Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread

May 23, 2014 Posted in Appetizers, Bread

I’ve always wanted to attempt my cornbread in a cast iron skillet. This will give you a few variations of cornbread recipes. Honestly, if you have a cornbread recipe that works for you then use it. You can still use bacon grease in the skillet, pour in your cornbread batter and bake it in the oven...
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Cottage Cheese Fruit Salad

May 19, 2014 Posted in Fruit, Side Dishes, Soups & Salads

I tried this fruit salad years ago at a friend’s on Thanksgiving. It paired perfectly next to the turkey and ham. When you eat it by itself it is very sweet but oh so yummy. Next to meat dishes it is a perfect balance. Having a little dessert with your dinner is wonderful. You just can’t go wrong with this side dish. Perfect for pot lucks and beyond easy to make. Only 4 ingredients.
 
* Make sure you g...
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BBQ Shrimp Marinara

May 16, 2014 Posted in BBQ & Grilling, Fish, Italian Food

While on vacation we dined at a place in Rancho Mirage, California called Babe’s Bar-B-Que Brewhouse. We dined on the patio and started with their cast iron skillet of cornbread. My hubby decided to order the BBQ Tri-Tip sandwich that came with two sides. He loved their fries and baked beans. Because I only eat fish I was craving a salad and shrimp...
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Dark Chocolate Brownie Cake

May 15, 2014 Posted in Cake, Dessert

When you attempt this cake, think thick double chocolate brownies. Less is more when it comes to this basic cake batter. Use a whisk, and stir, rather than whip, the room-temperature ingredients together. I made this a 3-layer cake but you can also make it one cake in an 8-inch round cake pan. Be creative and use your favorite icing recipe and decorations...
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Bloody Mary

May 14, 2014 Posted in Bacon, Drinks

Bloody Mary’s can be made so many ways. The basic ingredients are ice, vodka and tomato juice. The rest is up to you. I love a dirty and very spicy Bloody Mary. I soak the celery and olives in the bottom of the drink and eat them at the very end. Camping and Sunday’s are perfect times to enjoy one of these amazing cocktails...
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

May 13, 2014 Posted in Dessert, Fruit

Dipping the perfect chocolate covered strawberries is a quick and simple process that always makes a lasting impression. It is inexpensive and you can be as creative as you wish. I purchase the extra-large strawberries from our local strawberry stand, off Towne & Baseline in Claremont, California. They are a little pricey but well worth it. I got 3 baskets, with roughly 30 strawberries for $15...
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Pregnancy Sushi

April 28, 2014 Posted in Fish

When you are pregnant you definitely miss some very important things. #1: sushi, #2: bottles of wine, #3: dirt biking. With that said, you can’t eat raw fish. I really miss ono, tuna, and smoked salmon. To fulfill some of the craving I decided to start making my own sushi at home using shrimp tempura and imitation crabmeat. All fish is cooked, nothing raw...
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Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

April 26, 2014 Posted in Fruit, Sauces & Dressing, Soups & Salads

I found this Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar at Home Goods years ago. It is made by Sonoma Harvest. I drizzle it on my salads. It is just wonderful. I’ve tried to find it locally and can’t. I know I can purchase it online for $15 plus shipping, but I got the idea to try and create my own homemade strawberry salad dressing. I’m very pleased with this and look forward to making a lot more of it.
 
Ingre...
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Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies

April 22, 2014 Posted in Cookies, Dessert

We toss shredded carrot with a little brown sugar and let the mixture stand for ten minutes. This tenderizes the shreds-important here because, unlike with an actual carrot cake that bakes for a while, these cook for only 10-12 minutes, not much time for the carrots to cook to softness. Just like Whoopie Pies! Basically a carrot cake in mini form. Perfect for Easter...

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Dark Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes

April 20, 2014 Posted in Bacon, Cupcakes, Dessert

My mother in law saw a recipe in Allrecipes.com for Dark Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes. She pulled out the page and gave it to me. My husband’s best friend’s birthday was coming up as well as Easter so I figured I would attempt to make them with a few minor changes...
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