My Very Own Super-Hero.

Happy Birthday to my dear hubby:

my best friend, my soul mate, my fellow adventure-seeker, my better half, my inspiration, my biggest fan, my hero. Thanks for making me laugh everyday, especially on those "unlaughable" days!

Love you with all of my heart.

E.

Blessings Abound

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving as you ponder the abundant blessings in your life.

May our hearts be continually thankful as we are today for His goodness to us.

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Psalm 145:9

"The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works."

***what do you want to remember from THIS Thanksgiving??

I Heart NYC

~us in front of the Met. (the BIG art museum)

We just came back late last night from a jam-packed day trip to NYC. (our 1st time)

Tons of fun & memories.

Tons of eyecandy.

Tons of inspiration.

Tons of people.

Tons of walking.

Tons more to see for the next time, and the next time...

Tons of pictures to blog about later.

NO KIDS.

It was a wonderful time away...but there's no place like home! (although, I'd have to also say, There's no place like NYC!!!)

More blogging & pictures to follow for sure; right now, I need to go unpack!!!

A Pinch of This & That

Between looking at the picture of those donuts every time I open my blog and recently watching Ratatouille (loved that movie!) I have been in a food mood!! Maybe it's also the change of season bringing soups that warm the soul, the oven that warms the house while the smell of (hopefully) delicious food fills the air! So on that note, I have also been tagged by Jenny to share a favorite recipe. (Be sure to check out her site for everyone else's recipes)

Well, my friends, it is your lucky day! Because I am going to share TWO with you!! :)
I just couldn't decide between them so here you go:



Sally's Baked Beans
~*~these are not your traditional baked beans...but SO much more! The twist of sweetness melts everyone's taste buds! This recipe is named after my grandmother's best friend, who brought them to every family function. I just made these for a church fellowship and there was not a single bean left in the pot! (I also apologize for NOT having a picture)

16 oz. can of kidney beans, drained
16 oz. can of butter beans, drained
28.5 oz. can of baked beans, drained
1/2 lb bacon, cooked, drained & diced
2 lg. onions, cut into small slices
3/4 c. dark brown sugar
1/4 c. cider vinegar
4-6 cloves of garlic (or as much as 1 Tbs. of jarred minced garlic)
1 tsp dried mustard
olive oil

1. Cook bacon, onion & garlic in oil until soft, about 8-10 min, stirring.
2. Stir in brown sugar, cider vinegar & mustard and simmer for 20 min.
3. Stir in the beans. (To drain, dump them into a large collendar and stir)
**beware: you need a large pan! I used a 3qt. saute pan which was perfect.
4. Bake uncovered for 1 hour at 350*

SERVINGS: 8-10


Buffalo Chicken Dip
I have my dear friend Stephanie to thank for introducing this "layered addiction" to us when she visited this past summer. I just made this last night and I love it more and more every time! This is defintely a GREAT guy recipe. It's ooey-gooey, melt-in-you-mouth goodness makes it nearly impossible to resist seconds! (And PERFECT for football season).

4 large chicken breasts
1 jar of Frank's Hot Sauce, buffalo flavor
2 bricks of cream cheese
1 bottle of ranch or blue cheese dressing (we prefer ranch)
8 oz. of finely shredded cheddar cheese

1. Boil chicken until cooked. Drain & shred with two forks (*warning: this takes quite a bit of time). Spread chicken out evenly in a 9 x 13 pan. Pour buffalo sauce over the chicken and genlty stir to combine.
2. On stovetop, melt together cream cheese and dressing, stirring frequently. Pour over the chicken, spreading evenly to maintain a layered effect.
3. Sprinkle Cheese on top to finish the top layer. Heat in 350* oven for about 20 min. until heated through.
4. Serve with *Tortilla Scoops and celery sticks.

SERVINGS: 4-5 (with leftovers)


Now I tag Leah, Debbie, Beth, Tammy, Jill & Stephanie
I know some of you have recently posted a great looking recipe...so you could just link it to that post! If you are able, be sure to visit Jenny's site to add your recipe to the list!

Oh, Do You Know the "Donut" Man??

Since fall is quickly slipping away (it is currently 36* here...BRRRR!) I wanted to share this COOL RECIPE before it's too late!! It's SUPER easy (although not so extremely healthy) but a really fun treat!!

"Home-made" Donuts
1 tube of refrigerated biscuit dough
vegetable oil
powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar (for topping)

1. Heat oil in pan over med-high heat for several minutes.

2. Remove biscuits & find something round that is quite a bit smaller. Cut out a hole in each biscuit. Save the holes.

3. Place as many donuts in the pan that will fit. Cook appx. 3-4 min each side, watching not to overcook (my first batch was a bit dark). Don't forget about the holes!! They make perfect minis for the kids!!

4. Roll in a bounty of confectioners sugar or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar to your liking.

ENJOY!!!! And let me know if you try it out and what you think!