Thursday, January 29, 2015

Celebrate It! Blog Party #28


Chicken Fajita Bites

Unless you are stranded on a desert island, you know that it is Super Bowl week, and that the big game is this Sunday. I'm really not sure who is playing, but I will be sure to find out by kickoff! To me, this day is always about the food.  One of the fun appetizers I will be serving are these Fajita Bites. They are tasty and easy to make, with a lot of the prep work done the day before. Win!

Fajita Appetizers
Chicken Fajita Bites

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Super Bowl Eats and Treats!


It is getting close to the day of the big game,
 so I put together some appetizers and treats
to help in your search for the perfect fun party food.
Football and party foods

Monday, January 19, 2015

A Winter Mantel

I have been a crafter and a do it yourself-er since I was very young. I grew up in a house that usually had a reno of some sort going on, and like a lot of large families, there was always a craft or two strewn across the dining room table. My parents were always improving our house and I really think it must be hereditary. My husband and I have renovated just about every house we have lived in. The house we bought last year was built in the early 90's, and needs updating. It was empty for about 5 years before we bought it, but it has great bones, and just needs to be brought into this decade.

We started updating a little bit this past summer, and somewhat during the winter, so I thought I would periodically share some of our do it yourself and decorating adventures. So far we have refurbished the wooden deck, redone the back outdoor porch, pulled out so many over grown shrubs and trees that I can't count them all, and quite a bit more which I will be posting about.

 This Winter Mantel is something I wanted to do as soon as I saw how blank it looked after the Christmas decorations were taken down. I was worried it might be too early for Valentines Day at the time. I wanted the mantel to represent the North Carolina winter as I see it.


Wednesday, January 14, 2015

German Chocolate Bundt Cake/#BundtBakers

It is cold, windy and icy outside, but it is warm, toasty, and sweet smelling inside! This German Chocolate Bundt Cake is the reason. The aroma coming from the oven is sensational, and the sweet milk chocolate baked in the cake is tasty and heavenly! This classic cake is topped with chocolate butter frosting and drizzled with a gooey pecan coconut topping. This cake, made in a double layer, from a mix, was a staple in my house when I was growing up.


Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Mini Meatball Subs/#Foodie Extravaganza and a Giveaway!


It's that time of year when we are busy celebrating our favorite football teams with tailgating  and parties. It is also that time of year when many of us are watching what we eat, resolving to try to do it healthier during the new year. I think this Mini Meatball Sub is perfect for watching the
 game, and because it is made with oatmeal it helps you feel better about eating and loving it!

I made this recipe to be quick and easy. It takes longer to roll the meatballs, than anything else. I used a jar of sauce instead of making it from scratch. There were several reasons for this. First, it is easier and quicker. Whether you are entertaining, making dinner or just trying to get a meal done and on the table, quick and easy is usually a priority. Second, I used a sauce that I knew was great tasting, has no added sugar, and low sodium.  I have used this sauce many times, Silver Palate San Marzano Pasta Sauce. I love substituting the oatmeal for the breadcrumbs. The oatmeal gives the meatballs a great texture, just like the breadcrumbs, and oatmeal is packed with vitamin b, and has no salt. Give it a try.
You won't be disappointed!