CRANBERRY CHICKEN SALAD ~ BLOG 365.318

CRANBERRY CHICKEN SALAD

1/2 cup DUKE’S mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon paprika
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3/4 cup cranberries
1/2 cup FINELY chopped celery
2-3 green onions, chopped
2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken pieces
thin sliced baby Swiss cheese

  • Whisk together the mayonnaise and paprika.
  • Fold in the celery, cranberries, green onions and chicken pieces.
  • Season to taste.
  • Refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving.
  • Serve on croissants with the Swiss cheese.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY & MENUS with RECIPES week 46 OF 2023 ~ BLOG 365.317

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Imagine that, it’s cold, gray and foggy here in the Pacific North West. We’re slated for a week of low 50’s with rain and showers all week. You know what that means? It means a week of soft, cozy flannels and maybe even an afternoon or two of curling up with a good book. 😀

There has been A LOT going on and I’ve been extremely busy, but weighing heavy on my mind is some health concerns with my mom and 2 different uncles. Prayers are needed for all of them.

On the home front I can’t believe Thanksgiving is only 10 days away. Fortunately, we aren’t planning a big one, but the meal I ordered for the day has been mis-delivered and I’m having to pivot on the menu.

I actually have a slow morning planned, well maybe not slow, but at least I don’t have to leave before 11AM for a change. So I’m having some oatmeal and a bit of coffee this morning.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING Despite being busy, I’m actually caught up on both laundry and cleaning 😀
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I did the grocery store yesterday and have no other errands except a doctor appointment and hair cut later this week.
  • PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS SO much to do, but am kinda waiting to hear about one uncle in particular that may influenece things this week.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING totally up in the air right now

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
 Christmas movies and baking shows primarily along with catching up on FEAR the Walking Dead and Justified

I’m STILL working on Marie Force’s WILD WIDOWS #4. I keep falling asleep before I finish even a paragraph.
MONDAY 11/13
TUESDAY 11/14
WEDNESDAY 11/15
THURSDAY 11/16
FRIDAY 11/17
SATURDAY 11/18
SUNDAY 11/19
BREAKFAST
HOT WATER & YOGURT
HOT WATER & YOGURT
HOT WATER & YOGURT
HOT WATER & YOGURT
HOT WATER & YOGURT
HOT WATER & YOGURT
HOT WATER & YOGURT
DINNER
CHARCUTERIE SPREAD FOR CRAFT NIGHT
 BAKED ITALIAN MEATBALLS & PASTA with VODKA SAUCE
 BRISKET BLACK BEAN CHILI
 CHICKEN TEMPURA & SALAD
 MEATLOAF, MAC & CHEESE and ROASTED CARROTS
 CORN/YOYO clean out fridge or you’re on your own
 SPINACH ARTICHOKE CHICKEN
 JEWELRY CHRISTMAS TREES
 
 
 
 
 PILLOW PAINTING with a FRIEND
 
DESSERT
APPLE CORNBREAD CRISP and CARMELITAS and MAPLE BACON BARS
 
COCONUT CHOCOLATE CHIP MACADAMIA NUT COOKIES
 

We went axe throwing and out to dinner with a group of friends on Saturday night and then I was at an Eagle’s fundraising event on Sunday. We had a great time at both. Axe throwing was fun, but not something I would do on a regular basis – so cross that off the bucket list. It was Niki’s first BIG night out since she got her walking boot after the ankle replacement. There were even a few BULL’s EYES thrown.

Sunday was a create-N-sip picture painting that I will have to finish later this week (I still have MANY details to add as well as the snow storm), but am fairly happy with. One of my besties added her IRL dog to her picture and it is truly uncanny how much it looks like her dog, Daisy! There were so many fun interpretations.

STILL WORKS IN 2023 OR 2024 😀

VERTICAL SCALLOPED AU GRATIN POTATOES ~ COOKING THURSDAY~ BLOG 365.313

It’s been a while since I’ve done a cooking Thursday, but I’m excited to be back among the regular blogging crowd and having the time to sit down and write 😀

This technique is just pure genius – I wish I’d thought of it first. All the yummy gooey cheese mix seeps in between each and EVERY layer adding to the scrumptious outcome.

VERTICAL SCALLOPED AU GRATIN POTATOES Serves 4-6
adapted from https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/au-gratin-potatoes/

4-5 medium yukon gold potatoes (1 1/2 pounds), thinly sliced into 1/8th inch rounds
1-2 large shallots, cut into thin slices
2 tablespoons salted butter
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Preheat the oven 375°.
  • Spray a 1 quart square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Toss potato slices in melted butter and sprinkle with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.

  • Arrange sliced potatoes in semi-tight slanted vertical rows. Don’t make them too tight, leaving enough space to add in the shallot slices randomly between the rows and on top of potatoes wherever you can fit them.

SAUCE
2 tablespoons salted butter
3 tablespoons WONDRA flour
3/4 cup whole milk
1 cup FINELY shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Add butter and place over medium heat in small saucepan.
  • Once butter is melted, whisk in the flour until golden.
  • Slowly add in milk, vigorously whisking away any lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer.
  • Turn heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
  • Pour the sauce evenly over the potatoes and onions to cover them.
  • Cover the pan with foil.
  • Bake for 45 minutes.

TOPPING
1/3 cup gruyere cheese
1/8 – 1/4 cup grated parmesan
FRESH chopped parsle

  • After 45 minutes, remove foil, sprinkle with Gruyere and Parmesan.
  • Return to the oven and bake for 30-45 more minutes or until potatoes are tended and golden brown on top.
  • Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
  • Enjoy!

not necessarily a WORDLESS WEDNESDAY ~ BLOG 365.312

I originally planned this as a WORDLESS WEDNESDAY, but why does it need to be wordless? I have been running ragged and helping out all over the place, but it suddenly struck me last night that I need a break, a BIG break from a few specific things and I’m just going to take it!

Not everything, just those things that aren’t appreciated enough or don’t bring me joy. So my heart has been LOUDLY whispering about a few things… My girlfriend and I who needs the same break are traveling to a 240 booth Holiday Market this Friday! YAY! We’re so excited! We’re going to breathe, relax, shop and eat and just plain have some girl time fun.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS & RECIPES week 45 ~ BLOG 365.310

I don’t know about you, but I really can’t believe we’re in November and Christmas is only 49 days away! I’ve been busier than ever (or so it seems), but still have so much I want to accomplish this year. Thank goodness they gave me an hour back yesterday (insert snickering here 😀 )

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

I cannot believe this year only has 2 months left. Hubby helped me get out the holiday decorations last week. Ever since COVID I have decorated early and leave them up late. I just love Christmas! For me it truly is about the season and the reason for the season. I LOVE doing the baking and sharing with others. BUT, EVERYTHING is so expensive this year! We’ve decided to scale back drastically and make this a truly old fashioned Christmas. If your can’t eat it or drink it or enjoy it with others, it’s not on our Christmas list. 😀

I’m really hoping that I can enhance BLOGMAS this year and increase our Christmas spirit (which is already pretty high). Our neighbors are wonderful people and I LOVE sharing with them as I bake or create new recipes. They are always honest about the new recipes which I adore so I really appreciate their input. Mark paid me the most wonderful compliment the other day when I took over a pan of Chicken Chile Enchiladas and homemade refried beans when their daughter was visiting. He said I’m always thinking of others and doing nice things for them. Isn’t that what this life (and Christmas) is all about? It is to me and I think the best way for me to start my BLOGMAS season 😀

I’ve also realized that doing BLOG 365 is something I’m glad I’ve done (mostly) this year, but I think next year will be more intentional and purposeful blogging instead of just racing to fill each day.

100% chance of cold and rain so there’s a 100% chance of flannels and UGG’s this week for me. I LOVE living where it’s cold, but I HATE being cold and especially cold toes! We had thunderstorms and pouring raining ALL of Saturday with a short break Sunday morning before it began all over again by lunchtime.

I’m in holiday mode! Don’t hate me, but my Christmas tree is up! Well mostly up, I’ll finish today. We’re not having anyone over for Thanksgiving and on those years I start with Christmas early. It’s my favorite time of year and the cold makes it seem okay to decorate early. We will restrain ourselves and not decorate outside until after Thanksgiving though 😀

I am having some girlfriends over for a charcuterie board and Christmas jewelry tree making get together later today so thought having the tree up would be inspirational.

I spent most of the rainy weekend baking for the Eagles bake sale yesterday and preparing a raffle basket for a pool tournament/memorial for a sweet man who recently passed away. It was hosted by a local bar & grill that my girlfriend manages and she asked me to help her. We raised  close to $1000.00 for his family.

Have I mentioned how much I miss being able to have a couple of cups of coffee in the morning? Especially on cold fall/winter mornings? 😀 This morning is hot water and raisin oatmeal before I brave the cold rainy morning to get the grocery shopping done.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I’m working on the baseboards and carpet edges that collect the dust that vacuums just don’t reach.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS just a few for myself. My friend that had ankle replacement surgery is now in a walking boot and overjoyed with being a bit independent again. I need to get to town and get a few things for tomorrow’s Eagles dinner that I’m now subbing in for as the regular cook for Tuesday will be away. Her husband is having surgery later today for a bladder cancer recurrence – please keep Robert in your prayers. We’re having Creamy Rustic Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers which will be perfect for this weather!!
  • PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS I made my way through another stack of notes and filing 😀
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m hoping to sit down this week and plan out the rest of the year with intention.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
 Christmas movies and baking shows seem to be on the forefront now that we’ve cleaned out the DVR and caught up on the summer things.

Wild Widows #3, Someone to Love by Marie Force.

 
11/6 MONDAY
11/7 TUESDAY
11/8 WEDNESDAY
11/9 THURSDAY
11/10 FRIDAY
11/11 SATURDAY
11/12 SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
HOT WATER & YOGURT
HOT WATER & YOGURT
HOT WATER & YOGURT
HOT WATER & YOGURT
HOT WATER & YOGURT
HOT WATER & YOGURT
HOT WATER & YOGURT
LUNCH & DINNER
SIRLOIN CAP & GERMAN DUMPLINGS
 CREAMY TOMATO SOUP AND GRILLED CHEESE DIPPERS (I’m filling in for a friend at the Eagles whose husband had surgery yesterday)
 BEEF STEW & CRUSTY SOURDOUGH
CHICKEN WINGS & POTATO SALAD
YOYO / CORN YOU’RE on YOUR OWN or CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT since my girlfriend and I will be out of town visiting some craft fairs in a neighboring town an hour away 
 OUT with FRIENDS TO a FAVORITE RESTAURANT & AXE THROWING EVENING 😀
YOYO / CORN YOU’RE on YOUR OWN or CLEAN OUT FRIDGE NIGHT I’ll be at a fundraiser for the Eagles MOST of the day
 
 
 
 
 
 
DESSERT
WALNUT POLVORONES
 
APPLE CORN CRISP
 

I left quite early on Saturday to run errands and go to the fall craft fair, which wasn’t as good as normal, but had I not gone I would have missed this incredible morning shot of the foggy and stormy pond.

FRUIT (BLACKBERRY) PIE BARS ~ BLOG 365.307

We live in blackberry country and have a blackberry festival every year. You can find recipes for all things blackberry abound this time of year. A neighbor shared these bars and recipe with me and I instantly fell in love.

FRUIT (BLACKBERRY) PIE BARS

CRUST & TOPPING

2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup EXTRA FINE sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened to room temperature

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Grease a 9×13 baking pan.
  • Whisk together the flour, sugar and salt.
  • Cut butter in with a pastry blender until the butter is evenly distributed and mixture is crumbly.
  • Reserve 1 1/2 cups for topping.
  • Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake 12 minutes.
  • Cool 10-15 minutes.

FILLING

4 LARGE eggs
2 cups EXTRA FINE sugar
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup flour
pinch salt
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon PURE almond extract
32 ounces FRESH or frozen blackberries, thawed and drained well

  • Whisk eggs in a large bowl until smooth.
  • Add sugar, sour cream, flour, salt, lemon zest and almond extract, mixing until well blended.
  • Gently fold in berries and spoon the mixture evenly over the crust.
  • Crumble remaining crust mixture evenly over the berry layer.
  • Bake 45-55 minutes or until cooked through.
  • Cool COMPLETELY before cutting.

NOTES:

  • These are VERY thick bars and baking time may vary depending on the fruit you use.
  • These bars work wonderfully with all flavors of fruit. Cherry and peach are excellent! Cranberry is wonderful at this time of year also. I like to mix a few blueberries and strawberries into the cranberries for a little extra sweetness.
  • I HIGHLY recommend non-seeded fruits.
  • If you like THICK crusts, double your crust and topping ingredients – just sayin’ 😀