Avocado Salad and Gnomes

We are in Thanksgiving week officially and looking forward to food, family, friends...and more food...and most likely wine will be involved.  I am completely okay with all of the above and very much looking forward to it.

This afternoon our brother and sister-in-law arrived to spend the holiday with us.  We have been looking forward to this week with them for months.  My husband's brother is his twin (three years apart), but nonetheless, they are two peas in a pod and this is not an exaggeration.

My sister-in-law (aka my "Cilantro Sister")  is an incredible chef and very talented foodie.  I am excited to cook together this week and learn some new recipes to up my game.  Stay tuned for her Pizza Rustica that we are having tomorrow night...so excited!!!

My sister brought me the sweetest gnome as a gift.  This little guy is as cute as they come...my first gnome.  My head immediately went to Tom Hanks in The Polar Express..."The First Gift of Christmas"!  Classic scene that still brings tears (of course) to my eyes.  This movie will be at the top of my playlist Sunday, as I plan to binge on Christmas movies all day...in my pajamas...no cooking...no cleaning...pure indulgent and relaxation.

I don't know what I am more concerned about, Kylo Zen and Princess Brinklely stealing it, or my daughters.  Either way, I'm happy he has a bell, so I can hear if one of them tries to walk away with it.

If you are looking for a special side dish for your Thanksgiving week, or any other week, you will LOVE this salad!  It's light, but so much complex flavors...this one is without a doubt a keeper and I was so happy to share it with family tonight.  Remember...the greatest gift of all is family and friendship.

May you all have a blessed, healthy, and Happy Thanksgiving.  Cheers!

Avocado Salad 

Inspired by Sweet Heart Winery

Serves 4

8 ounces BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella Pearls Cheese

1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup Craisins

2 ripe avocados peeled, seeded and chopped

Boston lettuce leaves, removed from core

1/8 cup olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

4 Tbl Balsamic Glaze

Carefully rinse the Boston lettuce leaves and dry.  Set aside.

In a medium size bowl combine the mozzarella pearls, diced sundried tomatoes, Craisins, and chopped avocado.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Top with olive oil and mix well to evenly coat.

Add 2-3 tablespoons of avocado mixture to a lettuce leaf and drizzle with the balsamic glaze.  

Enjoy with your loved ones!

One Year Ago:  Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Two Years Ago:  Mushroom Orzo Pasta and Getting Daughter Pranked

Three Years Ago:  No Post

Four Years Ago:  Happy Thanksgiving (and thankful for) No Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Five Years Ago:  Wassail and Blessings

Six Years Ago:  Apple Pie Martini and Nana's Sippy Cup

Seven Years Ago:  Whipped Feta Crostini and The Other Woman

Thanksgiving Wine Pairings and Sweet Heart Winery

This week we had couples date night with some friends.  I think we were blessed to be able and get one of the last nights out until who knows when and it was wonderful!

I had received an email from Sweet Heart Winery near us that they were having a Thanksgiving Wine Pairing event.  Food and Wine?  I'm there!!!

My only regret was that I did not have my real camera with me (but that would have seemed odd to bring my Canon on date night).  My cell phone camera did not do the evening justice.  Everything was so beautiful from the table settings to the food!!  If you are needing some special wine pairings for your Thanksgiving table, you will not be disappointed.  You can also order Sweet Heart Winery selections online.

Avocado Salad

 2019 Viognier

Shredded Turkey with Gravy on a Cornbread Flatbread with Cranberry Coulis

2016 Zinfandel

Apple Pie Shot

2015 Zinfandel Dessert

No detail left undone, how cute is this "heart" cornbread.

Warm Mulled Wine with Cinnamon and Orange

One Year Ago:  Garlic Brown Sugar Pork Chops and The Chap Stick

Two Years Ago: Mushroom Orzo Pasta and Getting Daughter Pranked

Three Years Ago: No Post
Four Years Ago:  Happy Thanksgiving (and thankful for) No Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Five Years Ago:  Bourbon Glazed Salmon with Savory Roasted Peppers

Six Years Ago:  The Hobbit's Famous French Sandwich

Seven Years Ago:  Cranberry Bliss Bars and Cosmopolitan Martinis

Baked Chicken with Spinach-Artichoke Sauce

We have a couple family members arriving a week from today to celebrate Thanksgiving with us.  We are so excited to see them again and enjoy special time together, cooking, laughing, sight seeing, wine tasting, and some much needed down time.

In preparation for our guests and my pre-Thanksgiving shopping, I am in full refrigerator and pantry clean out mode.  I need to get my shopping done early...like today early!!  I am already hearing and seeing another wave of COVID-panic-wipe out store inventory scuttle going on, not to mention (yet another) blizzard this weekend.  So add Thanksgiving to that fun mix and I really don't want to be anywhere near a store next week.  

As I was foraging through the freezer, I hit the jackpot!  I completely forgot I had purchased a Trader Joe's Spinach & Artichoke Dip last month.  I also had a small bag of frozen mushroom ravioli that needed rescued.  I baked off the last of the remaining chicken with butter, Lawry's garlic salt, and Italian seasoning, in the oven and whipped up the most amazing and luxurious sauce to dress both the chicken and ravioli.  Dinner...done and served!!  

In the words of Col. John "Hannibal" Smith from The A-Team..."I love it when a plan comes together!"

Have a safe and healthy week...keep on sparkling!

Spinach-Artichoke Sauce

1 (8.8 ounce) Trader Joe's Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip (found in frozen food section)

* You can use any prepared/frozen brand Spinach and Artichoke Dip, if you don't have a Trader Joe's*

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

1/2 cup half & half (or heavy cream)

Cook Spinach and Artichoke dip according to package directions.  Pour prepared dip into a small saucepan.  Add the half & half and Parmesan cheese.  Simmer over low heat and stir until thoroughly combined and sauce has a silky texture.  

Spoon over your favorite pasta and chicken and top with remaining Parmesan cheese.  

Enjoy with a chilled, buttery Chardonnay wine.  Cheers!

One Year Ago:  Bourbon Glazed Salmon, Bagels, and Birthdays

Two Years Ago:  Thanksgiving Pumpkin Trifle and Giving Thanks

Three Years Ago: No Post

Four Years Ago:  Pumpkin Pie Crunch

Five Years Ago:  Bourbon Glazed Salmon with Savory Roasted Peppers

Six Years Ago:   Two Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins

Seven Years Ago:  Churchill Downs Signature Barbecue Shrimp

Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups

This weekend is the Masters final rounds in Augusta.  A week full of excitement and anticipation...or so I thought.  My two first clues were that it is Friday the 13th and...not one store had jarred pimentos in stock for my annual Pimento Cheese Sandwiches.

The house has been decorated in Augusta green, tables and chairs were picked up from event rentals, flowers had arrived and ready to be made into centerpieces, and all the food was purchased to make our replicated Masters Dinner, which was created by last year's winner, Tiger Woods.

Unfortunately, one by one, couples needed to cancel their attendance.  So, this morning after much thought and discussion, we decided it was best to cancel the dinner.  

It isn't that I am so upset (although I actually am), that we had to cancel the dinner, it's that I have used more white out tape on our calendar this year, more than my entire life.  It has been one cancellation after another and I think it is starting to wear heavily on me.  

Let's just say that my cup which is usually always half full...is starting to look more and more half empty these days.  In the big picture, I fully understand that there are real world problems out there and I do pray for those, but I also know that the struggle is real with others and the lack of socializing that we have all been missing.

So, after I ate my feelings all day today (which my Psychology student-daughter informed me of), I pulled up my big bigger girl pants, took down all the golf decor, returned the tables and chairs, and tried to get my mind on something else for the day and evening.

I asked one of our invited couples to make these Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups for our appetizer course tomorrow evening.  Since that was not going to happen, I decided to jump in the kitchen and make them for appetizers tonight.  These are absolutely delicious!!

Have a safe, healthy, and sparkly weekend...and keep your glass half full!

Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups

Adapted from Lemon Tree Dwelling

12 wonton wrappers

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

12 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve 2 Tbl)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (reserve 2 Tbl) (** Pepper Jack cheese also works for extra spice)

2 (large) jalapenos, seeded and chopped (**for more spice, do not remove all the seeds) 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray muffin pan with cooking spray.

Place one wonton wrapper in each muffin cup; bake 8 minutes or until just starting to get lightly browned.

Remove from oven and cool slightly.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together cream cheese, sour cream, bacon, cheddar cheese, and chopped jalapenos.

Spoon filling into wonton cups, then sprinkle with reserved bacon and cheese.

Return to oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, until wontons are golden brown and cheese is melted.

One Year Ago: Apple-Cider Doughnut Cake and Color Obsessions

Two Years Ago:  Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites and Really Bad Dog

Three Years Ago: No Post

Four Years Ago:  Surprise Quiche, Silent Auctions and Sad Refrigerator

Five Years Ago:  Cioppino For Those Chilly Nights

Six Years Ago:   Two Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins

Seven Years Ago:  Churchill Downs Signature Barbecue Shrimp

Oven Baked Mississippi Chicken

Today is a big day here in our household.  I am impatiently anxiously awaiting the confirmed menu for tonight's Masters Champions Dinner from Tiger Woods that will be taking place in Augusta, Georgia.

As you (or may not) know, every year, we recreate the featured Champions Dinner and throw a Masters dinner party the weekend of this time honored tournament.  This year, I was actually ready in April, and then...well, you know...

Unfortunately (or fortunately) I have now had 7 months to add to our repertoire and came up with even more surprises for our guests for this weekend.  You'll have to come back and read all about it next Tuesday.

Until then, the "to do" list is being checked off one by one, my post-it notes are everywhere for my reminders of what to still do, make, or purchase, and we are getting more excited by the day for our get together this Saturday night.

Luckily I found the recipe awhile back and loved it!  It is so easy to prepare and bake off while I run around the house getting everything ready this week.

Stay safe and sparkly my friends!

Oven Baked Mississippi Chicken

Courtesy of PlainChicken.com

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 (1 ounce) packet ranch dressing mix

1 (1 ounce) packet Au Jus Gravy Mix

1/3 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers or banana peppers

1/2 cup butter, sliced

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Lightly spray a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray.

Place chicken in the baking dish.  Sprinkle with dry ranch seasoning and dry au jus gravy mix.

Top the chicken with pepperoncini peppers and top with butter slices.

Bake chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

One Year Ago:  Braciole

Two Years Ago: Maple and Rosemary Chicken and Good Fall Books

Three Years Ago: No Post

Four Years Ago:  Surprise Quiche, Silent Auctions and Sad Refrigerator

Five Years Ago:  Cioppino For Those Chilly Nights

Six Years Ago:  Sweet Shrimp and Spicy Sausage Skewers and No Sense

Seven Years Ago:  Pear Tart and Prayers

 

Leftovers Breakfast Casserole

Today is Friday.  I'm so glad today is Friday because it has been a long and grueling week for everyone.  I pray that we can all find some calm and relax this weekend.  I will (once again) be preparing for another snow/rainstorm making an appearance Sunday/ Monday.

Now, if you're a regular of this blog, you're probably asking yourself, how many times does this girl need to "prepare" for another storm.  Here's the deal....I am holding out and refusing to "permanently" put away the backyard furniture.  I just cannot do it.  I know my neighbors must think I am nuts, but I am so not ready. 

Last weekend we had family in town, next weekend is our annual Masters Dinner of Champions Dinner, the next weekend we are having friends over for dinner and then more family in town for Thanksgiving weekend.

I want to enjoy every possible moment outside on our deck sofas and the warm fire table.  I know I am going to have to suck it up, give in, and put everything away for the winter...but not this weekend (or month), fingers crossed!

I am happy to report that I took care of my grocery shopping early this week, before all the crazy "blizzard" shoppers go out this weekend.

In making room for everything I purchased, I needed to do some purging of leftover foods.  Surprisingly enough, this turned into the most amazing breakfast casseroles...ever!

Of course, I didn't write any of it down, thank God I took this photo to help my aging brain remember.

Stay safe, healthy, and sparkly this weekend.

Leftovers Breakfast Casserole

12 eggs

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1 tomato, diced

6 button mushrooms, sliced

2 cups, cooked/roasted red potatoes, cut in quarters

2 cups fresh spinach leaves, stems removed, torn into bite size pieces

4 cooked breakfast sausage patties, diced

2 cups shredded Jack/Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray 9x11 glass baking dish with nonstick spray, set aside.

In a large bowl whisk the eggs with electric hand mixer.  Add the heavy whipping cream and beat until incorporated.  Set aside.

Toss the remaining ingredients into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.  Pour the egg mixture over the sausage/veggies/cheese combination.

Bake 30-45 minutes, until center is cooked through.  If it starts to brown on top too early, loosely place a piece of aluminum foil over top to prevent burning.

One Year Ago:  Chicken Cotoletta

Two Years Ago:  Maple and Rosemary Chicken and Good Fall Books

Three Years Ago: No Post

Four Years Ago:  Surprise Quiche, Silent Auctions and Sad Refrigerator

Five Years Ago:  Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Bake...Baby It's Cold Outside

Six Years Ago:  Cherry-Cheese Galette and Cherished Memories

Seven Years Ago:  Pasta E Fagioli Soup

A Very Special, Secret Sandwich from President Dave

Today is a big Election Day and although I don't promote any type of political forum on this site, I am all about Presidential food!

The first movie my boyfriend (now husband) and I saw together was "Dave".  It is a classic that we still to this day love to watch.  

There is a famous sandwich that makes an appearance in this movie on more than one occasion and you just cannot miss the classic "I Can't Say", scene with Dave's Secret Service Agent.

I recently saw it late one night and could not get that sandwich out of my head.  Maybe I was hungry, or maybe just curious if I could match it.  Either way, I was on a mission!

I am not much of a sandwich girl (other than the timeless French Dip, which I can never turn down), but THIS sandwich!  WOW was this awesome!  You must make this for your next lunch, picnic, get together or any other reason you can think of...just make it!

A Very Special, Secret Sandwich

Courtesy of "Dave", the movie

Lemon Wedges (for the juice)

Cucumber, thin slices

Dill Pickle, thin slices

Turkey

Ham

Tomato, thin slices

Shredded Carrot

Green Olive slices (stuffed with pimento)

Mustard

Mayonnaise

Provolone Cheese

Cheddar Cheese

Sub Roll

One Year Ago:  Sonia's Stuffed Mushrooms and Making Friends with Food

Two Years Ago:  Cowboy Beans and Hot Dog Budget

Three Years Ago:  No Post

Four Years Ago:  Surprise Quiche, Silent Auctions and Sad Refrigerator

Five Years Ago:  Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Bake...Baby It's Cold Outside

Six Years Ago:  Creamy Artichoke Bruschetta

Seven Years Ago:  Linguine with Lemon, Prosciutto and Cream

Center Stage Restaurant's Rotisserie Chicken Tacos and Vinaigrette For Green Salad

This weekend we have family in town visiting for a long Halloween weekend.  We are proceeding to eat our way through northern Colorado and we are loving every minute (and meal) of it!

Their arrival night here we took them to our new golf course and Colorado's first TPC course and clubhouse.  Their breakout restaurant Center Stage is so, so, so good!!!  If you are ever in "NoCo", you must stop by and enjoy one of their incredible meals.

I am in love with their Rotisserie Chicken Tacos, but more than that, I am really over the top in love with the side salad that comes with it.  My sister-in-law and I could not stop talking about the vinaigrette dressing on this salad and were on a mission to find or recreate it.

Today we all went to Ya Ya Farm and Orchard in Longmont.  We have been here a few times, and every time I come, I never want to leave.  We took family photos, ate caramel apples, fed carrots to their beautiful horses, and took home a dozen of Ya Ya's famous apple cider donuts!

I always know when my husband has been surfing on the internet and shopping for new items...his new found ecommerce sites start mystically showing up on my Pinterest pages?!?!

He recently found Dr. Squatch Men's Natural Soap.  Their October featured soap is Drunk'n Pumpkin and it smells amazing!! (I'm thinking I may have to steal it for myself)...

Okay, back to our Vinaigrette...

We think Center Stage's dressing is very close to Ina Garten's "Vinaigrette For Green Salad", so give it a try, eat your greens and stay healthy and sparkly...or just be a Drunk'n Pumkin tonight.

Vinaigrette For Green Salad

Courtesy of Ina Garten

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp minced fresh garlic

3 Tbl champagne vinegar

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup good olive oil

Salad greens or mesclun mix

In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, garlic, vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.  While whisking slowly add the olive oil until the vinaigrette is emulsified.

Place the salad greens in a medium bowl and add enough dressing to moisten.  Sprinkle with a little extra salt and pepper, if desired and serve immediately. 

One Year Ago: Care Packages For My Pumpkins

Two Years Ago:  Sammy's Shark Bite...Halloween Dayz

Three Years Ago: No Post

Four Years Ago:  Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake and Patrick

Five Years Ago:  Shortbread S'mores Cups and The Stanley Hotel

Six Years Ago:  Little Bear, Monster's Boo and TyKU

Seven Years Ago:  Tamale Casserole

Old Friends, New Homes, and Grilled Pizzas

It's official, Summer (and Fall) are over and done, here in our part of the country.  We were hit with 12" of snow this weekend which was much needed due to our surrounding fires.

Lawn mower has retired for winter and "big red" as my husband calls our snow blower, made its appearance several times over the past few days.

We were (once again) scrambling to get the plants covered, deck furniture put away and hoses shut off and insulated.  It was a full day that started from sunrise and we didn't stop until sunset.

As we were covering roses, I noticed one of our neighbors come out of their house.  They are a darling young newlywed couple.  Did I mention they were young...and gorgeous couple.  She came out to cover their vegetable garden, in her size 2 leather pants, stiletto boots, and autumn cashmere sweater.  She looked like she just came off the Milan fashion week runway.  

I turned and looked at my husband, and then I looked down at my current outfit...and I wanted to cry right there.  Neither of us had time to shower that day and I was in my "finest" work/painting clothes, covered in various paint colors from the past 3 years.  I had three layers of sweatshirts on because the storm front was moving in quick and I was freezing while cleaning up outside.  My hair was in a clip with just enough odd pieces of hair sticking straight up sky high. (I think you get the picture).  Oh to be young again!

Awhile back, I learned that one of my high school friends has been living 20 minutes from us the past 8 years, and I didn't even know it.  We connected and met up for drinks, appetizers, and meet each other's spouses.  They recently purchased a new home and invited us to their open house, which we were happy to attend.

Of course, I could not show up empty handed and found this wonderful idea for housewarming gift basket.  I printed out the card and included it with their goody basket, so they wouldn't think that I just randomly cleaned out my pantry (which, for the record, I did not do).  

We were also blessed to get in the last good weather weekend for our infamous Grilled Pizza Bar party with friends.  We love to do these gatherings for everyone to be interactive and enjoy some delicious pizza creations.

Continue to stay safe, healthy, and sparkly this week.  Enjoy!

Grilled Pizza Bar

(ideas for your consideration)

Stonefire Authentic Naan Flatbreads

Pizza Sauce

Alfredo Sauce

Pesto Sauce

Stubbs BBQ Sauce

Pepperoni

Cooked Italian sausage crumbles

Shredded cooked chicken breasts

Cooked ground beef

Mushrooms

Basil leaves

Artichoke hearts

Kalamata olives

Green olives

Black olives

Tomato slices

Red onion slices

Mozzarella cheese

Feta cheese

Parmesan cheese

One Year Ago:  Care Packages For My Pumpkins

Two Years Ago:  Carole's Granola

Three Years Ago: No Post

Four Years Ago:  Apricot-Gorgonzola Crescent Appetizers and Senior Gifts

Five Years Ago:  Crockpot Pulled Pork Chili...Pull Out The Blankets

Six Years Ago:  Fall's Cobb Salad

Seven Years Ago:  Suzie's Pumpkin Bread

Meanwhile back at my "office", my coworker is also dealing with our chilly weather and likes to nap directly under my chair (while I am sitting in it of course).  I have a bad habit of kicking off my shoes while working and Kylo Zen likes to protect my bevy of footwear.

Easy Beef Crockpot Soup

We have a motto in our house, when we have to work from home...Everyday we need to get up, dress up, and show up.  Lately all of the above have been more and more challenging.

Get up: The struggle with my 2am wake ups continues, then I fall into a heavy sleep at 4:30am when my husband gets in the shower.  It's anyone's guess when I come out of that morning fog.

Dress up:  Well, there's a 50/50 chance that leggings will or will not make an appearance.

Show up:  I do still show up and work every day.  It's the least I can do, since it's only a 15 second walk from the employee kitchen to my "office".

I read my friend Toni's blog this week and it gives me great comfort to know that I am not the only one dealing with all this...whatever this is that is happening in our world right now.

This week I had to venture out and take care of work errands.  I try to make myself get out of the house at least 2-3 times a week (yes, those would be the non-legging days).  Some days I really regret going out there and I am convinced that before all of this is done, I will be 100% agoraphobic.  I really hope that is not the case, I just keep praying for this world of ours.

The bonus of my outing this week (if you could call it a bonus), I let myself go too long without food and was starving on the road.  I made a stop and took down a Safeway hot deli corn dog like nobody's business.  I think it was one of the best corn dogs I have had in years!

Snow is coming this weekend which is good.  God help these fire fighters and the rough road ahead for them.  I pray that this much needed moisture will help douse all the mayhem in those forests.

With snow comes chilly weather and this soup is the perfect prescription to warm your bones.  It comes from my friend Carole, is a wonderful meal and incredibly easy to make.

Stay healthy, safe and sparkly my friends!

Easy Beef Crockpot Soup

Courtesy of Carole

1 lb. ground beef (browned)

1 (20 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, do not rinse or drain

1 (15 ounce) can corn, do not rinse or drain

1 can black beans, do not rinse or drain

1 can kidney beans, do not rinse or drain

1 small onion (chopped)

1 envelope Ranch dressing powder 

1 envelope Taco seasoning powder

** I also added 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles

Brown ground beef, then put all ingredients in crock pot slow cooker and mix well.

Cook on low for 6 hours (or) high for 4 hours.

Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and seasoned tortilla strips.

One Year Ago:  Care Packages For My Pumpkins

Two Years Ago:  Carole's Granola

Three Years Ago:  No Post

Four Years Ago:  Apricot-Gorgonzola Crescent Appetizers and Senior Gifts

Five Years Ago:  Goat Cheese, Artichoke, and Olive Bruschetta and Chapel On The Rock

Six Years Ago:  Chocolate Brownie Brittle Mousse and Chocolate Moose

Seven Years Ago:  Pasta, Parent Conferences and Pantry Purging