Reflecting on 2011

So as the holidays come close and 2011 comes to an end, I have realized how much life has taught me this year. Through the ups and downs, disappointments and successes, sadness and happiness I have finally come to a place where I am enjoying life and everything it has to offer. Student teaching, college graduation, and figuring out the "future" had left me confused and lost. With the help of my loved ones, I was able to see that life isn't about "figuring it all out", but simply enjoying where you are, with whoever you are, at any given time. This realization allowed me to have a completely new outlook on life and helped me understand happiness is not a destination, but a journey. During this holiday season I ask you to reflect on your own life and think about what makes you happy. We all face success and failures, but never lose sight of what really matters.

-M

Treats from Nana

As the holidays are quickly approaching, I have entered the world of aprons, flour in every crevice of my kitchen, and piles of dishes waiting to be washed; in other words: BAKING. Every year since I can remember my mom would bake all kinds of goodies from breads to cookies, and homemade chex mix to candies. There have always been traditional recipes that complete the holidays in our house. One of these recipes is my Nana's sugar cookies. They take some time and some love but are the best sugar cookies you will ever taste. My brother and I used to be solely in charge of cutting out the cookies, then frosting and decorating them. However, As I grow older, I have decided to take on the recipe in its entirety, and hand out these delicious cookies to neighbors and friends. Below is the recipe for you to make and create your own holiday tradition. Enjoy.


Nana’s Sugar Cookies


1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 ½ cups sugar
3 eggs
3 ½ cups flour
2 tsp. cream of tartar
½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Cream softened butter and vanilla. Add sugar, gradually creaming until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each. Sift dry ingredients in a separate bowl and then gradually add to creamed mixture. Chill dough in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. Roll out the dough on a well floured surface, 1/8 to ¼ inch thick. Cut into shapes. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets for 6-8 minutes or until slightly brown around the edges. Cool completely before icing.

Makes approx. 8 dozen cookies.


Sugar Cookie Icing


Warm a little milk and approx. 1 Tbls butter in a sauce pan on low. Add approx. 2 cups confectioner sugar and 1 capful of vanilla extract. Separate into small bowls and add food coloring. Make the icing thin enough to brush onto the cookies. You may need to add more milk to achieve the right consistency. Put colored sprinkles on as soon as you brush the icing on, while it’s still wet.


The finished product:

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

This year I somehow managed to be done Christmas shopping, have all of my presents wrapped, and have the house decorated for Christmas by November 30th. This gave me plenty of time to decide how to thank the people around me for a wonderful year and their constant love and friendship. I thought it would be a neat idea to create my own Christmas cards, rather than purchase some overpriced flimsy piece of paper. Half inspired by my newfound addiction, Pinterest, and half inspired by my creative juices, I took a trip to the local craft store and acquired the materials for such a task. The finished product was even more than I could have hoped for. Each card has a unique design and is full of holiday cheer. Below is a list of the materials I used and one of the cards I made. Hope this inspires your holiday crafty side to come out :)


Materials:
-8 blank white square cards
-Green Glitter Glue
-Tacky Glue
-Ribbon
-Scissors
-Holiday Stickers
-Construction Paper

The finished product:

-M

Hello Blog

It has been months since I have posted to my blog and many changes have occurred over these last few months. I have graduated college, am a substitute teacher, craft on a daily basis, read more than ever, and am thoroughly enjoying life and the unknown future. Because of these changes, I have decided to write not only about recipes I try and love, but about my teaching experiences, crafts I make, and other things I am enjoying in my life. I hope that these posts inspire you to create something beautiful, or perhaps enjoy the little things in life. Whatever it may do for you, I hope you will enjoy my treats, teaching experiences, and everything in between.

-M

Crispy Cornflake Chicken

This evening I had no idea what to do with the chicken I thawed out this morning...I was craving a comforting meal, but not something so heavy I would feel guilty after eating it. After looking in my pantry I decided to combine some not so obvious ingredients to make a version of breaded, beaked chicken. Here's what I came up with. Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 Tbs. ranch dressing

2 Tbs. sour cream

2 C. crushed cornflakes cereal

2 tsp. red pepper flakes

2 tsp. garlic powder

2 Tbs. parmesan cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a gallon size plastic bag, place chicken breasts, sour cream, and ranch dressing

2. Close bag and coat chicken thoroughly

3. Put in refridgerator to marinade (1 Hour up to Overnight)

4. Mix cornflakes, red pepper,garlic powder, and parmesan cheese in large bowl.

5. Remove chicken from bag and add dash of salt and pepper to chicken.

6. Dip chicken in in dry cornflake mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.

7. Place in baking dish that has been lined with foil.

8. Bake for 45 minutes and 350 degrees or until juices run clear

Chili Con Carne

This is one of my favorite recipes I stole from my mom. It is super easy, quick, and makes plenty of leftovers (a teacher's dream). The other thing I like about this recipe is how easy it is to make changes, whether it be to the type of meat you use or to the type of beans you use. It is really easy to swap things in and out and satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (I like to use ground turkey too...a little lighter and a lot healthier)

2 16 oz. cans of crushed or diced tomatoes

1 cup white onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1/4 cup chili powder

1 16 oz. can black beans

1 16 oz. can kidney beans

salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

shredded cheese

corn bread (optional)

Directions

1. Pour olive oil in pan and heat over medium heat until oil is smoking

2. Add ground beef, onions, and garlic and cook until onion is tender, stirring frequently.

3. Add tomatoes and their liquid, chili powder, salt and pepper. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

4. Stir in beans and their liquid; heat.

5. Serve with shredded cheese and corn bread (I like to break my corn bread into my chili. Makes a yummy mixture!)

Quick & Easy

For some people reading is a hobby, or possibly riding bikes; but for me cooking is a source of pleasure, entertainment, and fulfillment. I could probably blame this newfound obsession on my Italian genes, or maybe the fact that I spent two years eating every meal in a college dining hall (insert sarcasm here). Whatever the case may be, I have found cooking to be a way to make inexpensive, healthy meals for myself and also as a way to relieve stress. As I start my career as an elementary school teacher, I have found there is nothing more rewarding than coming home from a long day to a comforting, delicious meal. I want to share some of these recipes with you because I think there is nothing more valuable than a quick, easy recipe. Enjoy.