Pecan Tassies

I realize y'all are stuffed and can't even begin to think of food because Thanksgiving just passed along with all of it's leftovers.  BUT, Christmas is right around the corner and that means holiday parties, entertaining, and more yummy goodness!

A friend of mine about 2 years ago made this Pecan Tassies recipe as a dessert for her Thanksgiving get together and so she shared it with me.  These would be a perfect dessert for a holiday gathering as they are bite size and super easy to just grab and go!  

I've always been meaning to make these little morsels and Mike's friend from work gave me just the reason!  She gave me an entire back of organically grown pecans from Mt. Aukum!  So...I got to crackin with my hammer...I don't own an actual nut cracker, just the Christmas decoration variety seen below ;-)  

So...I made due with what I had and got out the hammer.  It is tedious work crackin nuts ;-) I spent about a half hour getting just a cup of pecans.  The work was definitely worth it because these pecans were so maple-y in flavor!

What you'll need:

4 oz. of cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter, softened

1 cup of flour

1 egg

3/4 cup finely chopped pecans

3 squares of Bakers semi-sweet chocolate, melted

Beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium until well mixed.  Then add in the flour.  Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until chilled. 

Preheat the oven to 350.  Spray two 12 cup mini muffin pans with non-stick cooking spray.  Then divide the dough into 24 balls.  Press the balls into the base of each cup and up the sides.  Set aside.  

Beat the egg in a small bowl.  Add the sugar and vanilla and mix.  Stir in the pecans.  Fill each cup with the mixture until 3/4 full.  

Bake for 25 min. or until lightly browned.  Let stand for 5 min. in the pan and remove to a wire rack.  Cool completely and then drizzle with melted chocolate.  (Recipe courtesy of Kraft Foods)

Before I got to crackin nuts, I should have made the pastry dough because there's some down time in chilling the dough.  Silly me for not reading the recipe ahead of time.  

And...the recipe is correct when it says to wait 5 minutes before removing from the pan.  I'm a little impatient and they aren't very pretty when you have to rip them out of their pan.  So do the waiting and it'll be much easier to remove. 

The little morsels are a perfect texture...the crumbly buttery and creamy pastry and the crunchy and gooey goodness of the brown sugar and pecans.  

Of course, chocolate always adds a nice touch!

 And like I always say...they'd be fabulous for breakfast with coffee!!

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats

I found this absolutely adorable dog photo via pinterest and at first glance I thought it was just that...an adorable dog picture.  

Source: userealbutter.com via Meredith on Pinterest

Then I clicked on the pic thinking it might take me to more adorable dog photos but it was even better...a super easy dog treat recipe! 

Half of a recipe being easy for me is that I don't have to travel to the grocery store to buy any of the ingredients.  However, I had just run out of all my pumpkin puree so I did in fact need to run to the store, but it was worth it in the end because let me tell you...my pup is one piccccky eater and she LOVED her homemade treats.  

"I'm a picky eater"

As a puppy (which I like to think she still is) we went through 5-6 different kinds of dog food till we found the one she actually liked, Science Diet it is!  She's never been food motivated so it's kinda difficult when you go out and buy treats thinking, Oh yea, she'll definitely like these...just to get the reaction of an ungrateful child ;-) She'll literally spit them out before you! We have a whole Costco sized bag of Beggin' Strips just waiting to be devoured because apparently Sophie's refined palate prefers Milo's sausages instead.  

Anyhoo, knowing Sophie does actually enjoy herself some pumpkin and peanut butter I was all over this recipe by Use Real Butter.  

The ingredients are so simple: 2.5 cups whole wheat flour (I chose whole grain), 2 eggs, 2/3 cup pumpkin puree, and 3 tbsp. peanut butter. 

Mix it all up in a stand-up mixer with paddle attachment on medium for a minute.

Ball up dough on a floured surface.  

Use a roller to flatten it out to 1/4 inch. 

I chose a dog bone cookie cutter but whatever suits your fancy.  

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.  I baked for 30 for a crunchier cookie.  

Let them cool for a bit and then onward to the taste test...

It was as if Sophie knew I was baking something for her, she usually just does her own thing while I'm in the kitchen.  This time...she kept coming in to check on things ;-)  

"Mama, are they ready yet?" 

 "I'm being a good girl and waiting" 

 The first bite...not a gentle one at all ;-) 

 She loved every bit of it!

What you don't see here is that later we heard something in the kitchen and Sophie...no where to be found.  I go into the kitchen and I see a half eaten cookie on the ground as she's devouring the other half!

She had stolen 2 cookies off the cooling rack!! Thought she'd help herself to a couple more.  I couldn't believe it.  

Well, we now know she has a new favorite treat :-)

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

My cabinets and refrigerator were getting down to the nitty gritty with suitable options for meals.  I even thought I had a great bacon wrapped chicken meal in sight...until I saw the bacon package in the freezer said "use by 13DEC2010"...not good.  In the trash that went.  Plan B...get resourceful!  I've become really good at finding recipes that involve ingredients I already have.  It's a bit of a search party and sometimes time-consuming but I always find some great recipes in the end. 

Let me begin by saying, I love pull-apart bread ever since my BF took me to Godfather's Pizza in Sacramento.  I once finished a Cinnamon Monkey Bread pizza all by my lonesome.  Look at it...how could one resist??

(Image Courtesy of Godfather's Pizza) 

So...I had everything to make this Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread that I found on The Pastry Affair.  Sure, it was only a side to the whole meal, but with a salad it was just enough for a dinner for two.  

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

Yields 1 loaf

2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/3 cups barely warm water
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
3 1/2 cups all purpose (or bread) flour
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
2 cloves garlic, minced 

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese  

First, mix the yeast with the warm water in a large bowl and let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is a bit frothy.  Add olive oil, salt, and flour to the bowl.  I used a kneading technique as I don't own a mixer of any sort.  Knead the mix on a lightly floured surface for about 7-10 minutes or until elastic.  Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel for about 1.5-2 hours or until it rises to double its size.  

In the meantime, combine melted butter, parsley flakes, and minced garlic in a small bowl and set aside.  

Then, punch down the dough and pull apart pieces that are the size of a medium spoon (I ball parked and did balls a bit smaller than my palm).  I brushed the butter mixture over each ball and placed into a round pie pan (the recipe calls for a bundt pan but I don't own one and this pie pan worked perfectly...I think a square pan would work just as well).  I was able to get three circular layers of dough balls in my pan.  Then I sprinkled the Parmesan cheese over.  Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for a half hour.  

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes (I always take out early..it was 25 minutes to perfection for me).  

Pull-apart and enjoy with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing!

My first day...

Of "not working" from home.  And it was amazingly productive for what should've or could've been a vacation day, but I can't stand not being productive in some capacity.  I tried sleeping in, but that failed as I was up with my boyfriend when he went off for his work day.  And so my day started with some house chores.  I had so much crap lying around from being gone for work all last week and also from a half marathon I completed on Sunday.  So I was doing laundry, picking up, and organizing.  It felt instantly gratifying to have all that done.  

Then it was time to Pinterest! I needed ideas for "thank-yous" to some wonderful ladies at work that hosted me last week.  I found THE perfect idea.  

"Thanks a latte" card!! Perfect for the ladies at work who I know love their morning Joe and maybe the occasional pastry.  So I headed to Starbucks and got myself two gift cards and two heat protector sleeves to make my own card.  

I had a perfect little "latte" sticker to use.  I think it turned out cute!

I was also able to catch up on my 90210 while I crafted.  The new season has started!

Next was to conquer some chocolate chip cookies.  I tried making coffee cupcakes yesterday....foul and a half! I don't know what exactly went wrong but I truly believe, the recipe ratios were to blame.  Oh well, the chocolate chip cookies more than made up for them.  I was told by the BF that they were one of (if not) THE best cookies he's ever had....probably one of the best compliments on my baking considering he's one PICKY eater!

I got the recipe off of Pinterest as well but ultimately from the "Apple A Day" blog.  Unfortunately or fortunately...(i'm not too sure) I didn't have any cornstarch on hand, but learned that cornstarch is just a thickener so I know from long ago in my gluten free baking days that Xanthum Gum is also a thickening agent, so I substituted.  And, I think they turned out fabulously!

Tomorrow I will brave Bed Bath and Beyond for some boot shapers for my new Frye boots.  They are gorg!

Till tomorrow....  

Friday's Five Things

So I got this idea from the blog "A long (enecker) short story" but she actually got the idea from Cupcakes and Cashmere, (not sure why I hadn't seen it there in the first place).  But anyhoo, the idea is basically to list five things that you are thankful/grateful for in the moment... or simply, five things that make you happy.  Anything from a simple picture that ellicits a smile, a yummy dessert, or a special person.  It's always a good idea to take some time to think about these things.  It's easy to get caught up in the daily routines and lose perspective of many of the positives in life.  And there are many!!

So with that said...here are this weeks five things!

1) I must always have my creative juices flowing. Not a week goes by where I'm not in the kitchen baking or off with my crafts.  This week I've been putting the two together... kitchen and crafts collide!! ;-) I've put together these "Cowgirl Cookie" mixes in mason jars.  I got the idea from the oh so talented Cake Pop Queen over at bakerella.com.  I made them as little gifts for my girls at work as a little "fare-thee-well" present.  

 First, I filled each mason jar with the cookie mixes and added the finishing touches below.  Some fabric I actually had lying around, a little ribbon and the printable label from Bakerella.  

2) My all-time favorite movie was recently re-released in 3D on the big screen.  I think you know which movie I'm talking about....The Lion King! And I was delighted that we got to take my boyfriend's nephew...he seemed to like it :-)  It was funny to watch him pawing at the air as if the movie was coming to life 2 inches in front of his face.  And I know he loved his Uncle Mikey time.   

They even had specialized Lion King themed 3D glasses for the kiddos....I secretly wanted the kid ones (which probably would've fit my face better anyways, next time I'll know to ask ;-) 

3) I'm training for yet another half marathon and my fantastic Brooks are keeping my feet going strong. I feel the need to purchase some new ones, as I've trained and conquered 2 half marathons with these shoes already.  It's time...but I think my existing pair will bring me through a third one.  Third times a charm right? 

4) My sister is pregnant with her first little one (I can't believe it, I'm going to be auntie!!) and I'm happily in charge of the baby shower.  The paperlesspost.com has become quite helpful in sending out the "save the dates".  An easy ad quick way to send what looks like an actual letter via e-mail.  Simple yet elegant.  I can't wait to start on the "She's Ready to Pop" themed shower! 

5) My boyfriend's crazy busy schedule with work and school week in and week out is something I'm so   proud of and yet it boggles my mind.  I rarely hear a peep out of him in terms of complaints, and I know I complain my fair share for the both of us.  Of course everyone has their own stressors and gauge as to what they can and can't handle.  But it's always a good reminder to know that someone always has it rougher than you.  I don't know how you do it babe...and with a smile on your face! 

And with that said, I leave you with a few good sayings (even I need some reminders)!

Sure will! 

So...

And :-) 

Happy Friday

I'm gettin' fancy!

It's been awhile since I made my first cakepop...and I've mastered not only the rounded shape and the smooth candy coating. I think I've mastered the best flavors as well...which frostings will go best with what cake and so on. And today I've stepped up my game to the next level and incorporated food coloring gel!

I've always wanted to use the food coloring gel since I used Little Miss Momma's tutorial on how to make cakepops. She used this great light blue swirly-doo a-top the cakepop...but I just wasn't ready at the time for that much pizzazz.

Don't her's look amazing! This is what I was going for today...

My boyfriend's good friend Lisa is a fanatic of cupcakes, cakepops, probably anything to do with cake. So I told her I would make a batch of cakepops for her special day.

So my swirly-doos aren't as spectacular as hers but I tried! I added a touch of star sprinkles...ya, gotta make a "wish upon a star" on your birthday ;-) (Corny, yea?)

Might I add...I did a splendid job!

Can't forget to wrap it up all purrty like! I had a great little basket and bought some cellophane to tie all together.

And there you go!

I also happened upon these bad boys below at the dollar store...I'm warning you... they are killer delicious! They taste like teensy versions of cakepops. I had them devoured for breakfast with my coffee the other day. It was a great combo!

Creations

I have this paper-source planner that I somewhat use as a journal. I like to keep track of all the crap I do during the day that seems to be of significance to me: my workouts, movies the bf and I watch on Netflix, places we go, and of course all the things I create...my projects. My planner has this nice section in it that says "do something creative this week". Now, as I was looking back into my planner and reading my daily entries, I noticed...I don't need that little section to remind me to do something creative. Creation seems to flow naturally out of me, as if it's an arm or a leg.

But after looking at that little section of my planner, I felt the need to capture my recent projects.

A lot of my inspiration lately has come from scouring Pinterest in my free time. I absolutely love and am addicted (yes, addicted) to this virtual pin board site. It's like a cork board or a more specific bookmarks folder that customizes and categorizes things into whatever you feel is important to you. For example, my boards are categorized into fashion/style, photography, recipes/food ideas, decorating/decor, etc. but with a twist on the names...Fashion = My Style Pin board, recipes/food ideas = Good Food Decisions, decorating/decor = For the New Place. You get the idea. You can customize it to no extent. Anything that jumps out at you on the Internet is fair game to pin. And what's great is the link is automatically saved to the image you've pinned. Simple as that!

So onward to some of my recent creations and the inspiration behind them!

You guessed it, these date back to the Fourth O' JU-ly. Chocolate dipped rice krispie treats! I needed something summery and yummy for a birthday BBQ around the holiday of Fireworks. I jazzed it up with my sparkly starry garland I found at Michael's.

The Dry-Erase Board

I thought it would be helpful to create some kind of weekly organizer for my desk as I'm now working from home. Something to keep my daily agenda handy and visual. I made a dry-erase board out of an old frame. I put a solid color in the center so writing would be easily seen and framed it with a cute plaid pattern.

I guess it turned into a dry erase board for daily notes to the bf ;-)

Below we have milk chocolate dipped frozen banana pieces with white chocolate drizzle. I've found that I'm my most resourceful in the kitchen when perishable items are almost to their limit. I hate to throw out food because I've been too careless to notice it needed to be eaten days ago :-/

I happened upon a similar picture on Pinterest and thought...shoot, I can do that! And it was so much easier than I imagined. The picture I found had a white base coat and I thought I'd spice it up a bit with a minty green. I think it's all about the color choices. I chose bright colors for the dots that would easily stand out on their own. I think the dark navy really pops and frames the other color choices nicely. I just started balancing the dotted trail down the side of each nail...it was all a bit haphazard and I had no real plan as I went along. So go ahead and try it, you may come up with a masterpiece :-)

Usually my baking creations are typically sweet and sugary. You know it's love when you're hopping out of your comfort zone and trying to make your boyfriend some of their favorite foods. He happens to love Pillsbury Crescent Rolls.

I tried to recreate them.

The dough decided it didn't want to rise and the final product was quite dense. Buttery goodness but dense. A meal on it's own! It's the thought that counts right?

The bf and I recently took a summer vacay to Vegas! Me being the impeccable planner that I am, every outfit needed to be styled and planned to the tee. I was short some accessories for a bright sunny outfit and I felt I had already spent enough getting a few new things for the trip (ha, a few!). So I decided to make this delicate little beaded bracelet. The best part, the bf thought it was the cutest thing that I was ACTUALLY wearing my creation. I think he finds it quite charming that I make things and wear them.

Along with the accessories, it was also about figuring out the perfect nail color to go with ALL outfits. Not to say that minty green is the perfect nail color, but it was definitely a fun color that I thought was perfect for Vegas. I got some help from a great blog, Cupcakes and Cashmere, where she used a loose glitter technique. I don't think I've perfected it. Rather than a cascade/fade of glitter... it ended up looking like a glitter french tip. Either way, they lasted a 4 day trip to Vegas for which I was grateful and didn't have to spend a thing on a manicure! And this was way more fun!

So, the bf's birthday is coming up and he loves the San Jose Sharks. He was in need of another picture in his office and had mentioned that he wanted some Sharks gear in in there too. Neither of which he's fulfilled since moving into his new office. I love to paint, but I'm in no way a painter, so I decided to draw and watercolor the Sharks logo. It turned out better than I thought it would! I'm quite proud of my work. Needless to say, I was so proud I gave it to him 2, almost 3 weeks early....oops!

I cooked the other day. Again, I think it was an act of love. Because I work from home, I came up with the genius idea that I need to use my crockpot more often. I hate the fact that you have to leave that sucker on all day, but bc I'm home all day...I have a renewed love for it! Now I'm going to defend what little cooking skills I have and say...this dish below required a lot of creation, imagination, combining of two recipes to get just what I wanted, and then trial and error as it sat in the crockpot. And holy moly was there a crap ton of prep work involved (who knew?). I thought the crockpot was supposed to cook the dish for you!

Curried Beef Cubes with Potatoes, Onion, Bell Peppers, and Tomatoes! I swear I put 5 times more curry powder than the recipe called for and it was still mild tasting :-/

I think it's become an expectation in the that for any family get togethers, dinners, birthdays, or holidays...Meredith is bringing the dessert. Well, at least that's what I expect, and I must admit, I get darn excited to provide!

So again, I was inspired by the fabulous Pinterest and saw a Cake Pop picture...but these weren't cake pops....they were Oreo Pops! Genius because they are a cinch to make. Cake pops are incredibly time consuming, so these are a great alternative. Place a stick in Double Stuffed Oreos (I used the Heads or Tails kind to get a great balance of chocolate and vanilla) and then dunked in white chocolate meltys. The picture I found had their Oreo Pops covered in sprinkles. I had to add a bit more spice than that, so I threw a bunch of mini M&Ms to mine. Place in the fridge for a few hours and WA-LA! They are amazing cold and with ice cream...or in the morning with coffee (shhh!).

I did it again, the bf's birthday still hasn't surpassed (it's not even this week yet)...and I gave him another part of his gift. Can't hold on to a surprise to save my life! I found these modern and SWEET a$$ martini glasses on Red Envelope. Sadly, I couldn't personalize them (a crime on a site that supposedly specializes in that sort of thing). I knew I could get them washed and a drink made while the bf was playing his COD (Call of Duty). I at least was able to surprise him that way. ;-) I made a delicious blueberry pomogranate martini with a sugared rim. I poured a small amount of the blueberry/pom juice over the sugar to get a pinkish colored sugar on the rim. And I thought I was classy adding blueberries (that look like olives).

I love to leave off with some great quotes, so remember... "All art requires courage" - Anne Tucker

AND

So, comment back and let me know what you've created!