CINNAMON ORNAMENTS - * (1 Star)
Through the great powers that are Pinterest, I recently came across a recipe on the McCormick website for Cinnamon ornaments. Since I had a rather large surplus of cinnamon I figured I'd give it a try.
Epic. Fail. Batman.
I followed the directions and combined 3/4 cup of applesauce with 1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons of cinnamon. I mixed it up with my hands until it was well combined. The directions said I would need to bake the ornaments for 2 1/2 hours or let them dry overnight. Well apparently the air in my kitchen is super dry because the dough was drying out before I could even roll it. I considered adding applesauce to the party, but decided against it since that sort of thing never works out for me. I pressed on, hoping the directions were right and crumbly dough was the norm.
Turns out it's not the norm. My ornaments barely stayed together. I could only roll a small section of "dough" into a flat surface before the edges started crumbling and breaking the whole thing apart. Once about 1/2 the ornaments were done, I got fed up and threw the rest of the dough in the trash. Using a drinking straw I carefully CAREFULLY made holes in the ornaments for a ribbon or hook. I treated those things like I was doing surgery on them and they still broke. Fragile doesn't even begin to describe these things.
Finally, I put the ornaments into my food dehydrator and turned it on. It has been about 20 minutes and they seem pretty dry. Hmmm 20 minutes versus 2 1/2 hours? Something went horribly wrong. I now have brittle, fragile, vaguely cinnamony-smelling "ornaments" to decorate my trash bin with. Hooray.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Thanksgiving Leftovers
Now that Thanksgiving has been over for a few days, you're probably wondering how to finish off the last of the leftovers. Here are 5 recipes to inspire you...
1.) Turkey A La King - Simply make a turkey gravy either from scratch or from a mix in a saucepan (you can use leftover gravy as well), then add some diced leftover turkey along with dethawed frozen peas and carrots (or leftover vegetables). Mix well and serve over reheated leftover mashed potatoes, or bake up some biscuits or rice.
2.) Open Face Turkey Sandwich - This is pretty much what it sounds like. Toast some bread, then top with reheated stuffing, a slice of cranberry sauce, warmed leftover turkey slices and gravy. Delicious!
3.) Turkey Soup - When your turkey is almost eaten, it's time to make turkey soup. Use the carcass and some root vegetables to make a broth. Add chicken bouillon to save time. After the broth is made, remove the meat from the carcass and discard the bones. Drain out the vegetables, leaving just the clear broth behind. Add your cooked turkey along with some onion, celery and carrot. Cook until the veggies are tender. Add your favorite seasonings (salt, pepper, etc.) and some cooked pasta to make a delicious soup your whole family will love.
4.) Turkey Biscuit Casserole - Combine diced turkey, a bag of frozen mixed vegetables and a can of cream of chicken soup with half a can of milk. Mix in a handful of shredded cheese, then pour the mixture into a casserole dish. Top with additional cheese and bake for 20 minutes at 350 until bubbly. Add pre-made refrigerator biscuits to the top and bake until the biscuits are cooked and browned. Enjoy!
5.) Turkey Wraps - Spread salsa mayo (salsa mixed with mayo) over a spinach sandwich wrap. Top with sliced turkey, bacon, guacamole, lettuce and tomato. Wrap and enjoy!
1.) Turkey A La King - Simply make a turkey gravy either from scratch or from a mix in a saucepan (you can use leftover gravy as well), then add some diced leftover turkey along with dethawed frozen peas and carrots (or leftover vegetables). Mix well and serve over reheated leftover mashed potatoes, or bake up some biscuits or rice.
2.) Open Face Turkey Sandwich - This is pretty much what it sounds like. Toast some bread, then top with reheated stuffing, a slice of cranberry sauce, warmed leftover turkey slices and gravy. Delicious!
3.) Turkey Soup - When your turkey is almost eaten, it's time to make turkey soup. Use the carcass and some root vegetables to make a broth. Add chicken bouillon to save time. After the broth is made, remove the meat from the carcass and discard the bones. Drain out the vegetables, leaving just the clear broth behind. Add your cooked turkey along with some onion, celery and carrot. Cook until the veggies are tender. Add your favorite seasonings (salt, pepper, etc.) and some cooked pasta to make a delicious soup your whole family will love.
4.) Turkey Biscuit Casserole - Combine diced turkey, a bag of frozen mixed vegetables and a can of cream of chicken soup with half a can of milk. Mix in a handful of shredded cheese, then pour the mixture into a casserole dish. Top with additional cheese and bake for 20 minutes at 350 until bubbly. Add pre-made refrigerator biscuits to the top and bake until the biscuits are cooked and browned. Enjoy!
5.) Turkey Wraps - Spread salsa mayo (salsa mixed with mayo) over a spinach sandwich wrap. Top with sliced turkey, bacon, guacamole, lettuce and tomato. Wrap and enjoy!
Friday, July 27, 2012
RECIPE - Pesto Chicken & Penne
So it's been a while since I shared a recipe... actually, it's been a while since I shared anything. In case you've been eagerly anticipating my next post (haha), here's a recipe I created that my family seems to really enjoy.
Pesto Chicken & Pasta
Ingredients:
1 box Penne pasta
3 chicken breast, cut in half to make thinner (will have 6 pieces total)
garlic salt
pepper
oregano
parsley flakes
3 pieces bacon
1/2 medium onion, diced 2 packets Knorr creamy pesto
5 cloves garlic
1 bag frozen broccoli
Directions:
1.) Cook pasta.
2.) Cut chicken in half and season liberally with garlic salt, pepper, oregano and parsley. Grill until done.
3.) Cut bacon into bite-size pieces and cook over medium heat, rendering fat.
4.) Remove bacon from pan and add garlic and onions. Cook 5 mins or until onions are translucent.
5.) Add seasoning packets plus milk and oil as stated on packet directions.
6.) Slice chicken into strips; add to sauce. Add bacon. Turn heat to low and cover.
7.) Dethaw frozen broccoli in microwave. Drain and add to sauce.
8.) Drain pasta and toss with sauce.
That's it! The entire meal can be made in about half an hour and it's delicious!
Pesto Chicken & Pasta
Ingredients:
1 box Penne pasta
3 chicken breast, cut in half to make thinner (will have 6 pieces total)
garlic salt
pepper
oregano
parsley flakes
3 pieces bacon
1/2 medium onion, diced 2 packets Knorr creamy pesto
5 cloves garlic
1 bag frozen broccoli
Directions:
1.) Cook pasta.
2.) Cut chicken in half and season liberally with garlic salt, pepper, oregano and parsley. Grill until done.
3.) Cut bacon into bite-size pieces and cook over medium heat, rendering fat.
4.) Remove bacon from pan and add garlic and onions. Cook 5 mins or until onions are translucent.
5.) Add seasoning packets plus milk and oil as stated on packet directions.
6.) Slice chicken into strips; add to sauce. Add bacon. Turn heat to low and cover.
7.) Dethaw frozen broccoli in microwave. Drain and add to sauce.
8.) Drain pasta and toss with sauce.
That's it! The entire meal can be made in about half an hour and it's delicious!
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