/s1600/mr&mrscake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qZNz-D_fmU/T5V0y949lHI/AAAAAAAAAg8/Sr1r1DVXp0s/s320/mr&mrscake.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and i was also excited to be able to use our cute little </div>
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<a href="http://noraslittlenook.blogspot.com/2011/01/cake-toppers.html">cake toppers</a></div>
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that i blogged about last year. </div>
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i am so excited to make a set for our friends marianne and david for their wedding this summer!</div>
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i can't wait to share many more fun celebrations with you in the future!</div>
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<br /></div>norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-55244642378232548572012-04-16T18:04:00.000-04:002012-04-16T18:04:03.019-04:00my first give-away!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>a giveaway!</u></b></span></div>
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so i have to admit, i have been rather ashamed at myself for my inconsistency with my blogging. </div>
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i honestly intend to blog fairly frequently. i take pictures of things fully intending to post them... and life... procrastination... laziness...and exhaustion get in the way. but i really am going to try to blog at least once a week.</div>
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so, in an effort to encourage myself to have a little more accountability with my blogging, i thought that i would do my first little giveaway. </div>
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so, to each of my 11 followers, your odds should be pretty high! haha. ;)</div>
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i am giving away one of these cutie little pom-pom flower necklaces that i showed in yesterday's post:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwMxQ_p6SqY/T4yTwE8TmrI/AAAAAAAAAgs/FqKLnrglZU4/s1600/IMG_4910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwMxQ_p6SqY/T4yTwE8TmrI/AAAAAAAAAgs/FqKLnrglZU4/s320/IMG_4910.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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{i will let the winner request the color of their choosing.}</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5XvKP37x4kk/T4yT6mHrUDI/AAAAAAAAAg0/NILwQHn4Yvg/s1600/IMG_4904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5XvKP37x4kk/T4yT6mHrUDI/AAAAAAAAAg0/NILwQHn4Yvg/s320/IMG_4904.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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the random computer drawing will take place at 12:00 PM on</div>
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monday, april 23, 2012 </div>
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{one week from today}</div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">how to enter:</span></b></u></div>
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1. you can get one entry by becoming a new follower of my blog.</div>
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*if you are already a follower, just comment on this blog post to be entered.</div>
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2. you can get a second and third entry by sharing a link to my blog on facebook and/or twitter</div>
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(just let me know that you have shared it in the comment box below</div>
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or else i might not know that you have shared it).</div>
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and hopefully this will help give me a little encouragement to be a little more consistent in my blogging.</div>
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"may the odds be ever in your favor" ;)
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can't wait to hear from you.</div>
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~ norajoy ~</div>
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<br /></div>norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-18195299753007179302012-04-15T21:38:00.000-04:002012-04-15T21:38:33.174-04:00putting Pinterest to good use<div style="text-align: center;">
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I don't know if you have all discovered it or not, but not quite a year ago i joined the crazy addiction called</div>
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<img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest button" src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" /> .</div>
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for the first several months after discovering pinterest, i spent my evening hours "winding down" for bed, happily and rather obsessively "pinning" things on my pinterest boards. if you aren't familiar with pinterest, it is basically and online filing system. if you find a picture or article or idea that you like and think that you would like to remember in the future then you can "pin it" or file it away for later use. it is fun though because you can see what other people have "pinned" so you can "pin" their ideas as well. </div>
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when i first heard about pinterest i didn't think that it would be something that i would really like that much. i mean, i have plenty of my own ideas, and i have google when i can't be quite creative enough... but once i finally decided to venture into this strange new craze called pinterest, i had a hard time finding my way back out of it. </div>
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in fact, i spent SO much time "pinning" that i rarely found time to actually do any of the projects or make any of the recipes that i had pinned. after weeks and weeks of my online hoarding, i managed to get things into perspective and i started putting my pins to good use.</div>
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i followed this necklace tutorial:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Jo_1budRP4/T4saDqtI0EI/AAAAAAAAAfc/rJNkOOpQbeE/s1600/necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Jo_1budRP4/T4saDqtI0EI/AAAAAAAAAfc/rJNkOOpQbeE/s320/necklace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.littlemissmomma.com/2010/12/pom-pom-bib-necklace-tutorial-lmm.html">pom-pom necklace tutorial</a></div>
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mine looked like this:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1SnboB8t78/T4ta7bruWJI/AAAAAAAAAfk/rPqeFjJ5nic/s1600/IMG_4904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1SnboB8t78/T4ta7bruWJI/AAAAAAAAAfk/rPqeFjJ5nic/s320/IMG_4904.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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i made a bracelet out of an old t-shirt following this tutorial... {kind of}</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jd-_6tK8frc/T4saDdEz5FI/AAAAAAAAAfU/521CVtnSaew/s1600/jersey-knit-bracelet-v-co.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jd-_6tK8frc/T4saDdEz5FI/AAAAAAAAAfU/521CVtnSaew/s320/jersey-knit-bracelet-v-co.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2011/05/recycled-t-shirt-finger-knit-bracelet/">braided t-shirt bracelet</a><br />
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this winter my husband and i had soup night on wednesday nights, so i was able to use many of the soup recipes that i had pinned. i blogged several of our favorites... though i have to admit that i inherited my mother's habit of changing every recipe before ever trying it the original way. we did find a couple new favorites on pinterest that didn't make the blog though.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hifQasWnzgs/T4tniW31XjI/AAAAAAAAAgc/cVt63llbz6A/s1600/italian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hifQasWnzgs/T4tniW31XjI/AAAAAAAAAgc/cVt63llbz6A/s320/italian.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://kitchenconfidante.com/italian-wedding-soup-meatball-recipe">italian wedding soup</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcSz1XYrDuQ/T4tn70vT3qI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Rw_bv6pIj3w/s1600/buffalo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcSz1XYrDuQ/T4tn70vT3qI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Rw_bv6pIj3w/s1600/buffalo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/soups/buffalo-chicken-soup/">buffalo chicken soup</a></div>
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i found pinterest to be incredibly useful when i threw my very first Thirty-One<br />
<img alt="Thirty-One Gifts Home" src="http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/assets/images/thirty-one-logo.png?201203031040" /><br />
party 2 weeks ago.<br />
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If you haven't heard of thirty-one gifts, it is a company that has lots of really cute, very practical and affordable bags and organizing containers.<br />
you can check them out here:<br />
<a href="http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/catalog#/1">thirty-one catalog</a><br />
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i wanted to try some new appetizers and desserts for my party. i feel like i tend to fall back on the same familiar recipes for every event that comes along, so it was great to be able to just look through the recipes that i had "pinned" over the past few months and have lots of fun new options.<br />
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here are some of the fun recipes that i made for my party:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K64UsDrPUpo/T4tfpEQ-2HI/AAAAAAAAAfs/cxChJ0nsChU/s1600/taco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K64UsDrPUpo/T4tfpEQ-2HI/AAAAAAAAAfs/cxChJ0nsChU/s1600/taco.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/1552">chicken wonton tacos</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCtaz_aJ50c/T4tgAkwEXQI/AAAAAAAAAf0/9g7vEvzai6g/s1600/sausage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCtaz_aJ50c/T4tgAkwEXQI/AAAAAAAAAf0/9g7vEvzai6g/s1600/sausage.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Won-Ton-Wrapper-Appetizers-Allrecipes">cheesy sausage wonton stars</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRJ9e95vd8I/T4thMxR6BiI/AAAAAAAAAf8/mC1GYe8ociI/s1600/anti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRJ9e95vd8I/T4thMxR6BiI/AAAAAAAAAf8/mC1GYe8ociI/s320/anti.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thehungryhousewife.com/2011/02/antipasto-kabobs.html">antipasto kabobs</a></div>
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this recipe has been one of my favorites that my mom has made for years:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgFh6HUg3RQ/T4thnwucswI/AAAAAAAAAgE/Z2jOcpwwh2s/s1600/torte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgFh6HUg3RQ/T4thnwucswI/AAAAAAAAAgE/Z2jOcpwwh2s/s1600/torte.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bigoven.com/recipe/189192/Double-Decadent-Brownie-Torte">double decadent brownie torte</a></div>
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for christmas i received a williams-sonoma mini tart pan from my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. i had been waiting for an opportunity to use it, so i was very excited to try it out for the party.</div>
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i used the williams-sonoma crust recipe:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HOVv04sil_c/T4ti_sZSAzI/AAAAAAAAAgM/V6BnIyGHcPQ/s1600/crust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HOVv04sil_c/T4ti_sZSAzI/AAAAAAAAAgM/V6BnIyGHcPQ/s1600/crust.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/mini-tarts.html">mini tart crust recipe</a></div>
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i made my very first lemon curd for in the tarts and i was really disappointed that it didn't set up right... so i will admit, i cheated and bought lemon curd.</div>
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and i have to admit that i was most excited to try out this punch recipe:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oi1DsedQOL4/T4tkGGT76NI/AAAAAAAAAgU/glqvjBGcJio/s1600/punch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oi1DsedQOL4/T4tkGGT76NI/AAAAAAAAAgU/glqvjBGcJio/s320/punch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://wouldbewritersguild.com/blog/2008/07/15/why-i-keep-getting-invited-to-parties/">raspberry-pina colada punch</a></div>
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this claimed to be the only punch recipe that you will ever need.</div>
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it was very good, but i think that i will collect a few more. ;)</div>
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the party was SO much fun! and everyone seemed to enjoy the new snacks as much as i enjoyed making them (and i am once again indebted to my sweet mother for showing up early to help assemble the appetizers before the guests arrived. she is my hero when it comes to entertaining).</div>
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and finally, i have to share my very favorite pinterest moment.</div>
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my husband and i went to the beach to celebrate our first anniversary 2 weekends ago.</div>
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one afternoon it was rather cloudy, so we decided to do a little shopping. we walked past an adorable dress boutique. i glanced in the window and i stopped immediately!</div>
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i saw this dress:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-laKSzeRtQ/T4saDHoLk-I/AAAAAAAAAfM/bEo5cpwcsZU/s1600/dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-laKSzeRtQ/T4saDHoLk-I/AAAAAAAAAfM/bEo5cpwcsZU/s1600/dress.jpg" /></a></div>
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i had it pinned on pinterest about 3 months ago. i had tried to buy it then and it was out of stock, so i actually had determined that i was going to try to make it. i had thought about it many times in the last few weeks, so i was probably a little too excited to find it in that little boutique. </div>
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my sweet husband insisted that i get it, and i was more than willing to comply. :)</div>
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hope that if you haven't yet discovered this fun little world called pinterest that you will check it out soon. and feel free to start following me. </div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/norajoy">pinterest</a></div>
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</div>norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-15066397887908695792012-01-22T17:41:00.001-05:002012-01-22T17:41:37.976-05:00split-pea soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i will admit that i am hesitant to blog this recipe, because i do realize that as much as i can attempt to assure you that this soup is delicious, any picture that i can find of split pea soup looks more than unappetizing. </div>
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my husband was not quite thrilled about my suggestion of this meal in the first place, but i managed to talk him into trying it just once. i was rather nervous that once he saw it he might be unwilling to try it, but he was a good sport and he tried it and actually enjoyed it and said that he would let me make it again.</div>
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i was actually really excited to make this soup for another reason- i have never used dried beans before. i have wanted to many times, but for some reason i avoided them. probably mostly due to being raised in a world of convenience. but i have always used canned or frozen beans and peas in all of my cooking ventures.</div>
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(and i will add that my mother often used dried beans when i was growing up, so i knew how to cook them, but had just never done it myself)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDLP9S4i6wM/Txxuip8tTeI/AAAAAAAAAdo/oz8-ufEkRx4/s1600/5675645903p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDLP9S4i6wM/Txxuip8tTeI/AAAAAAAAAdo/oz8-ufEkRx4/s1600/5675645903p.jpg" /></a></div>
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and i have to admit, i plan to used dried beans a lot in the future. they are SO ridiculously inexpensive compared to canned beans and are very simple. although they do take a little more planning ahead.</div>
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so.... this is what my version of split pea soup ended up looking like:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEDPfZ6yhxA/Txx1JmYigRI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/G13zoIihqjI/s1600/IMG_5894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEDPfZ6yhxA/Txx1JmYigRI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/G13zoIihqjI/s320/IMG_5894.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and i can agree that it isn't very pretty </div>
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but in my recipe, i did try to disguise the gross 'pea-green' color </div>
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which is what i feel is the most unappealing part of the traditional split pea soup.</div>
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this is what it generally looks like:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq9DGhnDTmA/Txx6McrvyZI/AAAAAAAAAeo/WEyfd_AedwU/s1600/split-pea-soup-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq9DGhnDTmA/Txx6McrvyZI/AAAAAAAAAeo/WEyfd_AedwU/s320/split-pea-soup-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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a rather unappetizing yellow-green color</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kEBI67afknU/Txx6MCmVbWI/AAAAAAAAAeg/aUUjyrwVtuw/s1600/split-pea-soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kEBI67afknU/Txx6MCmVbWI/AAAAAAAAAeg/aUUjyrwVtuw/s1600/split-pea-soup.jpg" /></a></div>
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or here is a pureed version.</div>
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i thought that for my introduction of split-pea soup to my husband that it might be better accepted if it wasn't such a jarring color, so i added lots of paprika and grated carrots to turn the soup more of a brownish color</div>
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here is my recipe:</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">split-pea soup</span></b></div>
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<b><u>ingredients:</u></b></div>
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2 T olive oil</div>
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1 medium onion, diced</div>
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3 carrots, peeled and shredded</div>
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1 stalk celery, diced finely</div>
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3 cloves garlic, crushed</div>
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1 tsp smoked paprika (i actually added about 2)</div>
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1 tsp oregano</div>
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1 tsp thyme</div>
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2 bay leaves</div>
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1/2 tsp pepper</div>
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1- 14 oz. or 16 oz. pkg dried green split peas, rinsed</div>
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7 cups water</div>
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2 cups chicken broth</div>
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2 ham hocks</div>
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{i didn't have ham hocks, so i just used diced ham}</div>
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1-2 tsps. salt (to taste)</div>
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<u><b>directions:</b></u></div>
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1. heat the oil in a dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. </div>
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2. add onions, celery, carrots, and garlic and saute for 3-5 minutes
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cvdJBInLmgs/Txxwlt70zwI/AAAAAAAAAeI/7hP7mA9iM6Q/s1600/onion-and-celery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cvdJBInLmgs/Txxwlt70zwI/AAAAAAAAAeI/7hP7mA9iM6Q/s320/onion-and-celery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(i like to dice the celery really finely because i honestly don't like the texture of celery)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEyH1iDxopg/Txxwk18XC7I/AAAAAAAAAeA/cOEjitB6lQM/s1600/Health-Nutrition-Grated-Carrots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEyH1iDxopg/Txxwk18XC7I/AAAAAAAAAeA/cOEjitB6lQM/s320/Health-Nutrition-Grated-Carrots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(i like to grate the carrots rather than chopping them because they get more tender and i feel like they give off more of their flavor and color to the soup when they are grated)</div>
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3. add herbs, dried peas, water, and broth</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uy0330d3kAw/TxxulQhE0LI/AAAAAAAAAd4/-w_TFKLKQ1Y/s1600/split-peas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uy0330d3kAw/TxxulQhE0LI/AAAAAAAAAd4/-w_TFKLKQ1Y/s320/split-peas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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4. add ham hocks.</div>
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{or if you don't have ham hocks wait to add the ham till after the soup cooks for a couple hours to prevent the ham from getting tough}</div>
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5. bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 2 hours.</div>
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6. remove ham hocks and pick ham off bones. add shredded ham back to soup and return to a boil</div>
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7. add salt to taste.</div>
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8. let soup simmer for another 30-45 minutes.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5SvnKSM4o4/TxyPcBwDOYI/AAAAAAAAAew/nx9JNbs9qls/s1600/IMG_5897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5SvnKSM4o4/TxyPcBwDOYI/AAAAAAAAAew/nx9JNbs9qls/s320/IMG_5897.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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9. can serve plain or with sour cream and croutons.</div>
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and here's one picture of the 'kids' that i thought that i would share.</div>
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as you can see, amos has officially caught up with paisley in height! </div>
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they are both such great helpers in the kitchen.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6d5AE5RFTy8/TxyP_Zc39FI/AAAAAAAAAe4/kUKcbq9hR4s/s1600/IMG_5901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6d5AE5RFTy8/TxyP_Zc39FI/AAAAAAAAAe4/kUKcbq9hR4s/s320/IMG_5901.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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i love that i caught paisley 'singing' and i love amos's ears in reaction to paisley's song.</div>
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<br />norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-35038298362729448562012-01-15T10:42:00.000-05:002012-01-15T10:44:21.817-05:00the new addition- puppy love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
about 2 months ago our family got a little bit bigger... ok, a LOT bigger. ;)</div>
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my husband and i adopted our 2nd 'baby', a 10 week old, 23 pound, merle great dane puppy.</div>
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we had discussed getting a great dane, *someday*. but i really didn't think that we would be able to get another puppy for several years due to our schedules.</div>
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i was SO incredibly thrilled when my husband made the decision in november to switch to part-time work to accommodate his school schedule {i will add that i would never recommend that anyone attempt full-time work/full-time school/and marriage all at once. as newlyweds, it was overwhelming for both of us for him to keep that schedule}. </div>
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i feel like our honeymoon has begun all over again now that he has cut back his work hours. we have been loving being able to spend meaningful time together where he is not too exhausted to engage in a conversation. </div>
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all that to say that with my husband home more, we decided that this would be a great time to add a new puppy as we would have the time to deal with the puppy training.</div>
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i am excited to introduce </div>
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'amos hawke collogan'</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_P2gYspDCYs/TxLeCUW76SI/AAAAAAAAAaI/T3IHrjz306Q/s1600/IMG_5427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_P2gYspDCYs/TxLeCUW76SI/AAAAAAAAAaI/T3IHrjz306Q/s320/IMG_5427.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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me and amos on the drive home from kentucky</div>
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my husband had his heart set on a fawn colored great dane, which is the scooby doo type coloring. we had searched for breeders for months and i had several in mind for when the day ever came that we would get our puppy. </div>
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the first week in november we went to iowa to visit my in-laws and to go to an iowa hawkeyes game for my husband's 30th birthday.</div>
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as we were leaving the game we saw a beautiful, giant, merle great dane outside the stadium. my husband instantly fell in love. so we were back to the drawing board for breeders. i searched for hours when we got back to greenville. we didn't want to drive too far for a puppy, but we wanted to get one pretty immediately.</div>
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i found a breeder in kentucky, which was about 4 1/2 hours away. they had several litters with merle puppies. it was so hard to choose because they were all completely adorable, but we fell in love with this little face.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lwCnk5d9EOU/TxLq9qsQHnI/AAAAAAAAAbo/ZcgTWvU7ivE/s1600/baby+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lwCnk5d9EOU/TxLq9qsQHnI/AAAAAAAAAbo/ZcgTWvU7ivE/s320/baby+boy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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this was at about 7 weeks</div>
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we drove up to kentucky the weekend after we found him online. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPRAnILe0GE/TxLy7Ra-qZI/AAAAAAAAAcA/FEieQm7ZVyM/s1600/IMG_5424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPRAnILe0GE/TxLy7Ra-qZI/AAAAAAAAAcA/FEieQm7ZVyM/s320/IMG_5424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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he was as sweet as could be from the moment that we met.</div>
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i was so incredibly excited... but at the same time i had mixed emotions. i knew that this was going to be difficult for my 3 year old weimaraner. she has always been an incredibly spoiled, only child.</div>
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we took her with us to pick up amos. it actually was worse than i had anticipated. not only was she not at all interested in the new little friend that we were bringing home to her, but she was furious at me. she wouldn't look at me, she wouldn't let me pet her, she wouldn't even let me sit beside her. i did not anticipate that at all. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaZd_QmoeAg/TxLes1aPgBI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/tZrtmeNFtaA/s1600/IMG_5450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaZd_QmoeAg/TxLes1aPgBI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/tZrtmeNFtaA/s320/IMG_5450.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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this was at one of our potty stops on the trip back to south carolina. </div>
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you can see paisley went out of her way to ignore her new brother.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGex3W4stMI/TxLet7NYctI/AAAAAAAAAaY/B7vk-wKQKAA/s1600/IMG_5455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGex3W4stMI/TxLet7NYctI/AAAAAAAAAaY/B7vk-wKQKAA/s320/IMG_5455.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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he is definitely a daddy's boy. amos adores topher.</div>
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it is funny to me that i thought that he was SO big for a 10 week old puppy... and now 7 weeks later he has already over doubled in size!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpycCMdIJfg/TxLlaW0D4fI/AAAAAAAAAa4/0FtPnZ1G0TY/s1600/IMG_5494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpycCMdIJfg/TxLlaW0D4fI/AAAAAAAAAa4/0FtPnZ1G0TY/s320/IMG_5494.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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this was 3 days after we got home. paisley finally would let him within a few inches of her, but she was still not happy about him being around.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TlcJe6yDsyE/TxLla1Twx7I/AAAAAAAAAbA/6cosIpZcSVU/s1600/IMG_5533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TlcJe6yDsyE/TxLla1Twx7I/AAAAAAAAAbA/6cosIpZcSVU/s320/IMG_5533.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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2 weeks later, on thanksgiving day, they were finally getting along.</div>
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we had my sister take a 'family photo' of us when she was visiting for thanksgiving. </div>
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i had no idea how much more difficult it would be to get 2 dogs to cooperate. we managed to get a couple with everyone behaving. although, the out-takes are pretty funny.</div>
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amos LOVES going on walks and instantly was a pro at leash walking. </div>
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we live downtown, so we walk up main street and then back home, which is almost a 3 mile walk. </div>
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poor little guy would get so exhausted that we would have to stop and let him take a nap 1/2-way.</div>
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i was amazed how quickly he outgrew his baby crate and had to move up to his big one. but he definitely loves being able to stretch out in the big one. not for long though, i am sure.</div>
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although now their favorite thing is to share a crate... guess it's like a slumber party.</div>
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this was probably about one of the last times that he fit on my husband's lap.</div>
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amos got to go with us on our trip to michigan for christmas. he was a great traveler.</div>
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he would let us know that he was thirsty by licking the windows. i don't know if the cold glass felt like water to him? haha. </div>
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we 'celebrated' amos's 4 month birthday on tuesday and he was already 48 pounds. he eats 7 or 8 cups of food a day! topher is really hoping for a giant great dane. i would be content if he is average... whatever that means. he is definitely a BIG baby.</div>
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he is such a fun 'little' guy. i am sure that you will see more of him in the near future.</div>
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<br /></div>norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-25746977944213920002012-01-14T17:52:00.002-05:002012-01-15T13:06:39.408-05:00comfort food- tomato tortellini soup & 4-cheese and bacon grilled cheese<br />
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so... i do realize that i have been out for a while, so there is MUCH to get caught up on my little blog. but i decided that i would postpone the newsy catch-up blog posts, which i will admit are rather exciting (ok, so not really), and i would go ahead and type up this post before i forget these recipes, because we thought that they were rather delicious. not that our opinions are always right, but oh my! this was a yummy lunch.</div>
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my husband has been fighting a cold for almost 3 weeks now. he was feeling so much better this week, but last night the congestion got ahead of him again. strangely enough there was a lot that i wanted to accomplish today since i have been feeling ridiculously behind in every aspect of my home life, but somehow the wifely duty to care for my sick husband took over. he requested comfort food for lunch, actually spaghetti was his first request, but that didn't sound good to me at all.<br />
i suggested grilled cheese and tomato soup. that menu was approved and we proceeded from there. keep in mind that i was asked to make 'the best grilled cheese that he has ever eaten'... no pressure? ;)<br />
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but i think i did ok. :)</div>
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when i was visiting my sister several years ago she made a tomato tortellini soup with smoked sausage. it was delicious, but i couldn't find my recipe. i thought about calling her for it, but i decided that i would just try to come up with something similar on my own.<br />
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here is what i came up with:</div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">tomato tortellini soup with smoked sausage-</span></b></u></div>
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1 T. olive oil<br />
1 small onion, chopped<br />
1-28 oz. can crushed tomatoes<br />
1-15 oz. can diced tomatoes (or stewed tomatoes)<br />
1 tsp. onion powder<br />
1 tsp. garlic powder<br />
1 tsp. dried basil<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
1/4 tsp. pepper<br />
1 T. sugar<br />
2 cups half-and-half<br />
1 1/4 cup chicken broth<br />
1/2 pkg. smoked sausage, sliced and browned<br />
1 pkg. refrigerated tortellini pasta<br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">directions: </span></b></u></div>
1. heat the olive oil at medium-high in soup pot or dutch oven. add the onion and cook for 3-5 mins or until onion is transluscent .<br />
2. reduce to medium heat and add the canned tomatoes, onion and garlic powders, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar and heat until boiling. add the half-and-half and heat through.<br />
3. puree tomato mixture in pan with an *immersion blender or if you don't have one, transfer the mixture to a blender and puree {this step is not critical, but i liked the smoother consistency of the soup without the pieces of tomato and onion in it. and the blending frothed the half-and-half and made it creamier... maybe it was just in my head though}.<br />
4. add the chicken broth, the browned smoked sausage, and the tortellini. simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the tortellini is done.<br />
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it should should look something like this</div>
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serve topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese</div>
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<b>*** </b>i never thought that i would use an immersion blender (also called a stick blender), but mine has come in handy quite often. it is especially nice not to have to transfer hot soup to another container and then transfer it back. immersion blenders are fairly inexpensive and are well worth their low price.</div>
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this is the immersion blender that i have.</div>
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they are available at walmart and target starting around $30.</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">4-cheese and bacon grilled cheese sandwich-</span></u></b></div>
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4 slices sourdough bread</div>
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1 oz, lowfat cream cheese, softened</div>
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2 oz. smoked cheddar cheese</div>
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2 oz. pepper jack cheese</div>
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2 oz. parmesan cheese</div>
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3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled</div>
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2 T. mayonnaise</div>
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1 T. butter or margarine</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">directions:</span></u></b></div>
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spread cream cheese thinly on each slice of bread. </div>
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grate each of the cheeses and sprinkle evenly on 2 of the slices of bread (your sandwich 'bottoms').</div>
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sprinkle bacon over the grated cheese.</div>
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place second bread slice, cream cheese side down on each sandwich, then thinly coat each side of sandwich with mayonnaise*.</div>
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heat skillet to medium heat. melt butter and place sandwiches in center of skillet. </div>
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cook until lightly browned, then flip and brown the other side. if cheese isn't melted through, lower heat to low to prevent burning and flip again.</div>
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the results, AMAZING!!!!</div>
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*i know that the mayonnaise may sound disgusting, especially if you are a mayonnaise hater, but just trust me on this one, it's amazing! mayonnaise is made primarily from oil and egg. so basically when you cook your sandwich in the mayonnaise coating, it is similar to the coating that you get on french toast (minus the sweetness). just try it one time and you will be hooked. i learned it from the best chef that i know. ;) </div>
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thanks mom. </div>
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hope that you enjoy your comfort dinner. </div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-827726081203284312011-10-22T16:14:00.000-04:002011-10-22T16:14:08.727-04:00glimpses of fall<div style="text-align: center;">
i am finally embracing fall as it has been slowly making itself more permanent in greenville. i really don't love the cold weather, but i do SO love everything that goes along with it.</div>
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2 weekends ago my husband and went on a camping trip in the pisgah forest off the blue ridge parkway. it was the perfect camping weekend. it was nice and warm during the day and almost freezing at night. we got to do some hiking during the day and then sat by our campfire at night with our hot chocolate and smores. i think that i finally managed to get the campfire smell out of all of our clothes. i really was beginning to think that my hair was permanently campfire scented. </div>
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the views from our hike were gorgeous </div>
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we found this little trail through the forest and the sunlight through the trees was beautiful</div>
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these are my 2 favs in the whole world</div>
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paisley and i hiking through the fun twisty trees</div>
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me and the happiest puppy in the whole world. </div>
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she was so excited to be surrounded by the outdoors all weekend.</div>
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the red leaves are my favorites</div>
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i love all the bright fall leaves though</div>
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the beautiful colors of october in north carolina</div>
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we finally wore paisley out, but not for long</div>
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last weekend was <a href="http://www.fallforgreenville.net/">fall for greenville</a> in downtown greenville. </div>
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they block off most of the main street in greenville and bring in over 40 local food vendors. they set up 5 stages and had live music playing all day long all 3 days. people seemed to come out of the woodwork to come downtown. since we live right off main street we walked down all 3 days to enjoy some of the best people watching in the area. we had a great time and would recommend you attend next year.</div>
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me and topher enjoying the beautiful weather at fall for greenville</div>
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the thousands of people on main street</div>
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what a fun fall festival our little town has</div>
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sunday was a slightly more manageable crowd. </div>
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i finally got all of the fall decorations up in our house. it makes me extremely excited for halloween to arrive! </div>
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i love all holidays, but halloween, thanksgiving, and christmas are a fun tri-fecta of holidays and just far enough apart to have recovered from the previous one to prepare for the next.</div>
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here's a glimpse into our home (pardon the clutter in the background) at some of our fall decor</div>
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i love this pumpkin tureen</div>
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i thought that our livingroom looked fun in the sunlight this morning.</div>
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my candlabra is compliments of the dollar tree</div>
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and paisley must have felt that she was being left out, so she came to pose in a picture</div>
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i was particularly excited about my skeleton garland</div>
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and this is a picture of paisley after our walk downtown this morning.</div>
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this was the next to last downtown market, and since i will most likely be working next saturday morning with the arrival of baby #5 in my nanny family, we decided to go enjoy one last greenville saturday market.</div>
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if you haven't been yet, you might want to go next week, october 29th, for the autumn harvest celebration. trick or treating, costume contests, cake walk, fall recipe swap, etc.</div>
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<a href="http://www.saturdaymarketlive.com/autumnharvest.aspx">http://www.saturdaymarketlive.com/autumnharvest.aspx</a></div>
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happy fall!!!</div>
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<br /></div>norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-20935159554101667382011-10-22T14:57:00.000-04:002011-10-22T14:57:31.891-04:00soup and such<div style="text-align: center;">
every fall (for the past 3 years) some of my friends and i have had, what is now our "traditional", annual soup night. i don't really know what it was that inspired me to launch this tradition, but i am so thankful that i did.</div>
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this years' soup night was this past wednesday evening. the weather couldn't have been more perfect for soup eating. it was rainy, 58 degrees, and windy. and i don't think that it could be argued that this year was by far our best-ever year for deliciousness! and as always a fun time to catch up with friends that we seem to see far too infrequently.</div>
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our friend katie recently moved back to greenville and this was her soup night inauguration. :) </div>
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our friends baird and zach, armed with their muffin tins.</div>
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i forget where i got this idea, but muffin tins have proven to be the perfect vessel for soup sampling. </div>
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tara and her sweet little girl masha getting their soup.</div>
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owen and katie all decked out in their halloween attire.</div>
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masha just didn't know what to think about topher. </div>
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everyone enjoying their soup</div>
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our first soup night as a married couple. :)</div>
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owen opted out of soup and had a lunchable... well, actually, he had an oreo. </div>
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and he was a big fan of the M&M's. </div>
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this is what my muffin tin ended up looking like.</div>
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this year's menu : </span></u></b></div>
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<b>sour cream corn bread </b>{tara}</div>
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<b>italian pasta and white bean soup</b> {katie t}</div>
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<b>chicken and wild rice soup </b>{baird}</div>
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'fire breathing dragon' <b>taco soup </b>{katie l}</div>
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<b>spicy white chicken chili </b>{nora, *that's me}</div>
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2 weeks ago my friends christina and john had me over for dinner while topher (my hard-working husband) was sleeping (he works nights, which makes our hours together somewhat limited).they made me some pretty amazing white chicken chili. sadly, i couldn't find the recipe that they used, so i combined 3 different white chicken chili recipes to make mine.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u>nora's white chicken chili recipe:</u></span></b></div>
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(or at least pretty close)</div>
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3 large chicken breasts, baked and shredded</div>
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1 Tbsp. olive oil</div>
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2 onions, diced</div>
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4 jalapeno peppers, seeds and ribs removed and diced finely</div>
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3 large cloves garlic</div>
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1- 4oz. can green chilies (undrained)</div>
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2 tsps. cumin</div>
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2 tsps. oregano</div>
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1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper</div>
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1/2 tsp. garlic powder</div>
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1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper</div>
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1/4 tsp. nutmeg</div>
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6 cups chicken broth</div>
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3 cans white beans (undrained)</div>
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1/2 c. diced cilantro</div>
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3 Tbsp. lime juice</div>
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sliced green onion</div>
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shredded monterey jack cheese</div>
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first of all, there were so many things that i experimented with in this recipe that i probably should have had a back-up plan... but fortunately it was edible and i actually really liked it.</div>
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i accidentally bought chicken thighs instead of breasts, so despite being nauseated after deboning those, the chicken thigh meat was a lot more tender than chicken breasts. if you are limiting fat in your diet, the chicken breast is a much better option.</div>
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1. begin by sauteing the onion in the olive oil. after about 2 minutes add the garlic, jalapenos, and chilies. place a lid on your pan to sweat the onions and peppers. i let mine go for about 3 minutes. then add the cumin, oregano, garlic powder, cayenne, black pepper, and nutmeg (which does seem like a strange thing to have in chili, but it gives it a little bit of a smokey flavor). let that cook for about a minute.</div>
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2. then add the chicken broth and white beans and let heat through. next add the chicken. let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes. i left my soup on low heat for about an hour at this point, but you don't have to.</div>
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3. about 10 minutes before serving the chili add the cilantro and lime juice. </div>
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4. serve with green onion and shredded cheese ( i personally liked it better without the cheese)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HOFc71MsJeQ/TqL_tPQcl5I/AAAAAAAAATo/xkC1v1Es7Xk/s1600/IMG_5103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HOFc71MsJeQ/TqL_tPQcl5I/AAAAAAAAATo/xkC1v1Es7Xk/s320/IMG_5103.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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the white chicken chili is on the bottom right. so yummy!!!</div>
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<br /></div>norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-42582043678256002792011-09-29T20:03:00.000-04:002011-09-29T20:03:37.375-04:00buffalo chicken dipi meant to post this about 2 months ago. i made this for my husband to bring in this year's football season. before we met i didn't really care for buffalo anything. i didn't like wings, i didn't like hot sauce, and i never would have imagined hearing myself say that anything "buffalo" was edible, but at times in recent months i have found myself suggesting buffalo chicken whatever not only because i know that my husband will like it, but because secretly i am beginning to like it a lot. <div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zzRpC1JePzM/ToUCd1s7Y2I/AAAAAAAAAS4/1QT14cZVKNk/s1600/IMG_4505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zzRpC1JePzM/ToUCd1s7Y2I/AAAAAAAAAS4/1QT14cZVKNk/s320/IMG_4505.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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this dip is really simple and really good!!!... if you like buffalo wing flavor. ;)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><b><u>Buffalo Chicken Dip</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gCOsF3fTt7Y/ToUCT8MNpjI/AAAAAAAAASc/OwY9k1sPVXM/s1600/IMG_4460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gCOsF3fTt7Y/ToUCT8MNpjI/AAAAAAAAASc/OwY9k1sPVXM/s320/IMG_4460.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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start by baking and shredding 3 chicken breasts and placing them in a 9"x13" pan.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7Ih6vfxgEY/ToUCVMPwAZI/AAAAAAAAASg/tqVtwQlpIBQ/s1600/IMG_4462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7Ih6vfxgEY/ToUCVMPwAZI/AAAAAAAAASg/tqVtwQlpIBQ/s320/IMG_4462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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stir in 3/4 a bottle of your favorite buffalo wing sauce. i used texas pete, because it was the</div>
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most cost-efficient </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbDCt0NKDLU/ToUCYTKQz2I/AAAAAAAAASo/z8qvo8e5h1s/s1600/IMG_4469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbDCt0NKDLU/ToUCYTKQz2I/AAAAAAAAASo/z8qvo8e5h1s/s320/IMG_4469.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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this is what it should look like. make sure that you don't get it too runny or the consistency of the dip is way too runny to 'dip' in.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_54R8eHbMjg/ToUCZjqooCI/AAAAAAAAASs/-c1S3mBvbFE/s1600/IMG_4475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_54R8eHbMjg/ToUCZjqooCI/AAAAAAAAASs/-c1S3mBvbFE/s320/IMG_4475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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combine:</div>
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1 block of cream cheese</div>
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4 oz. blue cheese crumbles</div>
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1/2 cup blue cheese salad dressing</div>
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(blue cheese with gorgonzola </div>
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is my favorite for this dip)</div>
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once smooth, spread over chicken mixture in pan</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMkgdlcppM8/ToUCbHHpFPI/AAAAAAAAASw/t9WXANtZqmw/s1600/IMG_4482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMkgdlcppM8/ToUCbHHpFPI/AAAAAAAAASw/t9WXANtZqmw/s320/IMG_4482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups mexican cheese or colby-jack and dust with paprika </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h5THKXbB39Y/ToUCctECHrI/AAAAAAAAAS0/hLA3TwfBKqM/s1600/IMG_4502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h5THKXbB39Y/ToUCctECHrI/AAAAAAAAAS0/hLA3TwfBKqM/s320/IMG_4502.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes; until slightly golden brown and bubbly</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E10KSXsUdG8/ToUCfWdQ_3I/AAAAAAAAAS8/51cJToytFPs/s1600/IMG_4507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E10KSXsUdG8/ToUCfWdQ_3I/AAAAAAAAAS8/51cJToytFPs/s320/IMG_4507.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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serve with tortilla chips or 'dipper' of your choice. i personally prefer pretzel thins. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><b><u>Buffalo Chicken Dip Ingredients</u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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3 chicken breasts, baked or grilled and shredded</div>
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3/4 bottle buffalo wing sauce of your choosing</div>
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1 8 oz. block cream cheese</div>
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4 oz. blue cheese crumbles</div>
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1/2 cup blue cheese salad dressing</div>
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1 1/2 cups shredded mexican cheese mix</div>
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paprika (optional)</div>
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happy football season!</div>
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norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-25924448456620700552011-09-25T16:12:00.000-04:002011-09-25T16:12:44.568-04:00Coffee Filter Fall Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dWF35ByRork/Tn-DLcXb5xI/AAAAAAAAARs/THAVg_Y4skk/s1600/IMG_4920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dWF35ByRork/Tn-DLcXb5xI/AAAAAAAAARs/THAVg_Y4skk/s320/IMG_4920.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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for about a month now i have been feeling the need to pull out the fall decorations. not only because fall's arrival is a happy reminder that some of my favorite holidays are just around the corner, but also because every time that i arrived home and looked at our front porch, i would see our spring/summer flower basket hanging on the front door and the 4th of july bunting still draped across the porch railing. i knew that if i had something to replace these decorations that i would feel far more motivated to take them down.<br />
i had seen several fall wreaths that i liked on pinterest...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GANkd3Bjyr0/Tn988rLqatI/AAAAAAAAARg/2_nI4TEhU0c/s1600/burlapwreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GANkd3Bjyr0/Tn988rLqatI/AAAAAAAAARg/2_nI4TEhU0c/s320/burlapwreath.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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i really liked this <a href="http://babblingsandmore.blogspot.com/2011/09/burlap-wreath.html">rosette burlap wreath</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLzXuLFUgJw/Tn9-2o3ChvI/AAAAAAAAARk/a6S6XYFWtWg/s1600/yarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLzXuLFUgJw/Tn9-2o3ChvI/AAAAAAAAARk/a6S6XYFWtWg/s320/yarn.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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this <a href="http://whipperberry.com/2011/09/friday-flair-features-a-winner-3.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Whipperberry+%28WhipperBerry%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">yarn and felt wreath</a> made me happy too.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3TCFi05W7So/Tn-ANmvyBNI/AAAAAAAAARo/7NJmppSH_Cg/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3TCFi05W7So/Tn-ANmvyBNI/AAAAAAAAARo/7NJmppSH_Cg/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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but i fell in love with the look of this <a href="http://craftberrybush.blogspot.com/2011/09/moment-of-clarity.html">coffee filter wreath</a></div>
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the day after i bought my coffee filters for my wreath, emily jones of <a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/">jonesdesigncompany</a>, whose blog is among my favorites, posted this wreath that she had made out of paint-dyed coffee filters. and although it is gorgeous, it seemed a little tedious to me and it wasn't quite as fall-ish as i was hoping to create.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUR5nKiI3uc/Tn-GEaWphTI/AAAAAAAAAR0/khX3NdNwwnI/s1600/flowerfilter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUR5nKiI3uc/Tn-GEaWphTI/AAAAAAAAAR0/khX3NdNwwnI/s320/flowerfilter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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i read the tutortial for the first filter wreath. she said that she had dyed her white coffee filters with coffee, which i thought sounded like a lot of work, especially since they sell beige coffee filters. maybe i'm just lazy, but i went with the less creative, less time-consuming, pre-colored filters for our wreath. and here is how it turned out-</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdi9bTBD1IU/Tn-DrI08dCI/AAAAAAAAARw/CqhVBoGu2FY/s1600/IMG_4930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdi9bTBD1IU/Tn-DrI08dCI/AAAAAAAAARw/CqhVBoGu2FY/s320/IMG_4930.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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i thought that the wreath needed some color to keep the beige wreath on our beige door from looking so bland. one of my favorite things about fall is all the warm colors, so i found these berries which had the reds and oranges that i adore so much. and i thought that the curly branches were fun and whimsical. </div>
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here is a brief tutorial on making the coffee filter "ruffles" or flowers.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGnzvDtsDCg/Tn-G9TR5PvI/AAAAAAAAAR8/1ab_KKFizhM/s1600/IMG_4939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGnzvDtsDCg/Tn-G9TR5PvI/AAAAAAAAAR8/1ab_KKFizhM/s320/IMG_4939.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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i folded each round coffee filter in half and then into uneven thirds.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WYofhxfXN_k/Tn-G-Za7LaI/AAAAAAAAASA/v_VppuZJBrI/s1600/IMG_4947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WYofhxfXN_k/Tn-G-Za7LaI/AAAAAAAAASA/v_VppuZJBrI/s320/IMG_4947.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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i repeated by folding 2 more filters into thirds </div>
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don't crease the folds, you want them to look loose and "ruffley"</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGV2AjITBto/Tn-HA-Ig6xI/AAAAAAAAASI/Qq7dKeRwTp0/s1600/IMG_4951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGV2AjITBto/Tn-HA-Ig6xI/AAAAAAAAASI/Qq7dKeRwTp0/s320/IMG_4951.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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pinch the bottom of the 3 coffee filter ruffle 'wedges' and twist a piece of wire around them.</div>
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you can either hot glue or wire the filter ruffles to your wreath form.</div>
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i twisted mine onto a wire form like this,</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ijHrXFJcBE/Tn-IVxIyBQI/AAAAAAAAASM/03xiyqe4ho8/s1600/12_green_metal_boxed_wire_wreath_form.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ijHrXFJcBE/Tn-IVxIyBQI/AAAAAAAAASM/03xiyqe4ho8/s320/12_green_metal_boxed_wire_wreath_form.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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but a foam form and hot glue would work just as well.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0zA58L8xgIM/Tn-JR1frXEI/AAAAAAAAASU/gR5XwUxJsdw/s1600/IMG_4928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0zA58L8xgIM/Tn-JR1frXEI/AAAAAAAAASU/gR5XwUxJsdw/s320/IMG_4928.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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i wanted my ruffles to look very full, so i ended up using about 175 filters, but if you like the looser look, just use less.</div>
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i put the branches and berries on first and then added the filters around them. </div>
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to finish the wreath off, i attached our C monogram with fishing wire.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Jg9uzyC1RE/Tn-JHFiY-hI/AAAAAAAAASQ/61hNDoFI4OQ/s1600/IMG_4926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Jg9uzyC1RE/Tn-JHFiY-hI/AAAAAAAAASQ/61hNDoFI4OQ/s320/IMG_4926.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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i thought about taking pictures of the process as i was making it, but i was too focused on getting it finished to take a break to get the camera.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYAPhNE-Igc/Tn-JpEQu2KI/AAAAAAAAASY/vI0l98ITkaE/s1600/IMG_4936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYAPhNE-Igc/Tn-JpEQu2KI/AAAAAAAAASY/vI0l98ITkaE/s320/IMG_4936.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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and of course, paisley was a very eager assistant in every step of the wreath making and hanging. ;)</div>
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norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-30063331243252076802011-09-17T19:54:00.000-04:002011-09-17T19:59:22.165-04:00happy fall y'all!<div style="text-align: center;">
it's been a while since i posted, but that doesn't mean that i haven't been busily cooking, baking and creating, but simply that life has gotten in the way of my blogging.</div>
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that and the fact that i tend to forget that i have a blog; pioneer woman i am not. ;)</div>
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as the weather has been getting cooler and i have been transitioning my wardrobe and my decor towards fall, i have been craving all of the traditional fall foods (some of them making me curious why they are considered "fall foods", but things that i don't really crave in the spring and summer months). i had my first Starbucks PSL (pumpkin spice latte),</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_jKAN-r2OY/TnUYWzlfqPI/AAAAAAAAAP0/MVNaahOrDns/s1600/PumpkinSpiceLatte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_jKAN-r2OY/TnUYWzlfqPI/AAAAAAAAAP0/MVNaahOrDns/s320/PumpkinSpiceLatte.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MC6Te0dDdEU/TnUYWi0T6-I/AAAAAAAAAPw/eSGZ567wo1w/s1600/pslatteeeee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MC6Te0dDdEU/TnUYWi0T6-I/AAAAAAAAAPw/eSGZ567wo1w/s1600/pslatteeeee.jpg" /></a></div>
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a splurge that will most likely not happen again this season as they are now a whopping $4.91. YIKES!! but it was delicious none-the-less.</div>
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i wore my boots and leggings for the first time, and now feel as though i need several more pairs of boots as i had forgotten how comfortable and warm they are. here are a few of my current favs:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tQOsxnDFZh8/TnUfy75GCkI/AAAAAAAAAQA/rWrOtnJowtE/s1600/bolerro-black-leather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tQOsxnDFZh8/TnUfy75GCkI/AAAAAAAAAQA/rWrOtnJowtE/s1600/bolerro-black-leather.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=72384&vid=1&pid=241233&scid=241233012">steven by steve madden bolerro</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mj51tnxXWr8/TnUftmSDWNI/AAAAAAAAAP4/YTzOYencgKM/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mj51tnxXWr8/TnUftmSDWNI/AAAAAAAAAP4/YTzOYencgKM/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=72384&vid=1&pid=868861&scid=868861012">nine west kedan</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ywfDiHuyJo/TnUftuoTgrI/AAAAAAAAAP8/r170S_3O4Vo/s1600/lucky-brand-lord-taylor-boots-aida-side-buckle-boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ywfDiHuyJo/TnUftuoTgrI/AAAAAAAAAP8/r170S_3O4Vo/s1600/lucky-brand-lord-taylor-boots-aida-side-buckle-boots.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lordandtaylor.com/eng/Shoes-viewallshoes-Aida_Side_Buckle_Boots-lordandtaylor/193194/?utm_source=GAN&utm_medium=Affiliates&utm_term=na&tag=GAN&ctcampaign=221&utm_campaign=ShopStyle.com&utm_content=&cm_mmc=Affiliate-_-GAN-_-ShopStyle.com-_-Primary">lucky aida</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bp55QIxyEXA/TnUiZOT5NUI/AAAAAAAAAQM/rW73LbhbB24/s1600/jessica-simpson-piperlime-denim-tustiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bp55QIxyEXA/TnUiZOT5NUI/AAAAAAAAAQM/rW73LbhbB24/s1600/jessica-simpson-piperlime-denim-tustiny.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=72384&vid=1&pid=906351&scid=906351002">jessica simpson tustiny</a></div>
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and these adorable desert bootie wedges:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fdzkJf-rdrc/TnUfzMOXNjI/AAAAAAAAAQE/9l-yHkpIRDg/s1600/dolce-vita-piperlime-dv-by--pura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fdzkJf-rdrc/TnUfzMOXNjI/AAAAAAAAAQE/9l-yHkpIRDg/s1600/dolce-vita-piperlime-dv-by--pura.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=72383&vid=1&pid=903223&scid=903223002">dolce vita pura</a></div>
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and pulled out several jackets and sweatshirts. </div>
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i had very mixed emotions, because i will be honest, i DETEST being cold. but the thought of "new" (stored away) clothes, new foods, and an approach to thanksgiving and Christmas (my all-time FAV!!!) could not make me happier. therefore, i have decided to embrace fall.</div>
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topher (my husband) made the most incredible suggestion that we have soup night every week. i was so excited since i have been pinning soup recipes on pinterest (which if you have not yet discovered <a href="http://pinterest.com/">pinterest</a> you need to stop everything and head right over there).</div>
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*warning*- it is very addictive!</div>
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wednesday night has been deemed soup night at our home and</div>
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i selfishly decided to start our soup night tradition with my favorite soup- french onion!!! and it was, as always, absolutely heavenly.</div>
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Here is the recipe that i concocted up for ours:</div>
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">French Onion Soup</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVtapXumHWo/TnUmm7_Dm0I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/OpXxdaLXiYw/s1600/french-onion-soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVtapXumHWo/TnUmm7_Dm0I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/OpXxdaLXiYw/s320/french-onion-soup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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3 pounds yellow onions, cut into 1/8" pieces</div>
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4 Tablespoons unsalted butter (or margarine)</div>
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1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)</div>
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2 Tablespoons sugar</div>
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8 cups chicken broth</div>
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2 Tablespoons flour</div>
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2 bay leaves</div>
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1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 tsp. fresh), ground finely</div>
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1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)</div>
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8 ounces Gruyere (or cheese of your choice. i also like it with provolone or swiss) cheese, sliced or grated.</div>
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1 crusty baguette</div>
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It is a little difficult to slice the onion to 1/8" slices, so i will show you how my mother, who is the best cook that i know, taught me how to slice onions many years ago... it's the best method that i have ever seen.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Km_1nFhS2Ew/TnUqihBoEpI/AAAAAAAAAQY/c7BL0eneBhU/s1600/IMG_4772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Km_1nFhS2Ew/TnUqihBoEpI/AAAAAAAAAQY/c7BL0eneBhU/s320/IMG_4772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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begin by cutting off both ends of the onion (the "root" and the "stem ends)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DiGlyCZfxU/TnUqlFeeOpI/AAAAAAAAAQg/CDkR-j6d_v0/s1600/IMG_4779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DiGlyCZfxU/TnUqlFeeOpI/AAAAAAAAAQg/CDkR-j6d_v0/s320/IMG_4779.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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cut through one of the onion "layers" and peel that layer off with the "skin"</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2K8umGSs0k/TnUqmGwBwPI/AAAAAAAAAQk/RTNIeD913eU/s1600/IMG_4783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2K8umGSs0k/TnUqmGwBwPI/AAAAAAAAAQk/RTNIeD913eU/s320/IMG_4783.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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cut the onion in half down the center</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jL2y4bhS4U/TnUqnDIFUCI/AAAAAAAAAQo/Shzk6WuZrR0/s1600/IMG_4787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jL2y4bhS4U/TnUqnDIFUCI/AAAAAAAAAQo/Shzk6WuZrR0/s320/IMG_4787.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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turn each half on it's side and starting at one side cut into 1/8" slices. the "rings of the onions will then fall apart into thin strips.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhrxGB25ZnM/TnUqoSTTrZI/AAAAAAAAAQs/aZpkYSBlWwU/s1600/IMG_4791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhrxGB25ZnM/TnUqoSTTrZI/AAAAAAAAAQs/aZpkYSBlWwU/s320/IMG_4791.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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like this.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yO0pFcQBco0/TnUqpf8sUgI/AAAAAAAAAQw/2mPFoJdx5Ho/s1600/IMG_4793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yO0pFcQBco0/TnUqpf8sUgI/AAAAAAAAAQw/2mPFoJdx5Ho/s320/IMG_4793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and just a little hint, if you store the onions in the refrigerator and cut them while they are cold, your eyes won't water much, if at all.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R06G7gG3Zbo/TnUqqTDlUgI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/hmJanfbGhQ4/s1600/IMG_4796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R06G7gG3Zbo/TnUqqTDlUgI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/hmJanfbGhQ4/s320/IMG_4796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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melt the butter at medium heat in dutch oven (or a large pot)<br />
*if i haven't yet mentioned it, i am loving every opportunity to use my Le Creuset 'french oven'.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6hm1ZEe4pNA/TnUqsj8k5WI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/ygI4L7uogUY/s1600/IMG_4812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6hm1ZEe4pNA/TnUqsj8k5WI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/ygI4L7uogUY/s320/IMG_4812.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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add the onions to the melted butter</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dd_-5dfWKlk/TnUqrtw-PUI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/DxWPDOtFOJU/s1600/IMG_4798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dd_-5dfWKlk/TnUqrtw-PUI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/DxWPDOtFOJU/s320/IMG_4798.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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add the salt and sugar</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfCFhR3Ud04/TnUqt5_j8_I/AAAAAAAAARA/H6MDwwU6Qqg/s1600/IMG_4816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfCFhR3Ud04/TnUqt5_j8_I/AAAAAAAAARA/H6MDwwU6Qqg/s320/IMG_4816.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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toss to coat onions evenly with butter, salt and sugar. cover and cook for 10 minutes.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FoV-NC-tmxw/TnUqwCZJp1I/AAAAAAAAARI/zwhP1jcr0As/s1600/IMG_4825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FoV-NC-tmxw/TnUqwCZJp1I/AAAAAAAAARI/zwhP1jcr0As/s320/IMG_4825.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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remove cover and cook, stirring frequently, for an hour and 1/2. onions will caramelize and turn a lovely brown color. make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen the dark "caramel" that is forming</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GdUhnvOc7Yc/TnUqxb9gs2I/AAAAAAAAARM/7-x-Oh2Bg74/s1600/IMG_4827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GdUhnvOc7Yc/TnUqxb9gs2I/AAAAAAAAARM/7-x-Oh2Bg74/s320/IMG_4827.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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once onions are an even brown color add flour and stir for 2 minutes</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dS5R9CJaZWk/TnUqzELfKOI/AAAAAAAAARQ/MVOE0KsnDgk/s1600/IMG_4833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dS5R9CJaZWk/TnUqzELfKOI/AAAAAAAAARQ/MVOE0KsnDgk/s320/IMG_4833.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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it will look something like this (although possibly without that eerie looking smokey haze)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvlyLZ3t_jk/TnUq0fPvHaI/AAAAAAAAARU/nBUUbrXVaHA/s1600/IMG_4848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvlyLZ3t_jk/TnUq0fPvHaI/AAAAAAAAARU/nBUUbrXVaHA/s320/IMG_4848.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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add the chicken broth </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IVSCNaJIAg8/TnUqu-kLDoI/AAAAAAAAARE/h2H2NEyKo9E/s1600/IMG_4817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IVSCNaJIAg8/TnUqu-kLDoI/AAAAAAAAARE/h2H2NEyKo9E/s320/IMG_4817.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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add the thyme and bay leaves and bring to a boil.</div>
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lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes</div>
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[if adding wine, add and simmer 10 more minutes.</div>
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add more salt if needed.]</div>
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and your soup is ready!!!</div>
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at this point ladle soup into oven-safe bowls or small crocks. </div>
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if you like your onion soup with the bread floating on top (which i don't), place a slice of the crusty bread on top of the soup and then grate or place a slice of cheese on top of the soup.</div>
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place in the oven under the broiler until the cheese is browned slightly and bubbly.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_E7FfVdvcU8/TnUxTNBInDI/AAAAAAAAARc/Ftr0x9gPsEc/s1600/french+onion+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_E7FfVdvcU8/TnUxTNBInDI/AAAAAAAAARc/Ftr0x9gPsEc/s320/french+onion+soup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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enjoy!!!!</div>
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happy fall y'all!!!</div>
norajoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00685730093516266753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946298769478433901.post-88039719027088728802011-06-20T16:31:00.002-04:002011-07-10T10:58:18.512-04:00semi-simple sushiOver the past 4 or 5 months i have been more than slightly addicted to japanese food... namely SUSHI. those of you who share my cravings realize how easy it is to fall into such an addiction. I am not sure if it is the fish, the rice drenched in soy sauce, or the crunch of the vegetables... likely the combination of all of the of the above. But whatever it is, i have been wanting it often. And as my fellow sushi eaters know, good sushi does not come cheap... in reality, even the sub-par grocery store sushi rolls can cost close to $10 each. so i had to come up with a more cost-efficient answer to my cravings.<br />
<div>Now i am sure that any trained sushi chef would cringe at my attempts at homemade sushi, but i think it tastes pretty delicious and it keeps me from sending myself and my new husband (who i have recently brought over to the dark side as a sushi lover himself) to the poor house. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxOhTa3uwwY/Tf-tb-VgaVI/AAAAAAAAAOg/5cOQGLGF2u0/s1600/IMG_2797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxOhTa3uwwY/Tf-tb-VgaVI/AAAAAAAAAOg/5cOQGLGF2u0/s320/IMG_2797.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">this is my handsome husband enjoying sushi the night that we got engaged... he definitely knows the way to my heart! :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Simple Sushi-</span></b></u></div><div>I will say that the initial investment towards homemade sushi is a little pricey, but it definitely saves a TON in the long-run. (for me within a couple weeks).</div><div><br />
</div><div>Step #1- make your sushi rice according to the package instructions (well, for the most part. i have found that i need to add more water than it says on the rice package. just watch it closely).</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eCl9MnCsVPM/Tf-lzO_YtGI/AAAAAAAAAOY/epvqprHbnYY/s1600/SushiRice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eCl9MnCsVPM/Tf-lzO_YtGI/AAAAAAAAAOY/epvqprHbnYY/s320/SushiRice.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I found this rice at publix, but any sushi rice should work.</div><div style="text-align: center;">After cooking the rice I add 1 Tablespoon of rice vinegar per each 1 cup (uncooked) rice that I have made.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c06HZ0ggyVc/Tf-jti-_0DI/AAAAAAAAAOU/aAxWaoFZkzM/s1600/IMG_4109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c06HZ0ggyVc/Tf-jti-_0DI/AAAAAAAAAOU/aAxWaoFZkzM/s320/IMG_4109.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Next you will need the seaweed ('nori') sushi wrappers. they sell them at many grocery stores. i got this pack of 50 sheets at whole foods about 3 years ago... in other words, they go a LONG way.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I place one sheet of nori on a sheet of waxed paper (i tried the bamboo mat and honestly, it's easier for me not to use it).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eQqrAajrLa0/Tf-jVRzfteI/AAAAAAAAANo/rGHW2_KbSgU/s1600/IMG_4092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eQqrAajrLa0/Tf-jVRzfteI/AAAAAAAAANo/rGHW2_KbSgU/s320/IMG_4092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I put about 1/4 cup of the cooled rice on the seaweed wrapper and spread it evenly to the edges of the wrapper with the back of a spoon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfWDahh2qdM/Tf-jWkzBPyI/AAAAAAAAANs/iA7vBeSzQp0/s1600/IMG_4095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfWDahh2qdM/Tf-jWkzBPyI/AAAAAAAAANs/iA7vBeSzQp0/s320/IMG_4095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">this is what it should look like once the rice is spread out. the wrapper is very brittle at first, but it softens up a lot once the rice sits on it for a minute or two.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xPiDL-EsT0/Tf-jJIBrTVI/AAAAAAAAANg/PWiFmAOOajI/s1600/IMG_4089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xPiDL-EsT0/Tf-jJIBrTVI/AAAAAAAAANg/PWiFmAOOajI/s320/IMG_4089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">this is my secret weapon for sushi making- my julienne peeler. it makes perfect little skinny slices (juliennes) of your vegetables for in your sushi rolls.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNYCO01uKoU/Tf-jKgSL3TI/AAAAAAAAANk/epsP95LpS-o/s1600/IMG_4091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNYCO01uKoU/Tf-jKgSL3TI/AAAAAAAAANk/epsP95LpS-o/s320/IMG_4091.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">this is what the julienned cucumber looks like</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">my favorite sushi fillers (for homemade rolls anyways) are cucumber, zucchini, carrots, asparagus, avocado, crab, shrimp, and cream cheese (any combination of these is tasty).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4gMmo4BdEs/Tf-jXwgvsdI/AAAAAAAAANw/QwzOjacJr90/s1600/IMG_4096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4gMmo4BdEs/Tf-jXwgvsdI/AAAAAAAAANw/QwzOjacJr90/s320/IMG_4096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">some people prefer the rice on the inside of the roll, i like it my sushi better with the seaweed inside the roll.</div><div style="text-align: center;">place your ingredients lengthwise across one end of the sushi.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5IYl9hLUXSw/Tf-jc_7TAqI/AAAAAAAAAN4/v2GG9ui0vto/s1600/IMG_4100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5IYl9hLUXSw/Tf-jc_7TAqI/AAAAAAAAAN4/v2GG9ui0vto/s320/IMG_4100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">use the wax paper to roll the sushi as tightly as you can. you can sprinkle your rolls with toasted sesame seeds or tobiko (orange caviar).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I generally slice each of my rolls into 10 pieces and then lay them on their side.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SQOSofYrx4/Tf-jlsTq8HI/AAAAAAAAAOE/B_7X9oXOqrU/s1600/IMG_4105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SQOSofYrx4/Tf-jlsTq8HI/AAAAAAAAAOE/B_7X9oXOqrU/s320/IMG_4105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">and here's the final product! :) YUM!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FAWcuYwzjqw/Tf-jmnalC8I/AAAAAAAAAOI/Sy9fevhybhk/s1600/IMG_4106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FAWcuYwzjqw/Tf-jmnalC8I/AAAAAAAAAOI/Sy9fevhybhk/s320/IMG_4106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i like to give it a little kick with some chipotle mayonnaise drizzled over the top.</div><div style="text-align: center;">and of course, LOTS of soy sauce (low sodium) , some people like it with pickled ginger (which is something that i find rather nauseating), and wasabi...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQpwE7w6c4I/Tf-rKhXhazI/AAAAAAAAAOc/OBUewwNUrVk/s1600/Hime+Sushi+Wasabi+Powder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQpwE7w6c4I/Tf-rKhXhazI/AAAAAAAAAOc/OBUewwNUrVk/s320/Hime+Sushi+Wasabi+Powder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">you can make your own from powder that comes in a little can like this one or in a little bottle. it isn't quite as good as the freshly grated, but you just add water so it's very convenient. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hope that you have fun with this one. :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jcn2DzIjUsY/Tf-tdK-0x-I/AAAAAAAAAOk/sjhukfqz3yc/s1600/IMG_2801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jcn2DzIjUsY/Tf-tdK-0x-I/AAAAAAAAAOk/sjhukfqz3yc/s320/IMG_2801.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><3 <3 <3<br />
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