Stuffed French Toast

Dear Readers,

With spring here and the weather warm (66 degrees Fahrenheit), it was time to make some spring stuffed french toast. I love this breakfast and it was a hit with the family this morning!

Make french toast to taste
fruit as desired-I used strawberries and blackberries and spun them in the food processor for a few seconds.
Add sugar or splenda to taste
Whip cream-I used a large spoonful!
I also added a little butter on each inside 'side' of the french toast piece
Top with maple syrup for an extra bit of loveliness!

Stuffed Red Peppers

Dear Readers,

As I was trying to figure out what to do with some leftover rice and vegetables, I found the most beautiful red peppers in the grocery store. So, I made stuffed peppers.

Rice and steamed vegetable mixed to taste
Salt and Pepper
Roasted tomato seasoning
cheese

I cut off the tops of the peppers and cleaned them out. I then mixed the veggies and rice and filled the peppers. After topping with spices and cheese, I baked them slowly at 325 until done.

Bon Appetit!

Beef Stew

Dear Readers,

In the cold January days, what could be better than a hearty beef stew to warm up!

2 pounds browned steak, thick cut
6 carrots peeled and chopped
2 large onions
4-5 stalks celery
pepper + sea salt to taste
fresh green beans-if desired
Garlic to taste
Fresh chopped parsley to taste
red wine

I first added the onions in the bottom layer of the crock pot.
Then, I covered them with red wine and set the browned steak on top of the onions.
After cooking on high for 1 1/2 hours, I added the other ingredients and water or broth to taste and then cooked another 1-2 hours on high.

I spiced with a little roasted red pepper mix.
Of course you could use any other variation of veggies such as peppers or potatoes.

Bon Appetit!

Baby Shower!

Dear readers,

I had a wonderful time this weekend at a friends baby shower. The food was terrific! Although I did make some of the goodies (peanut butter bars, peanut butter oatmeal bars and peanut butter chocolate bars), the cupcakes and cake were a special delight made by another wonderful baker!

Enjoy the pics!

New Flooring!

Dear Readers,

Ever wish that you could put in any floor that your hearts desired? We just did! Our flooring on the main level and my bathroom needed a makeover so we put in a fiberglass cushioned floor. It looked tricky to install (we had wonderful flooring professionals), but it was worth it! The patterns that we chose were not common ones, but,  we wanted an artistic and functional pattern that distinguished our home as our own....WOW!

Here are the before and after photos!

Kitchen Before:

Kitchen After:

Bathroom and Foyer Before:

Bathroom and Foyer After:

Laundry Before:

Laundry After:

My Bathroom Before:

Spiced Apple Muffing with Strawberry Jam filling!

Dear Readers,

I had a couple of apples in the refrigerator  that I needed to do something with. So, I baked some muffins. I did use a mix and some purchased strawberry jam, but they taste great!

1 box Pillsbury cinnamon swirl quick bread (could use other kind/brand)
1-2 apples pealed and finely chopped
1 small jar strawberry jam

I made the  quick bread by the directions and then added the chopped apples. I put 1/2 in the muffin tin and then dropped a teaspoon of the jam. After adding another spoon full of the batter, I then topped with the cinnamon topping provided in the box.

I baked them at 350 for about 12-16 minutes.

Bon Appetit!

Chickpea and Mustard Green Soup

Dear Readers,

We had a wonderful New Years Day! I hope that you did also. A couple of weeks ago I picked up a can in the grocery store without a label. SO, for extra fun on New Year Day...we opened it! Chickpeas! Yea.

 I made a lovely soup with them.


Chickpea and Mustard Green Soup


1 large can chickpeas
1 large bunch mustard green- chopped
3 small white onions
1 can peas and pearled onions
4 carrots-chopped
1 tsp. pepper blend
2 Tblsp. Hot mustard
1 chicken bullion cube
5 stalks celery-chopped
2Tblsp. Italian herbs
water

I added all ingredients into my crock pot and cooked on high for 4-5 hours.


Bon Appetit!