tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4363696224168361652024-02-20T02:10:24.064-08:00Holidays Last Minuteall newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.comBlogger746125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-25552976102477783262016-11-06T03:26:00.383-08:002016-11-06T03:28:39.143-08:00♥ FAVORITE THINGS ♥<p><title>♥ FAVORITE THINGS ♥</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://natashaskitchen.com/2014/12/21/baklava-recipe/"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/7e/7c/0a/7e7c0a51be8611dce538de23fb8b2954.jpg" alt="♥ FAVORITE THINGS ♥"></a></center></p><br /><p>I tried to make your recipe and it came out perfect. Your step to step instructions are of great help and easy to follow. Do you have a baking cookbook on sale at the bookstore. I would like to keep one. You are an amazing. Thank you.</p><br /><p>I don’t have one yet but it is one of my life’s goals</p><br /><p>I made this and it is in the oven. The aroma is wonderful! Hopefully next time I can figure out how to use less butter. I ended up using 3 and 1/2 sticks instead of just 2.</p><br /><p>Hi Rhoda, it all depends on how generously you brush on the butter. Even though extra butter won’t ruin the dish (it will probably taste pretty amazing!), but you might try brushing it a little lighter next time</p><br /><p>Hi Felicia, we froze it after it was baked then thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature and serve</p><br /><p>Thanks! will it still be crispy?</p><br /><p>Yes, it would be .</p><br /><p>This was a great base recipe! I did have to alter it due to several food allergies, but my friends and I loved my version of your baklava. I subbed almonds and pine nuts for walnuts (next time, almonds and cashews). I also subbed maple syrup for honey. I added vanilla for flavor. I left half of the recipe out, and half in the fridge. I prefer the texture and flavor of the cold ones over the countertop version. They hold together better for me. I think I might also add a cinnamon stick to the syrup as it cooks to add even more flavor. I can’t wait to make this again!</p><br /><p>Thank you so much for sharing your great review and your substitutions. I’m sure this will help someone else who may have food allergies. You’re awesome!</p><br /><p>Mine started burning at the bottom I had to pull it out around 45 min, and half of it was ruined.. What did I do wrong? Reply</p><br /><p>Hi Kristina, did you bake in the center of the oven, also did you make sure to use a regular conventional oven (not convection)? This is the first report of the bottom burning so I wonder if something is going on with your oven?</p><br /><p>I made this yesterday, and it turned out so good! Amazing, so delicious. Thank you Natasha for a great recipe.</p><br /><p>You are very welcome Alena and thank you for the nice review</p><br /><p>Sounds great and Im looking forward to making this at the weekend. One question, when cutting the pastry, do I cut all the way through to form individual diamonds?</p><br /><p>Hi Terry, great question! Yes, cut all the way through the pastry</p><br /><p>Brilliant thank you, I will let you know how I get on!</p><br /><p>I made this last night and am absolutely thrilled with how it turned out. I had never made Baklava before and was a little skeptical at how it might turn out. The instructions were really helpful especially for someone who had never worked with phyllo pastry before. All of our tips were really helpful and I will be sure to make this one again!! Thanks Natasha!!</p><br /><p>Awww that’s the best! Wendy, thank you so much for sharing that with me :). I’m all smiles</p><br /><p>Turned out amazing!!! Thank you so much for the recipe. I am constantly on your site checking for new recipes, videos are so helpful. Everything is soo yummy. Keep up the work!</p><br /><p>I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you so much for the wonderful review!</p><br /><p>Print</p><br /><p>This honey baklava is flaky, crisp and tender and I love that it isn’t overly sweet. It’s basically a party in your mouth. I am a huge fan of baklava and this is the BEST baklava recipe I have ever tried. Hands down. You will love the hint of mellow lemony flavor which offsets the sweetness and compliments the cinnamon. It’s truly delicious. Store-bought baklava has nothing on this and trust me, I’ve been around the block when shopping for baklava. This baklava recipe is well loved wherever it goes and it is definitely a reader and family favorite!</p><br /><p>Watch Baklava Video Tutorial:</p><br /><p>Any baklava is a little tedious to make, but I’ve shared all of my best tips and advise to ensure you are successful in making yours. You will love that this recipe can be made several days in advance of your shindig and keeps beautifully at room temperature for at least a week.</p><br /><p>Ingredients for Baklava Recipe:</p><br /><p>1 (16 oz) pkg phyllo dough; thawed according to package instructions</p><br /><p>2 1/2 sticks (10 oz or 1 1/4 cups) melted unsalted Butter</p><br /><p>1 lb (about 4 cups or 3 3/4 cups chopped) walnuts, finely chopped</p><br /><p>1 tsp ground cinnamon</p><br /><p>1 cup granulated sugar</p><br /><p>2 Tbsp lemon juice (juice of 1/2 lemon?)</p><br /><p>3/4 cup water</p><br /><p>1/2 cup honey</p><br /><p>Melted chocolate chips & chopped walnuts for garnish, optional</p><br /><p>How To Make Baklava:</p><br /><p>1. Thaw phyllo dough according to package instructions (this is best done overnight in the fridge, then place it on the counter for 1 hour before starting your recipe to bring it to room temp).</p><br /><p>2. Trim phyllo dough to fit your baking sheet. My phyllo dough package had 2 rolls with a total of 40 sheets that measured 9×14 so I had to trim them slightly. You can trim one stack at a time then cover with a damp towel to keep from drying out.</p><br /><p>3. Butter the bottom and sides of a 13×9 non-stick baking pan.</p><br /><p>Start with your honey sauce (which will need time to cool as your baklava bakes).</p><br /><p>1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup honey, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, and 3/4 cup water. Bring to a boil over med/high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then reduce heat to med/low and boil an additional 4 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and let syrup cool while preparing baklava</p><br /><p>How to Assemble Baklava:</p><br /><p>Preheat Oven to 325˚F.</p><br /><p>1. Pulse walnuts about 10 times in a food processor until coarsley ground/ finely chopped. In a medium bowl, stir together: 4 cups finely chopped walnuts and 1 tsp cinnamon</p><br /><p>2. Place 10 phyllo sheets into baking pan one at a time, brushing each sheet with butter once it’s in the pan before adding the next (i.e. place phyllo sheet into pan, brush the top with butter, place next phyllo sheet in pan, butter the top, etc. etc.). Keep remaining phyllo covered with a damp towel at all times. Spread about 1/5 of nut mixture (about 3/4 cup) over phyllo dough.</p><br /><p>3. Add 5 buttered sheets of phyllo, then another layer of nuts. Repeat x 4. Finish off with 10 layers of buttered phyllo sheets. Brush the very top with butter.</p><br /><p>Here’s the order:</p><br /><p>10 buttered phyllo sheets, 3/4 cup nut mixture,</p><br /><p>5 buttered phyllo sheets, 3/4 cup nut mixture,</p><br /><p>5 buttered phyllo sheets, 3/4 cup nut mixture,</p><br /><p>5 buttered phyllo sheets, 3/4 cup nut mixture,</p><br /><p>5 buttered phyllo sheets, 3/4 cup nut mixture</p><br /><p>10 buttered phyllo sheets and butter the top.</p><br /><p>4. Cut pastry into 1 1/2\u2033 wide strips, then cut diagonally to form diamond shapes. Bake at 325˚F for 1 hour and 15 min or until tops are golden brown</p><br /><p>5. Remove from oven and immediately spoon the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava (you’ll hear it sizzle). This will ensure that it stays crisp rather than soggy. Let baklava cool completely, uncovered and at room temperature</p><br /><p>Tip: For best results, let baklava sit 4-6 hours or overnight at room temperature for the syrup to penetrate and soften the layers. Garnish baklava with finely chopped nuts or drizzle with melted chocolate. Store at room temp, covered with a tea towel for 1 to 2 weeks.</p><br /><p>Print</p><br /><p>Baklava Recipe</p><br /><p>Ingredients</p><br /><p>1 (16 oz) pkg phyllo dough; thawed by package instructions</p><br /><p>2½ sticks (10 oz or 1¼ cups) unsalted butter, melted</p><br /><p>1 lb (about 4 cups) walnuts, finely chopped</p><br /><p>1 tsp ground cinnamon</p><br /><p>1 cup granulated sugar</p><br /><p>2 Tbsp lemon juice (juice of ½ lemon)</p><br /><p>¾ cup water</p><br /><p>½ cup honey</p><br /><p>Melted chocolate chips & chopped walnuts for garnish, optional</p><br /><p>Instructions</p><br /><p>Prep:</p><br /><p>Thaw phyllo dough by package instructions (this is best done overnight in the fridge, then place it on the counter for 1 hr before starting your recipe to bring it to room temp).</p><br /><p>Trim phyllo dough to fit your baking dish. My phyllo package had 2 rolls with a total of 40 sheets that measured 9x14 so I had to trim them slightly. You can trim one stack at a time then cover with a damp towel to keep from drying out.</p><br /><p>Butter the bottom and sides of a 13x9 non-stick baking pan.</p><br /><p>Start with your honey sauce (which needs time to cool as baklava bakes).</p><br /><p>In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, ½ cup honey, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, and ¾ cup water. Bring to a boil over med/high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then reduce heat to med/low and boil additional 4 min without stirring. Remove from heat and let syrup cool while preparing baklava.</p><br /><p>How to make Baklava: Preheat Oven to 325˚F.</p><br /><p>Pulse walnuts 10 times in a food process or until coarsely ground/ finely chopped. In a medium bowl, stir together: 4 cups finely chopped walnuts and 1 tsp cinnamon.</p><br /><p>Place 10 phyllo sheets into baking pan one at a time, brushing each sheet with butter once it's in the pan before adding the next (i.e. place phyllo sheet into pan, brush the top with butter, place next phyllo sheet in pan, butter the top, etc. etc.). Keep remaining phyllo covered with a damp towel at all times. Spread about ⅕ of nut mixture (about ¾ cup) over phyllo dough.</p><br /><p>Add 5 buttered sheets of phyllo, then another layer of nuts. Repeat x 4. Finish off with 10 layers of buttered phyllo sheets. Brush the very top with butter.</p><br /><p>Cut pastry into 1½\" wide strips, then cut diagonally to form diamond shapes. Bake at 325˚F for 1 hour and 15 min or until tops are golden brown.</p><br /><p>Remove from oven and immediately spoon cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava (you'll hear it sizzle). This will ensure that it stays crisp rather than soggy. Let baklava cool completely, uncovered and at room temp. For best results, let baklava sit 4-6 hours or overnight at room temperature for the syrup to penetrate and soften the layers. Garnish baklava with finely chopped nuts or drizzle with melted chocolate. Store at room temp, covered with a tea towel for 1 to 2 weeks.</p><br /><p>Notes</p><br /><p>Here's the order of the Baklava Layers:</p><br /><p>10 buttered phyllo sheets, ¾ cup nut mixture,</p><br /><p>5 buttered phyllo sheets, ¾ cup nut mixture,</p><br /><p>5 buttered phyllo sheets, ¾ cup nut mixture,</p><br /><p>5 buttered phyllo sheets, ¾ cup nut mixture,</p><br /><p>5 buttered phyllo sheets, ¾ cup nut mixture</p><br /><p>10 buttered phyllo sheets and butter the top.</p><br /><p>♥ FAVORITE THINGS ♥</p><br /><p>Shown in this post: (nope, no one paid us to write this; just stuff we love):</p><br /><p>* Also great for rectangular cakes, this Cuisinart 9×13 non-stick cake pan</p><br /><p>* Wusthof Cooks knife – an essential knife for any cook & can last a lifetime</p><br /><p>* This Zwilling sauce pan distributes heat evenly & handle is designed to stay cool.</p><br /><p>* A good food processor like this Cuisinart 11-cup pro can cut your prep time in half</p><br /><p>What are YOU cooking up for Christmas?</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://natashaskitchen.com/2014/12/21/baklava-recipe/ site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-91898498805256752562016-11-06T03:26:00.382-08:002016-11-06T03:28:39.121-08:00Zero-Calorie Strawberry Banana Slushy Recipe <p><title>Zero-Calorie Strawberry Banana Slushy Recipe </title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://www.stilettosandlegos.com/food-drinks/april-19th-2012-zero-calorie-slushy/"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/02/63/49/02634977d86c59920528296fb369dcf9.jpg" alt="Zero-Calorie Strawberry Banana Slushy Recipe "></a></center></p><br /><p>Thanks for the great recipe..trying it with dinner tonight.</p><br /><p>I’m with L.B, thanks for sharing! This looks absolutely delicious and I’m excited to try it! As a reminder to everyone, remember to pair these kind of treats with other sensible changes to your diet and lifestyle if you want great, lasting weight loss results. That’s the basis of any truly successful weight loss strategy. In fact, check out the following article that does a fantastic job of explaining the key factors in an effective, long-term weight loss plan: fatfreeme.net/big5</p><br /><p>And a thank you for sharing your link too!</p><br /><p>Sounds Great but do you have to use Diet soda?</p><br /><p>^L.B.- Glad you enjoyed it :)</p><br /><p>Hi I was wondering how many servings does this make?</p><br /><p>It should make about 2-3 8-oz servings.</p><br /><p>^Kaylin- I used Diet Soda to keep the calorie count down.</p><br /><p>You could swap it for regular or even fruit juice, just remember to add in those calories.</p><br /><p>I provide a Weight Watchers meal planning service and I might “borrow” this idea for a snack option – with your permission of course :). I’ll make sure and give you credit. This is 0 PointsPlus on the Weight Watchers program if you factor the items seperately (all 0 PointsPlus items) as opposed to running it through Recipe Builder as a “recipe”.</p><br /><p>Hi Julie -of course borrow away! I have another Zero Calorie Slushy Recipe that I posted too, Orange Dream: http://www.stilettosandlegos.com/health-beauty/august-4th-2012-orange-dream-slushy-zero-calorie-recipe/</p><br /><p>Enjoy!</p><br /><p>Julie,</p><br /><p>Do you have a website or business URL that promotes your WW meal planning service. I would love to know more about it.</p><br /><p>Thanks,</p><br /><p>Tara</p><br /><p>Here’s her link Tara: http://www.shrinkingonabudget.com</p><br /><p>While this looks very refreshing & tasty, calories are calories and adding about 250 calories with this drink WOULD make a difference if someone were counting! That being said, it looks like a yummy way to get fruit included in a kid meal!</p><br /><p>Agreed -this is a great way to include fruit in a kid meal.</p><br /><p>Maybe I should have explained this a little better: With my diet plan I don’t count the calories from fresh fruits and veggies. However if you do count the fresh fruits (then yes calories are calories)- even adding the 250 calories divided between however many drinks you pour from your blender still makes this a great slushy drink and pretty reasonable to work into any dieting plan. Good luck!</p><br /><p>I made it with frozen bananas and strawberries instead of adding ice. It turned out yummy! Thanks for the recipe!</p><br /><p>I like that idea, thank you :)</p><br /><p>I’m thinking about tossing in some blueberries next time!</p><br /><p>I thought I had bananas in the fridge, but, didn’t. Had to substitue w/pineapple chunks and diet gingerale. Am drinking now yummy…Thanks for the recipe</p><br /><p>I bet it was great -I love pineapple!</p><br /><p>I made is tonight and it was really good. Hubby didnt ink i should have added the banana with the lemon lime soda, but overall we enjoyed it.</p><br /><p>You should try it with Cream Soda, thanks for trying it!</p><br /><p>Yum :)</p><br /><p>Thanks Candace</p><br /><p>Love it, I am so glad you posted this.</p><br /><p>Thanks Dee</p><br /><p>Love it!</p><br /><p>Julia I’m glad you enjoyed it, you should try it with Diet Cream Soda too!</p><br /><p>Howdy, this is great -thank you :)</p><br /><p>Glad you liked it, thank you Dalila.</p><br /><p>Hilarious that you call this zero calories. Even more hilarious that you just “don’t count fresh fruit” as calories.. Injustice to uninformed fans who follow your advice- especially those hoping to lose weight.</p><br /><p>Hi Hunter. Well as I have said throughout my site numerous times for my recipes, including this one, that I do not count fresh fruit/veggie calories in my diet plan. That’s just my diet plan, it’s how choose to eat and snack -it works for me.</p><br /><p>>I don’t believe this post is an ‘injustice to uniformed fans’ because I clearly say in this post “I think it’s silly to count fresh fruit and veggie calories, so in my diet plan I don’t! But if you do then you would need to figure them into your count.” Right there I’m informing my fans to figure those calories in if needed.</p><br /><p>Hunter I do hope my fans follow my advice. I live and maintain a healthy lifestyle and have my Diet Plan, I post yummy recipes, and tips on pretty much every category in life which is really what this site is about -sharing my creative finds, funs, and DIY whatever’s that makes life around my house easier.</p><br /><p>Have a good day Hunter.</p><br /><p>delicious! My 10yr. old who normally doesn’t like smoothies (goofy, I know) liked this too. Thanks!</p><br /><p>Steph thank you I’m glad to hear you and your 10y/o enjoyed the slush. It’s funny sometimes what kids will and will not eat!</p><br /><p>I found this a few weeks ago on Pinterest and just now getting around to checking it out. And I’m glad I did because it really is good fruity treat. Thank you for sharing.</p><br /><p>*Also, I never understood why people would comment on a blog something rude -it’s one of those if you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say it at all sort of things.</p><br /><p>Tina thank you and I’m glad to hear that you came back to the site and enjoyed the slushy :)</p><br /><p>sounds delish but bananas are actually surprisingly high in calories… the source isn’t important once it settles on your butt… a medium banana has about 105 calories. A cup of strawberries has about 50 calories. so truth be told its about 250 calories but for a lunch replacement it sounds great!</p><br /><p>Oh yes a great lunch substitute!</p><br /><p>>Yes I realize that bananas and strawberries have calories and you are absolutely correct in your calculations totaling 250-calories. In my diet plan I don’t count the calories from fresh fruits/veggies.</p><br /><p>>What I didn’t realize is that by titling this as Zero Calories that so many people would miss the part in my post about how I don’t count those calories and if you do then you would need to figure those in. So I’m going to go back right now and add the 250-calories into my post :)</p><br /><p>Thank-you for checking out my recipe and I hope you give it whirl because it is yummy!</p><br /><p>this sounds so delicious.. another idea is to use V8 Tropical Diet juice instead of the 7-up… gives it a very ‘tropical’ taste.. Also, I’m diabetic, so i do have to count sugar that is in fruit. But if i’m careful how much fruit I use, this is a wonderful treat for me..</p><br /><p>Ooo V8 juice is a great idea, I bet that was yummy! Thank-you and stay healthy :)</p><br /><p>I made a batch of these and added some Tequila -WOW GOOD!</p><br /><p>I bet it was!</p><br /><p>I dont get people replying with complaints about the extra calories from fruits etc.?? Everyone’s diet plans are different and some may count them as calories others dont. Why send a negitive comment just because your plan is different! Some people should just not post messages!! Thanks for this idea, this will be great in the summer!</p><br /><p>Thank-you Darlene! And oh yes -this is a great summer time drink.</p><br /><p>I love it is zero calories.</p><br /><p>And it’s tasty!!!</p><br /><p>Can’t wait to try this!! I was wondering, do you think the slushy could be frozen? I was thinking of making them in the evening, freezing, then taking to work & having for lunch. Thanks!</p><br /><p>Oh definitely! Just make sure to not fill up your container all the way because when you freeze anything -it expands.</p><br /><p>>You’re probably thinking ‘yeah I new that’ but I got really excited once and froze a drink and it exploded the top off of my Tupperware and made a huge mess!</p><br /><p>Amazing blog mate!</p><br /><p>Why thank you sir!</p><br /><p>Saw this on pinterest! Looks deelish! But it looks funny to see this pinned with the title “zero calorie smoothie” when fruit obviously does have calories. I almost didn’t pin it for that reason. But it does look good even if it’s not calorie free. Thanks for sharing.</p><br /><p>Well you are correct Chelsea, fruit does have calories. However in my Diet Plan -I do not count the calories from the fresh fruits/veggies. Instead I use them as my ‘Freebies’ at snack time or a breakfast/midday substitute.</p><br /><p>This was delicious, thank you for the recipe! Also, you have the best and most polite way of responding to people when they complain about your blog posts. Kudos to you for that :)</p><br /><p>Katie I’m really glad you enjoyed the Slushy! And thank you for the Kudos to people ;) I do try to be polite and I like to respond/comment on every post, even the negative ones.</p><br /><p>Just made it with one banana…..very good!</p><br /><p>Glad you enjoyed it :)</p><br /><p>So your blog has been popping up all over pinterest as a CALORIE free slushy. STOP LYING TO THESE PEOPLE. Your recipe calls for 2 bananas which contain 210 CALORIES and one cup of strawberries which is an additional 49 CALORIES. So truely its a 259 CALORIE SLUSHY just from the fruit alone. Don’t get me wrong this is way healthier than a slushy from the store at least there is fresh fruit in it, but your still consuming high fuctose corn syrup from the soda so it’s not 100% healthy and most definately NOT a zero calorie drink.</p><br /><p>Hi April – As I have explained in the post (and in other comments) that in my Diet Plan I do not count the calories from fresh fruits but use them as my ‘freebies’ for snacks.</p><br /><p>Your calculations are correct about 250-calories, just like I explained in the paragraph above the directions.</p><br /><p>But no April, there is NO high fructose corn syrup in the soda because I use Diet 7-Up – which is zero calories!</p><br /><p>I do agree with you that this is a much healthier version from something that you would purchase from the store or restaurants!</p><br /><p>we did this for a lunch substitute and it was really good, we don’t count calories from fruits either so perfect for us. thanks for posting.</p><br /><p>Really happy to hear you enjoyed it, Thank-You :)</p><br /><p>except fruit totally has calories, and sugar, and carbs.</p><br /><p>so if you aren’t active, it just becomes fat.</p><br /><p>diet soda is not very healthy. When its “zero” calories, its full with artificial ingredients which are not good for your body.</p><br /><p>I’m not a big soda drinker, but I do prefer Diet over regular for my slushies to keep the calories down.</p><br /><p>I can respect that you don’t count the calories for your personal diet plan. But regardless of where in the post you say the approximate calorie value, the title is very obviously misleading. You are toting this as a zero calorie drink. And no matter what your personal diet plan is, saying that it is zero calories when it most definitely isn’t is not being truthful. The better option would have been to simply state it is a HEALTHY slushy…be upfront about the calories, NEVER say it is zero calories, and then go on to explain that you don’t count the calories anyway. There is a big difference between not counting the calories and telling people there aren’t any calories. There are. And I feel being upfront without a misleading title would have helped your credibility with some of these readers who were clearly put off.</p><br /><p>Mk I do not want to mislead anyone which is why I did explain myself in the paragraph about the picture/recipe, being clear about my Diet Plan and to include the amount of calories you would need to add into your daily count if you do count those calories.</p><br /><p>I also understand that you simply just can not please everyone. Yes there are a few comments, like yours, upset about the title being a ‘zero calorie drink’ when indeed it actually has about 250-calories.</p><br /><p>But there are also a few comments from some of my followers who, like myself, also do not count those fresh fruit calories.</p><br /><p>And I am most happy that all the other comments (about 25) state that they have tried the slushy and enjoyed it or are planning to- not a single negative comment about the taste- so Yippe!</p><br /><p>But, like I said in the beginning I do not want to mislead anyone, so in the sub-heading spot I added a few other name titles that I have seen floating around Pinterest. I however am not going to change the name/title of my post because to me- it is a zero-calorie drink!</p><br /><p>Loved it! Anything with fresh fruit in it is obviously healthier than something packed with sugar and crap from the store or that you would pickup in the gas station. Thanks.</p><br /><p>Katie B. I am glad you enjoyed it :)</p><br /><p>Hi!</p><br /><p>I found this picture on Pinterest awhile back, searching for recipes for diet drinks with little or no calories, I found this one and have made it many times a week for lunch. It tastes great. I agree with Katie B, a much healthier choice than running to the store for a quick something packed with sugar and calories. It takes little effort to stop at the store and buy the fresh ingredients to make yourself a healthy alternative, and staying positive while trying to diet and lose weight.</p><br /><p>I came back to check for another recipe today and saw a few negative comments on here. Seriously, STOP complaining about the title being ‘Zero Calories’. Guess what people- she can call a drink whatever she wants! Use your brains and stop complaining, she clearly says in her post (if you even took the time to read it) that she doesn’t count the calories from fruit and if you do then add them in, and even tells you how many calories to add in, she isn’t hiding the information from anyone at all, it’s right there! Obviously if you count every single calorie than you would already know from looking at the picture, because it has strawberries and bananas on it.</p><br /><p>If you don’t like someone’s picture- don’t Pin it and if you are only going to complain- just Don’t, go take your negativeness elsewhere. By the amount of comments on this post and many others, this site has helped people find healthier snacks and substitute options, shame on you for complaining and wasting her time to ever so politely re-explain herself.</p><br /><p>Good for Sarah and thank-you for all of your recipes, tips, hints, and responding to people’s criticisms and complaints with such class,</p><br /><p>Julie W.</p><br /><p>A loyal follower, this site has helped me lose 12 pounds by reading her diet plan, making a few easy changes, and trying out some recipes that I wouldn’t have thought of myself :)</p><br /><p>Wow Julie W., congratulations on your weight loss!!!</p><br /><p>I am currently working on a Pumpkin Slushy, should have it posted next week, I just got home from vacation and trying to catch up at home and emails and room-mom stuff, the list just goes on and on. A big thank-you for being such a great fan! And for the defense!</p><br /><p>Thank you!!!</p><br /><p>this was good, maybe next time i will switch the bananas for pineapple!</p><br /><p>Thank you Ilissa!</p><br /><p>Saw your recipe on pinterest, so I had to come take a look. And it looks great. we started making smoothies/slushies this summer, but never thought to try using softdrinks as the liquid. (segue: I’m not a fan of diet pop, in part due to the fact that artificial sweeteners can actually fool your body into anticipating real sugar (so it revs up the insulin, which then needs sugar which leads to eating more sugar to compensate). I know many people don’t have a problem with that, but I’m just throwing it out there. For me, I’ll just use the regular, when I make it this way. and just compensate as I normally would for my occasional soft-drink treat. :)) So, thanks for sharing this recipe. I look forward to trying it.</p><br /><p>also, thank you to the many comments. I’m not a fan of bananas…never have liked them, so it’s good to know you can sub other fruits. :)</p><br /><p>Thank you Robin- yes you can mix up the fruits with different flavors of soda. My favorite is the Cream Soda with Strawberries!</p><br /><p>Can you use frozen fruit instead?</p><br /><p>Definitely- if you use frozen fruit you don’t have to use ice!</p><br /><p>I love this idea. I am going to try it with club soda and a little dash of vanilla and see if the natural sweetness of the fruit is sweet enough. If not, I’ll add a little bit of honey or maple syrup or stevia or xylitol. I try to avoid artificial sweeteners. But this looks absolutely delicious!!!</p><br /><p>I really like the idea of using honey, let me know how it turns out :)</p><br /><p>Tried this today and it was fantastic. Can’t wait to try some of your other recipes. I follow the weightwatchers plan and this makes a very filling snack or meal.</p><br /><p>Thanks Lauren :)</p><br /><p>This looks delicious. Been looking for healthy low calorie snacks to eat/drink to help me lose weight from having my second child. Can’t wait to try this. Big plus is its also something my boys, hubby included will love. Thank you for sharing. God bless! :-)</p><br /><p>Thank you – and you can mix and match any sodas and fruits:</p><br /><p>diet orange soda and pineapple</p><br /><p>diet cream soda and strawberries</p><br /><p>diet lemon lime with blueberries</p><br /><p>The mixing and matching helps from getting ‘burnt out’ on just one flavor. Good luck with your weight loss, this really helped me after my second too :)</p><br /><p>Why do you insist on putting soda in there?! there is so many nutritious supplements to chose from that aren’t processed. Especially diet soda, diet soda was made for one population : diabetics, so they too could enjoy a special treat like everyone else. And i meant Treat, in no way is diet soda a “healthy low calorie snack” that should be consumed every day, or even every other day. I understand you are not a nutritionist or dietician, but promoting things like this is not helping our society understand what true healthy eating is. Awareness is very important, and i think that is the problem most people (including me) with negative comments have about this post. As a health professional my self, it is very unnerving to see our hard work of promoting real healthy living put down like this. If some one says something is zero cal, ppl will jump for it, without asking them selfs if this is true or not, making our jobs as promotors a lot harder. If we can just get ppl understanding what true healthy whole foods are, the chronic diseases toll could be decreased by a lot! Saving lives and we could even see a ripple effect on our economy since the price for care of a chronic disease is enormous.</p><br /><p>Anyways, this is food for thought (no pun intended).</p><br /><p>Camile I use Diet Soda in this recipe because, like I’ve said and you’ve pointed out, I’m not a nutritionist or dietitian but that the diet soda is Zero Calories and for someone who is trying to lose weight – this recipe could help be the start of cutting out those extra sugars for a regular soda drinker or help someone stay under certain amount of calories per day.</p><br /><p>You are the first Health Professional that has commented on this post and stated that there are so many nutritious supplements to choose from that aren’t processed- could you share those choices with us?</p><br /><p>I would LOVE to learn about a healthier way to make this drink, create a recipe and then share it too with my fans :D</p><br /><p>Thank-you for commenting and with your permission I’d like to re-post your comment with those supplement suggestions, I look forward to hearing back from you!</p><br /><p>~Sarah</p><br /><p>I just tried this and it was delicious! I substituted frozen bananas and still used ice. That made it super thick and creamy! Yummy! I will definitely make this again.</p><br /><p>Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!</p><br /><p>this is definitely not zero calories. each strawberry has about five cals and a banana has about 100. Not to mention a crap ton of sugar/carbs..</p><br /><p>Kind of irresponsible to spout this stuff to people ignorant of nutritional information. It isn’t “silly” to count fruit as calories. It’s pure sugar/carbs, which is what makes people fat.</p><br /><p>Again CC- I have explained in the post, in previous comments, and also have provided the amount of calories you need to figure into your daily count. If you look over of few of the comments you will see that quite a few people do not count those calories, just like me.</p><br /><p>Now to be clear, I’m not “spouting” irresponsible nutritional information to anyone:</p><br /><p>*The recipe is provided.</p><br /><p>*The amount of calories is provided, if needed.</p><br /><p>*The reason why I consider this recipe to be zero calories is provided, not only in the paragraph with the recipe but in a few of the previous comments as well.</p><br /><p>Nowhere on my site do I claim to be a nutritionist or dietitian, I am a mom that occasionally shares recipes that work for me and my family. I do tend to post more ‘low/zero calorie recipes’ but that’s just what we do in my home. Instead of cutting up a plate of fruit for lunch or snack time, we drink a slushy. Not only do I enjoy them but my kids do too. And anything that works to get a fruit into their meal- I do it!</p><br /><p>~SC:)</p><br /><p>I made this just the other day and it it was great, not fan of bananas but I just left those out. Thanks for sharing your recipes and kuddos to you; always such polite responses to those who are negative. I know I couldn’t be that nice after having to repeat myself over and again, pay attention folks and play nice!</p><br /><p>Hanna thank you and very happy to hear you enjoyed your slushy :)</p><br /><p>A friend Pinned this and I made it for lunch, finding the strawberries was a little hard. The slushy was good and will make it again soon, thanks for sharing.</p><br /><p>Glad you enjoyed it, it does make a good lunch substitute.</p><br /><p>While I’m not the biggest fan of soda I did give this slushy a try because it has been all over Pinterest. It was good! I was thinking about making it up the night before then drinking this as my lunch for my new diet. Thanks for sharing.</p><br /><p>Hi Annie! You can definitely make this the night before -make sure to freeze it- then it will thaw during your morning and be slushy for lunch time! Good luck with your diet :D</p><br /><p>The recipe sounds delicious and i can’t wait to try it! I read some of the previous posts and could not believe some of the negativity you have received over this. Kudos to you on the way you handled each response. It must get exhausting having to repeat yourself over and over again to the negative people. Keep it up…..you are doing a wonderful job! And keep the recipes coming!!</p><br /><p>Juli you made me smile, thank you for your kind words and enjoy the slushy :D</p><br /><p>These are wonderful drink ideas. Thanks for sharing!</p><br /><p>Karen you are so welcome :D</p><br /><p>I belong to Weight Watchers and we count points and I believe you explained this serveral time that in Weight Watchers everything in this is 0 points which makes it an awesome treat. Thanks so much</p><br /><p>Cheryl it does make a yummy guilt free treat! Hope you enjoy it :)</p><br /><p>ww doesn’t count raw fruits as having points, but technically raw fruit points added into a recipe do count..</p><br /><p>. So, if you religiously count pp, then this seems like it would be 5pp or so…but I guess I would also prefer calling it 0 PP since we’re all just making up the math here.</p><br /><p>I’m so glad I saw a post on Pinterest for your slushies! I’m trying to eat more fruit, and besides making banana “ice cream” in the food processor, I wasn’t having much success. I try not to drink too many soft drinks, but I definitely feel the benefits of more fruit in my diet outweigh the few diet drinks I consume.</p><br /><p>I just made one with diet cream soda, frozen pineapple, and frozen banana. Yummy! I also bought some raspberries to try. They have 9g of fiber/serving! Any flavor combo ideas?</p><br /><p>Hi Shelly, Glad to hear you enjoyed the slushy :)</p><br /><p>These are some links to other slushies I’ve made:</p><br /><p>*Blueberry-Banana Cream</p><br /><p>*Peaches & Cream</p><br /><p>*Orange Dream</p><br /><p>Another mix I’d like to try is with GingerAle. I have used apple and/or grape juice in place of soda if I wasn’t feeling ‘bubbley’ that day. And another fan said they have used V8Fruit Juice which sounds really yummy too!</p><br /><p>This is 0 WW points totally..</p><br /><p>But 0 Calories.. not a chance.</p><br /><p>1 banana is 121 calories, and 1 cup strawberries 44.</p><br /><p>do the math. Still a great low cal recipe though</p><br /><p>Oh Anonymous I have have done the math which is shown in a few comments above and also in my post about the slushy which totals about 250 calories per blender. I am glad you enjoyed the slush, it is refreshing and healthy which is really what I was going for :)</p><br /><p>(Also, I apologize for having your comment sitting in my ‘Pending’ folder for 4days, I usually like to approve those the day of but it’s been a little extra crazy in my house the past few days!)</p><br /><p>I am loving this recipe! I don’t count fruits/veggies either so this works perfect for me. And BTW, i can’t believe ppl still tell you that it has calories in it when you CLEARLY state it above that you don’t count fruits and veggies! lol Can’t wait to try.</p><br /><p>I know, some people! Thank you Melissa and Enjoy :D</p><br /><p>SO glad I found this, Pined it, tried it, loved it! Blueberry is next!!! I too don’t see why people complain, if you don’t like soda or have a problem with the way she counts her calories for her own diet, MOVE ON and MIND YOUR BUSINESS! Anyways thanks for a great healthy drink which is perfect for Summer, maybe for girls night I’ll add a little vodka ;)</p><br /><p>Thanks Kay and I’ve added a little vodka too!</p><br /><p>Yum! Thank you for the recipe. Can’t believe how people complain!</p><br /><p>Glad you enjoyed it Cathy :)</p><br /><p>I can’t eat bananas. What could I substitute it for?</p><br /><p>Really you could substitute any fruit- some other favorites are pineapple, blueberries, and peaches!</p><br /><p>Thanks :)</p><br /><p>Yikes, how many people can read? She doesn’t count those calories in fruit b/c that’s just her diet. Get over it already! Thanks for sharing your fruity summer time slush, which is still way healthier than some junky sugar filled juice box from the gas station.</p><br /><p>Hi there, sorry for the ‘approve comment’ delay. The end of summer is getting really crazy here- cramming in vacation getaways and school prep!</p><br /><p>You are very welcome for the recipe and thanks for playing defense for me :)</p><br /><p>UM- sorry but bananas are very high in sugar therefore they have calories and so do strawberries- the 7up is the zero calorie here but not the rest of these!</p><br /><p>Dee, please see above comments or also the explanation in the recipe post above. Thank-you!</p><br /><p>I found your recipe on Pinterest and love it. This is a good idea for a healthy snack in the afternoon or even to start the day with something fruity instead of picking up some cookies or chips. I don’t really diet so could care less if it’s zero calories or not, it’s just good so thank you.</p><br /><p>I too have a slushy in the afternoon or even as a lunch alternative, you’re welcome!</p><br /><p>Squabbling over another person’s diet, seriously people amaze me! I personally don’t care for diet soda so I bumped it for apple juice. Thanks for the a great hot summer drink idea.</p><br /><p>Well thank you Smiley Face, apple juice with strawberries and a peach is really good too!</p><br /><p>Maybe you should change the name to “Zero Point Slushie” to avoid confusion. When you see the pin on Pinterest, you don’t see your explanation, causing some to think you are purposefully misleading people. In fact, the only reason I even clicked on the pin is that I knew that, by scientific standards, that slushy has calories and wanted to see your reasoning for calling it “zero calorie.” I’m not trying to be negative; just offering advice on how to free yourself from having to re-explain yourself to commenters, of which there will be more (it is on Pinterest, after all).</p><br /><p>Hi Bon!</p><br /><p>Thank you for the suggestion, but when I originally made this post and named it ‘April 19th 2012: Zero Calorie Slushy’ I was using an older version of software. If I were to change the name directly on the site, all of my other links would then have to be changed and if anyone else is linking to this specific page (which I have quite a few followers who’ve asked permission to link back to me), then they would no longer be able to link back here either, an error would show on both of our sites.</p><br /><p>So under the pictures I added additional names, mostly from what I’ve seen on Pinterest which is super crazy how many rePins there are, in hopes to clear up any confusion. I have also added a new ‘Sharing Tool’ which allows you to use the ‘Zero Calorie Slushy’ title or you can edit it and simply type in whatever you’d like and Pin it to whichever of your boards you see fit.</p><br /><p>Honestly, I think even if I were to change the title or even completely redo this post from last year, people would still complain :( I just hope that most, and most do, will read my explanation and understand my personal Diet Plan. It’s funny, actually when I started S&L it was really for my personal use to bookmark recipes and ideas and over time it grew, which is awesome. I had no idea it would ever have been this popular :D</p><br /><p>Again thank you for commenting and make sure to come back and visit me!</p><br /><p>So fresh and great on a day like today when it’s 96 degrees out!</p><br /><p>You’re welcome, and yes these slushy recipes are a nice way to cool down.</p><br /><p>Zero calories? I’ll drink 10 of them!</p><br /><p>(2500 calories later)</p><br /><p>Oops.</p><br /><p>Not oops, your math is correct just as I’ve explained in the post and comments.</p><br /><p>Made this slushy last night and it was good, not a big 7Up fan so I changed it out with an orange soda, maybe next time I’ll do it with orange juice for breakfast.</p><br /><p>Yes, OJ goes really good with this one!</p><br /><p>I knew this wasn’t zero calories but still wanted to Pin the recipe and find out your explanation, and boy have you done some explaining! I personally don’t think it’s a big deal that you claim this drink as zero calories because from reading your story it’s your own diet, everyone has one just like the opinions in the comments section here. Anyways thanks for the recipe idea and I’ll be using this one for an after workout treat.</p><br /><p>Thank you Tam. This is really nice to have prepared, then pop it in the freezer, take a walk, and enjoy!</p><br /><p>Very good, thanks for posting!</p><br /><p>You’re welcome!!!</p><br /><p>I’ll be adding this to my summer recipes!</p><br /><p>:D</p><br /><p>Seems there would be calories in this drink, I’m not sure how it has zero. 1 Medium banana has 105 calories, and generally a cup of strawberries is 50 calories or so. I don’t think the calories disappear because the fruit is pureed. I sounds amazing and I’m definitely going to try it, but I think it’s more of a low calorie, than a zero calorie slushy.</p><br /><p>Never mind, I see that you were limited in how you could post it. no need to reply.</p><br /><p>I’m going to be honest here…The title, “zero calorie slushy” is very misleading. Those who just glance at this recipe may actually be naive enough to believe this has very few or zero calories if they don’t bother to read closely. It’s unfair to title it that because, for someone who does not know much about nutrition, but they are trying to lose weight, they may have three or four of these drinks a day, thinking they are making a solid effort at weight loss, when in reality they are drinking over half of their daily calories in this “zero calorie” drink. Sure its healthier than a slurpee or a smoothie loaded with sugar, but for the love of God, PLEASE change the title!</p><br /><p>Tracey thank you for your comment but if we are being honest…</p><br /><p>First, I started this blog as my online diary of tips and tricks to share with my friends and family who were always asking me for ‘shortcuts’ or recipes. April 15th 2012 is when I started my little online project, this particular post was my THIRD entry. When I posted it, I had NO idea it would be picked-up on Pinterest and go crazy.</p><br /><p>I do not believe that the title is misleading as I have explained in the post, in my aka sub-titles, and in others comments. Part of being a responsible adult is reading carefully. Had you taken the time to read carefully, you would have seen why I haven’t (and refuse!) to change my title, so I’ll share that with you again- Back in April 2012 I was using an older version of software, it’s now March 2014 and you know like everyone else in this world that technology updates and advances daily. If I were to change the name directly on the site, all of my other links would then have to be changed and other fans linking to this specific page (I have quite a few followers who’ve asked permission to link back to me.) They would no longer be able to link back here either, an error would show on both of our sites causing a major inconvenience for the website admins, which in this case is me!</p><br /><p>Over these two years I have made edits to help clear up any misunderstandings and confusion but clearly as you’ve stated, people simply do not take the time to read carefully, which is a shame. Anyone who is trying to lose weight or are changing their diet plan and have questions or concerns need to consult their doctor, not a website they found via Pinterest! I am not a dieting expert but a mom who occasionally shares recipes and stories with others. I’m not making any money off of this site, for me it’s just for fun. I have gotten lots of thanks for sharing my ideas with others and will continue to share my tips, tricks, and tidbits with everyone :)</p><br /><p>Just wanted to say your recipe broke in my nutra bullet. I have been wanting to try this to help both my husband and I lose some weight. Relax…I know it is not zero calories…I drink diet soda love fruit and ice. My husband and I just shared one…might make another one. No complaints here. Thanks for the recipes!</p><br /><p>You are welcome Tracy!!!</p><br /><p>Psh people, gimme a break! This woman shared a slushy recipe and you’re all bent out of shape about it, keep it moving!</p><br /><p>Thank you smiley face! Back at ‘cha :)</p><br /><p>Hi, love the combo! It is one of my favorite “snacks”. Just one thing… It may be zero WW Points but it isn’t zero calories… both the banana and the strawberries have calories.</p><br /><p>This is also one of my favorite snacks. Our strawberries haven’t been very good this year so we’ve been making banana-blueberry slushes more. Thanks for following along with us :)</p><br /><p>You can delete my last comment, and this one… I see you now that your recognize the fruit calories, you just choose to ignore them.</p><br /><p>I am pinning and I have never met anyone who got fat eating fruit and veggies. Looks yummy. May cut it in half the first time. Mostly because I want it fresh and my family and I work different shifts</p><br /><p>Fruits and Veggies are the way to go ; ) Thanks for commenting Carmen!!!</p><br /><p>You should put an option to print for your recipes. I’m trying to print out a bunch of “diet” type recipes so I don’t have to come on my computer every time I want to make something and your drink recipes would be great to add to my “collection”. :)</p><br /><p>Will do, thank you :)</p><br /><p>I would like to print and/or copy this recipe, but I don’t see how to do this. Advise please. Thanks!</p><br /><p>I’ll be adding a print button this evening, thank you for the suggestion!</p><br /><p>I am not able to have the fix in soda .Does the soda go flat when this drink is blended?</p><br /><p>Thanks</p><br /><p>There are some bubbles left after all the blending. The soda’s purpose in this recipe is for a flavored, zero calorie liquid. Another yummy way to make this would be to use soy milk, but you’d have to calculate in those calories :)</p><br /><p>Just because you don’t count calories, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. I could choose not to count calories from bacon if i wanted to, but it doesn’t mean I’m not ingesting them all the same If you have four-five servings of fruit in a day at about 100 cals a serving, that’s an extra 400-500 calories. A calorie is a calorie, no matter its source, whether you “count” it or not, and weight loss occurs when calories in are less than calories out. Those calories from fruit aren’t meaningless.</p><br /><p>Zero-Calorie Strawberry Banana Slushy Recipe</p><br /><p>AKA- Weight Watchers Zero PointsPlus Slushy</p><br /><p>AKA- Strawberry Banana Slushy</p><br /><p>AKA- Dieting My Butt Off Slushy</p><br /><p>Strawberry Banana Slushy</p><br /><p>Summer is coming, said in my Game of Thrones opposite voice! This means swim suits, shorts, and the need for cold refreshing drinks. This is my favorite, not only does it taste yummy- it’s ZERO CALORIES!!! (I think it’s silly to count fresh fruit and veggie calories, so in my diet plan I don’t! But if you do then you would need to figure them into your count which is about 250-calories.) Just following the steps below…</p><br /><p>Zero Calorie Slushy</p><br /><p>Step 1: These are the ingredients you will need.</p><br /><p>1 Cup of ice cubes</p><br /><p>1 Cup of chopped Strawberries</p><br /><p>2 Bananas</p><br /><p>1/2 Can of Diet 7-Up or whatever diet white soda you like.</p><br /><p>(You can add Sugar Substitute if you want to sweeten it up a little!)</p><br /><p>Step 2: Put everything into the Blender.</p><br /><p>Step 3: Mix it up! Blend it on whatever settings you like until smooth.</p><br /><p>Step 4: Pour into a nice glass (I like my Square Cocktail Glasses) and Serve!</p><br /><p>For extra slushiness- place your yummy concoction in the freezer for about 10 minutes, give it a stir, then serve ’em a little more frozen- super delicious and guilt free for swimming suit season!</p><br /><p>*To view my Diet Plan, Click Here.</p><br /><p>Click Here to check out some more Low & Zero Calorie Drink Recipes!</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://www.stilettosandlegos.com/food-drinks/april-19th-2012-zero-calorie-slushy/ site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-39872112797408492312016-11-06T03:26:00.381-08:002016-11-06T03:28:39.106-08:00You will love this moist, quick bread of apples,fresh cranberries and streusel. Perfect for holiday breakfast or any time!<p><title>You will love this moist, quick bread of apples,fresh cranberries and streusel. Perfect for holiday breakfast or any time!</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://www.cookingonthefrontburners.com/2015/11/apple-cranberry-streusel-bread-recipe.html#more"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/15/7e/be/157ebe7891d05439a644c62fc709fcac.jpg" alt="You will love this moist, quick bread of apples,fresh cranberries and streusel. Perfect for holiday breakfast or any time!"></a></center></p><br /><p>I love the looks of this quick bread! Fresh cranberries are one of my favorite ingredients -- this looks amazing!</p><br /><p>Thanks Marcie! I love cranberries too!</p><br /><p>My week is off to a good start, and I can't wait to make this bread. I have a bag of cranberries left over and this looks like the perfect way to use them up!</p><br /><p>Thanks Amy... It will definitely be a good way to use them up!</p><br /><p>This looks amazing!! I could eat it for breakfast or dessert! Homemade bread is a favourite of mine and you create such lovely flavours :)</p><br /><p>Awww thanks Kacey! I think we ate it all day long!</p><br /><p>The streusel on these breads get me every time! What a treat!</p><br /><p>Streusel makes every bread better!</p><br /><p>Such good flavors and I love that topping!!!</p><br /><p>Thanks Stephanie... Apples and cranberries make a good combo for sure!</p><br /><p>MMM! So yummy. Love those apple chunks!</p><br /><p>This bread is so perfect for winter! LOVE that crumbly topping.</p><br /><p>Oooh, I really want to try your orange cranberry walnut!</p><br /><p>I hope you do! It's one of our favs!</p><br /><p>I'm just dying to dive into a thick slice of this!</p><br /><p>I love all things apple so this sounds so delicious to me. Thank you so much for linking up with us at The Wednesday Round Up and we look forward to seeing what you have to share next week :)</p><br /><p>Hi Deb. Stopping by from The Weekend Retreat Link Party because your apple cranberry streusel bread looks so delicious!! This would be perfect for holiday guests. Thanks for sharing and hope you're enjoying your week so far.</p><br /><p>Heather</p><br /><p>MySweetMission.net</p><br /><p>You will love this moist, quick bread of apples,fresh cranberries and streusel. Perfect for holiday breakfast or any time!</p><br /><p>How is your week going? Getting ready for turkey day? I'm sure you are all thinking about your main course but what about breakfast? You probably don't want to fuss too much so having some quick breads on hand are a perfect alternative. This Apple Cranberry Bread is sweet, extremely moist and just the right amount of spice. Not only are these great to have on hand but would also make a great holiday or hostess gift. So let's get your baking on! Are you with me?</p><br /><p>Apparently we liked this so much that I need to make a couple more loaves as these disappeared rather fast. I would cut a slice, then kept going back for a little more, and a little more. I wasn't alone either, the DIY Guy was doing the same!</p><br /><p>Streusel</p><br /><p>1/2 cup packed light brown sugar</p><br /><p>1/4 cup flour</p><br /><p>2 tsp cinnamon</p><br /><p>4 tablespoons cold butter diced</p><br /><p>1/2 cup old fashioned oats</p><br /><p>Bread</p><br /><p>3 cups peeled, cored and chopped apples</p><br /><p>1 tablespoon sugar</p><br /><p>1 teaspoon cinnamon</p><br /><p>3 cups flour</p><br /><p>2 teaspoons baking powder</p><br /><p>2 teaspoons cinnamon</p><br /><p>1/2 teaspoon salt</p><br /><p>1/2 teaspoon ginger</p><br /><p>1/2 teaspoon nutmeg</p><br /><p>3/4 cup chopped fresh cranberries</p><br /><p>1/2 cup applesauce (not sweetened)</p><br /><p>1/2 cup sour cream</p><br /><p>1/2 cup packed light brown sugar</p><br /><p>1/2 cup sugar</p><br /><p>1 teaspoon vanilla</p><br /><p>Preheat the oven to 325 and coat two 4 1/2x8 1/2\" loaf pans with nonstick spray</p><br /><p>Make the streusel by whisking together the brown sugar, flour and 2 tsp cinnamon then cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender. When it becomes pea size add in oats by hand and then chill until ready to use</p><br /><p>Make the bread by tossing the apples with 1 tbl sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon</p><br /><p>In a large bowl combine the flour, baking powder, 2 tsp cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger and nutmeg. Toss the apples and cranberries into flour mixture.</p><br /><p>Form a well then in a separate bowl combine the melted butter, applesauce, sour cream, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup sugar, eggs and vanilla.</p><br /><p>Pour wet ingredients into the flour well and mix until just all incorporated</p><br /><p>Divide the batter between the pans and top each with half the streusel.</p><br /><p>Bake until toothpick comes out clean about 50-60 minutes.</p><br /><p>Let cool 20 minutes then remove from pans</p><br /><p>Cool completely before cutting.</p><br /><p>Loved the streusel too! It turns out pretty crunchy and is so good.</p><br /><p>You will love this moist, quick bread of apple, fresh cranberries and streusel. Perfect for holiday breakfast or any time! You will love this moist, quick bread of apple, fresh cranberries and streusel. Perfect for holiday breakfast or any time!</p><br /><p>A couple other quick breads you might enjoy:</p><br /><p>I've got your breakfast covered! Enjoy!</p><br /><p>You may also like these posts about breakfast</p><br /><p>Play Video</p><br /><p>Play</p><br /><p>Loaded: 0%</p><br /><p>Progress: 0%</p><br /><p>Remaining Time -0:00</p><br /><p>This is a modal window.</p><br /><p>Foreground --- White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan --- Opaque Semi-Opaque</p><br /><p>Background --- White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan --- Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent</p><br /><p>Window --- White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan --- Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent</p><br /><p>Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400%</p><br /><p>Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow</p><br /><p>Font Family Default Monospace Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Sans-Serif Casual Script Small Caps</p><br /><p>Defaults Done</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://www.cookingonthefrontburners.com/2015/11/apple-cranberry-streusel-bread-recipe.html#more site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-32876256365789730512016-11-06T03:26:00.380-08:002016-11-06T03:28:39.078-08:00World&rsquo;s Best Dinner Rolls<p><title>World’s Best Dinner Rolls</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://ourbestbites.com/2009/10/worlds-best-dinner-rolls/"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2c/de/66/2cde66da6e02e2abd7ef0f7dc0194c27.jpg" alt="World’s Best Dinner Rolls"></a></center></p><br /><p>I call this recipe “I’m going to get fat thanks to you!” I have been looking for a great roll recipe and this is truly the “worlds best roll”. I wanted to make the orange rolls but I didn’t have any orange juice or orange zest so I made cinnamon rolls instead. I can’t stop eating both. LOVE IT!</p><br /><p>haha… you’re funny …..but o it’s soooo true, this is exactly my Grandma’s recipe!!! which is amazing!!! but the pointers in here were freakin awesome I think I’ve been killing the yeast by adding it to the hot mixture rather then letting it cool first, and then letting the yeast raise 10 mins rather then 4 as she calls for it. Thanks Lady it helps alot!</p><br /><p>Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!! These are THE best rolls ever. I made them tonight and I seriously just gained 10 pounds from eating them. i didn’t make the orange rolls, just regular rolls, and they are fantastic. I’m trying the orange rolls in a couple of weeks. So good!</p><br /><p>Salted or unsalted butter? I’m always unsure and usually go with unsalted if it doesn’t say.</p><br /><p>Either way; I just use salted unless I happen to have unsalted for some reason.</p><br /><p>I always assumed unsalted was best for baking, especially when you are adding more salt. Interesting.</p><br /><p>same here ….. if you’re adding salt to a recipe I always use unsalted. If you’re not adding salt, I use salted butter (it’s why I always have a ton of butter in my fridge LOL)</p><br /><p>Good question! you almost always want to use unsalted butter in baking. It lets you control the amount of salt in your recipe (so maybe add a pinch if you use unsalted for this recipe. Conversely, if a recipe calls for unsalted butter and all you have is salted, cut out 1/2 of the “other salt” in the recipe).</p><br /><p>Cooking is chemistry, and salt can change a lot of the properties of your ingredients (like the boiling and freezing temperature of water, for example). It also affects the yeast (too much salt can kill them). It also reduces oxidation of the crust which means it may not brown as well or as evenly, and it reduces caramelization of the sugar and the Millard reaction of the fats/proteins in the eggs and flour (i.e., all of your flavor!). It affects how the gluten is formed. It also affects the flavor of butter when it is melted (due to a chemical reaction of the salt and heat). Any time you are melting butter in a pan, you want unsalted butter. If you’re spreading butter on potatoes or toast (or melting it on top of the rolls like above), salted butter is fine.</p><br /><p>I just made these last Thursday, because I didn’t plan enough ahead to get my Grandma’s roll recipe in time for dinner. I was able to compare the two recipes tonight, and they’re almost the same…except that my Grandma’s has 3x the butter and 2x the sugar and a little more yeast. No wonder I remember them tasting so good.</p><br /><p>I have recently acquired a microplane! And now I don’t close the pages whenever I see “orange zest”, “lemon zest” and whatever zest!</p><br /><p>What a great idea to use dental floss to cut the rolls!</p><br /><p>Thanks for all the great tips!</p><br /><p>I didn't exactly make THESE rolls because I have my own delish cardamom roll recipe that I wanted to use as a base for the orange idea!</p><br /><p>It yields the same amount of dough- half of which I used for dinner rolls and the other half I used the orange stuff….my only issue was that it was a little too much butter mixture..so ended up kind of too buttery (I know is there even such a thing?) and also I took them out of the oven too soon because dinner rolls were done and I didn't realize these would take longer.</p><br /><p>Soooooo I messed them up a bit. Still ate three in about 2 minutes though…you know, just to be sure they weren't all that bad</p><br /><p>Is there a recipe for a cheesy garilc roll. I made it the other night and can't find the recipe anywhere. (A friend wants it) Could someone help!</p><br /><p>Here you go Jaime- sorry we're a bit behind and it hasn't made it to our recipe index yet!</p><br /><p>http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/08/cheesy-garlic-bread-swirls.html</p><br /><p>Oh yummy! I may have to call in from work so I can stay home and make these. I can almost smell them now . . . !!</p><br /><p>I will give these a try! My hubs likes sammiches every day and I think these might make a good sammich base.</p><br /><p>oh and I have made the creamy chicken taquitos like 5 times now. I made up a massive batch of taco chicken Sunday night and grilled 5 chicken breasts for us to eat off of this week. I also am now making a weekly batch of lime cilantro dressing to go with everything from salads, sammiches, to of course the chicken taquitos.</p><br /><p>You guys have such good recipes. I swears.</p><br /><p>I have a very similar recipe… the only difference is that I use shortening instead of butter. I'll have to test this one out and compare.</p><br /><p>Oh, these look divine. We call rolls that we love in our house \"Yummy rolls\". It's a long-standing stupid joke. We'll have to try this recipe and see if they qualify! They look like they will!</p><br /><p>Ohhh you just had to go and out me, now didn't you?! I will have to try these again with the new and improved directions (and great pics by the way) and see if I can master them. Practice makes perfect, right? I see a lot of roll making in my future, lol.</p><br /><p>Oh my goodness, those look heavenly! I will make those ASAP!!</p><br /><p>me + this bread = empty bowl indeed! they look sooo good!</p><br /><p>Those do look ridiculously delicious!!</p><br /><p>The rolls do look scrumptious! Have you tried them with some whole wheat flour?</p><br /><p>Has anyone tried these with flaxseed (or similar egg replacer)??</p><br /><p>Kate- do you think the elevation makes a difference in this recipe? I couldn't find the recipe i usually use so I made these a few weeks ago and it didn't work out very well! Sara said she had had difficulty with it too so we were thinking maybe our higher elevation was causing problems?</p><br /><p>me too. When I take the dough out (this is my second attempt) to rise it looks like your risen rolls (firm and smooth) not like your picture and I only used 7 cups of flour. I am using food storage flour, maybe it is old? Would this make a difference? The first batch I didn’t bake into rolls because I decided I put too much flour in so I made scones, turned out good. I just got done baking the second attempt and they are not fluffy looking again like your picture.</p><br /><p>HELP, what am I doing wrong?!!</p><br /><p>I gave a question… do you ever use 'instant yeast' and how does it change a recipe?</p><br /><p>katecreer@gmail.com</p><br /><p>Thanks!</p><br /><p>Becca, I started making these in Utah, so I think while it can make a difference, the problem was the original yeast-to-water ratio (too much yeast, not enough water, no sugar to feed the yeast). I think that led to rolls that didn't rise well and sometimes made them heavy. I doubled the water and added some sugar to the mixture and that has REALLY made things easier on my end.</p><br /><p>Barbara, I've meant to try it with whole wheat flour, but have never gotten around to it. I'd definitely start with 1/2 and 1/2 and experiment with it because while it's not AS moody as it used to be, you may run into more trouble than normal getting a light roll.</p><br /><p>Trimble, I don't know enough about flaxseed as an egg substitute to say if it will work, but I WILL say that due to the eggs, these rolls are really rich, kind of brioche-y, so the eggs are partially there for their baking purpose and partially there for flavor. I think you/someone in your family has egg allergies, right? Anyway, if you play around with it, let us know how they turn out!</p><br /><p>just found this comment after I asked for help in the above comment!</p><br /><p>so 2/3 cup water x 2 w/ same amount yeast? How much more sugar? Sugar in the yeast like the recipe says or in dough?</p><br /><p>Thanks and sorry to be baking lame!</p><br /><p>Kate (other Kate, not me–I'm not talking to myself…yet! )–</p><br /><p>Instant yeast works great. I like bread machine yeast, which is a form of instant yeast, because it gives consistent, fast results even when you're not using a bread machine. The only yeast you DON'T want to use is a no-rise yeast (like the yeast we're doing the giveaway for this week). It's AWESOME for pizza crust, but the texture of these rolls depends on the two rises and I don't think the no-rise yeast would work very well. Hope that helps!</p><br /><p>Wow how beautiful are those?? Bookmarking to try, hopefully they won't give me a hard time. These would have gone beautifully with the brisket I just posted!</p><br /><p>I made this recipe 4 times in the past couple weeks for canadian thanksgivng. The first time it didn't work out but my boyfriend had no problem eating them all, then I used bread machine yeast and VOILA. Perfect. I got so many compliments on them they were so delicious.</p><br /><p>The orange rolls are also amazing. After making them with this recipe i had to try the no-rise version.</p><br /><p>For anyone who lives in a high elevation/ very dry place, try using only about 6-7 cups of flour. Thats all I put in (kneading by hand) and they came out spectacular.</p><br /><p>I live at a high elevation and I made these today without any problems. I used instant yeast (not bread machine yeast) and followed the rest of the ingredients. I actually 1/2'd the recipe and it turned out just as light and fluffy and beautiful as the pictures. Tastes amazing! Thanks for the recipe!</p><br /><p>I made these today! I usually don't have that much luck in the roll department. I can whip up a loaf of bread like there is no tomorrow. But rolls are another story. They usually just come out so-so. These, though, were FaBuLoUs!</p><br /><p>Incidentally that's about all my boy and girl ate for dinner. But there is milk and eggs and flour. That's three food groups!</p><br /><p>HOW MUCH FLOUR AND WATER FOR THE YEAST</p><br /><p>Yum!! I can't wait to try these!</p><br /><p>I am drooling over your pics right now Kate. These look delicious!</p><br /><p>I've been looking for a good dinner roll recipe..thank you, thank you</p><br /><p>These really are the best. I made these for Thanksgiving last year and everyone inhaled them!! I've also done the orange rolls before and let's just say we were all licking the pan after.</p><br /><p>I'm bookmarking this. Gonna' keep this one forever!</p><br /><p>Oh my!! These look GREAT!!! I may have to try this Baking with yeast intimidates the \"you know what\" out of me. I need to face that fear one day though. These look wonderfully awesome!</p><br /><p>These rolls are heavenly! I make them all the time, it's how I convince my sister to drive an hour for dinner every Sunday night!</p><br /><p>I have been looking at this recipe and trying to figure out how long I need to knead the dough? I don't have a stand mixer to do the work for me…Thanks!</p><br /><p>Cynthia, I can't say for sure how long you're supposed to knead it, just when it's a nice, soft dough, not super wet, and is starting to not stick to the sides of the bowl (or the kneading surface). I think while yeast is scary, THIS is the hard part of making bread–trying to guess how much flour to add, you know? The worst part is that it's different for everyone based on elevation and even how humid it is that day. Anyway, I hope that was somehow evenly REMOTELY helpful, lol!</p><br /><p>Kate-these rolls looks delicious! Oooohhhh-I can't wait to try these!! I think my kids will devour and love these! Thanks.</p><br /><p>Kate – made the rolls tonight for dinner and they turned out wonderful…so good! Your tips did help – Thanks! And by the way I have not made a bad recipe yet from your website, keep them coming.</p><br /><p>Just made these tonight. My husband has been disappointed with every roll I've made in our five years of marriage. Tonight I did not disappoint! These were P-E-R-F-E-C-T. We actually just used them to make roll sandwiches. Yum!</p><br /><p>I tried these a couple of nights ago and they turned out wonderfully. A couple of things I found was that 1. the rolls are really big. Next time I will split them further and make more quantity wise.</p><br /><p>Also, I kind of feel like they are a bit dense in the flour department, in taste. Does anyone know why or how to remedy this? Am I using too much flour when rolling it out? Any suggestions would be great!</p><br /><p>Dana, if they come out dense, there are a couple of things you can do:</p><br /><p>–Be sure to go easy on the flour–it's easy to overdo it and it's really hard to know how much to add in this recipe because you want it softer than usual when you're done kneading.</p><br /><p>–Let the yeast \"bloom\" a little longer–maybe 15 minutes or so</p><br /><p>–Let the rolls rise a little longer, particularly in the 2nd rise</p><br /><p>–Try using 1% or 2% milk. The whole milk adds a richness and flavor that I really love, but when I've used lower-fat milk in the past, the rolls come out a little lighter (although I also find them a little more dry with not as much flavor).</p><br /><p>Hope that helps!</p><br /><p>Thanks Kate, always nice to be remembered I tried the flax seed substitute and the rolls were fantastic so apparently it works. In case anyone wants the substitute instructions, you just use 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water to replace each egg. Thanks for sharing an amazing recipe, yet again.</p><br /><p>Well I made rolls for the first time using this recipe and I was pretty proud of myself! I think they were pretty darn delicious. However, my husband said they weren't as good as his mother's but I wonder if it has more to do with tradition than anything else?</p><br /><p>Do you mix in a kitchenaid with the dough hook? Sorry if that is a dumb question I have never made any bread or rolls and really want to try!</p><br /><p>Chris–Yep, just use your dough hook!</p><br /><p>I did it!!! The rolls turned out perfectly. I have not had the best of luck with yeast recipes lately but I made these for dinner last night and they were perfect. Your directions were very easy to follow. I might volunteer to make the rolls for Thanksgiving dinner (along with your sweet potato casserole dish- that was a HUGE hit last year and I've been counting down the months to make that again).</p><br /><p>I made these yesterday with part whole wheat flour. 4 cups whole wheat, 3 cups white, to be exact. They came out beautifully, though they were a little on the dry side the second day. I think whole wheat flour soaks up more moisture than white, and I added a little too much. Next time I'll try making the dough slightly wetter and see if that helps. They tasted so good and my kids devoured them.</p><br /><p>Thanks for the easy directions on these rolls- I made them this past weekend and everyone raved about them! I will definitely be making these again for Thanksgiving!</p><br /><p>Quick question…I want to make these for Thanksgiving, can I make them the night before and put them in the oven and bake them the next day? Or would it ruin them to have the dough sit in the fridge overnight?</p><br /><p>Susie–I've never tried rising these in the fridge overnight, and if it were me, I definitely wouldn't risk it on Thanksgiving! If it were me, I'd either get up super early on T-day make them OR make them the night before and store them in the fridge overnight; you could even slightly underbake them and then pop the in the oven for a few more minutes the next day.</p><br /><p>Hope that helps!</p><br /><p>Yeah, Kate, these ARE the world's best dinner rolls! Now if I can just keep my family and their gubby mitts off them until tomorrow, Thanksgiving will be perfect! Great recipe!</p><br /><p>My husband's aunt was hosting our families Thanksgiving dinner this year — serving 50 people. I was asked to bring the rolls.</p><br /><p>My wonderful husband bought me my very first KitchenAid 5 quart mixer, which I absolutely treasure (my birthday was 3-days ago, but it arrived a little early. Since, I normally use a breadmachine to mix my dough, I knew I was in for a challenge.</p><br /><p>I searched online for a good dinner roll recipe, checked my KitchenAid recipe book and my bread book. I tried five other dinner roll recipes — they were total crap, I was reduced to tears and on the verge of giving up, when my husband found your recipe!</p><br /><p>Thank you, thank you, thank you. This recipe was a God sent. Everyone complimented me on the rolls and the meal was a total success. I will treasure this recipe always.</p><br /><p>~Annette</p><br /><p>http://ReliableAnswers.com/Kitchen/</p><br /><p>Too funny, our longtime family (rolled up roll) recipe is almost identical except our has 1 cup milk. I ran out of White Flour, so I used 3 cups white and 3 1/2 of Whole Wheat. They turned out great!!!</p><br /><p>Wow… let these rise twice as long living in lovely Denver and they are incredible. I'm a huge fan!</p><br /><p>I made these last night to compliment our Christmas dinner and we almost ate more rolls then dinner. In fact, we ate so many of these yummy buns that no one had room for dessert! Suffice it so say we LOVED them.</p><br /><p>The best part? I made the other half of the dough into cinnamon rolls which I am about to pop into the oven for a Boxing day treat.</p><br /><p>I made them as directed with the exception of using 1 c. half-n-half and 1 c. skim milk (because we didn't have whole).</p><br /><p>Thanks for sharing this recipe.</p><br /><p>This roll recipe looks amazing, thank you for sharing. I can't wait to try it. Just one question, I have been making amazingly yummy whole wheat bread for a LONG time and the only yeast I ever use is the SAF yeast, the kind you just sprinkle over the dough mixture and it doesn't require activation before hand. Do you know if this would work in your roll recipe? I am just curious since I am one of those that is afraid of yeast and hope I don't fail the recipe after all the work that has been done to make a perfect bread loaf or roll. thank you so much. so, glad I found your great site.</p><br /><p>These are waiting to go into the oven. I made them the first time for Thanksgiving and my husband and parents lovingly refer to them as \"the Thanksgiving rolls\". They're basically famous!</p><br /><p>Until this year I never made anything with yeast but LOVE all things bread. But your breadsticks looked so tempting and my new food processor had a dough hook so I braved up and tried them and they were delicious. So with my new found courage I decided to give these a shot and whatdaya know? Yum again. These remind me of the delicous rolls my mom used to make for Thanksgiving (and I missed terribly this year being on the other side of the country). My mom makes her rolls(well forms the dough) early and then freezes them, pulls them out to rise Thanksgiving day and bakes them. Do you think that might work for this recipe?</p><br /><p>These are amazing!!! I didn't have any whole milk so I used buttermilk. The flavor of these rolls are great, but I must have used too much flour as they are a bit too heavy but still really good. The kids wont stop eating them!</p><br /><p>I made these for our Easter dinner and they were fantastic!! I featured them and the link to the recipe on my blog http://sassy-classyme.blogspot.com/2010/04/happy-easter.html</p><br /><p>Hey, new to the blog, but your recipes seem awesome. I really want to try this one, but I just moved to Taiwan last year and they aren't big on ovens here. Most people don't have one at all. What I have is the largest toaster oven I could find. It works perfectly for most things, the only problem is the size. I cannot do two pans at once. I've never really cooked with yeast before, so I'm not sure, but my question is: Can you cook one pan while the other sits, then cook the second pan? will the wait time be a problem? Or, can the recipe be halved? not sure how that would work either. Thanks for the help! I'm looking forward to trying a lot of your recipes.</p><br /><p>these look so amazing and will totally feed my carbohydrate addiction! lol! i have a question though…would using self rising flour mess up the recipe since it calls for all purpose? wasn't sure myself so thought i would ask! thanks so much!</p><br /><p>Crystal–I probably wouldn't. These rolls *can* be a little tempermental. Also, self-rising flour has baking soda in it and that might add a weird texture or flavor to the rolls.</p><br /><p>Hope that helps! Happy baking!</p><br /><p>Tonight I just made your original recipe of these rolls and they turned out amazing and I totally impressed my mother in law. So my question is, which do you prefer? This recipe, or the original one?</p><br /><p>In case anyone else had the same question I did about halving the recipe, I just tried it and it turned out AMAZING! I couldn't believe that _I_ made something so awesome! thanks for the great recipes!</p><br /><p>Thanks! I was wondering about this.</p><br /><p>Made these for dinner tonight and they were awesome! Thanks so much for a great roll recipe. All my guests thank you as well.</p><br /><p>These rolls look fabulous!! Hopefully soy milk will work instead of whole milk. I haven't found a good substitute for cream yet – do you have any tricks you can share with a food loving lactose girl =) Thanks in advance!!</p><br /><p>Tracy-My husband is allergic to milk and milk proteins so try these substitutes. First use Moca Mix non dairy creamer (do not use any other brand because they all have milk in them) and then add an extra egg. Or Try Rich’s Whip, this is in the freezer section by the deserts. Both of them you will need to warm slightly but don’t cook them on the stove like you so the milk. I use these substitutes in almost every recipe I make and I bake a lot!</p><br /><p>TIP: use ur glass meas cup to heat half the milk in microwave (not stove). heat to just OVER the temp your finger can tolerate, then add cut-up butter. Then sugar, salt. When butter is melted, add rest of milk cold – this will cool it faster.</p><br /><p>These were delicious! And I even forgot the salt and the extra Tbs sugar! What can I say, prego brain! I used half the dough for rolls and made the other half into cinnamon rolls. It was an easier recipe than my regular cinnamon roll recipe, so thanks!</p><br /><p>I glanced through the comments but didn't see anyone ask about using whole wheat with this recipe. Do you think that would work or would it ruin your perfect recipe?</p><br /><p>Sarah, I honestly can't say, although I wish I could! I have whole wheat bread recipes and white recipes but I don't feel like I'm experienced enough with whole wheat baking to adapt recipes for white flour, you know? I imagine you couldn't do 100% whole wheat, but you may be able to replace half of the white flour with whole wheat flour.</p><br /><p>Sorry I couldn't be of more help!</p><br /><p>You weren't kidding when you named these rolls! They are fabulous. I just made them for the third time; each batch has been lighter and tastier as I get a better feel for how much flour to use. Yum. Thanks so much for this recipe!</p><br /><p>I made these for dinner last night and they were SO amazing!</p><br /><p>Just had to share where I blogged about it here: http://marievilla.blogspot.com/2010/09/another-finished-project.html</p><br /><p>I made the dinner rolls two days ago, and right now I am making the orange roll version…not fun getting up at the \"crack of dawn,\" but I have a feeling it is going to be super delicious!!!! Thanks!!</p><br /><p>I just made these rolls for my family and all 23 have disappeared (I popped one in my mouth before setting them out..hehehe). These are TRUELY THE BEST IN THE WORLD!! Yummmmy in our tummies…the only problem is, I'm expected to make these all the time now!! LoL~ Thank you!! Can't wait to try all your other recipes!!</p><br /><p>Hi! I have already \"tried\" to make these once. I know I added too much flour so they came out more like biscuits instead of light rolls. If it is just me and my fiance… what are your recommendations for making a smaller batch? Do you have a different recipe or do you recommend freezing the dough? Thanks!</p><br /><p>April–You could do a few things. I wouldn't actually recommend cutting the recipe in half because it's tricky to divide 3 eggs. So you could…</p><br /><p>–Make 24 rolls and freeze the uneaten ones.</p><br /><p>–Bake 12 rolls. Shape the other 12 rolls, place in a prepared pan, wrap tightly, and freeze the whole pan up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake them, let them stand on the counter for several hours to thaw and rise.</p><br /><p>–Bake 12 rolls and make the remaining 12 rolls into cinnamon rolls.</p><br /><p>Hope that helps!</p><br /><p>Is it possible to use Lactaid milk with this recipe? I'm lactose intolerant so that's the only type of milk I keep on hand.</p><br /><p>Thanks, Hollie</p><br /><p>Hollie–Yep, as long as the milk is at least 2%, you'll be fine!</p><br /><p>I have a much simpler way of making these rolls.</p><br /><p>To begin with, I store my yeast in the freezer and do not worry about proofing it. I use SAF instant yeast, which, while buffered by dry ingredients, can handle the heat of quite hot liquids. I begin by mixing 8 C of flour, the salt, all 5 T of sugar and the yeast with the flat blade of my KitchenAid mixer. During this time the milk, water and butter are heating. When they are quite hot, and the butter is melted, I add them to the flour mixture. I stir the mixture briefly, then stir in the beaten eggs. At this point I switch to the dough hook and proceed as directed, adding additional flour as necessary in order to get a nice dough that is cohesive and clears the sides of the mixing bowl. I like washing fewer pans, so I bake all of them on one half-sheet pan (a jelly roll pan).</p><br /><p>These are so delicious, and are truly fast and easy to make with this method.</p><br /><p>I have a much simpler way of making these rolls.</p><br /><p>To begin with, I store my yeast in the freezer and do not worry about proofing it. I use SAF instant yeast, which, while buffered by dry ingredients, can handle the heat of quite hot liquids. I begin by mixing 8 C of flour, the salt, all 5 T of sugar and the yeast with the flat blade of my KitchenAid mixer. During this time the milk, water and butter are heating. When they are quite hot, and the butter is melted, I add them to the flour mixture. I stir the mixture briefly, then stir in the beaten eggs. At this point I switch to the dough hook and proceed as directed, adding additional flour as necessary in order to get a nice dough that is cohesive and clears the sides of the mixing bowl. I like washing fewer pans, so I bake all of them on one half-sheet pan (a jelly roll pan).</p><br /><p>These are so delicious, and are truly fast and easy to make with this method.</p><br /><p>i am sad to say that i failed at making these today. :/ it's no surprise because i am terrified of making fresh bread. the thought of having to use yeast freaks me out! anyway, my dough turned out to be one big sticky mess. did i not add enough flour? just want to know where i went wrong because i would like to attempt these again!</p><br /><p>I just made these today for Thanksgiving. This was my first attempt at making rolls from scratch. They turned out perfect, and both my kids said they were the best rolls they have ever had. Thank you for making me feel wonderful today!!</p><br /><p>Wow. This is indeed the very best dinner rolls,</p><br /><p>I ever came across! I have made plenty. This beats</p><br /><p>Grandma 40 plus year recipe. I made this for thanksgiving</p><br /><p>And my hubby was blown away. He request them again for Christmas dinner, easter, july 4th, etc. Thank you for this amazing recipe.</p><br /><p>Kate, I was just about decided to only make half of the recipe when I saw your comment about halving 3 eggs being difficult. Okay, if you twist my arm and I make half for rolls and half for cinnamon rolls, can you give me a quick idea of how to turn the other half into cinnamon rolls for the next morning? I plan to make these tomorrow afternoon for my thanksgiving part II. Thanks!</p><br /><p>Mary</p><br /><p>Mary, Just roll the remaining half of the dough into a rectangle about 6 inches high and 18 inches wide. Spread the dough generously with very soft butter and then generously sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Roll the rectangle up tightly into a log and then use dental floss to cut the long into 12 slices. Place the slices, spiral side-up, into a greased 9×13\" pan and then cover with a clean towel. Allow to rise for 30 minutes and then bake in 375 degree oven for 18-20 minutes or until they rolls are golden-brown. Remove from oven.</p><br /><p>Make a glaze with 1 c. powdered sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1 tsp. almond extract, and enough milk to reach your desired consistency. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls.</p><br /><p>You have officially made me hungry.</p><br /><p>Do you think I could refrigerate it before doing all those things and then finish it in the morning, or would that be bad?</p><br /><p>Kate, Do you really mean the dough doesn't need to be kneaded with the dough hook for any length of time? Just stir in the flour and that's it — no \"kneading\"?</p><br /><p>Dear Lord, I've done and gone to bread heaven! I opted to cut the recipe in third so I wouldn't have to deal with the 1½ egg thing. I was gonna do cinnamon rolls, but after all the goodies I've had in the last two days, the last thing my hips need is something else sweet!</p><br /><p>Here it is for one-third of the recipe:</p><br /><p>2/3 c. whole milk</p><br /><p>2T and 2t + 1 t sugar, divided</p><br /><p>2 T butter</p><br /><p>2/3 t Kosher salt</p><br /><p>1 1/2 t preferably bread machine yeast</p><br /><p>3 ½ T warm (105-115-degree) water</p><br /><p>2 2/3-3 c. all-purpose flour</p><br /><p>1 beaten egg</p><br /><p>thank u for this!</p><br /><p>I know everyone has said it…but these really are the world's best rolls. This was my first attempt ever at making anything bread (I was chosen to make the rolls for Thanksgiving…I know, right?) and it was so easy (thank goodness for the pics) and soooo delicious! Kate & Sara – thank you so much for your site. It is such a joy to go through all your recipes.</p><br /><p>Made these with my niece and nephew on Thanksgiving, and they were so good! I have never been able to make yeast rolls in the past, but these turned out great. The hubs wants to know when I'm making them again. Thank you!</p><br /><p>Someone may have said this already–if you melt the butter first, then add the sugar and milk, you can heat it just enough to dissolve the sugar. Then you don't have to cool it so much.</p><br /><p>I'm a newer baker and have a question. The recipe calls for 8-9cups of flour and yet the instructions say to use 3 cups and then to use additional flour as needed. This makes it difficult for a novice to know how much flour to add. Can you please clarify? I'm hoping these come out OK as the comments made them sound wonderful.</p><br /><p>Filmmomma-</p><br /><p>Add the remaining flour one cup at a time. If you are using a stand mixer, using the dough hook will help you get it evenly mixed. I actually just made these again last night and only used 8 cups of flour total. Just make sure the flour is mixed in really good. You don't want to overmix the dough either. The recipe is pretty forgiving. If you overmix they may be a little more dense than you were wanting, but flavor wise, you'll still be in bread heaven. I used half of the dough for rolls for dinner last night and half for cinnamon rolls for this morning. WOW! They really are AWESOME!</p><br /><p>Mary, thanks for beating me to it! Filmmomma, I'd love to give a more accurate number, but there are so many variables that you really just have to go by how the recipe is working for you. I don't even use the same amount of flour every time, just depending on the humidity. You can totally do it!</p><br /><p>Is there anyway that you can asap post a pic of what the dough is supposed to look like before you cover it up and let it do its first rise?</p><br /><p>I was unsure when I should stop adding flour and exactly how mixed it is supposed to look. Please add to the beautiful picture collection! Love you ladies!</p><br /><p>Okay, I've made these three times now and while I've got the flavor and mixing down, I can't seem to get my dough divided evenly or get them to be pretty like yours. Any suggestions?</p><br /><p>Excellent rolls! They were easy to make and came out exactly as pictured. Not to mention tasted divine!</p><br /><p>Perfection!!! I made these for a Christmas Eve party and they were a hit! I followed the directions to the \"T\" (using whole milk which I never use) They were so yummy! They were also big rolls, so if you didn't have to go back for another, but why stop at one with these babies!</p><br /><p>I have made these about 4 times so far and they have been awesome every time BUT the last time I made them I added about 3/4 – 1 cup of potato flour when you add the flour to the milk and it made them so light and fluffy! They disappeared in no time and are being requested for the next family dinner – Thank you! I love your sight and have recommended it many, many times since I found it!</p><br /><p>As someone who is normally scared to make bread this was a huge success for me!! LOVED.IT. The recipe is literally fool-proof, I can completly testify to that. I am known to botch nearly every recipe given my, but I made these with RAVE reviews from even my pickiest eater. This carboholic thanks you for supporting my habit</p><br /><p>Mary–Not *really*, haha. The most accurate thing you can do is weigh the dough and then divide that amount by 24 and weigh each dough portion. You can also roll it out so it's a rectangle, as uniform as possible, and cut it into 24 pieces. But unless you use a scale, there's going to be a little variation every time.</p><br /><p>I have been following your blog for a few months now and this is the first recipe I have tried, and these rolls are AWESOME!!!! A little background, I come from a long line of family bakers, cakes, cookies, bread, and rolls…grandmas, aunt, and my mother. Everybody bakes and a family dinner simpy cannot be served without homemade rolls and oh how rolls have haunted me over the years. Despite numerous tutoring sessions at family dinners my rolls are the ones that turned out like rocks drop them on your toe and it might break. But, not wanting to give up I gave it another shot and after years of baking finally a success, thanks to your wonderful recipe! My mother even asked for the recipe….first time ever! I can't wait to buy your cookbook.</p><br /><p>Is there a way to make the recipe for a bread machine on the dough cycle?? How can I convert it or would I just use the recipe outright? Thanks!</p><br /><p>This is very similar to a recipe that's been in my family for a while – we call them \"The Best Rolls in the World\". And I cheat ALL the time by throwing all ingredients into breadmaker and then pulling out the dough to shape and rise one last time.</p><br /><p>They work every time, so I bet this recipe would work using a bread machine, too.</p><br /><p>Hey Cooking gals</p><br /><p>I made this recipe…waiting for the dough to rise that picture looks soooo good, I can’t wait to sink my teeth into them Having them with supper tonight</p><br /><p>I am wondering if these rolls can be frozen and then reheated.</p><br /><p>Yep, definitely! Just wrap ’em up tight first!</p><br /><p>These rolls came out PERFECT the first time I made them!</p><br /><p>Mmm I made these today and they tasted so yummy!!! They were a little thick which I found weird because I only added 7 cups flour.. any advice for next time??? P.S. LOVE your site! Hoping for the cookbook for my birthday</p><br /><p>I made this recipe on Sunday for the first time. My husband liked them so much that he said, “This is the dinner roll I knew from the pre-existence. Please stop experimenting with other recipes.” Success at last!</p><br /><p>I’ve loved using my bread maker for over 15 years now, and used it to make your rolls. I cut the recipe in half (and yes, I did beat and divide the egg, using the remainder for the second batch). You probably won’t approve, but I skipped the first couple steps (combining and heating the milk, sugar, butter and salt) and loaded it all into the bread maker using butter at room temperature. I used the lesser amount of flour and the results were heavenly. I used the second batch for my grandma’s cinnamon rolls, and they’ve never been better.</p><br /><p>Thanks so much for your delightful blog and I ADORE the cookbook. Congratulations on your success!</p><br /><p>I made these yesterday. I think that in the recipe, instead of it saying, “Yum”, after the milk mixture, it should say something like, “You should now drink the milk mixture, then remake it”. LOL</p><br /><p>Tasty stuff, ladies!</p><br /><p>Is there a way you can take a picture of your dough while it’s mixing or right after you are done mixing it in the kitchen aid? I know you say a soft dough and it pulls away from the bowl ect. ect. but I’m more of a visual need to see what it’s supposed to look like! I feel like my dough is way TOO sticky even with the full 9 cups of flour. I don’t want to add any more so they won’t get messed up, and they have turned out fine. But with that said I think I would feel a little more confident with a picture of what it’s supposed to look like! If you can, thanks! (by the way, I love your website, and your cook book!)</p><br /><p>Can this recipe be adapted to use in a bread machine on the dough cycle? Is it just as simple as cutting the recipe in half?</p><br /><p>Made them last night using the bread machine! They were yummy!</p><br /><p>Seriously good rolls – my niece made them and now I’m going to have a go. YUMM</p><br /><p>You might have not put enough flour in them</p><br /><p>These are definitely the BEST homemade dinner rolls ever. Have to admit I was a little nervous after dough had risen, it was very sticky, but I worked some more flour in during the rolling, shaped them, put them back in to rise and took a big deep breathe. It was Easter and if they would have flopped we would have been without rolls. To my surprise and everyones oohs and aahs they were perfect, light with a crispy crust, delicious.</p><br /><p>P.S. I also made the rainbow cupcakes for the kid’s Easter egg hunt party which were a big hit.</p><br /><p>I’ve been eye-ing these babies for several weeks and finally tried making them today. At first, I was really disappointed because the dough wasn’t rising So I heated the oven just a little bit and popped the whole bowl (towel and all) in there. About 45 minutes later, it was starting to roll over the top. I’m only making 18 rolls and a loaf of bread… and double rising the bread (just ’cause that’s how my Mom always did it). Anyways, I followed your directions exactly and ate one right away. I wasn’t planning on going for a run today, but I think I might have to! LMAO!! Oh, and I’ll also be making some fresh, hot chili to go along with ’em!</p><br /><p>I’d like to add that I’ve never successfully made a batch of bread or rolls (even cinnamon rolls) before in my life!! This recipe and instructions are spot on and easy to follow.</p><br /><p>WOWIE!!!!! I made these first time (half the recipe) to go with my husband’s home made chicken and veggie stew and we sat around for a couple hours afterwards because we both ate like 4 or 5 of these. We couldn’t stop drooling over how good these were. My husband was saying the whole time, you have the recipe, right? You didn’t lose it or anything did you, cuz we REALLY need to hang onto this recipe. LOLOL Thanks so much for posting! Today I’m making hamburger rolls out of them which I think are going to be PERFECT!!!!!</p><br /><p>Hey ladies!!</p><br /><p>Can this be made with a 50/50 blend of whole wheat flour and white flour??</p><br /><p>So sorry I’m just getting back to you! I’ve never tried it, but I know others have done it and it’s worked for them. If you try it, let us know how it goes!</p><br /><p>Maybe I’m just computer illiterate, but I wish all of your recipes were in a printable format. When I go to “file” and reprint them, the script is so light and small I can barely read it and it’s eye straining and frustrating and I’m not even cooking yet! Would it create that much more work for you? I love your recipes but would use more if they were in printable format.</p><br /><p>Thanks,</p><br /><p>You’re the Best!</p><br /><p>Kathy Konold</p><br /><p>made these rolls last night with the Chicken Tortilla soup. Both recipes are delicious!!</p><br /><p>Sorry if this is a dumb question….I am just wondering why you can’t 1% milk?</p><br /><p>Thanks.</p><br /><p>You *can*, they’re just not nearly as delicious.</p><br /><p>Please send me a printable version</p><br /><p>Please post a printable version. I love the hints but can not print with out the pictures and ads.</p><br /><p>I bake bread at least once a week and always on weekends when my grandchildren come. These sound very good. I plan to make them this weekend for a family 80th birthday celebration.</p><br /><p>Thanks</p><br /><p>I just made these yesterday and used half whole wheat flour. They turned out fabulous!</p><br /><p>THANK YOU!! And yes, I meant to shout it! I have never in 10 years of marriage, been able to successfully make yeast rolls. Edible, yes. But, successful, no. Until yesterday that is. I followed your recipe to a T. They were beautiful and fluffy and yummy. I could go on. I was so excited! The dough was soft and smooth. I made rolls and cinnamon rolls and my family devoured them. This will be the only roll recipe I use from now on! No more failures for me!</p><br /><p>I’ll admit, I was skeptical about these. “Rolls are rolls,” I thought to myself. But I gave them a try and WOW! I was so wrong! These are so delicious! I just pulled them out of the oven and I’ve already had two. (My first excuse was that the recipe TOLD me to eat one, but now I just can’t stop!) Thanks so much!</p><br /><p>I attempted a half-batch this morning and they didn’t rise. When I cooled the milk mixture, it cooled to cool and not lukewarm. My yeast bubbled, so I don’t think I killed it, but could the cool milk mixture have prevented the dough to rise? The dough was also very sticky, but it had pulled away from the bowl (not 100% but at least from the sides). Should I have added more flour? I plan on trying them again, but did I do something blatantly wrong?</p><br /><p>Hmmm…that’s tricky. I can’t say for sure, but it’s possible that the cooler milk mixture might have made an environment not as conducive for growth. It sounds like you might have needed a little more flour too. This is seriously the trickiest part, especially when trying to give instructions online rather than in person because the amount of flour can vary day to day in ONE location, and it will be a little different for everyone depending on their location. So it should still be sticky, but not very sticky; it shouldn’t still look wet. My rule of thumb is that it should stick a little to your finger.</p><br /><p>Hope that helps! Wish I could help you in person, haha!</p><br /><p>Thanks for your comment! I baked the rolls anyway, and they seemed to rise while baking and they were actually pretty good (they didn’t last more than a day)–a successful failure, I’d say. I will definitely try these again. Thanks for your suggestions and the amazing blog! My husband thanks you both, too. :c)</p><br /><p>Can the dough be prepared in a bread machine using the dough cycle? If so, do I need to make any changes to the recipe? Thanks!</p><br /><p>CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME HOW MUCH FLOUR YOU USED AND HOW MUCH WATER TO PUT IN THE YEAST?</p><br /><p>HELP!!!</p><br /><p>Do you use your pizza cutter on your silpat Baking mat? Or does that ruin it???</p><br /><p>These rolls are delicious!!! I used half for rolls and the other half on your cinnamon rolls. They both were magnificent. This was the first time I had cinnamon rolls turn out!! Thank you</p><br /><p>I have been told I make excellent bread and rolls ( doing so for 30 yrs …but want to try these especially after seeing the rave reviews…read one where someone commented on a sweet potato casserole that is on here but searched and couldn’t find ..is it possible that she was confused with anoter site?</p><br /><p>I was kind of skeptical with all the stuff with the milk and the eggs and everything, but I wanted a good fluffy dinner roll. Usually when I make them they turn out a little too dense for my liking. I also wasn’t sure about that dough before the first rise because it was pretty sticky, but I stuck with it and followed the directions to the letter. These were SOOOOOO delicious. Perfect and fluffy and soft. I can’t wait to try these as orange or cinnamon rolls.</p><br /><p>Im making these right now!! the dough smells scrumptious, I can’t wait! Although, im afraid it isnt rising very much.</p><br /><p>Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I have been searching for the perfect roll recipe – mildly sweet, melts in your mouth. My family was all smiles as we devoured the “world’s best” rolls with Sunday Beef Stew.</p><br /><p>How about a picture of this “bubbly yeast”? Pleeeeease.</p><br /><p>Neva’ you mind… My yeast hath bubbleth over my coffee mug</p><br /><p>This was the worst bread I have ever tasted…then I realized I put 2 TABLESPOONS of salt in the dough! Der! The second time around, and only two TEASPOONS of salt later, these are the best rolls ever!</p><br /><p>can you make these rolls into a loaf of bread or what is your best homemade traditional white bread recipe?</p><br /><p>I’ve never tried it, so I can’t say. I’m inclined to think it might not work because I’m not sure the center will get done by the time the outside is done, but you could always give it a shot!</p><br /><p>I made these rolls today for the first time. I wanted to try them out before the holidays. This was my first time baking anything that required yeast. I am so pleased with how easy they were to make! They turned out delicious!! I will definitely make them for the holidays.</p><br /><p>I made these for dinner tonight, SO delicious and SO easy. These are my new rolls! Thanks</p><br /><p>Thank you for making me look like a ROCK STAR!!! I made these for my cousin who just had a baby and they were AWESOME! I followed the recipe exactly and they were easy & soooo bad for my diet…haha!</p><br /><p>Awesome. I am new to making rolls. I tried another recipe 3 times that had rave reviews and they flattened each time. I try this and I get awesome rolls. Thanks for a wonderful recipe.</p><br /><p>Very much worth all the time and dirty dishes invested in this recipe. I did have a strange experience with the yeast mixutre, it got so big it bubbled out of the 1 cup dish I had it in so be sure to grow the yeast in a big enough dish. I just put another dish under it so I didn’t lose any of it and added it all at once. These rolls were truly amazing!!!!</p><br /><p>I made these for the first time this afternoon. Success! Thank you for the easy to follow instructions. Next up, these rolls and your cinnamon filling/glaze.</p><br /><p>Do you know if there are any adjustments for high altitude — like 4400 ft?</p><br /><p>Yep, it’s hard to say with yeast breads because it can vary from day to day, but you may need to add a little more flour. However, I originally developed that recipe when I was living at a very high altitude, so it should be okay.</p><br /><p>I’m excited to make these rolls today. I wanted to add a pointer about the cooling process: when you combine the milk, butter, sugar and salt only add half the milk…once the butter has melted and the sugar and salt have dissolved add the rest of the milk to help cool it down faster. I do this with most of my bread recipes because the cooling down process does take awhile and I have killed my yeast before from impatience. Thx for the recipe!</p><br /><p>Something went wrong…I followed the directions to the letter and the rolls kept rising…when I baked them…I found that the bottoms were not browned and it was doughy in the inside. Please explain..if you can…I live in S. Florida.</p><br /><p>I honestly don’t know what wrong. It sounds like your oven might be a tiny bit off–it might be baking a little cool. At the very least, you might want to bake them just a little longer. If the tops are getting too brown, you could cover the pan with some aluminum foil to prevent them from getting too dark. Also, if the rolls keep rising, just pop ’em in the oven as soon as they’ve doubled.</p><br /><p>Can I use honey in place of sugar? I dont work with yeast much and I am not sure if it will feed the yeast the same way. Will me make the rolls turn out differently?</p><br /><p>Hi, Jenna! You know, I’ve never tried it and I can’t say for sure. I’ve made challah with honey before and I know it can impact the texture. I think they would probably be delicious, but maybe a little more heavy and I think it would probably impact the flavor (in a good way, as long as you like honey). Anyway, if you try it out, let us know how it goes!</p><br /><p>Kate, you are a GENIOUS! I have never tried to make a yeast bread and for the longest I wanted to. I didn’t even think twice about making these (made with the Sunday Beef stew) and they are delicious and easy!!! I love it. You have opened new doors for me! My dough rose just like it was supposed to and the rolls are light and fluffy! You just made me have a happy husband :).</p><br /><p>So I used 6 cups white flour and 2 cups wheat flour and the mixture before I let it rise was already too dense, not sticky at all. Is there anything to do to fix the dough at this point? Next time I’ll cut back to 7 cups total flour. Wondering if using wheat flour, makes that much of a difference.</p><br /><p>Unfortunately, no. As far as wheat goes, it’s just a completely different beast–it mixes differently, rises differently, etc. However, as long as you’re not trying to go 100% whole wheat, 2 cups of wheat flour shouldn’t make a big difference. However, I wouldn’t necessarily lock yourself into 7 cups of flour; one of the trickiest elements of bread baking is that the amount of flour you’ll need can vary just from day to day, so I’d start low and then just keep adding until you reach the right consistency.</p><br /><p>Oh my, I made these for dinner tonight after church… HEAVEN! My husband just started laughing when he was eating one– seriously, that’s how good they are.</p><br /><p>Quick question– I want to use them for more rolls, not cinnamon rolls. Can I freeze them in little balls like Rhodes? I put the dough in a ziploc container in the fridge and it started rising again… I’m worried it’ll ruin before I can use more! Help!</p><br /><p>thanks so very much for the bread receipe , they are good, all family thank you to because my bread was so untaste. thanks, thanks,thanks. jettie</p><br /><p>WOW! I have never ever had success with a normal old dinner roll recipe, and because our family loves EVERYTHING from your website, I decided to try these for a family dinner, and they are Amazing!! It’s so exciting to have a non-paperweight roll! Thanks so much! My husband now knows that if I make something form ourbestbites, he is going to love it! Thank you!!</p><br /><p>Made these yesterday! Delicious!!! Almost like my grandmother’s recipe. I thought they were very easy to make.</p><br /><p>I had to leave a quick comment, we had an early Thanksgiving and I made these and everyone LOVED them! They are big and light and AWESOME! Thanks so much for sharing- my SIL has your cookbook and is always raving about how good every single recipe is! It’s on my wishlist now!</p><br /><p>Have you ever made these ahead of time and froze them before the last rise?</p><br /><p>Is there a printable version? If so I would love it! Thanks!</p><br /><p>Should there be an adjustment for high altitude? My yeast seemed fine before I added it but the dough isn’t rising much! I don’t think I put too much flour because it was still really sticky but it’s been almost an hour and it is barely any bigger–definitely not overflowing the bowl like in your picture. I’m sure the rolls will turn out okay but this is frustrating!</p><br /><p>Just made these for a trial run before Thanksgiving. Wonderful!!! I ate about 4 of them right off the bat! I was wondering if anyone has had success using an egg substitute like cornstarch… My hubby is allergic to eggs so I usually just do Rhodes Rolls but these kick them in the butt and want to use these for Thanksgiving. If anyone has any ideas will you email me? Thank you!!!</p><br /><p>laynedrollinger@hotmail.com</p><br /><p>And I just love your cookbook!! Everything I’ve tried has been awesome!!!!</p><br /><p>Thank you.</p><br /><p>Katie</p><br /><p>I will be using your recipe. I have made dinner rolls many times with similar ingredients, but you shared SUCH GREAT TIPS, and I learned a thing or two! I HAD TO LAUGH when you said, “When done, remove from oven. Rub a stick of cold butter over the tops of the rolls. You must now eat one. Now. While it’s hot.” Don’t we all? I always have to get some while it’s hot. My daughters are the same, and between the three of us, there is no way people will not know cheating has occurred! So here is my proposal to charge the cheating dilemma should one hot buttered roll not be enough. MAKE A DOUBLE BATCH! Hmmmmmm…..thanks for the recipe and tips.</p><br /><p>Hi there! I made these as a trial for Thanksgiving last night for Sunday dinner! Oh wow, did they make the cut and are definitely gracing our Thanksgiving table! I have made every roll imaginable from Parker House to Lion House, to family heirloom recipes, and while they’ve all turned out as they were supposed to, none have had the fluff, tenderness, AND flavor that these babies have! I’ve read through all your comments about freezing them…I’m wondering about making them Wednesday instead of Thursday. Would I go through the first rise, form them, then refrigerate them covered and formed? Or would they keep rising? If I do that, would I take the formed rolls out of the fridge on Thanksgiving day and let them sit for a couple of hours for the second rise? Hope this makes sense!!! You’re my new hero!</p><br /><p>Do you make these in your KitchenAid mixer? I have the standard 4.5 quart KitchenAid and I made some wheat bread the other day, which only called for 5 cups of flour, and I felt like my mixer was struggling a bit. This recipe calls for 8 cups so I’m wondering if I should half it . . . have you ever had any trouble?</p><br /><p>These are so so good. Easy, too, but I love making bread. I have made them 3 times in two weeks. I put small balls in my mini muffin tin for my sons finger food feast. They were the cutest little baby rolls. I personally don’t like rolls so light that they taste like you are eating air…these aren’t too airy, they have substance to them and are nice and soft…..so yummy!</p><br /><p>I just made these tonight as a test run to see if they will be the rolls I use for Thanksgiving dinner and I’m IN LOVE! SO EXCITED. Definitely the winner. Quick question, how do they freeze, and how do you go about reheating them? With other rolls I use, I reheat in the microwave on level 7 for a couple of minutes. Would that work with these? After eating these tonight, I think I’m going to make time to make them that morning, because they are just too good out of the pan the same day. I have the rest frozen in case I don’t have time. Thanks for such a fantastic recipe!</p><br /><p>Has anyone doubled this recipe? I need to make tons of rolls for Thanksgiving and just want to make sure I can double it. If not, I’ll be waking up mighty early to start these yummy treats.</p><br /><p>I made these for our Thanksgiving dinner and they are beautiful and we are all ready to take a bite out of them.</p><br /><p>I made these for the first time today for Thanksgiving and they turned out amazing! Thank you for the recipe!</p><br /><p>Only cook one pan in the oven at a time! I learned this the hard way!</p><br /><p>I made these rolls for thanksgiving, and EVERYONE loved them! I was nervous because it was my first time, and i dont have a thermomoter. but needless to say they were very great rolls! i used one batch right away, and froze the other. baking that batch tomorrow. thank you ladies for an awesome recipe!</p><br /><p>To Kamae: i used my kitchen aid 5.5 mixer. worked well.</p><br /><p>hope that helps</p><br /><p>I was so excited to try this recipe. I am in no way, shape or form a baker by nature (not fond of waiting and measuring) I tried these today for our family dinner and made one huge mistake. I didn’t bake them in a big enough pan. I used 8×11 and they were clearly too close together. The outside was perfect and brown, but the inside was gummy. Ended up buying rolls for dinner, but my daughters and I enjoyed the heck out of the tops and bottoms. Will definitely make these again, only next time in a 9×13 dish.</p><br /><p>Made these rolls for Thanksgiving dinner. They were heavenly! Thank you so much for sharing!</p><br /><p>Fantastic! I made these to go with my homemade (left over Turkey) Turkey Noodle Soup from yesterday’s Thanksgiving meal. I sprinkled the top with Kosher Salt after putting lots of butter on top… so good! I ate each and every bite like it was my last! Thanks so much! ~Amy</p><br /><p>Kate & Sara,</p><br /><p>Wanted to let you know that I made these for Thanksgiving and they were a HUGE hit, especially with the kids. You are right: these are THE best yeast roles. Poor Grandma, “my” recipe is better than hers! Thanks, again!</p><br /><p>I made these for Thanksgiving and they were a hit. I just wanted to say thanks for all your great recipes. I actually discovered your book first before I realized you had a blog (I’m a little out of touch, I know) I have made almost 1/2 of the recipes in the book and love every one of them. I’m excited to look through your blog and find lots more. I just found that no-rise cinnamon roll recipe that I think I’ll try today instead of doing laundry thanks!</p><br /><p>These were incredibly easy in the bread machine. I halved the recipe. Added water, sugar, bread machine yeast in machine pan and let sit 10 min. Melted butter in microwave and added all ingredients to pan. Put on dough setting. When finished, made this 1/2 batch into 16 rolls (just halving and re-halving dough with pizza cutter). Put rolls in pan and let rise 30 min, then cooked according to directions. Thanks for the great recipe. Turned out wonderful.</p><br /><p>Hi there, my dough isn’t rising and my yeast mixture activated absolutely fine, milk mixture Luke warm, and 8 cups of flour. Can you over mix the dough in a stand mixer? I’ve got the bowl in a cool place but just not sure?? Thanks. :/</p><br /><p>I meant to say warm place ***</p><br /><p>Do you have a printable version of this recipe? Or maybe I just can’t find it on page? Thanks!</p><br /><p>emergency question: how much yeast do i need exactly? please help! lol kinda in the process now. never made bread before…wish me luck! gracias!</p><br /><p>yeah, i got it–rolls!</p><br /><p>I love these rolls and have made them many times. I was thinking for Christmas that I would make them into mini bread loaves and give them with your honey butter. Do you think they would turn out as little bread loaves? Just thought I’d see if you had ever tried that and if you had any tips…thanks!</p><br /><p>I have some leftover bread flour from another recipe. I’m thinking that will work just as well as the all-purpose???</p><br /><p>I wouldn’t–bread flour has more protein, so it’s perfect for heavy duty sandwich breads, but I think it might be a little too tough for these rolls. Hope that helps!</p><br /><p>My wife just slaved away last night and this morning making cinnamon rolls, orange rolls and dinner rolls, all based on this recipe. I must admit this recipe is appropriately name!!!</p><br /><p>Just made these, and they are absolutely amazing! I was really concerned that I didn’t have any whole milk (and was too lazy to go to the store and get some) so I tried anyway. They turned out so great, I can’t even imagine how good they are with the whole milk!</p><br /><p>Is there a place to print it? I can’t find it! They look so yummy – would love to make them – maybe even tomorrow!!!</p><br /><p>My sweetheart and I made these rolls for a dinner party. They were quick and easy, and the dough rose well even in the challengingly wet climate of rainforest Alaska. We forgot to add the eggs but decided to cook them anyway, and they were FANTASTIC! Every person there complimented the rolls.</p><br /><p>These rolls freeze extremely well! Just bake and cool completely, I then put mine in a gallon ziploc bag and froze. Took them out of the freezer and defrosted at room temperature then put in foil to re-warm in the oven. Worked great!</p><br /><p>This is the best dinner rolls that I have ever made!!! I am so happy to finally have a recipe on hand that I can use to make them homemade I’m having so much fun on this site – thank you bunches for your easy-to-understand directions and for the pictures of the recipe from beginning to end.</p><br /><p>I featured this roll recipe on my blog it was so good! I will make this again and again and again, because I will never be able to stop eating them.</p><br /><p>thanks for the amazing recipe!!! tried them out today and came out perrrrrfect!</p><br /><p>I have been trying to make homemade dinner rolls for years – I’ve had a little bit of success in meeting my very high standard but not what I was looking for. Now, I’ve made these rolls three times and tonight’s was the best by FAR! They were SO high and light and incredibly yummy. My bread machine yeast did not proof, so I used fast rise Hodgson Mill dry yeast. I also used White Lily flour, which I think makes a difference in baking and I was not disappointed. I am going to keep making this recipe with these same ingredients and see if I can always get them to come out this way. They were to die for!</p><br /><p>I made two half-batches of this dough yesterday. Once to preview it, as it has been years since I last made bread except as pizza dough and the second time to take to a dinner party. I started to try to do the egg split by using the Tablespoon/Teaspoon equivalents after beating the eggs. However, it is almost impossible to get egg to stay inside of a spoon. In the end I just used 1/3 of a cup.</p><br /><p>The first half-batch I made half (1/4 of the recipe as written) as cinnamon rolls by rolling it into a ten inch circle and then covering with a mixture of 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, cutting into 8 wedges and rolling-up. They baked up beautifully in a 9 inch square pan. Very light and tasty. The other half of the dough I made into dinner rolls and baked in a small Corningware dish. Both batches went in at the same time and baked 15 min. The dinner rolls were overbaked a bit and didn’t have the same lightness as the cinnamon rolls, though I promptly ate two of them and two of the cinnamon rolls just for argument’s sake. I am wondering if one reason folks sometimes have trouble with these is due to baking them too long.</p><br /><p>The batch that I made just before leaving home for the dinner party was light and 6 out of ten folks at the party made a special point of saying how much they liked them. I am so glad I did a Google search for Best Dinner Rolls and was lead to your site.</p><br /><p>I made these for dinner last night and they were AMAZING! we didnt eat any out of the second pan because there were only four of us and we had lots of other food. So when I was pulling the rolls out of the pan to put them up I noticed the second pan was doughy still especially in the middle. I wonder why this happened since the first pan turne out so great. I cooked them on the same rack in the oven. It was kind of high because we had the other part of dinner cooking at the same time. Should it have been more in the middle of the oven? I will definitely make these again! It was pretty easy even without a stand mixer. And my husband said these were “like the good rolls they served at school that you paid another quarter for to get seconds!” Lol</p><br /><p>I have made these a few times and they’ve always turned out great! I wonder if they just needed to be baked all by themselves instead of with the rest of dinner?</p><br /><p>They just need to be baked in a hot oven</p><br /><p>Can you say “rocked my world”? These are incredible! We made sandwiches out of them with some shredded BBQ chicken. Hubby said that these were the missing piece to our holiday dinners! Definitely going on this year’s Thanksgiving/Christmas menu!</p><br /><p>These dinner rolls are the best…the recipe is simple and easy ..i will keep this recipe in my book….thank you</p><br /><p>I saw a few times where this question was asked but never saw an answer. Can I make the dough in my breadmaker on the dough cycle? If so what do you suggest I do about the amount of flour added?</p><br /><p>I’ve never had much success with breadmakers, so I sold mine about 5 years ago and have never tried it with these rolls–sorry I can’t be of more help!</p><br /><p>You may have trouble with these if you use salted butter. The salt will do you in every time. Use unsalted butter and add a bit extra with the flour = )</p><br /><p>I made these rolls and they really are the BEST rolls ever!!!I also froze them after they baked and cooled and when i defrosted them and ate them they were still soft and perfectly delicious…thank you so much for this recipe</p><br /><p>So easy, and so delicious!! I made 48 smaller rolls, baked them in 2 pie plates and 2 round cake pans. I’m going to make pecan sticky buns with the next batch!</p><br /><p>Bravo for another great recipe!!</p><br /><p>I have been making yeast rolls for years, but this, by far is the best recipe I have ever used. The rolls are feathery light and just delicious. Several postings have asked about freezing them before baking. I have done this with previous recipes, but have not tried it with this particular one. I do plan to do this with the next batch I make. However, I did bake the rolls until they were just starting to brown, removed them, and after cooling, froze the rolls. Then I just remove them a few at a time from the freezer, let them thaw out for about 10 minutes, and bake. This is a quick way to have freshly baked yeast rolls in just a few minutes. What a special treat to have after coming home from a hard day at work!</p><br /><p>I am looking for a recipe that I can use in place of Rhodes when frying scones for breakfast or navajo tacos. Would this work? Do I fry before the second rise? Thanks!</p><br /><p>Sally, do you have our cookbook? We have the perfect recipe in there for scones and navajo tacos!</p><br /><p>Today’s post is actually a re-post of one of our very, very first recipes–like one of the recipes we had up on the blog before we even launched it! It is one of my most beloved recipes and an all-time favorite of my friends and family-members. I’ve always known that the dough was a little temperamental and that some people have had trouble with it, but it wasn’t until I talked to Sara a few weeks ago and she told me that she has never successfully made these when I realized I needed to do something about it. I’m totally not sharing this to knock Sara in any way–heck, I have never been able to successfully make her famous Creamy Chicken Taquitos, so go ahead, judge me now. I’m saying this because if you’ve tried these rolls in the past and haven’t had a lot of success, be happy to know that a) you’re in good company, and b) I’ve tweaked the recipe, the yeast procedure in particular, in a way that I believe makes the dough more user-friendly and less moody. If only someone could find a similar cure for PMS…</p><br /><p>If you’re still nervous about working with yeast, check out this information on working with our fungal friend.</p><br /><p>Ready? Awesome. You’ll need whole milk, all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, and eggs. Nothing fancy.</p><br /><p>Combine milk,</p><br /><p>1/2 c. sugar,</p><br /><p>butter (sorry, no enticing action shot for the butter. It seems kind of like there might be some real-life parallels here…),</p><br /><p>and salt</p><br /><p>in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until butter melts. It’s salty. It’s sweet. Yum.</p><br /><p>Remove from heat. Allow to cool to lukewarm. I usually rub some ice cubes along the sides of the pan or pop the entire pan in a sink full of ice cubes to cool the mixture down because this step can take forever. This step is really important because if the mixture is too hot, it will kill the yeast.</p><br /><p>While the milk mixture is cooling, dissolve the yeast</p><br /><p>and 1 Tbsp. sugar</p><br /><p>in warm water. Let stand about 10 minutes or until the yeast is very bubbly and the mixture has risen significantly.</p><br /><p>Before:</p><br /><p>10 minutes later:</p><br /><p>If the yeast hasn’t bubbled, you’ll need to repeat this step–moving on with yeast that hasn’t been activated properly will only end in heartache for you and hate mail for us.</p><br /><p>In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 c. flour and milk mixture.</p><br /><p>Beat on low for 30 seconds, scraping sides of bowl constantly. Add yeast mixture and beat on high for 3 minutes.</p><br /><p>Crack your eggs…</p><br /><p>and give them a good whisking (this little heart whisk is one of my favorite tools for jobs like this). Why should you beat your eggs first? Same reason you should combine your dry ingredients before adding them to moist ingredients when making cookies and cakes–it ensures everything is well-mixed and can be evenly-distributed through your dough or batter. If you add the whole eggs, your dough may not be as consistent.</p><br /><p>Stir in as much remaining flour as needed to make a soft dough.</p><br /><p>This dough should be very soft–it will be coming away from the sides of the bowl, but it will still stick to your finger when you touch it. Don’t worry, it will firm up during the rising process. Part of what makes these rolls so good is that they’re so soft and light; if you add too much flour, they will be heavy and dense.</p><br /><p>Place the bowl in a warm place and cover with a clean towel; allow to rise 1 hour.</p><br /><p>Punch down dough. Lightly flour your work surface</p><br /><p>and turn dough out onto surface.</p><br /><p>Divide in half.</p><br /><p>Spray 2 9×13 glass pans with cooking spray. Roll first portion of dough into a rectangle and then cut it into 12 equal-sized pieces.</p><br /><p>I like to use a pizza cutter because it has a blade on each side (a plastic bowl scraper is also fantastic), so it cuts right through dough without sticking to the blade. This dough should be very easy to work with, almost like playdough. Shape each piece into a ball and place in prepared pan. Repeat with remaining dough in the second pan.</p><br /><p>Cover with a clean cloth and allow to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. When dough has about 15-20 minutes to go (depending on your oven), preheat oven to 375.</p><br /><p>Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden-brown.</p><br /><p>When done, remove from oven. Rub a stick of cold butter over the tops of the rolls. You must now eat one. Now. While it’s hot. Then pop the rest into a bowl and no one will ever know that you cheated.</p><br /><p>P.S. Using this filling or these fillings, this dough makes fabulous cinnamon or orange rolls. Just bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.</p><br /><p>MAKING AHEAD: We have received tons of comments and emails asking about making these rolls ahead, or freezing the dough, etc. Note that we have never before tried any of these methods so we can’t give you an answer for sure. You can try freezing the dough after they have been shaped (but before the second rise) and you can certainly try cooking and cooling completely and then freezing. Just keep in mind we only make these fresh and eat them hot from the pan so that’s all the info we can give you.</p><br /><p>2 c. whole milk (if you’re in a pinch, you can use 2%, but whole is best. Don’t use 1% or skim)</p><br /><p>Combine milk, 1/2 c. sugar, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until butter melts. Remove from heat. Allow to cool to lukewarm. I usually rub some ice cubes along the sides of the pan or pop the entire pan in a sink full of ice cubes to cool the mixture down because this step can take forever. This step is really important because if the mixture is too hot, it will kill the yeast.</p><br /><p>While the milk mixture is cooling, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in warm water. Let stand about 10 minutes. If the yeast hasn’t bubbled, you’ll need to repeat this step–moving on with yeast that hasn’t been activated properly will only end in heartache for you and hate mail for us.</p><br /><p>In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 c. flour and milk mixture. Beat on low for 30 seconds, scraping sides of bowl constantly. Add yeast mixture and beat on high for 3 minutes.</p><br /><p>Add beaten eggs. Why should you beat your eggs first? Same reason you should combine your dry ingredients before adding them to moist ingredients when making cookies and cakes–it ensures everything is well-mixed and can be evenly-distributed through your dough or batter. If you add the whole eggs, your dough may not be as consistent.</p><br /><p>Stir in as much remaining flour as needed to make a soft dough. This dough should be very soft–it will be coming away from the sides of the bowl, but it will still stick to your finger when you touch it. Don’t worry, it will firm up during the rising process. Part of what makes these rolls so good is that they’re so soft and light; if you add too much flour, they will be heavy and dense. Place the bowl in a warm place and cover with a clean towel; allow to rise 1 hour.</p><br /><p>Punch down dough. Lightly flour your work surface and turn dough out onto surface. Divide in half.</p><br /><p>Spray 2 9×13 glass pans with cooking spray. Roll first portion of dough into a rectangle and then cut it into 12 equal-sized pieces. I like to use a pizza cutter because it has a blade on each side, so it cuts right through dough without sticking to the blade. This dough should be very easy to work with, almost like playdough. Shape each piece into a ball and place in prepared pan. Repeat with remaining dough in the second pan.</p><br /><p>Cover with a clean cloth and allow to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. When dough has about 15-20 minutes to go (depending on your oven), preheat oven to 375.</p><br /><p>Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden-brown.</p><br /><p>When done, remove from oven. Rub a stick of cold butter over the tops of the rolls.</p><br /><p>Then pop the rest into a bowl and no one will ever know that you cheated.</p><br /><p>MAKING AHEAD: We have received tons of comments and emails asking about making these rolls ahead, or freezing the dough, etc. Note that we have never before tried any of these methods so we can’t give you an answer for sure. You can try freezing the dough after they have been shaped (but before the second rise) and you can certainly try cooking and cooling completely and then freezing. Just keep in mind we only make these fresh and eat them hot from the pan so that’s all the info we can give you</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://ourbestbites.com/2009/10/worlds-best-dinner-rolls/ site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-34287376208531202592016-11-06T03:26:00.379-08:002016-11-06T03:28:39.065-08:00Women Print Open Knit Cardigan long sleeve grey fall oversized Coat<p><title>Women Print Open Knit Cardigan long sleeve grey fall oversized Coat</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=https://www.chicnico.com/collections/all/products/fun-print-boyfriend-open-knit-cardigan?pp=1"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c2/bf/a1/c2bfa1c5cee1db7e91fc374f48ebea86.jpg" alt="Women Print Open Knit Cardigan long sleeve grey fall oversized Coat"></a></center></p><br /><p>$49.99"},"diffbotUri":"product|3|-1824117893</p><br /><p>$36.99"},"humanLanguage":"en</p><br /><p>Product Code:116394</p><br /><p>Size Charts (inch)</p><br /><p>S: bust:40.1 length:30.1 sleeve:25.5</p><br /><p>M: bust:41.1 length:31.1 sleeve:26.5</p><br /><p>L: bust:41.5 length:31.4 sleeve:26.9</p><br /><p>COLOR:</p><br /><p>Navy, Gray</p><br /><p>SLEEVE LENGTH:</p><br /><p>Long sleeve</p><br /><p>TYPES:</p><br /><p>Oversized</p><br /><p>Open knit</p><br /><p>Long Sleeves</p><br /><p>Open Front</p><br /><p>Ribbed cuffs and hem</p><br /><p>Relaxed boyfriend fit</p><br /><p>Hand wash cold</p><br /><p>Hand wash cold</p><br /><p>80%Acrylic+20%Polyester</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take https://www.chicnico.com/collections/all/products/fun-print-boyfriend-open-knit-cardigan?pp=1 site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-83872099565196978972016-11-06T03:26:00.378-08:002016-11-06T03:28:39.056-08:00Winter Kale and Wild Rice Salad<p><title>Winter Kale and Wild Rice Salad</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://reciperunner.com/winter-kale-wild-rice-salad/?utm_content=buffer26bf4&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=buffer"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/69/6d/3a/696d3a02f97621a507beb71959a290bd.jpg" alt="Winter Kale and Wild Rice Salad"></a></center></p><br /><p>Looks delicious!</p><br /><p>Thank you!</p><br /><p>This salad is gorgeous and I love that it’s healthy. I’m going to add it to our Christmas menu!</p><br /><p>Thanks Bri! I hope you love it!</p><br /><p>Beautiful and hearty salad! I am definitely making this soon!</p><br /><p>Thanks Ashley, it was so delicious! Hope you enjoy it!</p><br /><p>That salad looks absolutely delicious & beauitful. Pinning! Yeah for fartleks!</p><br /><p>Thanks Tricia! Gotta love those farleks!</p><br /><p>How was your Thanksgiving? Mine was perfect, well except for the whole overeating and barely being able to move later that night, but that’s expected right? Anyways, the food was amazing, being around family and friends always makes the day extra special, and I got to spend the morning doing the two things I love most, running and cooking. This year I was in charge of making all of the desserts as well as two salads, one of which was this Winter Kale and Wild Rice Salad.</p><br /><p>I started Thanksgiving morning off by doing a 12 mile run with some added fartleks in. Yeah that’s right I said fartlek. Have you ever heard of them? Well, if you haven’t let me explain what they are before you start getting some wild ideas about what I was doing. Basically, it’s short intervals of sprinting followed by slower running and repeated over a period of time or miles. I was doing my run on the treadmill that morning because I’m finding that I have a harder time running fast in the cold. Doing fartleks on the treadmill is a good way to break up the boring monotony and makes the time go by a little faster.</p><br /><p>Once my run was over I was ready to get to the cooking. I had already done a lot of the work the night before, but I still had my salads to assemble. I was particularly excited about this Winter Kale and Wild Rice Salad. I love salads that use wild rice. There is something about that whole grain nuttiness and crunch that I absolutely love! Along with the rice, the salad also has a diced up apple and orange, dried cranberries and tart cherries, baby kale, celery, green onion, and the most delicious vinaigrette.</p><br /><p>The salad is the perfect combination of sweetness from the fruit, nuttiness from the rice, the slight peppery bite from the baby kale, and the tart chewiness of the dried fruit. Not only is the salad healthy, but it also happens to be vegan and gluten-free. I purposely made the salad this way because my aunt’s sister is vegan. If you aren’t however, and want to add some feta or goat cheese in, it would make a wonderful addition (who am I to deny you of cheese)! The Winter Kale and Wild Rice Salad is one that can be enjoyed all winter long thanks to the use of the seasonal apples and oranges. It’s the perfect salad to have as a side dish, but is also hearty enough to serve as a main dish for meatless Monday. It’s beautiful colors make it perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings and it’s a salad that everyone, including those with dietary restrictions are sure to fall in love with!</p><br /><p>More Salad Recipes:</p><br /><p>Kale BLT Salad</p><br /><p>Carrot Apple Salad with Yogurt Dressing</p><br /><p>Spinach Orzo Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://reciperunner.com/winter-kale-wild-rice-salad/?utm_content=buffer26bf4&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=buffer site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-50608907959914018102016-11-06T03:26:00.377-08:002016-11-06T03:28:39.044-08:00Why My Child Doesn&rsquo;t Look Like They Have Special Needs<p><title>Why My Child Doesn’t Look Like They Have Special Needs</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://www.thejennyevolution.com/look-like-special-needs/"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d5/94/a5/d594a5aa36e3d62bd626b6e8b1f4fc74.jpg" alt="Why My Child Doesn’t Look Like They Have Special Needs"></a></center></p><br /><p>Beautiful post – fair and true.</p><br /><p>Inclusion and compassion for ALL.</p><br /><p>And, slightly more petty – grrrrr to all those people who see your kid for a short time and think they know better!!!! I have certainly met my share!!</p><br /><p>Thanks and love,</p><br /><p>Full Spectrum Mama</p><br /><p>Thank you. Beautifully written, and expressed. This is my heart with my children. God so amazingly made every one…so blessed. I just pray each day, I do not let opinions (negative) go to my heart.</p><br /><p>You and me BOTH, Mama!</p><br /><p>Yes!! My son looks like any other 13 year old boy, on the larger size. And what no one appreciates is how far he’s come from the days when he didn’t understand what language was, and the days when he couldn’t leave any fun activity without melting down, and the days that I could take him grocery shopping for a million and one reasons. Looking at him now, you wouldn’t know that having certain teachers along the way have been traumatizing experiences because as much as I explained about him, they didn’t understand and couldn’t change their expectations. People don’t understand that my son doesn’t do activities after school because by the time he comes home from a day of school he’s fried and just needs to unwind in his own space. His SPD is kept well hidden. His learning disabilities only show at school. His anxiety has been pretty low lately. And his challenges brought on by ADHD, well, let’s just say there here. Thank you so very much for this wonderful article.</p><br /><p>Oops! I meant to write- could NOT take him shopping…. (anxiety, impulsivity, etc.)</p><br /><p>With my son’s Dyslexia, ADHD and sensory issues, he often doesn’t appear to have extra needs to the casual observer but we know what’s really going on and what my kiddo needs.</p><br /><p>Great share.. So admirable..</p><br /><p>Special needs kid are amazing.</p><br /><p>I work in child care and we have several children with special needs. We cry with them when they are having lows and we celebrate their successes! Some people come in and wonder why they “get special treatment” or why we have children that behave so inappropriately. It’s not because they are mean people, it’s because they don’t understand. I’m so excited to see articles like this that educate people on special needs. WTG and excellent article! Thank you!</p><br /><p>It’s very true that people often assume a special needs child is getting “special treatment” just because there isn’t something physically obvious. I agree that many of these folks aren’t mean people — but ignorance can be just as awful.</p><br /><p>This post is truly inspiring.It is true that when others come to our home,they see my child for few hours or for a day.But,only it is just few moments of our lives and doesn’t show the hard time we undergo when raising kids…</p><br /><p>We particularly see this with family and friends who just can’t seem to grasp what really goes on in our house. Thanks for commenting!</p><br /><p>Thank you, thank you, thank you.</p><br /><p>You literally said everything I’ve thought and wanted to say.</p><br /><p>I literally want to send this article to our family and friends.</p><br /><p>Thanks again!</p><br /><p>Feel free to share! I think many of our family and friends mean well but just don’t get it. It’s up to us to educate them.</p><br /><p>Wow, an amazing read, and one that really hits home. Our 6 yr old has come a huge way in the last 2 yrs, thanks to an awful lot of hard work on our part and that of his special school. To people who only see snippets of him, they dont see any of his ‘special needs’ or how he struggles with his learning, anxiety, sensory, speech, understanding, toileting, social communication, play, i could go on and on. Fantastic, thankyou.</p><br /><p>Wow — so true and so great. I have a son with autism and my mom would say “he looks fine to me.” If she ever took the time to look deeper, she would have seen his “stimming” whenever he was excited or stressed. She would have seen how he ran away whenever he heard loud noises. She would have seen his lack of eye contact and limited interests. When this same son was older, he developed a curvature in his spine and had to wear a brace. Because he often look stooped, it really bothered my mom. She noticed! People are just so superficial and appearances are everything. What you want — and certainly what I wanted — was some acknowledgement of all I was doing and sacrificing to help my son. I give that to you now because you earned it!</p><br /><p>And I send all of that back to you as well, Nancy. It’s disheartening when people disqualify all you’re doing just because they can’t “see” the disability or how hard it is… beyond just raising a kiddo. <3</p><br /><p>I have an absolutely awesome kid who has worked hard to learn how to manage many of his special needs. Throughout his life, people have offhandedly commented something like “He seems perfectly normal,” which honestly diminishes how much he has struggled (as well as the rest of the family) and how hard he has worked to get where he is.</p><br /><p>Today I’m welcoming Kathryn from Singing Through the Rain to talk about the myths about what a kid with special needs actually looks like for my series Voices of Special Needs.</p><br /><p>Why My Child Doesn’t Look Like He Has Special Needs</p><br /><p>1. Kids With Special Needs Don’t Necessarily Look Different</p><br /><p>Just because a child may have special needs doesn’t mean he or she will look any different than you or I. A lot of children with special needs look just like any other average, typical child. This is called an invisible disability. There are many many adults and children who have invisible disabilities, our job is to be more aware of this and to be compassionate and inclusive.</p><br /><p>2. What You Don’t Know or See</p><br /><p>My children may not look like they have special needs, but there are plenty of things that many people don’t know or see. People don’t see the behavior problems, the sensory problems, the constipation problems, the hours it takes at each meal to get my son to eat, the times where he has a meltdown because we can’t understand what he’s saying, and so much more. There are plenty of things that people can’t see, but they are all a part of his special needs.</p><br /><p>For my daughter, there are also many things that people can’t see just by looking at her. She has a feeding tube that might not always be visible and no one sees the hours of time spent at multiple specialist’s offices. I get told a lot that she looks great and that they don’t understand why she needs a feeding tube. What isn’t understood is that the reason she looks great is because of the feeding tube. That feeding tube probably saved her life and continues to do so every day.</p><br /><p>3. What Happens at Home</p><br /><p>People think my children “look” or seem normal because they see my child for a short time. In that short time they may be doing great. We’ve had family members come spend a day with us in the past and they tell us nothing seems wrong with our kids. The point is that they are only seeing on single day in their lives, not seeing the whole overall picture.</p><br /><p>My son has good days and bad days. Some days he does great, other days are very hard for him. Home is a safe place for him so the majority of the behavior and other problems he has happen at home. So just because you may see my child out and about for 10 or 20 minutes of that day and they look fine, doesn’t mean that they don’t have special needs.</p><br /><p>4. Therapy</p><br /><p>I saved this point for last because this is the most important to me and my family. We’ve been told that my son is a perfect example of a child who got early intervention. My son has been in therapy since he was 12 months old, my daughter started therapy at that the early age of three months old. They both have worked extremely hard to get to where they are today and to what you see as “normal.”</p><br /><p>You don’t see my kids “looking” like they have special needs because of the early interventions, because of our advocacy for them, and because of the hours and hours of hard work they did in therapy. I look back and remember where my son was three years ago, and I am amazed at how far he has come. I look at my daughter and watch her improvement in walking, eating ,and sensory awareness each and every week in therapy and I am amazed.</p><br /><p>When you see my kids, please know that they “look” normal because instead of playing with friends they were in therapy. Because we advocated for them and spent hours dealing with doctors and insurance companies so they could be where they are today. Instead of going on playdates or hanging out with other moms I was working with our kids at home and taking them to therapy. Special needs parents sacrifice so much and my kids are an example of that.</p><br /><p>My kids may “look” normal, but when I look back to see where they were, I am so grateful. I am so proud of my kids and so proud of how far they have come.</p><br /><p>The next time you see a special needs child that doesn’t “look” like they have special needs, I hope you remember that the reason for that is because of how far they have come and because of all the hard work it has taken to get that point.</p><br /><p>This post originally appeared on Singing Through the Rain. You can read more from Kathryn there.</p><br /><p>For more great reading about special needs parenting, consider the following affiliate links:</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://www.thejennyevolution.com/look-like-special-needs/ site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-43794324443699796522016-11-06T03:26:00.376-08:002016-11-06T03:28:39.034-08:00White Chocolate Raspberry Tiramisu<p><title>White Chocolate Raspberry Tiramisu</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://noshingwiththenolands.com/?p=2173"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/66/9a/31/669a31706afa76fc1659e7d592742b92.jpg" alt="White Chocolate Raspberry Tiramisu"></a></center></p><br /><p>This looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it.</p><br /><p>I hope you do try it Shelley it is a great recipe!!</p><br /><p>Omg… Wow!</p><br /><p>My sentiments exactly!!</p><br /><p>This looks delicious. All wonderful ingredients, raspberries, mascarpone, white chocolate, what’s not to like!</p><br /><p>This is such a great idea!! I’m not a huge fan of tiramisu, but with this spin on it I think I could learn to love it!</p><br /><p>This looks so good! It’s beautiful!</p><br /><p>This cake has all of my fave ingredients in it and it looks so delicious. I would have a problem with snacking on this cake until it was all gone.</p><br /><p>Beautiful dessert and I love the new take on Tiramisu.</p><br /><p>Looks great, but I still have a similiar looking tiramisu in my fridge.</p><br /><p>Thanks all for the lovely comments. I hope you will try it.</p><br /><p>This dessert if from a friend of mine Carla and it is amazing. She came up with this dessert and kudos to her for an awesome recipe!!! So light but so full of flavour. It is a great make ahead dessert too!! I always make it the night before and it turns out perfect.</p><br /><p>1 600 gm. pkg. of frozen raspberries, thawed and drained</p><br /><p>6 Tbsp. white sugar</p><br /><p>1 cup sugar</p><br /><p>1/3 cup hot water</p><br /><p>1/2 cup Triple Sec or Orange Liqueur</p><br /><p>1/2 cup cold water</p><br /><p>6 eggs yolks</p><br /><p>1 cup white sugar</p><br /><p>2- 275 gm. containers of mascarpone cheese</p><br /><p>2 cups whipping cream</p><br /><p>1 tsp. vanilla</p><br /><p>2- 150 gm. pkgs ladyfinger biscuits</p><br /><p>2- 1 oz. square white chocolate, finely grated</p><br /><p>Place raspberries in a bowl and add the 6 Tbsp. sugar and let macerate while you prepare the mascarpone filling. Next prepare the syrup by combining the sugar and hot water and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the orange liqueur and the cold water.</p><br /><p>Combine the egg yolks and sugar in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Cook for about 10 min. stirring constantly. Some crystals may form on the bowl and be careful not to stir them in as you will get a gritty custard. Remove from heat and transfer carefully to another bowl trying not to add many crystals if they have formed. Whip yolks until thick and lemon coloured. Add the mascarpone to the whipped yolks. Beat until combined. In a separate bowl whip cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the yolk mixture and set aside.</p><br /><p>Dip each ladyfinger in the syrup and then line a 9X13\u2033 pan with them. You may have to trim some to fit. Spoon half of the raspberries and their juice on top of the fingers. Spoon half of the cream filling over the lady fingers. Top with half of the grated chocolate. Repeat layers, with ladyfingers, raspberries and cream filling. Sprinkle with the remaining chocolate. Refrigerate overnight or for several hours.</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://noshingwiththenolands.com/?p=2173 site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-17445457969515217052016-11-06T03:26:00.375-08:002016-11-06T03:28:39.023-08:00White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles.<p><title>White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles.</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2014/09/01/white-chocolate-pumpkin-snickerdoodles/"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d7/a5/20/d7a5202bda9aa4477a2371941555a484.jpg" alt="White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles."></a></center></p><br /><p>I thought I LOST this recipe! I made it with dark, vegan chocolate mini chips & swapped butter for Earth Balance & used gluten free all purpose flour. I LOVED the outcome & I am super excited to have come across it again! I also made your recipe as is, no adjustments for everyone else. BOTH cookies were gone at the end of the party! Thanks so much for sharing! I wrote it down to have for future reference & of course, have your site at the top by the name so I know where to go for the good goodies!</p><br /><p>Amber, thanks for sharing! I am so glad to hear that the substitutions worked so that everyone could enjoy!</p><br /><p>I made these for the first time last winter and I pinned the recipe because they were so delicious. At the grocery store today, I randomly decided I wanted to make them again so I grabbed some white chocolate chips. I doubled the recipe and they are in the fridge to bake in the morning. My husband is a senior correctional officer at our local jail and I send a bunch to work with him. His coworkers love all of the treats I send but especially these!! Can’t wait to have one in the morning!</p><br /><p>So glad you remembered the recipe and are making it again! I hope your husband’s coworker and YOU enjoy</p><br /><p>what if i can’t find the pumpkin puree can i use regular can pumpkin</p><br /><p>Would you have any adjustment/recommendations for this recipe at high altitude? ~9000 ft.</p><br /><p>Thank you.</p><br /><p>Hi Alison! I have never personally baked at high altitude, so I’m not the best for advice on the subject. However, I’ve sent this chart to readers who have reported back saying it is VERY helpful: http://www.kingarthurflour.com/learn/high-altitude-baking.html</p><br /><p>Thank you for the quick reply! I did the following adjustments and this recipe came out fantastic!</p><br /><p>-Soften the butter, do not completely liquefy</p><br /><p>-Subtract 3 tbsp of sugar from the mix</p><br /><p>-Add 3 tbsp of water</p><br /><p>-Halve the amount of baking powder</p><br /><p>-Halve the amount of baking soda</p><br /><p>-Baked at 380’F for ~9 minutes on a greased cookie sheet pan.</p><br /><p>I followed everything else exactly.</p><br /><p>Thank you for this great recipe! These were a huge hit and I’m making more tomorrow!</p><br /><p>I just made a double batch of these and OMG they are incredible. My house smells like pumpkin pie. I think the tricks to having them turn out right are to weigh the flour and to chill the dough at least an hour. Once I shaped the cookies, I put the baking sheet back in the fridge while I was waiting for the oven to heat. They look just like the picture. Definitely a keeper!</p><br /><p>So glad you liked them!! I seriously wish I could have them baking all day long for the smell</p><br /><p>These soft & chewy snickerdoodle cookies are full of pumpkin, white chocolate, and cinnamon sugar. You’re going to want a batch lying around for those chilly fall days. Warning: they disappear quickly!</p><br /><p>Ladies and gents, I present you my fall version of the snickerdoodle cookie. And holy mackerel (I really do say that) these pumpkin snickerdoodles deserve a standing ovation. Two, actually. They’re the much anticipated sequel to the legendary CHEWY pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. AKA my most remade recipe of the fall 2013 baking season.</p><br /><p>AKA the chewy pumpkin cookie of which all cakey pumpkin cookies are jealous.</p><br /><p>If you’re a regular reader you may recall this from last fall season… but I’m completely crazy when it comes to pumpkin cookies. Well. I’m crazy in a lot of aspects but I am certifiably nuts when it comes to pumpkin in my cookies.</p><br /><p>You see, pumpkin has a way of making everything it touches cakey and dense. I do not prefer my cookies being either, so it took me several months to find a way to put pumpkin in my cookies without them tasting like a piece of pumpkin cake. For the record, I love pumpkin cake but when I want a cookie, I want a cookie. Not cake.</p><br /><p>Am I even making sense anymore?</p><br /><p>Anyway. I finally cracked the “chewy pumpkin cookie” code and made about 1,000 batches of my chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies last year. So this year, I swapped chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, coated them in cinnamon-sugar, and dubbed these crinkly little pumpkin cookies the best darn snickerdoodles in the world.</p><br /><p>A few helpful notes:</p><br /><p>(1) You will notice that there is no egg* used in this cookie recipe. Read here about why I leave out the eggs in my pumpkin cookies.</p><br /><p>(2) Both baking powder and baking soda are used. Make sure yours are fresh and have not expired. I replace both every 3 months because I find they lose their strength not much longer after that.</p><br /><p>(3) I use white chocolate flavored morsels for these snickerdoodle cookies. If you prefer to use pure white chocolate chunks instead of the chips, go ahead.</p><br /><p>(4) Careful not to overmeasure your flour. This is so important! I always suggest readers to invest in a food scale to accurately measure flour. Especially for cookies. Even 1 extra Tablespoon can make a huge difference. Here is the food scale I own – it is the handiest tool in my kitchen at this point.</p><br /><p>(5) Chilling the cookie dough is mandatory. Good news: only 30 minutes.</p><br /><p>*No egg = allllllllll the cookie dough taste testing you want.</p><br /><p>These cookies are everything you love about snickerdoodle cookies, cozy fall afternoons, and pumpkin pie all wrapped into one. And the addition of sweet and creamy white chocolate put them completely over the top. I find their pumpkin flavor is more pronounced on day 2. Similar to how banana bread’s flavor is more developed on the 2nd day. These cookies just get better with time – if they last that long!</p><br /><p>I made two batches, one for the cookie jar and another for my friend Jess. I brought them on our lunch date (don’t YOU carry a large bag of cookies in your purse??) and she was definitely surprised to see I made her pumpkin cookies in the middle of August.</p><br /><p>Just another example of my weird food blogging life.</p><br /><p>Make a double batch. Because, well, you know. Enjoy!</p><br /><p>Follow me on Instagram and tag #sallysbakingaddiction so I can see all the SBA recipes you make. ♥</p><br /><p>SHOP THE RECIPE</p><br /><p>Here are some items I used to make today’s recipe.</p><br /><p>See more pumpkin recipes.</p><br /><p>Some of the links above are affiliate links, which pays me a small commission for my referral at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting Sally’s Baking Addiction</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2014/09/01/white-chocolate-pumpkin-snickerdoodles/ site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-17245547066475934302016-11-06T03:26:00.374-08:002016-11-06T03:28:39.013-08:00White Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge<p><title>White Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://www.adashofsanity.com/2015/12/white-chocolate-peanut-butter-fudge/"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/86/5d/4e/865d4e59af9056e414a2b6543560bf41.jpg" alt="White Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge"></a></center></p><br /><p>White Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: You are only 4 ingredients away from peanut butter fudge-perfection.</p><br /><p>I’ll let you in on my guilty holiday secret; I am on a fudge kick. I love it. My kids love it. And even my “anti-sugar” husband steals pieces when I’m not looking. They all come home asking what kind of fudge I’ve made that day. Yesterday, I made everybody’s favorite, a totally drool worthy dessert.</p><br /><p>This White Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge was inspired by my friend Jules. She makes the most amazing Christmas dessert plate on the planet. Trained professionally as a pastry chef, her desserts are to die for. Actually, everything she makes is exquisite and always turns out to be the most amazing thing you’ve ever had. I’m not sure how many times I’ve said that when it comes to Julie’s cooking.</p><br /><p>Every year, I especially look forward to her peanut butter fudge. It melts in my mouth, and I literally cut it up into tiny pieces, so I can savor every second and make it last longer. I’m drooling just thinking about it. I love this fudge.</p><br /><p>And so I set off to find a recipe that would come close to tasting just as amazing. And while I don’t know that I could ever match hers, this is a fantastic second best. My family said it was just as good, but I beg to differ. Maybe it’s because I know Julie made it, which automatically puts it on another level.</p><br /><p>I love peanut butter, my whole family does and recently J.M. SMUCKER’S sent me a box of goodies. Honestly, when they told me they were sending me this gift, I was expecting fudge, but I got some of the best peanut butter ever. Creamy is and has always been my favorite, and I knew it was the perfect peanut butter to use in this fudge. And it was.</p><br /><p>This season, bring on the white chocolate and peanut butter – I mean, come on… with those two you can’t go wrong! SMUCKER’S Natural Peanut Butter’s have 5 varities to choose from and you will want to check them all out. You could easily substitute the creamy for the crunchy in this recipe, for a bit of texture and crunch. Be sure to check them out and “stir up something special” like this White Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge.</p><br /><p>So this season bring on the white chocolate and peanut butter – I mean come on you can’t go wrong, right?!</p><br /><p>Cheers friends.</p><br /><p>XOXO San</p><br /><p>And be sure to check out two other posts that I did for J.M. SMUCKER’S using my favorite sundae toppings.</p><br /><p>Banana Split Ice Cream Cake and my favorite drink ever…Sundae Italian Cream Sodas!</p><br /><p>1/2 cup peanut butter, I used SMUCKER’S Natural Peanut Butter Creamy</p><br /><p>1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract</p><br /><p>Directions</p><br /><p>Spray an 8 or 9-inch square pan with cooking oil, then line with parchment paper, extending paper over edges of pan.</p><br /><p>In a medium sauce pan heat sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter over medium heat until just bubbly, about 7-9 minutes, making sure to stir constantly. The milk and peanut butter will start to thin and bit and bubble that is how you know it is done.</p><br /><p>Turn of the heat and stir in white chocolate chips and vanilla until smooth. Spread into prepared pan, cover with foil and cool.</p><br /><p>Chill for 2 hours, then remove from pan by lifting the parchment paper. Cut into 20 squares and serve!</p><br /><p>Notes</p><br /><p>Don’t forget to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board to make for later.</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://www.adashofsanity.com/2015/12/white-chocolate-peanut-butter-fudge/ site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-59447658821616863412016-11-06T03:26:00.373-08:002016-11-06T03:28:39.002-08:00White Chocolate Oreos Dipped with Candy Cane<p><title>White Chocolate Oreos Dipped with Candy Cane</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://beautyandbedlam.com/white-chocolate-dipped-oreos/"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/08/19/58/08195812c0b9691015b5a4206513d793.jpg" alt="White Chocolate Oreos Dipped with Candy Cane"></a></center></p><br /><p>Welcome! Come join us as we find beauty amidst the bedlam of everyday life. Inspiration and encouragement for meal time, finances, home life, DIY and more. If you're new, you may like to subscribe for free updates. Subscribe via email https://madmimi.com/signups/167028/join to have new posts delivered directly to your inbox by email. Thanks for visiting. I'm glad we're on this journey together!</p><br /><p>White Chocolate Oreos Dipped with Candy Cane</p><br /><p>Oh yes, this will make your day. More Simple Holiday Recipes that can whip up in minutes.</p><br /><p>We want to enjoy this holiday season, not add more stress.</p><br /><p>I’m sharing one of those decadent dessert short cuts that will make you a hero in not only in your own home, but with crowds of family and friends throughout the land.</p><br /><p>Well, crowds is a relative term, but hero in my home definitely works.</p><br /><p>These kind of elegant looking cookies are sold in specialty shops, but with it comes a hefty price tag, so why not replicate the same White Chocolate Dipped Oreos at a fraction of the cost?</p><br /><p>Not only that, but they make such a unique hand made gift.</p><br /><p>There are so many variations that you can create from this same idea for different holidays – imagine candy corn during the fall, Red Hots or crushed Hearts for Valentines.</p><br /><p>Obviously, there are so many flavors of Oreos to choose from as well, but I went with the good ‘ole fashion ones I love.</p><br /><p>You can buy pre-crushed candy cane, but please don’t spend the extra money when you can get a little holiday stress frustration out by placing whole candy canes in a ziplock bag and going to town crushing them with a rolling pin.</p><br /><p>It’s therapeutic, I tell you.</p><br /><p>Enjoy the moment.</p><br /><p>These are one of the Christmas short cuts that you definitely need to add to your list of new traditions.</p><br /><p>Put Oreos on Sucker Stick and Dip in White Chocolate</p><br /><p>I love the idea of using the exact same directions as below, but placing the Oreos on suckers sticks first.</p><br /><p>Chocolate Covered Oreos for Christmas</p><br /><p>Or of course, chocolate covered Oreos with simple frosting decorations.</p><br /><p>Recipe: White Chocolate Dipped Oreos</p><br /><p>Summary: This decadent dessert is the ultimate in short cut recipes. Every one loves White Chocolate Oreos.</p><br /><p>Place white chocolate in microwaveable bowl.</p><br /><p>Heat at 20 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. This may be done over the stove, as well.</p><br /><p>Dip the Oreo into the melted chocolate until coated. You may dip the cookie so that it’s coated on both sides or just dip in one side for variation.</p><br /><p>Place dipped Oreos on parchment paper.</p><br /><p>Before the white chocolate dries, sprinkle crushed cane onto the white chocolate area or dip one side for creative look.</p><br /><p>Set aside until hardened.</p><br /><p>Sample and enjoy!</p><br /><p>Preparation time: 10 minute(s)</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://beautyandbedlam.com/white-chocolate-dipped-oreos/ site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-55977273262058121712016-11-06T03:26:00.372-08:002016-11-06T03:28:38.991-08:00White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies<p><title>White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://omgchocolatedesserts.com/white-chocolate-cranberry-cookies/"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/4b/b4/5e/4bb45ea5a638a952de6fb2ff3514a132.jpg" alt="White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies"></a></center></p><br /><p>White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are melt-in- your-mouth, soft and chewy buttery cookies overloaded with white chocolate and cranberries.</p><br /><p>White chocolate and cranberries are one of the best flavor combinations ever! Now imagine a bunch of sweet and tangy dried red cranberries and white chocolate chunks held together with rich and buttery cookie dough. WOW!</p><br /><p>I bet you won’t be able to wait holiday baking season to try this White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies recipe! And why should you?! You could bake these yummy cookies right now!</p><br /><p>They are dressed up for holidays. Cranberry cookies will look great at your Thanksgiving dinner, they are perfect for holiday cookie exchange or as a homemade gift. Even Santa loves these. If you leave White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies for him on Christmas Eve, don’t forget a tall glass of milk, because these cookies are very, very rich!!!</p><br /><p>Best thing about food blogging is that you have the perfect excuse to eat delicious desserts any time of year, claiming that you simply have to present to your readers the variety of recipes for the holidays that are perhaps weeks or months away.</p><br /><p>Also I have a very, very long wish list for Santa this year, so I’ll have to leave him a tray overloaded with awesome cookies and a gallon of milk. He will be very exhausted while fulfill all my wishes, and who knows maybe he remain stuck in the chimney with all that gifts for me. I’ll have to show him my goodwill so I set myself a challenge to find THE BEST CHRISTMAS COOKIES FOR SANTA this year!!!</p><br /><p>I wanted to start the season with these awesome White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies. Red color of the cranberries makes the cookies look really festive. And not to mention the taste! These yummy cookies simply bursting of cranberries and white chocolate.</p><br /><p>I know I sound like a broken record, but I just prefer to bite real white chocolate in cookies more than white chocolate chips so I loaded these cookies with chocolate chunks, as I did it with my Strawberry Cookies or Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies. Although I have to admit, chips looks better than chopped chocolate chunks so I top each cookie with a few white chocolate chips, just for prettier presentation.</p><br /><p>Whether you use chips or chunks, white chocolate matches perfectly with dried cranberries and you’ll love these White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies.</p><br /><p>Get ready for baking, many delicious CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPES are coming soon!!!</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://omgchocolatedesserts.com/white-chocolate-cranberry-cookies/ site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-7529967731297392402016-11-06T03:26:00.371-08:002016-11-06T03:28:38.981-08:00White Ceramic Compost Bucket<p><title>White Ceramic Compost Bucket</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://www.worldmarket.com/product/ceramic-compost-bucket-white.do"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fe/f6/ed/fef6ed8985ce6a1de96556dc96d3fe55.jpg" alt="White Ceramic Compost Bucket"></a></center></p><br /><p>I just received this item and am somewhat disappointed. Although the product description says that the compost bucket has a one gallon capacity, the label on the item and the item itself is only 3/4 gallon. That's a mere 3 quarts and not as big as I would have liked.</p><br /><p>Otherwise, it's a lovely little thing; it's just not what I expected.</p><br /><p>Comments about White Ceramic Compost Bucket:</p><br /><p>I already have this, bought at over three times the price. Bought this one for my daughter!</p><br /><p>Comments about White Ceramic Compost Bucket:</p><br /><p>I love this indoor compost bucket- it looks great on the countertop and holds a lot of items before it has to be taken out. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a composter! :)</p><br /><p>This ceramic compost bin is awesome! Not only does it look way classy on the counter, holdin' your veggie scraps, but it is an amazing price.</p><br /><p>I've been wanting one of these for years, but have held off due to competitors having a price tag that was double what world market advertises- glad I did!</p><br /><p>I admit it - I'm one of those people who will buy something because it is attractive. This looks really good in my kitchen, which is old-fashioned. I had a metal compost bucket for the counter and it was just fine, but this one is really attractive, plus, it includes a filter! I like its heavy weight, and the handle makes it convenient to take outside to the compost pile.</p><br /><p>$16.99"},"specs":{"purchased_from":"Online</p><br /><p>Our White Ceramic Compost Bucket is pretty and compact enough to sit right on the kitchen counter, accessible at all times. Small holes in the lid keep it perfectly ventilated. Use it with our charcoal filters and compost bags to keep odors and scraps properly contained. Compare it to ceramic compost buckets found elsewhere to appreciate our great price!</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://www.worldmarket.com/product/ceramic-compost-bucket-white.do site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-19383096731321362032016-11-06T03:26:00.370-08:002016-11-06T03:28:38.970-08:00When you pull it off, it should be all flat with a consistent texture.<p><title>When you pull it off, it should be all flat with a consistent texture.</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://onelittleproject.com/easy-snowman-cupcakes/"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/bd/d1/96/bdd19601a24b0a6dff3ca5ee8ce21021.jpg" alt="When you pull it off, it should be all flat with a consistent texture."></a></center></p><br /><p>Another adorable idea. Cute!</p><br /><p>These are adorable! Thanks for linking up with What's Cookin' Wednesday!</p><br /><p>Congratulations!</p><br /><p>Your recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday. Hope you have a great week and enjoy your new Red Plate.</p><br /><p>Come Back Soon!</p><br /><p>Miz Helen</p><br /><p>Thank you SO much! Our lifeskills class made snow total predictions before this blizzard and I promised cupcakes for the winner(and other students) so I am definitely making these!!</p><br /><p>Cute! Thank you for sharing with us at Brag About It! Pinned and tweeted to share!</p><br /><p>Your Snowman Cupcakes look awesome! Hope you are having a great day and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.</p><br /><p>Come Back Soon!</p><br /><p>Miz Helen</p><br /><p>What an adorable idea!</p><br /><p>one of my new year's resolutions is to comment more and so i am starting with you! absolutely love these-they are so adorable! :>D</p><br /><p>I'm not going to lie... your comment made my night!!! I normally don't get comments unless I sign up for link parties. Great resolution!! :)</p><br /><p>Do you know what my five year old asked Santa for this year? A stuffed flamingo. A STUFFED FLAMINGO!? I’m not sure why she decided that’s what she wanted, but let’s just say that was NOT easy for Santa to find! It was worth the effort though, because she has carried the fluffy, pink thing around with her everywhere since she pulled it out of her stocking. It makes me smile when I see her cuddling it at night, and it’s curved, little pink head is just poking out from underneath the covers.</p><br /><p>It was an amazing Christmas for our little family of five this year! On Christmas morning, I was carrying my three year old down the stairs, and I could feel her heart pounding in her chest, just bursting with excitement to see if Santa came to our house! (He did and he even ate his leftover Christmas Tree Cookies too!) My three year old is one of those kids who shrieks, “HAIR CLIPS!??! That’s exactly what I’ve always wanted!!!!!!!” for every single gift she opened. It was so much fun!</p><br /><p>Did you have a white Christmas this year? We live in London, Ontario and being in Canada and all, we normally have snow in December. But this year it was mild and green as can be! But the moment January hit, BAM, along came the snow and freezing temperatures.</p><br /><p>Not that I’m going to complain too much, I love the snow, and my 3 year old and 5 year old have been having a blast building snowmen in the backyard! They keep coming to the back door asking for carrot noses, so I send them out with a mini carrot each and they eventually lose it somewhere in the snow. I’m sure the rabbits are going to have a hay day back here!</p><br /><p>Easy Snowman Cupcakes</p><br /><p>These easy snowman cupcakes are perfect for winter time! You know me – I’m not much of a baker – so I just used a box of cake mix and pre-made icing for them. But you can make them out of any flavour of cupcake and icing that you want, as long as the frosting is a light colour.</p><br /><p>Play Video</p><br /><p>Play</p><br /><p>Loaded: 0%</p><br /><p>Progress: 0%</p><br /><p>Remaining Time -0:00</p><br /><p>This is a modal window.</p><br /><p>Foreground --- White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan --- Opaque Semi-Opaque</p><br /><p>Background --- White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan --- Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent</p><br /><p>Window --- White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan --- Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent</p><br /><p>Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400%</p><br /><p>Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow</p><br /><p>Font Family Default Monospace Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Sans-Serif Casual Script Small Caps</p><br /><p>Defaults Done</p><br /><p>Here’s what you’ll need:</p><br /><p>Chocolate Cupcakes</p><br /><p>Vanilla Frosting</p><br /><p>White Crystallized Decorating Sugar</p><br /><p>Butterscotch Chips</p><br /><p>Mini Chocolate Chips</p><br /><p>Spread a generous amount of frosting on top of the cupcake. I used creamy homestyle vanilla frosting, but I don’t think it matters if you use something different. If you use chocolate cupcakes like I did, make sure you cover the cupcake with enough icing so that you can’t see any of the darkness of the cupcake through the frosting. Don’t worry about smoothing out the icing – the sugar will cover it.</p><br /><p>Fill a small bowl with white, crystallized, decorating sugar (I got mine from the bulk store). It’s not regular sugar, and definitely not icing sugar, but the coarse kind of sugar that’s normally used for decorating cookies. They had it in every colour of the rainbow at our store.</p><br /><p>Holding the bottom of the cupcake, gently press it down into the coarse sugar and rock it back and forth in all directions until the icing is completely covered. You’ll want to press just hard enough that 1) the sugar sticks to the icing and 2) it sort of smooths out any of the lines you had from icing it.</p><br /><p>When you pull it off, it should be all flat with a consistent texture.</p><br /><p>Looking down at this from the top, I guess I should have used even more icing underneath the sugar, since you can still slightly see some dark spots around the edges. But you get the idea!</p><br /><p>Take a regular sized butterscotch chip and gently press it into the center of the cupcake. I got the butterscotch chips from the bulk store too. I love that I only had to buy about 30 chips so I don’t have to worry about having a barely used bag of leftovers sitting around in my cupboard for the next year.</p><br /><p>Then use mini chocolate chips for the eyes and mouth. Pretty cute, don’t you think? The sugar makes them look like little snowballs! And best of all, they don’t take any special skills or tools to decorate.</p><br /><p>If you can’t find butterscotch chips, don’t worry – You can use an orange M&M, a jelly bean or a Mike & Ike instead.</p><br /><p>These easy snowman cupcakes would be perfect for a winter birthday party, a Christmas party, or just a fun baking activity to do with the kids on a Sunday afternoon. My kids LOVE when I let them “help” me decorate cookies and cupcakes! And at least with these snowmen, we won’t be losing a bunch of mini carrot noses in the snowy backyard!</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://onelittleproject.com/easy-snowman-cupcakes/ site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-20376985913860694662016-11-06T03:26:00.369-08:002016-11-06T03:28:38.952-08:00Welcome to an all natural junk filled 2011 Christmas home tour!<p><title>Welcome to an all natural junk filled 2011 Christmas home tour!</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2011/12/all-natural-junk-filled-2011-christmas.html"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/4b/a1/f6/4ba1f6f85997194fbf3ce993c1eea619.jpg" alt="Welcome to an all natural junk filled 2011 Christmas home tour!"></a></center></p><br /><p>Everything looks so good!!! I love the burlap sac & the tree! You sure do have a way of making everything look so good!</p><br /><p>Donna, you are amazing…and so much fun!! I love how you embrace your “junk” and how everything in your decor is clearly “funky junk Donna” style. LOVE it all. But the ladder tree is my favorite thing. SO creative.</p><br /><p>Oh, and that blingy rusty ornament is perfection.</p><br /><p>Hi Donna,</p><br /><p>First of all that tree is genius! I love the ladder and every chippy thing you hung on it. I also love the twig garland, I’m wondering if you made it? Your house looks beautiful!</p><br /><p>Susan</p><br /><p>Wow–fabulous Christmas inspiration! Looking forward to the tutorials.</p><br /><p>Insanely creative! I love every bit of your home. Thanks for sharing.</p><br /><p>Oh my. Donna, you have outdone yourself. I did not want this tour to end.</p><br /><p>Only you could make a tree branch fill the entire room with Christmas. Simply Beautiful.</p><br /><p>Donna, you rock! The ladderchristmastree is genius, I might copy this :)… lots of inspiration here…</p><br /><p>Donna, I love EVERYTHING you do! That ladder tree – awesome! The pop bottles on the banister… INCREDIBLE!!! and I so gotta do the charlie brown tree that yo make look super easy! You always inspire me BIG TIME! Thanks, your gifts & talents are beautiful! Blessings…</p><br /><p>Hi Donna,</p><br /><p>You do realize, don’t you, that you have the ability and creativity to take anything and make it beautiful! Love everything.</p><br /><p>hugs</p><br /><p>Sissie</p><br /><p>I love your Christmas decor, Donna! Your home looks so cozy! My favorite…the step ladder tree! Love it…so unique! Thanks for taking us on the tour! Have a great week!…hugs…Debbie</p><br /><p>Your looks are all so unique and creative. Wow! I especially love the ladder tree. I will be pinning a lot of your ideas.</p><br /><p>It is all just amazing. Love the ladder tree and can’t wait for the twig garland tutorial.</p><br /><p>Boy, I sure would like to make the twig garland for my stairway, but it would never show up against the dark wood stairs and railing and stone wall, even though I have twigs o’plenty back here in my woods. LOL!!!</p><br /><p>Oh! And I am ALL over that tree in the ladder!!! I just love that it’s perfect to put the birdhouse on the top! Mmmm…mmmm….mmmmm!</p><br /><p>LOVE LOVE LOVE IT ALL!!!</p><br /><p>OMG you have Outdone yourself if that is at all possible!! LOVE the ladder tree, the plumb line and other galvanized goodies, the soda bottles…the… OH MY!!! I am in love! I have to go back and look AGAIN. {and again!}</p><br /><p>Donna, you home looks amazing…there are so many wonderful ideas. Love the bottles and the rusty ornament with bling and so much more!</p><br /><p>Debbie</p><br /><p>Wow! You have such a talent for using objects in unexpected ways. And that twig garland – I can’t imagine how much work that was! Fabulous – all of it.</p><br /><p>When we put our tree up I needed some garland, mine from the last year is missing, so i decided to rip up some old white sheets and tie them together and use as garland… our tree looked like someone toilet papered it… but I love how you’re came out. I’m glad it could work for someone! maybe I had too many layers of it on mine. Your house looks so fun decorated!</p><br /><p>Meg</p><br /><p>Awesome! Loved all the ideas. And, to think you were doing some of this in July. Thanks for sharing.</p><br /><p>AWESOME DONNA!!! Your step ladder tree literally had me bouncing in my seat. I love all the natural junky goodness. Your home is so warm and cozy. I had a big smile through the entire post. LUV IT!!!</p><br /><p>I adore that master and I am still trying to recover from your stairwell redo.Gorgeous!!</p><br /><p>wow donna. so amazing. i love the stepladder tree. clever. i am kind of speechless. am going to go back and look at them all again.</p><br /><p>I do adore your home. The stepladder tree is my very favorite, mostly because of the birdhouse on the top! Love your creativity.</p><br /><p>Love your holiday home! The Charlie Brown tree in it’s burlap sack is perfect! Love all your junky vignettes, too! Thanks for sharing.</p><br /><p>So many wonderful ideas! I love them all. Thanks for the inspiration! I’m pinning it all!!!!</p><br /><p>Donna, your home looks amazing! I love the ladder Christmas tree and can imagine you had some ‘moments’ trying to stuff the tree in it! You are a true original when it comes to decorating and I think this should be in a magazine! Well done!</p><br /><p>Exquisite! Love every funky junky delight!</p><br /><p>Your are awesome! I love every single bit of it! Your stairwell left me gasping for air! : )</p><br /><p>Donna, you’ve outdone yourself on this one! Your creativity is amazing — I’m going to share this link on my Facebook page</p><br /><p>Seriously! YOU ARE AMAZING! Love, love, love…especially the ladder tree. So cool. My Christmas decorating is in a whole different direction than yours, but seriously, you make me want to start all over…love the “junk” but you make it all look like treasures. AWESOME!</p><br /><p>Wow Donna~ you’ve blown me away, everything is fabulous!!! Bravo and Happy Holidays to you.</p><br /><p>xo~</p><br /><p>Tricia</p><br /><p>I love your home and the junky decorations. You make junk look beautiful. Love it.</p><br /><p>Such wonderful imagination and whimsy in all the natural weather worn items in your holiday decor! I love every inch! So simple and fresh!</p><br /><p>:)Heidi</p><br /><p>Absolutely stunning Donna!!!</p><br /><p>TFS!</p><br /><p>Carmen and the Primcats</p><br /><p>Love your fireplace. Did you make the corbels under the mantel? Love your style!</p><br /><p>Donna-</p><br /><p>Your house is beyond perfect! I love the coziness and warmth that can be felt through each of your pictures! I can only imagine the fun that you had putting the tree in the ladder, but it was so worth it! Amazing, beautiful and wondering when I can come for a visit?! Thanks so much for the inspiration. My husband will be less than thrilled when I start redoing my tree. Thanks again!!!</p><br /><p>I love the rusticness?rusticity?simplicity of your Christmas decorating- beautiful and so homey and welcoming! I think my favorite is your Charlie Brown tree, something about that burlap and apples combo. Thanks for all the eye candy!</p><br /><p>Oh my goodness it’s gorgeous! love it all but the tree is my fave again this year. Guess I’m a sucker for Christmas trees. Love the kettle and bucket on the mantle. Just brought mine in from outside yesterday and was waiting for them to dry from the rains. I was wondering where to incorporate them in my theme but I never considered stockings, how cool is that? wonder what other junkie things I can find? I would need two more. Love the pop bottles too. So many yummy things to look at, I’ll be revisiting many times for more ideas. Thank you Donna, this was a wonderful junk filled Christmas tour. As usual it rocked my rustic, junk lov’n world!</p><br /><p>Oh Donna…you have totally outdone yourself!! Your house is absolutely amazing and your creativity truly inspiring:). I think I am going to have to pour over the pictures again and again to see all of your little details. Thanks for sharing!</p><br /><p>Merry Christmas!</p><br /><p>~Julia</p><br /><p>LOVE the soda bottles on the bannister! I have a couple of those old 7-up ones.</p><br /><p>Kelly</p><br /><p>I didn’t think it was possible but you have outdone yourself! Wow! I love it, everything about it, I want to move in. Can I move in? It’s ok if you are still there too</p><br /><p>Seriously woman, you are without a doubt the winner of the most original Christmas decorations this year and next year too!</p><br /><p>I love the million and one ideas you posted! SO DARN CREATIVE! I love it all but the ladder in the tree, the sled….all of that wonderful tree…is my fav!!!</p><br /><p>Love the raw & industrial components! You threw yourself into this and the love shows, Donna!</p><br /><p>xo</p><br /><p>Sandy</p><br /><p>PS hosting a giveaway</p><br /><p>Good grief, woman, can you get any more talented??? That stepladder tree is awesome and so are all the rest of the decorations! My daughter and I have decided that you need to pay us a visit and decorate my house. We have plenty of junk to choose from! haha And if we don’t have enough my neighbors do and my uncle is a junk dealer so his house would have a virtual paradise for you to choose from. Seriously, if you ever need a home to makeover for a magazine or anything, I know just the one for ya!</p><br /><p>Wow, just stunned! I so adore the look you have achieved and all the items you used. So creative and clever in a way I am not. Thanks for the great ideas and I love the ladder tree!</p><br /><p>Judy</p><br /><p>ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! I love reading and surfing through your posts..</p><br /><p>Donna! your junky Christmas has all the characteristics of AWESOME! … i LOVE IT!</p><br /><p>I think the ladder tree, and the pop-bottle stair rail…my two fav’s…</p><br /><p>Pat</p><br /><p>So much inspiration. Love everything.</p><br /><p>So cozy…I LOVE it all</p><br /><p>Love your garland – Pinned it!</p><br /><p>I’m looking forward to learning how you did your twiggy garland.</p><br /><p>Love your funky junk!</p><br /><p>I LOVE it all! Oh my goodness, an you come do my house, Lol! You certainly are creative and talented.</p><br /><p>So many amazing ideas, Donna! I love that you stuffed the tree inside of an old ladder…very clever! And the branch in the bedroom window is so simple yet very elegant. Thanks for sharing your lovely home!</p><br /><p>I absolutely love your Christmas decor! However my favorites are the mantle and the step ladder tree. Such great and unusual ideas.</p><br /><p>Donna – it is all so great but I especially love the ladder tree and the bottles hanging in the stairs! Thanks for sharing!</p><br /><p>Laura</p><br /><p>WOW!!!! I MEAN {WOW} I love everything, did i say EVERYTHING. all your detail, right down to the soda bottles hanging from your garland that go with the stairs so perfectly. Everything screams cozy Christmas home. I want to come over cuddle up by the fire in some slipper socks with my hot cocoa. GREAT JOB! xo, jen</p><br /><p>Absolutely gorgeous. Love the soda bottles on the bannister. It must have taken some intense shopping to collect all the goodies.</p><br /><p>Woa… thank-you everyone! I think my inbox is going to break! </p><br /><p>Jeannine, I didn’t spend a dime. This is stuff just collected over time. I have a surplus… I collect everyday things vs. seasonal things.</p><br /><p>Donna</p><br /><p>I Love the stepladder tree with all of it’s fun and quirky adornments…truly unique! What a beautiful and welcoming home you have, and perfect touches of eclectic bits. Wanna come do my house? Although I don’t have all that cool stuff like you do. Happy Holidays!</p><br /><p>Donna, Absolutely SWELL!! I love your tree!! will shop the thrift stores for trees after Christmas and have my own Ladder Christmas Tree next year in the courtyard!! Thanks for a beautiful blog!!</p><br /><p>So perfectly YOU! Love your creativity! Beautiful as usual Donna!</p><br /><p>as usual i am simply in awe of you.</p><br /><p>i have so many of those little pieces of goodness (junk to some)</p><br /><p>and i would have NEVER thought of using them the way you did.</p><br /><p>that ladder tree is simply ingenious.</p><br /><p>AMAZING!!</p><br /><p>Oh Donna, I love it all,the twig garland is divine and the rusty crusty touches are my favorite. i couldn’t live with the snow sprinkled on the floor, I am sure my kids would write in it anyway.</p><br /><p>WHat an amazing use of a step-ladder! Many ideas will come from looking at your unique decorating! Thanks so much for sharing.</p><br /><p>Wow…wow…wow! Adore your decor!</p><br /><p>Becky</p><br /><p>Oh I love it all! Love how you use such unexpected things!</p><br /><p>Wow! Just wow! Donna, you never cease to amaze me how you bring out the beauty in such “junk”. Beautiful!</p><br /><p>I am in love with these photos! Altho I’m enjoying the toddler years, I can’t wait to be able to decorate without worrying about being careful!</p><br /><p>Donna- You are a creative genius! I’ve been lurking around your site for a couple of weeks now and I’m so enamored! LOVED this post.=)</p><br /><p>You knock me out!! I don’t know how you think up some of these things! Well done. I am still waiting for an explanation of the dinner plate gifting thing. How do you do it? Ann</p><br /><p>Oh my goodness! Each picture I kept thinking that it couldn’t get any better and it did! You are truly an insipration!</p><br /><p>Love, love, love the tree!</p><br /><p>OMG! I want to live in your house! That tree (and everything else) is fabulous!!!</p><br /><p>Beautiful. I love it all. I love all the natural elements. I bet your house smells amazing too!</p><br /><p>Very impressive! I love it and it is so you. I can just see it in the Christmas Home Tour Event. Congratulations on a beautiful job.</p><br /><p>Delightful, I’m telling ya, just absolutely Delightful. Something wonderful around every corner, and in every photo. You should be very proud!! Linda S. in NE</p><br /><p>AMAZING….just like I knew it would be. Really, really beautiful!</p><br /><p>All of it so beautiful!! You did a fantastic job. I really like the ladder tree!!</p><br /><p>Hugs</p><br /><p>SueAnn</p><br /><p>Love all that rustic beauty!</p><br /><p>I CAN NOT get past the tree inside the ladder with the sled at the base! Absolutely GENIOUS, WONDERFUL, and SO out of the box! The little Charlie brown Christmas tree still melts my heart too</p><br /><p>Kim</p><br /><p>http://www.todayismysome-day.blogspot.com</p><br /><p>Love the home tour dressed for Christmas! I don’t know that I have ever seen the bathroom, love it! Thank you for sharing with us!</p><br /><p>XO</p><br /><p>Kristin</p><br /><p>i am almost at a loss for words….WOW ! what a marvelous talent you have for making something beautiful…your ingenuity is such an inspiration for me…i am a mother and a grandmother…so i have a few “miles” on me, but i can truly say that over all these years, i have never seen anyone as creative and ingenious as you are…..</p><br /><p>thank you so very much for sharing with us….i love your blog !! xooxo love everything you post…..thanks again!</p><br /><p>You never cease to ah maze me lady. Love it. My fav is the birdhouse star.</p><br /><p>Thanks for the sharing the most amazing holiday display that I’ve ever seen. I am in total awe of your talents, visions, ingenuity, and unique creativity. Wow!!! Peggy</p><br /><p>Oh my goodness! This is amazing!!!! I love everything but my favorites are your ladder tree and the bathroom. You bathroom is gorgeous. Lillie was sitting here with me when I looked at this post and she said, “Oh Mommy, can we go to that house? It’s beautiful!”</p><br /><p>I want one of those creative pills you take….LOL. AWESOME!!! Tell Cody I have</p><br /><p>a larger galvanized bucket he could use</p><br /><p>for his stocking….that way he would get</p><br /><p>more…LOL. Love your tree, I would have</p><br /><p>never thought of that one. Love your box</p><br /><p>shelf in the bathroom with the license</p><br /><p>plate on it. AWESOME TOUR…THANKS SO</p><br /><p>MUCH FOR SHARING.</p><br /><p>I just have two words…SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL..</p><br /><p>Hi Donna-</p><br /><p>It all looks amazing and perfectly funky and junky – just wonderful. I love the rusted ornament with bling – I thought you did it! Love the bottles on the banister. So much fun and creativity.</p><br /><p>My best – Diane</p><br /><p>beautiful home, Donna!!!!!</p><br /><p>I LOVE your fireplace/mantel and your tree!!!</p><br /><p>Loved the tutorials tucked in between your wonderful Christmas decorations with rustic, metal… Thanks so very much for sharing.</p><br /><p>-Joy</p><br /><p>“a little creativity” . . . yeah, right. You may call it Funky Junk – to me it’s a treasure trove for the eyes.</p><br /><p>I especially love the mantle and the step ladder. Your whole house is amazing. I always look forward to seeing what you have posted. Some may call it “junk”, but they are true treasures</p><br /><p>Wonderful beautiful designs! thank you for sharing and I just love the ripped garland, what a DIY and repurpose craft. I will definitely be trying this. Merry Christmas!</p><br /><p>You might call it Funky Junk, but I call it sheer genius!! Merry Christmas to You and YOurs!!</p><br /><p>Kathysue</p><br /><p>OMG, you have the absolute most amazing eye………you also have the most unique and interesting and innovative concepts that I have come across in quite some time, this is jaw dropping awe inspiring stuff, this post is a keeper like FOREVER!!!!! Thank you so very much</p><br /><p>Everything is so beautiful.</p><br /><p>Donna…every little nook and cranny are just wonderful! Your creative mind astounds me! Your little winter wonderland feels cozy and warm!</p><br /><p>Merry Christmas to you and your son!</p><br /><p>Rochelle</p><br /><p>Donna at Funky Junk! OMG! This is ……. oh……I’m speechless. Amazing! I love almost every single thing about this! Really! Gosh, so inspiring and creative you are. Where does that come from? How can I get some? Oh, wish I could articulate this better but….oh…. love it!!!! Truly!</p><br /><p>Connie LOU</p><br /><p>TOO COOL! Not unusual for you – too cool should be your middle name! Love it.</p><br /><p>Donna, your photos always leave me with my chin on the floor. Thanks so much for sharing!!!!! Your home is beautiful!!!</p><br /><p>I would love to know where you get your bound burlap ribbon. The 3-4 inch kind that is. I found some but it doesnt have an edge so it ravels tons! Any help would be appreciated!</p><br /><p>Love your home too!</p><br /><p>I love it all! Donna, you inspired my home’s decor this Christmas. A little of you and a little of me. I just posted my finished results on my blog. http://restyledjunk.com/2011/12/06/country-christmas-decorating/ Mine’s a little more country, with Santas and snowmen, but you pushed me out of my tired box. Thanks!</p><br /><p>Christmas tree ladder=BEST.IDEA.EVER!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures.</p><br /><p>Gorgeousness everywhere! I love all the natural greenery.</p><br /><p>You are a breath of fresh air!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE how you decorate and see outside the box!!! It’s always soo fun to visit here!! Thank you!!</p><br /><p>I just had a vision of your son growing up and marrying someone who has no creativity at all and buys a fake cheap tree and puts on some plastic red balls on it! lol!!! Ok, will you do me a favor? Will you do me a favor and go take a peek at my blog real quick. I recently noticed something odd and have no idea what it is and how to get rid of it. If you click on this link and go to my comments there are a whole bunch of “links to the post” that are in a foreign language, I have no idea how they got there I didn’t put them there. Any help you can give I would really appreciate it!</p><br /><p>http://ms-smartie-pants.blogspot.com/2011/11/my-space-is-finally-ready-for-some.html</p><br /><p>You have a gift……a gift to make junk beautiful. Thanks for your inspiration!</p><br /><p>You are the coolest person EVER!!! I love the birdhouse on the ladder, it’s my favorite. What kind of hardwood flooring do you have, it is beautiful?</p><br /><p>WOW! Amazing! The tree in the step ladder is truly inspired, very cool!!! Everything is just beautiful!</p><br /><p>T</p><br /><p>oh my goodness, I have to keep going back and forth through all the beautiful photos and ideas! your home looks so cozy and inviting and I love all the little touches of nature and your personal projects!! thanks for showing us around, truly inspiring!!</p><br /><p>Allow me to pay you the highest possible compliment. Until I read your story, I would have believed you were a junker living in a Texas farmhouse! Your style would totally fit ‘down here in the heart of Texas’!! Just goes to show you that country charm knows no boundaries! So glad I found your site. Blog on Girlfriend!!</p><br /><p>Charlotte from Texas</p><br /><p>Hi Donna,</p><br /><p>What a winter wonderful home for Christmas…Love the snow covered mantel!! And of course the Christmas ladder tree…Truly one of a kind! What fun you must have had decorating it! Love your foyer too with the dresser & Christmas decor…</p><br /><p>Merry Christmas to you and yours!</p><br /><p>All the Best,</p><br /><p>Christine</p><br /><p>Ok….the way your mind works completely boggle me, girlie! lol! Where in the world do you come up with those creative ideas…??? lol! Clothespins holding ornaments on the tree, a Christmas tree stuffed INSIDE a ladder, scarves and flour as decor….???? YOU ARE AMAZING!! I adore what you did with the “snow” on the hearth and floor. It truly looks like you just shook yourself off in front of the fire. Truly a delight for my eyes, Donna, and such a FUN place to visit! Hugs!</p><br /><p>xoxo laurie</p><br /><p>Donna, I am so glad I went before you! You totally blew me away. I LOOOOVE your tree and just the way you use things in a whole new way amazes me! So beautiful!!!!! Thank you so much for being a part of the tour!</p><br /><p>Donna…Thank you!! If you could see what others see through your eyes……then you would know just how special you are! Beauty & Bliss! Like all the others above, the step ladder tree is brilliant and breathtaking! Merry Christmas =D</p><br /><p>Oh, Donna, I’m swooning. Honestly. . . this is a magazine-worthy spread, for sure. And I’m sorry, but I just can’t think of your things as “junk.” Once things find their way into your home, they become objets d’art, I believe. Then you work your magic with your camera and the outcome really IS art! Beautiful!!</p><br /><p>Oh my goodness, what an interesting and whimsical home. Everything is one of a kind. Yet it all goes together so well.</p><br /><p>Love the coca cola crate and that lantern on the mantle. It really is spectacular. Well done!</p><br /><p>Donna!!! My gosh!!! This is so incredible! I, too, am a junkaholic. You have the best knack for decorating with junk!!!! I am inspired! Love the 7-UP and Pepsi bottles hanging from your swag!</p><br /><p>oh my gosh! i love it all! that ladder tree! i love that it’s all so winter-y!</p><br /><p>I am in love!!! I am a fellow junker and re-purposer, you do it so very well. I am now a permanent fan, so glad I found you ~ Judy</p><br /><p>Um………OK……..WOW!!!!! I’ll take 2! And your stairs! *drool*</p><br /><p>my ♥ is pitter-pattering.</p><br /><p>Absolutely amazing!!</p><br /><p>………. /)</p><br /><p>……… ( , )</p><br /><p>….….|░░░|</p><br /><p>……..|░░░|☆ merry _(♥)_</p><br /><p>…..@|░░░|¸.¤“˜¨christmas.</p><br /><p>.¨˜“¤|░░ഐ¤ª@“˜¨¨</p><br /><p>…¨˜“გª¤.¸::¸.¤ª☆“˜¨¨happy new year.</p><br /><p>…¤¸*¸.¤ª“˜@¨¨¨***2012****.</p><br /><p>*♥*.</p><br /><p>Absolutely beautiful!</p><br /><p>Happy Holidays!</p><br /><p>………. /)</p><br /><p>……… ( , )</p><br /><p>….….|░░░|</p><br /><p>……..|░░░|☆ merry _(♥)_</p><br /><p>…..@|░░░|¸.¤“˜¨christmas.</p><br /><p>.¨˜“¤|░░ഐ¤ª@“˜¨¨</p><br /><p>…¨˜“გª¤.¸::¸.¤ª☆“˜¨¨happy new year.</p><br /><p>…¤¸*¸.¤ª“˜@¨¨¨***2012****.</p><br /><p>*♥*.</p><br /><p>Oh my goodness, that stepladder tree is amazing!!</p><br /><p>stopping in from Nester’s!</p><br /><p>Step ladder tree?! What the what?! I looked at it, started to scroll down and my brain caught up with what it was seeing and…oh my goodness. Amazing. Seriously.</p><br /><p>There was so much great stuff to look at. Your decorations are great, but I’ll be coming back to read about those stairs!</p><br /><p>Great Home Tour find!!</p><br /><p>I LOVE the bottles on the railing! FAB use of various materials!</p><br /><p>It looks so beautiful, Donna!! SO cozy, inviting…perfect. Merry Christmas to you!</p><br /><p>shaunna</p><br /><p>your home looks beautiful- i love all the natural touches, and that mantle!</p><br /><p>Donna – I love your blog, I love your home, I love your creative brain!! Thanks for the tour – I truly enjoyed it!</p><br /><p>I featured you today in my Friday I’m In Love favorites!</p><br /><p>http://socialsalutations.blogspot.com/2011/12/friday-im-in-lovewith-peeping.html</p><br /><p>Merry Christmas!!</p><br /><p>xoxo</p><br /><p>– Jenn @ Social Salutations</p><br /><p>Where do you come up with the ladders?? I LOVE them!</p><br /><p>Diane</p><br /><p>I just made it up in my head. Thank-you!</p><br /><p>oh my gosh – looking through all these pictures makes me want to start collecting my holiday decorations now! i could have commented on EVERY photo, i love everything you did here. thank you for sharing such awesome inspiration!</p><br /><p>You are freaking brilliant! Love your sense of style! Met you at Bella Rustica and you have a beautiful personality too!</p><br /><p>Ohhhh my god…ur amazing and a bundle of talent…!! I just loved each & every piece out there…Thanx for sharing these incredible ideas with us. Even i’m a junkaholic but after visiting ur blog i think I’m not even a percent of what u r…!! really nice…:)</p><br /><p>Just thoroughly enjoyed your blog. Really loved the ladder tree and your mantel!</p><br /><p>love it all ….you do amazing work !</p><br /><p>This is amazing work! I love the creativity and how you make junk look so stylish!!</p><br /><p>I can’t wait for winter (gasp – yes I said that) so I can use some of these ideas as inspiration for my home.</p><br /><p>Keep up the great work!</p><br /><p>-js</p><br /><p>Welcome to an all natural junk filled 2011 Christmas home tour! An all natural junk filled 2011 Christmas home tour, via http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/</p><br /><p>I’m a part of Jennifer Rizzo’s Holiday House Walk.</p><br /><p>You can start the tour every day with this button which will highlight the daily homes on display each day.</p><br /><p>Click to see Jen’s own home HERE for #1.</p><br /><p>If you’re new here, I’m Donna and am a true blue junkaholic. My passion is surrounding myself with old relics and putting them in special places in my home.</p><br /><p>Here’s a few samples of the kind of work I like to do.</p><br /><p>You will find many of today’s projects in tutorial form under ‘unique projects’.</p><br /><p>So, come on in and let me show you around!</p><br /><p>~ Front Entry ~</p><br /><p>Old kettle and drain cover snow covered candle vignette - part of An all natural junk filled 2011 Christmas home tour, via http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/</p><br /><p>Galvanized goods grouped together with fresh greens and a dollar store scarf are certain to convince guests that this home isn’t to be taken too seriously.</p><br /><p>Old kettle and drain cover snow covered candle vignette - part of An all natural junk filled 2011 Christmas home tour, via http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/</p><br /><p>Mini pears, tiny apples and fresh cranberries embedded in faux snow added subtle natural life to this little entry vignette.</p><br /><p>I’ve been told this is a pizza pan and the fluted variety is from Germany.</p><br /><p>Thank-you thrift store for two of my favorite junk glam accessories.</p><br /><p>~ The fireplace mantel ~</p><br /><p>I took a walk down the road after a windstorm and picked up all the fresh greens.</p><br /><p>A little spray snow softened up the tones and added brightness to the darker fireplace.</p><br /><p>And yes… the mantel is indeed junk filled.</p><br /><p>The bucket and kettle below the mantel are this year’s stockings. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I found a metal ornament with bling. How perfectly cool… A little jam jar holds the white mini lights inside the lantern. Fresh apples provide the perfect natural accessory. The poinsettias added a beautiful natural touch of the perfect red.</p><br /><p>(tutorial on the fireplace is avail – snow ‘tutorial’ coming soon)</p><br /><p>~ Stepladder tree ~</p><br /><p>The making of the stepladder tree is HERE</p><br /><p>Ladder Christmas tree tutorial HERE</p><br /><p>A whimsical stepladder outdoor themed tree was the result of desiring an all natural Christmas feel.</p><br /><p>A faux Christmas tree was literally stuffed inside a step ladder. Oh what a day THAT was. But what a perfect place to mount the birdhouse star.</p><br /><p>Garland is ripped sheets, ribbon and rope, tied up if they needed to be joined. Yep, that’s a plumb line contraption. Isn’t it the perfect shape?</p><br /><p>The blue fingers were worth it.</p><br /><p>Lots of galvanized touches this year. Perfect with fresh strung cranberries. The sleigh with firewood is the tree skirt. Other logs under the tree are hiding the stand. ~ Livingroom ~ Old gate window screen tutorial HERE</p><br /><p>The big bushy beautiful white poinsettia does more than just look pretty.</p><br /><p>It’s hiding stereo speakers. Perfect! May they never die…</p><br /><p>The sawhorse is a quirky way to hang a magazine and store a throw blanket.</p><br /><p>Simple and clean.</p><br /><p>( disclaimer: it’s said that poinsettias are not poisonous for animals these days.</p><br /><p>I’ll be watching closely regardless – any threat and they’ll be removed. Thanks for the emails!)</p><br /><p>~ Main bath ~</p><br /><p>Small bathrooms are best left unobstructed, so anything seasonal was positioned in spaces where they won’t clutter the space.</p><br /><p>Just enough.</p><br /><p>(tutorial on tree and window shutter avail)</p><br /><p>Except the Charlie Brown tree now resides in the window.</p><br /><p>I moved the pretty poinsettia to the…</p><br /><p>~ Stairway ~</p><br /><p>(twig garland tutorial HERE)</p><br /><p>Real greens are a breeze to replace when needed.</p><br /><p>Added twigs offer abit more rustic interest.</p><br /><p>The cranberries will be replaced with fresh when they arrive in stores again.</p><br /><p>Fresh greens, lights, and pop bottles. Yeah, it’s a little crazy.</p><br /><p>The bottles appeared to illuminate from the mini lights. It was a pretty neat effect and chimed in well with the stairs.</p><br /><p>(tutorial on crate stairs avail)</p><br /><p>~ Kitchen window garland ~</p><br /><p>(tutorial on window garland and Farmer’s Market sign is avail)</p><br /><p>Simple whites chime in with the sign. This one couldn’t have been easier.</p><br /><p>~ Master bedroom window ~</p><br /><p>Clean, natural, out of the way. And oh so easy to clean up.</p><br /><p>It’s my hope this tour has convinced you that all it takes is a little creativity to create a home you can adore for little cost.</p><br /><p>Here’s wishing you a very junk filled Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season with loved ones!</p><br /><p>Most of today’s reveals are in tutorial form in my PROJECT GALLERIES.</p><br /><p>You can visit my 2010 home tour HERE</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2011/12/all-natural-junk-filled-2011-christmas.html site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-71131537714489981722016-11-06T03:26:00.368-08:002016-11-06T03:28:38.936-08:00We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures. <p><title>We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures. </title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/carport-to-garage-reveal-giveaway/"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b8/ac/b5/b8acb571fd3ef9c5fbc52922a1b8de07.jpg" alt="We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures. "></a></center></p><br /><p>I would love to redo my garage as well! The floor is not awful but not in great shape either and I’d love to try this floor coating kit on it! Thanks for such a nice giveaway opportunity!</p><br /><p>Thanks for stopping by Karenann. This product is amazing. It was easy to install and the finished product is so nice.</p><br /><p>It would make my old concrete floor look amazing.</p><br /><p>I would look awesome and solid, i would love to try this, i need a garage update so badly.</p><br /><p>Oh my goodness! I just love how it turned out. I think I would be kind of scared to park my car in there because it’s just too pretty! I love the floors! Very unique and really ties everything together. I would love to do the floors of our garage and get it cleaned up a bit. It’s a disaster area!</p><br /><p>Thanks Chelsea! I can totally relate to having a disaster area…I am the worst and putting stuff away. I was a little hesitant to park the car in there but it has held up really well with the tires and kids so far. Thanks for stopping by!</p><br /><p>Aside from looking rock solid! lol It would look super fancy.</p><br /><p>I feel the same way about them, they look super fancy! It was just the right amount of pop for my new garage.</p><br /><p>Love your new space! Everything turned out amazing! Those floors!!!</p><br /><p>Thanks so much Tara. The floors really turned out great. I don’t know why I was so nervous to do them, it was a very easy product to install.</p><br /><p>I would use the Rock-Solid to transform our under the house storage into a working tool area and craft room! I love how you added a girly touch to the tools. Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway.</p><br /><p>That would be the perfect place to use this flooring. I had to add some pink! HA</p><br /><p>Wow! It looks great – and the floor, no words. You guys are sooo creative.</p><br /><p>Thanks Karen. We have needed a garage for so so long. I am happy that it finally got done. I like how shiny the floor is.</p><br /><p>I love this and would love to use this in my garage! I can’t believe I haven’t heard of it. So cool!</p><br /><p>It is so cool. The floor is so shiny, I almost hate to park my car in there now, haha.</p><br /><p>The RockSolid looks amazing. I know my sweet husband would love to use this in the (“his”) garage!</p><br /><p>Yes, haha. He will love it. The application is easy to install and looks fabulous!</p><br /><p>It would look amazing! It so messy and unorganized right now.</p><br /><p>Yes! I can totally relate…obviously mine was a wreak before. Thanks!</p><br /><p>Red Pearlescent is my choice for the garage. It would be great. I like your a lot too.</p><br /><p>It looks great!</p><br /><p>Oh my word! Your new garage looks wonderful! I could only hope to have such a nice clean, organized garage. The floors are to die for too! They look so pretty! They’re so shiny – are they slippery if they get wet? I’d love to give my garage a makeover, starting with the floors.</p><br /><p>Thanks Regi! I was worried about them being slippery too. I added a non skid product that rustomelum sells. We will see how much it helps next time it rains.</p><br /><p>It would definitely make the garage floor look more appealing. I hate the concrete! Blaaah!</p><br /><p>It looks so pretty! Thanks</p><br /><p>I love the shine. Our garage would look brand new!</p><br /><p>I would like white floors and all pink everything else. You have done a fantastic job.</p><br /><p>We would love to use this in our new basement!</p><br /><p>We would love to do this, but have been concerned about removing the previous sealant that was applied to our concrete. Looking at the two you mixed it looks great!</p><br /><p>That sealant will have to be removed. If you have read any of my posts on The Suite Pecan, you will notice the floor. It used to have epoxy on it and I scrubbed and scrapped and labored for days to get it off. Once it was off I installed a LVT plank and it turned out great. The scrapped part wasn’t fun but worth it.</p><br /><p>LOVE the colors you chose for the floor. This has me inspired to clean up my disorganized mess of a garage!</p><br /><p>Oh this would totally float hubby’s boat!!</p><br /><p>Mine would look amazing and like a new room that belongs in the house! I would use the Amaretto and Earth Brown that you used because it is amazing and would go wonderfully with the rest of the house!</p><br /><p>Wow this product look amazing sure would help my garage floor indeed thanks love it</p><br /><p>THAT is such an amazing transformation! Love love love the floors and it looks so clean and organized! You are amazing my friend!</p><br /><p>Thanks Angie. I think I might go sleep for a week! I almost thought that I bit off more than I could chew. Glad it’s done, the work paid off</p><br /><p>Looks amazing!!! My Cave would look so much better with Rock Solid we recently purchased our home and have been making major renovations the previous owners had very different taste then ours. I think Rock Solid would do my new house wonders as it did for you make it look amazing. Thanks for the chance.</p><br /><p>This stuff is amazing. Have you seen all the different colors they have? This would look awesome in a house.</p><br /><p>Would look great having an even easily cleanable garage floor.</p><br /><p>Yes! It is so easy to clean. So far all I have had to do is use a microfiber sweeper on it.</p><br /><p>I love this stuff and your garage looks amazing.. It would make my space look more like a part of my home because it would be much more attractive like yours looks now. WOW!!</p><br /><p>It does feel like it’s part of the house now! I love it. It was so so drab and just yucky before The spiders and that awful green, so glad it’s gone</p><br /><p>Wow I am impressed! This stuff looks great! No more boring…. Whoever thought a garage makeover could be so updated! We could use a better look at our house. You have my imagination going now. Thank you for all the pics and the review. Wonderful product!</p><br /><p>Thanks Sheila! The floor even looks better in person. It is so fun to actually have a dedicated work space.</p><br /><p>This is pretty amazing and would look great in our garage</p><br /><p>Your floors look amazing. I would love to have my garage look like your.</p><br /><p>Wow!!! I love the coating. It looks so Shiny and beautiful. I’m gonna look for it</p><br /><p>Yes! Check your local home improvement store.</p><br /><p>I would love to create real space of my own. I see so many awesome ideas.</p><br /><p>Our garage floor could certainly use a makeover. It would look clean for the first time.</p><br /><p>It would look amazing</p><br /><p>What a remarkable transformation. You did a fantastic job!</p><br /><p>Thanks! It was well worth the hard work.</p><br /><p>My cave would be musical focusing on a recording studio. It would need good acoustics, and this would need to be a major consideration, as well as keeping it sound proof.</p><br /><p>I have been dying to do this! It looks fantastic! All of my neighbors would be so jealous so I must do this! Lol. Thank you!</p><br /><p>hahah, yes it really makes a big difference!</p><br /><p>Does it have a loud smell? I have pets and of course would keep them from access but just wondering how much ventilation might be needed to keep from permeating the house.</p><br /><p>During the installation is does have a slight smell. I would recommend doing the mixing outdoors. The product cures in like 45 mins so its a pretty quick process to get it done.</p><br /><p>I love it! It would make our garage look a thousand times better. Love the silver peg board!</p><br /><p>Yes the silver is fun, thanks to a can of spray paint!</p><br /><p>I would love to do a garage makeover, a blessing to be so organized, plus an amazing looking floor would add a touch of class to the huge space. Great idea on the peg board paint, also. Its hard to find tools on a white peg board.</p><br /><p>Would be great to update and make changes.</p><br /><p>It would look awesome!</p><br /><p>It would be great to give my floor a facekift!</p><br /><p>My cave would look awesome, I wish I could post a photo and show you what it would look like, My fingers are crossed that I can win this prize!</p><br /><p>No garage, but we do have a great storage/workout room with brick-lined walls and a concrete floor that could seriously use the same beautiful floor treatment you describe here.</p><br /><p>yes this would be perfect for that space!</p><br /><p>It would look awesome! I have been cleaning out the garage to make it nice a little at a time….it’s that bad. Clearing out spiderwebs and junk and would love to paint the floor with that since it looks great. It’s going to be a Womancave though.</p><br /><p>Awesome! Yes, I know about having to get rid of spider webs. Good luck getting it done, it will be awesome!</p><br /><p>Rust-Oleum RockSolid</p><br /><p>Floor Coating Kit would improve the usefulness of my garage so muh. and it rally looks great. thanks for th chance to win</p><br /><p>This would look great on my basement floor. I’m surprised such a sophisticated look is so affordable.</p><br /><p>Love to upgrade my floor</p><br /><p>Wow mode on this is a beautiful change from before and now pics, We’re going though a renovation of our 60yr home to modern and one of our projects is to turn our garage into a mancave and Rust Oleum Rock Solid is going to help us, it would be so awesome for my hubs he can play his music and work on projects. Love great brands and products like Rust-Oleum to help us transform our home and lives. Thank you for sharing!</p><br /><p>Good luck on your home renovations, this kit would look amazing in a mancave!</p><br /><p>It would look rock solid, and so amazing what a update this would be i would love to try this,</p><br /><p>I would go right over these cheap wood floors in my bedroom</p><br /><p>i have always wanted a red room with cinema everything!! movie reels, pictures and storage spot for them</p><br /><p>The floor coating kit would be awesome in our garage!</p><br /><p>My case would definitely be rock solid and functional, I would be proud to show it off.</p><br /><p>My cave would be clean, organized and with this help…would be the envy of the neighborhood!</p><br /><p>You mean there is a garage haven under the 30yrs of living in the same house and always wished for the garage to look like a finished room instead of a dull garage. Beautiful. I definitely would be more than a weekend finishing it but it would be such an accomplishment that will last. Thanks.</p><br /><p>My garage is in need of some serious renovation to make it the hangout or work space I want. I love the floors you have pictured! I would probably go with the brick look as I like the rustic theme! Thanks!</p><br /><p>A makeover would make my deceased husband’s garage look like it belonged to me. It would go from masculine to feminine.</p><br /><p>My ugly garage floor would be absolutely beautiful with Rustoleum Rock Solid.</p><br /><p>My cave would look like my dream castle</p><br /><p>I would love to have this for my garage. My hubby has been wanting to transform the floor for a while. I love how your garage turned out, especially the pink tool area. The floor looks amazing!!</p><br /><p>Thanks Crystal! It really is a quick transformation, I love how easy it was to install.</p><br /><p>my floor would not be cracked anymore and I would repaint my chairs and tables</p><br /><p>This would make my garage look amazing. You did a beautiful job on your garage.</p><br /><p>Thanks Joyce! The hard work paid off.</p><br /><p>Unfortunately we rent a duplex so we wouldn’t be able to use the floor coating right away, but hopefully soon we’ll be able to get into a house! I love the look of the floor coating kit.</p><br /><p>My cave would look AMAZING!!</p><br /><p>All I could say is WOW, that floor looks amazing! I would replace all my metal shelving with a cabinet type storage system so you don’t see all the Christmas boxes, etc. It would look beautiful!! Then, I would keep my garage door open all the time to make the neighbors jealous. LOL!</p><br /><p>hahah, thanks Wanda! Yes, the flooring is so pretty!</p><br /><p>We built a 30×40 shop/garage that we were going to epoxy. But this looks so much better. Great job Shonee!</p><br /><p>Thanks Katie! This stuff is actually a two part epoxy that you roll on. So easy to install.</p><br /><p>I finally got most of the walls done in my Garage. Now we are looking at the floor. I feel the value of the house will go up it we coat them with this kit!</p><br /><p>Congrats on getting your garage almost done! I bet the value will increase for sure!</p><br /><p>I would try to have it look like throwback 80’s and maybe a checkerboard theme…it would take some patience to do.</p><br /><p>That would be awesome!</p><br /><p>WOW ! Job well done ! everything looks so bright and professional . I would love our Garage a Makeover .</p><br /><p>I would love win for my dad. I would imagine he would want the ultimate man cave in his shed. Thanks for the opportunity</p><br /><p>wow that truly make a floor looks cool !I would totally do it in my garage !</p><br /><p>Looks really great! I’m really digging what you did with the pink paint and peg board! Mine would probably have a rustic feel to it. Thank you!!</p><br /><p>I would definitely like to organize and brighten up the garage area. I’d redo the old cement floor too. You did such a great job!</p><br /><p>This would make my garage look really nice and way better than it looks right now.</p><br /><p>I would love to do this to the basement!!</p><br /><p>It would make it look wonderful!</p><br /><p>We just built a new garage last year and its my husband’s man cave for Hold em & sports games! A Rock solid floor would look amazing!</p><br /><p>I would love to fix up my dad’s garage…He is always in there working on his car/repairing things.</p><br /><p>it is awesome</p><br /><p>It would make our garage look amazing!</p><br /><p>I have got to try this My floors really need cleaned up</p><br /><p>It would look amazing!</p><br /><p>Wow this is such a beautiful garage now! I would love to revive our concrete floors with a brighter color then maybe it would look just as amazing.</p><br /><p>I would transform the basement into a chic and modern space/cave with awesome floors.</p><br /><p>It would be too pretty to park my car in. It would be changed to a extra “room” to play in</p><br /><p>That looks so cool- I want to do those floors in my garage! Love it!</p><br /><p>Red Pearlescent is my choice for the garage … how fantastic would that be !</p><br /><p>My boyfriends parents basement needs a makeover. This would look great on the floor.</p><br /><p>My garage floors would look shiny and rock solid like yours! You did an awesome job plus I love your girly touches of pink. I think every garage could use some of that</p><br /><p>It would look awesome!</p><br /><p>It would look awesome, compared to how it looks now.</p><br /><p>Your Before and After pictures are awesome. We too, are going to enclose our carport and make it a garage. Now I know what I want the floor to look like – yours. You did a great job – I only hope my turns out half as good as yours.</p><br /><p>This is beautiful. I recently pulled up the carpet in one of my rooms and my cousin has wanted to do this treatment for awhile using the very same product. Now that I’ve seen this post I’m sold! My room will finally look FINISHED!</p><br /><p>I would love to use this on my old worn out garage floor. It would definitely help my garage look a whole lot better!,</p><br /><p>I would love to try this on my garage floor and my front porch. The look is amazing!</p><br /><p>I would love this!</p><br /><p>Thanks for the chance</p><br /><p>It would look AMAZING!!!</p><br /><p>House was built in 1967, imagine what the concrete looks like now!</p><br /><p>Would love to win.</p><br /><p>Nice job great tips thanks</p><br /><p>I coupon and would love to do my garage to store things in. It is in bad shape and would be awesome to fix up! thank you</p><br /><p>I love this! It’s so amazing the things they come up with these days to make things so much easier and looks fantastic!</p><br /><p>Our home was built in 1950. Yes, this floor kit would make an incredible difference!</p><br /><p>This would be such a great win. My women cave would look amazing so those floors and the pink paint. It would be warm and inviting for my friends and I and our little girls.</p><br /><p>I would love to use the Earth Brown Rocksolid for our man cave, better floors and a big screen tv for football days would be great!</p><br /><p>I wish I had a cave…lol.</p><br /><p>I’m so glad I read this article. I really need a new floor, and your blog is inspirational. I never would have thought of this solution, but I bet it would be amazing.</p><br /><p>We are going to be doing an addition above the garage so the garage will need to be cleared out completely in order to do the addition. We were just talking about the changes we want to do to the garage since it is easier to do it with nothing in the garage. This would be a great start…the floor could definitely use that. Thanks for the opportunity.</p><br /><p>Would love to win! We could fix up so much!</p><br /><p>Mine would be colorful and bright, I would have a Flintstone cave. That is my favorite show and I always said I’d like to make a garage like the Flintstones living room. My floor would be marble like and I would have the Flinstones drawing on my walls..Rust-Oleum RockSolid lets do it.</p><br /><p>Amazing transformation Shonee! I love that you did his and hers sides of the garage, but I too am a pink fan, so I love your set up best!!!</p><br /><p>If I were to win, I would copy your two toned floor idea, it looks so fresh and interesting that way! Again great job and thank you for the opportunity to enter your contest!</p><br /><p>So glad you love pink too! I was never a pink girl growing up but it has sort of grown on me. The two tone look is amazing! Thanks for stopping by to enter!</p><br /><p>Oh my , my garage floor is bad , my husband I have been talking about redoing for a while now, the whole garage needs redone, he wants to fix the walls , it leaks when it rains , our garage is something out of a horror movie lol</p><br /><p>No worries, I totally get it. You saw our before pics right! hahahah. Good luck with the repairs!</p><br /><p>It would actually be more attractive and maybe transform it into a space that we use for something other than storage.</p><br /><p>Wow your new garage looks amazing. Very snazzy. Love the floor! Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Sharing on FB! Have a great week!</p><br /><p>Kim</p><br /><p>Oh’ wow, if I’m lucky enough to win this, it will be like killing two birds with one stone. I would gift it to my husband for Christmas, which would secretly be a gift to myself because this would get him excited to clean up & organize. Whew! I like everything neat & orderly and using Rust-Oleium RockStone Floor Care Kit, would make our cottage shed look gorgeous. I love how your new garage looks. Thanks for the chance to win Shonee.</p><br /><p>Scarlet and Gray… Go Bucks!!!</p><br /><p>I am blown away by your finished result! I love how you achieved the marbled effect. Wow! I would love to duplicate it.</p><br /><p>Our shop floor would look great with this. I rescue and trap feral and cats people throw out and this would make cleaning up around their cages so much easier.</p><br /><p>I moved into a condo that has a garage, it’s not even finished, i would so use this in the garage and make it look way better</p><br /><p>Way to go! Closing in the carport was no small job. The floor would make me want to tap dance, it’s so pretty! You’ll be featured next week at Thoughts of Home on Thursday. Thanks for joining us.</p><br /><p>This is exactly what I’ve been looking to do in my boyfriends finished garage which is the bonus room…we pulled out musty carpet and i think it would look great. I hope a moistire barrier works with this!</p><br /><p>This would be amazing for my basement. The floor is just as it was 16 years ago when the house was built. I would love to win this giveaway!</p><br /><p>Wow, that looks fantastic! I would love to use this on my garage floor – probably in a grey tone. This product would be a great fix for my basement storage room that is a drab and dingy cement slab.. Thanks for the inspiration.</p><br /><p>That’s not a garage, it’s a guest room! And I’m coming to visit!! lol. Really it looks fantastic and I would love to redo my garage. My son does mx racing and we spit shine his machine after every race. It would be nice to roll his clean machine into a shiny clean garage.</p><br /><p>i need to repair my garage</p><br /><p>Something utilitarian.</p><br /><p>Have been looking for a concrete treatment and this great and fairly easy!</p><br /><p>Whoa, that looks BEAUTIFUL! I would want all the floors to look like that! Our garage is a disaster it would look very expensive, and fun with those floors and motivate me to organize and fix up the rest of the garage!</p><br /><p>I wil admit that now that the floor looks so nice I try to keep it more clean out there. I can totally relate to having a disaster of a garage. The place was a mess before. Thanks for stopping by!</p><br /><p>I like the mix you did- I would probably do that same thing with more of a swirl design. Either that or sponging application one over the other- that gives a great effect. Keep us up to date if it lasts or peels. I heard you really have to use other products to prep the crete so that it properly adheres without peeling. But that may depend entirely on your climate where you live.</p><br /><p>A more swirl design would look really cool! I will definitely keep you updated on the wear of the floor. The only that I read about, after the fact, was that it might need a clear coat down the road if it gets scratched too much. Hopefully it doesn’t lift, fingers crossed!</p><br /><p>This would bring it up to a modern image.</p><br /><p>Goodness your floor is gorgeous! We have been planning to use just a standard cement paint to spruce up our garage floor but I am dreaming big now. We often use our garage for overflow when we have a get together and with a floor that gorgeous I wouldn’t feel bad directing guests that way.</p><br /><p>I think it would rock a new room in style so enjoyable to work in….Thanks</p><br /><p>Oh my word what a gorgeous makeover. I know it’s a garage, but I love it and I love the his and her work bench. I need to do this. I need my own workbench. LOL, I love visiting your lovely blog and enjoyed your tips. I would love it if you would share this amazing post at a link party I am co-hosting. I hope to see you there. Have a great week. http://diy180site.blogspot.com/2016/10/dishing-it-and-digging-it-link-party-120.html</p><br /><p>My cave would be the highlight on our block!</p><br /><p>My cave would def resemble blue water and sunny azure skies</p><br /><p>You have the most beautiful garage floors I have ever seen. Wow, amazing transformation!</p><br /><p>Thanks for sharing your blog post at the #HomeMattersParty this week. Hope to see you again when the party opens on Friday at midnight EST!</p><br /><p>Wow, I need some of this for my garage!</p><br /><p>I love how this turned out! Awesome job!! Would love to fix up our garage!</p><br /><p>I honestly have no idea what I would create but I do know it would be clean lines, uncluttered and workable space, much like yours in that respect. Yours turned out wonderful. I can’t say enough positive about it. And your floors are gorgeous. I do know I would do that with my floors.</p><br /><p>This is amazing! I would love to redo my garage to look so nice, its a room that I dont put much effort into but after seeing these pictures I think I’ll start giving my garage some love!</p><br /><p>My cave would look amazing with Rust-oleum! Right now, my entire garage needs a make over, from floor to ceiling!</p><br /><p>It is so perfect. The floors are great and the things are neatly organized. You did an excellent job with the work. It is beyond perfect. Congratulations by the way.</p><br /><p>That floor is so pretty for a garage! I like the method you used to create it. That’s a wonderful giveaway! We sure could use some things to improve our garage!</p><br /><p>My cave would look fantastic! More like a room and less like a cave!</p><br /><p>It would make it look SO much better. Ours clearly looks unfinished and this would give it a I am cared for look!</p><br /><p>My garage would be just about complete then if I used it.</p><br /><p>What a busy few weeks we have had. Did you hear… we enclosed the carport and now we have a garage! Yay!</p><br /><p>It was hard….a ton of work…but I love how it turned out.</p><br /><p>You all know how much I love photos and this post is no different! I feel like it’s the only way to really show you the space, since you can’t stop by my house and take a look.</p><br /><p>Let’s first take a quick look back 6 weeks ago to what it looked like BEFORE….</p><br /><p>This post is sponsored by Rustoleum. All opinion of products that make my life and my garage floor look amazing are my own. For more info see my disclosure.</p><br /><p>We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures. We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures. We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures. We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures.</p><br /><p>Amazing right! The first thing that probably caught your eye was the beautiful floor….yes, yes. Please, keep reading. I will give you all the details…plus a GIVEAWAY at the end.</p><br /><p>My work area in the past has been the dusty old carport that really had no coverage from the elements, like wind and the hot sun. Now, I can keep paint projects and wood out of the elements.</p><br /><p>Since both Mr. Main and I like to work outside we thought it would be fun to have a his and her’s side. I will admit that my side will probable be the messy side</p><br /><p>And, since pink is sort of my color I grabbed my favorite pink paint and went to town on some tools and other organization pieces.</p><br /><p>We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures. We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures.</p><br /><p>The peg boards were originally white. They could have probably blended well into the wall if we would have left them white. I was originally eyeing some metal peg boards. But with the help of some silver spray paint we got that metal like finish, without paying a lot.</p><br /><p>We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures. We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures. We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures.</p><br /><p>I cant wait to finish getting all of our tools up on these boards.</p><br /><p>Here is our his and her’s work benches.</p><br /><p>We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures.</p><br /><p>The opposite wall we hung a shovel and large tool organizing board.</p><br /><p>We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures.</p><br /><p>This medallion was hanging in the backyard by the patio but it matched so well with the floor I had to bring it in. It looks so nice against the clean white walls, don’t you think?</p><br /><p>We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures.</p><br /><p>This is the first time that I am showing the entrance to The Suite Pecan. It looks so nice and inviting now.</p><br /><p>We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures. We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures.</p><br /><p>So now that you have seen the new garage….let’s talk about this floor! Amazing!</p><br /><p>Generally people pick one color for the floors. We sort of like to do things different around here, it’s fun to experiment and try new ideas.</p><br /><p>We used Ameretto and Earth Brown for this application. I love the two toned marble look.</p><br /><p>We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures.</p><br /><p>Once you pick up the garage floor kit, gather a few additional supples and follow the directions on the box. Before you know it you will be ready to install. I would also like to mention that we found these videos quite helpful. I highly recommend watching them.</p><br /><p>How pretty!</p><br /><p>We turned our drab outdated carport into a functional and pretty garage. Now we can work and play in style. You won't believe the before and after pictures.</p><br /><p>We followed the direction in the videos and on the box, except we used two different colors. We also poured the mix on the floor in a random pattern, so that the colors would look more marbled.</p><br /><p>The only other difference was that we used a roller that was 3/8\u2033 nap instead of the one provided in the box.</p><br /><p>I was so so nervous to pour this floor. It’s so permanent and I didn’t want to mess it up.</p><br /><p>I have no idea why I was so worried.</p><br /><p>The product was a breeze to use and apply. Even the most novice DIYer can use this, and have it look amazing.</p><br /><p>Here is one last image, I love it.</p><br /><p>Before you go, click below to enter the giveaway. I would love to see you create a fun retreat of your own!</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/carport-to-garage-reveal-giveaway/ site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-42280692454198159702016-11-06T03:26:00.367-08:002016-11-06T03:28:38.924-08:00Vietnamese Coffee<p><title>Vietnamese Coffee</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=https://www.tastemade.com/shows/thirsty-for/vietnamese-coffee"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/12/77/a8/1277a850adf6416bd19b10536329fd27.jpg" alt="Vietnamese Coffee"></a></center></p><br /><p>Add coffee to Phin Filter (see below), and shake to make sure it's even</p><br /><p>Lay the Press into the Filter, either screwing on or pressing down (depending on your model)</p><br /><p>Add a dash of boiling water (this allows for an even extraction)</p><br /><p>Wait 1 minute, and then fill to the top with water</p><br /><p>The typical extraction should be 3-5 minutes</p><br /><p>**Phin Filter: This filter is available at many Asian Groceries, and comes in a variety of styles. We used the Press that screws on, but any kind should work great.</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take https://www.tastemade.com/shows/thirsty-for/vietnamese-coffee site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-55667796142958622002016-11-06T03:26:00.366-08:002016-11-06T03:28:38.912-08:00Veggie Club Sandwich with Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing - great for a Meatless Monday family meal!<p><title>Veggie Club Sandwich with Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing - great for a Meatless Monday family meal!</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://www.4theloveoffoodblog.com/2013/09/meatless-monday-veggie-club-sandwich.html"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/52/0b/fd/520bfd744a80a779cfdfea2154609722.jpg" alt="Veggie Club Sandwich with Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing - great for a Meatless Monday family meal!"></a></center></p><br /><p>Veggie Club Sandwich with Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing - great for a Meatless Monday family meal!</p><br /><p>For this Meatless Monday I made these tasty veggie filled club sandwiches inspired by McAlister's Deli, one of my fave delis. This simple sandwich is loaded with fresh vegetables and a lick your fingers good Parmesan Peppercorn dressing. Once again, another delicious Meatless Monday meal where you don't even miss the meat!</p><br /><p>Ingredients:</p><br /><p>Makes 2 sandwiches</p><br /><p>6 slices bread, toasted</p><br /><p>1 small tomato, sliced</p><br /><p>3 leaves of lettuce, cut in thirds</p><br /><p>1/2 avocado, peeled and sliced</p><br /><p>1/3 cup thinly sliced cucumbers</p><br /><p>1/3 cup sliced red onion</p><br /><p>1/3 cup roasted red peppers, sliced into strips</p><br /><p>2 slices Swiss cheese</p><br /><p>2 slices Cheddar cheese</p><br /><p>Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing:</p><br /><p>1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt</p><br /><p>1/2 cup sour cream</p><br /><p>1/4 cup grated Parmesan</p><br /><p>1 1/2 tsp cracked peppercorns</p><br /><p>1 tsp white wine vinegar</p><br /><p>1/4 tsp garlic powder</p><br /><p>pinch of salt</p><br /><p>Directions:</p><br /><p>Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Set aside.</p><br /><p>Spread peppercorn dressing on one side of a slice of toasted bread.</p><br /><p>Top with lettuce, then avocado slices, then onions, then another piece of toasted bread.</p><br /><p>Add a slice of Cheddar then Swiss cheese.</p><br /><p>Next add roasted red peppers and cucumbers then sliced tomatoes and more lettuce and onions.</p><br /><p>Spread more peppercorn dressing on a piece of bread and place dressing side down on top of sandwich.</p><br /><p>Place 4 toothpicks in the sandwich, on the inside of each four corners of the sandwich (see pics).</p><br /><p>Using a bread knife slice in half then once more into triangles then lay the sandwich on it's side.</p><br /><p>Serve with a side of Parmesan Peppercorn dressing.</p><br /><p>I first tried this club sandwich at McAlister's Deli. I wanted something different and this sandwich stood out to me. The Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing takes it over the top and the sandwich is so fresh and flavorful. Perfect for an easy dinner with the family.</p><br /><p>Simply mix all dressing ingredients together in a bowl. Delicious on any sandwich or salad!</p><br /><p>Perfectly toasted bread ready to be made into the perfect club sandwich! Lots of tasty veggie toppings!</p><br /><p>To assemble: dressing, then lettuce, avocado, onion, bread, cheese, roasted red peppers, lettuce, tomato, onions, dressing , and bread!</p><br /><p>How to cut the sandwich: 4 toothpicks in all 4 sections then slice across (in a triangle) then across once more until you have 4 stacked triangles. How pretty do these look?! Serve with a side of Parmesan Peppercorn dressing and enjoy your meatless meal!</p><br /><p>1K+</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://www.4theloveoffoodblog.com/2013/09/meatless-monday-veggie-club-sandwich.html site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-54807802635486697012016-11-06T03:26:00.365-08:002016-11-06T03:28:38.902-08:00Vegan Apple Broccoli Salad<p><title>Vegan Apple Broccoli Salad</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://veganinthefreezer.com/vegan-apple-broccoli-salad/?utm_content=buffera2f43&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=buffer"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/0e/52/11/0e521138f0c608a6ed81978f2f4aa70c.jpg" alt="Vegan Apple Broccoli Salad"></a></center></p><br /><p>This salad looks delightful! I LOVE broccoli and just picked up some Gala apples so I can’t wait to whip this up!</p><br /><p>Fantastic Sara! Have fun making it too</p><br /><p>Tried it and both my son and I loved it. It is now a regular part of our meal plan. TY.</p><br /><p>That is fantastic Amena! Thank you so much for letting us know.</p><br /><p>Hi</p><br /><p>I am not yet a vegan or vegetarian, but am trying to convince myself to start eating vegetarian full time soon. I try at least four times a week and am really enjoying it. This recipe looks really wonderful and i am dying to try it. Thanks for making something easy (for us beginners) to find something scrumptious to eat..</p><br /><p>My pleasure and thanks for your kind words. Congratulations on making the switch. Slow but steady wins the race. Have fun!</p><br /><p>I need to try this</p><br /><p>I hope you get to Amy!</p><br /><p>Vegan Apple Broccoli Salad has everyone’s favorite vegetables and fruits. You throw everything in a bowl then pour on the slightly sweet and tangy dressing. Toss and eat!</p><br /><p>Whether there is an Apple Hill or an Apple Valley around your home – get going! You can pick your own or buy a bushel. Well, okay. The grocery store and farmer’s markets are full of apples too so it is all good.</p><br /><p>I never met an apple I didn’t like. Especially fresh off a tree. We were lucky enough to live down the street from Apple Hill in Placerville, California. If you know the area and Snows Rd. then you know what I mean by down the street. Long, steep, narrow and windy but there we were. Close to the very end. Even though I had four apple trees in my yard I still bought a couple of bushels of two different varieties from my favorite farmer. He lived at the top of the hill and had a much smaller farm than the ones that were mapped out for the visitors. I canned like crazy back then.</p><br /><p>This vegetable and fruit salad can be made with your favorite apple although Granny Smith is probably too tart. I used Gala but believe me there are so many great ones out there. Of course, broccoli always seems to be around but it’s true growing season is in the cooler weather.</p><br /><p>Non-leafy salads make a great lunch and side dish. I have quite a few on this blog. That’s how much I like them. A couple of good filling salads that are a bit different are Fully Loaded Black Bean Salad and Asian Noodle and Kale Salad.</p><br /><p>The Best Vegan Apple Broccoli Salad is a dream come true and it is right at your fingertips</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://veganinthefreezer.com/vegan-apple-broccoli-salad/?utm_content=buffera2f43&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=buffer site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-71648560650581954352016-11-06T03:26:00.364-08:002016-11-06T03:28:38.891-08:00Vanilla-Almond Crunch Pudding<p><title>Vanilla-Almond Crunch Pudding</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/vanilla-almond-crunch-pudding-200480.aspx?cm_mmc=Social-_-Pinterest-_-Brand-_-Jello&pp=1"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/da/e3/f0/dae3f04dafe21e69852915d9ba4751ed.jpg" alt="Vanilla-Almond Crunch Pudding"></a></center></p><br /><p>What You Need</p><br /><p>Select All</p><br /><p>Add To Shopping List</p><br /><p>Make It</p><br /><p>Tap or click steps to mark as complete</p><br /><p>Add to Recipe Box</p><br /><p>View Recipe Card</p><br /><p>Rating Snapshot</p><br /><p>Select a row below to filter reviews.</p><br /><p>5★ stars</p><br /><p>0 0 reviews with 5 stars. Select to filter reviews with 5 stars.</p><br /><p>4★ stars</p><br /><p>1 1 review with 4 stars. Select to filter reviews with 4 stars.</p><br /><p>3★ stars</p><br /><p>0 0 reviews with 3 stars. Select to filter reviews with 3 stars.</p><br /><p>2★ stars</p><br /><p>0 0 reviews with 2 stars. Select to filter reviews with 2 stars.</p><br /><p>1★ stars</p><br /><p>0 0 reviews with 1 star. Select to filter reviews with 1 star.</p><br /><p>Average Customer Ratings</p><br /><p>Overall</p><br /><p>★★★★★ ★★★★★ 4.0</p><br /><p>Taste</p><br /><p>4.0</p><br /><p>Ease of Preparation</p><br /><p>5.0</p><br /><p>Instruction Clarity</p><br /><p>5.0</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/vanilla-almond-crunch-pudding-200480.aspx?cm_mmc=Social-_-Pinterest-_-Brand-_-Jello&pp=1 site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-45364622510125139832016-11-06T03:26:00.363-08:002016-11-06T03:28:38.880-08:00Using the same Spode plates from last year, I created a new look, simply by using new plaid napkins.<p><title>Using the same Spode plates from last year, I created a new look, simply by using new plaid napkins.</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://vignettedesign.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-tablescape-2011.html"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d0/c3/ca/d0c3ca6e55d20f5128cb604f91776a41.jpg" alt="Using the same Spode plates from last year, I created a new look, simply by using new plaid napkins."></a></center></p><br /><p>Beautiful Christmas tablescape. I still have the 30 topiary forms from my daughter's wedding. I've loaned them for other weddings, and I still use some of them occasionally. I think that you'll use those gorgeous bark candleholders often. I love the Spode pattern and it looks delicious on the Bordallo Pinheiro charger. Thank you for inviting us for a peak at your celebration table. Cherry Kay</p><br /><p>*** It's CHARMING, Delores! CONGRATS too, to the newlyweds!!! All KINDS of \"good things\" are in store for y'all, I'm sure!!!</p><br /><p>Warmest,</p><br /><p>Linda in AZ *</p><br /><p>1234@comcast.net</p><br /><p>Such a heartwarming Christmas tablescape!</p><br /><p>Another beautiful table. I adore those succulent candle rings! Your family is growing beautifully, so happy for you all! XO, Pinky</p><br /><p>What a gorgeous table setting! And how nice to have newlyweds joining the party! Love the plaid napkins and the succulent wreaths - lucky receiver of them!</p><br /><p>Hi Delores! Your table is so pretty! I love your dishes, your tablecloth, glasses just everything. You always have such a beautiful home.</p><br /><p>Be a sweetie,</p><br /><p>Shelia ;)</p><br /><p>What a truly lovely table.. I love the plaid napkins on the table. Perfect. Especially with the hydrangeas and the succulents. They are fabulous pieces! The Bordallo plates with the spode are so refreshing and interesting together. Great great table.. Dinner sounds good too. A perfect setting for you family.. Thanks so much for sharing.. I gather so many ideas from your blog. xo marlis</p><br /><p>Congratulations to the newlyweds and the Mom and Dad. Merry Christmas and many blessings.</p><br /><p>- The Tablescaper</p><br /><p>5 stars! Vicky (Room service)</p><br /><p>Such a beautiful table for such a beautiful family. Congrats to the newly weds and you. Thank you for taking us along on all of your amazing adventures....I get so excited to see I have mail from vignette design....all the best, Sharon</p><br /><p>hi Delores!</p><br /><p>Your table (and whole house) looks beautiful for the holidays!! What a special Christmas for you all.</p><br /><p>wishing you a very Happy New Year!</p><br /><p>joan</p><br /><p>p.s. thank you for leaving your \"calling card!\"</p><br /><p>Just beautiful and so tasteful. Love it all particularly the tablecloth. Looks so interesting, can you tell me more about it?</p><br /><p>Congrats on pulling off that wedding & best wishes for the best 2012!</p><br /><p>Such a lovely table, Delores, and especially festive and joyful this year.</p><br /><p>All the best...Victoria</p><br /><p>It is a beautiful tablescape, Delores. Congrats on your feature in Tuscan Style. I just picked up a copy today and your home looks gorgeous!</p><br /><p>xo,</p><br /><p>Sherry</p><br /><p>Wonderful blog.</p><br /><p>Greetings from Poland and Happy New Year !</p><br /><p>That tablescape is picture perfect and GORGEOUS!! Who wouldn't feel like a king or queen sitting at a table like that.....fabulous!</p><br /><p>Beautiful tablescapes!</p><br /><p>Kris</p><br /><p>Hi D! It is hard to pick a favorite, every single one has your signature touch. I love that I can tell a Delores tablescape. You never copy you always go with what feels right to YOU!! If I had to pick it would be dinner for two in front of the fireplace where I could sit across from my hubby. I am not sure I could get up once I got down, but with good food and a fire I would not mind staying, xo Kathysue</p><br /><p>Using the same Spode plates from last year, I created a new look, simply by using new plaid napkins. My vintage red and green glasses are a constant, especially at Christmas.</p><br /><p>They're like jewels on the table!</p><br /><p>More sparkle came from Grandma's sterling silver which I am honored to have received and pass down.</p><br /><p>It only made sense to recycle the wedding centerpieces into the Christmas table centerpieces. I used three white hydrangeas in their bark covered containers and the succulent candle wreaths on the end. After dinner, I gave the centerpieces to Grandma and Auntie Ann.</p><br /><p>They should have taken more! I have 24 of the hydrangeas left over and 7 succulents!</p><br /><p>It was a lovely dinner with traditional Armenian faire of lamb shish kebob, rice pilaf, grape leaf dolma, and root vegetables.</p><br /><p>It was extra special this year with the newlyweds at the table!</p><br /><p>Our family is definitely growing.</p><br /><p>So far, I have enough plates for everyone!</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://vignettedesign.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-tablescape-2011.html site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-35010681118363083372016-11-06T03:26:00.362-08:002016-11-06T03:28:38.870-08:00United States State Abbreviations Crossword Puzzle Printable<p><title>United States State Abbreviations Crossword Puzzle Printable</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://www.reallifeathome.com/state-abbreviations-crossword/"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/43/23/c4/4323c4f30f2cb0024701a177974d96ff.jpg" alt="United States State Abbreviations Crossword Puzzle Printable"></a></center></p><br /><p>If you’ve been working on learning state abbreviations, today’s printable offers a chance to try out a your state abbreviations knowledge with a state abbreviations crossword puzzle. If you’re like me, you might even want the challenge of trying this too. That’s cool if you roll like that. I’m kind of nerdy too. If it was me, I might even try to time myself. But, that’s me.</p><br /><p>This printable is not the prettiest printable ever, but that’s because I managed to get the whole puzzle plus all 50 clues onto one page to save you with printing, as well as to make it easier for kids to not have a puzzle on one page and clues on a second page. Score!</p><br /><p>This printable is two pages, as it includes both the puzzle and clues page as well as a solutions page.</p><br /><p>Note: This download is free for personal or classroom use, but the copyright credit line must be included (which just means to make sure that you don’t accidentally crop off the line with the copyright/website information at the bottom of the printable when you are reproducing it to hand out or at least try not to, but it’s really close to the bottom, so it might get cut off and that’s okay). It cannot be sold, published, or hosted on other websites. If you want to pass along the printable though, please feel free to share a link to this post (not directly to the printable) with others. Thanks! (Full terms of use)</p><br /><p>Troubleshooting: If the puzzle doesn’t show up on your PDF file when you open it, try to save it to your computer and open it from there or try a different web browser, as some web browsers have their own native PDF readers that can cause issues. It’s best to open this with Adobe Acrobat Reader.</p><br /><p>Other Printables That You Might Be Interested In:</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://www.reallifeathome.com/state-abbreviations-crossword/ site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-8817503027140153602016-11-06T03:26:00.361-08:002016-11-06T03:28:38.859-08:00Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe<p><title>Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/side/potatoes/twice-baked-potato-casserole-5.html"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fa/d1/2f/fad12fb983db25c2181680e25468bce7.jpg" alt="Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe"></a></center></p><br /><p>Wonderful recipe! The sour cream was a bit off-putting. Really, it just looked bad, but I couldn't taste it much. So if anybody isn't a fan of sour cream (like me!), no worries, it should be fine :) I really disliked how curdled it looked, but it's just a look. It still tastes amazing! Even my four year old loved it and she is picky! The only change I made was that I added some jalapenos for a bit of spice on one side of the casserole. That way the others in my family who can't handle the spicy stuff could enjoy it too!</p><br /><p>I tried this recipe and say it's Family Tested & Approved!</p><br /><p>Trying tonight! Looks delicious.</p><br /><p>this recipe was a HUGE hit with my guests when I made it for my husband's birthday last year. So good that he requested it again this year!</p><br /><p>I tried this recipe and say it's Family Tested & Approved!</p><br /><p>For some reason my sour cream dried up. Good flavor, but an odd texture.</p><br /><p>YES I DO . I HAVE SEEN THIS RECIPE DONE SEVERAL DIFFERENT WAYS AND I DO NOT THINK IT MATTERS . I HAVE EVEN SEEN IT DONE WITH CUBED FROZEN HASH BROWNS AND ALL THE INGREDIANTS MIXED . THIS WAY YOU CAN MAKE IT THE DAY BEFORE AND REFRIDGERATE IT . TAKE IT OUT THE FOLLOWING DAY EARY AND LET IT COME TO ROOM TEMP AND THEN BAKE TO GO WITH YOUR MEAL .IT ALSO WORKS GREAT AS A DISH FOR A BRUNCH .</p><br /><p>I am going to say this,the recipe is really delicious.My family and friends loved it.Too easy to make,I had heard of it but never tried it.Thanks for the recipe for Twiced Baked Potato Casserole.</p><br /><p>I baked my potatoes ahead of time, and will be making this tonight. However, my potatoes came out a little softer than I would have liked..They aren't all exactly in cubes. Do you think that is still okay?</p><br /><p>Cheryl - I left the skins on. Delish :) Hope you enjoy if you give it a try.</p><br /><p>Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe</p><br /><p>karen Aspinall - Apr 24, 2016</p><br /><p>Been making a similar recipe for years but with a few alterations. To cut the prep time down i wash and prick 3-4 unpeeled large size (5-6 inch) baking potatoes a few times with a fork then cook them in the microwave on high for about 5-7 minutes, turning them over half way through. Then preheat your oven to 350* F or 175* C.</p><br /><p>Wait until the potatoes have cooled a bit then carefully cut them in half and scoop most of the potato into a medium mixing bowl while reserving a thin amount in the skin to keep their shape. These will be baked later. Next I rough mash the potato. Then I mix in 3 tbsp of butter, 1 c. of sour cream, 2-3 tbsp dried chives (or spring onion if pref.), 2 c. of shredded four cheese blend (or any combo you like), salt and pepper to taste. Bake this mixture in an appropriate sized baking pan, that has been lightly greased or sprayed, for about 20 min. At the same time put the skin halves on a lightly greased baking tray and bake them for about 15 minutes or until crisp. When the potato mixture is done I scoop it into the crispy skins and top with a bit more shredded cheese (and crispy bacon if desired) and pop them onto the same baking tray and return to the oven for about 5-10 minutes just to melt the cheese and crisp up. I like to serve this potato recipe in their skins because it makes a nice presentation and the skins can be eaten and are very tasty. My recipe is only for 3-4 potatoes so if needed double up.</p><br /><p>Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe</p><br /><p>Ingredients</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/side/potatoes/twice-baked-potato-casserole-5.html site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-71656057626339733252016-11-06T03:26:00.360-08:002016-11-06T03:28:38.848-08:00Twice Baked Butternut Squash<p><title>Twice Baked Butternut Squash</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://reciperunner.com/baked-butternut-squash/?utm_content=buffer95ddb&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=buffer"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c4/7e/40/c47e40fc88bed2259947e83fadf7f878.jpg" alt="Twice Baked Butternut Squash"></a></center></p><br /><p>My favorite recipe of the day, absolutely love this!</p><br /><p>And you just made my day Matt! Thanks so much and have a great weekend!</p><br /><p>Danae, this is one of the best ideas! I make butternut squash all the time, but have never thought to twice bake it. Pinned!</p><br /><p>This looks fantastic! I’m definitely making for a party this weekend!</p><br /><p>Hi Danae! This twice-baked butternut squash looks amazing!</p><br /><p>I’d love to include your recipe in a butternut squash round up I’m doing for Parade Magazine this month.</p><br /><p>If you’re fine with it, I’d love to use one of your photos with a link back to your original post (http://reciperunner.com/baked-butternut-squash/).</p><br /><p>Let me know your thoughts, and thanks so much!</p><br /><p>Felicia</p><br /><p>Hi Felicia! As long as there is a link back to the original post I’m fine with it. Thanks for asking!</p><br /><p>I was really excited about this recipe, and unfortunately, I was equally as disappointed with the actual results. After 35 minutes in the oven at 450, covered with foil as recommended, the squash halves were still basically raw. I popped them all back in for another 15 to 20 minutes, and the smallest of the halves was still very difficult to scoop out with a metal spoon. I took the foil off and switched my oven to convention, afraid of turning the heat up, and this still didn’t cook the squash enough to scoop out the contents, especially in a way that left the outer shell intact… After much frustration and the careful use of a knife, I ended up throwing all of the edible contents into a bowl with the other ingredients and blending everything together with a hand mixer. I scooped the mixture into a Pyrex dish, sprinkled the Panko on top, and let it all brown for about 10 minutes. My sweet family liked the flavor, but we all agreed that the texture was a little unpleasant given that some larger chunks of squash were still under-cooked. All in all, I give you props for such a lovely presentation… But for anyone who realistically wants to duplicate it, cook the squash for AT LEAST an hour… or prepare to have your expectations squashed.</p><br /><p>Hi Ashley. I’m sorry you had so much trouble with the squash. The size of the squash you use can greatly vary the cooking time, I’ll be sure to go back and add a note to the recipe so that others are aware. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.</p><br /><p>So so good!! I’ve made it so many times and I love it more every time!</p><br /><p>Glad to hear you like the recipe Mary! I love making it this time of year.</p><br /><p>Well the arctic blast has moved in to Colorado and I’ve been freezing my buns off all week. Our heater has been working overtime, the fireplace is on most of the day, and thanks to roasting this Twice Baked Butternut Squash the oven has been heating the house as well!</p><br /><p>The temperatures took a major nose dive on Monday. It started with a huge windstorm that eventually turned into snow later in the day. The nights have been getting bitterly cold, Wednesday night it was -6 degrees! I’ve been running on my treadmill the past few morning instead of outside because of all the ice and while I’m so grateful I have a treadmill it is so BORING! I can handle 5-6 miles on my treadmill as long as I have some cooking shows or movies recorded, but it starts to get ridiculous and mind numbing when I’m running 11-12 miles on it. I won’t complain too much though because it sure beats running in negative degree temperatures and risking falling on my face in the ice.</p><br /><p>So, like I was saying above, on top of the heat and fireplace keeping the house warm, I’ve also had the oven on quite a bit. When you’re stuck inside it turns into an ideal time to bake, roast, and test out all the delicious Thanksgiving side dishes and desserts. Today I’m sharing this great recipe for Twice Baked Butternut Squash. Of course there are always mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes on the Thanksgiving table, but I adore butternut squash and wanted it to have a place on the table as well. I’m sure most of you have roasted or baked butternut squash before and are well aware of how delicious it tastes this way, but have you have ever baked it twice?</p><br /><p>Twice Baked Butternut Squash is the same concept as twice baked potatoes. You roast the squash, scoop out the filling, mash it up and add a bunch of good stuff to it, then put it back in it’s shell and bake it again. Sure it’s a little more work, but it tastes amazing and the presentation is lovely! Let’s talk about what I mixed into the filling.</p><br /><p>To the mashed up squash I added goat cheese, Greek yogurt, sage, salt, and pepper. The tang of the goat cheese and Greek yogurt, mixed with the sweetness of the squash and the classic Thanksgiving flavor of sage, was a perfect combination. The flavors were both familiar thanks to the sage and unexpected with the addition of the goat cheese. Once the filling was all combined, I put it back into the shell of the butternut squash and topped them with panko breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a nice crunchy topping. If you are looking for a new addition to add to your Thanksgiving table this year, and one that isn’t the traditional side dish, give this Twice Baked Butternut Squash a try!</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://reciperunner.com/baked-butternut-squash/?utm_content=buffer95ddb&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=buffer site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436369622416836165.post-43944690069813579932016-11-06T03:26:00.359-08:002016-11-06T03:28:38.837-08:00Turkey Oreo Pops 1wm<p><title>Turkey Oreo Pops 1wm</title></p><br /><p><center><a href=http://www.theidearoom.net/2011/11/thanksgiving-turkey-treats.html"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ca/9d/dd/ca9ddd59bf2c491b3dff3141f309a22d.jpg" alt="Turkey Oreo Pops 1wm"></a></center></p><br /><p>[…] Oreo Turkey pops! – […]</p><br /><p>[…] Turkey Oreo Pops |The Idea Room […]</p><br /><p>Turkey Oreo Pops 1wm</p><br /><p>This time I switched it up ever so slightly…instead of using the Double Stuft Oreos, I used some Oreo Cakesters. For those of you who have emailed me and are having trouble getting the sticks in between the two cookie layers without them breaking, this might be a great solution for you. These have more frosting and are soft so the breaking risk is minimal.</p><br /><p>Here is how I made the Oreo Turkey Pops:</p><br /><p>1. Insert your popsicle stick or sucker stick into your Oreo Cakesters.</p><br /><p>2. Line a pan with parchment or wax paper.</p><br /><p>3. Melt your favorite chocolate in 20 second intervals in the microwave.</p><br /><p>4. “Dip” your Oreo’s into the melted chocolate. In the past I have been saying to *DIP* your Oreos and several of you were having difficulty with them staying on the stick during the dipping process. I realized that I was actually pouring the chocolate over the over with a spoon while holding the Oreo over the cup of melted chocolate. Just turn the Oreo around as needed so that the chocolate is completely covering your entire Oreo and the stick. Hopefully this will help some of you who were having difficulty. Sorry for the confusion.</p><br /><p>Turkey Oreo Pops 3wm</p><br /><p>5. Place the Chocolate Covered Oreo onto the wax paper.</p><br /><p>6. Take 7 pieces of candy corn and stick it into the side of the Cakester. The hardened chocolate will hold them in place permanently.</p><br /><p>7. Take a whopper and place it near the top middle of the Oreo.</p><br /><p>8. Quickly pop the tray of Oreos into the freezer just to set the chocolate.</p><br /><p>9. When the chocolate has hardened (should only need a few minutes) remove the tray from the freezer and put a dab of melted chocolate onto some Wilton Icing Eyes and set them onto the whopper heads.</p><br /><p>Turkey Oreo Pops 2wm</p><br /><p>Aren’t they so cute? You could even add some red fruit roll-ups or licorice to make him a wattle (that red thing that hangs from a turkey’s neck)!</p><br /><p>turkey oreo pops wm</p><br /><p>These are a fun and festive treat to bring to your Thanksgiving Hostess or to share with the little kidlets as part of your Thanksgiving festivities. Another fun twist for these would be to use them as a place setting at your table. Simple hang the name tag on the stick and use a piece of fruit to stand them in place by each table setting. Then your guests have a little treat to take home or eat for dessert</p><br /><p>Original article and pictures take http://www.theidearoom.net/2011/11/thanksgiving-turkey-treats.html site</p>all newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139638491154685428noreply@blogger.com0