Salted Caramel Apple Pie

 

 

We got some great apples when we went apple picking locally and I couldn't wait to try this new recipe. I also sprinkled some salted caramel sauce on top for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Was a great apple pie. Here is the link to the recipe:

 

 

http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/07/04/salted-caramel-apple-pie/



 

Pumpkin Nutella Swirl Muffins

These were a great after dinner treat and combines two of my favorites - Pumpkin and Nutella. I love this time of year year and become a little pumpkin obsessed sometimes. I made this and had them in the oven while making dinner. They made the kitchen smell great. Here is the link to the recipe:


http://www.thenovicechefblog.com/2013/09/pumpkin-nutella-swirl-muffins/

Bowtie Chicken Alfredo

This is a great quick and easy meal to make after working all day. Was much better than store bought alfredo sauce - lighter and not as heavy as that jar stuff. I love quick meals like this especially after a long day at work when I want to make us a good meal, but not one that takes long to make. Here is the link to the recipe:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/12/bowtie-chicken-alfredo/

Pork and Noodle Stir Fry

I found this recipe on pinterest, instead of Ramen noodles as used in the recipe I used udon noodles I had in the house. We love making stir frys and this one was amazing. Will definitely be making it again. Here's the link to this recipe:

http://www.julieseatsandtreats.com/2013/08/pork-ramen-stir-fry/

Red Sauce Chicken Marsala

I got this recipe from the latest Rachael Ray Magazine Was so good and had plenty of leftovers for lunches this week. I love Chicken Marsala and I like this different take on it.

• handful of dried mushrooms
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 8 chicken thighs
• salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3/4 lbs sliced mushrooms
• 2 lg shallots, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup marsala
• your favorite garlic bread to serve alongside

1. In a small saucepan cook the dried mushrooms in the stock at a low, rolling boil until the mushrooms soften an liquid reduces slightly. About 10-15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile in a large deep skillet heat olive oil over medium high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook till browned on both sides. Transfer to plate.
3. Add the butter and sliced fresh mushrooms to the skillet and cook until lightly browned. Add shallots, garlic and thyme and season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about a minute.
5. Add the tomatoes and marsala and bring to a simmer.
6. Add the dried mushrooms you hydrated and the reduced stock.
7. Return chicken to pan and cook through about 5-10 minutes.

Caprese Garlic Bread

I always love to try new recipes to go with dinner and this was amazing. Will definitely be making this for our next dinner party.  Don't know what I'd do without pinterest to find these recipes. Here's the link to the recipe:

http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/caprese-garlic-bread/

Waffles

Since we had a day off together and had no plans other then keeping an eye on Princess I figured I'd make us a nice breakfast. So I googled a waffle recipe and made bacon and eggs to go with it. I whipped the egg whites before adding to the mixture and they were very light and fluffy. Here's the link to the waffle recipe:

http://www.reciperoll.com/2013/03/basic-waffles-how-to-make-fluffy-waffles.html

Scrapbook Layouts

Was able to get some scrapbook pages done, almost done scrapping my pictures from our trip to San Diego last year. Also love these pics of my family taken a few months ago.

Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Mug

You know those nights you feel like a little something sweet and don't want to make a big dessert. This really hit the spot, was so quick and fulfilled my sweet tooth. So glad I saw this recipe on pinterest and will definitely make again. Here is the link to the recipe:

http://www.number-2-pencil.com/2012/03/06/chocolate-chip-cookie-in-cup/

Tortellini Tomato Spinach Soup

This was an amazing soup and was definitely worth me burning my finger while making it (I was cleaning up as I went along and forgot I used one of the burners while cleaning the stove)

• package fresh tortellini
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 sweet onion chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 48 oz chicken broth
• 20 oz tomato sauce
• 4-5 sausage links (I bought a small package)
• 3 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil

1.  Cook Sausage links and slice and set aside
2. Place olive oil in pan and heat over medium-high heat. Saute onions and cook till translucent. Add garlie and saute a minute or so.
3. Add chicken broth and sauce to pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer
4. Add salt and pepper to taste
5. Add tortellini and spinach, stir and cook for 5 minutes. Add cream cheese and stir till combined. Heat another 5 minutes and serve.
6. Once placed in serving bowl sprinkle cheese on top and enjoy.

Salted Caramel Vodka Hot Cocoa

When I learned about Salted Caramel Vodka I had to find it. I love trying flavored vodkas. I added it to my favorite hot cocoa and it was amazing. Was a nice nighttime treat for one of those nights that our weather started getting cooler. Will be making this often this winter. If you love salted caramel you need to look for this vodka. I have a recipe to try for a salted caramel macchiato with it and once I try it I will definitely share.

Mini Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

I made these for a snack for work, I love making mini muffins and this is a perfect fall recipe. Here is the link to these delicious muffins:


http://www.crumbsandchaos.net/2013/08/mini-chocolate-chip-pumpkin-muffins/

Mushroom Asiago Chicken

We eat a lot of chicken so I like to try new recipes with it. This was another great pinterest find and tasted delicious. Here is the link to the recipe:

http://www.bakeatmidnite.com/2013/07/mushroom-asiago-chicken.html

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Now that the weather is getting cooler it's nice to cook some comforting recipes. Here is the link to the recipe:

http://www.babble.com/best-recipes/mini-pot-pies/

I doubled the recipe and added mushrooms and skipped the peas (not a big fan of peas).

Caramel Apple Jello Shots

I couldn't wait to try these when I found them on pinterest. These were perfect for a girls night in. They tasted great and I will definitely make them again. Next time I will use condensed milk since Kyle is allergic to coconut. I love trying out different versions of jello shots, here is the link to the recipe:

http://www.thatssomichelle.com/2011/09/caramel-apple-shots-with-real-apples.html

Scrapbook Layouts and Card

 My little brother with the fish he caught

 My crazy siblings and me

 Field Day at my brothers school

 My mom and little brother

 A card I made for a friend

Creamy Mushroom and Shrimp Pasta

This sauce was amazing, I picked up shrimp from our favorite fish market for this recipe, but the recipe states you can also use frozen. Here is the link to the recipe:
http://www.keyingredient.com/recipes/341284034/creamy-shrimp-and-mushroom-pasta/

Skillet Chicken Lasagna

Here is a recipe from one of my favorite people - The Pioneer Woman. This was a great dinner to make after working all day because it didn't take long and was delicious, plus I had leftovers for work the next few days. I used my own homemade sauce, but you can use your favorite sauce in this recipe. Here is the link:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2013/07/skillet-chicken-lasagna/

Caprese Mac and Cheese

 This was a great and different side dish for dinner. Was quick and easy to make and tasted wonderful. You know it's good if Kyle eats leftovers from it since he isn't a fan of leftovers. Here is the link:
http://damndelicious.net/2013/08/21/caprese-mac-and-cheese/

Chocolate Chip Espresso Pumpkin Bread

Since I've finally had my first Pumpkin Spice latte of the season I decided it was time to make a pumpkin homemade dessert. I saved this recipe recently and couldn't wait to try it. Here is the link to the recipe:
http://addapinch.com/cooking/2012/09/27/chocolate-chip-espresso-pumpkin-bread-recipe/#.UifaGBDD_IU

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken

This was a great meal to make on my day off so it could sit in my crockpot while I got to work on some scrapbooking. Here's the link thanks again to pinterest for finding this one for me

http://www.number-2-pencil.com/2013/05/23/slow-cooker-lemon-garlic-chicken/

Sour Cream Chocolate Chip Pancakes

These were a light and fluffy pancake and were delicious. I halved the recipe since I was only making for two people and saved the leftover batter to make for breakfast tomorrow morning. Here is the link for this recipe I found thanks to pinterest
http://www.lillysourcream.com/2012/03/01/sour-creamchocolate-chip-pancakes/

Scrapbook Pages

Trying to finish up my pages from last years trip to San Diego. Here are some recent layouts

Scrapbook Layouts

 Pictures taken during our March 2013 trip to the Big Island

 Princess loves to help when I work in my craft room

 Before and After our bathroom remodel

 Finally used some old papers I've had awhile

 Love all these pics of Princess taken with my cell phone

Party Desserts

For the chocolate lollipops (love pops) I used Merckens chocolate melts from the local candy supply store. For the chocolate covered pretzels I used melts I got at ACMoore - salted caramel and birthday cake. I made smores cupcakes for the favors in the to go boxes and the red velvet and chocolate mini's were a mix I got at Williams Sonoma.

The smores pops are from pinterest: http://prettyfoods.tumblr.com/post/2891010391/ventisette-smores-pops

The M&M cookies I found here : http://picky-palate.com/2013/04/03/how-to-make-perfect-m-and-m-cookies/