My Favorite Salad

I don't have a picture of this one but trust me, it's good.

INGREDIENTS:
1 CUP CHOW MEIN NOODLES
6 OZ. CASHEWS
3 TABLESPOONS CHOPPED/CRUMBLED BACON (OR ENOUGH FOR YOUR LIKING)
2 BAGS ROMAINE LETTUCE

VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS:
1/2 CUP OIL
2 TABLESPOONS VINEGAR
1/2 TEASPOON PEPPER
1/2 TEASPOON SALT
3/4 TABLESPOON SUGAR
**MIX TOGETHER IN SEPARATE CONTAINER (PINT CANNING JARS WORK WELL)

Just before serving, combine all ingredients and mixed vinaigrette together to make a simple salad that everyone will enjoy. Be creative, substitute bacon for something more healthy like chicken or the cashews or add something else to it to make it YOUR favorite salad.

Pickle Me Garlic...CONTINUED

As Promised...

Enough to make three pint sized jars.

INGREDIENTS:

WATER

WHITE VINEGAR

SUGAR

DILL (FRESH OR DRIED)

GARLIC CLOVES (I've done both-peeled my own and today used already peeled garlic bought in store-I know, I cheated)

DIRECTIONS:

1) Combine Solutions of: 1/2 Cup Water, 1 Cup White Vinegar, 1 1/2 Tablespoons Sugar, 1 teaspoon of dill (you can use fresh dill too-I just didn't have any on hand...this winter). Basically enough solution to cover garlic.

2) Bring solution to a full rolling boil.

3) Drop peeled garlic into boiling solution. Return to full boil and boil for about 2 minuites.

4) Turn off and allow to cool. I skip this and put it right in the jars. 

**OPTIONAL **

5) It says to store in cool place for 3 months, but I make sure the jars seal and place them in boiling water to ensure they do in fact seal. You'll know they are sealed if the "pop top" is down. Also known on store products: IF BUTTON IS UP DO NOT PURCHASE. I therefore, submerge in water on the stove and make sure when the jars are sealed the button stays down. 

The last batch I made I stored for about 2 months and they were perfect. Just make sure you don't open them any sooner... as hard as it may be.

Some pictures from the post: PICKLE ME GARLIC

This jar was made using garlic that I peeled.

Jar submerged in water-waiting to boil.

Cha, Cha, Cha, Cheesy

Wowza! It's been quite the holiday season this year. Which is probably why I have been slacking on the posts. Sorry, for those of you looking for something new and interesting to make/bake.

For those of you who have read any of my previous posts, you know about my attempt to make pickled garlic. I will have you know I brought it to a family Christmas for others to try and get their take on if it passes the taste bud inspection. I will have you know, it was unanimous that it tasted great. Well, it tasted more like pickled garlic then just something pickled. Therefore, I will be making more than just one jar today and posting the recipe later on. In the meantime... 

I made lasagna the other night and needed something new to make. It's not the most healthy, but at least the recipe I found was quick, easy, and I didn't have to fry it like some other recipes that I found. Therefore, eliminating some of the unnecessary fat.


BAKED MOZZARELLA STICKS

12 Egg Roll Wrappers (I found them in the fresh produce at Wal-Mart)
12 String Cheese Sticks
Water
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (enough to lightly brush the top of wrapped cheese)

1) Preheat oven to 400 Degrees F.
2) Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray
3) Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, with one of its points facing you. With a pastry brush (I used a basting brush), dip in water, moisten all the edges. Place a string cheese at the bottom point of the wrapper and start rolling. Tuck in the sides as you roll. Place seam down on the baking sheet. Repeat for the rest of the egg roll wrappers.
4) Brush the tops of the sticks with the olive oil. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Then place under broiler to finish.
5) Sticks are finished when the edges turn golden brown and cheese just beings to ooze at the seams. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with Marinara dipping sauce.

**I used a small pyrex pan and found I should have rotated/flipped sticks to make sure all sides were cooked. The bottom wasn't as crispy as we would have like them-but still very good.**

One sheet of Egg Roll Wrap

I took this from another angle

Don't forget to line your pan-makes for easy clean up!

Just before the oven-as you can see I didn't make twelve.

That's a lot of cheese for two people!

The picture doesn't do it justice.

Where Have You Been All My Life?

I know it's been awhile, but thought I'd share a holiday treat that I made today, however, I haven't had a chance to share pictures yet. Because of the various step process, they are still a work in progress (meaning they are still in the freezer).

I wasn't feeling the greatest this morning due to enjoying too many Long Islands last night, and for some reason I thought of my aunt's chicken dumpling soup that I had a very long time ago. I know it's not the same, but I am hoping it tastes just as delicious. Once it is done tonight I'll try to post. In the meantime, here is chocolate heaven.

Triple Chocolate Cookie Balls

What You Need

1/2 cup cold milk

1 pkg.  (3.9 oz.) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding

36 OREO Cookies, finely crushed (about 3 cups)

1-1/2 pkg.  (8 squares each) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate (12 squares), melted

1 square BAKER'S White Chocolate, melted

Make It

STIR milk and pudding mix in medium bowl with large spoon just until moistened. Immediately stir in cookie crumbs; mix well.
SHAPE into 42 (1-inch) balls. Freeze 10 min. Dip in semi-sweet chocolate; place in single layer in shallow waxed paper-lined pan.
REFRIGERATE 20 min. or until firm. Drizzle with white chocolate; refrigerate 10 min. or until firm.

Bite Size Piece of Heaven

FINALLY! I have a day off where I really don't have anything planned. I did some baby shower gift shopping and finished up with the best gift ever! I am so excited to give this to her-she already knows about it which is why I am writing about it. But, I find it only fitting that an expecting mother and soon to be little bundle of joy arrives that he too, is a "bite" size piece of heaven. Not so much that you want to eat him, just love him to pieces.

I've had this recipe sitting in my inbox for weeks! I told my husband I wasn't going to make any more bread-but today I did and I am proud to say I haven't eaten much of it...yet. I did try it to make sure it was edible to the public and I intend to drop some off to a friend in town; to share in this little piece of heaven.

PRETZEL BITES

INGREDIENTS:

1) Texas size Rhodes Frozen roll dough 
*as many as you like – each roll makes four bites

The Package

2) Coarse Salt
3) Parmesan
4) Garlic
5) Cinnamon & Sugar
6) Vanilla glaze (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1) Take a thawed roll.  Cut it in four equal sections.  

The original directions called for a loaf-

Tthis was easier

2) Place dough bites on greased sheets. Let dough rise until double in size. (about 35-45 minutes) 

3) Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil.  

4) When dough has risen, plop about 10 pieces into the boiling water, tossing gently for about 45 seconds. 

5) Remove with slotted spoon, and place bites on paper towels to drain slightly.  

Don't let them sit here too long or they will stick.

6) Move bites to greased baking sheets, and bake at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes or until done and golden brown. 

7) Brush bites with melted butter, sprinkle with Kosher or Sea Salt, garlic and toss in Parmesan cheese.  You can also make Cinnamon and Sugar bites. 

My Assembly Line

Parmesan/Garlic

Cinnamon & Sugar

OPTIONAL: Make a mixture of Cinnamon and sugar:  About 1 cup sugar and 1 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon, and mix together well. After you butter the pretzel bites, toss in cinnamon and sugar mixture.

OPTIONAL: You can serve the Parmesan Pretzel bites with a cheddar dip, and the Cinnamon and Sugar Pretzel bites with Vanilla glaze.  So Simple!

I didn't do the glaze or the cheddar dip but decided to try Parmesan/Garlic  and Cinnamon/Sugar on two different batches. These were so easy

VANILLA GLAZE

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon melted butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract.

Combine sugar, milk, butter and vanilla and mix well. 

CHEDDAR DIP

1 Tablespoon butter

1 Tablespoon all purpose flour

1 cup milk

1 1/2  to 2 cups of grated Cheddar Cheese.

Melt the butter in a med. size saucepan over medium heat.  Add the flour and stir until blended, and

butter has turned lightly golden brown.  Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until thickened slightly.  Remove from heat and stir in the Cheddar Cheese until smooth and all of the cheese has melted.  Season with salt and pepper.  Shake a few red pepper flakes into sauce for added zing!

What a Rookie

*RECAP*

Here is a little recap on my last post about the spaghetti sauce made with turkey. He ate it. This is a quote from my husband (but not a direct quote): As long as it's mixed in I don't care.
With that being said, it will take me a bit longer for him to try just a burger.

I've found some new recipes to try; I just haven't had time to try them lately. The weather has been extremely gorgeous (at times a bit chilly) but I'm not going to complain because I know what is coming.

This post is dedicated to a dear friend of mine, whom has a passion for a good glass of wine. I am not wine connoisseur by the meaning of the word, but for me and my husband and our age group-I'd say we are. Our "beginner's wine rack holds 8, which all consist of 8 different bottles of wine. 

Millner Heritage-Mullner Weiss

This first one is from a local Vineyard & Winery located in Kimball, MN. To Learn more about their wines:
Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery Wine List 

My Husband and I also enjoy their Neuhaus which is a spicier, dryer red.

Chateau St Michelle-Riesling

This little lady was discovered with two lovely ladies and I when we went out for lunch while we were wedding dress shopping. It is a great Riesling for those who are just entering the world of wine.

This is a terrible picture and does not give this wine justice. My Husband and I have a hard time finding red wines that we like and enjoy drinking a whole bottle of. We have found this SHIRAZ appealing as well as the BAREFOOT brand of Shiraz most appealing. For those that want to get into some red's that aren't too dry; try those. 

One of my favorites that I don't have a picture of so I "borrowed" one off of their website:

  

It has some spicier flavors to it. This is what their website said about it: Apothic Red reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry that are complemented by hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice and vanilla. The plush, velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend. Apothic Red Website 

Just for kicks while I am posting this, our dog Cash wanted to say a quick, "Hello!" 

"November" Fools!

My husband is a meat and potatoes kind of guy. He is also stubborn. During my weekend in Spicer for Sister's Weekend I was introduced to turkey burger by my aunt and "cousin-in-laws." I have to say it was pretty tasty! I may have been a bit skeptical at first, but most women in my family can cook-and well. Since then I have been asking repeatedly if my husband would try anything turkey (not just a Thanksgiving Day turkey). The answer has been a repeated no.

Today he is hunting with my Godfather and one of our friends' dads (a 26 year old and two "older" boys). I hope they had fun, or should I say I hope my husband had fun-hopefully the topic of conversation wasn't about AARP. He has really been getting into trying a few new things-for those that know him he is not a big rabbit (vegetable) eater. He likes his run of the mill veggeies (corn, peas, beans, carrots) but will not eat peppers, spinach, mushrooms...To my amazement last week when we were prepping some breakfasts meals for him to make on a skillet in the duck boat he wanted to add a green pepper! I just about fainted! And when he reported back to me that it was awesome I just about had a heart attack! So, last night after dinner we prepped the same breakfast for this mornings meal and to my amazement we added the green pepper again and he even let me add a few mushrooms! I graciously informed him they really don't taste like much; kind of like dirt. He wasn't real keen on trying them then, but for the sake of pleasing me-we got to add 3 (finely chopped). We will see what he reports back on the overall satisfaction of meal later today.

As I said earlier he has been stubborn at trying turkey burger. Today I hope is the day I can trick him into two things. 1) He won't be able to tell that there is turkey burger in the spaghetti sauce 2) Buying a car for me before Old Man Winter arrives. I say number two because we have been looking at something a bit more dependable for this girl because my escort wagon is a great commuter car, but not very reliable on blizzard conditions when I have no choice but to go to work. She held up well last year when we had a very wet blizzard that took me almost three hours to get home from the twin cities. But, I had to go get an hour long massage that week just to relax my muscles from being tense for those three hours. Since my sister's weekend I have also been starting to put more greens (fiber) in meals where I can. In most sauces I try to add chopped spinach (great trick), as well as chopped carrots. For a few years now I have always put chopped carrots in spaghetti sauce, just never thought of spinach. Since my husband doesn't eat too many green veggies this was a great way!

Kind of skipping around here-but I'll keep you posted on the outcome of today's festivities!

Re-living our juvenile years-Senior Prom.

Free Hugs

I don't normally share work related things, and I will speak short and frank in regards to that subject. I was offered the position of lead dispatcher at work. It isn't technically a management position but has a few added perks with a few more stress points. The kinks still need to be worked out in regards to my duties.

With that being said, my husband is working late tonight and I just needed a little bit of "me" time. I watched a chick-flick, which was "so-so," (Snow Flower & the Secret Fan). Afterwards, I was surfing the internet and remembered a YouTube video that our President and CEO and work shared with us last year and it was just a good, heart-warming video and thought I would share.
Hallelujah (Free Hugs)

After I watched this I saw a friend of mine added another video that caught my eye. I am not much for watching these, and actually "hide" them from view. This one was great just to sit on the cough (lights, TV, radio, all distractions-off) and just listen to the words. No where in this world is perfect and I am all but one person who must remember this fact. No job is perfect but if one works hard it will eventually (I hope) turn out for the best. If it doesn't, one must learn to let go. Laura Story-Blessings

Check out two videos that just may lift the spirits a bit.

A Calm, Summer Day

Pickle Me Garlic

First thing is first-sister's weekend was fantastic. It was spent in a rental house in Spicer, Minnesota. If you'd like to know more: Green Lake Bible Camp . After lots of chit chatting with just a sliver of the women in my family, I am determined to continue my efforts in finding various recipes to try and share. Believe it or not, the aunts even put out a cookbook by in 2007 with various recipes and little added flashbacks to their childhood (on the farm).

I was in charge of bringing fruit and scones for breakfast.

Where we stayed.

A nice walk on the beach one morning.

Our Mystery Dinner

 My own mother is a cookbook fanatic! She loves them! Which in turn has given her quite the collection, varying in the traditional (Betty Crocker style), church (I find these the best),  country, and the odd (including recipes for squirrel, rabbit, possum, etc.). Having only been alive for 25 years and only been cooking for just over half of those years for myself-perhaps I need to find my own favorites; set out to create my own style.

As this title of this blog is, "Pickle Me Garlic," one could only guess that my next recipe includes garlic. I found a jar of my new love at Mackenthuns Meats in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota. Ever since then when I find myself wanting just a little something to tide me over, I reach in the fridge and grab this jar instead of the pickles. Any one can have a pickle. Why not pickled garlic instead?

Okay, so I didn't find a recipe that I truly liked for this so I created my own. I'm not too wild and crazy (yet) about bell peppers and what not, so I just stuck to the garlic portion. One day I was surfin' on the internet and found a simple one-but couldn't find it today. Therefore, I decided to be bold and do something I don't normally do-trial and error. As I sat at my kitchen counter for probably half an hour just peeling cloves of garlic and listening to the new CD of Miranda Lambert: For the Record and watching Cash be bored with me I prayed this would work!

*WARNING: DO NOT MAKE PICKLED GARLIC IF YOU DON'T HAVE AT LEAST 2 HOURS OF PREPPING*

Now that I am done I can hopefully confidently say that it should be good...4 weeks later. At that point I will let you know! Otherwise, go surfin' yourself and try it! 

Mackenthuns Meats:
http://www.mackenthunsmeats.com/index.html

Green Lake Bible Camp:
http://www.gllm.org/page.cfm?PAGEID=80

Make sure as to not stuff the jar too full.

Just peeeeeeeeling away!

A bowl of sorts is nice to discard instead of hunching over a garbage can.

This was my ingredients to create what hopefully will be tasty!

After boiling and sealing the top. Now to the fridge.

Cash got bored-so he took a nap.