Friday, May 13, 2022

Cactus Candy/#BBQWeek

This post is sponsored in conjunction with #BBQWeek.  The sponsors, Rainier Foods and Intensity Academy generously provided samples to participants to aid in the creation of the #BBQWeek recipes and prize packages to give away to the readers.  However, all opinions are mine alone.

Today I made what I call "Cactus Candy"! They are simply melted candy melts, poured into a mold and after they are set up, they are decorated.

I thought they'd make a fun dessert to round out the week. My other recipes were Cowboy  Caviar for an appetizer and Southwestern Chicken Skewers as a main dish. Cactus Candy seems like the perfect end to a week of fun!!


Cactus Candy

(Printable recipe at end of page)

1 Cactus Candy Mold

1 bag Light Green Candy Melts

1 bag Dark Green Candy Melts

1 bag Pink Candy Melts

Dark Green Sprinkles

Light Green Sprinkles

4 Mini Flower Pots

a few small Styrofoam Pieces

1-13 ounce package Blond Oreo Thins


Place the cactus cookie cutter on a piece of foil. Place the foil and cutter on a solid piece of wood or plastic. You need it to be sturdy. I used a small and strong plastic cutting board. It has to be able to fit in the freezer. 


Melt the dark green candy melts in a bowl. Follow the directions on the back of the bag for time and power. Once the melts are melted, place the cookie cutter, also know as the mold, on a piece of foil. Pour some of the candy melt into the mold, approx. 1/2 way up the sides. Place three dots of the light green melts on top of the dark green ones. Use a toothpick to swirl the two colors together.

Place a few light and a few dark sprinkles onto the wet surface. These are your cactus needles. Place the mold into the freezer. I left them in for 30 minutes each time, but longer is fine also. 

This cactus uses the same colors, just reverse.


Crush the Oreo Thins in a plastic bag. They should be crushed to a fine quality. 

Start building your Cactus Candy.

Tape the bottom inside of the pot to cover the     hole. Melt 6-10 pieces of candy melts. Place some styrofoam in the pot so the candy will have more height.


Pour a spoonful or two of candy melt, on the base to keep the cactus secure. The pots can be placed in the freezer to let the candy melt set up. It takes about 30 minutes. The cactus is secured by the candy melt.


Once the candy melts have secured the candy, pour the crushed cookies into the little pot to cover everything but the cactus.

To eat the cactus, just remove it from the pot.





Friday #BBQWeek Recipes


Friday #BBQWeek Recipes

Starters and Sides

Dinners

Desserts


    Here is your printable recipe:














DISCLAIMER:

Thank you #BBQWeek sponsors Saucy Queen and Rainier Foods for donating the prizes for this

event.he #BBQWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up.  All entries for the winner are

checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness.  The number of

entries received determines the odds of winning.


Two (2) winners are selected at random from entries received. The prize packages are fulfilled by and

sent directly from the giveaway sponsors.  #BBQWeek bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or

delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in

their household are not eligible to enter or win the giveaway.  No purchase necessary. 

Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by,

or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in

the #BBQWeek posts or entries.


Bottom disclaimer for posts containing alcohol:

This recipe is for individuals ages 21 & up.  Please drink responsibly.

Thank you #BBQWeek sponsors Saucy Queen and Rainier Foods for donating the prizes for this event.  The #BBQWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up.  All entries for the winner are checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness.  The number of entries received determines the odds of winning.


Two (2) winners are selected at random from entries received. The prize packages are fulfilled by and sent directly from the giveaway sponsors.  #BBQWeek bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household are not eligible to enter or win the giveaway.  No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #BBQWeek posts or entries.







Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Cowboy Caviar/BBQWeek

This post is sponsored in conjunction with #BBQWeek. The sponsors Rainier Foods and Intensity Academy generously provided samples to participants to aid in the creation of the #BBQWeek recipes and prize packages to give away to the readers.  However, all opinions are mine alone.

Today, for #BBQWEEK I have a fun and tasty side dish for you that you will love! This dish makes the perfect addition to your next picnic or backyard BBQ. But I think you will find yourself making this easy appetizer over and over, all year long. This is a fun and tasty Cowboy Caviar.

This dish might remind you of a salsa, and it is very similar, but with more flavors! Serve with crackers or pita bread, for an amazing side dish or appetizer. Cowboy Caviar is rich with flavors such as chili peppers, pinto beans, and onion, just to name a few, and you will love them! I like to make this tasty appetizer the day before it will be served. The ingredients have time to meld together for a fantastic flavor, creating a dish you will make again and again!

 

COWBOY CAVIAR

(printable recipe at end of page)

2/3 cup mix Red, Yellow & Orange Bell Peppers 

2/3 cup mix of Yellow & Red Mini Tomatoes

1/2 cup White Onion

1/2 cup Roma Tomatoes

1 ear mixed Yellow and White Corn

1/4 cup Green Onion 

1 cup Pinto Beans

1/2 cup Black Eyed Peas

1/2 teaspoon Jalapeno Pepper

squeeze of a Lime

1 tablespoon Sour Cream

1/2 Avocado

Tortilla Chips

Flatbread


Chop red, yellow, and orange peppers into small pieces.

Chop tomatoes into small pieces, as shown.

Dice the white onion into small pieces.

Chop the Roma tomatoes into small bite sized pieces. 

Cut small slices of the green onion and add it to the mix.

Boil or cook the corn in the microwave, on high for 3-4 minutes, depending on the size. I used a yellow and white mix combo corn cob, but all white or all yellow will work also. Once the corn is cool, cut the corn off the cob. Some of the corn will cut into small pieces and some into bigger pieces. The pieces will separate once you add them to the mix.
 

Chop the cilantro into small pieces. 

Add the pinto beans,

the black-eyed peas,

and the chopped jalapeno.

Squeeze the lime over the ingredients, then mix together.

Add sour cream to the bowl.

Mix everything together.

Cut the avocado into small chunks. Mix them into the bowl. Leave a few chunks to top the bowls. 

Serve with tortilla chips and flatbread wedges.


Helpful hints:

*Add the avocado right before serving. By doing this you are helping the avocado maintain it's structure.

* I used fresh ingredients in this recipe, except for the canned pinto and black beans.

* The corn can be boiled or grilled, instead of cooked in the microwave. 


Take a look at all the other #BBQWEEK food bloggers who are participating today, and check out their fun and tasty recipes. They all look amazing, giving you a lot of inspiration for summer meals, cookouts, and get togethers!




Starters and Sides

Dinners

Desserts

  • No Churn Thai Tea Ice Cream from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
  • Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats from Art of Natural Living



This post is sponsored in conjunction with #BBQWeek. The sponsors, Rainier Foods and Intensity Academy generously provided samples to participants to aid in the creation of the #BBQWeek recipes and prize packages to give away to the readers. However, all opinions are mine alone.




Thank you #BBQWeek sponsors Saucy Queen and Rainier Foods for donating the prizes for this event.  The #BBQWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up.  All entries for the winner are checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness.  The number of entries received determines the odds of winning.


Two (2) winners are selected at random from entries received. The prize packages are fulfilled by and sent directly from the giveaway sponsors.  #BBQWeek bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household are not eligible to enter or win the giveaway.  No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #BBQWeek posts or entries.




Welcome to the third annual #BBQWeek hosted by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures. We are excited to have 15 bloggers sharing over 50 recipes this week as we head toward grilling season. The amazing sponsors have donated some great prizes for the #BBQWeek giveaway. The giveaway is below, but make sure to read about the prize packages and our generous sponsors!

Intensity Academy Saucy Queen Prize Package

The Intensity Academy Saucy Queen has competed in the fiery food industry for over 15 years. Her all-natural gourmet hot sauces have more than 55 national awards. In 2019, the Saucy Queen earned the Tampa Bay Businesswoman of the Year in Manufacturing, Business Leader’s Woman Extraordinaire and Working Women of Tampa Bay’s! Not only does she sell amazing sauces, spice mixes, and dips, but she has anchored her career in service and non-profit organizations and helping local companies take their products from recipe to store shelves.

A prize package of 4 popular sauces:

  • Carrot Karma – A mild hot sauce made from a blend of carrots, habaneros, and a touch of lime.
  • Garlic Goodness – An essential garlic hot sauce! Each batch contains over 100 pounds of slow roasted garlic.
  • Honey Hype – A blend of crystalized honey natural rub. The crystalized honey melts perfectly over meats and veggies.
  • Chai Sweet Chili – A light sauce made with peppers and organic Chai tea that won the 2012 Golden Chile award.

Rainier Foods Prize Package

Life's too short for boring food, spice it up with Rainier Foods. Rainier Foods is a family company located in the shadow of Mt. Rainier. They have a dedication to provide premium quality food products. Rainier Foods can source the best ingredients available to help you create delicious meals which sets them apart from other companies. All their products are made locally ensuring their products are the best that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. A portion of all sales are donated to the Washington National Park Fund.

A prize package of a meat thermometer and trio of spice mixes:

  • Meater+ wire-free meat thermometer – monitor your cooking from a phone or tablet. Monitors internal and ambient temperature at the same time.
  • The Essentials Seasoning – Salt, garlic, and pepper are the essentials of most seasonings. Three different types of sea salt blend with garlic and pepper in this delicious seasoning.
  • Smoky Honey Seasoning & Rub – Made with Pacific Northwest clover honey, Cherrywood Smoked Sea Salt, and Smoked Paprika. This seasoning blend creates a deliciously sticky and sweet flavor on anything you grill.
  • Gochu (Go-Choo) Seasoning & Rub – Gochugaru Chilis combine with sea salt and pepper along with a few other spices makes this blend unique adding an unmatchable flavor profile to everything you cook.

     

             




Monday, May 9, 2022

Southwestern Chicken Skewers/#BBQWEEK

This post is sponsored in conjunction with #BBQWeek. The sponsors Rainier Foods and Intensity Academy generously provided samples to participants to aid in the creation of the #BBQWeek recipes and prize packages to give away to the readers.  However, all opinions are mine alone.

Thank you for joining me to celebrate #BBQWeek! This week I am joining in with some fellow bloggers to bring you an incredible, fun week filled with tasty ideas for hosting BBQ's, picnics, and backyard parties! I hope you enjoy all the ideas and find lots of recipes that you can't wait to try! There are also giveaways, so don't forget to enter at the end of this post!  These tasty 

I am starting off #BBQWEEK with a main dish- Southwestern Chicken Skewers! These yummy chicken skewers are great for any type of get together, such as a neighborhood BBQ, a work celebration, a camping trip or a family dinner. Just add fun!

These skewers can be completely prepped in the kitchen and then taken to the grill. Cut and skewer ahead of time, season and brush with sauce and refrigerate until it is "grill time"! Easy to prep, simple to cook, so good to eat!

Southwestern Chicken Skewers

(printable recipe at end of  page)

(recipe makes enough food for 6 skewers)

1/2 pound raw Chicken Breast

1 bottle Southwest Chipotle Seasoning

1 each red, orange, yellow peppers

1 Plum Tomato

1 medium White Onion

1 white Corn on the Cob

Skewers 


Cut the chicken breast into pieces like above. These will be easy to place on the skewer and will cook evenly. 

These chicken breast pieces are going to taste fantastic!

Sprinkle the chicken pieces with the southwest chipotle seasoning. There is no set amount of seasoning to use. If you like your chicken spicy, use more, if not, use less. Set the chicken pieces aside until the rest of the ingredients are chopped and ready to be skewered.

Before you chop the peppers into bite size pieces, they must be prepared: 
* Rinse with cold water, to remove any dirt on the outside of the pepper.
*Cut the stem off of the pepper.
*Remove any of the white membrane. If you like your peppers on the hot side, leave it in.
*Wash the peppers inside and out, by running cold water into them, then pat dry.

Cut the peppers into pieces that will fit on your skewers. They should be big enough that the skewer can pierce the piece of pepper twice to hold it securely.

Chop the tomatoes into chunks and set aside.  When chopping the tomatoes, cut them thicker than a normal slice of tomato. You want them to be sturdy enough to stay safely on the skewer. 

Peel the onion, then chop it into 4 pieces. I used two pieces of onion each time I placed the onion on the skewers. The two pieces together give the onion pieces some depth, making the skewer look full, and your final presentation will look fantastic.

Shuck the corn cob, and clean up the corn, then chop the corn cob into approx. 6-7 pieces, depending on the size of the cob. I found that the best size is 5 or 6 corn kernels high. Cut the corn with a sharp knife into the pieces.

Start building the skewers, placing the corn as the nucleus of the skewer, so each side of the corn is built identical. The skewers can be built earlier in the day that you plan to grill as long as you refrigerate until grill time.

Grill the skewers over the hot flame, on medium heat, turning as needed to prevent burning. Your skewers will be done as the chicken and the vegetables begin to look like the above picture. Always check your largest piece of chicken by cutting with a knife in the thickest spot to make sure it is thoroughly cooked. 

Thank you for stopping by today! I hope you like reading about these amazing Southwestern Chicken Skewers and you decide to try them. You will love them!

Take a look at all the other #BBQWEEK food bloggers who are participating today, and check out their fun and tasty recipes. They all look amazing, giving you a lot of inspiration for summer meals, cookouts, and get togethers!

Monday #BBQWeek Recipes

Starters and Sides

Main Dishes

Here is your printable recipe:






This post is sponsored in conjunction with #BBQWeek. The sponsors, Rainier Foods and Intensity Academy, generously provided samples to participants to aid in the creation of the #BBQWeek recipes and prize packages to give away to the eaders. However, all opinions are mine alone.


Thank you #BBQWeek sponsors Saucy Queen and Rainier Foods for donating the prizes for this event.  The #BBQWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up.  All entries for the winner are checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness.  The number of entries received determines the odds of winning.


Two (2) winners are selected at random from entries received. The prize packages are fulfilled by and sent directly from the giveaway sponsors.  #BBQWeek bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household are not eligible to enter or win the giveaway.  No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #BBQWeek posts or entries.






Welcome to the third annual #BBQWeek hosted by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures. We are excited to have 15 bloggers sharing over 50 recipes this week as we head toward grilling season. The amazing sponsors have donated some great prizes for the #BBQWeek giveaway. The giveaway is below, but make sure to read about the prize packages and our generous sponsors!

Intensity Academy Saucy Queen Prize Package

The Intensity Academy Saucy Queen has competed in the fiery food industry for over 15 years. Her all-natural gourmet hot sauces have more than 55 national awards. In 2019, the Saucy Queen earned the Tampa Bay Businesswoman of the Year in Manufacturing, Business Leader’s Woman Extraordinaire and Working Women of Tampa Bay’s! Not only does she sell amazing sauces, spice mixes, and dips, but she has anchored her career in service and non-profit organizations and helping local companies take their products from recipe to store shelves.

A prize package of 4 popular sauces:

  • Carrot Karma – A mild hot sauce made from a blend of carrots, habaneros, and a touch of lime.
  • Garlic Goodness – An essential garlic hot sauce! Each batch contains over 100 pounds of slow roasted garlic.
  • Honey Hype – A blend of crystalized honey natural rub. The crystalized honey melts perfectly over meats and veggies.
  • Chai Sweet Chili – A light sauce made with peppers and organic Chai tea that won the 2012 Golden Chile award.

Rainier Foods Prize Package

Life's too short for boring food, spice it up with Rainier Foods. Rainier Foods is a family company located in the shadow of Mt. Rainier. They have a dedication to provide premium quality food products. Rainier Foods can source the best ingredients available to help you create delicious meals which sets them apart from other companies. All their products are made locally ensuring their products are the best that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. A portion of all sales are donated to the Washington National Park Fund.

A prize package of a meat thermometer and trio of spice mixes:

  • Meater+ wire-free meat thermometer – monitor your cooking from a phone or tablet. Monitors internal and ambient temperature at the same time.
  • The Essentials Seasoning – Salt, garlic, and pepper are the essentials of most seasonings. Three different types of sea salt blend with garlic and pepper in this delicious seasoning.
  • Smoky Honey Seasoning & Rub – Made with Pacific Northwest clover honey, Cherrywood Smoked Sea Salt, and Smoked Paprika. This seasoning blend creates a deliciously sticky and sweet flavor on anything you grill.
  • Gochu (Go-Choo) Seasoning & Rub – Gochugaru Chilis combine with sea salt and pepper along with a few other spices makes this blend unique adding an unmatchable flavor profile to everything you cook.

Monday, February 21, 2022

Mardi Gras Mini Tarts /#Mardi Gras



It is almost Mardi Gras time, and even though I have not participated in this fun and tasty celebration in New Orleans, I am celebrating at home this year with these yummy Mardi Gras Mini Tarts. This is one of the simplest desserts you will ever make.


I made a vanilla pastry cream and filled some store bought, mini butter shortbread tart shells. Add green, purple, and gold sprinkles and some little ball sprinkles in the same colors to give the tarts a festive look! 

Even though I purchased the pastry shells, I needed to make the cream ahead of time. It needs time to chill before serving, so I started about 24 hours before my "test kitchen eaters" could try them out. The cream was smooth and tasted amazing!


Mardi Gras Mini Tarts
(printable recipe at end of page)
(makes approx. 15-20 mini tarts)

2 cups Milk
1/4 cup White Sugar
2 Egg Yolks
1 Egg
1/4 Cornstarch
1/3 cup White Sugar
2 tbl. Butter
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Mini Tart Shells
Purple, Green, and Gold Sugars
Purple, Green, and Gold Edible Decor Balls




Make the pastry cream by mixing together the milk and 1/4 cup of sugar. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. 
Use a medium bowl to whisk together the egg yolks and egg. Add the remaining sugar and cornstarch and stir them into the egg until smooth. Once the milk comes to a boil, drizzle it into the bowl in a thin stream, stirring constantly. You don't want the eggs to cook.  Place the sauce back into the saucepan and slowly bring it to a boil, stirring constantly so the eggs don't curdle.


Once the mix comes to a boil and thickens, take it off the heat. Stir the butter and vanilla in, mix until the butter is completely blended in. Pour into a heat-proof container and place a piece of plastic wrap on the surface of the pastry cream, preventing a skin to form. Refrigerate until chilled before using.


Using the mini tarts, fill each tart with the pastry cream. Place a little more pastry cream into the tarts than is shown in the picture. They look great when the cream is to the top, with a bit extra cream in the center.


Mix together some green sprinkles, gold shimmer sugar and purple sugar in a bowl.



Cover the cream in the tart with the sprinkles that were mixed together. 


Add some larger candy balls in mardi gras colors and enjoy this yummy treat!


Thank you for joining me today! I hope you found some Mardi Gras inspiration, and you try these Mini Tarts!
 
Continue down the page for more great ideas for celebrating Mardi Gras from some blogging friends.

  • Zombie Cocktail by A Day in the Life on the Farm
  • King Cake Cupcakes by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
  • Homemade Beignets by Jen Around the World
  • Bananas Foster Bread by Jolene's Recipe Journal
  • Ramos Gin Fizz by Our Good Life
  • Cajun Pasta Carnivale by Palatable Pastime
  • Mardi Gras Mini Tarts by The Freshman Cook
  • King Cake Bundt Cake by The Redhead Baker
  • Voodoo Daiquiri by The Spiffy Cookie


  • Thank you for stopping by today! There is a printable recipe below for an easy way to keep a copy of this tasty recipe!