tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593870577451422642024-03-17T22:58:44.868-04:00Simple GirlMusings on Life, Family, Food and FunRachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.comBlogger555125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-58232738219793643682018-11-13T21:23:00.000-05:002018-11-13T21:23:40.270-05:00Savory Butter Bean Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFy8hPOBuGhsRoVHZZrfNxJoG0oHluBHobhY4NWnwhJsBy1f0eKpBd0HDmXtqBhvEPELK1OXd1cGocMJmUMf3R2vK8jDyDbUvsf48Mww8A5Zd-4fcOHxNlsENjEkxzBM72zzYADw15l8/s1600/DSC_0246butterbean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFy8hPOBuGhsRoVHZZrfNxJoG0oHluBHobhY4NWnwhJsBy1f0eKpBd0HDmXtqBhvEPELK1OXd1cGocMJmUMf3R2vK8jDyDbUvsf48Mww8A5Zd-4fcOHxNlsENjEkxzBM72zzYADw15l8/s1600/DSC_0246butterbean.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's November 13th and when I woke up this morning, it was 7 degrees with a below zero windchill. PEOPLE - THIS IS NOT OK! Even for sturdy Minnesotans, this is WAY TOO EARLY for winter to be digging in its heels. I keep forgetting we haven't had Thanksgiving yet. There is snow on the ground and I am heading straight for Christmas. The only problem is, my mums are permanently frozen in their pots. Apparently, I missed the one day window between summer and frozen.</div>
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In addition, I had to go to the dentist today. For some, this is no big deal. For me, this is a HUGE deal. These are my three top fears in order: SNAKES, DENTISTS, HEIGHTS. Or maybe, DENTISTS, SNAKES, HEIGHTS. I'm still deciding.</div>
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So 5 hours after my dentist appointment, the left side of my face is still numb and I'm trying to find my happy place. Here it is. You guys. You guys and soup. After two years of blog silence, I realized that rambling on my blog and cooking this amazingly comforting soup might be what it takes to come back from my terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. So here I am, reposting this amazing, comforting soup that I just made for dinner. Between the heat of the red pepper flakes, the slight sweet of the brown sugar, acidity of the tomatoes and the comforting texture of the butter beans, your family will never even notice that they've just eaten a bowl full of vegetables. I used a quart of homemade turkey stock this time (you know, because it's almost Thanksgiving again and I'm trying to make room in the freezer) and it brought the flavor depth to a whole new level.</div>
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Now, a word about butter beans. If you've never had them before A) You are obviously not from the South and B) Prepare to fall in love. Butter beans are big and meaty and smooth and creamy and melt-in-your-mouth buttery all in one bite. Their size and texture make them an instant comfort food component, even if you are not a fan of other, ordinary beans.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua8EOXIG-rYMBzaHLjiwmwQ_0e38CAF0ChXe9WgitmKNtanF7fmESN4Jo3ZqcO7jfzM6LYzeK9e4xLebZsqTHNV0l__Iun_jdg6sBI5RL6K_O5hIcgi6ytjIW63ymqwXIEf5SDOqjix4/s1600/DSC_0223butterbean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua8EOXIG-rYMBzaHLjiwmwQ_0e38CAF0ChXe9WgitmKNtanF7fmESN4Jo3ZqcO7jfzM6LYzeK9e4xLebZsqTHNV0l__Iun_jdg6sBI5RL6K_O5hIcgi6ytjIW63ymqwXIEf5SDOqjix4/s1600/DSC_0223butterbean.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Start the butter bean soup with your basic mirepoix. (That's a french word for carrots, celery and onion.) I like to say it out loud because it makes me feel fancy. For this soup, I used 2 cups of each. Saute' the veggies in 3 tablespoons of olive oil until softened.</div>
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When the mirepoix has softened, add 1/4 cup of flour and stir. The flour, combined with the oil will create a light rue which will give the broth just a little bit of body.</div>
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Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for a few minutes. It is really that easy.</div>
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The result is soup for the body and the soul - perfect for a cold, <strike>January</strike> November day.</div>
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<b>Butter Bean Soup</b></div>
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<i>By Rachel @ Simple Girl</i></div>
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2 cups carrots, diced</div>
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2 cups celery, diced</div>
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2 cups sweet yellow onions, diced</div>
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3 tablespoons olive oil</div>
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1/4 cup flour</div>
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1 quart chicken or vegetable stock</div>
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2 15-ounce cans butter beans, drained</div>
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1 14-ounce can fire roasted tomatoes plus a pinch of red pepper flakes<br />
or Rotel tomatoes with Green Chiles (mild)</div>
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2 tablespoons brown sugar</div>
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1 teaspoon dried basil</div>
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1-2 teaspoons kosher salt</div>
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Soften carrots, celery and onions in olive oil over medium low heat. When softened, mix in flour until in forms a paste. Slowly add stock, mixing so no lumps form. Add beans, tomatoes, sugar and basil. Adjust salt to taste.</div>
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Simmer for 10 minutes. If the leftover soup gets to thick, add more stock.</div>
Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-68747298421081426682016-06-03T09:08:00.000-04:002016-06-03T09:29:47.031-04:00The Story Behind National Donut Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4b4b; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;">Today is National Donut Day and lest you think this is just another marketing ploy to sell more sweet fried bits of heaven, think again.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4b4b; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;">The idea for Donut Day began on the battlefields of France during World War I when Salvation Army workers served coffee and donuts to soldiers in the trenches. Rations were poor, so the donut idea was conceived as a means of bringing the soldiers cheer. Donuts were not the main reason Salvation Army workers were in the fighting zones of France. Those men and women were there primarily to give spiritual aid and comfort to the American soldier and his allies. They were there to be a link with home and family. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4b4b; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;"> National Donut Day commemorates the "donut lassies," female Salvation Army volunteers who provided assistance to the soldiers by writing letters, mending clothes, cooking home-cooked meals, and of course, frying small batches of donuts for soldiers on the front lines.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4b4b; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;">During the Great Depression, The Salvation Army started National Donut Day as a way to raise funds and bring awareness to The Salvation Army's social service programs. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4b4b; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;">Donuts with a Kingdom Cause. Now that's something I can support!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4b4b4b; font-family: proxima-nova;"><span style="line-height: 23px;">Source: </span></span><a href="http://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/metro/donutdayhistory/">http://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/metro/donutdayhistory/</a></div>
Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-64031966500352643572016-03-14T15:29:00.000-04:002016-03-14T15:29:00.858-04:00Happy Pi Day! 3.14.16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhce_DS1h7hP7c1wr5iqw5LIGH9y0fG_Fr7nGsBU4KdbELjV70jFrR-sHIQNFrAOgwhNKeGIoEco9TdUSuInqhkSrXXUX3l6L8KWuV6CSU35Hx0qm9SJEDtR6Nk0Nzh-GeT6Z16AJDHWNY/s1600/DSC_0356pbpie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhce_DS1h7hP7c1wr5iqw5LIGH9y0fG_Fr7nGsBU4KdbELjV70jFrR-sHIQNFrAOgwhNKeGIoEco9TdUSuInqhkSrXXUX3l6L8KWuV6CSU35Hx0qm9SJEDtR6Nk0Nzh-GeT6Z16AJDHWNY/s640/DSC_0356pbpie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy Pie Day! (Or Pi Day, if you're into math.) You know, that magic number.... 3.14.16. Usually I'm not much of a pie person. I'd rather eat cake. Or cookies. Or brownies. But in honor of Pi(e) Day, and to celebrate southern cuisine, I thought I'd make a Peanut Butter Pie.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjraDr6FlqA5ZtP2z0t_PhuTKD55rIxABwJPsH_PwbjnuNq-I8WndPtN7ZXhpAbhTfJsFBPfkIdB1UmsJw_uJlIOoKFa_GNUK14QEenAFPnfQuh2nU-U2fqKp_3-HlQ9AhmnmEIUY47U3w/s1600/DSC_0353pbpie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjraDr6FlqA5ZtP2z0t_PhuTKD55rIxABwJPsH_PwbjnuNq-I8WndPtN7ZXhpAbhTfJsFBPfkIdB1UmsJw_uJlIOoKFa_GNUK14QEenAFPnfQuh2nU-U2fqKp_3-HlQ9AhmnmEIUY47U3w/s640/DSC_0353pbpie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This recipe is a vegan recipe, which means that it doesn't contain the usual dairy or eggs. It's not that I have anything against meat (or dairy or eggs), it's just that after being told that I have an allergy/sensitivity to dairy and eggs (WAAAHH!!), I thought that incorporating a few vegan recipes into my existence would allow me to enjoy some of the things that I love in a new and more healthful way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aeMlUMSgaAktCzkDeeRHriVeLVSRsBVR3KuJOr3a4uS5roVETbHNDvmS4QAwp0aGpInjA7VmSVF9oBg_6iF0kU6dphajjUkKkhRJYOtQKN3re-q1E0JbwgAkMfza_uWEdwiXTBFY6wc/s1600/DSC_0347pbpie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aeMlUMSgaAktCzkDeeRHriVeLVSRsBVR3KuJOr3a4uS5roVETbHNDvmS4QAwp0aGpInjA7VmSVF9oBg_6iF0kU6dphajjUkKkhRJYOtQKN3re-q1E0JbwgAkMfza_uWEdwiXTBFY6wc/s640/DSC_0347pbpie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In this recipe, tofu takes the place of cream cheese and whipped coconut milk takes the place of whipped cream. But don't worry. It has absolutely no tofu-ey taste at all. Really. I promise. And since you just added tofu to the pie, it pretty much qualifies as lunch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmTptzownqfdNlRcZMBZV3UQY5qgZfVe750usRPM4XZHmwKqPil0M4jMr146EeGny0MS7gbcgcPwhfRak7KNN73ix8-PgZZMn598TDm3fLvvGSajs07UkU-y5dBKeieHbRx6A806CVu4/s1600/DSC_0352pbpie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmTptzownqfdNlRcZMBZV3UQY5qgZfVe750usRPM4XZHmwKqPil0M4jMr146EeGny0MS7gbcgcPwhfRak7KNN73ix8-PgZZMn598TDm3fLvvGSajs07UkU-y5dBKeieHbRx6A806CVu4/s640/DSC_0352pbpie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's my story and I'm sticking with it.</div>
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<b>Vegan Peanut Butter Pie</b><br />
<i>by Rachel @ Simple Girl</i><br />
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1 pre-made Oreo Crust<br />
8 ounces silken Tofu<br />
1 cup powdered sugar<br />
1 cup natural creamy peanut butter<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla<br />
pinch of salt<br />
1 can coconut milk (not lite)<br />
1/4 cup powdered sugar<br />
chocolate chips, melted for drizzling.<br />
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Mix together tofu, peanut butter, sugar, vanilla and salt.<br />
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Chill a separate bowl in the freezer. Pour 1 can of coconut milk into a class container and refrigerate until it separates. The "milk" will be white and rise to the top and the "water" will be clear and stay at the bottom. Skim off the "milk" or "cream" and put into chilled bowl, being careful not to add any of the water. Add 1/4 cup powdered sugar and beat like you would whipped cream. Fold whipped coconut milk into the peanut butter mixture and pour into a pre-made Oreo Crust. Drizzle with melted chocolate chips. Freeze or refrigerate until ready to serve.<br />
<br />Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-79786796864770371752016-01-28T10:55:00.000-05:002016-01-28T18:38:37.559-05:00Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjBj5SlUGHcKNFtnWt0xPRiS1w5mY9hyphenhyphenrKjysfl0Bfeews2Il4M7aHo7B-PwlwCzFfyOikLC57Qz3N8vDLtISIG-Eu43BaikEg2hSQMNr8Yxur4TSU_oiIjbMxgj6fBeA4PK5SN4ymyA/s1600/DSC_0610PBProtein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjBj5SlUGHcKNFtnWt0xPRiS1w5mY9hyphenhyphenrKjysfl0Bfeews2Il4M7aHo7B-PwlwCzFfyOikLC57Qz3N8vDLtISIG-Eu43BaikEg2hSQMNr8Yxur4TSU_oiIjbMxgj6fBeA4PK5SN4ymyA/s640/DSC_0610PBProtein.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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About a year ago, I rekindled my love/hate relationship with the gym. I supplemented that with regular jog/walks around the lake and the net result was this: The dog lost 8 pounds. I'm not joking.<br />
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Going to the gym in the morning always presents me with this dilemma; what to eat. If I don't eat anything, I get light-headed. If I eat the wrong thing, I feel like I'm going to throw up. Finally, Travis the Trainer suggested these protein balls. They not only taste good, but they seem to get me through his workouts!<br />
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These Peanut Butter Protein Balls have just a few simple ingredients and will easily last you a week in the fridge. I found this dairy-free protein powder at Costco which is super chocolatey and very delicious. Yep. Just one more reason to love Costco.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-eR6kzuOIc1JGdbYYaoRRhJvJp1ft5pfFhFDw1ThoV1Pk55VfoD9z8YoKE0UhsW9ISJSLUCMOJ7Wuy5xpF8FGdyz7MfYiRokPb8hBPlKPlEMlwULjROT9EueiS-BZq2-ExN7IKe8dE0/s1600/DSC_0606PB+Protein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-eR6kzuOIc1JGdbYYaoRRhJvJp1ft5pfFhFDw1ThoV1Pk55VfoD9z8YoKE0UhsW9ISJSLUCMOJ7Wuy5xpF8FGdyz7MfYiRokPb8hBPlKPlEMlwULjROT9EueiS-BZq2-ExN7IKe8dE0/s640/DSC_0606PB+Protein.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just combine all the ingredients in a bowl, or, better yet, use a food processor if you have one, which I don't. Believe it or not. Don't forget the chocolate chips, because I wouldn't ask you to put anything in your mouth that wasn't delicious.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YIU2C9IWNyH7z4bQ5BKzlcCjQyA-SgawoSzP1G6ClLrciNPLLrnRsyU634OUTalKX5ATxqSadmennWElfbadlGphyphenhyphen9cQqEnQCPzmRUAIavziF44g0f_ADmbmzYczqxorUak6B82-_Ds/s1600/DSC_0609PBProtein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YIU2C9IWNyH7z4bQ5BKzlcCjQyA-SgawoSzP1G6ClLrciNPLLrnRsyU634OUTalKX5ATxqSadmennWElfbadlGphyphenhyphen9cQqEnQCPzmRUAIavziF44g0f_ADmbmzYczqxorUak6B82-_Ds/s640/DSC_0609PBProtein.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Three of these in the morning and I am out the door!</div>
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<b>Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls</b></div>
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<b><i>Ingredients</i>:</b></div>
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2 cups rolled old-fashioned oats, raw</div>
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1 cup peanut butter</div>
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1/2 cup honey or agave</div>
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2 scoops chocolate protein powder</div>
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1/4 teaspoon salt</div>
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1/4 cup chocolate chips</div>
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Combine ingredients in a bowl or food processor. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Roll about 1 1/2 tablespoons into balls. and place on a cookie sheet. Chill for another 30 minutes and then place in a ziploc bag.</div>
Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-52762253070417103922016-01-19T06:00:00.000-05:002016-01-19T06:00:03.353-05:00Cauliflower Pizza Crust<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_MTP1DrD1FV6MJcxJpww-5E8wak9V33hkPI2BYzwcKqg-Hw8DmvqQ13YDPN7nOFVlGNlwXl26HKjD_MHH5rfsvImZkbaf0_8gPB4zK5OLaOXpcunqm0zbe80jQn0nDpBK_eW4TlB9yI/s1600/DSC_0602Cauliflower+Pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_MTP1DrD1FV6MJcxJpww-5E8wak9V33hkPI2BYzwcKqg-Hw8DmvqQ13YDPN7nOFVlGNlwXl26HKjD_MHH5rfsvImZkbaf0_8gPB4zK5OLaOXpcunqm0zbe80jQn0nDpBK_eW4TlB9yI/s640/DSC_0602Cauliflower+Pizza.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I recently saw this on The Today Show and I thought, how great would it be if eating your vegetables could be like eating pizza?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-77PV5BZJBOW-KmUFJAvgLmYBIPo_bfGRYJEEc7OmW9IwlAf2wLOqTYjSCiIM22ThL7do8J-h6l2Y4O8vbBe9P8rBP8_WQXH6mtlZ8OlKoRoemORyuL_O3QuitqgqBexzcYpgvzIGeh0/s1600/DSC_0579CauliflowerPizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-77PV5BZJBOW-KmUFJAvgLmYBIPo_bfGRYJEEc7OmW9IwlAf2wLOqTYjSCiIM22ThL7do8J-h6l2Y4O8vbBe9P8rBP8_WQXH6mtlZ8OlKoRoemORyuL_O3QuitqgqBexzcYpgvzIGeh0/s640/DSC_0579CauliflowerPizza.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To start, you don't even need to chop up a head of cauliflower, although you could if it made you feel better. Cauliflower is now available all chopped up for you in a microwaveable bag.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgQ_iVYzeYnP0omTk_jVUzBXxifA5SBLSxwmyRZ1Crpbe7Au24lMEHuzmqrSGAC27PnPlmS1uTiWY_p5I7EClzZFZEFnklpDuJdamQLWrVO5IqMr3uB295dFlg1y4vr35bBBahP2w3DQ/s1600/DSC_0578CauliflowerPizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgQ_iVYzeYnP0omTk_jVUzBXxifA5SBLSxwmyRZ1Crpbe7Au24lMEHuzmqrSGAC27PnPlmS1uTiWY_p5I7EClzZFZEFnklpDuJdamQLWrVO5IqMr3uB295dFlg1y4vr35bBBahP2w3DQ/s640/DSC_0578CauliflowerPizza.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just steam it in the bag and let it cool on some paper towels.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTJUH3KMkqy20C9vIqGdKQlz8BHF1Gtq5jrNrSC5gOSNMSw9cd9wMcEDsdTovXzm-cZ5V3khlk6MfjRGWSKKkoUX5qn5CVogqrvMvnlzuTrLecp_Nl9RRE_QYzMt3qjlUZ_yzwwwIq3Q/s1600/DSC_0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTJUH3KMkqy20C9vIqGdKQlz8BHF1Gtq5jrNrSC5gOSNMSw9cd9wMcEDsdTovXzm-cZ5V3khlk6MfjRGWSKKkoUX5qn5CVogqrvMvnlzuTrLecp_Nl9RRE_QYzMt3qjlUZ_yzwwwIq3Q/s640/DSC_0580.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Put the cauliflower in a bowl and add all the other ingredients. </div>
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Beat it with a mixer until it all comes together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHfhZzGQ1r17T-4wfg_6nF_UihyLusm8a5LVDMhT7mNsFiD7Xo33v8n1M2O_fYXFHF06ScN7b4jLFr-fobKFM0fGPqTRyKDKAkmnwaJd2JvDEMKtP563Wri3GXERFb4VDVc-o30_4VDE/s1600/DSC_0586CauliflowerPizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHfhZzGQ1r17T-4wfg_6nF_UihyLusm8a5LVDMhT7mNsFiD7Xo33v8n1M2O_fYXFHF06ScN7b4jLFr-fobKFM0fGPqTRyKDKAkmnwaJd2JvDEMKtP563Wri3GXERFb4VDVc-o30_4VDE/s640/DSC_0586CauliflowerPizza.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Shape the dough on a piece of parchment into a 10" - 12" round. Place the parchment and dough on top of a cooling rack which is sitting on top of a baking sheet. You need to get some air circulation around the dough so the crust gets crispy. A crispy crust is key.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBMIqCtZ_yQmbthvw4myzipuTxCFhlRRgsX23LgPNXlxiiATJk9mqLtMPua9lpW5zoVsYPvhDXFkV1l-0AfXBeSKYgWYbxFLl-gjDjrsZo93P0iWbZ8FqS1BkgLhP9oGVsAerlyjrW3A/s1600/DSC_0588CauliflowerPizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBMIqCtZ_yQmbthvw4myzipuTxCFhlRRgsX23LgPNXlxiiATJk9mqLtMPua9lpW5zoVsYPvhDXFkV1l-0AfXBeSKYgWYbxFLl-gjDjrsZo93P0iWbZ8FqS1BkgLhP9oGVsAerlyjrW3A/s640/DSC_0588CauliflowerPizza.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bake the crust at 400 degrees for about 25 minutes. Like I said, you want the crust to get crispy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngmoxmVy7k_74FpIyd3ZP_eGA2A4lgIBmhe66wZCaGHQh_z1WOiv9gAKB8vlQZLC3SqKobdYZ23YlLqe2ojrYNMpgiv__B_AwGm6i4bbIwZ7zbN0g3UBQBqfdPOwjaLSA8ASZMhfahWQ/s1600/DSC_0589CauliflowerPizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngmoxmVy7k_74FpIyd3ZP_eGA2A4lgIBmhe66wZCaGHQh_z1WOiv9gAKB8vlQZLC3SqKobdYZ23YlLqe2ojrYNMpgiv__B_AwGm6i4bbIwZ7zbN0g3UBQBqfdPOwjaLSA8ASZMhfahWQ/s640/DSC_0589CauliflowerPizza.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the crust cools, slide the crust, which is on the cooking rack, off of the cookie sheet and put down a clean piece of parchment. Carefully invert the clean parchment and cookie sheet over the crust and do a quick inversion. The crispy top of the crust is now the crispy bottom of the crust.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRK-YmGnn0eQOz84YaRcWIjC_3LqCzs3DVyCw1wgZ9ztc4cxhJmD_WAcKWMP6eS0tokrxcjMFlYVDTCRT-FfYEsImrN2myJNGlaez7YX2TPS31pFtImEn6b0_IkfQ4eeBkrOZLPqJbgNk/s1600/DSC_0591CauliflowerPizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRK-YmGnn0eQOz84YaRcWIjC_3LqCzs3DVyCw1wgZ9ztc4cxhJmD_WAcKWMP6eS0tokrxcjMFlYVDTCRT-FfYEsImrN2myJNGlaez7YX2TPS31pFtImEn6b0_IkfQ4eeBkrOZLPqJbgNk/s640/DSC_0591CauliflowerPizza.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Top the crust with your favorite pizza toppings and bake for another 12 - 14 minutes. Don't get sidetracked looking for a nice vacation spot in Naples, or your cheese might turn just a teensy bit too brown. Don't ask me how I know this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm64K147tQGOh0t5hW-6v3BILh1FkaiMlsNhQ9ocPfNzUpGq4Y3RcFmJV4Lt8uw9PtAAI0J_gsOqru0M-0dO_PumSlqqDF0E2d6KZwbgIq8rWsyGZvJ3NEhFBkKOhx1rkx36s-qdUKIzQ/s1600/DSC_0595CauliflowerPizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm64K147tQGOh0t5hW-6v3BILh1FkaiMlsNhQ9ocPfNzUpGq4Y3RcFmJV4Lt8uw9PtAAI0J_gsOqru0M-0dO_PumSlqqDF0E2d6KZwbgIq8rWsyGZvJ3NEhFBkKOhx1rkx36s-qdUKIzQ/s640/DSC_0595CauliflowerPizza.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, I'm not going to say that you absolutely can't tell that there is cauliflower in this crust, but it really tastes like pizza! the thickness of the crust gives the pizza some heft and makes even a single slice fairly filling. The daughter agrees. It's a keeper!</div>
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<b>Cauliflower Pizza Crust</b></div>
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<i><b>Ingredients:</b></i></div>
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1 16 ounce bag chopped cauliflower</div>
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1 egg</div>
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1 cup shredded part skim mozzarella</div>
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2 tablespoons grated parmesan</div>
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1 teaspoon garlic powder</div>
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1 teaspoon onion powder</div>
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1/4 teaspoon dried oregano</div>
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1/4 teaspoon dried basil</div>
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1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
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pinch of pepper</div>
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1/2 cup corn meal</div>
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<b><i>Directions:</i></b></div>
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<ol>
<li>Tear the microwave pouch at the notch. Close bag and microwave for 4 minutes</li>
<li>Let stand one minute and pour out cauliflower to cool on paper towels.</li>
<li>In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until combined.</li>
<li>Place mixture on a piece of parchment and form into a 10" - 12" round.</li>
<li>Put parchment and crust on a wire cooling rack and a cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.</li>
<li>Cool 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Carefully flip the crust onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment.</li>
<li>Top with your favorite pizza toppings and bake for an additional 12 - 14 minutes or until toppings are hot and cheese is melted.</li>
</ol>
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<br />Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-39346620988395779492015-12-24T15:50:00.000-05:002015-12-24T15:50:14.092-05:00Rice Krispie Trees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkd_JWzdAkKwCl6FFT60iCIJxNTqUUXfTsF7oFhSaS1K1d85an9rv-aIkabeb9gepoAPswPW4c6UTlIbN-cApAVhs3xSk3f-qQdOGHKYeYVWWXjFaHho25Y6G8UjmNG_CvvADY6m2fa8/s1600/Rice+Krispy+Trees2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkd_JWzdAkKwCl6FFT60iCIJxNTqUUXfTsF7oFhSaS1K1d85an9rv-aIkabeb9gepoAPswPW4c6UTlIbN-cApAVhs3xSk3f-qQdOGHKYeYVWWXjFaHho25Y6G8UjmNG_CvvADY6m2fa8/s640/Rice+Krispy+Trees2.jpg" width="457" /></a></div>
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These Rice Krispie Trees were the favorite of everything we made this year. We made them even simpler by taking the shortcut of buying the GIANT pre made Rice Krispie Bars at Target. We made these with both the high school girls and the little girls. We served them at the high school kids party, the homeless shelter, and, tonight, for Christmas Eve.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPVIiGr8rXXQF7_n40plv1PIB6f4ldyQJWoVLu88luRG25ahpZET553qQy29jZlb_s9hFBs8X6IW7Z8Z5LCd13GSos8WGUZv_4sLwSFvel5-TjBOBl1ynid-x842i6Te5mtKMKIQOEgE/s1600/rice+krispy+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPVIiGr8rXXQF7_n40plv1PIB6f4ldyQJWoVLu88luRG25ahpZET553qQy29jZlb_s9hFBs8X6IW7Z8Z5LCd13GSos8WGUZv_4sLwSFvel5-TjBOBl1ynid-x842i6Te5mtKMKIQOEgE/s640/rice+krispy+trees.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<ol>
<li>Cut a giant Rice Krispy bar into three inch strips.</li>
<li>Cut each strip into triangles, making sure to eat the end scraps. (We cut 35 trees out of each sheet.)</li>
<li>Insert a stick into the bottom of each tree.</li>
<li>Dip one side of the tree into melted chocolate wafers.</li>
<li>Drizzle accent colors on top.</li>
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So Easy! So cute! So delicious!</div>
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Wishing you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!</div>
Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-28756773041242443042015-09-24T16:10:00.001-04:002015-09-24T16:10:59.070-04:003-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Pancakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAUb809yji625uD2z-YWQuOOOz2V0jCEhqHNbY4kWTk9ID9XPORo9Z4dUQqxqnfQ9LMdR5zFBuHhUO1d-VsT_6gM5RqnzCrIZHYB5JHzNTLp_qYKlh5vcXfjPYlYdlENhWRVbyZnitac/s1600/DSC_0231pumpkinccpancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAUb809yji625uD2z-YWQuOOOz2V0jCEhqHNbY4kWTk9ID9XPORo9Z4dUQqxqnfQ9LMdR5zFBuHhUO1d-VsT_6gM5RqnzCrIZHYB5JHzNTLp_qYKlh5vcXfjPYlYdlENhWRVbyZnitac/s640/DSC_0231pumpkinccpancakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was a dark and stormy night (well, technically, early morning) when I had to wake the kids up for school today. It was the kind of morning when nothing could really persuade you that getting out of bed was a better option than staying in it. In a heroic attempt to get the kids out the door in time to catch the bus, I reached deep into the pantry and rustled up the three ingredients needed to waft aromas of autumn to the stratospheres of the second floor: Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix, canned pumpkin pie filling and chocolate chips. These three pantry staples, combined, create the sapidity of fall. Even my non-breakfast eater managed to down a short stack!</div>
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<b>Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Pancakes</b><br />
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3 cups Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix<br />
2 cups water<br />
1 cup Libby's Canned Pumpkin Pie filling (not pureed pumpkin)<br />
1 cup chocolate chips<br />
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Mix first three ingredients until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Heat a greased, nonstick skillet on medium. Pour 1/4 cup of batter portions onto the heated skillet. When the pancakes begin to bubble, flip and cook the other side.<br />
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<br />Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-9567459120268965982015-08-15T18:16:00.000-04:002015-08-15T18:16:15.515-04:00Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSi_gwJNBsStM_5ctvJwWLv6l_Vw7-qD4DZABipJW-jWxc14mfb3VFCC0Rukke2ef5mafBTQbmYCSoIeIR0Wok4n0isp_nnwkiICOvahLanMbfFc4Vf_u4Cnx-3_efJIfaA-6Kcd50YA/s1600/DSC_0082moundsbars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSi_gwJNBsStM_5ctvJwWLv6l_Vw7-qD4DZABipJW-jWxc14mfb3VFCC0Rukke2ef5mafBTQbmYCSoIeIR0Wok4n0isp_nnwkiICOvahLanMbfFc4Vf_u4Cnx-3_efJIfaA-6Kcd50YA/s640/DSC_0082moundsbars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars. Or, technically, Dark Chocolate Mounds Bar Bars. But that seemed a bit redundant. I was inspired to make these while eating a Grilled Salmon over Mixed Greens salad, simultaneously staring into the pastry case at our local favorite bakery, <a href="http://tasteofscandinavia.com/">A Taste of Scandinavia</a>. Sometimes I try to be good, but I just can't. Inside the pastry case were hand-sized "Candy Bar" cookies with dark chocolate and coconut. I decided I could make these at home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfoBk4KiIyfIUQhwBV5qRfoHCmtJ5tYDSFxlr-nJqn9qUWGClrUTrnTmmfGbQwR06exbsMul9CLRpVZrYd-FGlXY0w_Se32o4fd3xki0IyvL-_lGYTSq6lkp_dR9gvmsM8jzI99JyYP4/s1600/DSC_0073moundsbar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfoBk4KiIyfIUQhwBV5qRfoHCmtJ5tYDSFxlr-nJqn9qUWGClrUTrnTmmfGbQwR06exbsMul9CLRpVZrYd-FGlXY0w_Se32o4fd3xki0IyvL-_lGYTSq6lkp_dR9gvmsM8jzI99JyYP4/s640/DSC_0073moundsbar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I started with one entire bag of Miniature Mounds bars…..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vJ3qSYE9UzKQTbggboeF5m_l1lWA0OBhG5xm9HIwIdSYzxm8YuZSjMGP_ZEOEIP4SEuKDGDigF-FPnjjZV5urY1lNR-UjVcf3dPAvisfMuiDlHp3db_ZaOZ6RW_0pD-Vf6Ygl5vq9zk/s1600/DSC_0076moundsbars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vJ3qSYE9UzKQTbggboeF5m_l1lWA0OBhG5xm9HIwIdSYzxm8YuZSjMGP_ZEOEIP4SEuKDGDigF-FPnjjZV5urY1lNR-UjVcf3dPAvisfMuiDlHp3db_ZaOZ6RW_0pD-Vf6Ygl5vq9zk/s640/DSC_0076moundsbars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I chopped them into eighths, still leaving them chunky.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVqc_eyYK2AxZtxWfhAVht6namDTBNlFLshtHh0HJ_TBp2KJXM0EQWwheO2NDT6lbsvYC7RSJ_5YilOrXJBNnx0xfy6_hXdMBLohibe4sg0R5E7di3lkQUkIlDmgcL2vra9BwfYi-CI8/s1600/DSC_0079moundsbars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVqc_eyYK2AxZtxWfhAVht6namDTBNlFLshtHh0HJ_TBp2KJXM0EQWwheO2NDT6lbsvYC7RSJ_5YilOrXJBNnx0xfy6_hXdMBLohibe4sg0R5E7di3lkQUkIlDmgcL2vra9BwfYi-CI8/s640/DSC_0079moundsbars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Into my favorite cookie dough batter, </div>
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I mixed one bag of chocolate chunks and one cup of shredded coconut.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWXcUzVae0AYEIEDI3U9_iFTNDZemG5ieDOgoVQta5ozskYF1HWVNI-ltAjvfYjpKbOkoq7Q-VinNH25mz_G-DxwKVNNDxW-1_oSxEx643OCG6DZsOgFEoVMSdcXkfSTlkf8q1btKeWQ/s1600/DSC_0081moundsbars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWXcUzVae0AYEIEDI3U9_iFTNDZemG5ieDOgoVQta5ozskYF1HWVNI-ltAjvfYjpKbOkoq7Q-VinNH25mz_G-DxwKVNNDxW-1_oSxEx643OCG6DZsOgFEoVMSdcXkfSTlkf8q1btKeWQ/s640/DSC_0081moundsbars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I carefully folded in the Mounds Bars pieces, so as not to smush* them. </div>
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*(Hmm…. according to autocorrect, smush is not a word!)</div>
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I baked the bars in a 1/2 sheet pan, which is the equivalent of two 9" x 13" cake pans which worked out perfectly since we had a BBQ with the In-Laws and and a Football Potluck all in the same day!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSZyq71BTIolnDHFAkK0pcaaP569mbyb6NLi47xty6DEm72V-VBnBthBbxwSBiZ-R4y0kR2pNc7QPS-y4_FepRD-i7eXv7deeER_lmz86_7VaiZss7caRNS5ZoC_xqUTeyywMSAceWLU/s1600/DSC_0084moundsbars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSZyq71BTIolnDHFAkK0pcaaP569mbyb6NLi47xty6DEm72V-VBnBthBbxwSBiZ-R4y0kR2pNc7QPS-y4_FepRD-i7eXv7deeER_lmz86_7VaiZss7caRNS5ZoC_xqUTeyywMSAceWLU/s640/DSC_0084moundsbars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For good measure, I drizzled extra semi-sweet chocolate on top after I cut them into squares.</div>
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My husband, who hates coconut but loves 7-layer bars still thought these were pretty good.</div>
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My mom, who loves coconut but hates 7-layer bars thought these were excellent.</div>
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<b>Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Ingredients:</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 1/3 cups butter or shortening (I like Earth Balance)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup sugar</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup brown sugar</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 eggs</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 tsp vanilla</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 cups flour</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tsp baking soda</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tsp salt</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 11 ounce bag of mini Mounds Bars, chopped</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup shredded coconut</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 12-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chunks</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Directions:</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Blend butter and sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy again. Add flour, baking soda and salt. Beat until well mixed. The dough will be stiff. Add chocolate chunks, Mounds Bars, coconut and combine with a spoon.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the bars, line a 1/2 sheet cake pan with parchment paper. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pat the dough into the pan evenly. If the dough sticks to your fingers, put a plastic sandwich bag over your hand and spray the palm side with cooking spray. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes.</span></div>
Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-2033757430592868772015-07-23T15:42:00.002-04:002015-07-23T15:42:36.226-04:00Super Easy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Dog Treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdb7liF8aujpHBef4xlgaFEYduEPnlLp-s6U9jh_7BCC-xN7MVjT588rdBE0xu08SKD45VsM3dNg_t0z6cdNxwXyc7zkr1U5BKZ8G11Rus21gLfQtgvjEqbZcM32EQBan9_98-fY9r5c/s1600/DSC_0063PB+Dog+Treats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdb7liF8aujpHBef4xlgaFEYduEPnlLp-s6U9jh_7BCC-xN7MVjT588rdBE0xu08SKD45VsM3dNg_t0z6cdNxwXyc7zkr1U5BKZ8G11Rus21gLfQtgvjEqbZcM32EQBan9_98-fY9r5c/s640/DSC_0063PB+Dog+Treats.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our dog had a birthday recently so, of course, we had a party. We invited the grandparents. We wrapped presents. We sang "Happy Birthday!" We ate birthday treats. The humans ate bone-shaped sugar cookies with ice cream. The dog ate homemade Peanut Butter Oatmeal Dog Treats. I just love it when I get to use my cookie cutters.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQqGBa-57vqQ434GVBBD_xUlUIsyMb3bGDAABs6AI-NTJ_-m1ckzTDvG5l8LZfhOAGDwA3s8XrLYIf1T7Xd_Aj33AdY9s4NBSBz5bjN9m9N7FhRm_PyC5jc9paK9pG_qFuGDopCxZVVk/s1600/DSC_0064+PB+Dog+Treats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQqGBa-57vqQ434GVBBD_xUlUIsyMb3bGDAABs6AI-NTJ_-m1ckzTDvG5l8LZfhOAGDwA3s8XrLYIf1T7Xd_Aj33AdY9s4NBSBz5bjN9m9N7FhRm_PyC5jc9paK9pG_qFuGDopCxZVVk/s640/DSC_0064+PB+Dog+Treats.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This recipe is completely foolproof and, although completely humanly edible, is made canine friendly by omitting the salt and sugar. (i.e. you can impress your kids by eating a dog biscuit, just don't expect it to taste like a yummy peanut butter cookie!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76cYQQOOazV7pZ9ffSH7StCaOIrEtCmGbEn2oj6aRBRCeOaFAZ8hMTiBX2C0CTI1MyKTCX_EzVQprcc6hm8YCgPoCVkEjVJOyqN2jn5Sl9j20O5Dsx7ltems4fC4uNCITRjpoBQP9nBs/s1600/DSC_0065pb+dog+treats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76cYQQOOazV7pZ9ffSH7StCaOIrEtCmGbEn2oj6aRBRCeOaFAZ8hMTiBX2C0CTI1MyKTCX_EzVQprcc6hm8YCgPoCVkEjVJOyqN2jn5Sl9j20O5Dsx7ltems4fC4uNCITRjpoBQP9nBs/s640/DSC_0065pb+dog+treats.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Your dog, however, will think it is quite tasty. Let me demonstrate.</div>
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He sees it.</div>
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He smells it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26zOezAQcKtvmKMZVnIb_sqVTsHVbzxsiYbSgbzVOQEPObrxaHD1DqzK5CieKnIsVszlq_NHH6QFoNiZQ_azCgmVBgxyQkJ1Xbmfwpm8Ait7APY9cowVusvz2Xr8H5CbPcZiFRhNrtT0/s1600/DSC_0067pb+Dog+Treats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26zOezAQcKtvmKMZVnIb_sqVTsHVbzxsiYbSgbzVOQEPObrxaHD1DqzK5CieKnIsVszlq_NHH6QFoNiZQ_azCgmVBgxyQkJ1Xbmfwpm8Ait7APY9cowVusvz2Xr8H5CbPcZiFRhNrtT0/s640/DSC_0067pb+Dog+Treats.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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He manages to get the entire treat in his mouth without biting off the hand that feeds it. </div>
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We have an understanding of trust like that.</div>
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Happy Birthday, Kujo!</div>
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<b>Peanut Butter Oatmeal Dog Treats</b><br />
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1 cup smooth peanut butter<br />
1 cup nonfat milk<br />
1 egg<br />
2 cups whole wheat or multi-purpose flour<br />
1 cup oats<br />
1 tablespoon baking powder<br />
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<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, beat milk, egg and peanut butter until well combined.</li>
<li>Add the flour, oats and baking powder to make a very stiff dough. A hand mixer might not be able to handle it, but your stand mixer should do just fine.</li>
<li>Pour out the dough onto a floured work surface and roll until it is 1/4 thick. Find your "Bone" cookie cutter and cut into shapes.</li>
<li>Bake on a parchment lined baking tray at 325 degrees for approximately 20 minutes. Turn biscuits over and bake for an additional 15 minutes. The dog treats should be crunchy.</li>
<li>Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.</li>
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<span style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>THIS POST MAY BE LINKED TO: </i><i><b>MONDAYS</b></i><i>: </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Made By You Monday"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>MADE BY YOU MONDAY</i></span></a></span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">,</span></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">FLOUR ME WITH LOVE</a>, <b>TUESDAYS</b>: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://insidebrucrewlife.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">TRICK OR TREAT TUESDAY</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ,</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">MANDY'S RECIPE BOX</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAYS</b>:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">GINGER SNAP CRAFTS</a>, <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">THE DIY DREAMER</a><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> </a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAYS:</b></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><i style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Full Plate Thursdays">FULL PLATE THURSDAYS</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">, <a href="http://www.lambertslately.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">LAMBERTS LATELY</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAYS</b><b>:</b> </span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://tidymom.net/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’M LOVING IT</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span></span></span></span><a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> FOODIE FRIDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1255351161" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1255351161" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">T</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span><i style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tatertotsandjello.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">ATERTOTS AND JELLO</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, <a href="http://www.simplysweethome.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">FRIDAY FAVORITES</a>,<a href="http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> BACON TIME</a> ,<a href="http://thebestblogrecipes.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">WEEKEND RETREAT</a>, <a href="http://www.justusfourblog.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">PINWORTHY PROJECTS </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SATURDAYS</b><b>:</b></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SWEETS FOR A SATURDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">SIX SISTERS STUFF</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SUNDAYS</b><b>:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">NIFTY THRIFTY THINGS</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-89171825212326585512015-05-12T16:08:00.004-04:002015-05-12T22:58:36.734-04:00"Mom's the Bomb" Mother's Day Video<div style="text-align: justify;">
At church this Sunday, our Worship Leader, Chris Barrett, played a video of a song which he wrote to pay tribute to all the moms on Mother's Day. To provide inspiration to his song, he asked the kids during a recent Wednesday Night service to tell him all the things that make their mom's special. </div>
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Here's a peek at the song:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/127409766" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> </div>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/127409766">Mom's the Bomb!</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/flcwb">First Lutheran Church</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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Guess which inspiration came from my kids?</div>
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That's right. I have weird dance moves.</div>
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Thanks Kids!</div>
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Hope you all had a Happy Mother's Day!</div>
Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-24698214099492702302015-03-17T11:41:00.003-04:002015-03-17T11:41:59.823-04:00The Green Lunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkP95qWxAPxfJqvi9wIra7FYW_bnVxxqEytokVfjUNGR_GOX-1pM25K0ip4TBK_nXqPSFHjGDzW8-1l7GiLimHBiDOR_6RTFcYPQv0XTW_gSQSqmiYVG5NHAlUBw6NbXzMzsAdSYVa2ag/s1600/Green+Lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkP95qWxAPxfJqvi9wIra7FYW_bnVxxqEytokVfjUNGR_GOX-1pM25K0ip4TBK_nXqPSFHjGDzW8-1l7GiLimHBiDOR_6RTFcYPQv0XTW_gSQSqmiYVG5NHAlUBw6NbXzMzsAdSYVa2ag/s1600/Green+Lunch.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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If you are one of my kids, you've come to expect a green lunch on St. Patrick's Day! My youngest tends to remind me a few days in advance. "Do we get a green lunch again this year?" My oldest, a super-cool 17-year old, grabs the inevitable bag and shoves it in his backpack. Despite his apparent ambivalence, I bet that when he's a dad, his kids will get a green lunch, too! #StillFunny, #ILoveMyJob!</div>
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Happy St. Patrick's Day!</div>
<br />Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-36818269783626937372015-03-17T00:17:00.000-04:002015-03-17T00:17:01.138-04:00Apple and Mustard Braised Corned Beef<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwtZxg3jpzAd_YrLMTPiVNzvAlGCs6wraylQsc9p5gtjieT-JW_EWjTqJ0ueTsOIkftoB7GPUvAXXM5XSc4bFD0WjBVF8Px9EE9X8TWIaUE33wXiaK0IwT2etsr-KegYSNenThvTnck4/s1600/DSC_0122cornedBeef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwtZxg3jpzAd_YrLMTPiVNzvAlGCs6wraylQsc9p5gtjieT-JW_EWjTqJ0ueTsOIkftoB7GPUvAXXM5XSc4bFD0WjBVF8Px9EE9X8TWIaUE33wXiaK0IwT2etsr-KegYSNenThvTnck4/s1600/DSC_0122cornedBeef.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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I only cook Corned Beef once a year, but every time I do, I'm reminded of how really quite delicious it is! Truth be told, I love everything about the traditional St. Patrick's Day meal - the roasted carrots, the braised cabbage, the tender and flavorful corned beef - it is truly comfort on a plate. This year's corned beef turned out especially flavorful when it was slathered with grainy mustard, encased in brown sugar and braised in apple juice. These three simple ingredients turned out to be quite transformative and may be the only way I'll cook corned beef in the years to come!</div>
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<b>Apple and Mustard Braised Corned Beef</b></div>
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INGREDIENTS:</div>
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2-3 pound corned beef brisket</div>
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1/4 cup grainy mustard</div>
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1/2 cup brown sugar</div>
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12 ounces apple juice</div>
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DIRECTIONS:</div>
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Place the beef brisket, fat side up, in a Dutch Oven. Slather the top side with the mustard. Pack the brown sugar on the top of the mustard, covering the entire brisket. Slowly pour the apple juice into the side of the Dutch Oven, being careful not to pour it directly on top of the brisket. If desired, add the enclosed seasoning packet to the apple juice.</div>
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Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 2 1/2 hours or until beef is tender. To serve, slice thinly against the grain.</div>
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<br />Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-12255657828667134692015-02-17T17:05:00.000-05:002015-02-17T17:05:07.869-05:00King Cake (With Cream Cheese Filling) Fake Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklaghZRU0Bi4QgaRIhdsi-p3oR2m-7C2FAXjIAeU6xGrn8Z06QOOdRJfDztpd4dbKAfm0ZTdwJ39mhh1zJTRJ21PiAEZwtUW4enZewg8PxdBujYz4rQW6IR2QZG7Q_N5CO0th3NJEH_I/s1600/DSC_0555KingCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklaghZRU0Bi4QgaRIhdsi-p3oR2m-7C2FAXjIAeU6xGrn8Z06QOOdRJfDztpd4dbKAfm0ZTdwJ39mhh1zJTRJ21PiAEZwtUW4enZewg8PxdBujYz4rQW6IR2QZG7Q_N5CO0th3NJEH_I/s1600/DSC_0555KingCake.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's Fat Tuesday and a Southern tradition that we carried north is the King Cake. You can read more about the history of the King Cake <a href="http://simplegirlathome.blogspot.com/2013/02/history-of-king-cake.html">HERE</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjKYNhOvPnvmN4PVWb8z0xuwIzXy17ZrihjHWAdS4beTNefIDzLxR3SyqEGmoXktMLMp91ylTSs5IHQP8yxR3yPMi8b3M6tK-KylmOvLRtKUEGe6FUDpGbOqkPhIuJw_DdYQM079N6Zc/s1600/DSC_0536KingCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjKYNhOvPnvmN4PVWb8z0xuwIzXy17ZrihjHWAdS4beTNefIDzLxR3SyqEGmoXktMLMp91ylTSs5IHQP8yxR3yPMi8b3M6tK-KylmOvLRtKUEGe6FUDpGbOqkPhIuJw_DdYQM079N6Zc/s1600/DSC_0536KingCake.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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A King Cake is basically a cinnamon coffee cake. Some cakes (the good ones) are filled with a cream cheese filling. The others, in my humble opinion, tend to run a little boring and dry. As my time this weekend was pressed, and the bakery selection of King Cakes around these parts is limited, I decided to take a few shortcuts and make my own. Here's my Fake Out!<br />
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Start the King Cake with some pre-packaged Cinnabon rolls. Carefully unfold two packages onto a parchment lined baking sheet. It might seem a little messy, but just go with it. Frosting covers a multitude of sins.<br />
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Next, spread a delicious cream cheese filling onto the dough. (See recipe below.) The cream cheese filling is what makes the cake worth eating. Trust me on this one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtus7hWj_Y6CM_gO9-rKFoNDYCTR3Pr1X_HtcTvATW21_0j1MUy2CsIx7eykwSNePpj7V9kZzZvFpvj2rh5W0UU9HIJXyfi-oePmYcoGAGwkGvf1SvWEmygXylnlH2VqaZgcNTv3X0bs/s1600/DSC_0539KingCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtus7hWj_Y6CM_gO9-rKFoNDYCTR3Pr1X_HtcTvATW21_0j1MUy2CsIx7eykwSNePpj7V9kZzZvFpvj2rh5W0UU9HIJXyfi-oePmYcoGAGwkGvf1SvWEmygXylnlH2VqaZgcNTv3X0bs/s1600/DSC_0539KingCake.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Starting from the long ends, roll up the dough into a long tube and bend it around to form a circle, sealing the edges.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKH6qqh3xlMgLbA8kQI5RTpRV-JO6T__GjnhdE8LM4RiDwEQnnn9_FSTnyIqK1XFjB19fuffzNiNy8yvX0W8YdEEkMt0K6sdknc8OugXeHGFPZ6Z-fE4JHfCgFfGktyJ6dlsmbm4hh7s/s1600/DSC_0542KingCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKH6qqh3xlMgLbA8kQI5RTpRV-JO6T__GjnhdE8LM4RiDwEQnnn9_FSTnyIqK1XFjB19fuffzNiNy8yvX0W8YdEEkMt0K6sdknc8OugXeHGFPZ6Z-fE4JHfCgFfGktyJ6dlsmbm4hh7s/s1600/DSC_0542KingCake.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj7WamjKhwdBW59SLmktqYu3tR5cMvV0IzwIzqSHlki_LMOaosbbjSaiTh_iWBTCERyT1UMigFGQEGGFv_O6WbI6lXmE7-edG8h-KhqK5jqoBwkhvXHUwIp44QRLMlX6PT8-RJZsSakM/s1600/DSC_0554KingCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj7WamjKhwdBW59SLmktqYu3tR5cMvV0IzwIzqSHlki_LMOaosbbjSaiTh_iWBTCERyT1UMigFGQEGGFv_O6WbI6lXmE7-edG8h-KhqK5jqoBwkhvXHUwIp44QRLMlX6PT8-RJZsSakM/s1600/DSC_0554KingCake.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Drizzle with the glaze that comes right in the package and sprinkle with Green, Yellow and Purple sanding sugar or nonpareils. If you don't use these colors, it's not a King Cake. In case you didn't know. I'm just saying.</div>
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<b>Pastry Cream Cheese Filling</b></div>
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2 8-ounce packages Cream Cheese, room temperature</div>
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3/4 cup white sugar</div>
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1 egg</div>
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Mix ingredients together until well blended. Use as a filling. Bake as pastry is directed.</div>
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<br />Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-76301953448448468122015-02-14T14:01:00.000-05:002015-02-14T14:01:47.307-05:00Heart Shaped Egg-In-the-Holes: Tips for the Perfect Egg!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcEc-Z96sRZKkBJHo52_FOJXTPFkgIhVpPFZnBPmCbLdhe5lBpouNlSfubzqqbk1meUAKup-1mNNj3vboV_nqVtlKwdTX-m60sRKBTum4eB2VWcY6Plzl5pDBc303ycw6aUIYigaGaA4/s1600/DSC_0534EggInHole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcEc-Z96sRZKkBJHo52_FOJXTPFkgIhVpPFZnBPmCbLdhe5lBpouNlSfubzqqbk1meUAKup-1mNNj3vboV_nqVtlKwdTX-m60sRKBTum4eB2VWcY6Plzl5pDBc303ycw6aUIYigaGaA4/s1600/DSC_0534EggInHole.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes breakfast is the only meal we can have together and I'm thankful that, even though my kids are getting older, they still appreciate the magic of the cookie cutter. These heart shaped Egg-In-The-Holes turned out to be the perfect breakfast on a sub-zero day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxY9I1te_2LjRjr4esEC2WKLPp1GuiTjEp42y_OVVsFQZHEzYMFYzL7JQdzdemCtqaAAMhTRB4oKxKTdu_C4myvTworkqHpd3L9x_14J5ZNHMjU5i1ZNLbSbwKSHsnT-b66wKEohXRAn0/s1600/DSC_0525EggInHole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxY9I1te_2LjRjr4esEC2WKLPp1GuiTjEp42y_OVVsFQZHEzYMFYzL7JQdzdemCtqaAAMhTRB4oKxKTdu_C4myvTworkqHpd3L9x_14J5ZNHMjU5i1ZNLbSbwKSHsnT-b66wKEohXRAn0/s1600/DSC_0525EggInHole.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Through trial and error, here are a few tricks I picked up for producing the perfect egg:<br />
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<li>Use hearty bread for a good, clean, cookie cutter cut (like Ezekiel Sprouted Grain.)</li>
<li>Butter one side of the bread and put it butter side down on a heated griddle.</li>
<li>Crack your egg into a separate vessel and spoon the yolk into the hole in the bread. Spoon in enough of the egg white to fill the bread hole, but not so much as it will flow over the cut edge.</li>
<li>Place a large skillet lid over the bread to help steam the egg. This will allow the egg to cook without the need to flip it.</li>
<li>When the egg begins to solidify, sprinkle with kosher salt. Garnish with chives.</li>
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Wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day!</div>
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<br />Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-69397500400352998952014-12-24T15:57:00.000-05:002014-12-24T15:57:35.341-05:00Mini Chocolate Reindeer Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvWtofflIhQASrtVrqDY0nMvTAPzxGV1sIndz4R-h9vC7UoW4FFaJNXUzUP70Q6fu7fdzws5A-2FkQQyblrckEvOJm2fgLfC8_ddljM7Onqa3Q8akmIKF9a0z6BhyOTPPeWo8ls30XeU/s1600/DSC_0948reindeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvWtofflIhQASrtVrqDY0nMvTAPzxGV1sIndz4R-h9vC7UoW4FFaJNXUzUP70Q6fu7fdzws5A-2FkQQyblrckEvOJm2fgLfC8_ddljM7Onqa3Q8akmIKF9a0z6BhyOTPPeWo8ls30XeU/s1600/DSC_0948reindeer.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was the one cookie that my teenage daughter wanted to make this year and I thought they were adorable. Mini Chocolate Reindeer Cookies! Due to the way life has been going this year, we took advantage of every available shortcut.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2LuzYEmrha97zZdOzccsQAM9Tabp2bAfl0U91ZAuN7EvbvVeOrvpge-zXNiJKcuSDluqFHZQ5SvolGEc7uXH2m9OMnk0hHbMOZBr7B630NR62TI3PGZnN8xCopRQAglJtEFYdT3fOKg/s1600/DSC_0951reindeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2LuzYEmrha97zZdOzccsQAM9Tabp2bAfl0U91ZAuN7EvbvVeOrvpge-zXNiJKcuSDluqFHZQ5SvolGEc7uXH2m9OMnk0hHbMOZBr7B630NR62TI3PGZnN8xCopRQAglJtEFYdT3fOKg/s1600/DSC_0951reindeer.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Did you know you can get chocolate cookie dough in sheets? Cookie dough in sheets is one of my great friends in life. Rolled out cookies at our house ranks right up there with homemade pie crust. It's best left to others. These turn out exactly like you cut them. No excess puffing or spreading!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrtbpw6h0jp9CQRZ4tveGtX3GFBXWrhakjUMZ4vt9vhfGliBcuWZS-k0f1E-1lGbHICNv14JB77vCd3rJqr80__gPeiRkAZMaOvjKwgTDAz6MH6IgNWlh-wiAdeD_bsVR28bQUc3fg3Y/s1600/DSC_0946reindeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrtbpw6h0jp9CQRZ4tveGtX3GFBXWrhakjUMZ4vt9vhfGliBcuWZS-k0f1E-1lGbHICNv14JB77vCd3rJqr80__gPeiRkAZMaOvjKwgTDAz6MH6IgNWlh-wiAdeD_bsVR28bQUc3fg3Y/s1600/DSC_0946reindeer.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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I always keep candy google eyes in my pantry. You never know when they will come in handy!</div>
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Wishing you a Blessed Christmas!</div>
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Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-48078264089139864912014-12-22T21:33:00.001-05:002014-12-23T19:38:35.381-05:00Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-x9JC1iiXyU-CKwwrgvotqH-nHMN7zDySx-qhUgWKIwRuiYqz3ffLhR9xRVqGkz1_U-k7LcHBdeiXYXTv3RkvMfDkyjhy-CBt3RIgCAa0o5RTgyWcGfs_eRZiCXB3lxa9mCKAriZl4c/s1600/DSC_0937pumpkincheesecakedip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-x9JC1iiXyU-CKwwrgvotqH-nHMN7zDySx-qhUgWKIwRuiYqz3ffLhR9xRVqGkz1_U-k7LcHBdeiXYXTv3RkvMfDkyjhy-CBt3RIgCAa0o5RTgyWcGfs_eRZiCXB3lxa9mCKAriZl4c/s1600/DSC_0937pumpkincheesecakedip.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just a few more days until Christmas and I'm doing my last minute menu planning. I always like to include an appetizer/snack that includes fruits or veggies because A) It's one way to get my kids to eat their fruits and veggies and B) It's one way to get me to eat my fruits and veggies in a sometimes produce-barren time of year!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUc0pdXpotT3R3c-tY-j1gz06VbBXCuirUKD_rsKxcmODTn53e_bOjcV7k_xcCKQc3MF4SGbA0FGgeLtiuEqK0ugQz_UNh-pU7m-b0fYH5VMqDTqk-8y7D_1MJF58u9nhdZ1b4krpxQo/s1600/DSC_0935pumpkincheesecakedip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUc0pdXpotT3R3c-tY-j1gz06VbBXCuirUKD_rsKxcmODTn53e_bOjcV7k_xcCKQc3MF4SGbA0FGgeLtiuEqK0ugQz_UNh-pU7m-b0fYH5VMqDTqk-8y7D_1MJF58u9nhdZ1b4krpxQo/s1600/DSC_0935pumpkincheesecakedip.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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This dip comes together in a snap and tastes great with both apples and gingersnaps! </div>
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(And, for my SIL, Fritos! :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaodMrl5Tves7yctcJ6smoEnqM8IrjEfKi5NNGltnVV2gDSdxEphRVo_rr_mmTV30TwCXMmm-WuIgAe1Ghz4ldD_NwXQ8Df9W3QO1eOQNgqjs28jNIxQDqxyLuFRSBflifqOwbv8l5JI/s1600/DSC_0942pumpkincheesecakecip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaodMrl5Tves7yctcJ6smoEnqM8IrjEfKi5NNGltnVV2gDSdxEphRVo_rr_mmTV30TwCXMmm-WuIgAe1Ghz4ldD_NwXQ8Df9W3QO1eOQNgqjs28jNIxQDqxyLuFRSBflifqOwbv8l5JI/s1600/DSC_0942pumpkincheesecakecip.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Merry Christmas!</div>
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xo</div>
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Rachel</div>
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<b>Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip</b></div>
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<i><b>by Rachel @ Simple Girl</b></i></div>
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8 ounce package of cream cheese, room temperature (full fat - light comes out too runny)</div>
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3/4 cup pumpkin pie filling (not plain pumpkin!)</div>
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1 cup powdered sugar</div>
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8-ounce container of Cool Whip (can be light)</div>
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Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar. Beat until lumps are removed. Add pie filling. Beat until combined. Fold in Cool Whip until combined. Chill until ready to serve.</div>
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Serve with apple slices, gingersnaps or Fritos!</div>
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Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-40715412736599751242014-12-16T12:36:00.000-05:002014-12-16T12:36:59.668-05:00Light a Candle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglot0dQnjeEoONsE7QWRcdDqxeNnVPqXHXAOd_U05Q8jeVSOnI6CxDHIlFWMYymHFBcfhyi7QF5riO0vbaxGqnGiTdpNTFQ19byS40Ozr5-gSeyA_R1FvKabqXofwjI0qI4UylGEmJgRI/s1600/DSC_0896advent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglot0dQnjeEoONsE7QWRcdDqxeNnVPqXHXAOd_U05Q8jeVSOnI6CxDHIlFWMYymHFBcfhyi7QF5riO0vbaxGqnGiTdpNTFQ19byS40Ozr5-gSeyA_R1FvKabqXofwjI0qI4UylGEmJgRI/s1600/DSC_0896advent.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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While we are in the midst of the advent season, I just want to encourage you to light a candle. When the days go by so quickly that you can't even grasp them in your hands, candles cause us to pause. When our to-do lists seem unmanageably long, candles give us a moment to reflect.</div>
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Advent candles have long been a tradition in the Christian church. They help us tell the story of the Birth of Christ. As Christmas draws near, the increasing candle light reminds us of the star that shown over Bethlehem. Our anticipation swells with each additional candle lit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQLTHiH45uCpCH2jTx7G-VGEsRZNA7N4YH4lc8EUEBe63yL6L8Z63qj3G5zeQeZIYDMWfy0ubVi7tNjfZuMpAodZYwKfTYfw6lxM5rI467NBNH00dLkTLPBnHEn3gtEnejEAcuGRi990/s1600/DSC_0895advent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQLTHiH45uCpCH2jTx7G-VGEsRZNA7N4YH4lc8EUEBe63yL6L8Z63qj3G5zeQeZIYDMWfy0ubVi7tNjfZuMpAodZYwKfTYfw6lxM5rI467NBNH00dLkTLPBnHEn3gtEnejEAcuGRi990/s1600/DSC_0895advent.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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While typically placed in a round wreath, I like to change our candles a little every year to keep them relevant with our lives. This year I took apple red pillar candles and put them in vases from the dollar store. I wrapped them with green raffia and clipped some chalkboard tags (from Target's dollar section) on each. I labeled four of them for each of the four Sundays in advent and marked the middle one for Christmas Day. (FYI, lighting the fifth one on Christmas Eve is ok, too!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuERrsDr6uXxM1w5OhX_sijY4tOFNmDnOlApc4KJ-RLyImgyBLWaQVBdgCiXz_4fIyUV7xSQk1O5Oihw1IpjIyhURdvMZdALyrF5eAR7_JDwEHBOjX5Vyw_s1PWgUzhtSYxKLUMwR7hnE/s1600/DSC_0905advent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuERrsDr6uXxM1w5OhX_sijY4tOFNmDnOlApc4KJ-RLyImgyBLWaQVBdgCiXz_4fIyUV7xSQk1O5Oihw1IpjIyhURdvMZdALyrF5eAR7_JDwEHBOjX5Vyw_s1PWgUzhtSYxKLUMwR7hnE/s1600/DSC_0905advent.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although my kids are getting older, they still enjoy reading Benjamin Bear's journey to the manger in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Advent-Storybook-Antonie-Schneider/dp/0735819637/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418750760&sr=8-1&keywords=advent+storybook">Advent Storybook</a> each night during dinner.<br />
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So pause. Light a candle. Reflect on the manger. The shepherds didn't have seven kinds of Christmas cookies. The wise men didn't have coordinating wrapping paper. But the night was holy, full of calm and peace.Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-78165203653379418342014-12-11T15:15:00.001-05:002014-12-11T19:17:32.127-05:002-Ingredient Pumpkin Pancakes<div style="text-align: justify;">
Winter arrived with a vengeance. One day I was happily raking leaves, enjoying the simple pleasures of autumn and the next day I woke up to this: An icy, freezing, slippery blizzard. I was not prepared. I need new tires. I need a new car. My mums are buried under a fluffy white blanket. My pumpkins are frozen to the steps. I drove the kids to school watching cars slip through intersections. A long commute becomes longer. Amazon Prime becomes my friend.</div>
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This is the post I started exactly one month ago today. Winter came and it stayed. Eventually I was able to scrape the pumpkins off of the sidewalk and shimmy my pots inside long enough for them to thaw. We got the Christmas tree up and, while I haven't started the Christmas cards yet, preparations are underway.</div>
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Even during the Christmas season, I still love the warmth of pumpkin spice. This easy recipe for Pumpkin Spice Pancakes is perfect for every day or for a crowd.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4mTvT_KGnOvqWjFGFO_YkRwHcNNydByKHvWvTWAl04iHvI6HCIKC89PBibWCiG-MhyphenhyphenZCsw343eA3PEKmJjk42eWBKZ1SoCDXmxYJQ8jFREaiuPvYwExpfVF0eQhe9AJwlvp4ktuDJd8/s1600/DSC_0720pumpkinpancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4mTvT_KGnOvqWjFGFO_YkRwHcNNydByKHvWvTWAl04iHvI6HCIKC89PBibWCiG-MhyphenhyphenZCsw343eA3PEKmJjk42eWBKZ1SoCDXmxYJQ8jFREaiuPvYwExpfVF0eQhe9AJwlvp4ktuDJd8/s1600/DSC_0720pumpkinpancakes.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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While I would never use pumpkin pie filling to make an actual pie (doesn't taste like mom's), </div>
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it's a great shortcut for pancakes!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL-_KzUUdngO94MUnWa56f_uc_1a8-esDjPgILzd0EyleCyXIJKjd3MdtYOzeqkxsPjHNLp4lwGgYNH9wCL906WvG4S6o7iY_pvap-k7L0ZobO_Jiucn-XXEkgDpjBpEXqpkEmrC9vwE/s1600/DSC_0713pumpkinpancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL-_KzUUdngO94MUnWa56f_uc_1a8-esDjPgILzd0EyleCyXIJKjd3MdtYOzeqkxsPjHNLp4lwGgYNH9wCL906WvG4S6o7iY_pvap-k7L0ZobO_Jiucn-XXEkgDpjBpEXqpkEmrC9vwE/s1600/DSC_0713pumpkinpancakes.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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Just remember 3 - 2 - 1.</div>
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Three cups of buttermilk pancake mix.</div>
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Two cups of water.</div>
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One cup of pumpkin pie filling.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExMq6u7tdWwKE6ECvrtfCQlriwe6CYvHfwM0o2t4xz4Kh1gEM9G-8PhyCZunj_7UUi9H3iKmKWRUi-U1uHmrBON17Dj90MbL9A2ZzQjNlSvcclU7vFy6zh0MOF3YSoBWyxs05a_qkCvU/s1600/DSC_0716pumpkinpancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExMq6u7tdWwKE6ECvrtfCQlriwe6CYvHfwM0o2t4xz4Kh1gEM9G-8PhyCZunj_7UUi9H3iKmKWRUi-U1uHmrBON17Dj90MbL9A2ZzQjNlSvcclU7vFy6zh0MOF3YSoBWyxs05a_qkCvU/s1600/DSC_0716pumpkinpancakes.jpg" height="402" width="640" /></a></div>
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The syrup is calling!</div>
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<b>2-Ingredient Pumpkin Pancakes</b></div>
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<i>by Rachel @ Simple Girl</i></div>
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3 cups Complete Buttermilk Pancake Mix (Like Krusteaz)</div>
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2 cups of water (does not count as an ingredient!)</div>
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1 cup pumpkin pie mix (Not pureed pumpkin which doesn't have the spices)</div>
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Mix together until just combined. Spoon 1/4 cup portions onto medium hot griddle. Flip when they start to bubble on top. But you knew that.</div>
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<span style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>THIS POST MAY BE LINKED TO: </i><i><b>MONDAYS</b></i><i>: </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Made By You Monday"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>MADE BY YOU MONDAY</i></span></a></span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">,</span></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">FLOUR ME WITH LOVE</a>, <b>TUESDAYS</b>: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://insidebrucrewlife.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">TRICK OR TREAT TUESDAY</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ,</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">MANDY'S RECIPE BOX</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAYS</b>:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">GINGER SNAP CRAFTS</a>, <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">THE DIY DREAMER</a><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> </a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAYS:</b></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><i style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Full Plate Thursdays">FULL PLATE THURSDAYS</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">, <a href="http://www.lambertslately.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">LAMBERTS LATELY</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAYS</b><b>:</b> </span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://tidymom.net/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’M LOVING IT</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span></span></span></span><a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> FOODIE FRIDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1255351161" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1255351161" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">T</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span><i style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tatertotsandjello.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">ATERTOTS AND JELLO</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, <a href="http://www.simplysweethome.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">FRIDAY FAVORITES</a>,<a href="http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> BACON TIME</a> ,<a href="http://thebestblogrecipes.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">WEEKEND RETREAT</a>, <a href="http://www.justusfourblog.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">PINWORTHY PROJECTS </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SATURDAYS</b><b>:</b></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SWEETS FOR A SATURDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">SIX SISTERS STUFF</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SUNDAYS</b><b>:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">NIFTY THRIFTY THINGS</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
<br />Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-22748664145387219362014-10-30T18:03:00.000-04:002014-10-30T18:03:10.182-04:00Cute Vampire Bagels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PTj32Rl8rYvGvXRG_1epUpGvZsIVlS-KurFAlfbG5QQWsHQy1kSolkpeRyXEtm1oyTuBfTAk3mV2w4YupLE5FbFzYLAlbzBHKlmMZr-PKNzGST-iADJt5zq2HdXtThl8IlF-jSYzdAA/s1600/DSC_0730bagels2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PTj32Rl8rYvGvXRG_1epUpGvZsIVlS-KurFAlfbG5QQWsHQy1kSolkpeRyXEtm1oyTuBfTAk3mV2w4YupLE5FbFzYLAlbzBHKlmMZr-PKNzGST-iADJt5zq2HdXtThl8IlF-jSYzdAA/s1600/DSC_0730bagels2.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hahaha! I am so putting these in my kids lunch boxes tomorrow!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphukwfFavJ9vbo6MgkbACdLkuQVzU4pB56-DrCHpdimTxdZH5MhGG4cA_iZXJTNYlv6UMW53uS4RBPJrwc7pOrxz_IcrbAy9bMHIEbQ2HKApJhLk3KdW3i4QLTzuFS3fCNHVwXS_jDYY/s1600/DSC_0732bagel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphukwfFavJ9vbo6MgkbACdLkuQVzU4pB56-DrCHpdimTxdZH5MhGG4cA_iZXJTNYlv6UMW53uS4RBPJrwc7pOrxz_IcrbAy9bMHIEbQ2HKApJhLk3KdW3i4QLTzuFS3fCNHVwXS_jDYY/s1600/DSC_0732bagel.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Plastic Vampire Teeth stuck in the center of a bagel, topped with candy eyes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEqTQ87W7k_Sbu1XSsWUK9jad7QIN6ZDKTOoXBo4YMQBtl07tqvdxDK5eN02cA3FSSmXYDkZwmpcy-nnJNsBpaGSdSOXYPPHUyq1C0Ql9jOW4WI7Gs2sQwXYBxL5S-oYrSzD20rhC7Rw/s1600/DSC_0733bagels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEqTQ87W7k_Sbu1XSsWUK9jad7QIN6ZDKTOoXBo4YMQBtl07tqvdxDK5eN02cA3FSSmXYDkZwmpcy-nnJNsBpaGSdSOXYPPHUyq1C0Ql9jOW4WI7Gs2sQwXYBxL5S-oYrSzD20rhC7Rw/s1600/DSC_0733bagels.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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There is so much to love about being a mom! :-)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">HAPPY HALLOWEEN!</span></div>
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xo</div>
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Rachel</div>
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Source: Family Fun Magazine</div>
Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-19088535157086905452014-10-27T10:22:00.000-04:002014-10-27T23:12:07.607-04:00White Bean and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmJf4zG4zwRnQ_U44FGWhXoGBq1REfwaJ-S-dExBkZ26HNFemFUG1GuaOCDczgmjAI2RH1aXBsaKX2zOUG5Yamxb8XJpSkF3z7gDEp1H6x_ZdJy8KL2SCtUKnv9OMePSi4-SdhSpl0Hg/s1600/DSC_0319WhiteBeanDip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmJf4zG4zwRnQ_U44FGWhXoGBq1REfwaJ-S-dExBkZ26HNFemFUG1GuaOCDczgmjAI2RH1aXBsaKX2zOUG5Yamxb8XJpSkF3z7gDEp1H6x_ZdJy8KL2SCtUKnv9OMePSi4-SdhSpl0Hg/s1600/DSC_0319WhiteBeanDip.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are two things I love about fall. The beautiful, radiant leaves. And Football. That's right. I said it. The "F" word. It might be a surprise to some of you. For those of you who did not know me BP (Before Perry), I will tell you that I grew up in a household void of all things football. My dad never watched a football game on TV. We never set out a tail-gate spread before attending a college match-up. And Super Bowl Sunday meant one thing. Shopping. (The malls are way less crowded!)</div>
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The very first Thanksgiving that said Husband ever spent with my family, my mom went all out. She had her finest linens and china on the table, multiple side dishes in the oven and a plated first course salad. Perry leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Where's the football game?" I had no idea what he was talking about. This was in stark contrast to HIS family's Thanksgiving where the turkey dinner was meticulously scheduled around half-time and enjoyed by the men on TV trays in the basement. That was his normal. This was mine.</div>
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Over time, our lives have blended and I now look forward to Friday Night High School games, Saturday College games and Sunday NFL games where we gather with (mostly his) family, sharing conversation and great food.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VKrwLJvqLUhYQGPMIPdapsCmnXirOCqjQkV9zgj5ALt9nDBMtmMxbCnd-qUhwPblas9Qbq-YxOl9dYzkxk8e7HxfutECDep9u85HPccoCUhfB6ghgfT0ytl8zr9FvByzCSJ2PWOrhrA/s1600/DSC_0314WhiteBeanDip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VKrwLJvqLUhYQGPMIPdapsCmnXirOCqjQkV9zgj5ALt9nDBMtmMxbCnd-qUhwPblas9Qbq-YxOl9dYzkxk8e7HxfutECDep9u85HPccoCUhfB6ghgfT0ytl8zr9FvByzCSJ2PWOrhrA/s1600/DSC_0314WhiteBeanDip.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Recently, my sister-in-law brought this delightful (and healthful) take on hummus. (Just be sure you use cannellini beans and not chick peas!) The sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes and the savory garlic will keep you eating until the pita chips are gone!<br />
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<b>Aunt Pam's White Bean and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip</b><br />
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1 15-ounce can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed<br />
2 Tablespoons lemon juice<br />
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil<br />
2 garlic cloves<br />
1 teaspoon onion powder<br />
pinch of cayenne<br />
1 3-4 ounce jar of sun-dried tomatoes, drained and patted dry<br />
1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary<br />
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt<br />
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper<br />
1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives<br />
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Place all ingredients except the chives in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Before serving, garnish with chives and serve with pita chips. <br />
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<span style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>THIS POST MAY BE LINKED TO: </i><i><b>MONDAYS</b></i><i>: </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Made By You Monday"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>MADE BY YOU MONDAY</i></span></a></span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">,</span></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">FLOUR ME WITH LOVE</a>, <b>TUESDAYS</b>: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://insidebrucrewlife.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">TRICK OR TREAT TUESDAY</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ,</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">MANDY'S RECIPE BOX</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAYS</b>:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">GINGER SNAP CRAFTS</a>, <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">THE DIY DREAMER</a><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> </a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAYS:</b></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><i style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Full Plate Thursdays">FULL PLATE THURSDAYS</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">, <a href="http://www.lambertslately.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">LAMBERTS LATELY</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAYS</b><b>:</b> </span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://tidymom.net/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’M LOVING IT</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span></span></span></span><a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> FOODIE FRIDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1255351161" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1255351161" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">T</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span><i style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tatertotsandjello.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">ATERTOTS AND JELLO</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, <a href="http://www.simplysweethome.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">FRIDAY FAVORITES</a>,<a href="http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> BACON TIME</a> ,<a href="http://thebestblogrecipes.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">WEEKEND RETREAT</a>, <a href="http://www.justusfourblog.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">PINWORTHY PROJECTS </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SATURDAYS</b><b>:</b></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SWEETS FOR A SATURDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">SIX SISTERS STUFF</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SUNDAYS</b><b>:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">NIFTY THRIFTY THINGS</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<br />Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-26440357597809967722014-10-23T06:00:00.000-04:002014-10-23T15:10:34.129-04:00Oreo Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv2wHlLybzES9BP7iiIDItbH72KmF9G95a1S6vSOrj307M5V5gGJidkMNDu_zLSOjpcERFxcPoD8dlSf7WosM7whYd9oqpW5aLIVo2-VAb_2ZrH-IHfC0PWlAr8ZNTPd4gJBc9FHSIP0/s1600/DSC_0557OreoCookieDough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv2wHlLybzES9BP7iiIDItbH72KmF9G95a1S6vSOrj307M5V5gGJidkMNDu_zLSOjpcERFxcPoD8dlSf7WosM7whYd9oqpW5aLIVo2-VAb_2ZrH-IHfC0PWlAr8ZNTPd4gJBc9FHSIP0/s1600/DSC_0557OreoCookieDough.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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The new neighbors just moved in.</div>
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As I learned in my time spent in The South, the best way to meet new neighbors is to bring them food. Food gives you a reason to drop by unannounced. Food prevents that awkward moment of silence when the new neighbors are not sure whether or not to invite you in. I mean, you can't blame them. They don't know you and haven't had time to assess if you hold the potential to be their new best friend or if you will become to them the mysterious Boo Radley from To Kill a Mockingbird, dominating their imagination of the unknown. </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">These Oreo Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars were the brainchild of my oldest daughter, Anna. She made them for the new neighbors as a gesture of friendship and a reason to find out if they have any kids her age.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib367_cG2CbzqlRBFoXcCF8Sfn2Jgo7debw6M2t1KetTtJVm-rVOKKqKtQK5XYpvkiUxTNOIThFPrO9ydrtm_H2H3jfva-K8CRWq3kYcc_yUae-nvKnlMoyLwzoSiav4_oLb8KfK5GYMA/s1600/DSC_0563OreoCookieDough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib367_cG2CbzqlRBFoXcCF8Sfn2Jgo7debw6M2t1KetTtJVm-rVOKKqKtQK5XYpvkiUxTNOIThFPrO9ydrtm_H2H3jfva-K8CRWq3kYcc_yUae-nvKnlMoyLwzoSiav4_oLb8KfK5GYMA/s1600/DSC_0563OreoCookieDough.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a pictures those beauties.</div>
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A double stuffed Oreo encased in chocolate chip cookie dough.</div>
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Have you ever seen anything so divine?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMoRuUJ5ZORXBZkvEXfRa9esEumu9qeyWdXDQm9Zi2ZuhKbxmdLXZemab9vlFI_pOx2VfTZaZ8veAXHDizN65UNZ2yyfapeoidQn42-shrE60fdDxia5YIP9lOjpF3OmB4yIqjsPClJ8/s1600/DSC_0560OreoCookieDough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMoRuUJ5ZORXBZkvEXfRa9esEumu9qeyWdXDQm9Zi2ZuhKbxmdLXZemab9vlFI_pOx2VfTZaZ8veAXHDizN65UNZ2yyfapeoidQn42-shrE60fdDxia5YIP9lOjpF3OmB4yIqjsPClJ8/s1600/DSC_0560OreoCookieDough.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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On Friday the girls brought them over. Nobody was home. </div>
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On Sunday they tried again. Still no luck. </div>
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On Monday we decided to try one to see if they were still fresh. They tasted delicious with milk.</div>
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Tonight, Anna brought the beautifully packaged box to church. </div>
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She definitely made points with her friends.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBN9Xl4xt1R910QNO8cMzd6EEb8DTaW2jn1Uyq-QHKCFeVCQorqrOjNhBmr-2wqkGzBWJxhnqlh0fjt8Z-Y8OMfBv7hljc5wN1InSq7JbhZ44LXjBSuFFi8Qq__FhEl3sJ7GEP0JaBNw/s1600/DSC_0561OreoCookieDough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBN9Xl4xt1R910QNO8cMzd6EEb8DTaW2jn1Uyq-QHKCFeVCQorqrOjNhBmr-2wqkGzBWJxhnqlh0fjt8Z-Y8OMfBv7hljc5wN1InSq7JbhZ44LXjBSuFFi8Qq__FhEl3sJ7GEP0JaBNw/s1600/DSC_0561OreoCookieDough.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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The new neighbors never have to know!</div>
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<b>Oreo Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars</b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
by Anna @ Simple Girl</div>
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<b><i>Ingredients</i></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
2/3 cups Earth Balance, room temperature</div>
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(Butter tastes good, but creates a different texture)</div>
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1/2 cup sugar</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
1/2 cup packed brown sugar</div>
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1 eggs</div>
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1 teaspoons pure vanilla</div>
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1/1/2 cups flour</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
1/2 teaspoon baking soda</div>
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1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
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1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips</div>
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Whip Earth Balance and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Continue to beat until smooth and creamy.</div>
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Gradually add flour, soda and salt. Beat until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips.</div>
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Line an 8 x 8 cake pan with parchment. Spray parchment and sides. Press 1/2 of the dough in the bottom of the pan. Top with 16 Oreos lined up in a 4 x 4 pattern. Top with remaining dough, pressing it until it is flat and covers the Oreos. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until dough becomes lightly golden. When cool, remove the entire square from the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into 16 squares.</div>
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<span style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>THIS POST MAY BE LINKED TO: </i><i><b>MONDAYS</b></i><i>: </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Made By You Monday"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>MADE BY YOU MONDAY</i></span></a></span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">,</span></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">FLOUR ME WITH LOVE</a>, <b>TUESDAYS</b>: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://insidebrucrewlife.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">TRICK OR TREAT TUESDAY</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ,</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">MANDY'S RECIPE BOX</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAYS</b>:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">GINGER SNAP CRAFTS</a>, <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">THE DIY DREAMER</a><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> </a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAYS:</b></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><i style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Full Plate Thursdays">FULL PLATE THURSDAYS</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">, <a href="http://www.lambertslately.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">LAMBERTS LATELY</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAYS</b><b>:</b> </span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://tidymom.net/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’M LOVING IT</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span></span></span></span><a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> FOODIE FRIDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1255351161" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1255351161" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">T</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span><i style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tatertotsandjello.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">ATERTOTS AND JELLO</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, <a href="http://www.simplysweethome.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">FRIDAY FAVORITES</a>,<a href="http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> BACON TIME</a> ,<a href="http://thebestblogrecipes.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">WEEKEND RETREAT</a>, <a href="http://www.justusfourblog.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">PINWORTHY PROJECTS </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SATURDAYS</b><b>:</b></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SWEETS FOR A SATURDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">SIX SISTERS STUFF</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SUNDAYS</b><b>:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">NIFTY THRIFTY THINGS</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<br />Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-84255296121606966402014-10-16T22:05:00.001-04:002014-10-16T22:05:55.739-04:00Ella's Woodland Fairy Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBMuEuBbp88UnjhdaIFTqs5RJpkW9cVE6MwfTi9pRwr8BxWEVD0JNc29hc02llqG04te6rz2xUmv6GS4kOBp56qOpLkf-hDMnYkCVFR4DbZNERJyhPPSQAU_Sef7_hRb3KQ0vEj9Zbog/s1600/DSC_0531WoodlandFairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBMuEuBbp88UnjhdaIFTqs5RJpkW9cVE6MwfTi9pRwr8BxWEVD0JNc29hc02llqG04te6rz2xUmv6GS4kOBp56qOpLkf-hDMnYkCVFR4DbZNERJyhPPSQAU_Sef7_hRb3KQ0vEj9Zbog/s1600/DSC_0531WoodlandFairy.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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I believe.</div>
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In small parties. </div>
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Now, don't get me wrong. I've had sleepovers for 15 girls and chaotic, thunderous celebrations at Chuck E. Cheese's. I have. Which is why I can tell you that a small, intimate soiree is a lovely way to celebrate the birthday of a whimsical girl. </div>
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Four girls. Three hours. It's a beautiful thing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKta7Q-7y8V0k1__ZZmAABDqsf6wJ4tr7BVeHuW1V1qDGDahTekhLsHoapWFDgvy0Wb8m8Phcob4CjxuZozBXfFYxoyJ579277HuBNPpO4PS5SC-HFEwAPA0CX7_zDa1f7mC0V5PxFeiM/s1600/DSC_0375WoodlandFairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKta7Q-7y8V0k1__ZZmAABDqsf6wJ4tr7BVeHuW1V1qDGDahTekhLsHoapWFDgvy0Wb8m8Phcob4CjxuZozBXfFYxoyJ579277HuBNPpO4PS5SC-HFEwAPA0CX7_zDa1f7mC0V5PxFeiM/s1600/DSC_0375WoodlandFairy.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Because October in Minnesota can be a bit unpredictable, we brought our garden party indoors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaIotFgLIrrqlT_jqdeOGuAFdxYycdVNDL7DppP40snhyphenhyphenrivWz9cdSQ1HPg9WlFdMdW5tBpMiwhFTpOFO6mKSxq0QIRhwzacXvJOfKGwGD6dK0ar0R16A5QR42GGON4Sg-XM6yg86oGg/s1600/DSC_0389WoodlandFairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaIotFgLIrrqlT_jqdeOGuAFdxYycdVNDL7DppP40snhyphenhyphenrivWz9cdSQ1HPg9WlFdMdW5tBpMiwhFTpOFO6mKSxq0QIRhwzacXvJOfKGwGD6dK0ar0R16A5QR42GGON4Sg-XM6yg86oGg/s1600/DSC_0389WoodlandFairy.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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A look around the house was all we needed for a beautifully set table.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiz_nCCdUXEy5NycUdQ5gLcJ36CNXywXtx9FFKw76b4L0jL853kPXVs88GQrFoX24rtUw2euC7ORFd0DF8VEleO05-8uvofD902TYvhiO4fsDGjNf2z81FDYx7l6gI3H24pq6oHikd07s/s1600/DSC_0377WoodlandFairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiz_nCCdUXEy5NycUdQ5gLcJ36CNXywXtx9FFKw76b4L0jL853kPXVs88GQrFoX24rtUw2euC7ORFd0DF8VEleO05-8uvofD902TYvhiO4fsDGjNf2z81FDYx7l6gI3H24pq6oHikd07s/s1600/DSC_0377WoodlandFairy.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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Candy-coated sunflower seeds are perfectly miniature in scale.</div>
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Caprese "Mushrooms" grow from a moss-covered pot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqR3hEwrdfacJwtrhj1_JETkagV_AHaio6CxwhmxrZxdfaPoIQ_JQXOnrgbBZpSQ5H4QCkh3-ybFeDv7Xm-y9ZeXugkI-hErDgsa02vuo8t500wDP7k4p3Lx38sFvQNA2CgXUTdK2egkY/s1600/DSC_0398WoodlandFairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqR3hEwrdfacJwtrhj1_JETkagV_AHaio6CxwhmxrZxdfaPoIQ_JQXOnrgbBZpSQ5H4QCkh3-ybFeDv7Xm-y9ZeXugkI-hErDgsa02vuo8t500wDP7k4p3Lx38sFvQNA2CgXUTdK2egkY/s1600/DSC_0398WoodlandFairy.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Berries look beautiful in flower cups.</div>
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Ella made the "Acorns" with kisses, mini vanilla wafers and chocolate chips.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRxYfBOJIpHCOTswt43nObfbZhIavD8Fwu5aH_MPMtCs6vLFE8xtjYwfYGqmxgI42wCUfBZzbiBypz5pxS7W6H6CdN9E7SxyPAOOO09BmtDSpdsY0uxKwMHM0W60TCQOWCO-0Gt5_G0M/s1600/DSC_0413woodlandfairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRxYfBOJIpHCOTswt43nObfbZhIavD8Fwu5aH_MPMtCs6vLFE8xtjYwfYGqmxgI42wCUfBZzbiBypz5pxS7W6H6CdN9E7SxyPAOOO09BmtDSpdsY0uxKwMHM0W60TCQOWCO-0Gt5_G0M/s1600/DSC_0413woodlandfairy.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Beautiful little bites.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1H2prLf4BJNneZ0nePLOUSMCjA1yzunWE1V1g0Whyphenhyphen5FF_6uUpi5ttUgUtEkmypXv9zdm43dp_58QA6fko1xlu13TmTYVEDzBEi7VuEiKXesfR0nlYQ5G6WyH_cwKV5hvm-Q-hiFhY6CI/s1600/DSC_0426WoodlandFairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1H2prLf4BJNneZ0nePLOUSMCjA1yzunWE1V1g0Whyphenhyphen5FF_6uUpi5ttUgUtEkmypXv9zdm43dp_58QA6fko1xlu13TmTYVEDzBEi7VuEiKXesfR0nlYQ5G6WyH_cwKV5hvm-Q-hiFhY6CI/s1600/DSC_0426WoodlandFairy.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Petit Fours with fanciful mushrooms and ferns (Grandma's Bakery).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPQtNJhFxHxumowGkSTWwX2kmHiFsLkTXH0eLyk1G6M9mARtCtE8d4F8U44SGvrTSQBBQzDR1KkihQj3PYwNwl6sKnZuOrfrCRll_2O1_bMUi5BbE7wMPGyA-ar6_Txw-zlXPh_2FvhU/s1600/DSC_0437WoodlandFairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPQtNJhFxHxumowGkSTWwX2kmHiFsLkTXH0eLyk1G6M9mARtCtE8d4F8U44SGvrTSQBBQzDR1KkihQj3PYwNwl6sKnZuOrfrCRll_2O1_bMUi5BbE7wMPGyA-ar6_Txw-zlXPh_2FvhU/s1600/DSC_0437WoodlandFairy.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Exquisite flower cookies (Grandma's Bakery).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYX6D2nsW2Zseywi9VPiwMyoVHegP6tlpM3BhWh4WXdvDzlbi5Pen0f80EX8wEnvbixQyt-lJ4jwQphROrFcaDr3U7TqwggfjwREG5jicYX2-7AvBiXeKfLPufJPaZmBk0dQtuCsnjN3s/s1600/DSC_0443WoodlandFairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYX6D2nsW2Zseywi9VPiwMyoVHegP6tlpM3BhWh4WXdvDzlbi5Pen0f80EX8wEnvbixQyt-lJ4jwQphROrFcaDr3U7TqwggfjwREG5jicYX2-7AvBiXeKfLPufJPaZmBk0dQtuCsnjN3s/s1600/DSC_0443WoodlandFairy.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlD9bRohnHWOmdsogqWI77gml45NQfCxN53MKsEOMhHGp24mjkrDAtzfYvwoU3atz8SdNCEnMfSEd7qz-W1Hqe_-_3Q0_KkbYlfpgjHBwQhxcGxuh6IzuSub15McdgLpJ8t2WAeNaJmQ/s1600/DSC_0447WoodlandFairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlD9bRohnHWOmdsogqWI77gml45NQfCxN53MKsEOMhHGp24mjkrDAtzfYvwoU3atz8SdNCEnMfSEd7qz-W1Hqe_-_3Q0_KkbYlfpgjHBwQhxcGxuh6IzuSub15McdgLpJ8t2WAeNaJmQ/s1600/DSC_0447WoodlandFairy.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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A well-crafted Miniature Fairy Garden. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDGA01w5TLfw_iqqR1vAX6nuiACtwglfmB7c9zDxeAOhHuhgF0EutUIRixbpABqZ-1NaiW8du6i6deHnzvyC5YPzvFSxkjiAEL_LzUX3DBXnnjFuIlDDI8zoiiQu2X5eTvJzSZ_SrWxA/s1600/DSC_0464WoodlandFairy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDGA01w5TLfw_iqqR1vAX6nuiACtwglfmB7c9zDxeAOhHuhgF0EutUIRixbpABqZ-1NaiW8du6i6deHnzvyC5YPzvFSxkjiAEL_LzUX3DBXnnjFuIlDDI8zoiiQu2X5eTvJzSZ_SrWxA/s1600/DSC_0464WoodlandFairy1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And handmade tutus (Assembled by slip-knotting tulle over elastic.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrRO0X6YsNPItFUlouF0vkox5x46d6H3VWNmbiZx1iHm65Fv3Vcz5qGImdsv2BTDzU5eaAWjdgw5ru8ysaPUdjb64MSfV5-6Cu3bDvpdFSSMXPIRm4EIw_0DzKsDq_F4IjxRFfCWc90k/s1600/DSC_0496WoodlandFairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrRO0X6YsNPItFUlouF0vkox5x46d6H3VWNmbiZx1iHm65Fv3Vcz5qGImdsv2BTDzU5eaAWjdgw5ru8ysaPUdjb64MSfV5-6Cu3bDvpdFSSMXPIRm4EIw_0DzKsDq_F4IjxRFfCWc90k/s1600/DSC_0496WoodlandFairy.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I'm so glad these girls - still want the be girls!!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>THIS POST MAY BE LINKED TO: </i><i><b>MONDAYS</b></i><i>: </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Made By You Monday"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>MADE BY YOU MONDAY</i></span></a></span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">,</span></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">FLOUR ME WITH LOVE</a>, <b>TUESDAYS</b>: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://insidebrucrewlife.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">TRICK OR TREAT TUESDAY</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ,</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">MANDY'S RECIPE BOX</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAYS</b>:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">GINGER SNAP CRAFTS</a>, <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">THE DIY DREAMER</a><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> </a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAYS:</b></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><i style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Full Plate Thursdays">FULL PLATE THURSDAYS</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">, <a href="http://www.lambertslately.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">LAMBERTS LATELY</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAYS</b><b>:</b> </span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://tidymom.net/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’M LOVING IT</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span></span></span></span><a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> FOODIE FRIDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1255351161" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1255351161" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">T</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tatertotsandjello.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">ATERTOTS AND JELLO</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, <a href="http://www.simplysweethome.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">FRIDAY FAVORITES</a>,<a href="http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> BACON TIME</a> ,<a href="http://thebestblogrecipes.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">WEEKEND RETREAT</a>, <a href="http://www.justusfourblog.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">PINWORTHY PROJECTS </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SATURDAYS</b><b>:</b></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SWEETS FOR A SATURDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">SIX SISTERS STUFF</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SUNDAYS</b><b>:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">NIFTY THRIFTY THINGS</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<br />Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-12665638938914677402014-09-24T13:15:00.002-04:002014-09-24T13:15:12.301-04:00KitKat Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTt-WCJXK5d0ffAjrKfMkRXrTf5QVg5XnJ6xDRa4xRrzrFa3W0wJhhzXFUUDOe0lcgwwIkRlcveS5USLGYmJlBzs_s0u9bkkXe9q-WeNe3nk-tZMYdb5zzP0dwhLJAckiJg5xu5Wev9Y/s1600/DSC_0996kitkatcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTt-WCJXK5d0ffAjrKfMkRXrTf5QVg5XnJ6xDRa4xRrzrFa3W0wJhhzXFUUDOe0lcgwwIkRlcveS5USLGYmJlBzs_s0u9bkkXe9q-WeNe3nk-tZMYdb5zzP0dwhLJAckiJg5xu5Wev9Y/s1600/DSC_0996kitkatcake.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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When your 10-year old daughter tells you she wants to make her own birthday cake, here's what you do. You let her. Your little mini-me might just prove to you that the apple does not fall far from the tree! And, really, if you can't have death-by-chcolate on your birthday, when can you?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDsNlVzI2ypnjkWN6tj-2aKak2MOAVlxgFzGCF4FyUd8O_MchNvN9ft3aAZKZu77e3SzEpg17TPc4roiIml8oDAqgIJycuvVyKwk0aH45J_OVO_y8U1_u9z9WCmPfMSnhx3pZHvnLPR0/s1600/DSC_0951kitkatcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDsNlVzI2ypnjkWN6tj-2aKak2MOAVlxgFzGCF4FyUd8O_MchNvN9ft3aAZKZu77e3SzEpg17TPc4roiIml8oDAqgIJycuvVyKwk0aH45J_OVO_y8U1_u9z9WCmPfMSnhx3pZHvnLPR0/s1600/DSC_0951kitkatcake.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Start with your favorite chocolate cake recipe and pour the batter in two 8-inch rounds.</div>
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Lined with parchment, of course.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxcuTGCOxnV_aP3xYyZ8yrgslSWcA3aC7RVxvLcbUbCSpJfyDPGuwMplqT1gSHtI6p18TE-ODBmZUNPUYUyqTQdBoqLsHT1i6GOVZTINgDODFPrwoabDWZgcuZrMNyRwVzfBBxVbDPII/s1600/DSC_0954kitkatcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxcuTGCOxnV_aP3xYyZ8yrgslSWcA3aC7RVxvLcbUbCSpJfyDPGuwMplqT1gSHtI6p18TE-ODBmZUNPUYUyqTQdBoqLsHT1i6GOVZTINgDODFPrwoabDWZgcuZrMNyRwVzfBBxVbDPII/s1600/DSC_0954kitkatcake.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Use more parchment to line your cake pedestal in an attempt to keep it clean. </div>
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Spread frosting on the first layer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea85UgjWjYgWZl3A8dsF-2jUPQhYouFYj43eA1hTq2aiOLEq1Ef4RJiimSszUneEnbnl0_oEs6dGaAnPFUPDUvz2g7xGBWIx76U6fMBQdWX9OJa4H91O7DdRtfDdyYr0mPMdw5PB5Z7M/s1600/DSC_0966kitkatcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea85UgjWjYgWZl3A8dsF-2jUPQhYouFYj43eA1hTq2aiOLEq1Ef4RJiimSszUneEnbnl0_oEs6dGaAnPFUPDUvz2g7xGBWIx76U6fMBQdWX9OJa4H91O7DdRtfDdyYr0mPMdw5PB5Z7M/s1600/DSC_0966kitkatcake.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Top with the second layer and finish the outside of the cake with more chocolate frosting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIivwvEeO3hbL3OMviJUBYh-PYczzxNYho3wkSQac1SP2rSV3mLXd3l193RxtzitZNF269vu7TFrIbN_7-iYrg5lDb0FgYDCuMZItJfhiYkyr4yNpjHEWjWZvmsmOWx3TA0t1zxOTqMg8/s1600/DSC_0971kitkatcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIivwvEeO3hbL3OMviJUBYh-PYczzxNYho3wkSQac1SP2rSV3mLXd3l193RxtzitZNF269vu7TFrIbN_7-iYrg5lDb0FgYDCuMZItJfhiYkyr4yNpjHEWjWZvmsmOWx3TA0t1zxOTqMg8/s1600/DSC_0971kitkatcake.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next comes to the fun part. Break apart 10 KitKat bars and line them up like a little fence around the cake. Make sure all the lettering goes in the same direction. If you suffer from OCD, that is.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmB9yZqD30-1wW40O6_smdUOYBRKvaKzL6s9xOrdagInP_7lLieD9-61yIWZ2ovlYUny_evsGt9C8WZ9Rfna76QRUqTGV4EACVUR4AdLiOBSkPVwH3LPZJUypklHQ06W_BYppofSTi5E/s1600/DSC_0979kitkatcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmB9yZqD30-1wW40O6_smdUOYBRKvaKzL6s9xOrdagInP_7lLieD9-61yIWZ2ovlYUny_evsGt9C8WZ9Rfna76QRUqTGV4EACVUR4AdLiOBSkPVwH3LPZJUypklHQ06W_BYppofSTi5E/s1600/DSC_0979kitkatcake.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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OK, one more fun part. Pour in an entire large bag of M&M's. </div>
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This fills in the top and looks very cheery and colorful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bDzh3g0omHxWBvK4mBPLYLMB1vpwQ-AcSYLpvoLNf7zI0IeAvqA1h8ML645GzQkZQE-88vjWdnB0gSrqU7Fxi8PFXFvOO9BuO4asWkGopafgiYcvUcuwOnaUH3KCHebYJezRY5q1fpg/s1600/DSC_0987kitkatcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bDzh3g0omHxWBvK4mBPLYLMB1vpwQ-AcSYLpvoLNf7zI0IeAvqA1h8ML645GzQkZQE-88vjWdnB0gSrqU7Fxi8PFXFvOO9BuO4asWkGopafgiYcvUcuwOnaUH3KCHebYJezRY5q1fpg/s1600/DSC_0987kitkatcake.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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Ice cream, anyone?</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>THIS POST MAY BE LINKED TO: </i><i><b>MONDAYS</b></i><i>: </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Made By You Monday"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>MADE BY YOU MONDAY</i></span></a></span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">,</span></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">FLOUR ME WITH LOVE</a>, <b>TUESDAYS</b>: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://insidebrucrewlife.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">TRICK OR TREAT TUESDAY</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ,</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">MANDY'S RECIPE BOX</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAYS</b>:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">GINGER SNAP CRAFTS</a>, <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">THE DIY DREAMER</a><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> </a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAYS:</b></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><i style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Full Plate Thursdays">FULL PLATE THURSDAYS</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">, <a href="http://www.lambertslately.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">LAMBERTS LATELY</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAYS</b><b>:</b> </span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://tidymom.net/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’M LOVING IT</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span></span></span></span><a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> FOODIE FRIDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1255351161" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1255351161" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">T</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tatertotsandjello.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">ATERTOTS AND JELLO</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, <a href="http://www.simplysweethome.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">FRIDAY FAVORITES</a>,<a href="http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> BACON TIME</a> ,<a href="http://thebestblogrecipes.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">WEEKEND RETREAT</a>, <a href="http://www.justusfourblog.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">PINWORTHY PROJECTS </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SATURDAYS</b><b>:</b></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SWEETS FOR A SATURDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">SIX SISTERS STUFF</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SUNDAYS</b><b>:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">NIFTY THRIFTY THINGS</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<br />Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-66051797470809436612014-09-12T07:00:00.000-04:002014-09-13T01:25:34.114-04:00Pumpkin Chicken Spaghetti (Slow Cooker)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNaB15h4rQ7GIV7Zbd_GHFXOFDmigIfJgkv2jcffQnvOE-o3QaqH3Tg8ZCmGePxQIIPKGypmfitoZQEeO0rSSRwvB4JIP5fCbeWYHc458zGu1IQTYa8rB6-wauzWtSL_kRAHDaiTmwuI/s1600/DSC_0199chickenpumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNaB15h4rQ7GIV7Zbd_GHFXOFDmigIfJgkv2jcffQnvOE-o3QaqH3Tg8ZCmGePxQIIPKGypmfitoZQEeO0rSSRwvB4JIP5fCbeWYHc458zGu1IQTYa8rB6-wauzWtSL_kRAHDaiTmwuI/s1600/DSC_0199chickenpumpkin.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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School has started and fall has arrived (did I mention that we might actually drop into the 30's tonight?) This combination means one thing. I'm officially pulling out the Slow Cooker. The after school activity shuttle leaves no time for doing any actual cooking during the dinner hour. This is why I love my slow cooker. My husband bought me an All-Clad stainless steel beauty a few years back. Ahhh… flutter my heart. He loves me. Yes, while some girls call diamonds their best friends, it appears that I can be won over by small kitchen appliances. He knows me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1DOM0oM8XSBu69kKrjsMOZ-YUKldt6w3g-D4jkLuSgP37xjfX7pfR14zbTlwvAuOkRSA3JeFHobDHVbj4vC_CP6TihAHTSdJjgB7DJ9IDodn_slOjoniV7fdSDa1cC8yi701F6Ax7bM/s1600/DSC_0175chickenpumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1DOM0oM8XSBu69kKrjsMOZ-YUKldt6w3g-D4jkLuSgP37xjfX7pfR14zbTlwvAuOkRSA3JeFHobDHVbj4vC_CP6TihAHTSdJjgB7DJ9IDodn_slOjoniV7fdSDa1cC8yi701F6Ax7bM/s1600/DSC_0175chickenpumpkin.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I make this family favorite spaghetti recipe at least once a month during the school year. It's about time I shared it! It's perfect for hectic days and its ease of preparation will keep you from the Taco Bell Drive-Thru!<br />
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Simply start with 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. You can use chicken breast if you want, but the thighs stay moist through the slow cooking process. Once you try them, you won't go back. Top the chicken with 2 - 24 ounce jars of your favorite pasta sauce.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYaWWGrL4tjzIkQgVWPyTGo1AgcWBnhkZ31GyKU6cy7U6_HzuYRfWixEdQMu_ZGKSDcEORUe7n1Pd8NtBhwj5q_1JKlyc_fRIR0ZxH9kdXzmYU4PwU9JZu7IuX2iGD3mrK9DSd1nzU80/s1600/DSC_0177chickenpumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYaWWGrL4tjzIkQgVWPyTGo1AgcWBnhkZ31GyKU6cy7U6_HzuYRfWixEdQMu_ZGKSDcEORUe7n1Pd8NtBhwj5q_1JKlyc_fRIR0ZxH9kdXzmYU4PwU9JZu7IuX2iGD3mrK9DSd1nzU80/s1600/DSC_0177chickenpumpkin.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, dump in a 15-ounce can of pumpkin. I know, it sounds strange, but it helps thicken the sauce when the chicken lets go of its juices and, as a bonus, your kids are now eating a whole lot of Vitamin A!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqVS2UKW7r6Of8UOEN0wmq7hO7rHJPO7-06wo23UkrbnjjQRTg7u2GG6t1rFUFbEn9BL5_5mt092M630wNM_Awi7kFjMVokM05gRrnoranTo5n9fexfNwYyG-Z7J-4LOBD8cixUKpwf4/s1600/DSC_0181chickenpumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqVS2UKW7r6Of8UOEN0wmq7hO7rHJPO7-06wo23UkrbnjjQRTg7u2GG6t1rFUFbEn9BL5_5mt092M630wNM_Awi7kFjMVokM05gRrnoranTo5n9fexfNwYyG-Z7J-4LOBD8cixUKpwf4/s1600/DSC_0181chickenpumpkin.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Add some brown sugar, balsamic vinegar and oregano. That's it. Put the top on and walk away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUezE428osajau9nP5FirbYj1j3sJGPMn4_9AC_-Hmibq2_pKQ2qNSZXa2dcihxsm9PSrMZa678LQKK1wcn7JCeQfC4bLGYTT_uj6Msk4zz5SHv7zY41Htfk42egE4NCtoFzVvDsVHG_A/s1600/DSC_0191chickenpumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUezE428osajau9nP5FirbYj1j3sJGPMn4_9AC_-Hmibq2_pKQ2qNSZXa2dcihxsm9PSrMZa678LQKK1wcn7JCeQfC4bLGYTT_uj6Msk4zz5SHv7zY41Htfk42egE4NCtoFzVvDsVHG_A/s1600/DSC_0191chickenpumpkin.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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When you return from Yoga, Target, the bus stop, piano lessons, football and tennis, shred the chicken in the sauce.</div>
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Boil some noodles and you are good to go.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uqImD5OY6xpTTDJcd5xrCHfrPJJWyJVs8s8VVTKm8iUlYKj7VUA3aDUP299t8skxd1rVo9qxQMMeQgDERJQGxLOeuy_3XLwhnujq_sqKarkV0ahGDAA8UP7nycfZaAKQGBzhcrrSg9A/s1600/DSC_0196chickenpumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uqImD5OY6xpTTDJcd5xrCHfrPJJWyJVs8s8VVTKm8iUlYKj7VUA3aDUP299t8skxd1rVo9qxQMMeQgDERJQGxLOeuy_3XLwhnujq_sqKarkV0ahGDAA8UP7nycfZaAKQGBzhcrrSg9A/s1600/DSC_0196chickenpumpkin.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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This sauce is deliciously thick, well rounded and loaded with lean protein. </div>
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Perfect for a weeknight family dinner!</div>
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<b>Pumpkin Chicken Spaghetti</b><br />
<i>by Rachel @ Simple Girl</i><br />
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<i><b>Ingredients:</b></i><br />
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3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs<br />
2 - 24 ounce jars of spaghetti sauce<br />
1 - 15 ounce can pumpkin puree<br />
2 tablespoons brown sugar<br />
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or vinegar)<br />
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano<br />
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Combine ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 - 10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. Shred chicken in the sauce. Adjust seasonings, if necessary, and serve over pasta.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>THIS POST MAY BE LINKED TO: </i><i><b>MONDAYS</b></i><i>: </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Made By You Monday"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>MADE BY YOU MONDAY</i></span></a></span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">,</span></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">FLOUR ME WITH LOVE</a>, <b>TUESDAYS</b>: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://insidebrucrewlife.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">TRICK OR TREAT TUESDAY</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ,</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">MANDY'S RECIPE BOX</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAYS</b>:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">GINGER SNAP CRAFTS</a>, <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">THE DIY DREAMER</a><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> </a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAYS:</b></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><i style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Full Plate Thursdays">FULL PLATE THURSDAYS</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">, <a href="http://www.lambertslately.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">LAMBERTS LATELY</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAYS</b><b>:</b> </span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://tidymom.net/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’M LOVING IT</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span></span></span></span><a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> FOODIE FRIDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1255351161" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1255351161" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">T</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tatertotsandjello.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">ATERTOTS AND JELLO</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, <a href="http://www.simplysweethome.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">FRIDAY FAVORITES</a>,<a href="http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> BACON TIME</a> ,<a href="http://thebestblogrecipes.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">WEEKEND RETREAT</a>, <a href="http://www.justusfourblog.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">PINWORTHY PROJECTS </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SATURDAYS</b><b>:</b></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SWEETS FOR A SATURDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">SIX SISTERS STUFF</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SUNDAYS</b><b>:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">NIFTY THRIFTY THINGS</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i>Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759387057745142264.post-31810861820312355572014-08-26T11:34:00.000-04:002014-08-26T11:37:17.385-04:00Butter Bean And Tomato Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YKhvfBavg-D5535CkJGVfOorZmA5oMjV_Pcfht1ShnSfZTalNOmt-eJmHYiuKR2px2O5L1UA1yTquvXEiLlV0jaCrol7phywWEo5WY9Fy3OgpoJ-crRn1Kudc1x1pbiXN5ZZQs5JsYk/s1600/DSC_0814bbtomatosalad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YKhvfBavg-D5535CkJGVfOorZmA5oMjV_Pcfht1ShnSfZTalNOmt-eJmHYiuKR2px2O5L1UA1yTquvXEiLlV0jaCrol7phywWEo5WY9Fy3OgpoJ-crRn1Kudc1x1pbiXN5ZZQs5JsYk/s1600/DSC_0814bbtomatosalad.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've had moderate success with my two tomato plants this year and by moderate I mean that I have actually been able to gather enough tomatoes at one time to make something.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKlPIY0qXnrMg9t6FXcSIXCCb-srZexf3q6GIepj0TlTZ96djlmTnjdg17IOeMStq61OVHbyblgz7XlBegsGKYMsJBkxxH9RACn5qIJWhzCH5azEOez1DJBLJMSuF8b4wwoOPr2wDH-o/s1600/DSC_0749bbtomato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKlPIY0qXnrMg9t6FXcSIXCCb-srZexf3q6GIepj0TlTZ96djlmTnjdg17IOeMStq61OVHbyblgz7XlBegsGKYMsJBkxxH9RACn5qIJWhzCH5azEOez1DJBLJMSuF8b4wwoOPr2wDH-o/s1600/DSC_0749bbtomato.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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Look at these beauties. The wave of feelings is swelling within me. Pride. Resourcefulness. Thriftiness. Domestic Bliss. My grandma would have been proud.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NFaFpZs3bFAfrj6HNtA6kYKQsZ8K1ImsQY0akJ1DuU6E2hNymD8MJ2KfpfAEpfj9ZviZxF0cGUHJVw_HALZJ5Qf0jaAEdpcxRD9AlMSgRd7KEfGaJjxpM_gnb332-YWMp61sBaMbNSE/s1600/DSC_0790bbtomato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NFaFpZs3bFAfrj6HNtA6kYKQsZ8K1ImsQY0akJ1DuU6E2hNymD8MJ2KfpfAEpfj9ZviZxF0cGUHJVw_HALZJ5Qf0jaAEdpcxRD9AlMSgRd7KEfGaJjxpM_gnb332-YWMp61sBaMbNSE/s1600/DSC_0790bbtomato.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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While these sweet, cherry tomatoes are delicious straight off the vine, I decided to marry them with my other love: Butter Beans. Unlike their smaller cousin, the Northern Bean, Butter Beans are big and meaty and beg to be eaten with a fork. Your mouth won't even know that you just slipped it a vegetarian meal!</div>
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To begin the salad, heat 1/3 cup olive oil and 1 teaspoon minced garlic for one minute in the microwave. Let sit. Sure, you could heat it on the stove and let that sweet, garlicky aroma fill the room, but this method is quick and easy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Q5rA-j-YSYjf4ooK70SKzQ46hmbKaD_Uf8dTiKiyzQvfDxtEVC-zPJXfEW3udgWce4iCQNStbDhvCwHLNvHaeLisOFxNz16SKU8N23wOQxZCCA9fsSbS05V_YiIJZcNpYNt_GU2Qgrw/s1600/DSC_0794bbtomato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Q5rA-j-YSYjf4ooK70SKzQ46hmbKaD_Uf8dTiKiyzQvfDxtEVC-zPJXfEW3udgWce4iCQNStbDhvCwHLNvHaeLisOFxNz16SKU8N23wOQxZCCA9fsSbS05V_YiIJZcNpYNt_GU2Qgrw/s1600/DSC_0794bbtomato.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, cut 4 cups of cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a bowl.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BXTykVAzxZs4WGMNDfBNfFOD31j5cNBX5Upv4_O5ASBcoYaI9RW8vDvbmjsQdExj2rcux3IrOMygMK8eyj60qlRM1V7vMYaCnIMGnh1WYPC75h2NkElef98meWZEk-owN3Mg3c1qxHo/s1600/DSC_0798bbtomato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BXTykVAzxZs4WGMNDfBNfFOD31j5cNBX5Upv4_O5ASBcoYaI9RW8vDvbmjsQdExj2rcux3IrOMygMK8eyj60qlRM1V7vMYaCnIMGnh1WYPC75h2NkElef98meWZEk-owN3Mg3c1qxHo/s1600/DSC_0798bbtomato.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Realizing that your initial bowl was too small, switch to a bigger bowl and add two cans of Butter Beans, drained and rinsed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAP418ZajloHXk2Bmnh_nJzjQeIPUNqG4Hvrw_ydrgGzXFDzK6BBLKxTv7R_pxFqlTxZCSQ1a68VaE4bMhLm0-tP9ktRfnOOjmmhWqW51WO2PyNafb9Nvb6B9pSH672axDn68cjXoiIW4/s1600/DSC_0800bbtomato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAP418ZajloHXk2Bmnh_nJzjQeIPUNqG4Hvrw_ydrgGzXFDzK6BBLKxTv7R_pxFqlTxZCSQ1a68VaE4bMhLm0-tP9ktRfnOOjmmhWqW51WO2PyNafb9Nvb6B9pSH672axDn68cjXoiIW4/s1600/DSC_0800bbtomato.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Drizzle the garlicky olive oil on top of the beans and tomatoes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG4-F4DBkUrpvONtzBpPylAu2JN8D6wBpV1YVwqEDW-CwZHV9ydI60Yx7tDyw8N4dCy1ADs0ZIq8QePHs_Vqhh9wFzW9YfXxYAo9VV_U_8KYH8IIqjlZXCGn6-G2HkraMJ-ASQPJyz2k/s1600/DSC_0803bbtomato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG4-F4DBkUrpvONtzBpPylAu2JN8D6wBpV1YVwqEDW-CwZHV9ydI60Yx7tDyw8N4dCy1ADs0ZIq8QePHs_Vqhh9wFzW9YfXxYAo9VV_U_8KYH8IIqjlZXCGn6-G2HkraMJ-ASQPJyz2k/s1600/DSC_0803bbtomato.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of Montreal Steak Seasoning (or coarsely ground black pepper, if that's all you've got.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gGvQrl6Xi3MDWKsstFlUIN-jpgm_iKHvA7Umxvv0b6kHZu0Ed3MqR1fPYPAnvoDReNvBoQNzHZsBjcR8YNVV3p-7laShaP0P-rGyK3tm-fKP0MlU5i5UYwqIrTXIKvOirysh6R9BOR4/s1600/DSC_0807bbtomato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gGvQrl6Xi3MDWKsstFlUIN-jpgm_iKHvA7Umxvv0b6kHZu0Ed3MqR1fPYPAnvoDReNvBoQNzHZsBjcR8YNVV3p-7laShaP0P-rGyK3tm-fKP0MlU5i5UYwqIrTXIKvOirysh6R9BOR4/s1600/DSC_0807bbtomato.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Add a generous 1/2 cup of of green onions, whites and greens, chopped.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dARQRld1DVWaNK4ZONsL7xYHTN_FDAWZqFVehj9R8FtSRjvToNYsugDmoehAB8u-Akc6nzvHjFFl4Q95cmWwSe-sCZNEWNPXQrBn58PuBDT8AIDZTJNagL39a747Klzu8TKnW0OrGp8/s1600/DSC_0812bbtomatosalad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dARQRld1DVWaNK4ZONsL7xYHTN_FDAWZqFVehj9R8FtSRjvToNYsugDmoehAB8u-Akc6nzvHjFFl4Q95cmWwSe-sCZNEWNPXQrBn58PuBDT8AIDZTJNagL39a747Klzu8TKnW0OrGp8/s1600/DSC_0812bbtomatosalad.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Add a dash of rice wine vinegar and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts.</div>
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This salad has sweet, savory, salty, meaty, chewy and crunch. </div>
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It's the total package. Enjoy!</div>
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<b>Butter Bean & Tomato Salad</b></div>
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<i>by Rachel @ Simple Girl</i></div>
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<b><i>Ingredients:</i></b></div>
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4 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half</div>
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2-15 ounce cans Butter Beans, drained and rinsed</div>
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1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil</div>
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1 teaspoon minced garlic</div>
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1/2 cup green onions, whites and greens, chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 teaspoon kosher salt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 teaspoon Montreal Steak Seasoning</div>
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1 tablespoon Red or Rice Wine vinegar.</div>
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1/4 cup toasted pine nuts</div>
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Heat olive oil and garlic in a microwave safe bowl for 1 minute. Let stand. Combine tomatoes and butter beans in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil mixture. Season with salt and Montreal Steak Seasoning. Add green onions and vinegar. Toss. Just before serving, top with toasted pine nuts.</div>
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Serves 6</div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>THIS POST MAY BE LINKED TO: </i><i><b>MONDAYS</b></i><i>: </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Made By You Monday"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>MADE BY YOU MONDAY</i></span></a></span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">,</span></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">FLOUR ME WITH LOVE</a>, <b>TUESDAYS</b>: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://insidebrucrewlife.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">TRICK OR TREAT TUESDAY</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ,</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">MANDY'S RECIPE BOX</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAYS</b>:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">GINGER SNAP CRAFTS</a>, <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">THE DIY DREAMER</a><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> </a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAYS:</b></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><i style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Full Plate Thursdays">FULL PLATE THURSDAYS</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">, <a href="http://www.lambertslately.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">LAMBERTS LATELY</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAYS</b><b>:</b> </span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://tidymom.net/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’M LOVING IT</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span></span></span></span><a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> FOODIE FRIDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1255351161" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1255351161" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">T</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span><i style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tatertotsandjello.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">ATERTOTS AND JELLO</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, <a href="http://www.simplysweethome.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">FRIDAY FAVORITES</a>,<a href="http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> BACON TIME</a> ,<a href="http://thebestblogrecipes.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">WEEKEND RETREAT</a>, <a href="http://www.justusfourblog.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">PINWORTHY PROJECTS </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SATURDAYS</b><b>:</b></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SWEETS FOR A SATURDAY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">SIX SISTERS STUFF</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SUNDAYS</b><b>:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">NIFTY THRIFTY THINGS</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<br />Rachel @ Simple Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13768333179220474309noreply@blogger.com0