Category: MEMES & LINK PARTIES

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN week 1 of 2018

May 2018 be what 2007-2017 were supposed to be!

Honestly, I’m looking forward to better things in the days to come. 

I’m not going to dwell on the past, BUT I am certainly going to focus on making 2018 the best year yet!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It’s 22 with the wind chill and I’m staying inside!  Highs this week are only supposed to be in the 30’s before wind chill so I’m avoiding the outside except for my follow up with the surgeon later this week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Green Tea and Banana

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS… hubby is planning on doing a deep clean today and tomorrow – I can’t wait until I can do it again (the way I like)
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… nothing much after the weekend storms, just too wet to do anything
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, GREAT NEWS
  • MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE
  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T.
  • MADAM SECRETARY, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED
  • BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
  • Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, SUPERGIRL
  • THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR
  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, BAKED IN VERMONT, KIDS BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP, WORST COOKS IN AMERICA
  • WHEN CALLS THE HEART

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

LOL, I get to “switch” diets midweek, but I have to tell you there isn’t much difference between them.  And honestly I’m (well, my body) NOT ready for regular food despite the cravings for it.

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

On Christmas eve at a party we go to every year that has tons of scrumptious food that I couldn’t eat, a friend asked me if I had hit the depression yet. I just stared at her for a few minutes and thought what are you talking about?  Then it hit me, what I’ve been feeling is a form of PTSD, especially after the hospital stay from hell starting with a recovery nurse that deserves to be fired – I did speak with the patient liaison about the major mistreatment that occurred.  But, the reality is MY life was completely upended while I slept through surgery. Decisions were made I was not a party to and when I woke up from surgery and was told EVERYTHING about how I lived would be completely different for the rest of my life I have to admit I didn’t even know how to process that information.

Fortunately, I refuse to get depressed.  There are some bad days, but I am coping and will continue to think positively, take it as a challenge and adjust.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Hubby set Ava up to guard the stockings on Christmas Eve. 😀

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday, Terri at Darling Downs Diaries and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

EGG NOG CUPCAKES with RUM CARAMEL

EGG NOG CUPCAKES with RUM CARAMEL   
Yield: about 18-20 cupcakes     Recipe adapted from: Annie’s Eats

CUPCAKES

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

¼ cup dark rum or bourbon (optional)

1 cup eggnog

¼ cup oil

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sugar

  • Preheat the oven to 350˚.
  • Line cupcake pans with paper liners.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and nutmeg; whisk to combine.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the rum, eggnog, vegetable oil, vinegar, and sugar.
  • Beat on medium-low speed until well blended.
  • Add in the dry ingredients and mix on low speed just until incorporated.
  • Divide the batter between the prepared cupcake liners, filling the cups 2/3 full.
  • Bake 22-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Allow to cool in the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

CARAMEL
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
6 tablespoons butter cut into small pieces
3/8 cup heavy cream
1/8 cup rum

  • Whisk together the sugar and water in a medium saucepan and whisk over high heat until sugar is dissolved. Don’t stir the mixture but gently swirl the pan until it has reached a dark brown amber color.
  • At that point whisk in the butter. (Careful- it will bubble up- don’t burn yourself.)
  • Remove from the heat and whisk in the cream and bourbon.
  • Allow caramel to cool in the fridge before filling/drizzling.

FROSTING
2 sticks of butter
4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons egg nog
pinch of nutmeg
pinch of salt

  • Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until it is creamy and pale.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar until thick and creamy.
  • Add the egg nog one tablespoon at a time until the texture seems right.
  • Add the nutmeg and salt and beat for another minute or so.

ASSEMBLY

  • Once the cupcakes have cooled, scoop a tablespoon-size amount out of each one with a small spoon or paring knife.
  • Fill with the caramel.
  • Pipe on frosting and drizzle with remaining caramel or a chocolate glaze which is my favorite.
  • Sprinkle with a dash of nutmeg and enjoy!

Submitted to FULL PLATE THURSDAY @Miz Helen’s Country Cottage.

CANDIED MAPLE THYME CARROTS ala HELL’S BACKBONE GRILL

My brother got me a wonderful new cook book for Christmas, THE IMMEASURABLE PLACE – FOOD AND FARMING FROM THE EDGE OF WILDERNESS by BLAKE SPALDING & JENNIFER CASTLE and LAVINA SPALDING.  He even had it signed for me.  I read it from cover to cover already and made a list of 46 recipes I want to make.

I started with this one recipe since I can eat carrots mushed up and we LOVED the flavor! I had 3 slices of crumbled bacon leftover from a recipe I took to Christmas Eve at a friend’s house that I sprinkled over the carrots.  I really think they enhanced the flavor a lot. So, we’ll start with several more next month when I can eat “regular” food again!

CANDIED MAPLE THYME CARROTS ala HELL’S BACKBONE GRILL
2 pounds carrots, sliced on an angle
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoon FRESH ground salt
2 teaspoons FRESH ground black pepper
1 LARGE clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup PURE maple syrup
2 sprigs FRESH thyme
3 slices bacon, diced and browned crisp

  • In a small saucepan whisk together everything EXCEPT the carrots, bacon and thyme, heating until well blended, syrupy and warmed through.
  • Remove from heat and toss with carrots until they are well coated.
  • Pour into a baking dish.
  • Nestle the thyme among the carrots.
  • Sprinkle with crumbled bacon, cover and bake 30 minutes.
  • Uncover and back another 15 minutes until carrots are cooked through and caramelized.

Linking up to FULL Plate Thursday.

PIQUANT CHICKEN with CHARRED TOMATO SAUCE

Chipotle chiles add a nice smoky heat to the sauce.  Serve this piquant chicken with lime wedges, chopped cilantro and chiles, and sour cream.


PIQUANT CHICKEN with CHARRED TOMATO SAUCE
3 pounds skinless chicken breast
1-1/2 cups oil
2 cans Chipolte Peppers in Adobo Sauce
1 (can) 16 ounce whole tomatoes, chopped
1 cup onions, chopped fine
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 large bunches green onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped parsley
3 large cloves garlic, sliced thin
3 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon red pepper
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons sea salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon oregano
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • Drain peppers, retaining sauce. Finely chop peppers and set aside.
  • In a heavy skillet, add 1/4 oil and heat until hot.
  • Add 1/2 cup flour and stir mixture until roux is a nice caramel color.  Set aside.
  • In a 4 quart heavy pot add 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil and adobo sauce.
  • Cook on low heat until brown in color.
  • Add onions, celery, garlic and stir until mixture is sauteed.
  • Add roux, a pepper or two depending on your heat index and whole tomatoes, while continuing to stir to keep mixture from sticking to bottom of pot.
  • Slowly add chicken broth while stirring to blend all ingredients together.
  • Add all seasonings, sugar and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Cook on medium heat for about 1 hour, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Turn down heat, and add green onions and parsley.
  • Heat remaining oil until hot.
  • Slowly add chicken and pan-fry until slightly brown. Salt and peppering generously.
  • Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  • Slowly add chicken to the sauce and cook for about 45 minutes.

Linking up to FULL Plate Thursday.

ASIAGO SHRIMP RISOTTO

I found this recipe made for shrimp, but it is ALSO awesome with chicken.
ASIAGO SHRIMP RISOTTO adapted from What The Fork’s for Dinner?

4 tablespoons butter, divided
2 shallots, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
2 tablespoons dry white wine
4 1/2 cups chicken stock, divided 3 + 1 1/2
Juice of 1 lemon
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 pound large shrimp, thawed, peeled and de-veined**
3/4 cup grated Asiago cheese
1/4 cup tarragon and flat-leaf parsley, chopped for garnish

  • In an electric pressure cooker set on sear, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
  • Add shallots and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.
  • Add rice and cook, stirring, 1 minute more.
  • Add wine and cook until wine evaporates, about 30 seconds.
  • Add 3 cups of chicken stock and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
  • Secure lid.
  • Set pressure cooker on rice setting for 10 minutes.
  • Vent pressure, then remove lid.
  • Reset to sear setting and stir in shrimp with remaining 1½ cups broth, and cook until shrimp are opaque, 3 to 5 minutes.**
  • Stir in cheese and remaining 1 tablespoons butter.
  • Finish with herbs and serve immediately.

NOTE ** If using chicken use 1 pound cut into small bite sized pieces and adjust cooking time until chicken is cooked through.  I have also prepared chicken in a skillet getting a good sear on all sides before adding to risotto and then only stirring to coat well with sauce.

Linking up to FULL Plate Thursday.

TEX MEX MEATBALL SOUP

It’s finally turned cold here and all thoughts are on soup. While I can’t have the meatballs yet, hubby can and I will do the broth only.


TEX MEX MEATBALL SOUP
MEATBALLS
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced onion
1 Jumbo Egg
1 cup cooked rice
1 tablespoon bread crumbs
SOUP
2 pounds Roma tomatoes, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 small sprigs of cilantro, minced fine
1/2 small Vidalia onion, diced
1 tablespoon safflower oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
3 cups chicken stock
1 avocado, sliced
white cheese or sour cream for garnish

MEATBALLS

  • In a small food processor grind together the garlic, cumin, salt, pepper and onion until well blended.
  • In a large mixing bowl combine the beef, pork, egg, breadcrumbs, rice and seasoning mixture until well blended.
  • Roll into 1 – 1 1/2 inch balls and set aside.

SOUP

  • In a sauce pan heat the oil and add the onions and garlic. Saute’ until fragrant.
  • Add the tomatoes and sea salt, cooking for 5 minutes until soft and tender.
  • With a slotted spoon remove the tomatoes to a blender and puree with chicken stock.
  • Return the tomato and chicken stock to the sauce pan and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce to a slow simmer and add the meatballs, cooking for 30 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
  • To serve, place a few meatballs in each bowl and cover with ladles of soup.
  • Garnish with avocado and a sprinkle of white cheese or sour cream.

Linking up to FULL Plate Thursday.

ALMOND WALNUT DANISH

These are some of my favorite go to danish for a holiday morning. They can be made ahead and served room temperature or warmed up with a dot of butter for decadence.

ALMOND WALNUT DANISH
1 cup butter
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons yeast
4 eggs, beaten
7 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup + walnut crumbles

  • In a saucepan melt butter.
  • Add milk and water whisking until smooth consistency and JUST boiling.
  • Cool 5-10 minutes so you don’t kill the yeast.
  • Add the sugar, salt and yeast to form a sponge like blob.
  • Add the eggs until uniform consistency.
  • In a mixer with a dough hook attached, combine flour and yeast mixture.
  • Knead well. Put in refrigerator for at least several hours, but overnight is better.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Roll a ball of dough the size of a golf ball into a rope and coil into a circle. Make sure the center is thinner than the outer edges to hold the filling in. Sometimes I prefer squares, but you just have to work with your dough after you have it coiled.
  • Fill with a heaping tablespoon of filling per danish (recipe below).
  • Let rise an hour in a warm place.
  • Bake 15 minutes.
  • Frost with drizzle.

ALMOND DRIZZLE
1 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons grated orange peel
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoons butter, melted

  • Whisk together butter, milk, almond extract and orange peel until well blended.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until desired consistency.
  • Drizzle all over danish, sprinkling with walnuts.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 52 of 2017

I don’t even know if Sandra will be doing this meme today so I’m making this short and sweet today as it IS Christmas!
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
A storm and cold front moved in on Friday night and we dropped 20 degrees so it’s finally pleasant here.  We are expecting the temperatures to stay low, but rain is expected for several days later this week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Protein drink

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

Nothing that won’t wait until Tuesday or so…

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… hubby is doing fairly good at keeping things relatively clean
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… nothing much after the weekend storms, just too wet to do anything
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, GREAT NEWS
  • MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE
  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T.
  • MADAM SECRETARY, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED
  • BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
  • Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, SUPERGIRL
  • THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR
  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, BAKED IN VERMONT and the new KIDS BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP  AS WELL AS the new WORST COOKS IN AMERICA begin soon
  • WHEN CALLS THE HEART

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

Hubby is on his own still while I enter phase 3 of relearning to eat 😀


SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

These are recipes that have been waiting in cue to post, I’m definitely NOT back to cooking yet.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Sunset just before the storm a few hours later.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday, Terri at Darling Downs Diaries and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

SWEET CORN SOUP

Chilis restaurant USE TO have a sweet corn soup that was fantastic! Then, they took it off the menu and I was forced to try and recreate it! I am very happy with the results. Today I made a grilled turkey and cheese with caramelized red onions – YUMMY!

SWEET CORN SOUP
Safflower oil
7 ears sweet white corn, kernels removed
1 large leeks, whites only, chopped
1 small Vidalia onion, chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons sea salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup + 2 tablespoons heavy cream
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
Juice of 1 lime

  • In a large stock pot saute’ the corn, onion and leeks until translucent. 5 minutes or so.
  • Add sugar and cook a few minutes more.
  • Add stock and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes or so.
  • Add heavy cream and simmer 15 minutes more.
  • Whisk together water and cornstarch until well blended.
  • Add lime juice, salt, pepper and cornstarch mixture until well blended.
  • Puree and strain.
  • Enjoy.

Linking up to FULL Plate Thursday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 51 of 2017

Oh my, it’s Monday again and just 1 week until Christmas! Are you ready?  We’re as ready as we’re going to be since it is a quiet, just the 2 of us year.  I’m finishing the Christmas cards this week and packages have shipped and will arrive at their various destinations during the week. We made it a very simple year! We ordered a “quarter ham” from HoneyBaked ham and will have carrots.  I can have both (YAY!) as long as the ham is well minced and the carrots are soft enough to mush with my tongue! Christmas will be my fist “REAL” meal so we’ll see how that goes. Now onto the business we call Monday morning check-in and update here at our house.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Weather is still in the 60-70’s, such a nice reprieve for us.  We had a pretty good storm Saturday into Sunday and the ground is still really wet! The week should be pleasant, but all I get is a walk each day and then back inside until we’re sure I have no new infections.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Green tea and protein drink

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

Hubby is doing a GREAT job, but let’s face it, he’s a GUY and it will NEVER be up to my standards , but I’m trying really hard to go with the flow and follow doctor’s orders to do nothing.

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS… pretty good, considering
  • KITCHEN… needs work
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… nothing much after the weekend storms, just too wet to do anything
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

As for me, I am working on finishing the Christmas cards and updating the address book this week besides working on some blog compilation.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I did start reading Ava Miles Dare Valley series again. I’m on book #10 HOME SWEET LOVE.

Quite a few shows have gone on winter hiatus already so I’m concentrating on Christmas movies and NETFLIX. I want to wean out the following list, but while I’m still in recuperation mode it will help as a diversion.

  • BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T.
  • MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED later this season
  • BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
  • MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
  • Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, INHUMANS
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
  • THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR
  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, EAT SLEEP BBQ, GRILL DADS

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
This category is a sad and sore subject for me until about March. My surgery did not go as planned which is changing so much about food, but sure beats the alternative of being 6 foot under. Hubby is loving being able to eat what he calls bachelor food – S.O.S., chili, hot dogs, hamburger helper, etc… I told him NOT to get used to it though, as soon as I can muster enough energy to cook and off this blasted puree diet I am going to to take a hand at some Ramen Fusion.  In the meantime I will be working on combining blogs with older recipes and developing newer recipes that encompass the new requirements. I look forward to previewing those rework recipes in a few months.

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
2 times a day
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
2-4 times a day
4 ounces PUREED FOOD
4 ounces PUREED FOOD
4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG
4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG
4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG
4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG
4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG
1 time a day
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
 4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces   vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
1 time a day 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

These are recipes that have been waiting in cue to post, I’m definitely NOT back to cooking yet.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

I do realize that I am sooooo blessed to be alive.  I also realize that so many people are living with things so much worse than I am now. But, that said it is extremely hard to wake up from a “semi-simple” surgery to find that it not only turned complicated, but also life altering.  This is just plain going to take some time to get used too! So, Please pardon my pity party.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Hubby got me a gingerbread house kit to make to occupy my time.  I made this for the little boy next door and he seems to really LOVE it!

INSPIRATION

Certainly seemed like the best quote for how I feel this week.

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday, Terri at Darling Downs Diaries and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

SEA SALT & CARAMEL RICE KRISPY TREATS

SEA SALT & CARAMEL RICE KRISPY TREATS
8 cups Rice Krispies
50 Kraft caramels
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup + 1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 bag mini marshmallows
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 teaspoons sea salt flakes

  • In a medium sauce pan over a low-medium heat stir together the sweetened condensed milk, the caramels and 1/4 cup of the unsalted butter until smooth.
  • Remove from heat.

 

  • Line a 9×13 baking dish with foil, extending over the edge.
  • Spray with non-stick PURE or PAM.
  • Melt remaining butter in large sauce pan.
  • Add marshmallows and stir  until just melted.
  • Add vanilla, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of caramel sauce and stir until smooth.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in rice krispies until evenly coated.
  • Press into pan**.
  • Cool completely.

 

  • Pour remaining caramel over the COOLED rice krispy treats and spread even with a spatula.
  • Sprinkle sea salt flakes over top.
  • Enjoy!
  • Store in an airtight container.

**I use a stainless steel spatula that has been sprayed with PURE to keep it from sticking.  It helps to press down firmly to get an even level.

TATER TOT GRILLED CHEESE & BACON WAFFLE SANDWICH

TATER TOT GRILLED CHEESE & BACON WAFFLE SANDWICH
1 bag frozen tater tots, thawed (give or take depending on your waffle maker size)
4 – 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp
4 – 6 slices of cheddar or ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, thinly sliced or thin red onion slices

  • Preheat waffle iron on high.
  • Place thawed tater tots closely together in an even layer on the waffle iron.
  • Close the lid and press it down tightly.
  • Cook until the tater tot waffle is crisp, about 5 – 10 minutes.
  • Remove the waffle from the waffle iron and allow it to cool on a wire rack.
  • Repeat the process to make a second tater tot waffle.
  • When the second waffle is crisp, top it with half of the cheese, the cooked bacon, and the sliced green onions.
  • Using the bottom plate of the waffle iron, heat the sandwich until the cheese has melted on the bottom waffle.
  • When the cheese has melted, carefully flip the sandwich over and allow the cheese to melt on the other side before removing the sandwich from the iron.
  • Cut it into quarters and serve.

SHARING with FOODIE FRIDAY and FULL PLATE THURSDAY.